DISCLAIMERS: in Part 1

Caution: Under Construction, Part 40

©2002 -Vertigo-

Danni watched from her car as Keefer laughed and enjoyed herself with her new friends at the barbeque. She grew more hostile about it by the minute and the angrier she got, the more unreasonable she became.

Sheridan, Keefer, Dawn and Marie sat in a circle and chatted casually, while Sharon stood off to the side, talking with Steven. She wanted to keep an eye on Danni and didn't want to look conspicuous, so she distanced herself from the group, and at the same time gave herself a clear view of the redhead.

Keefer jumped slightly when Sheridan's hand was suddenly on her thigh. The blonde was engrossed in telling a tale to her friends and it seemed as if she had no idea that she even placed it there. Keefer looked down when the hand didn't leave and blushed as her lover's fingers began caressing her thigh. Blue eyes quickly scanned the group and Keefer swallowed nervously when she saw the girls trying hard not to focus on Sheridan's actions. Their eyes darted between the construction worker's hand and her face as she spoke. The tall brunette's heart picked up speed and her libido resurfaced quickly as the blonde's fingers stroked the inside of her thigh, her pinky and ring finger venturing dangerously close to Keefer's crotch. Keefer rested her own hand on top of Sheridan's and halted its movements, causing Sheridan to stop talking and look at their hands. It was apparent from the expression on her face that Sheridan had no idea what her hand had been doing and she was slightly embarrassed. She flashed an apologetic grin at her lover which Keefer accepted and laced their fingers together, holding their hands on her leg.

Sharon's hackles went up as she saw Danni's fists beat against the steering wheel in frustration. She looked towards her friends and saw the reason for Danni's dismay. Keefer was staring lovingly at Sheridan's face as the blonde laughed and talked with Dawn and Marie. She couldn't help the goofy grin from forming on her lips as she watched her new friend. Keefer was obviously very smitten with Sheridan, and the cop couldn't be happier for Sheridan. She deserved this, and it was about time. Her grin faded as she thought about the potential threat Danni was posing to her friends' happiness.

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

Sheridan got up to get Keefer a drink; she'd had two beers and wasn't drinking any more, since she was driving. Keefer had already scolded her for having the second beer and she didn't want Keefer to ever be disappointed in her, so she switched to soda a long time ago. However, the brunette was not going to be driving and seemed to be enjoying herself, so Sheridan had no qualms about letting her have another drink. She snuck up behind Bobby and grabbed his ass with both hands. "Ooo, baby!" she purred loud enough for the others around to hear.

"Oh please, Patch," Bobby rolled his eyes as the guys laughed. "What the hell do you want with my ass when you got that one over there?" he pointed his thumb over his shoulder at Keefer. Sheridan grinned proudly. "Too true," she agreed as she reached into the pail of beers and pulled out a cold one.

"You two are perfect for each other," Phil mentioned.

"I like to think so," Sheridan nodded as she wiped the bottle of beer dry with a napkin and opened it.

Tony grinned at the action, "Ya know, my wife just throws the wet bottle at me from the kitchen."

"Yeah well..." the blonde mumbled in embarrassment.

"I envy you, Patch," Phil said seriously. "It's been a long time since my wife looked at me the way she looks at you."

"Aww, cut it out."

"No, he's right. She stares at you like you're a god," Bobby agreed.

Sheridan couldn't prevent her cocky grin. "Oh yeah, boys, I am a god," she said with an evil little chuckle and a rude, humping gesture.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you know how to work one of those things better than we do," Phil laughed.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Sheridan replied puffing out her chest.

"We could always ask her," Tony teased.

Sheridan paled. "Don't you dare! Please, don't even joke like that!" she panicked. Keefer would shrivel up and die on the spot!

The guys raised their eyebrows collectively.

"Hey, I'm only kidding, chill out."

"Well, don't. Not about sex. Please," Sheridan relaxed a bit and smiled weakly.

