supercontenta

Fanfiction: I See Red - 20

2009-12-21T19:30:55Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - This chapter has been a real trial for me. Lots of starting, stopping, writing, rewriting, and throwing pages on the cutting room floor. For better or worse, here is the final outcome. I'm happy with it. Proud of it even. And if you like it too, the best gift you can give an author is to let them know your thoughts. Please don't be shy. Comments are what keep most of us going...

A/N 2 - It's been over a month since my last post, so I thought you deserved a mini reminder about what happened in my last chapter: Pepa and Silvia found out that their successful mission provided new evidence that pointed in several directions. As a result, Don Lorenzo was to reopen some old cases and Salgado told Paco and Pepa to head to the south of Spain so that they could gather information about a couple new suspects. Pepa was not pleased with her new assignment...

Parched ground tears past my tinted window as the wheels of the SUV eat up the crumbling road. We've almost reached the first of two villages where our suspects, Giorgio Braschi and Guido Cantarini, once shackled themselves to two young Spanish brides. This first town is linked to Signor Cantarini. Guido. How appropriate. An awful name for an awful person. I can't say I was looking forward to exploring the place where his bachelorhood went to die.

Paco is chattering on as we go over the final details of our cover story. The one thing we both agreed upon was the importance of not walking into these towns with our badges flashing under the hot Andalusian sun. Lord knows the glare would render the locals spontaneously deaf, dumb and blind. It was decided that we would act as two private investigators looking for a missing girl, last seen around the village on the date of Guido's wedding. With pictures of a young Sarita in hand, the sympathy factor alone might get some tongues wagging.

I try to concentrate on my brother's words but it takes too much effort, so I give up. I feel utterly exhausted. Most of our travel time has been spent convincing Paco that I do, indeed, have a sixth sense. Thank you very much, Silvia Castro.

He was extremely skeptical at first - hell, anyone would be. But after a few practical demonstrations he started to open his mind up a bit, and consequently, he became increasingly annoying. The entire plane ride was spent "testing my strengths," as he put it. Lobbing question after question at me to see if I could read his thoughts. And from time to time I could with surprising accuracy...and a little help from my redheaded translator of course. But Silvia was also getting tired of his mental examinations - literally. This was the first time since she'd returned to me that I saw a pallor to her glowing complexion; heard weighted sighs drip from her lips. It had me worried, yet she denied feeling anything but herself, and dutifully jumped inside my brother to field each question as best she could. And that was what disturbed me the most - as best she could. Up until this point she had had no trouble hearing someone's inner thoughts, but for whatever reason her answers were coming slower and slower with faltering accuracy. At first I thought it was a calculated choice to keep Paco from wondering if I was the next Nostradamus. Good thinking, I had told her, but she barely responded. She became despondent, distracted. That's when I realized with growing apprehension that her gift had somehow...weakened. Paco happened to pick this moment of soul-shattering panic to drum up an x-rated question involving him and Silvia's sister, Lola. That's when I shut this freak show down!

"Enough already, Paco!" I blurted out. "Haven't I convinced you yet? What do you want from me? Do you want me to draw blood so you can examine it under a fucking microscope?!" His stammering and furious blush did nothing to assuage my annoyance and I continued to feel antsy, edgy. The mood has been strained ever since. My sentences downsized to monosyllabic grunts.

Now, Silvia sits quietly inside of me. Thinking, she tells me, though I hear none of her familiar thoughts echoing in my mind. The more I persist the more distant she becomes, so I let her be; pushing my feelings of apprehension aside. Instead, I distract myself with other anxious thoughts. My mind keeps wandering back to Madrid. Interpol. Don Lorenzo. Had they found El Gordo yet? Had they unearthed more evidence? My questions are left unanswered as we have no cell phone coverage here. No means of communication. Hundreds of kilometers away from the real action and my patience is starting to thin.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting alonside my brother, driving down a dusty road, cooped up in an oversized car. Each second of unease drawing forth unhappy memories of our childhood road trips: Dirt caked on the windshield. Flat tires. Angry tirades and broken promises. Wanting to turn back and head home. Wanting to see that sister of Paco's girlfriend again - the geeky little redhead who amused me with her goody-goody attitude. But I never had any power to change the direction we were headed. No choice. No control.

And therein lies the root of my frustration. Here I sit again, an adult, yet nothing has changed. No choice. No control. No power. Feeling at the mercy of everything and everyone - my superiors, my family, Silvia's damn intuition and now her dwindling strength... Making me want to break down and weep. Making me want to burst into a flurry of vengeful bullets so that I can pierce the veil of eternity and send the heavens crashing down. Bring about an end to Fate and all its twisted limbs carrying out random acts of cruelty - reaching out and tossing me around like fortune's plaything.

It was fate that brought us together. Silvia whispers inside of me like a broken dream.

Yeah, and it was fate that ripped us apart. I feel lost, Silvia. How am I supposed to believe that things will be set right when everything always goes so wrong?

Are you saying you don't have faith in me?

No, princess, that's not what I'm saying. I'll always believe in you. Always trust you. It's God that leaves me faithless...

________

"Can you take another look, ma'am? She was last seen in the area on July 14th of last year. You may remember that day. There was a wedding. A wedding between a..." Paco consults his notebook as though the names are completely foreign to him, "Signor Guido Cantarini and Senorita Alonzo. Can you recall that day? Do you know where I could find Signor Cantarini and Mrs. Alonzo Cantarini?"

My brother's expression is soft, sympathetic. He is doing an admirable job of playing it cool with the prospective witness, a young woman whose dark eyes are flashing between recognition and willful ignorance. You can read the struggle on her face as she glances down at the picture of the little girl. Sarita's innocent eyes are gleaming up at her in silent hope, and that's when I see it - the slightest crack in her composure. Her dry lips open and her tongue begins to move...

"Mama! Who's here? Is Pietro here to play?" A little girl darts out of the doorway, whips around her mother, and crashes into my legs like a runaway train. "Umph!" Her balance falters and I steady the little thing before she stares up at me in pure awe - a dark giant invading her tiny kingdom. Eyes wide, mouth agape, she seems stunned by my presence until I smile at her, prompting her to duck behind her mother and grip onto her hip like a shield.

And just like that, the spell is broken. "I'm sorry. I've never seen this child before," the mother bristles, "I don't know any of those people. Please leave us be."

Paco stutters, and all I can think to do is crouch down before the child and ask in desperation, "Pietro? Is he a little Italian boy who lives around here?"

That earns me a hard slam of paint-chipped door in my face, the specks of which I brush off my sleeves before standing tall and kicking at a pile of rocks. "Fuck!"

Paco gives me a crestfallen expression. "We were so close."

"Just a few more seconds and we would have had...I don't know...something!"

"Are you sure that you can't use that, uh, sixth sense of yours --?"

"For the hundredth time, Paco, NO! I tried, didn't I? But at the moment I have no intuition, no special insight. Right now I feel lucky to have any of my fucking senses, alright?! Jesus fucking Christ!" My fingers pull through tangled hair in aggravation.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm just at a loss. We've been at this for hours and nothing. Not one clue. Not one bit of useful information. Just a lot of frightened faces, which means we're on the right track, but we have no idea where that track leads."

I dip my head towards the ground, hands at my sides kneading at my jacket with agitated fingers. I can feel sweat drip down my back as Paco steps up to me and grips my shoulder. "Pepa, perhaps we should call it a day, huh? Try again tomorrow --"

His hand jerks away when my eyes flash up at him with intensity. "We can't give up, Paco. We're running out of time!"

"What time, Pepa? You're exhausted. We both are. We need some rest, to regroup. Later we can --"

"Screw this! I'll do it myself!" I rip Sarita's picture from his fingers and start marching down the road.

"Damn it! Get back here! What has gotten into you!" He rushes up alongside me and grabs at my arm. I rapidly shrug him off and shove his shoulders with unexpected force. It throws him off kilter and sends him scuttling over loose rock.

"Pepa?" His eyes are wide with shock and fear.

I'm frightened too. Terrified of the maelstrom of emotions surging through me.

Silvia, can you still hear me?

Yes, love, I'm still here.

She steps from my body and gazes up at me with glistening eyes, trying to run her soft palm against my cheek, but I feel nothing. No shift in temperature. No tingling of senses... I'm losing her.

Clenching trembling fists, I take a deep breath. "Paco...I'm sorry, I didn't mean... it's just - I can't stop, okay? I can't give up. Not here, not now. Not when Silvia needs me."

"Pepa..." His fingertips graze my sleeve as I pull away, out of his reach.

"Don't! Don't touch me, Paco. I need you to leave me alone right now, alright? Please, just... let me search on my own."

"Search for what?"

"I don't know!" My voice cracks like thunder. I let my head roll back and slam my eyes shut, not knowing how to answer or where to start looking. "Look, Paco, you wanted me to follow my intuition, right? Well right now it's telling me to head this way. Alone. Understand? Here," I hand him Sarita's picture. "You can keep asking questions if you want. Keep batting your puppy-dog eyes trying to wriggle information out of these people, but I'm done."

"But...I... How...?"

"Good luck, brother." I hug him and kiss his forehead, and just before pulling away I peer into his eyes, pleadingly. "And please, Paco...don't follow me. Let me go."

My boot heal grinds on gravel as I turn and walk away....

________

My body feels misplaced, my mind on the verge of delirium until a gust of wind brushes past my face, chilling the streams of tears that are now staining my cheeks. The chill cruelly reminds me of my own existence. Life. God's greatest gift. What a fucking joke. God never had to feel this kind of pain. Never had to endure this "life" he so generously bestowed upon us. Maybe if he had he would have spared us this lesson in senseless agony.

The back of my hand wipes away the moisture as a curse bursts from my lips, "Fuck!" But I keep trudging down the dirt rode, Silvia striding by my side.

"Pepa, I know you're upset --"

"What's happening, Silvia? You said this is where we're supposed to be. You told me to follow my orders, and what the hell has it gotten us?! A whole mess of nothing and every minute that passes you slip further and further away. Is it me? Is it this place? What am I supposed to do?!"

"Pepa keep it down, people will hear you --"

"What? Talking to thin air? I don't give a fuck! Don't you understand? You're all I care about, and I'm about to lose you!" Out of the corner of my eye I see a man slam his shutters tight, blocking out my rant, probably imagining I'm drugged up or deranged. Well, I couldn't give two shits what he or anyone else thought in this crummy little town! Go ahead, throw me in an insane asylum. My mind feels like a mine field that's being trampled through anyway, so I can't say for certain that I shouldn't be locked up.

"Pepa, please don't start talking like that. I'm still here. You're still here. It's just like you said, we can't give up!"

"Then why haven't you answered my question, huh? Why can't you point us in the right direction?"

"I...because..."

"I'll tell you why, because you can't - that's why! Because you're feeling just as lost as I am, I can see it in your eyes."

"No, I just...I need more time to --"

"What time? Time's never been on our side, Silvia, and right now it's strangling us!"

I know she wants me to stop, talk to her, figure out a plan, but I just keep moving. Trudging aimlessly like a mindless soldier, the motion of my body the only thing making me feel safe at the moment. Maybe that safety is an illusion, but hell, none of this has made any sense from the beginning, so why be logical now? Why not embrace my own insanity and let my feet do the thinking for once?

"Well guess what, Pepa? You freaking out, you running away - it's not going to solve anything!"

That's when the anger overcomes me and I stop short, glaring at her. Wishing I could touch her for the millionth time, only right now it was for a different reason. "Running? You think this is running? This is me trying to survive, Silvia! If anyone's running away it's you!"

"What are you talking about?!"

"Ever since we set out on this mission you've been pulling away from me!"

Silvia's expression contorts as though I'd slapped her in the face. "You're blaming me? You think I'm controlling this? Jesus Christ, Pepa! You act as though I have a fucking choice!" Her arms flare out in exasperation as dust swirls on a sudden wind; floating around and through her, yet she feels nothing. Not one strand of hair shivers. Not one fold of cloth flutters in the stiff breeze. I raise my arm in reaction to the elements, protecting my eyes from the stinging sands. I can hear the tiny projectiles hitting my leather jacket in high-pitched furry, and just as quickly the air slows and stops, surrounding us in an eerie stillness.

My voice softens as the saddness seeps through me, twisting in my heart like a knife. "I'm not talking your abilities failing, Silvia, I'm talking about you. You've left me out in the cold. Barely speaking to me. Barely stringing more than three words together since we left Madrid. It's like you're abandoning me before we even have to say goodbye. Why? What are you trying to do, soften the blow? Because that's not fucking possible --"

"No, goddamn it! Don't you see, Pepa, I'm just...I'm trying to...to think...to plan...to...to..." Her voice stutters, choking on the words as tears build and spill from her eyes. Her gaze locks with mine and I finally see her own naked fear staring back at me. Calming and terrifying me. Making me feel closer to her and further away than ever before. "I don't know what to do, Pepa..."

And finally she's said it; and everything she's feeling is reflected inside of me - filling me up and pouring out like flooding water: Eyes dripping, hands shaking, body stiff and stony and ready to break --

"The day is turning red. It scares people, sometimes, but not me...I like red." A sing-songy voice invades my senses, leaving me confused. Silvia and I break out of our cocoon and look around. It takes a moment for us to spot an old woman sitting on a porch about six meters away rocking gently in her chair. Her gnarled hands rubbing a piece of worn driftwood with unspoken affection. Her eyes staring straight ahead without recognition or intent.

I swallow hard. A slight sniffle escapes me as I try to clear my vision, wiping my face. Silvia and I look at each other again, the fear still present but now there were new questions flowing between us. We both move in unison toward the mysterious woman. The first thing I notice as we grow closer are her eyes - bleached and pale as though they've been drained by the sun.

"Cataracts," Silvia mutters, answering my silent question. I react to this answer by waving a hand in front of the woman's face, testing her sight. "Pepa..." Silvia admonishes, but I just shrug in response. I mean, hell, it's not like we have time to worry about people's personal space right now.

The elderly woman sits contentedly, seemingly in her own little world. Silvia nods her head at me, quietly advising that I say something. I look back at the stranger skeptically and say, "Um...ma'am? Did, did you just say something to us?"

Nothing. No acknowledgment.

Silva whispers, "Try again," and I frown, splaying my palms out as if asking: What do you want me to say? Silvia glowers and jerks her head toward the old woman responding with her own wordless: Just say something! I guess we don't have to occupy each other's minds to read each other's thoughts.

I clear my throat and give it another go. "Excuse me, but...did you say something before? Something about red?"

"Colors are only fragments of light. They can't exist in the darkness." The old woman nods sagely.

