DISCLAIMERS: in Part 1

Caution: Under Construction, Part 23

©2001 -Vertigo-

The couple spent the rest of the day lounging lazily around the house, discussing anything and everything from renovations to favorite colors. Sheridan was still surprised at herself for blurting out that bit about Keefer being her girlfriend and lover, but now that she had said it, she felt a lot more relaxed while in the tall woman's company. There was less to think about and more to be happy for. Keefer was lying out on the couch with her head in Sheridan's lap, the blonde's fingers running slowly through thick black hair. The tall inspector sighed deeply in contentment and it made Sheridan smile.

"What are you doing tonight? Are you going to the club?" Keefer asked with a lazy drawl.

"Probably," the construction worker replied equally as languidly, pleasantly distracted by the feel of the silky strands sliding through her fingers.

"You do realize that Danni will most likely be there," the brunette warned.

"Yeah, well, she better just stay clear away from me, if she knows what's good for her," Sheridan said with a small growl.

Keefer reluctantly sat up to look the blonde in the eyes. "Sher, don't hit her any more. Don't let her get to you like that." She took Sheridan's hand and squeezed it.

"If she gets in my face, she gets hit. Simple. Don't protect her..."

"I'm not protecting her, I'm protecting you." Sheridan attempted to protest. "I know you can take care of yourself, that's not what I meant. I know the club means a lot to you and I want you to go there and not have to worry about confrontation. She's only going to try to rile you. She's jealous and she has every right to be."

"I think anyone who isn't jealous of me is a moron."

Keefer blushed. "Thank you."

"I know what you mean, Keef. I'll try to take her with a grain of salt. I just don't appreciate her talking shit about you. It pisses me off something fierce."

"I understand; it makes me mad when she says things about you, but that's what she wants. Don't give her the satisfaction, is all I'm saying," Keefer said, bringing the hand she was holding up to her lips and kissing it.

The blonde pondered that for a while, and finally nodded. "Okay, I'll hang back, but if she touches me..."

"Then you can kick her ass."

Sheridan smiled and leaned in for a kiss. She was surprised when Keefer pulled her down and she wound up on top of the tall woman. She took a moment to indulge in the feeling of the sexy brunette underneath her.

"I love how you feel on top of me," Keefer whispered into Sheridan's mouth.

"I was just thinking the same thing," the blonde admitted with a nip to Keefer's bottom lip.

"Lets not start that, Sher," Keefer giggled, holding her hand over her mouth. "I'm starving."

"Me too," the blonde wiggled her eyebrows and smacked her lips.

Keefer blushed just a little. "You're always starving for that. I mean food," blue eyes twinkled.

"Come to think of it, I could eat," Sheridan said thoughtfully.

"Want me to cook?" Keefer asked, wrapping her arms tightly around Sheridan, not even attempting to get up.

"Nope. Let's order in, I don't want to move."

***************

Sheridan eventually made it back to her house after dinner. She took the dogs on an extended walk and promised them some special time later. They seemed to understand when she explained her reasons for being so neglectful, but she knew they'd be less than understanding should she bring Keefer into the house. She could just picture it... trying to kiss Keefer with Zeus standing on her headİand Pharaoh on Keefer's. She snickered with the image. "You know, she's going to eventually come here, guys," she announced to the dogs, who paid her no mind. "You can't walk all over her like you do me," she added, knowing they weren't listening at all. "Hey, it's not like I love you any less..." She wondered what the end of that sentence would have been if she didn't end it where she did and grimaced. "Nah," she shook it off, "that's not what I was going to say."

*************

Keefer blushed again at the memory of Sheridan standing by her door, her black bra hanging out of her pocket. "I was so busted. Thanks, Feefs." She glanced over at the dog, whose ears perked up at her name.