Oh, yeah! Phil thought. This is the woman with the issues.

"I better get back over there before she misses me."

They watched Sheridan walk off and shared curious looks.

"Would you ever imagine that?" Bobby asked.

"No way, never. She's being considerate, compassionate and damn... she's really in fucking love with Keefer!" Tony said, watching as Sheridan gave Keefer the beer and sat cross-legged on the ground between the tall woman's legs.

"Hey, know why she panicked?" Phil asked. The guys looked at him expectantly. "Remember she said Keefer had issues? I think it has something to do with sex. She never would have reacted like that otherwise."

"Wow. I wonder what though," Tony said curiously.

"Beats me, but it's astounding that she even thought to hook up with someone with those kind of issues," Bobby said.

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

Sharon's eyes narrowed as Danni suddenly sat up straight, her mouth working angrily. The cop couldn't make out what the redhead was saying, but the venom was clearly apparent. She glanced at her friends and cursed under her breath. The tall woman was sitting in a chair and Sheridan was sitting between her legs. Keefer was running her fingers through Sheridan's hair and seemed to be totally engrossed in her hand as she stared at it half-lidded while it slid through the blonde hair. She was certain that Sheridan was purring from the expression of pure bliss on her face. The blonde moved her head and looked up at Keefer with a look of pure love. Sharon didn't even bother to look at Danni now as she read the impending kiss loud and clear. She put down her beer and excused herself from Steven.

Danni's mouth dropped open and she watched in horror as Keefer lowered her face to Sheridan's. She squeezed her eyes closed as their lips met but couldn't keep them closed long enough to miss the entire thing. "Motherfucker! She kissed the goddamned whore right there in front of god and everybody! Son of a bitch!"Ý

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

Keefer yelped out in surprise as she was suddenly pulled from her chair and held forcibly behind Sharon.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Sheridan jumped up and shouted at Sharon.

Marie and Dawn were a little too drunk and it took them a second to process what was going on. Sheridan's shout brought the guys over to the group and they watched curiously and on alert.

"Trust me on this one. Keefer, maybe you should go inside."

Dawn snapped out of her haze first and remembered Danni. She spun around quickly and saw the redhead approaching them at a fast pace. "Fuck! Sher, look," she pointed.

Sheridan tore her eyes away from Sharon and Keefer to see Danni heading right for her lover. She dropped her soda on the ground and stepped into Danni's path. She could see from where she was that the redhead was beyond reason and probably would have to be either knocked unconscious or physically restrained from getting whatever it is she wanted. She saw the fist long before Danni could connect and caught it with her left hand.

"Let go, you fucking slut!"

Marie grabbed the redhead from behind and held her tightly. "You weren't invited, Danni, I think you'd better go."

"I'm not going anywhere without Keefer!"

"Like hell you're not," Sheridan snarled. "Unless you want me to beat the living shit out of you right here in front of everyone, you better go on your own."

"Fuck you," Danni spat at Sheridan and the blonde jumped away just in time.

"NO! I said no more!" Keefer yelled cryptically. Sharon struggled to hold her in place.

"Keefer, I think you should get lost, really," Sharon said over her shoulder.

"This is crazy!" Keefer said, the frustration clear in her tone.

Steven stepped out of the house to see the scene unfolding. He recognized the redhead and also remembered that this woman beat up his sister. His eyes narrowed and he got angry, but then he remembered that Sheridan had puked on her and he grinned.

"Steven, maybe you oughta bring Keefer inside and sit with her," Sharon said in desperation. There was a scene unfolding that by all rights she should stop immediately, but if she let go of Keefer, the tall woman was going to run the wrong way.

"Hell no! I wanna see Sheridan kick her ass!"

"Steven, please!"

Steven folded his arms over his chest and shook his head in defiance like a petulant child.

Sharon rolled her eyes and attempted to push the stronger than she thought brunette further away.