What the fuck? Is this some kind of joke? Can she even hear me or am I just catching the random musings of a senile mind?

"Why don't you ask her where El Gordo is?" Silvia puts forth.

"Seriously?" I counter.

"Maybe it's just crazy enough to work."

She makes a good point. Before I have a chance to say anything, though, the aged woman declares: "This wood..." she lifts up the polished log from her lap like a scepter, "this wood is strong, you know. Tested by time and beaten down, but living still." She lays it back on her lap and strokes it with care.

"But it's not living, it's dead..." I mumble under my breath.

"...When you're tested you'll be dead too." The old woman responds, and a chill runs straight down my spine, raising every hair on my body.

She has my full attention now. I squat down in front of her, staring straight into her eyes. Her waxy irises refuse to meet my own as they rest listless on her face, bereft of shine yet existing all the same. Her words reach out to me, making my ears tingle... "The sun doesn't set at will, you know...and each journey back is fraught with struggle," Her head bobs up and down knowingly, as though she were delivering a sermon to the unrighteous. "When has death ever been painless? Or birth for that matter..." She smiles and lets out a weathered laugh. Then she hums and caresses her pet timber once again.

"Can you...can you tell me how to save Silvia?" My voice quivers slightly with hope, a hope that I'm feeling for the first time today. That's when I can feel my princess again, her warmth passing through me as she drops down beside my body. Her energy connects with mine like a familiar embrace and I know she's here, with me once more.

A light breeze flows past us sending the old woman's thin gray strands into a gentle sway. "The light is fading. Soon the sun will set the sky on fire. I've always found red light to be the warmest...but it can burn so..."

My heart is beating violently now; each rib contracting around my lungs like a giant hand, slowly suffocating me.

"Embrace the flames. Don't endeavor to become the night. That would only leave darkness. When would the day ever come?" She finishes matter-of-factly, a slight grin adding wrinkles to her worn flesh.

A broken laugh of frustration erupts from within me. "Please...please, I...I don't know what you mean. What are you telling me? What should we do?"

Her rocking continues, her voice lilting over the words, "Only forward...only forward..." and the humming starts again.

We wait, but she gives us nothing more. Only humming, rocking, petting...

Then, as though I'm waking from a dream, I hear Silvia's distant voice break through my haze of confusion. "Pepa, c'mon. Let's keep moving."

My limbs are feeble as I slowly press my weight upward. I sigh deeply, shaking my head with dejection. "But she didn't tell us anything. We're right where we started." The sound of my own voice frightens me, sounding more disillusioned than ever before. Then I feel Silvia flowing into me and filling me with her familiar warmth, like she's caressing me from within.

Didn't you hear her, Pepa? 'Only forward,' she said. Your feet led us here, didn't they? So we just keep walking. Keep moving. See where it takes us.

And you're with me now, princess? You won't shut me out again?

Yes, cariño, I'm with you. Every moment I'll be with you. Until...

And without her thinking it, speaking it, I know what she's going to say. Because the same thought comes to me, ending on my own lips...

"Until the sun sets..."

________

As the light continues to fade I find myself floating through space like a living ghost. Not feeling optimistic. Not feeling pessimistic. Just feeling. Feeling Silvia inside me, with me, and cherishing every second of it. Because in this moment nothing matters but the motion of our bodies as one. Not trying to decipher clues or weaving together threads of a mystery. Just movement, plain and simple. Just togetherness in its purest form. Because what we're searching for has no road map. No sign posts. And destiny's bread crumbs may not have any smell or taste, but my feet eat them up all the same.

And as the sun touches the tops of the mountains that surround us I come upon an old church at the edge of town. Its layers crumbling benevolently as it slowly gives way to nature's force. My eyes take in the creamy stone and growing ivy as I hear music dancing on the breeze. It invites me in, luring me closer with every note. A courtyard comes into view and I can see a wedding taking place within its decaying walls. I stop to admire it, thinking back to the beauty of my own wedding day. Scents of flowers in the air, the gift of loving smiles, and my radiant bride embodying all the grace and beauty of an angel. I relive that moment of true happiness in my mind as I watch the bride emerge from the shadows, linked arm in arm with a man. The man who created her, raised her, and was now giving her away. A man who smiles with joy as he parades forward, the proud father of a blushing bride. A family man. An entrepreneur. A deceiver. A liar. A murderer...

El Gordo.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 19

2009-11-12T23:38:35Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I don't know how I feel about this chapter. It's more filler. But that's ok, right? At least I'm moving the story forward. Let me know what you think. I would be most appreciative. I hope to get my story finished before the start of next season. And I also wanted to say that I've missed a lot of the other fic writers out there. Where are you? I miss you! *cries into hands*

Shit, Silvia. What are we going to do?

I don't know, Pepa. I need to think, and you interrupting my thoughts every five seconds isn't helping.

Sorry. My feet draw closer to the back entry of the precinct with every step, like a clock counting down in a steady, unstoppable rhythm. I'm running out of time, but luckily I have an ace in the hole: Silvia. She's a genius, my redhead! I know she'll come up with something perfect to tell Paco and Don Lorenzo. A brilliant explanation as to how I was able to take down those Italian assholes despite the walls in between us. In the past ten minutes, while I've been busting my ass back to work, my mind has been running through every plausible scenario and coming up blank.

Pepa, I have it!

Bingo! I knew my girl would come through! Thank God. What is it, princess?

You should tell them you're psychic.

What?!

You tell Paco and my father that amidst all the chaos, all the tragedy of your wedding day, that you seem to have acquired a sixth sense.

If Silvia could see my crooked brow and the look of absolute befuddlement on my face...

Are you fucking kidding me? THAT'S your brilliant plan?

Hey, I never said it was brilliant. And besides, Pepa, we're seconds away from seeing them. It was the best I could come up with under such short notice.

That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard! I am NOT telling them that!

Ok. Fine. Why don't you just tell them the truth, then? It's so much more believable!

Just then I hear a whistle come from behind me and turn to see several officers waving and clapping in my direction. "Way to go, Miranda!" Their voices carry across the lot. "Way to kick some Italian ass!" I nod and give a tight smile before walking through the door.

What was that?

It looks like you've got some new fans, Pepa.

As I stroll through the halls I can hear random shout-outs coming at me from all corners: "Congratulations, Pepa!", "El Gordo's boys are done for!"

My chest puffs out the slightest bit as the praise collides with my ears. Apparently the cat was out of the bag. The whole precinct seemed to be in on last night's operation, and there was no shortage of fist pumps in my direction as I made my way through the corridors. I had to admit, it felt good to be on the receiving end of such admiration. To have actually been successful in taking down El Gordo's men for once - single-handedly no less. I did deserve some credit. After all, my work had --

YOUR work? SINGLE-handedly? What happened to WE did it together, Pepa?

Silvia's thoughts bust into mine and make my feet trip up on the linoleum floor, causing the cool to get sucked right out of me. Oh, um... Yeah. Of course, redhead. You and me. Together. You know that's what I meant to think.

Uh-huh. Just don't let all this go to your head, Pepa. We still have a lot of work to do.

Don't you think I know that, princess? I'm not letting anything go to my head, I'm just as focused as ever -- another wave of approval sounds off to my right, interrupting my internal dialogue. I turn and nod at a group of officers giving me the thumbs up. I return the gesture and nearly smack my head into the wall as the hallway takes a sharp turn. Luckily, I stop short before my face slaps into the barrier. My smile falters a bit as I regain my footing.

Smooth, Miranda. What were you saying about focus again?

It was a momentary loss of balance - that's all, princess. I'm TIRED. I didn't get enough sleep today because someone --

Don't even THINK about pulling that card on me again, Ms. "Let's Go Supernova." And you better improve your focus fast, because Salgado is heading this way.

My posture rights itself as I brush off my near run-in with the wall. I see Salgado striding down the corridor toward me with a genuine smile on her face, though her expression is still laced with a seriousness that always seems to color her features.

"Pepa. It's good to see you. Congratulations on a job well done. Excellent work." Her arm rises, palm open, and our hands lock in mutual respect.

"No congratulations necessary. Believe me, I enjoyed it. I wouldn't even consider it work," I grin back. The corners of her mouth tug upward as she nods with understanding.

"I'd feel the same way. I still haven't heard the details on how you pulled it off, but there'll be time enough for that later. I hope you rested up because we have some urgent business to attend to."

"I'm all ears."

She turns abruptly and treads down the hallway at a brisk pace while I follow suit, trying to listen to everything that's transpired while I've been "resting" up. A slight smirk touches my lips as I remember how much rest I really got in that hotel room…

Stop your ego-trip down memory lane, Miranda, and listen to Salgado, will you?

My eyes roll, unbeknownst to my redhead, or Salgado, as I concentrate on her voice once again...

"…been a whirlwind of activity, let me tell you. The evidence that you were able to gather at the scene has been effective in linking several of El Gordo's men to other crimes and points of interest. There's been a lot to analyze over the last 12 hours, and without certain…um…" Her voice falters a bit before she continues "...certain personnel available here at the San Antonio precinct, I've had to pull some strings to get one of our own Interpol forensics specialists to come in and do the work here. You see, headquarters is not fully aware of all that has happened. They do know about the sting operation you pulled off last night, but they believe it to be a one-off mission. I haven't informed them about our new leads. I've had my doubts about keeping them out of the loop, but your brother and Commissioner Castro have persuaded me to give them a few more days to pursue this on their own." She stops just before turning a corner to look up at me. "I know I could lose my job over this, Pepa, but I was there. I saw what happened with my own eyes, and as far as I'm concerned you and your colleagues have earned the right to seek justice yourselves. I just hope I can help bring you that closure."

I nod my appreciation, but the words unexpectedly catch in my throat. She turns away from me and proceeds forward, not expecting any thanks or gratitude in return. A consummate professional, Salgado. I've always respected that about her.

As we turn another corner my chest tightens as I realize where in fact we are headed: The lab. Silvia's lab. I can barely fathom the idea of another person standing in her place. Examining the evidence, taking notes, analyzing the data. That's Silvia's job. I'm surprised at how territorial I feel about the mere notion of seeing another body garbed in a lab coat rattling off the results. It just doesn't feel right.

I couldn't agree with you more...

Silvia's voice looms in my mind, making me realize this may be harder for her than it is for me. I do know one thing, though. They had better be good at their job or I'm going to have one angry redhead filling my brain with expletives.

Salgado opens the door ahead of me and I see my father-in-law and Paco standing with their backs to us. Paco is the first to turn around, and he immediately brightens when he sees me in the flesh; his shoulders visibly releasing a hidden tension.

"Pepa," he sighs, and ambles up to me with his hands spread out wide. His palms grasp my head in his familiar way before he plants kisses on my cheeks. I squeeze his wrists with love and kiss him back. "I know it hasn't been that long, but it's good to see your face again, sister." He leans in to hug me and whispers, "I still have questions about last night. I hope you have those answers I'm looking for..." My smile becomes strained as he pulls away.

Have you thought of a plan B yet, redhead?

Plan B? I could barely come up with a plan A! You're on your own, Miranda...

Great...

In an effort to change the subject, I quickly take in Paco's disheveled appearance and ask, "So, did you manage to get any rest while I've been away, brother? I'm not the only one who was up all night, you know." I eye Don Lorenzo who also looks worse for wear.

"Yes, a bit. I took a snooze on the couch in Don Lorenzo's office."

"And you, Papa?" I ask Don Lorenzo pointedly, half expecting him to growl at my condescension.

But I'm caught off guard as he grasps me in a tight hug. "Don't worry about me, cariño. I'm ready to take on the world." He pulls back and pats my cheek while staring at me with admiration, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Obviously, things have been going well while I've been away."

"Definitely, thanks to Salgado pulling in Ms. Cruz here." Don Lorenzo's head snaps toward a tall, willowy brunette standing in a long, crisp lab coat awaiting introduction.

She steps forward confidently, "Hello. I'm Inspector Marisa Cruz. Forensics. It's an honor to meet you, agent Miranda. I've heard nothing but praise."

My hand grasps hers warmly. "Praise? Well, you only just got here today. Give it some time."

Her laughter is sweet, and a rather attractive smile blossoms on her face. And there's something else. Something in her eyes. A look I know all to well…

She's gay isn't she, Pepa?

Yep.

And obviously attracted to you.

It seems so, redhead.

Fan-fucking-tastic…

I suppress a chuckle before Marisa says, "I have to say, agent, that your ingenuity when it came to those fingerprints was extremely impressive. Not to mention your quick thinking regarding the, uh, "waste" you found."

"Well, the quick thinking wouldn't have been needed at all if I knew we were going to bust the place wide open later."

"But how were you to know that, right?" Marisa sends me a glowing smile.

There's that smile again, princess.

Yeah, Pepa, and you are NOT helping on that front. Can you get to the point already?!

I clamp down on my amusement, cross my arms, and assume a no-nonsense expression. "So where do those fingerprints point, Inspector?"

What my redhead wants, my redhead gets. It's all about the body language. I'm all business, cariño.

See that it stays that way.

Inspector Cruz gestures toward her computer screen, where I can see five different faces posing for me in mug shots. "It's rather fortuitous, actually, that you got those fingerprints, agent Miranda. Five distinct sets in total. Three of which match the men in the bust you and your boys pulled last night. Those are these three gentlemen here. Two of which are now deceased, thanks to you. And just to put your mind at ease, agent, both those men were wanted for numerous crimes in Italy as well as Spain. The evidence you collected links them to several drug operations, weapons dealings, and numerous rape/assault charges. So by no means should you lose sleep over their demise."

I feel Paco's hand clasp my shoulder and squeeze in silent support. "Trust me, Inspector, I slept like a baby today. But thanks for easing my mind all the more," I drawl.

"My pleasure. Now, these other two men weren't at your bust last night, but they are a match for the two other sets of fingerprints."

"What are they wanted for?"

"Nothing. We have no criminal record for them on file."

"But how have you been able to link these men to those fingerprints if --"

"Ahh…" She puts her hand up, halting my questions while tapping a few keystrokes with her free had. The pictures expand, taking up the entire screen. I lean forward with curiosity, my brow creasing in confusion.

"Wedding photos?" I wonder aloud, totally perplexed about the connection.

"Yes. These are their wedding photos. We were able to pull them from newspaper archives. The physical samples you collected also led us here."

"I don't understand."

"Neither their prints, nor their DNA brought up hits in our criminal records. Not in Spain or Italy. However, I got the idea of cross-referencing other known DNA and fingerprint related databases: Military, government, even sperm donors… And as a result I was able to discover that these two Italian gentlemen happen to also be Spanish citizens." Her finger clicks the keyboard, bringing up two naturalization documents. "Approximately a year ago, within a month of each other, both men married Spanish women. Our law dictates that they get blood tests and fingerprints. This is strictly enforced with those acquiring new citizenship."

