In Thirty Days – By Princess Alexandria

 

Day 28

 

         The phone was ringing.  Trini rolled over onto her back heavily as the noise finally got through to her.  She groaned as she got out of the bed and stumbled over to the desk, where she'd left her cell phone.

         "Mm. Hello?" She said sleepily as she rubbed her eyes.

         "Trini?  Were you actually sleeping?" Fox's voice served to wake her up a bit more.  That was when she noticed it was daylight.  She'd slept the entire night.

         "Yeah... what time is it?"  She took a mental inventory.  She actually felt better, more rested than she had in days.

         "It's two in the afternoon." Fox sounded really surprised that Trini was still sleeping that late.  Trini was too.  She didn't have any nightmares that woke her screaming she didn't have any dreams at all.

         "Oh. Wow... I'm sorry.  I didn't think I'd sleep like that."  Trini started glancing through the closet for something to wear to go see Fox.

         "How about I pick up some lunch and come over to you?" Fox asked. 

         "Sure, sounds good.  When will you get here?" Trini felt like she could really use a shower first.

         "Give me about a half hour." Fox was clearly guessing, "Love you."

         "Love you too." Trini smiled.  "See you soon."

 

         As Trini stood underneath the shower stream, she couldn't help but think about Demona.  She was probably the strongest woman she ever knew.  She remembered how she had taken care of Trini in the hotel, when Trini wasn't able to think well enough to take care of herself.  She had made sure that they had food and shelter before taking her shower, before allowing herself to cry.  Trini wished that she'd had more of her mind then; that she'd recognized what was going on.  She shut the water off and got out.

         She had just gotten dressed, but her hair was still wet when the knock came.  She grabbed the hat off the doorknob and put in on.  When she opened the door, Fox smiled sexily and pushed past her into the apartment.  Trini closed the door and leaned in to give her a kiss.  With one hand she took the bag of food and pulled it away from Fox.  "So, what did you get me?" She smiled as she set the bag on the kitchen peninsula.  She was pretending she was more interested in the food than she was in the fact that Fox was there.

         "Are you becoming more like Broadway?" Fox teased as she reached into the fridge to pull out two bottles of water.

         "Oh... don't even joke about that." Trini pulled the sandwiches and potato salad out of the bag.  She took her hat off, so it wouldn't get too wet from her hair.

         Fox moved up behind her and wrapped her arms around her.  "Sorry." She whispered huskily and leaned in to kiss the tip of Trini's ear.  It sent sparks of desire through her body.  Her need for Fox had been simmering for days, but she'd been too tired to do anything about it.  She wasn't tired anymore.

         "Fox." She murmured as Fox continued to nibble on her ear.  "Mmm.  I... " Her breath was coming more quickly.  She spun around to grab Fox and kiss her passionately, pulling the redhead tight to her body.  She moaned wantonly into the kiss, and started to trail nibbles and kisses down Fox's neck.

         "Trini..." Fox moaned.  "Bedroom... now!"  They both continued the kissing for a few more moments before Fox repeated her order, "Bedroom... Oh, God I need to fuck you!" 

         "Yessss." Trini was barely able to pull herself away from Fox so that they could move.  They moved quickly into the bedroom, where Trini pushed Fox down onto the bed forcefully.  "Oh... I need you, please... Fox."  She straddled Fox and continued kissing her while moaning out her need.  She was surprised when Fox was able to spin them so that she was on top.  The woman moved like a fighter, a warrior.  The thought that Fox might be dangerous in her own right heightened her arousal.

         "Clothes... too many clothes." Fox pulled her shirt off and threw it to the side.  The bra quickly followed.  When Trini tried to move to kiss the newly revealed flesh, Fox glared at her.  "Don't move.  Just lie really still."  She ordered, and Trini realized that Fox got off on it.  She liked to be in control.  She obeyed instantly; she could feel herself getting wetter.  She really liked strong women.  Fox crawled up her body and leaned down, placing her breast near Trini's mouth.  "Suckle... suck on it baby."  She groaned out.  Trini didn't need to be asked twice.  Fox's breast were so soft and smooth, she rubbed her face against it once before taking the taunt nipple into her lips.

Fox wrapped her arms around Trini's neck and held her in place, "Oh my God, right there...right there.  My breasts are so sensitive, don't stop... Please don't stop." Fox moaned and Trini realized that she was on the edge.  "Trini... Trini... Oh yes... Trini... Harder... suck harder"  Trini complied.  Fox started to moan loudly.  Trini then reached out and pinched the other nipple hard.  Fox screamed, "TRINI!" her body shaking.  Trini didn't stop sucking until Fox pushed her back and attacked her mouth with hungry kisses.  She had no idea that a woman could come from that; it was incredible.  Fox looked so beautiful with her skin flush and her hair wild, her breasts rising and falling with her ragged breathing.

Fox leaned down to whisper breathlessly in Trini's ear, her cheek brushed Trini's, "Are your nipples hard?  Do they ache to be touched?"  They became impossibly harder.

"Yes..." Trini struggled to speak, knowing that Fox wanted her to.  "Oh God... please Fox... Please!"

"What do you want?  Tell me Trini."  Fox leaned back and stared into Trini's eyes.

Trini whispered, "Please, touch me.  Touch me."

"How do you want me to touch you?" Fox took her hand and lightly caressed the outside of Trini's breast.  "Like this?"  Trini arched her back in an attempt to make the touch firmer. 

"Yesss." Trini eyes fluttered shut as Fox's caress moved over her clothed breast.  "Fox?"

"Yes?" Fox continued her frustratingly light caresses.

"I want more, please." Trini begged quietly.

"Show me what you want." Fox leaned back, stopping the caresses.  With a wave of her hand she indicated that Trini was allowed to move again.  "Show me."  Trini hesitantly reached out to Fox, confused about what she was asking.  "No, show me."  Fox's voice became huskier, "touch yourself the way you want me to."  Trini's eyes widened in shock when she realized what Fox wanted.  When she saw the barely contained longing in Fox's eyes she began to comply.  Trini slowly unbuttoned her shirt and opened it.  Fox's hungry gaze making her hands tremble with desire.  She unfastened her bra, and watched Fox's face as she started to lightly caress her breasts.  Her own caresses became rougher as she kneaded her breasts and pulled lightly on her nipples.  It shouldn't feel this good, it never did when she was alone.  Trini hesitantly reached out her hand and brought Fox's hands to her bared breasts.  Fox didn't start to move, so Trini used her own hands over Fox's to make the woman knead her breasts.  Her breathing was becoming ragged.

"Please... Fox... I need you." Trini begged and was rewarded by Fox's fingers pinching her nipples.

"I love your nipples Trini." Fox was slightly breathless, "They are so black.  They look so delicious."  Fox leaned down and took one painfully erect nipple into her mouth.  The gentle suckling caused liquid fire to pool in Trini's sex.  She pulled Fox closer as she moaned.  Fox switched to suckle on the other breasts, and Trini's head rolled to the side.  Fox then moved to kiss Trini lightly, teasingly, on her lips.  Trini could feel Fox's hand working to unbutton her pants.  When Fox lowered her pants and removed them Trini laid still, feeling... so overwhelmed by Fox's sexuality.  She liked the harsh tone of her voice, the demands to obey.  She wondered if Fox just ordered her to come, if she would.  It didn't seem too far-fetched that Fox could make her do that without even using her magic.

Fox slowly slide her hand up Trini's thigh and lightly, so incredibly lightly caressed her sex through the underwear.  "Oh God... Oh God... "  Trini found her body arching into Fox's caress, wanting it, needing it.  "Please, Oh Fox, Please."

"You're Mine." Fox hissed at her, "Mine."  Fox's possessiveness made Trini ache with desire.

"Yes... Oh, please Fox... take me, make me yours."  Trini begged.  She wanted Fox inside of her, but was so afraid she would stop like Elisa did.  She had to warn her, let her know.  "Fox." Her voice was more in control and Fox stopped her caress at the serious tone.  "Fox." She was nervous, worried that this would be asking too much, "I... I still have... I've never..." She kept stammering.

"What is it Trini?" Fox studied her face; Trini could see she was getting concerned.

"I've never... No one's ever... been inside of me."  She stared deeply into Fox's eyes.  "I want...please."  Thinking was so hard with her desire pumping through her veins.

Shock and disbelief overcame Fox's face and Trini's heart dropped.  She'd seen that before.  Fox won't do it, she won't do it for me, Trini felt crushing disappointment.  "You still have your cherry?"

"Yes." Trini whispered and looked away in shame.

"No... No, baby... It's okay." Fox pulled her face back and kissed her tenderly.  She then moved so that she was leaning over Trini, "Why do you still have it?"

"Elisa was too scared.  She wouldn't take it."  Trini knew that her wording was almost a challenge to Fox, but she didn't care.  She wanted to feel a lover inside of her she needed to.

Fox started to caress Trini's sex through her underwear a little more firmly, making her moan in need.  "Please Fox... I want... I need you to claim me, to make me yours.  Take me."

"You want it?  I've never done this." Fox started to lower Trini's underwear, giving Trini hope that Fox would do it for her.  Fox moaned in desire, and Trini realized that Fox wanted to do it.  "Oh God... Trini.  You're mine, you really are mine." She whispered in awe.

Trini slowly spread her legs, opening herself up to Fox's hungry eyes.  "Open your legs a little wider." Fox ordered.  She was getting dominant again.  Trini loved that.  She moaned as she obeyed, which made Fox smile wickedly.  "You like that don't you?  You like being mine, obeying me.  You're my little submissive aren't you."  Trini didn't understand what Fox was saying, but the way she said it... oh god.  She shuddered in desire.

Fox got off the bed long enough to remove her pants and then just stood there at the foot of the bed, staring at Trini's sex intensely.  Trini widened her legs, she could feel Fox's gaze like a caress.  Her tail flicked slowly up her leg as she tried to see if that was what Fox wanted.  If Fox wanted her to touch herself she would.  She really liked the hungry way that Fox was looking at her.  Fox moved closer and gently grabbed her tail.  "Maybe next time."  She then lowered it to the bed, along side her leg.  She kneeled between Trini's legs and stared down at Trini's sex.  Trini couldn't stop the moan that the attention brought to her lips.

Fox moved to lean over Trini, her long red hair brushing Trini's hips,  "You want me to watch you, you like being watched.” Fox’s voice was strained,   “Oh, God... Trini, you are so perfect for me."  Fox groaned out.  "I bet you are so wet... so very wet."  Fox stared into Trini's eyes, "Are you wet for me?"

Trini moaned desperately.  Oh God... she was wet, she was throbbing.  "Yes... Fox." 

Fox's voice became more dominant; it made Trini's blood run hotter "Yes what Trini?"