Danni struggled mightily as Sheridan held her arms and Marie held her body. Sheridan could feel the redhead trembling in fury and was a little worried about what may happen.

"Hey, want me to call the cops?" Phil asked

"Yeah, please," Sharon yelled with a nod.

"KEEFER! Get the fuck over here. Tell them that you're my girlfriend. You love me!! You told me!"

"Fuck off, she loves me, asshole," Sheridan taunted.

Danni wrestled her fist out of the blonde's grasp and swung blindly, just missing Sheridan.

"You're going to jail, now, Danni, hope you enjoy it. No one's gonna bail your sorry ass out this time," Sheridan sneered.

"Fuck, Sher, quit it, she's strong!" Marie struggled as Danni went crazy in her arms.

"KEEF! Just tell them! Come on, come home with me, where you belong. I love you, I'm the only one who understands you, I can make you happy. You know I can. Baby... please... you can't possibly love this loser whore, she's nothing but bad news, honey!" Danni begged desperately. "She's gonna hurt you, I promise! She's gonna use you and hurt you. She'll make you cry, she's worthless..." Danni stopped speaking as Sheridan's fist connected with her mouth.

Marie winced as the blood splattered from Danni's mouth. "God, Sher, I fucking felt that!"

Sheridan screamed in Danni's face. "Shut the fuck up! You're useless, you fucking mental case, leave her alone!"

"Sheridan! Stop it!" Keefer cried. She couldn't believe this was happening. One second she was as content as she could ever be, and the next second all hell breaks loose. Tears of frustration fell down her cheeks and she watched her lover hit her ex-girlfriend again, in the stomach.

Steven panicked when Keefer cried and yelled. Didn't she understand that this woman beat Sheridan when she was hung over and defenseless? He ran over to Keefer and Sharon in confusion.

Sheridan saw red; she'd held herself in check for as long as humanly possible, but once she lost it and felt the satisfying connection with Danni's face, she was helpless to stop herself from hitting her again. All the anger and embarrassment this woman had caused her came rushing back, throwing her into a blind rage. She could hear Keefer screaming at her to stop, but was powerless to do so. She cursed, growled and lashed out, throwing punch after punch until she was suddenly restrained.

Danni pitched forward as she gasped for breath through what Dawn was sure were broken ribs. Initially, Dawn was stunned motionless while Sheridan displayed her rage, as was everyone else. The alcohol they'd consumed made them a little disconnected and it took longer than it normally would for someone to stop Sheridan's tirade.

Eventually, Phil and Tony ran and grabbed their out of control friend before she killed the woman. Marie loosened her grip on Danni in an act of mercy, allowing Danni the freedom to fight back if she wanted.ÝUnfortunately, the way Sheridan was beating into her with such force, the redhead couldn't even protect herself much less have the opportunity to fight back.

Sheridan's chest heaved as she fought to breathe; she was completely restrained and freaking out. The adrenaline was rushing through her bloodstream at a furious pace and she could hardly see straight. Keefer was yelling at her, she knew she should turn her head and look at her lover, but the sound of Keefer crying was enough to break her heart and she was sure the tall woman wouldn't ever forgive her for what she just did. She hung her head and panted heavily, feeling like the world's biggest asshole. She began crying without even knowing why.

Steven got frightened when Sheridan started to cry. He was very confused with the whole episode. He looked back and forth between everybody there and was at a loss as to why they all looked so upset. In his mind, Danni deserved the beating.

Phil heard his friend muttering apologies under her breath and looked at Keefer who broke away from Sharon and was running towards them. He let go of Sheridan and she fell to her knees, crying in shame and frustration. Keefer knelt down and immediately wrapped her arms around her sobbing girlfriend and held her.

"I'm so sorry, Keef... I couldn't stop... she said I'd hurt you... she was right, I made you cry..."