"These women obviously have great taste in men," I mutter in disgust.

"Taste may not have had anything to do with it, Pepa." Salgado responds while handing me a folder containing documents relating to each woman. Both were young when married, 19 and 18, and both from large families that up until a year ago were living well below the poverty level. Their records included past arrests for theft and prostitution. It looked like Salgado was right - taste may not have factored into their decision whatsoever.

I heave a sigh and look up at the intense faces staring back at me. "So, where does that leave us?"

My brother answers, "It leaves us with a stack of investigations we need to reopen and leads we need to follow as soon as possible. Don Lorenzo is heading up our local taskforce. We've found connections between these men and several weapons smuggling operations we investigated this past last year. We had to inform the entire precinct about these new missions, seeing as we'll need all the man power we can get to pull off simultaneous busts in one night."

"Excellent. So, Papa, where do you need me? Remember, I don't want to be left out of the action." I was itching to throw on bullet proof vest and bust down some doors.

Don Lorenzo looks to Salgado, who answers my question for him: "Pepa, you and your brother are going to be heading down to the south of Spain as soon as possible. Both of our new suspects married women in towns only five miles apart, in the hills outside of Úbeda. We need you to go down there to find out as much as we can about them."

"Wait a minute. I'm being sent on a separate mission?"

"That's right. It's important that we follow every one of these new leads as quickly as possible. We don't know where El Gordo is right now, so it's our best bet at capturing him."

"But why me?"

"Úbeda is in Andalusia. You're familiar with that area, right. You worked in the South of Spain for many years --"

"I know Seville, Salgado, not the whole of Andalusia!"

"Well that's going to have to be enough."

"So you're telling me that I'm being sent down to the middle of fucking nowhere because two Italian scum bags married some sad Spanish women, and I happened to work in Seville for a few years?!"

"Pepa, you are the only one among us who knows the terrain."

"Knows the terrain? Do you know how far away Seville is to Úbeda, Salgado? It's over 300 fucking kilometers!" I yell whilst flinging the folder from my hand and onto the desk, spreading the pages out like fallen leaves.

"You're exaggerating, Pepa --"

"Exaggeration or not, my working in Seville gives me no special insight into some small fucking villages on the other side of the province. I want to be doing police work, Salgado, not asking the locals about some goddamn foreigners who married down! I'll be getting a bunch of "I don't knows" and "Never seen 'ems" thrown back into my face. It's a waste of fucking time!"

"You can't know that --"

"Fuck yes, I can!!"

"Agent Miranda!" Don Lorenzo's voice crackles through the air and I can feel my body stiffen in reaction. My eyes release their hold on Salgado and glance his way, his stern countenance demanding my attention and making me feel paralyzed, as if I were a child again.

His voice is tight as he grunts out, "Salgado has put her job on the line for us. She's done more than you could possibly imagine to help us do this investigation our way and she deserves your respect."

"Don Lorenzo --"

"She wasn't the only one who made this decision, Pepa! You've got your orders," he rasps out with finality.

My jaw clenches and releases, then clenches again. I can feel my chest thumping with pent up anger, wanting to unleash it on the world, but knowing that it will do nothing to avenge my friends. Nothing help Silvia.

Pepa... Papa's right, we should follow orders.

Is this his dutiful daughter talking or MY Silvia?

It's ME, Pepa. Just listen to me for a second. I know you still don't understand, I really wish you could but…This feels right to me. We should do what we're told.

You and that fucking intuition again?! This is a waste of time and you know it --

I DON'T know that! And neither do you. If you'd just step back for one second and stop acting like a petulant child you'd see that Salgado is right - El Gordo could be anywhere right now. This lead is just as promising as the others. The real reason you're angry is that you won't be whipping out your gun, throwing yourself in the direct line of fire.

Which is exactly why you want me to do as I'm told, right princess? You want me to be safe, to be the good little agent --

I want you to TRUST me, Pepa! You have thus far, PLEASE don't stop now...

Air pulls through my lungs almost unwillingly as I try and get a grip on my frustration. My orders sounded like a quick trip down a dead end, but Silvia's words were slowly seeping into my stubborn brain. If there's one thing I've learned from experience it's that cases can turn on a dime. Hot trails can go cold in an instant while random connections can lead to your salvation. Nothing was ever predictable in this line of work...

I take a deep breath as I stare down at the scuffed floor, flexing my fingers on my hips and pressing down on my urge to break the rules.

You're right, redhead.

Of course I am. I'm always right, haven't you figured that out by now?

A crooked smile teases my lips, and I'm glad my face is pointing downward so no one can see my sudden change of expression. It strikes me as funny that Silvia has mastered the art of making my blood run hot, yet she is the only one who can cool my nerves so quickly. She completely undoes me...

The stress level in the room drops considerably when everyone can see from my manner that I've relented. Ended my tirade. As further proof that I'm on board, I gather the documents I'd previously thrown down and stuff them back into the folder, which I quickly tuck under my arm. "Well, if we have El Gordo on the run we better start chasing, right?"

I receive some smirks in reply, and a nod of approval from Don Lorenzo. While everyone in the room starts to mobilize, Paco wanders over and wraps a supportive arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, Pepa. I personally think we got the best mission. I have a good feeling about it."

"You know, Paco, something inside me is saying the same thing."

"Kind of like a sixth sense?"

"It's funny that you should mention that, Paco..."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 18

2009-10-29T22:43:02Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R (for swearing and sexual content)
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I know I've been MIA. I have barely commented on other people's fics! *face palm* I'm so sorry, my friends. RL called. And my muse fell asleep. This chapter is total filler, and just in case you forgot what the hell was going on: The last time we were with our supernatural crime-fighting duo they were having ghost_shower_smut. Let's see what happens next...

Silvia and I are lying next to each other, gazing into each other's eyes. I know we must look like a cliché, but it just feels so good I can't help but revel in it. Being with her feels so safe, so right. I've set up a makeshift bed on the ground using the sheets and blankets off the hotel mattress. Silvia argued that she could just lie inside of me while I sleep, but I said I wanted to look at her. I wanted her beside me for a while so that I could just stare. So that I could enjoy the sight of her naked body and memorize every centimeter of her face before I drift off to sleep.

Our hands are lying between us, superimposed over one another. Fingers sliding back and forth as though we're connected by touch. The heat of my palm drifts and curls each time her hand passes through mine. I take a deep breath and release it contentedly. This is it. This is where I belong.

"You know, you should be sleeping right now," Silvia softly reprimands in an impossibly sweet voice.

"I feel so happy right now... I think I'll just sleep when I'm dead."

"Ghosts don't sleep, remember?"

"No, ghosts DO sleep, they just need to be fucked into oblivion first."

"Pepa!" She blushes and flashes me a glowing smile.

"So it's all set. All I'll need in this afterlife is you - teasing me, loving me, and screwing me into unconsciousness," I conclude.

We both laugh, but Silvia's cheeriness dissipates quickly, a soft shadow of worry cascading over her face. Uh-oh. Did I say something wrong? Or is it already time to get serious. I certainly hope not...

"What's wrong, redhead? You don't like my plan? You don't want to fuck me for eternity?"

I receive a small chuckle before she whispers softly, "No, it's nothing..."

Well this won't do...

"C'mon, princess. I've already read your mind. I don't think there is anything you can't tell me at this point. What's up?"

"It's just..." She sighs and her eyes glance away.

"It's just...?"

"What we've experienced together in these last few days. With my being this...way," she gestures toward herself, "Being able to merge with you and share your thoughts. And now this..." her troubled voice drifts off.

"This? This, what?"

"Our lovemaking, Pepa. It was so...so...intense. So...so..."

"Fucking amazing?" I finish her thought, raising a single, teasing brow.

"Yes. Exactly. And I... I don't know, I just worry that when I come back, it may just be...a let down?" Her stumbling words end with a question that breaks my heart.

"A let down, princess? How could you even think such a thing?!"

"Because when I'm like this we can be closer than we've ever been, Pepa. We can literally be one. The rush when we merge, that euphoria when we made love... We won't have that anymore."

I start to chuckle softly at first but I can't stop my mirth from growing, making laughter tumble from my mouth unheeded. Silvia is glowering out me now, which makes it even harder for me to stop. She looks really pissed, so I try to stifle my mild hysteria. "Si--Silvia...Silvia, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, it's just that you're so fucking sweet." This softens her expression a bit, but she still looks unimpressed with my apology.

I force myself to calm down enough to talk some sense into my ridiculous woman with her so-called "rational" thoughts. "Listen, redhead, everything you said is absolutely true. Our time together these last few days has been amazing. Like a wonderful gift, especially after the anguish I was going through without you. Being able to hear your thoughts, feel you inside of me, being with you in every sense of the word. But, cariño, you've got to understand - we've always had that. Not to the literal degree that we do right now, but I've always had you in here." I place my hand over my heart, fingers splayed and pressed inward with meaning.

"I've always felt you with me, even during all those years we were apart. I never stopped thinking of you. Never stopped dreaming that one day I'd see you again. That one day, just maybe, I'd have my chance to win you over. Persuade you to switch teams." I wink at her, and I can see her earlier scowl has transformed into a grin, and a slight hint of tears is dancing in her eyes.

"Nothing compares to having you, princess. Really having you. Being able to hear your heart beat as I lay my ear to your chest. Sliding into bed and feeling the warmth of your body sink into me after a long day at work. Kissing you, and touching you. Smelling you and tasting you. That's what I want. That's what I've always wanted. I need you with me. Here. On this Earth. Believe me, redhead, given the choice, I'd choose flesh and blood over an out-of-this-world orgasm any day."

Ok, now I've got her laughing. That's much better....

"Really?" She manages to say through her subsiding laughter.

"Really?" I mimic her mockingly. "Of course, really. And regarding that orgasm, I'm not so sure we haven't seen the likes of it before. I seem to remember several instances where one of us has passed out after sex." I stare at her knowingly, and Silvia just rolls her eyes at me, a flush spreading over her body in reaction. "I'm positive we can accomplish that again. And that intensity you spoke of? It's always been there, Silvia. Making love to you has never been anything short of mind blowing. And once you return to me, if it's blacking out you want - I'll give it to you." My eyes fix on hers. "You won't be able to wake up for days after I'm finished with you, redhead." A sexy grin tugs at the corners of my mouth. I'm not going to let her feel insecure about coming back to me for one fucking second. I want her in every way, and I'm not willing to settle for less.

"Is that a promise?" There's my teasing Silvia again...

"That's a bonafide fact, princess. You want euphoria? I'll give you euphoria." I inch closer while she laughs; head thrown back revealing that glorious neck of hers. Oh, to kiss that neck...

She glances back and takes on a no-nonsense expression. "And stars, Miranda? What about the stars I saw? Can you deliver on those?"

I crawl on top of her. "Stars? Pfft. Please. Hell yes you'll get stars...and the sun, and the moon... I'll give you a whole fucking galaxy every time you come." Now I'm leaning over her; arms holding me steady, keeping me off the ground so that I can hover just above her frame.

"My, my, my...Someone around here is pretty cocky about their skills in bed."

"Who said I needed a bed?" I drawl, while pressing my hips into hers suggestively.

"You've got a point there." she whispers, suddenly enthralled by my center swaying into hers. She unconsciously licks her lips while her eyes devour my body: My legs, my arms, my breasts - all lingering above her, yet remaining out of her reach.

"We've never wanted for a bed, have we princess? We've always been able to make due with whatever is around us: Desks, tables, chairs --

"Walls..." Silvia adds with a twinkle in her eye.

"Oh yeah. Let's not forget those. I love the feeling of your legs wrapped around me as I fuck you against a wall." My body is rocking into her in a slow, primal rhythm now; our waists melding together with every thrust.

"And how do you feel about fucking me on the floor, Miranda?" She breathes out while her hands descend lower, slowly winding a fiery path over her own body. God how I envy those hands...

"The floor? The floor is the best place of all. All the room in the world and nothing to get in our way. And I'm thinking...since we have this cozy little set up here, I say we try and make those stars you saw earlier go supernova. What do you think, princess?"

"What do I think? Why don't you come inside of me and find out..."

I've never moved so fast in my life...

_________

"Hey, Dopey? Drool ball? Love of my life? Are you going to open your eyes? Wipe your slobbery face off and face the day?"

"Mmmrrrhhhhrr," is all I can get out as I turn over and bury my face in the pillow. Man, Silvia's voice is usually like an aphrodisiac to me, but when I'm tired it's like she's scratching on a chalk board.

"Alright. Suit yourself. I just figured you may want to answer your phone someday, seeing as Paco's been calling it for the last hour..."

My eyes snap open and I fling the blankets off me. "Fuck, Silvia, why didn't you wake me earlier?!" I spit out while blinking away the sleep in my eyes and fumbling through the clothing strewn about the floor.

"You were tired! You needed sleep! Studies show that people need an average of eight hours of sleep per night - more if they've been deprived. Well, you certainly didn't get eight hours, Pepa, I can assure you..."

"No thanks to you, redhead."

She's standing next to me, and I catch her hands planting themselves firmly on her hips in defiance as I chuckle at my little joke. "Thanks to me? You're not going to blame your lack of sleep on me, Pepa Miranda."

"Well, I don't see anyone else here to blame. I wasn't the one begging for more, meanwhile I could barely keep my eyes open." She scoffs and her body grows more rigid every second I keep snickering. The vibrations of my phone resound through the room as though they were laughing along with me. I thrust my hands into the blankets lying on the floor and continue my search until my frustration sounds off like a whistling teapot. "Dammit! Where the fuck is my stupid phone?!"

I catch Silvia's eye roll in my peripheral vision. "It's all the way over here, Miranda." Her finger nonchalantly points to the bedside table. "Your senses are obviously quite keen this morning, Agent. With this kind of investigative prowess I'm sure you'll make Inspector in no time." Her sarcasm grates on my enervated nerves.

"Ha. Ha." My threatening glare does nothing to dampen the pointed look being directed at me. So I decide to push back; my insides twisting in gleeful anticipation of ruffling Silvia's feathers some more - one of my favorite past times.

A quick hop up, and I'm standing tall, completely naked, and striding right at my princess. Her acerbic stare falters a bit before she inhales a breath and stands to her own full height, crossing her arms over her chest in wordless challenge. Her gloriously naked body is distracting me and I'm instantly inspired to use our state of undress to my advantage.