"Oh, God... Fox I'm so wet for you.  Oh, God..." Trini was having a hard time speaking, the throbbing of her sex dulling all of her other senses.  "Please... Please take me.  I want to feel you inside of me!"

Fox slowly slide a finger inside.  Trini became still as she waited for it.  She knew it would hurt.  She could feel Fox's finger lightly rub against the barrier.  "Oh, man... I've never felt..." Fox looked at her with awe and love in her eyes.  "I'll do it, but... maybe we should work up to it.  So it doesn't hurt so much."  Trini could feel another finger entering her, stretching her.  Fox started to gently piston her fingers in and rubbed against the walls that she could reach without breaking through.  Trini's hips started to rock as the penetration started to feel... so good.  Just as she was ready to beg Fox to do it... the magic swirled.  Her body arched off the bed as Fox pushed through, entering her completely.  She felt no pain as her body accepted her lover.  There was a powerful green flash of magic that emanated from the couple like a shock wave as they both came hard, screaming each other's name.  The windows of the bedroom shattered, raining down on the empty sidewalk below as the magic forced its way out.

Fox moved up to lie beside Trini, both of them panting and sweating from the intense... experience.  It was far more than an orgasm.  Trini moved her head so that she could look into Fox's green glowing eyes.  "My God!"  She looked stunned, "That was..."  She had no words.  Fox moved closer to cuddle against her side.  "You're eyes are all green glowy." Trini informed her.  It was strange to have a lover whose eyes changed as well.

"Yours are green too."  Trini's eyes got wider when Fox said that.  Her eyes were supposed to turn red. 

Fox leaned in to whisper in a deep sexy voice, "I told you that you were Fey."  Trini smiled. 

When she felt the strong breeze she looked over to the window.  "Oh, did we do that?"  Her jaw was hanging at the odd sight, so Fox turned to look.  There were some bits of the window still attached, but most of it was gone.  The curtains had blown out the window and were flapping in the breeze.  When they looked further, they could see that the windows across from them on the building next door were cracked, and some of the closer ones were shattered.

"Oh, shit." Fox muttered and got out of bed.  "We need to get dressed before someone comes to find out what the hell happened."

Trini winced a little as she sat up.  Now she felt it.  She could see a little bit of blood on the sheet underneath her.  It made her smile softly.  She finally did it.  "Umm... will I bleed like this for a while?" She asked Fox.  Fox had to have gone through this once herself.

Fox turned to look at her with surprise as she remembered what they had been doing when it happened.  "Oh, baby..." She moved to the side of the bed and kissed Trini gently, lovingly.  "I'm sorry."

Trini's voice got a little husky, "I'm not."  She smiled a little ruefully, "I just don't know what to do about getting dressed if I'll be bleeding."

"Maybe... do you have any pads"  Trini gave Fox a blank look for a moment.

"Oh... Maybe Trish does."  She stood up to go check the bathroom.  She looked back at Fox, who was looking at her with so much love, forgetting to continue putting her clothes back on.  She smiled naughtily, "You'd better finish getting ready if we're going to run away and pretend we didn't break all those windows."  She knew that they were responsible for that.  The magic had been so intense.

 

Trini came out of the bathroom dressed.  Fox was smirking at her.  "So, I called for a repairman to come take care of your windows.  The management here can let him in."  Trini felt a little like a vandal, having broken the other windows... but, she sure didn't regret it.

"So... what next?" She moved to kiss Fox gently and wrapped her arms around her.

Fox got a little more serious looking.  "We still haven't talked about... what I came here to talk about."  Oh, Demona.

"We need someplace private to talk." Trini was glad that she was going to be able to tell Fox at least some of the real story.  She looked over at the lunch.  It had been sitting out a bit too long, especially the potato salad.  "Maybe we could go get something to eat then go to your home?"  She didn't want to start the conversation, to only be interrupted by repairmen or curious neighbors.  "We should ask someone about what happened in there." Trini pointed to the bedroom.  She hated the thought of sharing details but... "If that's going to happen every time, we have a problem."

"I think I know enough about magic to guess." Fox looked a little sheepish.  "We used magic in sex while shedding some virgin blood.  Potent combination."

"Huh... that actually makes sense, and I don't know anything about magic." Trini double-checked Fox's eyes,  "Your eyes look normal now."  She'd checked her own in the mirror before coming out of the bathroom.  "Shall we go?"  She wanted to get away before something happened that would make them need to stay, like an irate apartment manager.

 

When they got outside, Trini just had to go see what the damage looked like from the street.  They both walked around to the side of the building to gawk skywards with the growing crowd.  Luckily more than just Trini's apartment windows were broken, the whole floor on that side were out.  No one would be able to blame her specifically.  When the police car arrived Fox leaned into Trini's ear.  "Let's get out of here."  She sounded pretty amused.  Trini grinned at her conspiratorially and followed her to her car.

 

Lunch was so late that it was more of an early dinner.  It had been an experience.  Fox had flirted with Trini shameless the entire time.  It was nothing that other people would have noticed, but Trini had a hard time keeping the lust out of her eyes.

Trini follow Fox into her bedroom to talk.  She felt the desire that Fox had been keeping fresh in her die down at the thought of the conversation that they were going to have.  Fox was not going to like this at all.  She moved to sit on the couch, and took her shoes off so she could pull her feet up onto the couch.  She leaned her back on the armrest and faced Fox, who was sitting like she was on the other side of the couch.  Fox’s expression was very serious now.

“Well… I lied a lot.  More than you realize.” Trini started to talk.  She was making a conscious effort to continue to look at Fox as she talked.  “How do you want me to do this?”  She was feeling increasingly nervous and her heart was beating a little fast.

Fox’s voice sounded calm as she softly spoke, “How about you just tell me what you don’t want the others to know.”

Trini sighed.  “Well… We were in the kitchen next to Domi’s office when the bomb went off.”  Fox’s eyes widened and she looked a little pale.  “The force of that threw both of us out the window.  She had to work really hard to catch me before I landed.”  Trini paused to see if Fox was going to have questions, but she just sat quietly for the whole story.  “When we landed on a rooftop we… we were captured by the Quarrymen.  They drugged us and put us in the train car.  I don’t know how they never noticed I wasn’t human.”  Trini started to wring her hands as she stared at them, lost in the memory.  “I came to first, but I couldn’t move.  They…” she gripped her hands together so tightly that her fingers turned white.  “They kicked her… she was helpless and they kicked her hard enough to break her ribs.”  Her voice cracked at that.  That wasn’t all they did.  She took a few shuddering breaths and tried to calm herself.  “After she regained consciousness we had plenty of time to talk.  I tried to contact you with magic, but… the Weird Sisters answered instead.  When Domi realized who I was talking to, she… broke my nose to break the connection.  I think it hurt more when she set it for me though.  She knows about my immortality and healing… it’s kind of like hers.”  When Trini glanced up she saw that Fox’s eyes were riveted to her.  “She decided that I might need to know how to fight if we were going to escape, so we spent hours doing that.  I learned some… but we didn’t expect those bastards to pump the train car with gas before coming in.”  Trini took a deep breath and looked into Fox’s eyes.  “The next thing I remember is running through the woods.  I had been shot, and couldn’t think very clearly.  She changed and flew us into the city.  I was such a mess that she had to give me a note to take to the hotel’s front desk.  They brought me to the room and opened the balcony for her.”

 “Oh my god… Trini?” Fox looked complete baffled as she leaned closer to Trini.

“She was nice to me Fox.  How would the clan deal with that?  Everyone talks like she’s some sort of monster… but she’s nice to me.”  Trini glanced up at Fox’s eyes, “I just… she seems to value her image, and everyone is so determined to label her the monster.  I just… made it all up to make her look bad.  It’s what everyone expects.”  She spoke a little quieter, “The clan… would be suspicious of me if they knew I was lying for her.  It’s just better if they think I hate her, but I don’t.”  She wished that she could just come out and say that she was her friend, but she didn’t want to be pressured to avoid Domi.  She wouldn’t abandon her, especially now.  Trini went quiet and studied Fox.  Fox was staring at the floor, trying to absorb what she’d just heard.

“The person that shot you…” Fox trailed off.

“Was probably a Quarryman.” Trini finished for her.  She braced herself to ignore the voice that always came when she talked about being shot, but it never came.  They sat in silence again.

“Trini, you know that she’s a murderer, right?” Fox looked up at her.

“Yes.  I know.” Trini wasn’t under any false notions about that.  Domi had been very clear about what she wanted to do to the humans.  “Brooklyn and Lex spent hours telling me about her.  I’m not telling you that I want to hang around with her.” Because I can’t tell you that, Trini thought to herself.  “Just that she didn’t hurt me.  It was the Quarrymen.”  She paused before she added.  “I don’t want anyone to know about this.  Please don’t tell anyone.”

“This wasn’t what I was expecting.” Fox still looked a little stunned.  “I won’t talk… but Angela would have preferred the truth to the lies you told.”

“I didn’t know that they were related.  I wouldn’t have… made her sound quite so bad if I’d known.”  Why hadn’t Domi warned her?!

Trini was a little surprised when Fox started to crawl over the large couch to her.  Fox kept crawling until she was on top of her, looking down into her eyes.  “You aren’t telling me everything, are you?”  She whispered as her eyes burned into Trini’s.  Trini’s heart began to beat faster.

“I… no.  No, I’m not.” Trini conceded.  “But… it’s not really anything.”

“Trini… what is it?” Fox pressed her body down.  Trini knew that Fox was trying to seduce the information out of her.  She thought quickly for something that she could give her.

“Fox… I wasn’t really in my right mind that night.  I didn’t really realize what I was saying.” Trini had figured out something that Fox would take as what was really being held back.

“What did you say?” Fox leaned back to look at her.

“She… I think she knows that you and I are…” Trini took a deep breath.  “She has to know that we’re together.”  Fox’s eyes widened.

 “Oh… Excuse me.” David’s voice at the doorway made Trini jump.  She would have leapt up, but Fox was on top of her, and she was making no effort to move. 

Fox never took her eyes off Trini as she addressed David.  “What do you need David?”  Her voice was a little deep.

“I was just letting you know that dinner was ready.  I didn’t know that Trini was here.”   She couldn’t take her eyes off of Fox to see David.  She could see Fox becoming more seductive and playful, it worried her.

“I’m not… hungry.” Fox leaned closer to Trini.  “Are you hungry?” she whispered seductively.  Trini couldn’t speak, she just looked at Fox with wide eyes.  David was right there… she shouldn’t be feeling this now!  Fox smirked, “No, Trini isn’t hungry for food.  Thank you David.”  The bright red blush that covered Trini’s face when Fox said that had to be visible from the moon.  She heard David close the door on her way out and it helped to give her use of her mouth again.

