Title: Desire
Author: Cath
Rating: PG (15+)
Spoliers: None that I'm aware of?
Word Count: 582
Pairing: Helen/Karen, Helen/Nikki
A/N: This was written for the Secrets challenge at badgirls_tv

****

"Refill?"

The tall blonde pushed her glass across the table. "I never turn down a drink from a pretty lady," she smiled.

The brunette sitting next to her laughed. "Karen, I've never seen you like this. Talk about coming out of your shell after a few drinks."

Karen picked up the freshly topped glass and downed the vodka like it was water. "Coming out being the opperative words," she hiccuped.

Helen grabbed the empty glass from Karen's hand, her fingers brushing lighty over Karen's. It made her tingle. It also made her slightly excited, or was it the alcohol in her system and the fact she missed the intimacy of Nikki? The way the slightest touch from her made Helen's whole body ache to be held, carressed, devoured.

"Helen?"

Karen's voice had interupted her moment of thought. Slightly dazed she managed to compose herself. "Alright Karen," she said. " I think you've had enough to drink now. I don't want you complaining about me at work tomorrow."

Karen smiled & edged closer to her on the couch. "I'd never say bad things about you Helen." she whispered as her hand moved errant strays of hair back behind Helen's ear. Both women looked at eachother, lust rising in their bodies. Their lips met. Soft, moist, hungry. Craving for the taste of another. Hands were erratic. Feeling everywhere. Up, down, fast, slow, like they were in a rush to be somewhere but had no direct destination. Clothes peeled off their skins & passion was overtaking their desires.

"Wait," Helen mumbled, breaking for air. "Karen..I can't."

Karen looked bewildered. "Helen, if this is because we're both women then.."

"No," Helen interrupted her. "It's not that, believe me. It's just.." she sighed heavily. "I should have told you earlier, I'm in a relationship and I'm very much in love. It's..been so hard on us both lately and I don't want to lead you on just because I'm lonely. Shit! I feel like a total arse. I'm sorry."

Karen sat up & half smiled, the expression of disappointment obvious on her face. "It's okay Helen. I'm sorry, I don't usually pounce on people like that, it's just.." she looked away, feeling a little ashamed. "Never mind."

"Go on," Helen urged.

Karen cleared her throat. "I feel so comfortable talking to you. You're not just someone I work with, you know? You're a friend and I treasure our relationship, I just..must have misread the signals? How could I assume that you'd be attracted to me? It's so silly."

Helen clasped her hand over Karen's. "It's not silly, and," she grinned. "As a matter of fact I think you're gorgeous."

Karen felt herself blush.

"Only, like I mentioned earlier. I'm already in a relationship and I can't do this."

Karen smiled. "Well, he's one lucky man to have you, that's for sure."

"One lucky woman," Helen corrected her, winking.

Karen's face lit up. "Seriously? I just assumed this might be your first..with a woman. Bloody hell Helen, well this is one after work drinks revelations we won't soon forget?"

"You're not wrong," Helen laughed.

"Could you imagine the girls reaction on g-wing if they knew what happened, well almost happened tonight?"

Alarm bells rang in Helen's head. If Nikki found out about this then they'd be over. She wouldn't trust her anymore & Helen couldn't even bare to think about it. "Let's keep it between us then?"

Karen nodded.

/fin