Instead of heading toward the buzzing contraption she so kindly pointed out, I walk right into Silvia's personal space and look down at her with one eyebrow raised and my lip half curled like an arrogant salute. "It seems to me, princess, that my investigative skills are impeccable. I have, after all, been able to track down every spot on that divine body of yours that makes you moan into my mouth. Every sensitive pathway. Every gentle curve. Every way to slide my fingers over your smooth skin with just the right amount of pressure to make you beg for more..."

She gulps, her eyes darting back and forth between my eyes as I maintain my unwavering stare. I inch closer and she takes a step back, trying futilely to regain her composure. "Shall I go on, princess? I don't want you to sell me short. I have hundreds of examples that I could recite to you on why I would make an excellent Inspector. I know how to explore the ins and outs of every case. Analyze all the data carefully, slowly..." I roll my tongue over the last word like a caress and Silvia's eyelids flutter closed.

My phone begins vibrating anew, jolting her back to reality. "Alright! You win, Pepa. Happy? Now answer your phone before we get delayed another hour."

"Just an hour?"

"Pepa! Cut it out and answer your fucking phone!"

My victory smile could put the sun to shame. I love it when I win.

I flip open the phone and finally answer while my eyes remain focused on my redhead. A gloating grin plastered on my face. "Agent Miranda here."

"Pepa? I've been calling you for over an hour. Where the hell have you been?!" Paco's anxious voice is hinged with an extreme fatigue that's riding the edge of his words.

"Where do you think I've been, brother? I've been sleeping. That's why you sent me here, isn't it? To sleep?" I waggle my eyebrows in Silvia's direction. She just shakes her head at me with censure as a slow blush rises to her cheeks.

"Oh, uh, yeah, of course it is. I just expected to hear from you sooner. I was starting to worry..."

"What? That I'd gone out galavanting around town looking behind every closed door for El Gordo? No way, Paco. I made a promise to stay here, and I kept it." I can hear his sigh of relief over the phone. "But I assume you're calling for more than a check-in, am I right?"

"Yes. I thought you'd like to know that the evidence you collected last night has given us a strong lead. I think you should get back to the precinct immediately."

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

"You better be. Everyone is so fired up at the thought of catching El Gordo it's been like holding back ravenous wolves waiting for you to answer your damn phone. They won't wait much longer, Pepa."

"Well they better fucking wait. Don't you dare make a move without me, Paco!"

"I won't, sister. Don't worry."

My phone snaps shut and Silvia looks at me expectantly. "So what's going on? Is it our evidence? Did it point to something? Is it El Gordo?"

I can't help but rest quietly in front of her enjoying the enthusiasm playing across her face. My gloating grin still silently taunting her.

"Pepa! Tell me before I go crazy!"

My smile widens with delight. "We've got a lead, princess." Her face lights up and I can already feel the adrenaline flowing under my skin; the muscles in my arms and legs burning to pick up El Gordo's trail.

Silvia glides up to me, her brilliant smile morphing into an impossibly proud grin. Her hand grazes my cheek with it's subtle warmth and I stare back, enchanted by her presence. "I know I was teasing you about it before, Pepa, but I really meant it."

"Meant what, cariño?"

"You'd make an excellent Inspector, Pepa Miranda."

I nod in agreement. "You've got a point there. I mean, without me, where would this investigation be, right?"

"Exactly."

"But there's just one thing you're forgetting, Silvia."

"What's that?"

"I'm only at my best when I'm with you. The way I see it, the only way I'd flourish as an Inspector is if I was under the right kind of leadership. Don't you agree, Commissioner Castro." I give her a wink and her resulting smile melts my heart in an instant. The warmth of her happiness takes hold of me, spreading through my body like a ray of sunshine. Yep, making Silvia Castro smile is what I was meant to do on this Earth. I'm sure of it.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 17

2009-10-12T05:50:49Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Drumroll, please...

"Pepa? Pepa...?" I'm jostled awake by my big brother. Tendrils of drool have oozed down my chin during my sojourn into unconsciousness. Slightly embarrassed, I wipe at it and quickly absorb my surroundings. Low lights. Desks and chairs. I'm sitting in the conference room. Then the memories of that morning come creeping back into my head...

The first thing I remember after our mission was arriving at the precinct to enthusiastic cheers and whistles. By that point everyone had found out how we overpowered El Gordo's men, killing five and capturing two. They'd also heard about the successful liberation of hostages, but we managed to keep their identity under wraps. It was still unknown to most of our officers that Antonio had anything to do with the assault on my wedding day, and we wanted to keep it that way. Antonio, himself, was currently at the hospital reuniting with his family. I can still hear his sobs of joy over the phone when I told him we had them in our custody - alive.

The last thing I remember was sitting down in this chair while Paco and Don Lorenzo discussed our new acquisitions. Where to put El Gordo's men was tricky, seeing as we still weren't sure if the precinct itself was free of moles or informants. I vaguely recall watching Silvia nodding her consent as they agreed to have armed guards with them at all times. They would contact Salgado to see if they could utilize some Interpol officers for the task. Hopefully their neutrality would eradicate any doubt regarding the prisoner's confinement or safety. The rumble of their soothing voices bouncing back and forth lulled me into a lethargic state, coaxing me to sleep. I didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. It'd been a long few days and my body was finally rebelling.

Now my drooping eyes are regarding Paco through a sleepy haze. "Hey, brother. What time is it?"

"It's 10am. You've only been napping for twenty minutes or so. I think you're running on fumes, little sister."

I start to rise from my chair, rubbing my face. "So, where are those fuckers we brought in eaarlieerrr," my voice strains as I release a deep yawn mid thought, "beecaause I have a few questions --"

"Absolutely not. You're in no shape to interrogate anyone, Pepa. You're a mess. What you need right now is to shower and to get some sleep."

My eyes dart around in search of my redhead. The mention of a shower reminds me of our planned rendezvous that had to be put on hold.

You lookin' for me, beautiful?

Ahhh, there you are, princess. I knew you couldn't have gone far. I guess my spidey sense must be asleep as well, I didn't know you were with me.

I'm always with you, Pepa, and don't you forget it.

Her comment puts a silly grin on my face until Paco's question finally breaks through my dreamy thoughts. "Pepa? Are you listening to me?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah..." That was a lie, obviously, but I'm sure it wasn't important. Probably more lecturing about...

"...so Rita's there already. She's making breakfast for you and the boys. They're expecting you to join them in --"

Lecturing my ass!

"Whoa, hold up, Paco. The safe house again?!"

"Look, I know it's not ideal --"

"Not ideal? More like my own personal nightmare! That's it, Paco. I'm putting my foot down. I need to be alone."

"Pepa, I'm tired of fighting with you every step of the way on this --"

"And I'm tired of being told what to do, like I'm a child!"

"I'm not ordering you about in an attempt to bully my kid sister, dammit! I'm trying to keep you safe!"

"Meanwhile I'm trying to keep my sanity! Paco, can you please step back and think about what I've been through these last few days. Don't you think I deserve a few moments to myself? You know I've never been one for camaraderie. The stress of spending all my time in a pack is driving me up the wall!!" My feet start pacing, carrying me around the room like a caged animal.

"Ok, ok." Paco places his hand on my shoulder in a calming gesture and nods his head in understanding. "You're right. I can see how this situation would be hardest on you more than anyone. Why don't we do this..." He pulls out his cell phone and dials a number. "There's a hotel just a block away. It's nothing fancy, just somewhere I sometimes stay when I've been working all night at the precinct and I don't want to come home to an empty..." his voice trails off, and before either one of us can feel the full impact of his words the sound of a small voice squeaking out of his cell phone captures his attention. "Oh, hello. Yes, um, do you have any rooms available right now? Uh huh..." He steps away, continuing his call. Meanwhile, the thoughts of a certain redhead are driving me to distraction...

I don't know, Pepa. I feel torn. Usually I'd be standing right alongside your brother, demanding that you stay wherever is safest. But...

But...? I grin to no one in particular. Her desperation to be alone with me is overpowering her motherly instincts. I've always loved how my presence seems to throw Silvia's sensibilities for a loop.

But I...you know...I want to be alone with you. I'm being selfish. It's not right. I think we should do what Paco wants.

Excuse me??

He's just looking out for you. We both are.

Forget it, princess. I state firmly.

Pepa, please. It's for your own good --

No, it's for YOUR own good, and Paco's. Silvia, if I don't get some decent one-one-one time with you soon I'm going to go out of my mind! I'm telling you, what I need right now is you. Alone. And if that means putting myself in danger, I'll do it. I'd fight off ten assassins to have you all to myself...

Pepa, just listen --

...I'd run through a rain of crossfire if it meant I could see you. I'd go deep undercover for six months just to smell you...

To smell me? Pepa, be serious for a moment --

...I'd even stay chained to a desk, doing a month's worth of tedious paperwork if it meant I could hear your sweet voice every day. And you know much I hate paperwork, redhead.

I can hear Silvia giggling now. Yeah, almost as much as you hate cleaning.

Damn straight! Her laughter drifts through my mind and slowly subsides, but I can tell she's still on the fence about doing the "right thing." There's only one way I know of to stop my redhead from arguing with me...

And to touch you again, princess. Fuck, Silvia, I'd give anything to touch you again. God, how I miss the way you feel...

Pepa...

Your soft skin. Your sweet mouth. The taste of you on my lips...

Silvia's breathing sounds slightly more labored than a moment before, and I grin knowingly, hoping that I've persuaded her to let me be reckless just this once. Before I can hear her respond, Paco's voice breaks through our internal conversation.

"It's all set, sister. The hotel is just down the street. Hotel Regina is its name. You can pick up your key at the front desk under the name Maria Fernandez."

"Fernandez, Paco?"

"It doesn't mean anything, Pepa. It was the first name that popped into my head."

I give him a small laugh and nudge him on the arm. "Thanks, brother. I owe you one."

"The only thing you owe me is to stay safe." He fixes a stern glare on me, as though he were my father. "You're going there to get some sleep, not to go wandering about. Once you're well rested you're to come right back here. Got it?"

"Got it." I cross my heart just before kissing his cheeks and gripping him in a tight embrace. "You're a good brother, Paco."

His sheepish grin matches the shade of pink on his cheeks as we pull away. He nudges me back. "You just go get some rest for me, huh sister? I need you on this case."

"You have me, brother." I pat his cheek and start to walk away until I hear him clear his throat.

"Oh, and Pepa? There's just one more thing."

"What's that?"

"Don't think I haven't forgotten about what happened last night. We haven't written up a full report yet, and I still have a lot of questions that need answering. Starting with how the hell you were able to see into those rooms."

My mouth drops slightly. I had forgotten about those little details. I clamp it shut and simply nod before continuing out the door.

What the hell am I going to tell him, Silvia?

Don't worry, We'll figure something out.

Well, regardless, that's not something I want to think about right now. I have more pressing matters to attend to. Specifically, a hot little redhead that needs my undivided attention...

That's right, Miranda. I seem to remember a date you never made good on. And there's no doubt in my mind that after a long night of mopping and dusting, someone could use a warm, hot shower.

Most definitely...

________

The hotel room door clicks behind me as I press my body against it, heaving a sigh of complete and utter joy to finally, truly be alone with my redhead. Speaking of my redhead... Where the hell is she now?? What is it with her and disappearing acts?

"Silvia, this is absolutely the worst time in the world to play hide and seek with me. I want you. Here. In front of me. Right. Now."

"Wow, Pepa, you really get demanding when you're horny." I hear her voice waft through the room, affecting me like a siren's song. She sounds close, but I can't get a fix on her, so I step forward and peer around the corner, hoping to catch a glimpse of her but I come up empty. Instead of discovering my redhead I'm faced with some bad hotel art depicting a sailboat resting on a sandy shore. Pastel colors and all. It's hideous and doesn't improve my mood.

"Siiilviaaa!" Alright, now I'm whining. I'm a grown woman whining to her lover. That is how pathetic I am right now. But it's been days of mixed up emotions. A roller coaster of extremes ranging from suicidal depression to rampaging anger, and in between there's been tears, doubt, fear, regret, hope, desire, love. Jesus Christ! I'm surprised I've made it this far without having a nervous breakdown! "Silvia, I swear if you don't come out right now I'm going to pass out on that bed and all you'll have left of me are my dreams. Because the only thing keeping me awake right now is the hope of being alone with you. But if you insist on denying me the one thing that is keeping me from crashing --"

"Calm yourself, Miranda."

I whip my body around to find Silvia standing in the door jamb of the bathroom as calm as a cat. She looks exactly as she did on our wedding day but for one small detail: The strap of her wedding dress is dangling off her shoulder. My eyes lock on to that minute piece of information with unwavering interest.

My gaze rises up to meet hers, one eyebrow crooked upward in silent question. "What?" She asks innocently. My eyes flick down toward the loose strap on her shoulder and back up again. "Oh, is this what you're wondering about?" She fingers the material and I nod my head. "Yes, well, while you were out here grumbling to yourself, complaining about my keeping you waiting, I was busy trying to figure out if I could get out of this blasted dress for you. If you'd been patient for one more minute I would have surprised you with the answer to that question, but you weren't, so..."

I gulp and lick my lips while staring at her shoulder.

"I did, however, have enough time to make a new discovery. Would you like to hear more about my findings, agent Miranda, or do you just want to call it a day? Maybe you should get some rest, I mean, you're obviously rather grumpy --"

"Oh no, I'm...I'm wide awake. Really. And I'm extremely interested in hearing more, if you don't mind...Inspector Castro." I answer as calmly as possible, a predatory grin curling lips as I creep forward. I have this sneaking suspicion that if I move any faster she may just disappear again, and that's the last thing I want to happen. I want her right here, with me, in my line of vision at all times.

Silvia reaches behind her back and I can hear a zipper sliding downward as her arm slowly drops. My pulse quickens with anticipation. The dress loosens, but doesn't fall. It just hangs on her lean arms while she reaches up with both hands and gives a couple quick tugs. Full, thick locks of red hair come cascading down over her shoulders, immediately robbing me of all thought. She is absolutely breath taking.

As I stride forward on unsteady legs I manage to maintain slow and calculated steps; my aching heart pumping in my chest. It pounds in a rhythm of anticipation while her eyes shine up at me, no doubt dying to see my reaction to her new discovery. In one smooth motion her dress falls to the floor revealing every inch of her creamy white skin. Oh my God. I don't know how I'm going to survive this, is all I can think as my eyes rake over her naked body. Perfection. That's what she is. Absolute perfection, and I'm powerless to touch it; to feel every soft line of her skin press against me.

"I thought if we were going to shower together I should be appropriately dressed..."