“Fox, what are you doing?!”  She was a little indignant at the show that she had unwittingly become a part of.  She didn’t want to rub her relationship with Fox in David’s face.  It was asking for trouble to do that!  She struggled underneath Fox until the woman let her up.  She leapt to her feet and started to pace a little angrily.

Fox moved to stand, “Trini, what’s wrong?”

Trini spun to look at Fox.  “You’re not mine!  If he ever…” She bite her lip a little too hard, almost breaking the skin.  She took a deep breath to try and calm down.  “If he ever decides that he doesn’t want to share… I’ll lose you.  I can’t afford to piss him off!”  It suddenly dawned on her exactly how hard being with Fox was going to be.  Fox was worth it, Trini loved her… but she was always going to be afraid.

“Oh, Trini… I had no idea you felt like this.” Fox sounded saddened.  “We should have talked about this.  We need to talk about this.”  Fox motioned for her to sit back down.  "David and I talked... but I... I should have realized..." Fox reached out to caress Trini's hair.  "David understands that my relationship with you is very serious.  It isn't some fling that will just go away some day.  You and I..." Fox glanced away, as it appeared she was looking for the words.  "Our link or bond... or whatever... it makes you and I connected in a way that David and I could never be.  My marriage to him and Alexander bind me to him in a way that you and I could never be.  I love him and I love you.  You don't need to feel that David can just say it's over, because even if he didn't understand about this bond we share, I do." She hugged Trini to her.  Trini's mind was racing.  Fox was comparing their bond to a marriage.  Was it comparable?  It seemed so serious so fast.  Fox was telling her that she didn't need to worry about David, that he wasn't making the decisions in this.  That she wouldn't let him break them up.  Trini pulled Fox into a hug and just held her for a while.  "Trini?"

"Hmmm." Trini snuggled closer to Fox.

"I want you to move in here, to live here."  That rattled Trini out of her comfortable haze.

She'd known that Fox was going to ask this eventually.  She'd been buying things for her and putting them in 'her room'.  She'd had time to consider it.  "I'll need to go back to Seattle to pack up a few things, so I can get rid of the apartment."  She could feel Fox relaxing as she said this.  "I will still get a job."  When she felt Fox getting ready to speak she continued.  "Not here.  I don't want to work for you or David.  It would just make things even weirder."

"I could see how you might feel that way." Fox chuckled.

"I'll still use my ticket back to Seattle on the thirtieth.  It should take me a couple of weeks tops to clean up my life there and come back."  Trini had to estimate high.  She was going to have to clean out a few things that she'd gotten when her mother died.  She hadn't even really looked through it all, just shoved it in storage.  "My apartment is... well it's pretty crappy, but... would you come with me?"  When she felt Fox stiffen in her arms she knew she wasn't going to.

"It's almost David and my Anniversary.  He bought us tickets on a cruise months ago." Fox turned in her arms to look at her.  Trini was already seeing what sharing was like.  Anniversary outranks moving out of an apartment and sifting through some dead relatives belongings... but hopefully it wasn't always going to be his plans first.

Trini forced a smile.  "That's okay.  When are you getting back from the cruise?"  There was no reason to rush back to move in if Fox wasn't here.  She could take her time with her mother's junk.  Maybe it was better that way.

"We're leaving on July 2nd and are getting back on July 12th." Fox sounded a little concerned.

"It's okay.  Going through all my junk is going to be extremely boring.  I should be able to take care of it in two weeks."  Trini forced herself to not sound disappointed.  She wanted to have Fox to herself, if only for a few days.

 

The sun went down and Trini could hear the gargoyles waking up.  She ignored it and continued to watch the news.

The TV showed the outside of the apartment building.  It was obviously shot earlier.  "The police are baffled at what could have caused all this damage to the windows of these buildings."  She could hear Fox chuckle behind her.  She hadn't even noticed her enter the room.

"Well... we actually made the news."  Trini grinned at her.  "Should we call and tell them how it happened?"  She started to giggle.  Fox just swatted her shoulder playfully and smiled at her.

When they heard the gargoyles starting to file in, Fox moved further away from her.  It took the joy out of Trini.  The act was back on.

"Trini!" Lex called out once he saw her.  "We missed you last night!"

"Yeah, Trini... where were you?" Brooklyn edged into the conversation, which clearly irritated Lex.  Great... they were at it already.

"I was visiting a friend." Trini answered while noticing that Elisa was talking with Goliath quietly.  She hadn't even known that she was here.

"Are you coming out on patrol with us tonight?" Lex asked while he sat down on the chair opposite her.

"Ummm. Probably not.  I need to see Delilah." Trini only had tonight and tomorrow night before she left for a couple of weeks.  She needed to see Delilah and make sure she was okay before she left.  Fox had helped her call the Labyrinth earlier so that Talon would tell Delilah she wanted to see her.  She noticed that both boys looked disappointed with her not going. 

Angela and Broadway came in quietly.  Angela gave Trini a brief glare before following him into the kitchen.  Trini turned to look at Fox and raise her eyebrow.  Fox nodded that she had seen what Angela did.

Goliath and Elisa moved further into the room.  "There's an outside concert in the park on Wednesday, do you want to come?" Brooklyn asked Trini.

"I can't, but thanks.  I'm flying out on Tuesday.  I need to pack up my old apartment."  Trini was grateful that she had such a good excuse.  It spared her from having to turn Brooklyn down in front of his clan.

         "Oh, how long will you be gone?" Trini could see Brooklyn planning his next attempt already.

         "A couple weeks." Trini gave him a minimal answer and reached out to grab her glass of juice off the table. 

         Elisa stepped closer to the TV and yelled to the noisy group.  “QUIET.”  They obeyed instantly.

         The news anchor was easy to hear now.  “Local businessman Harry Schmidt and three other men were found dead in this Canadian country home.”  The screen showed a barn.  “They were brutally murdered.  Police are asking that anyone that has information on this crime contact…”

         Elisa turned the TV off using the remote.  “That was the man we were after.  It looks like someone got to him first.”  She turned to address Goliath.  “He was the one in charge of the Quarrymen weapons ring.  We were going to arrest him when he went missing.  I need to get to the precinct and figure out what happened.” 

         Trini took a sip of her juice and continued to watch the news.  Quarrymen in Canada, it had to be… these were the bastards that took her and Demona.  She tried to keep calm looking as fear started to grip her.  She desperately prayed that there was nothing there to link her and Demona to this.  In her mind, after what those bastards did to her, Demona had every right to kill them.  She didn’t want her getting caught for that.

 

         Trini had gotten tired of the endless bickering between Lex and Brooklyn.  She was waiting in her room for Delilah to arrive.  Fox was very understanding when she asked her to wait out and tell Delilah were she was.  When the knock at the door came, she jumped up to let her in.

         “Trini?  What’s wrong?” Delilah entered, and Trini shut the door behind her.

         Trini studied Delilah, looking for evidence of what was bothering the gargoyle last time she saw her.  “I’m going to be gone a couple of weeks.  I need to pack up.  I’m moving in here.”  She walked further into the room and motioned for Delilah to sit on the couch.  It seemed like every bedroom in this building had a small living room attached.

         “Oh.” Delilah sat down and Trini sat next to her, facing her way.

         Trini moved closer to the white haired gargoyle and brushed some hair out of her eyes.  “Delilah, what’s wrong?” She asked softly.  Her eyes widened when Delilah started to tear up.  She quickly reached out to hold her as she cried.  Trini felt so helpless, she had no idea what was wrong.  If anyone hurt her, Trini’s eyes burned red, she would make them pay!  She wanted to interrogate Delilah, to find out what was wrong, but she just held her tighter and waited for the tears to stop.

         Once Delilah seemed to stop crying Trini leaned forward and kissed her brow ridge.  She also ran her fingers through Delilah’s snow-white hair.  “What is it?”  She asked softly, holding in her anger at whatever caused her friend to cry.

         “Talon…” Delilah sounded almost ready to start crying again.  “He… he has me on a curfew, and rarely lets me leave for patrols anymore.  He’s worried that… He thinks I’m becoming like Demona.”

         “What?!” Trini yelled.  How dare he treat her like that!  “What makes him say such a stupid thing?!”

         Trini could see Delilah trying to take some deep breath, to control her tears and it made her want to just run out and beat Talon.  “When you were missing… I threatened people.  People that worked for Demona.  He saw that.”  She lost her fight and started to shudder with tears.  Her voice was quiet and pained.  “Am I?  Am I becoming like her?”

         Trini held her tightly as Delilah cried on her shoulder.  Delilah only knew the horror stories about Demona.  “No… No you aren’t.  If someone had taken you…”  Trini shuddered at the thought.  She knew without a doubt that she would have done more than threaten to get her friend back.  She spoke more quietly, “I would have done anything I had to… anything.”  Trini started to pet Delilah’s soft snowy hair.  “You didn’t do anything wrong.  He’s being stupid.”

         “I’m so tired of it.  Of people always comparing me to them.  Just so tired.” Delilah hugged her.  “You’re the only one that treats me like I’m real.  Like I’m a real person.”  Trini felt tears in her own eyes.  Delilah… oh god, poor Delilah.

 

         It took fifteen minutes of hugs and comforting words to get Delilah to the point where Trini didn’t worry that she’d burst into tears suddenly.  They sat down to watch a movie, all the while Trini was struggling to come up with a way to help her friend.  She absently caressed Delilah’s wings as they watched the movie.  When she got too into the movie, and forgot to continue the caress, Delilah fluttered her wings jokingly to make her continue.  It felt so comfortable to be sitting and doing this with Delilah.

 

         Trini walked with Delilah out to the castle so that she could leave.  She couldn’t stay much later or Talon would lecture her.  Trini had to grit her teeth to not say something.  She knew that Delilah would be upset at her, but she had to do something about how people were treating the gargoyle.  She couldn’t just wait, like Delilah was waiting, for people to accept her.  She gave Delilah a hug and wrote down her cell phone number so that they could talk while she was gone.  She just stood watching Delilah gliding away thinking about what she was going to do.

         When she went back inside, she noticed Goliath was reading in the living room.  She took a deep breath and walked over to him.  She glanced around, noticing that Hudson was home as well.  “Can I talk with the two of you in private?”  She was going to need help if she wanted to help Delilah.  She hoped that they would do it, but… in all honesty, they were guilty of mistreating her friend as well.  Her first reaction had been to go to the Labyrinth and try and beat some sense into Talon, but… she wouldn’t be able to do it, and that wouldn’t really help Delilah anyhow.  It would just make her feel better.  Now she was going to try something else.