Keefer bit her top lip in an effort to stop the tears. "It's all right, baby." Her crying was destroying her lover and she had to make it stop. "I'm okay, I was just scared." Sheridan looked up to see the truth in Keefer's eyes and her pitiful tear-streaked face made Keefer feel horrible. She wiped away Sheridan's tears and kissed her tenderly, smiling slightly at the salty taste on her lips. "I swear... I'm okay. You didn't make me cry, honest."

A symphony of sirens could be heard in the background and Keefer took a second to thank god that someone had thought to call an ambulance as well as the police. Sheridan really hurt Danni and at one point, the brunette was afraid she was going to kill her. She shuddered at the thought and held her girlfriend tighter.

Danni had fallen to all fours, her breathing labored, blood dripping down her chin from her nose and mouth. She coughed loudly and gagged on the blood as she spit it out. She lifted her head with effort and stared evilly at Sheridan and Keefer, entwined in each other's arms. She made a sour face and used a mocking voice to taunt them. Blood sprayed from her mouth as she spoke. "I love you, sweet pea... you're my angel pie, honey bun. So fucking sweet, I could puke."

Sheridan suddenly exploded up from Keefer's embrace and was on Danni in a heartbeat, pulling her upright by a handful of hair. "Let me fucking help you, you son of a bitch!" She kneed the redhead in the stomach and threw her on the ground.

Keefer and Phil ran to get Sheridan away, the cops had just pulled up and were approaching the scene, the last thing they wanted was for Sheridan to wind up in jail, too. They dragged her away from the bleeding, beaten woman and held her.

Keefer was alarmed at the fury coursing through her lover's body. Sheridan was shaking on the inside; her fists clenched so hard that her knuckles were white, her jaw muscles were working a mile a minute and she was breathing very heavily. The tall woman held tightly to Sheridan's biceps while they watched in disgust as Danni wretched pathetically.

"You fucking loser asshole. You leave my woman alone or I swear I'll kill you next time," Sheridan growled, her voice low and her anger barely controlled.

"You hear that officer?" Danni choked out between gasps.

"I heard nothing. What's the problem here?"

A myriad of responses burst forth.

Keefer tried to soothe her lover by stroking her back; she could feel the muscles coiled tight under her hand. Her belly clenched and she blushed at her body's uncontrolled reaction to Sheridan's. She moved her hand to the blonde's arm and caressed it lovingly. "Maybe you should talk to the police, Sher."

Sheridan closed her eyes and tried desperately to concentrate on her lover's soothing touch. She nodded and took several deep breaths before opening her eyes and finding a sea of understanding in Keefer's gentle blue eyes. "You're not mad at me?" she whispered, not believing her girlfriend could be so wonderful.

"No," Keefer offered a watery smile, "I understand what just happened. In fact, I feel guilty."

"I lose my mind and you feel guilty? Why?"

"Danni's my garbage..."

"Hold it right there, Keef. Danni is a mental case; she's not your responsibility. She's a fucking fruit loop who doesn't get the concept of the word 'no'. Why the hell would you blame yourself for that?" the blonde began leaning into Keefer's touch, little shivers traveled up her spine from the feel of the long fingers stroking her bare skin.

"If I never knew her, this wouldn't have happened."

"Keefer, if you never knew her, we would have never had a chance."

The tall inspector furrowed her brows for a while, then a grin slowly appeared on her face. "There is that," she agreed with a chuckle.

The both watched with different degrees of satisfaction as Danni was strapped to a gurney and wheeled into an ambulance.

"I better go talk to the cops," Sheridan said with a sigh.

Keefer reluctantly released her hold on her lover and watched as she trod sadly towards the fray. She could see that the blonde was blaming herself for what happened and felt miserable. Keefer shook her head and thought, What can I do? How do I fix this and make her feel better?

"Some party, huh?" Phil said with a wry chuckle.

Keefer jerked at the voice and offered a half smile to the speaker. "Yeah," she chuckled back and then gave Phil a determined look. "She feels horrible. You know her, what should I do?"