Silvia slinks back into the bathroom and I eagerly follow, practically ripping my clothes from my body. My fingers are stumbling over zippers and buttons without any visual guidance since I'm incapable of tearing my eyes away from her. She disappears behind the curtain just before I finish disrobing. I toss my godawful jumpsuit into the waste basket. Good riddance! I'm never wearing that repulsive thing again for as long as I live.

My arm slides past the curtain, turning the water on and testing the temperature. It warms up quickly, so I step into the bathtub and quickly soak myself in a soothing stream of heated liquid as it pounds against my body. My shoulders unwind under it's gentle onslaught and my mind clears in it's wake.

I can sense Silvia's presence and get the itch to tease her again, but the moment I open my eyes I can barely think let alone tease. Silvia's smiling up at me, her magnificent body nearing transparency as glistening droplets of water pass through her, ghosting her image like a candle's flickering flame. Even after days in her presence I am still shocked by the surreal sight of her beauty. My muscles falter and give out, forcing me to fall back against the shower wall for support. I shake my head and whisper, "My God you're so beautiful, Silvia. I'll never tire of looking at you. Never."

Her smile brightens and she moves closer. "Funny. I was just thinking the same thing about you." Her focus drops down, head tipping to the side as her eyes drift over my skin at a leisurely pace, taking in every dip and curve of my body. "I wonder..." She bends her knees, kneeling before me. "Do you taste as good as you look?" She dips her head forward, and I watch as her deep red tongue glides out and traces a slow line up my torso. I can see the moisture on it as she draws a line up to my breast, flicking at my nipple, which instantly hardens in response. She sees my body's reaction and lavishes long slow strokes over the tips of my breasts, making me groan out load. My breath becomes ragged as heat floods between my legs, making my body tremble.

What I was experiencing was indescribable. Even though I couldn't feel my redhead, I sure as hell can see everything she was doing to me. Like a dream I never wished to wake from. I've never wanted her more in my entire life, yet I couldn't have her. At least not the way I wanted to. Yet I remained her willing victim; happy to let her drive me to the brink of insanity with her slow, delicious torture.

Her tongue meanders up and over my neck as she stands to her full height. Her eyes lock on my lips while she bites her own. "I remember how you taste, Pepa. The flavor of you... Rich and sweet, like warm cream." I gulp and unconsciously lick my lips. She watches my tongue's movement in rapt fascination before her gaze rises up to mine. Within the depths of her eyes I see a hunger there I've never known before and I realize I'm not the only one being tortured.

"I want you inside of me, princess. I want to touch you." Without hesitation, she floats into me, and the power of our merger sends a wave of ecstasy through my body unlike any I've experienced before. Darts of pleasure pulse through me, making me flush from the intensity.

Do you feel that, princess?

Yes. It feels so good. I don't want it to stop.

It doesn't have to...

I grab the soap and start running it through my hands and between my fingers. My palms are covered in a thick layer of suds before I start spreading them over my body. They slide unfettered over every patch of smooth skin; every inch of bare, tingling flesh. As I massage and caress myself I imagine my hands roaming over Silvia's body. I languish in the sounds of her sighs and gasps while I explore her contours. Her thighs, her arms, her breasts...

Do you like how I touch you, redhead?

Yes. Is this what you dreamt about in Seville? Did you fantasize about fucking me in the shower?

A slow smile spreads across my face as I roll my nipples between my fingers and her breath catches.

Among other places, but yes...fucking you in the shower definitely had it's advantages.

Advantages? How so...?

I press my body forward and rinse off in a hot cascade of water. I exit out of the spray and place one hand against the wall while raising my right leg up and resting it on the edge of the bath. The first advantage, redhead, was that you were always naked. My hand idly strokes the inside of my thigh, taking brief forays into my dark curls before meandering out again. The second advantage was the water. I always knew I'd love the feel of you wet beneath my fingers, Silvia. I slip my fingers into my mouth and suck on them, tasting the water and wishing I was tasting her. Her moans are driving me crazy, and I can feel the slickness growing between my legs, flowing from every part of me.

Do you want me to touch you, princess?

God, yes...

How do you want me to touch you?

Fuck, Pepa, do I have to spell it out for you?

Yes, Silvia. I want to hear you. I want to hear that sexy voice of yours describe everything you want me to do to you.

Pepa... I can sense her timidity as her thoughts become guarded.

I need your words, princess. I'm all alone out here. I need to hear your voice. I need to know you're with me. That we're connected...

I'm here, Pepa.

Then talk to me, baby.

Not a hint of hesitancy remains as she finally reveals her thoughts to me. I want you, Pepa. I need you inside of me. Your long fingers stroking me...fucking me...

Two moans coalesce and vibrate through me as my hand descends between my legs, slipping fingers deep inside my slick center. My body sighs and trembles with relief from my own touch; desperate to feel the waves of passion that I know are about to flow over me.

Can you feel how wet I am for you, Pepa? How hot you always make me?

A whimper breaks from my lips as my fingers slide in and out of me. In and out of her. The moist walls clutch at them tightly, flexing to the rhythm of my touch. Oh my god, Silvia, you feel so good. You're so ready for me, aren't you? So fucking wet...

Oh god yes, Pepa! Silva cries as I plunge my fingers inside and curl them upward. Trying to touch her. Trying to draw out every ounce of pleasure from her body.

My hips rock against my hand, and I know Silvia is there with me. Moving with me. Fucking me. Our pulses in sync. Our breaths cascading together in a discordant rhythm. Then I suddenly break the flow by drawing my fingers out and sliding them up to my clit. I circle and swirl slowly before driving them back inside of me. I keep up that motion: plunging and circling, plunging and circling. Silvia whimpers inside of me; gasping and moaning every time I change coarse.

Pepa...Pepa...

She's panting now. Begging. I bite my lip and start to thrust faster. Deeper. Plunging in and out with renewed intensity. Stoking the fire that's blazing between us; wanting it to consume every part of me, every part of her as I feel it growing. My walls clenching and flexing around my fingers...

"Oh My God! Oh My God!" Silvia's cries of passion echo off the tiled walls around me as I keep fucking myself. Fucking her. "Pepa! Pepa, oh my god...I'm coming. I'm coming for you...." Every word that drips off her lips adding fuel to the flame inside of me, pushing me over the brink.

"Oh my God, Silvia. OhMyGod. OHHH SILVIA!! YES!! FUCK YESSSS!!"

Every muscle in my body clenches and releases in unison, sending spasms of pleasure shooting through every part of me and I'm trembling in their wake, feeling the euphoria spread through me like a drug. I can feel her. Smell her. Taste her. Silvia's essence is flowing through me, filling my senses; wrapping around my body in an ethereal embrace of love so potent that all I can see is a white, glorious light just before unconsciousness takes me...

_________

My eyes open and I become aware of the fact that water is still beating against my skin. I am lying on the floor of the bathtub, and judging by the temperature I'd say I haven't been here for very long.

I groan slightly as I finger a small lump on my head. "Silvia?" I call out and wait but hear no reply. A frown creases my brow at the thought that she may have wandered out of me and left me alone on the floor of this tub. That doesn't seem like something she'd do. "Silvia?" I call again. My body aches slightly as I start to rise out of my fetal position. I blink my blurry eyes rapidly, trying to focus. Holy shit. I've never been so blown away by an orgasm before. Now that I know what I'm in for, I'll have to prepare myself next time. Have somewhere soft to land. Definitely softer than a porcelain tub, that's for sure...

Still no answer from my girl, and I am starting to worry. That uneasy feeling flits through me and just when I'm about to start panicking I hear a low rumble coming from beneath me. I look down to find my angel lying where I was a moment before, also curled up in a fetal position. Instead of being soaking wet, like me, she looks as dry and welcoming as a warm blanket. Her wild mane of hair is spread out around her like a halo; her strong, tender hands cradling her peaceful face. Gentle snores fill my ears with their complete and utter adorableness. Apparently I wasn't the only one knocked out by our lovemaking.

I start to chuckle and palm my face. Unbelievable. She's passed out on me. It wasn't a first, but considering the circumstances, I sure as hell didn't expect it this time around. I guess even in death, some things never change. I suppress my laughter when I realize that when she wakes up I'm going to be the one teaching her something about the afterlife for a change: Apparently, ghosts need sleep after all...

Fanfiction: I See Red - 16

2009-10-07T02:43:22Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - violence/language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I'm on my lunch break so I FINALLY have a chance to post this new chapter! Hooray!!! Get ready for Pepa to go medieval on some asses. Hells ya! This chapter is dedicated to dossemanas . Thanks for all your help! And, as usual, comments are welcome and truly appreciated. Ready. Set. Read!!

"Paco? Do you read me?"

"Yes, Pepa. Do you have any news?

"Paco, I want you to listen to me carefully. There are three hostages being held in the room to the right of this bathroom. They're the Blancos, Paco. Antonio's family. His wife and two children and bound and gagged on the floor and are currently being guarded by two armed men. The room to the left of me is filled with surveillance. Two more armed men are monitoring all activity. They're wired into the video feed of this entire building.

"Jesus," Paco's defeated sigh conveys everything to me at once. He's going to tell me to pull out, and even though I gave him my word, this is no time to listen to my big brother. "Pepa, I want you to --"

"I'm getting the Blancos out of here, Paco. Tonight."

"Pepa, we had a deal --"

"Their safety overrides our deal."

"You made a promise to me! To your brother!!"

"Fuck promises, Paco! Circumstances have changed and I've made my decision. I'm getting them out of here, and you aren't going to stop me. The only thing you can do now is watch over me like you've been doing and have your people ready when the Blancos are safely in my custody."

"-- Pepa! You can't -- You need to --" Paco stutters before I cut him off again.

"Pedro? Do you read me? You are to leave the building immediately. Go straight down the stairwell and out the back exit, just like we planned. Do you copy that?"

"Uh...uh, ok. I'm leaving now agent Miranda." I hear Pedro's unsteady voice break over the airwaves.

Paco's continued blathering is distracting me, and right now what I need to do most is focus. "PACO! Enough!! You may wish me to leave. You may want to send in the cavalry tomorrow instead of having me blazing in there tonight, but that's not going to happen. The hostages could be moved by then and we'd have no way of finding them. Or worse - they could be dead. These people need me right now. I'm their best hope of escaping alive. I'm not an idiot, Paco. I have a plan. And what I need from you right now is radio silence so I can fucking concentrate!"

The line goes dead before I hear some muffled discussion and movement. Then, "Alright, Pepa. I'm obviously not going to change your mind. I'll do what you ask but... How did you...? Are you certain your intel is right on this? You could be risking your life for nothing."

"I'm positive."

"And do you really think that if... if Silvia were here, that she'd... Is this what she'd want you to do, Pepa?"

I grin at my brother's last ditch effort to change my mind. If he only knew how off the mark he was. "I have no doubt in my mind that she'd back me 100%," I answer confidently before winking at my redhead.

"Then good luck, sister. I'll be watching over you as best I can. We'll be ready for extraction the moment you have them in hand. I love you."

"I love you too, Paco, and I'll see you soon. Pepa out."

My hands rip the hideous wig off my head and briefly massage my scalp before making sure my pony tail is tight and secure. I fling my false teeth into the far corner of the men's restroom before pulling the glasses from my face and tossing them into the wastebasket. There'll be no need for disguises once the guns start firing, and all this shit will only get in my way or distract me.

I swiftly turn off my wire transmitter so Paco can't hear what I'm about to say. Right now I need a bit of privacy with my redhead so that we can rehash some details before I hit the play button on this ambitious plan of mine. We'll only have one shot at this, so I want to make sure all the pieces are in place.

"Alright, beautiful, one last time. Now, you're sure this wall," I press my fingertips to the cool white paint, "is only dry wall with 2x4 beam support?"

"Yes."

"And the men in the surveillance room, they're packing semi-automatic pistols and TEC-9s?"

"Yes."

"You're clear on the timing of everything, right princess? You'll have to move fast."

"Don't worry about me, Pepa. It's not even possible for something to slow me down." She inches closer to me, her smile lighting up her eyes as she tries to infuse confidence into my steady gaze. "This is going to work, Pepa. I know it will."

"We'll see. As far as I'm concerned, the best part of my plan is that you can't get hurt."

"The best part of this plan is that it's going to work," she states with conviction.

"And lives are going end as a result. Are you ready for that, redhead?" Some small flash of doubt still lingers inside of me, fearful of Silvia judging what I'm about to do.

"Pepa," She starts to speak softly, her deep brown eyes filled with unwavering certainty, "rest assured that whatever happens tonight, whatever you must do, I'm on your side. I always will be. That will never change."

I take a deep breath and feel my body relax, cradled by the sincerity of her words. Relaxing is good right before you're about to risk your life. It brings you more in touch with your surroundings. Makes you capable of reacting out of instinct rather than fear. I need to feel that clarity right now more than ever.

Silvia watches my brief attempt at meditation and decides to do her best to help. She glides forward and whispers in that sexy voice of hers, "Agent Miranda is about to kick some Italian ass and save some innocent lives in the process." Rising up on her tip toes, she purrs into my ear, "I think it's about time you showed these assholes that nobody fucks with my Pepa and gets away with it. Don't you?" She rests back down on her heels before giving me a wink.

Damn, she sure knows how to get my blood pumping. Any doubts I felt a moment before have instantaneously vanished and now I feel ready. Ready to face whatever El Gordo's boys throw my way. Silvia's right. They've hurt me; they've hurt all of us for far too long. Now it's my turn to hurt them.

_______

I'm waiting. Waiting for what's to come. My mind is calm, like a frozen lake awaiting the inevitable thaw, as I stand mutely in the corner of the room. Pressed against the cold white wall, my body remains motionless but for my thumb, which rubs idly along the grip of my gun. I enjoy the comfort of it's weight in my hands, letting gravity pull and extend my muscles downward; allowing me to relax as the minutes stretch on. What once was an unnerving silence has now morphed into a cacophony of sound: buzzing florescent light bulbs, water dripping rhythmically onto porcelain, measured inhales and exhales, and a slow and steady heartbeat pulsing in my temple. Not much longer now...

Red hair bursts into view. She gives me a nod and my grip tightens. Paco's voice verifies her signal by whispering in my ear, "Pepa. Be on guard. One man just exited the surveillance room and is headed your way."

I can hear the scum bag's feet hitting the ground outside the bathroom door. I guess my hiding in here for over thirty minutes finally got him to move his lazy ass out of his chair and check on that ugly redhead with the buck teeth. Most people would be pleasantly surprised to find an attractive brunette standing in her place, but considering I'm wielding a gun that's about to be pressed into his face, I'm willing to bet that won't be the case.