        

Day 29

 

         Trini closed the door to her bedroom behind her and motioned for the two gargoyles to sit.  Goliath raised an eyebrow at her, but he did.  “Look.  I didn’t know who else to go to about this.”  Trini sighed as she sat on the chair opposite the males.  “Delilah… she’s like my sister.  I love her.”

         “Is something the matter with the lass?” Hudson leaned forward to listen.  He had a concerned look on his face, which made Trini grateful. 

         “I think something has always been wrong.”  Trini took a deep breath.  “She’s a clone.”  She hated saying that, but that was what everyone else saw when they looked at her.  “Everyone compares her to her… parents.  It’s tearing her apart.”  She looked pleadingly at Goliath.  “Everyone treats her like a freak.  Like she’s some sort of time bomb waiting to go off.  She’s a really nice person, she doesn’t deserve this.”

         Trini took a deep breath and looked into Goliath’s eyes.  “Angela is Demona’s daughter isn’t she?”  She knew the answer, but she had a point to make.

         Goliath looked very uncomfortable.  “Yes, she is.”

         “Should I be terrified that she’ll kill me?  Should I worry that she’s planning to kill my human friends?  She is Demona’s daughter after all.  She can’t be that different from her.”  Trini phrased the worries that everyone had about Delilah in a way that would make Goliath take notice.  He did, his eyes started to burn white. 

         “She is nothing like Demona!” Goliath almost shouted at her as he made a motion to get up from the couch.  Hudson put a hand on Goliath’s shoulder to stop him.

         “Trinity is just making a point, aren’t you?” Hudson glanced at her.  He knew what she was doing and seemed to approve.  Goliath sat back down and his eyes returned to normal.

         “Just because Delilah shares Demona and Elisa’s genes doesn’t mean that she is them, or is even anything like them.”  Trini’s voice got sadder, “but everyone treats her like she is.  They want her to act like Elisa and they start to try and control her if she ever shows any anger.  Talon…”  Trini clenched her hands and looked away for a moment,  “She was upset when I went missing.  He started to make her feel like she was becoming a monster because she was willing to bash a few heads to try and find me.”  She looked into Goliath’s eyes again, seeing some understanding there.  “If someone you cared about went missing, you know you would do that.  I know I would.  He’s got her on house arrest and is making her doubt herself.”

         “He is the leader of that clan.  I could talk with him, but…” Goliath started. 

         “She is my clan, my only clan.  I can’t let him treat her like this.”  She took a shuddering breath.  “This is mental abuse.  I know what that is.  I’ve seen it before.  She already feels so alone, she doesn’t need this.”

         Hudson moved forward on the couch, “What are you suggesting we do?”  Good, at least he wanted to help.

         “I’m leaving soon.  I don’t want to leave her there.  I want you to let her move in with you for a little while.  I haven’t asked her.  I didn’t want you to turn her down after I asked.  It would devastate her.”  She could see Goliath wasn’t comfortable with her idea.  “You’ll see she is her own person if you give her a chance.  Don’t blame her for something that was done to her.  If your clan could just get over her appearance…”  Trini trailed off.  Her voice changed, becoming more introspective.  “When I was in school I had a friend.  She was a twin.  Do you know what that is?”

         “I’ve heard about this on the television.  It’s one of two people that look alike.” Hudson answered.

         “Yeah.  She and her sister looked alike.  Once I got to know them, I realized that looks were really all they had in common.  They were different people.  I wish that you would learn to see who Delilah really is.  She only looks like Elisa.”  She looked at Hudson pleadingly for help.

         “Lad, it couldn’t hurt.  We hardly know anything about Delilah, maybe it’s time.” Hudson backed her up. 

         “I’ll talk with Talon about getting her here.” Goliath looked up at her, “If she agrees to come.”

         Trini smiled at him gratefully.  “Thank you.”  Goliath got up to leave, but Trini gave Hudson a look that asked him to stay.  Goliath looked a little surprised when Hudson didn’t follow him out.

         “Hudson.  I know that Goliath is really uncomfortable with her.  He can’t get over the similarities.  The others are like that too.”  She studied the old gargoyle.  “Could you just talk to some of them.  Ask them to give her a chance.  I don’t want her to be treated like a freak here too.”

         “I’ll see what I can do.” Hudson got up off the couch. 

         “Thanks.  I’m going over to the Labyrinth tomorrow to ask her.  I know I told Goliath that it was only temporary… but I’m hoping that she’s able to fit in.”  Trini revealed her plan, because she felt that Hudson would help her with it.  He just nodded like he’d known that all along.

 

         After Hudson left Trini just sat staring out the window.  The knock on the door brought her back to reality.  She opened it to find Fox looking at her quizzically.  “So, now you entertain men in your bedroom?” She grinned at her.

         Trini gave a half-heart smile back.  “I should get a revolving door, it would save me time.”  She opened the door wider to let Fox in.  “Actually I just needed to talk with them in private.”

         “What’s going on?” Fox looked a little worried, as she sat on the couch.

         “It’s Delilah.  Talon’s treating her like crap.  I asked them if they would let her move in here while I was gone.  I hope you don’t mind…”  Trini’s voice cracked, “I can’t leave her there.”  Trini moved to sit next to Fox.

         “What’s happening?” Fox moved closer.

         “He’s acting like she’ll morph into Demona at any moment.  She’s beginning to believe it.” Trini’s eyes burned red.  “If he doesn’t let her go… I don’t care if he is Elisa’s brother, I will make him.”  She spoke through gritted teeth.  “No one gets away with hurting the people I care about, No one!”  Fox’s eyes widened at the anger and violence that Trini was exhibiting.  It forced Trini to try and calm herself. 

         “Well as far as I’m concerned she can live here for as long as she wants.” Fox moved closer and started to massage Trini’s tense shoulders.  It took a while before Trini was able to relax.  “Trini?” Fox sounded cautious, it made Trini wary of the upcoming conversation.

         “What?” She turned to face Fox, who looked upset.

         “Those Quarrymen on the news.  They were found outside of the city we found you in.”  Trini had really hoped that Fox wouldn’t have noticed that.  She felt her heart start to beat faster and her eyes widened.  “They’re the ones that captured you, aren’t they?”

         “Probably.  I only remember seeing two of them in the train.  I’d need pictures to be sure.”  Trini got quiet for a moment.  “What happens if the police figure out I was there?  What would happen to me?”  or Domi, she thought.

         Fox sat up straighter in her seat.  “Well, we’ll see if we can avoid that.  Demona…” Fox growled, “really screwed up.  You’d think a mass murderer would know how to hide a body.  It’s like she doesn’t give a shit, but she could end up taking you down with her.”  Fox shook her head, “I can’t believe I’m going to help clean up her mess.”  She muttered to herself.

         Fox thought there was a chance she’d get caught.  Oh Damn.  Trini paled.  When Fox saw that she spoke softly.  “Don’t worry, I have connections in Canada.  I’ll take care of this.”  Something about the way that Fox said that made Trini think.

         “Fox, have you had to clean up like this before?”  She studied Fox and saw a flicker of fear and guilt.

         “Trini.”  Fox sighed.  “I used to be a mercenary.  I was a gun for hire and I did a lot of things…” She trailed off.  Trini could see by the tense way that Fox was holding her body that she was worried about what Trini’s response would be.  Trini stared at the wall for a moment.  This explained why she would often get the feeling that Fox was a warrior, she really was.

         “Oh… well, then I guess that’s good.”  Trini looked back into Fox’s eyes, “You can protect me now.”  She gave her a small smile to let her know it was okay.  Fox relaxed and pulled her into a strong hug.

         “I’ll always do my best to protect you.” Fox murmured into Trini’s ear.  “I love you.”

         “I love you too.”  Trini snuggled into the embrace.  She was going to have to trust Fox with whatever she found in Canada.  Domi wasn’t going to be happy.  “Can you teach me to fight?”  She hadn’t been able to protect Domi, she wasn’t going to let that ever happen again to anyone she cared about.  She needed to learn how to protect.

         Fox leaned back and studied Trini’s serious and determined face.  “Okay… When you get back from Seattle you can start training with me.”

 

         Fox didn’t stay the night.  She wanted to get started on contacting her friends in Canada right away.  Trini told her that she was going to the apartment to sleep, and had the cab drive that way after she left the Eyrie for a while before she changed her destination.  She hadn’t been able to reach Demona over the phone.  She was sure that the news report would have upset her.  She also needed to know the latest news about Fox’s assistance.  She paid the cabbie but had the cab wait as she walked up to the gate to see if Demona would let her in.

         Trini buzzed repeatedly.  She knew that Demona wouldn’t be asleep yet, it was only two-thirty in the morning, a gargoyle would be awake.

         “Trini, now is not a good time.” Demona’s weary voice called over the intercom.  Trini waved the cab away, and as he pulled onto the road she replied.

         “Oh… I’m sorry.  I’m kinda stuck here, the cab left.”  She grinned at her own cleverness.  Demona would never turn her away now.  She heard the buzz and opened the gate.  It still took her several minutes to actually walk to the house.  The driveway was incredibly long.

         The front door opened just as soon as she walked up to it.  She went inside, but didn’t see Demona until the door closed.  She didn’t say anything, just walked up to the gargoyle and wrapped her arms around her waist, managing to not catching her wings, she pulled her into a hug.  Demona stiffened, but then Trini could feel arms encircle her.  She relaxed and enjoyed the moment.  Demona smelled so good, like cleanness and soap.

         “What are you doing here Trini?” Demona moved back from the embrace.  Trini could see that her face was guarded.  Demona has some serious trust issues, Trini thought.

         “I was just in the neighborhood?” Trini raised her eyebrow and smirked.  It took a long time to get in the neighborhood.  She didn’t want to start with the bad news right away.  She wanted to see if Demona caught the news report.  She moved further into the house and set her purse down on the table in the entryway.  “So… how about a late dinner?”  She asked off-handedly and started to wander to the kitchen.  She wasn’t going to give Demona a chance to try and send her away.

         Demona trailed after her.  “Trini, really… you should just call a cab and leave.”  Trini ignored her and started to look through the fridge for ideas for dinner.  She was being incredibly rude, she knew that, but Demona was a good enough friend to take it.  She was not leaving.

         “So, do you have any ideas for dinner?” She asked Demona as she started to look through the kitchen cupboards.  Demona was just staring at her with wide-eyes, like she was crazy. 

         Demona’s resigned voice finally spoke up.  “I have some steaks in the freezer.”  Trini turned to grin at her.  She won.  Demona was leaning against the kitchen island watching her.

         “Steak?  Sounds great.”  Trini pulled some potatoes out of the cupboard to go with it.

 

         They didn’t really talk very much as they cooked.  It was a nice companionable silence that had a small content smile on Trini’s lips.  “Trini?  Why are you really here?” Demona finally asked as Trini was finishing the dishes after they ate.  They’d spent the meal talking about more minor things, like Trini’s move.