Phil blew out a breath through pursed lips. "I honestly don't know. Maybe you should ask the girls. I'm sorry."

"S'okay. I just feel sort of helpless right now. This is all new to me," Keefer admitted.

"Hey," Phil put his hand on Keefer's shoulder, "it's new to all of us. Don't beat yourself up over it. It's not your fault."

Keefer grinned sadly, "That's going to take a while."

"Well, Inspector," he rubbed her shoulder reassuringly, "you're not alone."

"Thank you," she said, giving Phil a genuine smile. "Good to know," she excused herself and made her way over to Sharon who surprised her by pulling her into a heartfelt hug. It felt good and she relaxed into it.

"Thank you, Keefer."

The brunette pulled away with a puzzled look. "What for? I ruined the party!"

"Thank you for loving Sheridan. If you weren't there for her, fuck only knows what would have happened to her tonight. I've never seen her like that before; it was frightening. And how did you ruin anything? What the hell did you do?"

"Danni is my ex. I feel responsible"

"Fuck that! Look at Sheridan! She feels responsible for the world right now. Never mind Danni, what are we going to do about that?" she pointed at Sheridan who was sitting with her head in her hands.

"I better go over there," Keefer said nervously. "How do I fix this?"

"You love her, I trust that you'll do the right thing."

Keefer nodded disbelievingly but went on anyway. She stopped a few feet away from her lover as Steven trotted to Sheridan's side. Keefer didn't want to overhear the conversation, but she didn't want to be far away from her distraught girlfriend. She was suddenly flanked by Dawn and Phil, each one put a comforting hand on her shoulders and she closed her eyes for a second to memorize what it felt like to have this much support.

"Sher, please don't cry," Steven said with a crack to his voice. He knelt down next to his sister and tried to look at her face, "It hurts my stomach, please stop."

"I'm okay, Stevie boy," she answered unconvincingly.

"You're still crying... why? Tell me!" he almost demanded.

Sheridan wiped her face hastily with her hands the turned to look into the panicked face of her brother. "Well, it's like this..." she started, then grimaced, not knowing how to explain.

"Tell me, my stomach really hurts and my heart is beating so fast, I'm scared!"

"It hurts me inside," she pounded on her chest. "It hurt so bad that it made me cry."Ý

"Why, though? She didn't hit you, I saw everything!"

"No, no... it wasn't physical, well, it is a physical pain..." she blew out a frustrated breath. "Steven, have you ever felt like you may have disappointed me, you know, thought that I hated you?"

He nodded, wide eyed, "Oh yeah, plenty."

"How did you feel inside when you thought you had let me down?"

"Really sick. I felt so sad and so... " The light bulb was practically visible. He nodded this time in sympathy.

"I thought that I disappointed Keefer. I thought that she hated me for what I did and how I acted and it hurt so bad inside that I..." Tears welled up in Sheridan's eyes from the mere thought. "I couldn't do anything but cry."

Steven looked at Keefer, then back to his sister. "But she doesn't hate you, she loves you." He became suddenly alarmed. Why wasn't Keefer hugging Sheridan? Didn't she know it was the only thing to make her feel better? "She does love you... doesn't she?" he asked nervously.

Sheridan chuckled mirthlessly, "Yeah. Go figure."

Keefer began to cry again at her lover's outright fear of hurting her.

Feeling relieved, Steven stood up in front of Keefer and studied his sister's face and how she was hugging her stomach. "Hey, Keefer? Know what always makes me feel better when I have to hold my stomach like that? A hug. Pop always hugs me when I cry."

Keefer smiled through her tears. "I'll go do that, Steven," she replied and knelt down next to her lover.

Sheridan jumped a little when Keefer touched her shoulder. She felt awful... weak and stupid. She didn't want Keefer to see her like that and shied away from the tall woman's touch.

Keefer raised her eyebrows when her lover slid further away, but persisted and followed her. She changed her gentle touch to a firmer more convincing grip and pulled the blonde closer.