The door swings open, hitting the wall to my right as it casts me into shadow. It's metal surface narrowly misses smashing against my nose as I press myself further into the corner. A slight feeling of claustrophobia seizes me while I'm squeezed into my small triangle of space, but I shake it off; patiently waiting for my chance to capture my prey.

"Hello?" I hear him bellow into the colorless chamber. He expects to hear an answer but instead only receives an eerie silence. Finally, he steps forward, and I can tell by the sound of his movements that he is cautious; readying himself for the unexpected. Too bad for him he didn't check behind the door.

The barrier swings closed, freeing me from captivity. Instantly, my boot meets with the center of his back. All my weight thrusts into him at the point of contact, sending his body skidding across the tiled floor. His weapon flies out of his arms just before his jaw hits the ground with a resounding crack. Without hesitation I'm upon him, digging my knee into his spine while I jerk his arms back and bind them with lightning speed. Zzzziiiippppp. The plastic zip tie bites into the skin of his wrists. Zzzziiiippppp. It pulls into the flesh of his ankles. Blood is already spitting from his mouth along with a few teeth, and I shove a rag between his protesting jaws before he has a chance to call for help.

As quick as my movements were a moment before, now each gesture is dangerously calm and calculated. I cock my gun against his ear and press the muzzle to his temple. "Do you like being bound and gagged?" I ask in a deadly whisper. "Based on your reading material, my guess would be yes." My knee gouges painfully into his back as I spit out the last word. He glares at me, and then I see recognition flare in his eyes. His face transitions from anger to fear as he stares back at me in forced silence. He knows who I am.

"That's right, asshole. I can see you recognize my face, but I don't think we've ever been properly introduced. I'm agent Pepa Miranda and you are the shit-eating motherfucker who killed my wife." The gun digs deeper into his temple and he whimpers. I can practically feel the frenetic beat of his heart vibrate through the metal. "Now listen closely. I want you to nod yes or no to my questions. And if you lie to me just once, I'll know it. I have no patience for liars. One wrong answer from you means this floor is going to need more than a mop to clean up the mess. Do you get me?"

His nod is immediate. I glance up at Silvia who is dutifully checking between this room and the next, watching his buddy closely to make sure we aren't interrupted. I signal to her and she rushes over and drops down into his body, merging herself with the fucker lying beneath me. As she melts into him and I have to fight back the sickening feeling that rises up inside of me at the mere sight of it. The fact that she has to soil herself by entering his fucked up head heightens my fury, and I grind my gun into his temple.

"I know you have one more man in the surveillance room. And in the next room over there are three hostages and two guards. Do you have any more men on this floor?"

He shakes his head no. Silvia's voice floats out of him, "He's telling the truth."

"Do you have any more men in this building?"

He nods while Silvia answers for him: "There's the guard at the entrance, Guzzo. And there are two more men above us on the fourteenth floor. That's it." My redheaded mind reader conveys his every thought to me without skipping a beat.

A disturbed smile cracks my face as I hiss into his ear, "So, my old friend Guzzo is one of yours, huh? And you have two more men positioned above us?" His eyes bulge out of their sockets in reaction to my apparent clairvoyance. "I told you I'd know if you were lying. I meant it. Now, what's your name?" Seconds pass, and his brow furrows in confusion when I fail to remove his gag.

"Paulo." Silvia responds for him from behind the cloak of his face.

My eyes narrow into slits before I repeat in an unsettling whisper, "Paulo, is it?" The fear etched on his face a moment before was nothing compared to the pure terror that washes over his expression now. He starts to vibrate in panic below me. "I want you to listen to me closely, Paulo. You're going to repeat my message over your radio word for word. Got it?" Another nod of consent. It seems, given the right motivation, my new puppy can be easily trained.

_________

After relating to him precisely what I want him to say, I raise the radio to his mouth, ready to hit the talk button. "Remember, if you even think about warning them I will pull this trigger. Don't test me, asshole, because I guarantee you'll lose." My eyes hide nothing from him while I speak; the truth of my words exposed in every fabric of my being. This was not a bluff, and his trembling nod shows that we understand each other. That's when I pull the rag from his mouth and press the button.

"Marco? The maid. She's not in the bathroom. She's gone," Paulo croaks into the radio.

"What do you mean 'she's not in the bathroom.'?" I hear Marco respond through the static.

"It's just like I said. She's not here. Armando and Baldo, are you still on fourteen?"

"Affirmative."

"I want you both to check out the stairwell. Head up to the roof. See if you can find any sign of her. Guzzo, do you copy?"

"Guzzo here."

"Stay at the desk and check those security cameras. Search all points for activity. She's got to be here somewhere."

"Yes, sir."

"What's this 'yes, sir' crap?" I hear Marco yell through the radio. "I'm the one in charge here, Paulo, not you."

I release the button. "Apologize to him. Tell him you need to show him something in the bathroom."

I press the button again, nodding for him to continue. "I'm sorry, Marco. You're right, sir, but there's something in here I need to show you."

"Roger that. I'll be right there."

I stuff the rag back into his mouth and strike the butt of my gun across his brow, knocking Paulo out cold. Quickly, I rush back to my position behind the door just as I hear Paco over the radio telling me another man is headed my way.

Marco pushes the door open and casts me into shadow once more. His attention is immediately snared by his friend lying prone on the ground, hog tied like an animal. As the door swings closed, I take advantage of his distraction. My footfalls are inaudible, body silent, as I quickly creep forward, and just as I'm about to strike a blow to his head I see my own shadow smear across the floor like a macabre calling card. I only have time to think "Fuck me" before he whips around, gun aimed in my face and ready to fire.

My body reacts just as quickly, kicking the TEC-9 from his grip and flinging it across the floor. He launches at me, throwing his thick body forward and hurtling us to the ground. Air squeezes from my lungs under the full force of his weight before he drives a stinging blow to my face. A second blow. A third is about to rain down on me until my knee thrusts upward, pounding hard against his groin. He howls in pain before my right fist connects with his jaw. His burly paw clutches my arm and he makes to strike me again, but I quickly mimic his movements; clutching his arm and yanking our limbs out wide just before bashing my forehead into his nose with a sickening crack. Nothing like a head butt to loosen a man's grip, that's what I always say.

When he reaches for his face I pull myself free from his weight in a flash and jump to my feet. In one smooth motion my arms warp around his head, grip his jaw, and twist with lethal force. I feel his neck snap under my fingers just before his body goes limp. He hits the floor with a deafening thump. The echo of his final movement recedes into nothingness before I swallow a lung full of oxygen, catching my breath; the rusty scent of his blood still filling my nostrils.

Silvia is already through the other wall, checking on the room with the hostages. Half her body remains in view as she straddles the barrier, peering into the next room and then turning back to mine. "Both guards are still inside with the hostages. They're on edge about the radio communications, but they didn't hear any of your struggle with him," her chin juts forward indicating the inanimate body lying on the ground beside me.

"What are their positions?"

She turns away and her face is lost to me again as she assesses the situation. "One man is standing by the hostages at the back of the room. The other is in the front of the room by the door. He's about to use his walkie --"

Static crackles through the air, bouncing off the walls around us before the radio on Marco's hip comes to life. "Marco, do you read me? We're standing by with the hostages. They are still secure. Shall we stay put or move them?"

With blistering speed I lift the TEC-9 up, throwing the strap over my head before grabbing my pistol off the floor and raising it to the wall. "The man with the hostages, Silvia. Where is he?"

Her body thickens and thins before my eyes as she walks along the wall, trying to maintain her existence in both rooms at once. She stops and moves back a step before turning back to me. "Right here. He's equal to my height, Pepa."

I step forward and press the muzzle of my gun flush against the wall right where Silvia is standing. Her face materializes around my weapon, as though I'm about to shoot straight through her head. She turns away from me and slowly moves forward, staring straight down the barrel of my gun. Seconds pass by as she meticulously scans the trajectory of my aim, "Move to the right two inches." Fifteen seconds. "Up an inch." Thirty seconds. "To the left slightly." Forty.

"Silvia! We have no more time! Do I have the shot?!!!"

She steps aside and nods. "Fire at will."

My finger pumps into action, unloading five rounds in quick succession. Then my grip goes slack, dropping the handgun to the floor and whipping the TEC-9 into place before the first gun's even hit the ground. I aim towards the front of the next room, where the second gunman is standing, and compress the trigger, spraying a fan of bullets through the wall in a serpentine pattern. Each projectile rips through the plaster as though it was water, and I pray that at least one of them hits it's mark.

I have no idea how many bullets I've unloaded before I hear Silvia scream "Pepa!!" over the blasts of the automatic weapon. "They're down, Pepa, both of them. The hostages are in the clear."

I swing the weapon onto my back and pick up my pistol before running into the next room. I can hear pandemonium break out over the radio as I reach the hostages: "Shots fired! Shots fired! Marco, report! Marco, report god damn it!!" I tug at the ropes, trying to free the children's arms, but it only seems to tighten them. The knots are thick and cumbersome. This is going to take too long!!

"Pepa, he's got a knife!"

I whirl around, expecting an assailant, but I only find Silvia pointing down at a dead body. It's the first guard I shot through the wall, and I can see my five bullets have made mincemeat of his face. A knife is resting serenely on his hip, and I quickly swipe it. He won't need it anymore.

I make quick work of the ropes and help the hostages to their feet before switching on my transmitter so that I can finally call for reinforcements. "Paco! Do you read me? I need you to move in! Move in! The hostages are in hand!"

"I'm way ahead of you, sister. We are in the building. We've cut off power to the elevators and two units are heading up the stairway now, clearing a path for your exit."

"There are two armed men on the floors above me, Paco, and I'm sure they're heading down. Put your men on alert!"

"Copy that."

"Do you have Guzzo in custody?"

"Who??"

"Guzzo!! The security guard at the door! Do you have him?!"

"Negative. No one was present when we entered."

"Fuck!!" I fix my gaze on the hostages, all three of them holding on to each other for dear life. The two little girls are crying and shaking in fear as Mrs. Blanco grips on to them tightly, all the while staring back at me, her eyes filled with increasing desperation. I hear Paco's voice call out my name and I quickly make my decision. "Then we're staying put, Paco. Do you copy that? We aren't moving until your units have cleared the stairwell."

"Agreed. You stay where you're at. Keep those hostages safe until our men reach you."

Just as his words trail off the deep rumble and sporadic pops of automatic gun fire reverberates from the end of the hallway. Each shot grows closer as the combat between floors progresses through the stairwell.

My attention snaps back to the Blancos. "I want the three of you to sit on the ground, right here, behind this wall. Now!" I point to the safest place in the room and they scurry into position. If fighting actually reaches this floor, my only hope of keeping them out of harms way is if they remain low to the ground. I already know from experience that these walls are no match when it comes to bullets.

I edge toward the open doorway and peer down one side of the hallway. Then the other. No sign of movement. I can hear the crossfire bouncing off the walls as the stairwell is riddled with a constant stream of bullets. Communications are cutting in and out over the wire as our men call out to one other, trying to pin point their assailants. I cast my eyes back into the room where I can see Silvia whispering softly to the children; petting their heads and rubbing their backs. Her sweet touch unknown to them, but a silent comfort nonetheless. I'm certain of it.

Click.

The deadly sound of a hammer being cocked back penetrates my ears, and just like that, I know I'm fucked.

"You looked better as a redhead, agent Miranda," my boyfriend Guzzo growls at me. I still haven't set eyes on him, but I can feel the butt of his gun pressed into the back of my skull. He pushes me forward with it, and I head back into the room. Without warning, he shoves me from behind, making me stumble and increasing the distance between us. I spin around and finally see his gnarled face; his bloodshot eyes ripping me to shreds with their fury. "You killed my friends," he snarls at me.

"You killed my wife!" I snarl right back at him with more hatred and rage than he could ever hope to muster. "The moment your bullet ripped through her skin was the moment you signed your death warrants."

"We didn't shoot her!"

"Every one of you shot her!" I shout while stepping closer. His gun levels at my head in warning, but I barely even see it as my feet continue to close the gap between us. My anger's so potent I feel no fear. I only can feel the tremor of my fists as they quiver with unrequited bloodlust. "El Gordo and all his men are guilty. And I'm not going to stop my hunting spree until you're all six feet underground. So you might as well pull that trigger now, Guzzo, because one way or another, one of us is leaving here in a body bag."

"Pepa, stop!!" Silvia pleads, but my eyes stay locked on target, preparing to make my move.

"Step back, bitch!!" He yells as his hand shakes in fear. I can tell he's never shot anyone before, and for a brief moment I feel a glimmer of hope, but then I see his jaw clench and his eyes squeeze shut and I know without a doubt that my luck just ran out.

Zzzzzttztztztzttzztztztz...

Guzzo's body quakes violently. His gun falls to the floor just before his legs collapse beneath him. Two probes are jutting out of his back attached to live wires. My eyes trail up their path to find Pedro holding the black taser we gave him between his trembling palms. His face is devoid of all color as he stares down at the man he's just bested. His first day undercover and he's already taken a bad guy down.

I rush up to him and grace his shining bald spot with a big wet smooch. "PEDRO!! What the hell are you doing here?! You're supposed to be outside already!"

"I..I..I thought you...you could maybe use my help," he manages to get out through his chattering teeth.

"Well, you thought right you arrogant motherfucker!!" I lift him up and swing him around energetically before setting him down and kissing him again. This time on the lips. "I owe you a goddamn drink you brave little sonofabitch! No, fuck that!! I'm gonna buy you the whole motherfuckin' bar!!"

"Agent Miranda?!! Agent Miranda! Please respond!" Voices fill the hallway as our men file out of the stairwell. The gunfire has ceased. The fight is over. I can see their heavily armed bodies charge into view like a flock of dark angels ready to take on the devil himself.

"Miranda here!" I shout over the rumble of booted feet. I grab one of them by the arm and order, "Get these hostages safely out of here and to a hospital right away. And notify agent Antonio Blanco immediately. They're his family." He nods and communicates everything over his radio while I take a few steps back and lean against the wall. My heart beat is slowing as I take a few cleansing breaths. And then I feel her...

You did it, baby. I hear Silvia's whisper spread through my thoughts like a warm breeze.

No, princess. We did it. We did it together...

Fanfiction: I See Red - 15

2009-09-30T21:49:16Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - adult themes/language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - So it's been a while. Far too long. My muse was being a selfish bitch. She ran off with some of the Fates, and had themselves an impulsive road trip without telling me where she went! I'm so disappointed in her. Then when she came back she was hung over for days. So her "inspiration" wasn't very helpful in the last couple weeks. This entry is shorter than I wanted, but I wanted to post something sooner rather than later. Also, I am by no means a CSI expert, so if any of this stuff is inaccurate all I have to say is "who cares?" LHDP was far from scientifically accurate. Blood squirting up out of long dead corpses? I think not. Please enjoy! Panties are welcome!