         “Did you see the news today?”  Trini watched Demona’s face and noticed the grimace that told her she did.  She gave a bit of a face as well.  “Yeah, Fox, Elisa and I saw it too.”  That is the problem.  “Fox figured out that was our Quarrymen right away.  She’s trying to help cover up… stuff for us.”  At Demona’s amazed and disbelieving look she added, “She doesn’t want me to get caught up in the mess.”

         “So… I guess our plan of telling her enough to make her stop looking backfired.”  Demona’s eyes burned red for a second.  Trini dried her hands and moved to sit in the chair next to her.

         Trini spoke softly, “Blue… what are they going to find?”  She had to know how bad off they were.

         “They?”  Demona’s voice rose.  “What do you mean they?”  She stiffened up.

         “Elisa…” Trini took a breath, “She was after one of those bastards.  She’s looking into his death.”  Trini sighed, “And Fox… I don’t know how much she’ll find out in her attempt to cover up my involvement.”

         Trini was surprised that Demona didn’t go into a rage at that.  She just sat there staring at the counter deep in thought.  “Trini.  Those men that…”  She trailed off.  Trini looked at her with concern on her face as she reached out to take Demona’s hand.  Demona just let her.  “they were killed far too brutally for a human to have killed them.  Elisa might notice that.”

         This was what Trini was afraid of.  “So, do you think she’ll be able to tell it was you?”

         Demona just laughed at that.  A sick, pained laugh that sounded like it could turn to tears easily.  “No, that’s just it.  I didn’t get to kill them… after what they did to me… I didn’t get to.”  Trini’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Demona.  “Trini.  It was daylight when we escaped.  Daylight.”  Trini started to pale as what Demona was saying started to register.  “You… you’re a good gargoyle Trini.  Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.”  Demona place a hand on Trini’s knee, “You protected me when I needed you most.  I’ll never forget that… never.”

         Trini’s eyes became unfocused as she realized that she was the murderer that the Canadian police were after.  It was her.

 

         She came out of her haze when she felt Demona pulling her into a hug.  She gripped the gargoyle tightly.  “Trini?  Are you okay?”  Demona started to run her talons through Trini’s hair.

         Trini had to think about that.  Was she?  “I just never thought that it was me.  It never crossed my mind.”  She snuggled into Demona’s embrace, startling the gargoyle into not moving.

         “Do you regret it?  The killing?”  Trini could feel Demona tense some more as she waited for the answer.  Trini took a few moments to think about that.

         “No.  They hurt you.”  She pulled back to look into Demona’s eyes.  Trini didn’t know how to feel about herself now that she was a killer, but she couldn’t look into Demona’s face and regret what she’d done.  She reached out a hand and started to caress Demona’s cheek with her thumb.  “I don’t want anyone hurting you Blue.”  Demona’s eyes grew wider and her mouth opened a little.  She looked completely shocked, how could she still be shocked that Trini cared about her? 

         “Well, good.”  Demona backed away from her, obviously uncomfortable with the affection.  Trini would have worried that she did that because Trini was gay, but Demona had always done that, even before she knew.   A sneer came to her face, “I was worried that you’d have a problem killing humans.”  Once again, the way she said humans made them sound more disgusting than rats.  The attitude was back.

         “I don’t consider those bastards human.”  Trini hoped that some day Demona would be able to tell the difference.  Even though she didn’t really regret her actions, she was glad that she didn’t remember them.

        

         Demona went into the other room to change.  It was almost dawn.  The muffled scream tore at Trini’s heart.  She didn’t like her friends to be in pain, and the pain that Demona went through daily was cruel.  Trini followed her into her bedroom after the screaming stopped.  Once she saw that Domi wasn’t wearing anything she quickly turned to study the wall.  “I’m sorry.  I didn’t know you meant your clothes too.”  She felt her face burn with embarrassment.

         Domi chuckled.  “Trini, you’ve seen me naked before.  Why so shy?”  Trini could hear Domi continuing to get dressed.

         “I haven’t seen you.”  Trini was a little confused, but then she remembered the gargoyle coming out of the shower in the hotel.  Her blue skin glistening with water…. she pushed that image out of her mind forcefully, and added weakly, “in that form.”

         Domi walked over to her.  “Well, now that you have, which form do you like better?”  Trini turned to look at her in shock.  Domi was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, and Trini could see her trying not to laugh at Trini’s embarrassment.  A more serious expression overcame her face.  “Really, what form do you like better?”

         Trini blinked for a moment and stared at her.  Is there a right answer to this question?  “You’re beautiful in both your forms.”  This was an awkward conversation to have with a friend.  Domi didn’t look like she cared for that evasive maneuver.  “Okay…”  Trini blushed, “You’re a goddess as a gargoyle.”  Domi smiled, so Trini realized that she’d given the right answer.  She fidgeted nervously.

         “I need to get a couple hours of sleep before I go to work.”  When Domi said that, Trini remembered that it was a workday.  She would never have kept Domi up so late… wait a minute.

         “How much do you need to sleep?”  It didn’t make sense that Domi had both a night and day life.  She couldn’t possible keep going.

         Domi’s reply was almost expected, “I only need about three or four hours a day.”  Trini felt a little jealous, it would be so much more convenient if she could survive on that, but she needed twice that much.

         Domi studied her carefully, “You look better, are you sleeping better?”

         “Oh, yeah.  I didn’t have any nightmares last night.  I slept until the afternoon.”  Trini sighed.  She hoped that luck continued.  She saw a vulnerable look cross Domi's face briefly.  She took a step closer and spoke softly.  "Are you having nightmares?"  Now that she thought about it, she should have asked that the other night.

         She watched as Domi's face became a little angry.  Trini knew that Domi wasn't sleeping too well herself then.  "I'm fine!"  Trini stayed silent for a moment, thinking.

         "Domi, I'm kinda tired.  Would you mind if I slept here with you?  I don't want to fall asleep in the cab."  She was giving her friend a chance to have someone watching over her if she wanted without feeling like she looked weak.  Domi hated to look weak.

         Domi looked at her suspiciously, and Trini tried to look like she wasn't trying to trick her.  "Do you need something to wear?" Domi conceded.

 

         When Domi assumed that Trini meant in the same bed, Trini blushed but didn't disagree.  She had removed her pants and crawled under the covers quickly, embarrassed with being seen.  Domi assumed she meant in the same bed, maybe that was because she needed her there.  It was a large bed, and the two women moved to sleep on the very opposite edges.

         Trini woke up a little while later to Domi mumbling things like "No"  and "Don't touch me"  in her sleep.  She moved closer and pulled her into her arms, so that Trini was lying on her back and Domi was pressed against her side.  She caressed Domi's hair and the tearful mumbling stopped.  She leaned in to kiss Domi's forehead gently.  No, she didn't regret killing those bastards... she just wished that she could have killed them before they did this to Domi.  Trini stayed awake for the rest of the time, so that she could hug and kiss the dreams away whenever Domi started to have them.  It didn't go unnoticed that Domi took comfort in her closeness.  Trini also had a lot of time to analyze the feelings she had for Domi.  She recognized that she felt an incredible need to protect her.  It was probably a result of her feeling guilty for not being able to really protect her against those Quarrymen.  She didn't like the idea of leaving Domi here alone while she spent two weeks moving.  Now was the time that Domi really seemed to need her, she didn't have anyone else to turn to.

         Trini also sweated over the fact that Elisa might figure out she was the killer.  What would happen to her then?  She’d have to run if that happened, because if she even set foot in prison, her secret would be out.  She’d be fair game for every sick doctor in the city, never being set free.  She had a good reason to kill those men, would that count for anything?         

         When Domi woke up, Trini pretended to be asleep.  "I know you're awake.  You can stop the act now."  Trini opened her eyes to see Domi staring down at her.  Trini grinned a little weakly at being caught.  She wasn’t going to trouble Domi with her worries, she didn’t want to force her to think about that day.

 

         Trini was watching Domi do her hair.  She wanted to tell her to just leave it down, but she didn't.  "I was thinking..."  Trini didn't believe Domi would go for it, but she might as well ask.  "I could use some company while I pack up all my stuff and go through the stuff in storage.  Do you want to come to Seattle with me?"  She wanted to be able to keep an eye on Domi, to make sure she was okay.  Domi stopped what she was doing with her hair and turned to stare at Trini.

         "You want me to go with you?"  Domi sounded stunned.  Trini could see the thoughts flickering across Domi’s face. 

         “I do, but…”  Trini felt a little uncomfortable about having asked now, “I’d understand if you’re too busy.  Unlike me, you actually have a job.”  She grinned self-depreciatively. 

         “Why aren’t you asking your lover?” Domi was studying Trini carefully now, as she set the hairbrush down.

         “I did… she can’t go.”  Trini sounded a little hurt.  “Her and David are going on a cruise.”  Trini could see Domi was thinking about it.  She turned to grab her orange juice, missing the calculating look that crossed Domi’s face as she stared at her.

         “Well… I need to see if I can rearrange my schedule.  I doubt I can free two weeks right now, with things at work being… well.” Domi gave Trini a look that showed how irritated with the reporters she was.  Trini beamed at her, it wasn’t a no.  She might actually come.  She could spend time with her publicly and not have to worry about being caught with ‘the enemy’ by her other friends.

         “If you can come at all that would be great!”  Trini smiled as she tried to think of fun things that they could do.  She didn’t need to work every day on the move.  She added a little more quietly, “It would be nice to not have to sneak around to see you.  We could go out and do things.” 

Domi moved closer to her and brushed Trini’s bangs out of her eyes.  “Yes, that would be nice.”  She smiled softly at Trini.  “You need a haircut.  It’s always in your eyes.”  She observed.  Trini blushed.

“I know, but… I guess I need to learn how to do that myself now.”  Trini noticed Domi’s puzzled look, so she pulled her hair back to show her ears.  Domi had seen them before, “The stylist would run screaming and you know it.”  Trini’s shoulders drooped.  She hated that even something as simple as a haircut was becoming a chore. 

She was shocked when Domi reached out to touch her ears.  Trini’s eyes closed briefly at the delicious tingling sensation, as Domi ran her fingers lightly over the pointed tip.  Intrigued, Domi spoke quietly, as if afraid to disturb the light trance that Trini appeared to be in.  “This feels very good, doesn’t it?”

Trini realized that she was going to have to ruin the moment, or Domi might touch her like this again.  “Yes… but, I really shouldn’t let you do this.”  She replied in a lazy, deep voice.  When Domi stopped the caress Trini opened her eyes.  Domi was waiting for an explanation.  “It’s almost like the base of my tail.  It’s a Fey thing.” 

Domi’s eyes widened and she blushed a little.  “I didn’t know.”  She stepped back away from Trini.