The tall brunette began undressing in front of her mirror and her eyes widened upon discovering the big, reddish bruise on her collarbone. "When did she...?" Pulling off all of her clothes, she revealed two more such marks and flushed with the sudden memories. "Ohhh, now I remember that one," she smiled lazily and allowed herself to relive the memory. She blushed suddenly when she was reminded of the same marks peppering various parts of Sheridan's anatomy. "Oh, no... I did do that too, didn't I?" Keefer dressed in a long T- shirt and forewent underwear. "Yeah," she said smugly to her reflection, "I did. Let Danni read that and weep."

*************

Sheridan knew the ribbing she was going to take from her friends if she didn't wear the turtleneck, but it was just too damned warm for it and the mock turtleneck didn't cover half of the marks anyway. Sighing, she yanked off the heavy shirt and pulled out a tank top. "Fuck it," she stated, pulling the comfortable shirt over her head. I can take it, she thought bravely. Giving herself the once over, the blonde grabbed her leather jacket and headed out the door.

**************

The tall inspector snuggled down in her bed, Fifi by her feet. She stretched long and hard before getting more comfortable beneath her blanket. Once she closed her eyes, all she could think about was Sheridan. Just a few days earlier, this would have frustrated her, but now she smiled and sighed happily. Could you believe it? She said she's my girlfriend. She called me her lover to Danni, of all people. I hope she knew what she was doing when she said that. Danni will have that news roaming through the club in no time. Poor Sheridan, her reputation will... Keefer suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. "Uh oh..." she said, slightly panicked. "This changes everything!"

******************

Sheridan waltzed down the stairs and into the club, just as she did every night and wandered into the large room. She walked a few steps before she noticed most everyone staring at her in a very weird way. The blonde glanced down just to make sure her pants weren't around her ankles, she would have sworn they were. Satisfied that she was fully clothed and her nose hadn't fallen off, she moved about the sea of women like Moses parting the Red Sea. If it weren't for the demanding thump of the bass driven music, she would have thought she'd walked into a dream. Finding her friends at their usual space by the bar, the construction worker sidled up to them with a mock shudder. "Ooo, freaky tonight, huh?"

Marie stared at Sheridan in silence while Sharon and Dawn smirked knowingly.

Greg, on the other hand, came flying through the club with a screech and jumped in front of the now uncomfortable blonde. "Gimme gimme!" he shouted, breathless from his flight over to the bar and grabbed Sheridan's chin. He studied the construction worker's face a few seconds before smiling and declaring her a kept woman.

"What the fuck is wrong with everyone?" Sheridan demanded angrily. "Why is everyone acting so goddamned strange?"

Danni suddenly appeared, laughing her head off and pointing at the hostile blonde.

Angry green eyes narrowed and Sheridan made fists before she remembered her conversation with Keefer. She took a few deep breaths and turned her back on the redhead to the astonishment of her friends.

"Whassamatta, Sheridan, Keefer tell you not to hit me any more? I knew she would," Danni gloated.

Sheridan winced hard, wanting nothing more than to shut the redhead up via a fist to the mouth. She took a few more deep breaths and ordered a bottle of water.

"Uh, Sher? You okay?" Dawn asked in total confusion to her friend's reaction.

"Fine," the construction worker smiled unconvincingly.

"The great whore of Brooklyn... pussy whipped. Who would have thought?" Danni continued.

Sheridan turned to face the taunting woman, the look in her eyes meant certain pain, should she take one more step forward.

Danni gulped, but was confident that Sheridan wouldn't risk getting kicked out of the club again and go against Keefer's wishes at the same time. Although she wanted to scream her head off about the hickeys Sheridan was wearing so proudly, she stepped closer to the blonde, smiling brightly.

Marie put a hand on Sheridan's shoulder, just in case she was going to have to hold her back. Jeez, Danni is sooo fucking stupid!

"Wanna go outside, Sher?" Sharon asked her highly-strung friend, pulling on her forearm.

The construction worker could feel her muscles twitching under her friends' hands.