"I'm fine, Keef, why don't you go and hang out with the girls or something."

The brunette felt as if she was just slapped and she fought the urge to run away like she was told. No, she needs me now. "That's okay, I'd rather sit here with you," she said in a lighter tone than she felt like using.

Sheridan sniffed and then sighed heavily. "I'm really sorry I ruined the night. I don't know what happened -- I couldn't help myself," she admitted quietly, her head still hanging low.

Keefer set her jaw and with her hand, turned Sheridan's face towards her own. Her expression softened when she saw just how upset her lover really was. "It's all right. I'm not angry with you -- I was scared. It all happened so fast and I was confused."

"You swear?" Sheridan asked narrowing her eyes.

Keefer rearranged Sheridan's sweaty hair and smiled. "I swear. Actually, I still feel like it was my fault. If she hadn't come looking for me, none of this would have happened."

"I told you, she's a nut case. It's not your fault. If I didn't lose control like some maniac..." the blonde made a fist and wanted to punch herself in the head for being such a loser.

Keefer sighed. It was going to be a long conversation and her ankles hurt from crouching. She took her lover's balled up hand and pulled her to her feet. "Come on. We're going home, we need to talk."

"Wait, we can't go home now... what about Steven?" the construction worker asked in concern.

"Wait right here, don't move a muscle," Keefer instructed and she went off towards the crowd who was trying hard to look busy with other things.

Sharon met Keefer half way with a look of expectation on her face. "How is she?"

"Rotten. She thinks everything is her fault, she thinks I'm mad at her, too," Keefer blurted out.

Sharon gave Keefer the once over, "What about you? How are you taking all of this?"

"Danni is my ex; I feel responsible, in a way. She came here looking for me and that's how this all started. Sheridan says if it weren't for Danni, we would have never had a chance and she's right, but what do I have to do to get rid of her? If she continues to do things like this, I'm afraid Sheridan will be the one in jail."

"I don't know what to tell ya, Keefer. It's not your fault, but you won't believe it from me. You need to convince your own self of that." The tall cop glanced over at Sheridan, "She scared me, too. I never saw her like that before."

"We need to go home and talk, do you think someone can get Steven home in one piece?"

"I'll do it. No problem," Sharon smiled. "Thank you. I owe you one."

"Shyeah, right, you don't owe me nothing." Keefer smiled genuinely as she headed back to her lover.

Sheridan allowed Keefer to pull her to the car, she didn't want to talk, she wanted to go somewhere and beat herself up over her actions. She was convinced that Keefer was either afraid of her now, or angry over the extent of Danni's beating. Sheridan didn't even know why she went berserk. How am I going to explain that to Keefer? She's probably going to be careful not to make me mad now... fuck. Why couldn't I just walk away like she told me to?

"Come on, Sher, let's go home."

The blonde plunked herself into the car reluctantly and paused when she put the key in the ignition. Home? She didn't say my house, she said home. She thought for a minute and then turned the key, a frustrated noise escaped her throat. She still loves me? Why?

After driving in strained silence for a while, Keefer sighed heavily and turned to face her lover. She felt the need to mother Sheridan for some reason, an urge that sheÝhad never felt before with a human being. She had the need with Fifi when she first saw her and, while it was a similar feeling, it was ten times more overwhelming as she looked at her distraught lover. However, she knew the feeling was not mutual and that Sheridan would probably shy away from her. That would hurt Keefer, even though she knew her lover wouldn't do it on purpose. "Sher, I understand if you want to be alone. I can feel it, and I don't want to force you into anything."

The blonde made a sour face and shrugged.

"I'm serious. I want to sit and hold you and make you feel better, but I'm sensing that you don't want that. Am I right?"

"I guess so. I don't know. I don't want you to go away right now, but I don't know if I can feel better, either," Sheridan explained.

"Okay. So, what do you want to do?" Keefer asked, hiding her frustration.