Immediately after switching the lights on, I scan the area, looking for hidden cameras. Instead of electronic eyes peering out at me, I see a much more unwelcome sight. Something tells me there's no reason to fear exposure in this room.

My footfalls echo off the bare walls as I step into a sparsely filled space. This "office" is nothing more than two oak desks and two black filing cabinets. A lone wastebasket rests to the side of one desk containing a pile of discarded tissues. It's obvious this room isn't used for anything more than simulating "normal" business operation. The only problem was that it smacked of artificiality. It was as if the space was calling out to me like a beat cop guarding the perimeter of a crime scene: "Please move along mam, there's nothing to see here."

I can see this room is going to reveal LOADS of information, I comment sarcastically to my redhead.

I have to agree with you, this office looks like a dead end. But we should do our usual cleaning routine and get a look around.

What do you mean "we", princess? I complain as I start dusting off the lamp on the desk.

Pepa, I thought this was a team effort?

This investigation is a team effort, my cleaning on the other hand... I go to to dust the desk's surface...

"Pepa!" Silvia yells out loud enthusiastically from inside my head.

Fuck, Silvia! There's no need to shout! It's not as if I can't hear you when you're inside my head. I rub my fingers against my ears, trying to subdue the ringing.

I'm sorry, cariño, I just got excited.

Obviously. I should be used to it by now, redhead. I know better than anyone how hard it is for you to stay quiet when you get excited --

Jesus, Pepa! Can't you think about something else for a second?

I can't help it. Teasing you is my favorite past time, plus it keeps me calm. What are you so excited about anyway?

It was your dusting that gave me the idea - fingerprints!

Silvia, I hate to break this to you, but it's not as if I was able to smuggle a forensics kit in here. I have a wire and a gun. That's it.

Don't you think I know that, Pepa? It's not as if I haven't been stuck with you this entire time. Silvia uses my own words and tone against me; her voice grating through me with growing annoyance. We can make due with what we got. Grab your duster.

I do as the doctor orders, grabbing my fluffy wand and holding it out in front of me for her examination. Now what, inspector?

Now take some of the ash from the ash tray and dip the duster into it. Then use it to lightly coat the glass surface of the desk.

It all becomes clear to me as I follow her orders to a T. Fingerprints are materializing before my eyes; emerging from the glass like fossils from soil. Each one embodies an intricate maze begging to be solved. There were dozens of prints, and from the pattern they displayed I'd say there were at least three different people that sat at this desk at one point in time.

They're perfect, redhead. This is more evidence then we've been able to scrounge up at any crime scene linked to El Gordo. But how will we analyze them? It's not as if I can shove the desk in the elevator and walk it out the door.

Grab your tape dispenser.

I quickly nab it off the cart and await the genius that I know is about to pour forth from my woman's lips.

Tear off long strips and carefully lay them on the prints. It looks like you could get multiple prints on one single piece of tape, but make sure you concentrate on the thumbs first and foremost. They're more likely to turn up in any database we cross reference.

The tape is thick and clear, like the kind one would use to seal a package. I press the first chunk onto a splayed set of prints and peel it back carefully. Her trick works beautifully. Each fingertip captured in cuts of gray like volcanic snowflakes.

Silvia, do you know how much I love you?

Save the sweet talk for later, Miranda. We need a place hide these so we can get them back to the lab. Somewhere they won't get tainted. A metal surface would be best.

I lift my metal clipboard from the cart and flip the pages back to reveal a smooth, clean surface. I slowly spread the tape against it, sealing each individual print with care.

Pepa, do you know how much I love you?

What was it you just said about sweet talk, redhead? I chuckle before repeating my actions; grabbing as many prints as I can.

You're right. There's work to be done. Silvia agrees before exiting my body and going over to a filing cabinet. She pokes her head through each drawer, using her illuminated vision to search for potential evidence while I continue my task as quickly as I can. My eyes widen with amazement as I watch her out of the corner of my eye. She's a vision in white, zipping through the room like a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Superman. How lucky am I to have a partner that can do all the searching for me without having to open a single drawer or turn a single key?

I finish with the prints and wipe the desk clean before I lift up the trash can to continue my "sanitizing" duties. Without warning, I hear Silvia gasp behind me, prompting me to spin around in readiness for whatever is about to come my way. But no one jumps me from behind, and no gun is pointed in my face. The only sight that greets me is a frazzled Silvia standing a few feet away with an unpleasant grimace creasing her brow. My eyes widen and my shoulders shrug as I silently ask her what's wrong. She points to the desk drawer and says, "There's a stack of nasty porn in there."

A grin tugs at the corners of my mouth. That's what all the fuss is about? A little porn?

"I'm serious! It's gross stuff!!" She repeats emphatically.

Out of curiosity, I pull the drawer open and see a mirage of breasts, asses, and spread legs. She was right, these magazines were extremely graphic, ranging from explicit S&M scenarios to fat woman fetishes. I join in her grimace, not surprised in the least that such an unexpected sight would make my princess gasp in horror. She's an innocent when it comes to such things.

"Well, I guess that explains all the tissues in the trash can," she comments unexpectedly.

My eyes widen in shock. Maybe she's not so innocent after all... My head slowly rises up; our eyes meeting. She's staring at me, grinning. I press a hand to my mouth, trying to muffle the laughter that springs up inside of me. She's starting to laugh now and it becomes contagious. Her lips crack open to reveal a radiant smile. I motion for her to stop, and glare at her in silent request to get herself together, if not for her sake than mine! I have to bite my cheek to keep from busting up just as I'm about to add said "man-waste" to my trash bag. That's when a light bulb goes off in my head. I glance at the tissues and then my eyes dart over to Silvia, who looks like the same light bulb is glowing behind her eyes. We peer at each other knowingly, and she nods her head in confirmation.

"Keep them," she says, proving that we are indeed on the same wavelength.

I yank out an extra bag and drop the offending items into it. It was almost too good to be true. If this DNA proves to be an integral part of taking the Italian mafia down, I think the laughter that started in this room will grow to unending proportions. I'll die laughing like a mad woman if it turns out that jerking off leads to El Gordo's downfall!

Silvia's jubilant form hops inside of me, sending gentle shivers up my spine. El Gordo's men shouldn't be having so much fun on the job.

His men? Hell, it could be El Gordo's boys wiggling around in there!

Ewww, Pepa, thanks for the image.

Did you drudge up any more clues from the cabinetry, Miss Scarlet?

Nothing. They're practically empty.

Then while I finish up here why don't you do what you do best: Walk that beautiful ass of yours through that wall and tell me what's up. That's one of the "off limits" rooms next door. I jerk my head in the right direction and Silvia wafts out of me like an exhaling breath. She turns back and smiles; her brown eyes sparkling. "So, you like my ass, agent Miranda?"

I glare at her. She knows I can't actually speak a word to her or else Paco will hear me over the wire. So I just raise a sardonic brow as if to say, "Did you have any doubt?"

"Well, I hope you get a good eye full, because it's about to disappear." She turns from me and saunters away through the opposing wall.

Gone.

My heart immediately clenches in my chest. My breath goes shallow and my palms start to sweat. I hate it. Not seeing her. Not being able to watch her every second. Logically I know she can't be hurt; she can't even be touched! But having her away from me, even for a moment, makes me unbearably nervous. I force myself to take a deep breath and acknowledge the truth: She's dead, Pepa. For better or for worse, she's the last person in this world you need to be worrying about right now. I try and temper the air flowing from my lungs, but all that escapes me is a ragged sigh. I tell myself to relax, but I can't shake the feeling that overcame me when she vanished before my eyes.

Before I can dwell on it further, Silvia's back and stepping into me. The tension eases from my body instantly and I feel whole again. I let my momentary bout of helplessness fade away like a bad dream and swiftly get down to business.

What were you able to dredge up, beautiful?

It's not good. Two armed men, and they're monitoring all the cameras in the building. Of course, at the moment, most of their attention is focused on you. They've even started to wonder why you're taking so long cleaning what they termed as their "break room."

I better get my ass moving then.

I quickly stow away our collected evidence while she continues, The good news is they don't have a camera trained on this room, otherwise I'm sure they'd be in here already. But Pepa...there's something else. While I was in there I heard them talking over a radio about hostages.

Hostages?

Yes. They told someone to keep the hostages "good and quiet" until you were through cleaning this floor.

My fists clench involuntarily. Silvia, these hostages... they could be Antonio's family.

That's exactly what I was thinking. But either way, Pepa, if there are any innocent people here...on this floor, right now --

Then screw this investigation! They're our new priority. We've got to find them, Silvia. We've got to get them out of her. Now. Tonight.

I couldn't agree with you more.

____________

Silvia and I made quick work of the next two rooms. Searching for information but coming up empty handed. Meanwhile Silvia was doing her best at reaching the restricted areas, but could only get so far away from me before being pulled back against her will. Frustration was etched onto her face every time she was whipped back to me, as though she existed on the end of a yo-yo. To ease the tension I made some crack about my animal magnetism, but it didn't go over too well. Considering the circumstances, I should have guessed Silvia wouldn't be in the mood for teasing right about now.

I can't get far enough away from you to check beyond the next room! We have to find where they're being kept, Pepa. You have to move faster so I can get further down the hallway --

Try and be patient, Silvia. I know you're worried about the hostages, and so am I, but I can't become fast at my job all of a sudden. I've been leisurely mopping floors and dusting desks for over three hours. It'd be odd if I suddenly zipped through these rooms for no reason.

She heaves a heavy sigh of impatience. I'm sorry. You're right.

I'm almost done here, redhead. You'll get your shot at those rooms in a minute.

"Pepa? Do you read me?" My brother's voice whispers in my ear.

"Yes, Paco."

"We've been keeping a close watch on the hallway. Everything looks calm from our end. No sign of any movement other than your own. Have you found anything yet?"

"I've managed to get my hands on some prints and possible DNA evidence. Other than that it's been nothing but mopping and scrubbing. Any activity outside the building?"

"Negative. You've been doing an excellent job keeping under their radar. I can't say the same for your dancing though."

"Ha, ha, brother."

"Um... any luck with the restricted rooms? Have you been able to get an idea what's behind those walls?"

I hesitate for a moment before answering, "Negative. I'm still working on how to get a look inside. I'll keep you posted."

"Alright, but remember your promise, Pepa. If things get dicey you pull out immediately."

"I remember."

"Good luck." A soft click and then silence again.

Pepa, he's going to have to know about the hostages soon. He has to be ready for their extraction once we have them.

Yes, but right now we have no idea where they are. They may not even be on this floor. On top of that we have no plan of action once we locate them. I'll communicate with Paco once we know more.

I finish up my work as expeditiously as possible, all the while noticing the persistent tapping of Silvia's foot out of the corner of my eye. That is, when she wasn't pacing the room. I've noticed that when she's calm she stays put right inside of me, but when she's distressed she likes to wander the room, checking and rechecking bookshelves and cabinets. Huffing a bit when she comes up empty handed again. She's so adorable when she's anxious. This might not be the most appropriate time for me to think such things, what with lives at stake and all, but what can I do? I adore her.

With a grateful redhead in tow, I press my cart out into the hallway and move on to the bathroom, which resides smack dab between the surveillance room and another off limits area. Once we step in, Silvia takes her usual spot inside my head to tell me, you just keep mopping the floor, Miranda, while I do all the real police work. Then she scampers out of me and rushes through the wall, energized with anticipation.

I release an exasperated breath while jealousy creeps through my limbs. The same limbs that are starting to pathetically swish a wet mop back and forth along a plain tiled floor. Each stroke of the discolored strands annoying me with their squishing noises. I must remind myself of this moment the next time I'm supposed to impersonate a cleaning woman on a mission. I'll make it up to Rita by letting her take the lead if this opportunity ever arises again. She's welcome to it! She can enjoy the hours of scrubbing and polishing till her fingers cramp up. These arms weren't made for this! They were made to grip onto a gun and feel the trigger burn under the press of a finger! They were made to slam scum bags up against walls and feel their pulses weaken under their brute force! And they were definitely made to drift over the soft warm flesh of a certain redhead. To caress her body until her knees go weak. To stroke her hair and paint her face with their loving fingertips. To tease and arouse until she's on the edge of ecstasy, begging me to touch her; begging me to slide my hand lower and feel how wet she is for me --

Pepa!!

My eyes shoot open, the forgotten mop dropping to the floor.

I can't believe it! I step away from you for five fucking minutes and I come back to find your head filled with images of getting me off - AGAIN?!!

I bend over and snatch the mop handle from the ground more than slightly irritated. No one asked you to eaves drop on my thoughts. I was mopping a floor, big fucking deal. YOU are the one that needs to focus while doing the "real police work," as you put it. So did you find anything? Inspector?

There was a pregnant silence, and instantly I knew my sarcasm was ill-timed as I felt a fearful tremor flow from Silvia's body and reverberate through my own.

I did. Pepa, I found them. Antonio Blanco's family.

My mind sobers, silently praying that they're alright. That not too much damage has been done during their captivity. Are they safe? Have they been harmed?

They are all bound and gagged, his wife and two young daughters. Pepa... the wife has bruises on her face, and her clothes are torn to shreds...

My blood turns to ice; hardening and thickening inside of me. The force of my anger puncturing my heart like a knife. Poor Antonio. He'd given up his friends for his family, only to have his children bound and gagged; his wife tortured...

Redhead, I know what we have to do. I'll need your help.

Of course.

But Silvia, this time you can't... my voice trips over the words, knowing she may not like what she's going to hear.

Can't what, Pepa? Talk to me.

I step over to the mirror and stare into my own eyes, her eyes, before making my intentions clear. Hoping she won't hate me for what I'm about to say...

I'm not going to be knocking on any doors, Silvia. I'm not going to be pulling out my badge yelling "Police!" and waving my gun as a warning. If we're going to save the Blancos I have to retain the element of surprise. I have to take these motherfuckers down. Right now. That means bullets. In their heads. No hesitation. Do you understand?

My vision clouds over as her spirit pushes from me; turning on a dime to gaze up into my eyes. I immediately see a determination that is equal to mine reflected in her face. And love. Her hands find their way to my cheeks, whispering over my skin like a warm memory while we enjoy this brief moment of peace together. "Yes, Pepa," she speaks softly "I understand you perfectly." The sound of her voice soothes my mind and focuses my thoughts. "Now, what do you need me to do?"

Fanfiction: I See Red - 14

2009-09-18T22:39:18Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - for language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I have to rush my ass to work RIGHT NOW!! No time for a witty A/N! Enjoy! Please comment! Remember, I'm a comment whore!!