"Yeah, Sher, maybe you should go outside and cool off. You look a little hot there," Danni teased.

Sheridan broke from her friends' grasps and closed the distance between her and the redhead. Danni panicked momentarily, her back was against the speaker and she had nowhere to run.

Sheridan stared deadly daggers into Danni. She leaned her face in really close and snarled in her face. "Boo!" she yelled, smirking evilly when the redhead flinched.

Sharon and Dawn pulled Sheridan away and pushed her towards the stairs. "Patio, now," Dawn announced.

Danni breathed a sigh of relief. "Beats me why a woman like you would want a cold fuck like Keefer around," Danni yelled after them.

Sheridan struggled mightily on her way to the patio, her friends holding onto her for dear life.

Marie waltzed over to the laughing redhead, lifted both arms up, causing Danni to flinch againİand rested both forearms on the speaker around Danni's head. Marie was of a formidable size; she knew how to use her bulk to her advantage, especially when she leaned in as close as she did to the worried woman. "You know, Danni," she sneered angrily, "Keefer may have told Sheridan to back off, but she didn't say anything to me, so watch your fucking step, pretty girl."

Danni swallowed, focusing on the space between Marie's teeth. She had heard how it got there. Supposedly, the pizza maker went up against an entire gang of homophobic guys and walked away with only a few teeth missing. Danni wasn't stupid and she just nodded.

"Good, cuz one more childish outburst like that one or one more negative word about your ex and I'll wipe the fucking floor with you."

Danni nodded again. Marie smiled sweetly and patted Danni condescendingly on the cheek before leaving to see to Sheridan.

**************

Once on the patio, Sharon threw Sheridan in a chair and stood in front of her, blocking any attempts she might make at escape. "Chill out, now," she ordered her friend and then turned to the few people outside. "You guys get inside."

They all watched as the people obeyed, out of respect for Sheridan.

The blonde breathed heavily. "I'm cool. I swear," Sheridan said in a low growl.

"Oh, that's convincing, Tiger," Dawn said as she watched the door for any signs of Danni. When it opened she tensed, but it was only Marie.

"Where were you?" Sharon asked.

"Had something to take care of," Marie winked then squatted down in front of the construction worker.

"Please tell me she's bleeding. Please," Sheridan begged.

"Sorry, Charlie, I just warned her a little," Marie snickered. "Hey, wanna tell us what's going on? Is Danni right?"

Sheridan blew out a frustrated breath and leaned her arms on her knees. "Yeah," she said quietly.

"Start from the beginning. Are you and Keefer an item? Danni's telling everyone that you're her girlfriend," Marie said, her eyes narrowing on the big, red bruises on her friend's neck.

"I guess so. I mean... that's what I told her."

"Told who?" Sharon asked.

"Danni."

Dawn's eyebrows rose comically high. "You told Danni this? When?"

"Today. She called to harass Keefer and I took the phone and told her to leave my girlfriend alone. Told her I'd rip out her liver," Sheridan snickered.

Dawn, Marie and Sharon followed suit and all four of them laughed for a while, relieving the tension.

"So, uh, what gives? You guys are lovers now," Sharon asked, not quite believing it, "or did you just say that..."

"No, I meant it when I said it. Jeez, guys, what the fuck is going on?" The blonde leaned back in the chair again and slid down, letting her head fall over the back.

"Shit, Sher, we can't tell you that," Marie replied, just as shocked as Sheridan.

"I don't know what it is about her or what she does to me. I think I knew I was in trouble the minute I saw her," Sheridan admitted while looking at the stars.

The three friends shared knowing glances. No one wanted to be the one to enlighten her -- she needed to figure this out on her own.

"I'm so different with her, ya know? I say the weirdest things; I do the weirdest things... I don't know," the construction worker groaned as if she was in pain.

Marie shook her head; it bothered her to see her good friend so confused. "Hey, do you like how you feel and act when you're with her?"