The blonde parked the car in front of Keefer's house and sighed. She stared at her hands as they continued to grip the steering wheel in silence.

"Sher! Your hand is bleeding!"

Sheridan shrugged in indifference and stretched out said hand to inspect. "Danni's teeth," she mumbled.

"At least come inside and let me fix that. You can go home if you want afterwards, or you can sleep in the den if you want. The choice is yours, but just know that I really want to hold you right now. I feel like I need to," Keefer fought back tears, the urge was so strong to pull Sheridan to her and hug her senseless. She felt like something big had worked its way between them, even though she knew that this was just an aspect of her lover's personality that she had to endure. She needed the physical connection to know everything was going to be all right.

Sheridan opened her door and got out of the car. Keefer composed herself and followed. They both entered the house in silence and greeted Fifi with more enthusiasm then they felt.

"Go wash your hands in the bathroom, I'll be right there," Keefer instructed.

"'Kay," Sheridan said sadly.

"Feefs, what am I going to do?" Keefer asked the dog, who was beginning to sense a problem. She put her tail down slowly and trotted carefully to the bathroom.

Sheridan winced as the soap burned the wound on her hand. She looked in the mirror and hated her miserable appearance. Just an hour ago, she'd felt the most wonderful sense of peace while Keefer stroked her head. Now, she felt like shit. A panicked feeling overtook her. I fucked it all up! She ran her wet hands over her face and through her hair.

Keefer approached the bathroom to see her lover with her hands on the back of her head and her face showing her fear. She stood in the same spot for a while as the blonde turned off the water and sat heavily on the side of the tub. Sheridan was in turmoil; apparently, she was making a mountain out of a molehill, causing herself more grief than was necessary. Keefer didn't understand this behavior. I told her it was okay. Why doesn't she believe me? Okay, yeah, I was crying, but I was scared... for both of them. Maybe that's why she's upset? Does she think I still care for Danni? That's ridiculous. She wouldn't think that, would she? Why else is she so sad?

"Keef? Are you coming?"

Keefer straightened herself up and walked into the bathroom. Sheridan was petting Fifi who was staring expectantly at her. The dog knew her favorite friend was not right and she began wagging her tail in hopes to make her talk in that special voice to her. "Feefs, you're going to have to move for a minute," Keefer said sweetly as she crouched down in front of her lover. The dog sat right where she was, staring at Sheridan with her head cocked.

"Hey, sweetie," Sheridan started, "go inside for a second and when mommy's done with me, I'll give you a cookie." The blonde leaned over and kissed Fifi on the snout.

Keefer watched in amusement as the dog obeyed. "I think you're her favorite," she said lightly.

Sheridan forced a grin.

"Okay, let me clean this properly. It's gonna burn, so get ready," the brunette warned as she soaked a cotton ball with peroxide. "You know, there are so many germs in the mouth," she said as she dabbed the cuts. Sheridan flinched a bit but didn't make a sound. "It hurts?"

"Burns a little."

Keefer blew gently on her lover's hand and smiled when Sheridan sighed. She's in there, just gonna take a bit of work. She's letting me do this, so it can't be all that bad. "Okay, you want a bunch of band aids or one big, sexy gauze pad?"

"Don't matter."

Keefer frowned at Sheridan's toneless responses. "Okay then, a macho-looking bandage coming up."

"It's not an award, Keef. I did something stupid and I wish I hadn't."

Keefer furrowed her brows. "I don't know what you mean."

"I'm going to see the bandage and remember why it's there."

"Well, I have to cover them -- they're still bleeding, Sher. What do you want me to use?"

"Never mind."

Keefer got a little angry. "Honey, I know you feel terrible over what happened tonight, but you can't make it go away. It happened and it's over. Let's move on."

"Says she who believes it was all her fault."

Keefer narrowed her eyes. Damn. Practice what you preach, Keefer. She finished with the bandage and Sheridan flexed her hand and stood up. "Are you going home now?"