Trini decided to act like it was no big deal, so that they could get past the fact that Domi had unknowingly come on to her.  “Don’t worry about it.”  She reached out and grabbed her orange juice like nothing had happened.

 

Trini got to the apartment around nine am.  She glanced at the new windows briefly as she went to collapse on the bed.  She didn’t even undress before falling asleep.  She managed to get four hours of dreamless sleep before Fox knocked on the door.

"The rumpled look doesn't really look that good on you baby." Fox eyed the clothes that Trini was still wearing from yesterday.  Trini could see that Fox had found out something that disturbed her.  Fox looked like she hadn't slept all night.

"Fox... how much information about the deaths of those Quarrymen do you have?"  Trini moved to sit limply on the couch.  "What have you found out?"  She wished that she could just forget about this and never hear about it again, but that was a dream.  If she didn't deal with this, she could get caught.  The image of Elisa coming to arrest her for murder made her feel ill.

Fox sat down across from her, instead of beside her.  She stared at Trini as she delivered her report.  "Well, the police in Canada are looking for an incredibly strong man, because the damage to the bodies was... extensive."  Trini grimaced at that.  She didn't like to know she was capable of that.  "I had a friend alter the coroner's reports.  He took care of that just before the police came for it, so that's good news."  Fox didn't sound too happy about it.  Trini just stared at Fox and waited for the bomb to drop, because Fox obviously had one.  "Trini..." Fox spoke hesitantly.  "With the bodies as damaged as they were, the reports could only be altered so much."  Fox's body became tense as she spat out, "What was that bitch thinking?  She didn't even try to cover anything up herself!  Once the cops have the bodies it's a hundred times harder."

Trini recognized the voice of experience easily.  Maybe Fox wouldn't hold these murders against her.  "Fox..."  Trini paled.  She was going to have to say this in a round-about way.  "Do you think that Dominique, you know the human form, could have done this type of damage?"

Fox didn't even hesitate, "There is no way a human woman, or a human man, could have done that."

"It was daylight.  She was Domi the whole time.  When they gassed us she was Domi, and when we were running... still Domi."  Trini paused as she waited for Fox to catch on.  When Fox's eyes widened, and her skin paled, Trini knew that she had.  Trini looked down at the floor.

"You think that you did this?" Trini could feel Fox's eyes on her, burning into her.

"Yes.  I killed them."  Trini spoke quietly.  She chuckled humorlessly, "I'm a killer now.  Elisa doesn't even realize that she's hunting me."  She looked up with tears falling down her face and pleaded, "Please don't let her catch me.  It's murder, she won't be able to look the other way." 

Fox wordlessly pulled her into a strong hug and held her.  She whispered, more to herself than to Trini, "Oh God, Trini."  After a few moments Trini began to feel safe in Fox's arms.  "I'll get more of my friends on this.  I'd go myself, but that would only point to you if anyone figured it out.  I'll go on the cruise with David and coordinate everything from there.  You need to do everything you had been planning and appear to not be interested in this case too much.  Don't ask Elisa anything about it, we don't want her making any connections between this case and you.  You definitely can't ever tell anyone the truth about what happened with you and Demona now.  I'll see if I can create some false records that support your lies, just in case anyone checks."  Fox pulled back and looked at Trini with alert and tense eyes.  "We need to make sure that Demona isn't going to screw this up.  She needs the same story that you've told the clan so that no one becomes suspicious if she says something different."  Fox didn't look to happy, "We'll need her help.  She's your alibi."

Trini reached out and put her hand on Fox's arm.  She quietly told her, "I can get her help."  When Fox looked at her doubtfully she added, "She has things to hide as well."  Making it sound more like blackmail than a friend who would rush to protect her. 

Fox nodded and stood up.  "I had wanted to spend time with you today, since you're leaving for a while... but this can't wait."  Trini stood up to walk Fox to the door.  Fox engulfed her in a hug and kissed her.  "I love you.  I'll take care of this, you don't need to worry."  Trini finally felt safe.  Ever since she'd seen the news she'd been worried, but Fox was taking care of it.

 

Trini spent the afternoon making sure the apartment was in perfect shape for Trish.  She packed up all of her things to take with her to Fox's for that night.  She didn't want to risk being asleep when Trish came home, and had no idea when that would be.  Owen helped her bring her luggage to her room at the Eyrie.

"Dinner will be ready soon."  Owen told her stiffly and left, closing her bedroom door behind him.  This was going to be her first dinner here since becoming Fox's lover.  She knew that David and Alexander were going to be there, and she had no idea how she was supposed to act.

 

"Goodnight!" Alexander called back to them as Owen carted him off to study after dinner.  Trini grinned and waved at the boy.  She figured out that in front of Alexander, they act like good friends.  As soon as Alexander left Fox reached out and took her hand.  Trini glanced down at their entwined hands and then nervously up at David, who was sitting across from her and Fox.  He grinned at her.  Okay... so they could act like lovers in front of him.  Trini still felt a little odd about that.

Trini didn't notice Fox grin slyly at David.  Fox reached out and spun Trini's chair and straddled her lap, effectively sitting on her.  Trini was stunned into not moving as Fox leaned down to nibble on her ear.  Trini tried to hold in a moan, but failed.  Her entire body tensed, waiting for David to explode.  Fox whispered into her ear.  "Look over at him.  Does he look upset to you?"  Trini shyly glanced across the table to see David smiling fondly at the two of them.  "You don't need to worry about him Trini.  He really is okay with this."  Fox leaned in and kissed Trini lovingly on the lips.  "You've been tense with him all night.  I just wanted to show you that you don't need to be."  She spoke louder, "You like Trini, right David?"

"Yes.  Trini I'm glad you've decided to move in."  He smirked at her, "It sure has improved my sex life."  Trini's eyes widened. 

"David!" Fox mock yelled at him, then chuckled.  Trini just turned beet red.

 

Fox dropped Trini off at the entrance to the Labyrinth shortly before sunset.  She would have come with her, but Trini promised to not try and nail Talon to the wall.  She was going to control her temper, which still burned a little hotly if she thought about how he treated her Delilah.

Trini sat down on the floor of the... I guess she could call it the sunroom.  She watched with her hands over her ears as Delilah woke up.  After Delilah wordlessly helped her up, Trini reached out and pulled Delilah into a hug.  She could see the worry in the gargoyles eyes.  She smiled at her and asked, "I need a lift to the castle.  Care to take me?"  They could talk on the way.

Trini's eyes burned red at Talon's disapproving look as they both left.  He looked a little surprised by her barely restrained temper.  He had no clue what he was doing wrong, and Trini wanted to tell him quite loudly and forcefully, but she held it in.

Trini stared at Delilah's face as they glided through the city, trying to figure out how to ask her.  She stared so long that Delilah finally broke the silence.  "What is it?"  She sounded a little exasperated. 

"Sorry."  Trini was quiet a little longer, afraid that her plan wouldn't work.  "I wanted to ask you something."

Delilah looked into Trini's eyes.  She looked so vulnerable, Trini felt bad for her.  "Go ahead."

"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind living at the castle while I'm away."  Trini could see Delilah wanted to know why she'd ask her to do that, "I just... I'd feel better knowing you were okay."

"I am okay." Delilah said flatly.  She sure didn't sound it.

"Please do this for me.  I won't be able to relax if I'm worried about you.  Please." Trini finally resorted to pleading.  "Goliath and Hudson said it would be okay if you wanted to."  Delilah stumbled in the air a little at that.

"They did?!"  Delilah looked completely surprised that he would agree to that.  After that moment of surprise, Trini could see that Delilah was pleased.  "If you want, I'll do it.  It could be like a vacation for me."  Trini released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

"Good.  It'll also make it easier for you to call me.  I don't think Fox would mind you calling long distance."  Trini smiled and hugged Delilah.  "Oh, and you can use my room anytime you want some time alone.  Those males will get on your nerves otherwise."

 

Trini didn't know what Goliath told Talon, but he agreed quickly.  Trini hoped Goliath had threatened the mutate, but doubted it.

Goliath spoke quietly to Trini.  "I think you and Delilah should be part of the second patrol tonight.  It might make her more comfortable if she had you the first time she goes out with us."  Trini was a little tired, but he made sense.  She could always sleep when she got home to Seattle.

Trini looked over at him and smiled.  "Thank you.  Thank you for everything."  She'd been reluctant to go to him for help, but he came through for her and Delilah. 

He looked a little flustered at the gratitude.  "Your welcome."  Trini reached out and put her hand on his arm in a friendly gesture.  He smiled.  "I hope your move goes well." 

 

Delilah was carrying Trini and Hudson was with them.  Trini had overheard the old gargoyle request this patrol.  He was trying to help Delilah adjust.  She'd been right about Hudson, he was a good man.

Everything was pretty uneventful, until they heard the loud explosion.  Delilah banked hard and rushed to investigate.  Hudson had to work to keep up, even though Delilah was carrying a passenger.  When Trini saw the figure on the smoking roof, she sighed.  This was bound to happen sooner or later.  Demona was carrying something out of the building, and the three of them were getting ready to swoop down on her.  Trini didn't want anyone getting hurt.  She could see Delilah's eyes burn red as soon as she recognized the blue gargoyle.  Shit.

 

 

Day 30

 

         Delilah landed behind Demona on the smoking roof and put Trini down quickly.  Hudson landed beside them.  He didn't land as quietly, so Demona spun around to see them.  Her eyes widened a little upon seeing Trini.  Trini took a step backwards in an unconscious desire to let Demona know that this wasn't her idea.  That she didn't want to fight her.  Unfortunately Delilah mistook that for fear and growled at Demona, clearly upset that Demona had made Trini afraid.

         "Whatever you're up to lass, forget it."  Hudson's voice sounded weary.  "Drop that thing."  Trini noticed that Demona was carrying a file box.

         Demona spoke very condescendingly, "This is a Quarryman headquarters.  Are you actually going to defend THESE humans?"  Trini's eyes widened.

         "Maybe we should just go."  Trini said quietly.  She could hear the sirens coming their way.  "The police are coming."  She understood why Demona would be going after the Quarrymen, and didn't want to get in her way.  Hudson turned to look at her for a moment, clearly disappointed in what Trini could tell he thought was a lack of courage.  That pissed her off. 

         "This building is burning.  Let's get off of it."  She spoke slowly.  "I don't like burning to death, it really sucks."  She could see Demona's eyes widen a little at that.  She could tell the Demona recognized the voice of experience.  Delilah also gave her a shocked look, the red fading from her eyes.  Hudson didn't notice anything at all, because he didn't know enough about Trini.