Sheridan shrugged, then sat up properly in the chair, looking at all her friends and seeing nothing but sympathy. "Yeah, I guess... I mean, I never acted this way before... I never wanted to. It's new, but I guess I like it."

Dawn needed to know, it was killing her. "All those things Danni is saying about her, you know..."

"Keefer had a lot of issues, but she's not what Danni says. Danni is an uncaring shit for brains. Keefer needs some time, she needs some special attention, that's all."

Marie's eyes widened. "You are ready for all that?"

"I didn't think so. Hell, I convinced myself to stay the hell away from her, but I couldn't. It was crazy! All I thought about... all I wanted to do... Shit, I'm fucked, aren't I?" she whined pathetically.

Sharon looked her friend in the eyes. "Totally."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sheridan asked hotly.

"It means, yes, you're fucked, but in a good way. Think about it, Sher, is it such a bad thing to be around Keefer, to think about her?"

"I suppose not."

"Then stop whining about it and just let it be. Be happy for a change."

Sheridan sat still and thought about what her friend just said. I thought I was happy before Keefer. Wasn't I? Green eyes closed and Keefer immediately popped into her head, a small smile followed the image. No, I guess I really wasn't. Crap. Now I miss her.

Dawn saw the range of emotions pass across her friend's face and felt bad for her. "Hey, Marie took care of Danni, let's go dance," she said with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, let's go," Sharon agreed, pulling Sheridan up out of the chair.

"Okay, but if Danni..."

Sheridan's phone rang and all four women stopped in their tracks.

"Hiya, baby," the blonde said with a big, bright smile on her face.

Marie mouthed one word to Dawn and Sharon -- 'Fucked' -- and they all snickered as they left their friend talking to her woman.

Sheridan turned her back to the exiting bunch and closed her eyes, picturing her girlfriend as she spoke. "What's up?"

"I couldn't sleep, I tried to, then I tried to watch television, I even turned on channel 46, but I couldn't help it, I had to call you."

Sheridan raised her eyebrows at Keefer's upset babbling. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I had the strangest feelings all night. I just know Danni confronted you. I'm sorry for telling you what to do, if you want to hit her, you go right ahead..."

"Whoa, whoa, Keef, calm down. You're right; nothing gets solved when I fly off the handle. Pop's been trying to smack that sense into me for years," Sheridan snickered at her joke. When Keefer remained silent, she changed her tune. "Look, Danni gave me plenty of reasons to hit her, but I stayed cool. I have a great bunch of friends who also made sure I hung back. I'm okay."

"Are you sure? Danni can be pretty obnoxious."

"Yeah, she was, but I promise I'm okay. I think Marie scared the pants offa her, too," Sheridan smirked, imagining what her bulky friend could have done.

"Yeah? I was worried about you, Sher. I hate it that Danni plays games with you because of me... and after you told her that I was your girlfriend... I know it must have been bad. I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't apologize! I'm glad you're my girlfriend and I don't care who knows it!" the blonde said with conviction.

Keefer smiled happily. "I sure hope so, you said that loud enough to wake the dead," she said with a small blush.

Sheridan glanced around and found a few women scattered around the patio, looking at her with shock and disappointment. "Fuck 'em," she said loud enough for them all to hear, "I'd be proud to walk you around this club on my arm."

Keefer almost cried. Danni did nothing more than show her off throughout their whole relationship, but when Sheridan said that, it meant something completely different. "You're not going to regret being with me? Sher, your reputation..."

"My reputation can rot," Sheridan said truthfully, shocking herself.

"But, you can have any woman you choose."

"That's right. And your point is..." the blonde said with a grin.

Me, she wants me. As she stands there like a kid in a candy store, she wants me. Keefer wanted to scream with joy. "I miss you. I wish I could hold you right now," she blurted out, tearfully.

"Are you crying? Why?" Sheridan asked with concern.