"I dunno."

"I don't want you to. I want you to stay here. I don't want you going away now, in this mood." You might not come back.

"I'll be in the den. Goodnight, Keef."

Keefer swallowed heavily. This was hurting her more than anything. "Goodnight, Sher."

Sheridan closed the door behind her and sat on the futon. "She acts like nothing's wrong! I beat up Danni and she never even tried to hit me back. Only assholes do shit like that," she laid down and sighed. "She still loves me, though," she said as she looked at her bandage, "that's for sure." There was scratching at the door and she looked at it for a moment before deciding to let the dog in.

Keefer watched as Sheridan opened the door long enough for Fifi to enter and then closed it again. I don't know what to do or say. This is so confusing. Maybe I should call someone? Maybe Sharon? Maybe her father? No, that would look like I don't know what I'm doing... but I don't. Keefer went into her bedroom and changed into her pajamas. She's right in the other room and I feel so alone.

Sheridan sat on the floor with the dog and thought out loud. "Mommy still loves me. Why am I acting like this? I didn't really blow it, did I?" she scratched Fifi behind the ear and the dog closed her eyes. "You like that, don't you? It feels good to be loved, huh." Sheridan thought about what she just said. "Mommy does this so good... she can make everything go away." The blonde bit her bottom lip. "She said she wants to hold me, I didn't want it before, but it would sure feel good now." Fifi rolled over onto her back, displaying her belly. Sheridan moved her scratches to the dog's chest. "I'm being stupid. I obviously want to be with her or I would have gone home. I didn't want to go home, I wanted to be with her and now I locked myself in this room," Sheridan pursed her lips and furrowed her brows. "Do ya think mommy would think I'm crazy if I went inside now? After the way I acted?" Fifi snorted. "Well, okay then."

Keefer was lying in the dark, wondering what to do when she heard the den door open. Okay, Keef, you know what to say...

"Baby?" Sheridan's sheepish voice made the brunette smile, despite the situation.

"Yes?"

"Can I come in?"

Keefer sat up. "Of course... you don't have to ask."

Sheridan slowly made her way to the bed and sat on the side next to Keefer. "Ummm... you still love me, right?"

Is that what this is about??? "Are you crazy?"

"Depends who you ask," Sheridan joked weakly.

"Get over here," Keefer said strongly. When Sheridan slid under the covers next to her, she wrapped her arms around the blonde like she'd been waiting to do all night. "Just because you make a mistake doesn't mean I don't love you! How could you think that?"

"You were so upset, you were screaming at me and I didn't listen. I just kept doing what was making you upset."

"Sher, we all freak out. I punched a hole in my living room wall, for Christ sakes. It's okay, I still love you." Long fingers drifted up to the back of the construction worker's neck. Sheridan sighed and slid down into Keefer's arms.

"I really couldn't stop. I think it was 'cuz of all the shit she put you through, and how she hit me when I was hung over and..."

"You don't have to explain. In a way... a small way -- don't get all cocky, now," Keefer teased. "In a small way, I felt good. You were protecting me."

"If she so much as breathed on you, Keef, I swear I would have killed her."

"I know that, and it makes me proud, but it doesn't mean you can go around beating people up."

"I'm sorry. I disappointed you."

"Oh no you don't," Keefer turned her lover around to face her. "Don't go assuming anything. You didn't disappoint me. You scared me. Completely different things." This disappointment thing is a big deal!

Sheridan squirmed a bit before Keefer began stroking her back and she settled down. "Can I apologize for scaring you?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry for scaring you."

"You're forgiven."

"Wow. You're easy."

"Don't let it get around," Keefer snickered. She let her fingers drift under Sheridan's shirt and lightly scratched her back.

"Keef?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you just do that until I fall asleep?"

"My pleasure," Keefer smiled, almost giddy that things were okay again. "I love you, Sheridan."

"I love you, too, baby."

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