         "Lass, we'll be going as soon as Demona drops that box."  Hudson stared at Demona and started to pull out his sword.  They all stood in a silent standoff for a moment.  It was then that Trini heard gunshots in an alley a few buildings away.  When she heard Elisa yell out to Matt she spun around and started to run for the edge of the building.  Elisa needed help.

         "It's Elisa."  She yelled to Delilah as she leapt off the building.  She could hear Hudson yell out her name frantically, worried that she'd fall, as she imbedded her talons in the taller building and started climbing.  She had to struggle with the first few feet until she had some foot holes.  She spent the time to dig out larger holes in the stone so that there was room for her shoes as she climbed.  The three gargoyles watched her rapid movement up the building for a moment, and then Demona noticed that Hudson and Delilah had looked away.  She snuck off with her file box quickly.

         Delilah leapt off and glided over to Trini, grabbing her off the building.  "You need to learn to ask for help once in a while."  She scolded as they rose above the building and started to close in on where Trini had heard Elisa.  They landed on the three story building beside the alley and looked down to see what was going on. 

Hudson landed beside them, looking a little angry. "Well, Demona got away."  He grumbled.

Elisa was pinned behind a dumpster as someone was firing at her from the shadows of the alley.  Trini could make out one figure.  When Hudson made a move to leap off the building Trini stopped him.

"Wait a second."  She grinned maliciously and opened her fanny pack.  She pulled out a rock and flung is with a good deal of force at the shadow.  At the sound of impact, breaking bones and screaming the shooting stopped.

"Whoa... nice shot." Delilah sounded very impressed.  Trini just grinned.  All that time bored and alone throwing rocks in the woods as a child was really paying off in New York.  Elisa rush out to check on... oh, was that Matt?  He was crumpled on the ground.

         "We better get down there."  Hudson leapt off the building.  Delilah gathered up Trini and followed.  Trini felt her heart beating a little quickly as she worried that Matt was dead. 

As soon as Hudson landed Elisa started to talk with him.  "Check and make sure that scumbag is unarmed."  Hudson walked into the shadows to do that. 

Trini rushed over to Elisa as soon as Delilah set her down.  Elisa waved her arm over in the direction of the shooter.  "Your work?"

"Yeah."  Trini replied as she kneeled down beside Elisa and Matt.  He was unconscious, but the injury didn't look too bad, of course Trini couldn't really rely on her ability to judge that.  She hadn't seen how full humans healed from being shot.

"I need to call an ambulance." Elisa stood up. 

"Lass, you need to take a look at this." Hudson came back out of the shadows carrying a piece of paper.

Trini took the cell phone out of Elisa's hand so that she could go see what Hudson was talking about.  She tossed it to Delilah.  "Can you make the call and pretend your Elisa?"  Delilah nodded and started to call.  She walked over to see what was so important about that paper.  She could hear that Delilah was able to pretend to be Elisa very well, the way she spoke changed.  It would have fooled her. 

Trini looked over Elisa's shoulder at a picture of Elisa and Matt.  "That asshole had that?"  Trini stared at Hudson.  It meant that Elisa was a target.  When he nodded, Trini growled and started to march into the shadows after the man.  Her eyes blazed red.

         "Trini?!  What are you doing?!"  Elisa yelled after her.  Trini could hear Elisa following quickly.  Trini picked up the man with one hand and started to shake him, trying to wake him.  His feet weren't even touching the ground.

         "Wake up you bastard!  I have a few questions for you."  She growled out as she shook him violently.  She barely resisted the urge to pound him into the wall behind him.  When the light shown across his face she froze.  She recognized him.  She'd seen him in Domi's office.  Trini felt like she couldn't breath.  She tossed him to the ground and walked a few steps away, never noticing that Elisa had been trying to make her let the man down by pulling on her arm.  Elisa moved to check on the shooter, making sure he was alive.  Trini just stared at the wall.  Domi had sent him after Elisa.

 

         Trini went with Elisa to the hospital.  She didn't want her to be alone while she waited to hear how Matt was.  She told Delilah to tell Fox what happened, so she wouldn't worry.  She watched as Elisa paced tensely in the waiting room.  When the doctor came out to talk with her Trini could see Elisa's relief.  Good, Matt would be fine.

         "Trini?" Elisa walked up to where Trini was sitting.  "Thanks for coming with me.  Turned out he just had a flesh wound and hit his head.  He might have a concussion, they'll keep him to see."  She reached out and took Trini's hand.  Trini could see the vulnerability in Elisa's eyes, she stood up and hugged her, while trying to ignore how good Elisa felt in her arms.  That became harder when Elisa hugged her back.

         "Anytime, Elisa... anytime."  Trini murmured into Elisa's ear.

 

         Elisa started to drive Trini to the apartment.  Once Trini realized the direction Elisa was going she spoke.  "I don't live there anymore.  I moved in with Fox."  She watched as Elisa's knuckles became white from her strong grip on the steering wheel.

         "My God Trini... what are you doing with her?"  Elisa's voice was a little loud, "She's married!  She has a kid for Christ sake!"

         Trini looked down at the dashboard and sighed, "It's hard to explain."  Once the light changed Elisa changed the direction she was going, moving the car angrily down the road.  "Where are you going?"  The Eyrie was the other direction.

         "You're coming home with me so you can explain to me how you became Fox's little sex slave."  Elisa growled out.  Trini's eyes widened at the jealousy she saw there.

 

         Trini walked into Elisa's apartment.  She hadn't been here since she was kicked out.  It looked the same, it shouldn't.  Everything else had changed, it should have changed as well.  "Sit down Trini."  Elisa ordered her as she closed the front door.  Trini sat on the chair and waited for Elisa to put away her gun and take off her jacket.  Elisa sat down on the couch facing her and just stared at her for a few moments, making Trini uncomfortable.  "Fox?  Why Fox?"  Trini could see that Elisa didn't just want to know why she was with Fox now, but why she'd cheated on Elisa with Fox as well.

         "Fox... she's so hard to describe.  She's..."  Trini trailed off.  "I love her, but you're right... she is married, she does have a family.  If it were anyone but Fox, I would never have touched her."  Trini looked into Elisa's eyes, "I am so sorry."

         Elisa spoke a little harshly, "I don't want your apologies.  I want to understand how you could have chosen a married woman over me."

         "I didn't Elisa.  My problem was I couldn't chose.  You took that out of my hands."  Trini spoke while staring at her clasped hands.  "I've been alone for so long, and then I find two women within the same month.  I love them both, and that's hurt both of them."  She glanced up with glassy eyes.  "I never wanted to hurt anyone.  I tried to control myself with her, I did.  What Fox and I have is fire and passion.  It was so hard to fight it, but I tried."  Trini's voice choked, "If we didn't have this bond I might have been able to... but I couldn't."  Trini's voice was a whisper.  "I love her."

         "What does this bond do, how was it created?"  Elisa's eyes narrowed.

         "Anastasia said that it would amplify our magic, like the Weird Sisters amplify each others magic.  It's rare... it wasn't created, it was just discovered."  Trini moved to lean forward a little.  "When I asked Fox to show me the magic, that day when you and I made love for the first time... that's when we found it."  Elisa sat quietly, so Trini didn't move.  She waited for another question, after what she'd done to Elisa... she deserved as many answers about this as she wanted.

         "And if you'd found a way to break or ignore this bond, what would have happened?"  Elisa asked while studying Trini carefully.  Trini liked being bonded with Fox, it gave them a closeness that was indescribable. 

         "I wouldn't want to do that..."  Trini paused as she thought, "but if I had, Anastasia would have taken me away.  I'd probably be carted off to Avalon.  My link to Fox is the only thing keeping me free."

         Trini watched Elisa stare blankly at the floor.  Elisa chuckled humorlessly, "So if you'd stayed faithful to me I would have lost you anyway."  When Elisa looked up at Trini with glassy eyes, Trini got up and moved to sit on the couch with Elisa.  She wanted to kiss the tears away, but had to settle for taking Elisa's hand.  Elisa's shaky voice alarmed Trini, she hated to see Elisa like this.  "Oh, Trini... I miss you.  I see you every other day, but... we don't even talk."  Elisa cuddled up against her, so Trini leaned back to give her more room and put an arm around her to rub her back comfortingly.  Trini was shocked by this affectionate move.

         "I miss you too... but..." Trini's voice cracked, "Its so hard to see you with him.  I know it's my own fault, and that hurts even more."  Trini took a breath to stop herself from tearing up.  "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you."  Elisa and Trini sat quietly for a while staring out the window at the lightening sky.  It would be dawn soon.  It was painful and sweet to have Elisa in her arms again.

 

         Trini woke up and was a little disoriented.  It took her a moment to remember why she was in Elisa's living room.  She'd fallen asleep.  When she tried to move she felt that she wasn't alone.  Elisa was asleep practically on top of her on the couch.  In her sleep Elisa had cupped one of Trini's breasts with her hand and was kneading it gently.   Trini's eyes burn red as she bit back a moan.  She knew she'd hate herself for this later, but she laid still and let Elisa fondle her.  It felt so good to have Elisa touch her again.  Once the fondling stopped, Trini sighed. 

         Elisa must have been really tired, because she slept through Trini's careful maneuvers to get out from under her.  Trini laid Elisa out more comfortably and kissed her gently on the lips.  Just one last time, she told herself.  Tears came to her eyes.  She left a note and her cell number, just in case Elisa lost it.  She was leaving today, and still had a lot to do.

 

         It was still early when Trini got out of the cab at NightStone.  There weren't nearly as many employees milling about at 7:30 am, but those that were there all glanced at Trini as she walked past.  Trini was still wearing her completely black outfit from last night.  It was wrinkled from sleeping on the couch.  She had on her black baseball cap, but the hair underneath obviously needed to be combed.  Her mascara had run a little, making it obvious that she'd been crying.  Trini hadn't wanted to waste anytime getting to Domi, and if Elisa had woken up as she snuck out they would have talked some more, so Trini didn't spend time tidying up in the bathroom. 

         When she walked into Domi's front office there was someone there.  A mid-twenties woman with brown hair looked up from her computer screen.  "May I help you?"  She clearly didn't like Trini and glared at Trini's clothes.

         "I'm here to see Ms. Destine." Trini said a little forcefully.  The new receptionist was going to have to learn some manners.

         "You don't have an appointment, do you?"  The receptionist picked up the appointment calendar to check.  Well, at least this one double checks... but now wasn't the time.

         "Look."  Trini leaned down to glare into the woman's eyes. "Get in there and tell her that Trini is here.  She'll want to see me."  She must have looked pretty tough, because the receptionist jumped up to do just that.

         When the office door opened and the receptionist came back out she looked properly reprimanded.  "She'll see you now."  She waved to Domi's door. 