"Because I feel so happy; you made me feel so happy."

Sheridan felt her heart swell, no one had ever told her that without an ulterior motive in mind. Keefer meant it, she didn't want anything in return, just maybe a hug, which Sheridan wished she could deliver right that moment. "I miss you, too."

They sat in silence for a while, each happy to listen to the other breathe, both satisfied with the connection, even if it was by phone. It didn't bother Sheridan in the least that she was in her club, all by herself, on the phone with Keefer. "You watched channel 46?" she asked teasingly.

Keefer found herself blushing on cue. "Yes. I watched it plenty of times already," she admitted.

"Oh yeah? Anything interesting?" she asked with a sexy drawl to her voice.

The brunette felt herself get aroused by the tone. "Yes."

"Do tell."

"I'd rather show than tell," Keefer said seductively.

"Oh baby!" Sheridan exclaimed, suddenly horny.

"I can't believe I said that!" Keefer moaned in embarrassment.

"Me neither," Sheridan chuckled. "I liked it."

"Maybe that's why I said it. I like teasing you," the inspector said with a giggle, imagining her girlfriend's face.

"Babe, you can tease me all you want. Hey, Sharon is giving me the eye, I better get going."

"I'd like to meet your friends one day, Sher."

"You got it. Goodnight. And stay away from channel 46 until I get there."

"Oh, god... goodnight."

Sheridan chuckled and hung up her phone. "What?" she asked her friend who was smirking at her.

"Nothing. Just liking the way it looks on you."

"The way what looks on me?"

"Love, you dope."

"Love? What would make you think... I am not... shut up, ass hole."

Sharon continued to smirk.

"Come on, let's dance," Sheridan said, her mind suddenly swirling with thoughts that she needed to push away.

*****************

Keefer lay back in her bed, a big smile plastered to her face. Sheridan had made her feel so good with the things she said on the phone. Keefer knew what a big deal it was to have Sheridan Landers call her her girlfriend, and for her to practically yell it out in that club made her heart want to burst. At first, she was wrestling with the idea that Sheridan only said it to keep Danni away, but now after the conversation they just had, she knew otherwise and she felt giddy. "Feefs, this is it. I know it, I can feel it."

The dog walked around the bed, finally coming to a stop by her mommy's side. She gave the tall woman a few licks before circling and falling into a comfortable position.

Keefer pet her dog while she thought out loud. "It's like that movie that Danni made me watch, the one where the two women start out as friends but then fall in love. I think I'm falling in love with her. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Sheridan may not want to be in love, she may not even know what it is. Heck, I didn't know what it was until I kissed her in the club that night. I didn't know it then, but now I do. It's all so perfect... the way I feel, the way I think." Keefer closed her eyes and sighed happily. "The way she makes me feel. I want to feel like this forever." She thought in silence for a while. "I don't know what I'd do if she doesn't want to be loved, 'cuz I know... I love her."

*************

Sheridan danced her little ass off, but this time, she was dancing alone. Lost in thoughts and emotions, the blonde danced and danced, but couldn't make them go away. Love? Shyeah, right. Imagine that, she thought, rolling her eyes. Me? Never. The blonde pounced her way around the stage, ignoring all the potential partners who threw themselves her way. Wait! Oh, no... I called her my lover -- you can't have a lover without love, can you? Sheridan stopped dancing and sat down on the side of the stage. Can you? She glanced around the club at some couples, making goo-goo eyes at each other, totally lost in each other, oblivious to their surroundings. Okay, Debbie and Lisa, they're in love... Green eyes studied them and their actions carefully. They practically mirrored Keefer and her in private. Sheridan's heart picked up speed and her mouth went dry. Okay, bad example, she let her eyes wander toİa couple that had been together longer than the other and studied them. They smiled at each other, seemed to be more comfortable when they were touching in some way, they kissed every so often. Green eyes closed as Sheridan began to panic. No way... love?

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