that simply won't do

part five

Stella took a deep, uneasy breath as she walked to her front door, hesitating before putting the key in the lock. She knew with little doubt that Dana would be waiting for her inside and after the day she'd had she wasn't sure if that was for the best. On one hand she needed to see Dana as badly as she needed her next breath of air, but on the other she knew how she could be when she was stressed. Tension permeated every aching bone in her body and the anger she felt towards the current case she was working built with each passing moment. The last thing she wanted was to allow Dana to be the recipient of any of her pent up rage. Swallowing her own doubts she turned the key in the lock and stepped into her darkened flat, her eyes instantly settling on the soft orange glow coming from her bedroom.

The moment her eyes fell on red tresses strewn across her white pillows, the weight against her chest dissipated. She felt as if she was able to breathe for the first time that day. Dana had her back turned away from the door, her nose buried in a book. It was clear she hadn't heard Stella come in, so she cleared her throat softly to avoid startling her. Dana whipped around, a warm smile spreading across her face as she laid eyes on the weary blonde in the doorway. Without saying a word she laid her book on the side table and held her hand out, gesturing for Stella to join her. Stella kicked her shoes off with notable grace as she shuffled toward the bed, letting her tired body drop against the mattress. Leaning into her partner and reaching up to grab her outstretched hand, Stella brushed her forehead along Dana's shoulder.

"Rough day?" Dana asked, using her free hand to rub deep circles into Stella's neck.

All Stella gave in response was a quiet hum, her mind simultaneously full and blank. Some part of her was fully present, lost in the feeling of her lover's touch against her skin; while the other part of her was far away, drowning in witness statements and case files. Dana's fingernails grazed her skin lightly, igniting a flame in their wake and dragging her further into the present. As her mind strayed further from work mode and into relaxation, she felt her body release and her head lifted. She stared at Dana's lips for a long moment, appreciating their soft suppleness before she leaned in to capture them with her own. Dana sighed softly, untangling her hand from Stella's so that she could settle both hands on either side of Stella's face. The moment was soft and sensual, both women melting into each other's caress. Dana's hands slowly began to slide from Stella's cheeks and into her hair, down her neck, across her shoulders, before settling against her back as she pulled her tighter against her. Stella moaned and slithered her own hands beneath Dana to pull her into her lap. Dana obliged, settling into her new position blissfully as her hands continued to press against Stella's back. Their tongues fought for dominance before Stella ultimately took over, devouring Dana for all she was worth. They broke away for a moment for air and Stella quickly leaned to connect her lips with the corner of Dana's mouth before kissing a line from her cheek down to her neck. She sucked at her pulse point with care, her tongue lavishing the salty skin as it throbbed beneath her attention.

Dana groaned, letting her hands slip beneath Stella's shirt and rake their way down her back. Stella pulled away briefly and murmured something like a protest before returning her focus back to her lover's neck. She felt nails on her back again and briskly pulled away, staring into Dana's eyes. Playfully, Dana scratched her again, feeling Stella's breath hitch beneath her when she pushed a little harder.

"Dana," Stella warned as she moved back towards her neck, "Don't make me tie you up."

"Do it."

Dana's breathy whisper stopped Stella in her tracks, lips hovering above her pulse point. The air in the room instantly shifted; what was previously soft and loving was now amorous and fervent. Stella finally pulled away to look down at her partner, surprise clear in her expression. Dana offered only a sultry smile, maintaining intense eye contact.