Trini marched in and closed the door behind her.  Once she saw Domi sitting behind her desk her eyes burned red.  She marched over to her.  "What the hell were you thinking?!"  Trini growled.  Domi's eyes widened and she sat back in her chair.  "You sent your goon to kill Elisa!"  Trini started to pace back and forth in front of Domi's desk.  She wasn't denying it.  "Elisa is my friend!  Don't do this to me."  Trini shook her head tiredly and looked at Domi, "How can I be your friend if you kill the people I care about?  If you were anyone else... I'd kill you for this."  Trini's voice cracked.  She felt so helpless.  She wrapped her arms around herself, looking lost and fragile.  Domi got up and moved slowly, cautiously to wrap her in a hug.  Trini buried her face in Domi's chest.  She wanted to hurt her, but she just couldn't, even after what she'd done.

         Domi guided them over to the couch and held Trini as she cried, rubbing small circles on her lower back... like she always did.  "I thought that Detective Maza might catch you.  I was just trying to protect you.  She wasn't going to be hurt.  The target was her partner and he was just injured a little so they couldn't go to Canada.  She got permission from her captain to go yesterday."  Domi explained quietly as Trini tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. 

         "Well, don't... don't protect me like that."  Trini took a shuddering breath.  At least Domi didn't mean to hurt Elisa, but that she thought of a plan like that at all made Trini sick.  "If you hurt her... I'll lose two friends."  This was an ultimatum that she felt comfortable giving.  "I'd rather spend the rest of my life running than know that Elisa got hurt because of me."

         "I... see."  Domi glared at the floor.  "I don't know how that human worms her way into everything."  Trini looked at her pleadingly.  "I won't go after her.  We'll just have to rely on Fox's... assistance." 

Trini released a breath, sagging in relief.  "Can you throw Matt in as well.  He got hurt last night."

Domi growled, "Okay... Fine!"  She stood up and waited for Trini to as well.  "Should I even bother clearing my calendar?"

It took Trini a moment to figure out what she was talking about.  "You're still invited."  Trini saw Domi's eyes soften. 

"You can really jump.  I was impressed last night."  Domi spoke softly.  "Climbing looks a little difficult for you though."

"It would be easier if my feet changed.  I have to rely on just the hands."  Trini blushed at the compliment.

"I'll call you tomorrow to let you know when I can make it."  Domi reached out and wiped at the mascara under Trini's eyes.  "Come here... get cleaned up before you leave."  She led Trini into a bathroom.  "I'm surprised that you went out looking like this."

         

         Trini was really tired when she got to her bedroom at the Eyrie.  She'd maybe gotten two hours at Elisa's place.  She threw the clothes into a pile in the corner of the room and collapsed on top of the bed at about 9:30 am.  Thank god her flight wasn't until much later.  She idly wondered if she was ever going to dream anymore as she fell asleep.  She hadn't in days.

 

         Trini woke up to an aching desire.  She moaned wantonly and thrust her hips into the mattress.  She could feel that she was wet, it took her sleep fogged mind a moment to realize that she wasn't alone.  Fox was very lightly holding the base of her tail and rubbing back and forth slowly.  Trini kept her eyes closed enough that Fox wouldn't realize she was awake.  She heard a muffled moan come from Fox's lips as Trini thrust into the mattress again.  Fox touch was so light, but Trini could tell by how wet she was that Fox had been rubbing her for a while before she woke up. "Oh Fox..." she gasped out as she thrust again. 

Fox continued her rubbing harder, and then moved her hand over Trini's sex until Trini screamed in release.

Fox was breathing a little heavily, "I think while your gone, we'll have someone put some soundproofing in the walls.  You're a screamer too."  Trini blushed when she realized that someone might have walked by and heard them.

Trini pulled Fox down for a kiss.  "This is definitely a very nice way to wake up."

 

They both continued to lie in bed for a while.  Trini thought about her talk with Elisa and how she woke up with Elisa touching her.  She woke up twice today with someone touching her.  "Fox?"  she said tentatively.

"What is it?"  Fox sounded a little worried. 

         "I did something wrong."  Trini turned onto her side to look at Fox.  Lying on her back made the base of her tail sore, she must not be used to all the stimulation that Fox gave her there.  "I fell asleep at Elisa's after we talked.  It was a good talk, straightening things out, you know."  Fox nodded, but she looked a little uncomfortable.  "She fell asleep beside me on the couch... and in her sleep"  Trini blushed, "in her sleep she touched me, and I let her.   I just laid back and let her fondle my breast, and didn't try and stop it.  She doesn't know she did that."  Trini felt a little bit of fear as she waited for Fox's response. 

Fox pushed her onto her back.  "So which breast did she touch?"  She didn't sound upset at all.  Trini reached out to point to the one that received the attention.  Fox started to caress the other one.  "Well, then this one must have felt left out."  Fox leaned down and lightly licked her nipple, making it instantly hard.  Fox looked up and grinned at her.  "I won't hold it against you.  If I could get Maza to do that to me, I sure as hell would."  Trini's eyes grew wide. 

"You would?"  Trini's surprise made her voice a little higher.

Fox grinned wickedly, "You have excellent taste in women.  The detective is very attractive.  You don't know how surprised I was that you were able to bed her.  She's never shown any interest in my flirting.  I don't think she even noticed it." 

Trini's jaw dropped.  That was a lot of fantasy material right there.  A smile slowly crept across her face.  "You wanted Elisa?"

Fox moved to lie on her side facing Trini, "I thought she could use a good fuck... and yes, I was more than willing to help her with that.  I didn't want anything serious though, and it became apparent to me that she doesn't do one-night stands.  I didn't even think she'd do women, but I was wrong about that.  I gave up years ago."  Fox grinned at her, "Surprised?"

         Trini laughed.  "Yeah... Just a bit."  And she thought Fox hated Elisa, she was sure wrong. 

         Fox's voice became more serious.  "Trini... I love you.  I really do.  All I want is for you not to leave me.  You're willing to share, I won't do any less for you.  If Elisa smartens up and realizes what she's lost..."  Fox smiled weakly, "I want you to remember that, okay."  She leaned in and gave Trini a long kiss full of love and only a hint of passion.  She pulled away from Trini, "I know you love her.  I can see it in your eyes."

         Trini's head was spinning.  This was so unreal.  "I love you Fox."

         Fox smiled at her, "I know, that's why I can say that.  I know that you love me, and with our bond... there is very little that I can imagine could break us apart.  You feel it don't you?  Our bond has grown since we first made love."

         Trini was embarrassed, "I don't know how to feel it on my own.  I can only feel it when you touch me with your magic."

         Fox looked at her seriously, "Well, that won't do.  I guess we need to start magic lessons when you get back as well."

         "Between that and the self-defense stuff it'll be like I never left school."  Trini mock complained.  "If you make me do essays, I will be so mad."  She grinned.

         "What?  The writer is afraid of a few little essays?"  Fox grinned at her.  "Oh, and I was thinking that you should wear a uniform.  I have some very interesting ones in mind."  Fox's grin became absolutely wicked.  Trini could tell that she wasn't kidding.  She did have something in mind.

 

         They finally left the bedroom at two.  Trini was pretty hungry by then.  "Well, you two finally finished.  I was wondering if you were going to blow out any more windows."  David smirked as she walked into the kitchen.  Trini blushed and stopped walking.  Fox had to push on her back to make her continue to move into the kitchen.  He knew about the windows.  Fox probably shared stories about the sex that they had.  She found that she couldn't look at David.  Her eyes darted around the room nervously.  David walked up to her, "Trini... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you.  I was just teasing."  Trini was surprised when he pulled her into a hug.  "Your part of the family now.  You'll need to get used to that sooner or later."  He released her.  Trini could finally look at him.  "I was thinking that you and I should do something when you get back.  Just something to get to know each other."  At the look on Trini's face he chuckled, "No, I'm not talking about sex.  Although..."  He grinned, "I wouldn't object if that was how you wanted to do it."  Trini glanced around and saw that Fox was just drinking her water and watching with amusement as her lovers talked.

         "I'll have to vote no on the sex... but something else is fine."  She didn't know why she felt compelled to add, "I'm gay, not bi."

         "Oh, that is a shame." David was flirting with her.  Trini felt a little more at ease, and smiled at his antics.

         "Honey, you wouldn't know what to do with a woman like me."  She leered at him and smirked.  This was fun.  He laughed as she appeared to dismiss him as unworthy and walked over to the fridge.

         Fox laughed as well, "So much for your charm my dear."  Fox walked over and hugged David.  Trini was surprised that it didn't even bother her when she gave him a passionate kiss.  She was also relieved, she had been worried that she would be the jealous type, and that would have ruined this arrangement.

 

         Trini left most of her belongings in her room, so she wouldn't have to move them again.  She had reluctantly accepted when David offered her money to help with the moving expenses.  It made her feel like she was using him, but she didn't have time to sell off things for cash.  She was a little disappointed that her flight left before nightfall, she couldn't see Delilah for weeks now.  She taped her ears back and wore her hat.  You never know what the security at the airports will want to check.

         Fox drove her to the airport.  Trini just stared at her sometimes.  "What are you looking at?"  Fox asked as she looked sideways at Trini.

         "You.  I won't see you for a while."  Trini still felt bad about that.

         "I'll call you."  Fox grinned at her, "Have you ever had phone sex?"  Trini just started laughing.  Fox was more of a walking hormone than she was.  It made her wonder which one of them was going into breeding season.

         When Trini was walking into the airport she grimaced.  "What is it?"  Fox asked as she followed her, carrying Trini's laptop bag.

         "I have to see my family.  They'll be coming to my step-fathers for the fourth, and they'll expect me."  Trini sighed.

         "That bad?"  Fox looked a little concerned.

         "Yeah.  And I'm sure to get quite a lecture about moving."  Trini already felt the anxiety that being around those people gave her.  "Not to mention my new goth look."  She indicated her hair.  Maybe she could have Domi deal with them.  After one of Domi's rage-fest lectures they'd never bother her again.  She smiled at that little fantasy, but dismissed it.  Domi was just as likely to kill them.  Not the solution she's looking for.

         "What was that smile about?" Fox handed her the laptop as the airplane started to board.

         "Just imagining what they would do if I brought a real gargoyle home with me.  They would run screaming and all my troubles would be over."  She grinned.  She was bringing a real gargoyle home, just not today.  She leaned in closer to Fox.  "Love you.  Have fun with David."  She let her eyes say all the things she wished she could in this public place.

         Fox just pulled her into a hug.  "Straight women hug too.  We can do that."  She released Trini, "Call me if you have trouble.  Or you can call Owen.  I put all the phone numbers in your bag when you weren't looking."

         Trini was really reluctant to leave, but they called her row.  "I'll miss you."  She walked away without looking back again, or she might never get on that plane.