This fucking jumpsuit itches! How do people work in these things?

Just grin and bear it, Pepa. You don't want to give Pedro the satisfaction of hearing you whine, do you?

Hell no! I'm not going to complain for one fucking second about this mission. I wanted it, I got it, and everything that goes with it. Including this hideously ugly red wig, these uncomfortable false teeth and clunky glasses. But that doesn't stop me from venting to my favorite inner voice, now, does it?

So, basically, instead of going to heaven I've been flung into an eternity that consists of being denied your touch and having exclusive rights to your bitching and moaning? Aren't I the lucky one.

Not to mention the privilege of looking into the mirror and seeing this beautiful face staring back at you whenever you want. I smile, cheekily. Look, redhead, with this wig on we could be twins, you and I.

I bat my lashes at my own reflection, when I hear Silvia protest, God, I can barely look at you like that. You look like a different person, and most certainly NOT me.

You're right, princess, I'm missing something. What is it? Oh, I know, a permanent scowl on my face.

Pepa Miranda! I do NOT scowl!

I wink at her, and then glance over at my cohort, Pedro, to ensure he didn't notice anything funny while I adjust my wig and examine my new look in the rear view mirror.

We are five minutes from our final destination, building 519, and as much as I enjoy bantering with my redhead, I've got to get myself focused before we arrive.

"Testing, testing. Paco, am I coming in clear?"

"Affirmative, Pepa. Pedro, am I coming in clear?

Pedro looks slightly stunned to hear his name called out over the airwaves, but responds with a "yes" that is utterly devoid of enthusiasm. I inform Paco that we will be incommunicado for the next twenty minutes, until we reach our target and pass through clearance. This news makes Pedro gulp, and I can see his hands on the steering wheel trembling as I take the wire from his ear and stow it in the portable radio along with mine. He fidgets a bit as he drives along, probably wrestling with nerves. It's hard for me to relate since I never feel nervous, but I understand his trepidation. After all, "sanitation specialists" rarely have to worry about getting shot.

"Listen, Pedro, I want you to stay calm in there. Pretend it's like any other day at work. No police, no surveillance, just you and your cleaning supplies. Do exactly what you do every day; follow the same procedures. That's how you can help us out the most, by acting like it's just another day on the job. Alright?"

"Okay, but don't you think I should have a gun? This taser you gave me doesn't seem like enough. If I have a gun pointed at me do you honestly think this is going to save me?" He pats the taser resting covertly in his work belt. "I have a family to think about here. What if things get out of hand? I don't want to be thrown under a train just because I agreed to help you guys out."

"Pedro, I understand your concerns, but you're not stepping one foot on any of the floors we're concerned about infiltrating. We're keeping you as far away from our target as possible. The taser was only provided to you on the off chance that you encounter trouble. That's not going to happen. If I'm discovered, all the focus will be on me. Remember, at the first sign of danger Paco will notify you to evacuate the building. Do not delay when you hear this warning. Get to the emergency exit and down the stairs as fast as you can, no matter what you hear over the wire. I promised your wife I'd keep you safe and I meant it."

"I sure hope you know what you're doing, agent Miranda."

"Trust me, Pedro. This is my 22nd time going undercover. I live for this shit."

________

The foyer of the building was dull and uninspired. No art hung on the walls, and no decoration brightened the scenery. Just a pallid off-white color welcomed us while we pulled our carts through the doors and up to the security guard - who I noticed happened to be armed to the teeth. He was packing more than I do on a good day: pepper spray, knife, baton, two automatic pistols and I spied a shotgun stowed on a rack under his desk. This coupled with his Italian accent gave me credible evidence that he wasn't someone I wanted to tip off.

As planned, Pedro took the lead, introducing me as Señorita Sara Ramirez and reiterating that his company had emailed over all of my necessary paperwork earlier that day since his normal partner was out sick. Apparently, security was rather tight at building 519, which would be unusual under normal circumstances. However, considering they were housing a front for the Italian mafia, I can't say that it surprised me.

Security officer Guzzo (at least they weren't stupid enough to give him a Spanish name) tapped his computer keyboard and went over the information in front of him. He even tested me on the spot by asking my birthday, address and DNI number. The answers rolled off my tongue effortlessly, as though he were asking me the time of day. I'd become quite practiced at spouting off mundane information without a hint of hesitancy. Then he examined our carts thoroughly, checking that everything was in its proper place and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary. When he saw the radio sitting on my cart he paused.

"What this?" He inquired, his Italian accent tainting his broken spanish.

"Oh, that's just a radio. Sara sometimes likes to listen to music while she works. That's not a problem is it?" Pedro interjected.

Guzzo picked up the portable boom box, shook it a bit, and turned it on. He twisted the dial and managed to pick up several different stations along the way. Convinced it was the real thing, he sat it back down and nodded his consent.

Though he seemed satisfied, I unfortunately had one last hurtle to overcome. "Arms up. I frisk you." My eyes dart over to Pedro who'd never mentioned this part of my "initiation" into the wonderful world of being a sanitation specialist. His eyes widened a bit, but I gave him an imperceptible shake of my head asking him to keep quiet and let Guzzo do his worst. After all, I wasn't packing any heat on my person, and our wires were safely tucked away into my handy-dandy radio at the moment. So what could he find other than an annoyed brunette and one really pissed off redheaded ghost?

"Why does he want to frisk you, Pepa? Did we raise his suspicions somehow?" Silvia is walking around me watching our Italian friend closely, chewing on the inside of her cheek with worry. My arms are outstretched to my sides as he bends down, starting at my ankles. His rough hands run slowly up my left leg. A bit too slowly, I notice.

I endure his unwanted touch while his fingers flex against my muscles. He sure was taking his time. I swear it felt like a whole minute passed before he got on to the next leg. My skin was practically screaming in protest from the unwanted contact. As he reached the end of my long legs, his hands roamed around the back of me apparently feeling for contraband, though it was obvious at this point that the only "contraband" he was looking for was in the shape of a woman's body, which, considering his ugly mug, was probably the only way he ever got any action.

Silvia had caught on as well, and her previous worry had morphed into full-blown hatred. "So you like feeling women up, huh? That's how you get your rocks off?! Pepa, this son-of-a-bitch better get his hands off you right now or I'll..." her eyes rake in the surrounding area looking for a weapon, as if she could wield anything. She huffs, knowing that her fury has no outlet, and then finishes, "I'll haunt him. That's what I'll do! I'll fucking haunt him until he dies, and then when he joins me in purgatory I'll smash his slimy fucking face in!"

My lip twitches upon hearing her spew venom at my Italian molester, but I continue to stand motionless. He's now standing at his full height (which is a head shorter than I am) rubbing up my sides with his grubby little fingers. I so want to spit in this man's face, but my mission takes precedence over anything else. It was really quite funny, actually. For once I was the one who was putting the mission first and setting my own emotions aside, meanwhile my redhead was fuming and spouting that I needed to knee Signor Guzzo in the nuts.

"I like tall girls, dolce bella. You see me after, we have some fun, no?" He sneered at me and I forced a smile back at him.

"Dolce Bella?? Is this guy blind, Pepa? You look hideous! Something's seriously wrong with this guy."

Silvia's continued onslaught against the security guard was understandable. I mean, she was using the only weapon she had at her disposal - her mouth. But all I can do is frown slightly at her unintentional insult to my looks. I didn't think I looked that bad... Well, okay, I looked pretty bad. But what can I say? Red just doesn't suit me. Silvia on the other hand...

"Pepa, you need to tell him to back off. Now, dammit! We have work to do!"

Figures that she'd give herself an out like that. I'm sure later she'll claim that she wasn't jealous in the least. She was just frustrated that Guzzo was delaying our investigation. Yeah right. There was only one thing Silvia hated more than losing control of her emotions, and that was admitting to it.

Instead of taking my princess' advice, however, I simply lower my arms and take a small step back while pinching Guzzo's cheek lightly. "You're quite the sweet talker, aren't you?"

"Well...I..." Now he's blushing. Ugh! It grosses me out that I'm actually encouraging the idea that groping unassuming women will win over their affections. All I can hope is that it'll earn him a sharp slap to the face at some point in his life.

"Hasta luego, cariño," I reply softly, turning back to my cart and jerking my chin at Pedro to get a move on. I see Silvia glaring at me with her arms crossed over her chest, but she remains mute. Deep down she knows that on undercover missions going with the flow is the best way to not attract attention.

"Hold on!" Guzzo grabs my arm with his meaty paw, making my body as tense as a newly strung bow. My patience is now wearing so thin I'm a heartbeat away from breaking his face in two.

Pedro sees fire blaze in my eyes for a moment and jumps forward to intervene, "Yes? Is there anything wrong?"

Guzzo turns me back toward him. His eyes roam up my body one last time with appreciation before he winks. Then he looks at my companion and grumbles, "The frequency. Which frequency you use?"

My lungs release a small sigh of relief. Two things had been running through my mind: 1) We had just been made, or 2) Mr. Grabby was going to cop one last feel, in which case this whole operation was about to go up in smoke because I was gonna set fire to his ass!

Pedro relays the frequency of our walkie-talkies to Guzzo so that he can monitor our communications. Pedro had said it was standard procedure for the security guards to listen in on his crew's activity, and in fact he's witnessed guards scanning frequencies looking for any suspicious communications. Our wire was on an encrypted channel, but I decided that on the off chance that El Creepo was going to be scouring the radio waves I'd give him a reason to stay put.

I ran my hand over Guzzo's arm and whispered, "So, you're going to be hearing my sweet voice all night? I like that. Maybe I'll send you some secret messages, si?" I return his wink and an blow him a kiss.

"You're laying it on a bit thick, Pepa, don't you think?" Silvia was still glowering at me, arms akimbo.

I thought maybe I'd gone a bit over the top as well, but the meat head was really eating it up; catching my kiss in the air and kissing his own hand. He was a strange guy: One minute he was administering unwelcome gropes, the next he was blushing from blown kisses. It gave me the creeps.

Pedro thankfully stepped in at that moment and said, "Well, we better get started, Sara. The night is young and we have a lot of work to do." I nod my head and follow him to the elevator, suddenly glad to have Pedro with me. Yes, he was arrogant, but so far his timing and delivery had been impeccable. His presence gave me a good feeling, which was always something I valued when on a mission. It usually preceded a smooth operation. Well, I guess when it comes to gut instincts Silvia's may be right on but mine are for shit...

________

Knowing there are cameras in the elevator, and at the end of every corridor of the building, wasn't making this mission a simple undertaking. It had been three hours - yes, three hours - since Pedro and I got on the lift together and headed off to work. And in all that time - nada. Nothing but mopping, sweeping, and dumping waste baskets. When I decided to become a cop I didn't realize that janitorial skills would be a prerequisite. I hate to clean. Silvia can attest to this. In fact, most of our spats start out with my redhead unleashing some sarcastic comment along the lines of: "Pepa, is running a dishwasher too difficult for you?" or "Pepa, do you enjoy flies in our home? Because this sticky mess tells me you do."

But I shouldn't complain. This delay in actual police work was entirely expected. It was all part of our master plan to cast a spell of complacency over our enemies. Perhaps even lull our friend Guzzo into a peaceful slumber behind the front desk. As it turned out, my "sweet talking" to my not-so-secret admirer over the walkies never came to fruition. The only sound bites that reached his ears had been smatterings of correspondence between Pedro and I; totally mundane and inconsequential dialogue that was even putting me to sleep.

Early on in the night I turned on my radio and shimmied around to the music for a bit. I'm sure Guzzo enjoyed that scene well enough over the security cameras. However, I didn't do it for his gratification. The music gave me the perfect front: By giving the impression of "singing along" from time to time, I was able to speak with Paco over the wire without giving myself away. So far, of course, I had nothing to report. I'd worked my way through five floors, and now I was just one elevator stop away from doing some actual investigative work. Just five more rooms to go...

In the meantime, unfortunately, I was bored out my mind. Cleaning office after office was about the worst job I could possibly imagine. I could really use Silvia's help right about now, either by chipping in or alleviating my boredom. And since I only had one option...

Forget making love to me, redhead. I'd be satisfied if you could hold a mop right about now.

Oh thanks, Pepa. So even in death you want me to clean up for you? How romantic.

Consider it a complement, princess. You know I stink at cleaning. I've heard that comment burst from your beautiful lips enough times, and I always agreed with you.

Of course you did. It was the perfect excuse for letting me do all the dirty work - literally.

I always made it up to you in other ways, though. You have to give me that, beautiful...

I shut my eyes and call to mind the night I snuck up on Silvia while she was washing the dishes. The memory floods my vision as I try and recall every vivid detail. The curve of her neck as I licked my way up her smooth, pale skin; the way her hips felt under my hands when I pulled her up against me; the sound of her protests dying away as my palms roamed up her front, starting to tease; the taste of her skin and the slick wetness that welcomed my fingers as they slide into her --

Pepa!!

"What?!" I answer, stunned, like a kid being called out for sleeping in class.

"Pepa, is everything alright?!" Paco's voice bursts into my ear unexpectedly, making me cringe.

I shake my head slightly and try to infuse strength back into my wobbly legs.

"Pepa, please respond!"

"Yes, Paco. Everything is fine here. I was just...uh...I accidentally spilled some dirty water on the floor, that's all." I answer over the wire.

"Ok. Good. Try not to scare me like that again, sister. Pedro, let me hear a confirmation from you while we're at it. Please respond."

"I'm here. And can you please clean up the dirty water. I don't want to lose our contract here if I can help it."

"I'll do my best." I roll my eyes, hoping my new "boss" is keeping his voice down while he talks to us. "Paco, I should be hitting our target in approximately fifteen minutes."

"Understood."

Fuck, Silvia, what's with the yelling? Paco almost had a heart attack!

I had to jerk you back to reality. We're on a mission, Pepa, or did you forget that?

I'm sorry, but three hours of mind-numbing work can get a little, oh, I don't know - mind numbing! I was just keeping my brain occupied. Besides, I was taking a break. I'm allowed to have a break, aren't I? Pedro wouldn't want me to get overworked.

It seemed to me that your "break" was what was causing you to get overworked.

Oh, c'mon, princess, you enjoyed it. I pictured it just for you. Were you able to watch it with me, you know, like with my dreams?

Yes, well...kind of. It was fuzzy. And whether I enjoyed it or not is beside the point. I'm not doing all this work to come back to you only to have you get killed! Now get focused, Miranda! I mean it!

Alright, alright. Focusing.

I trudge through the rest of the twelfth floor without incident, and I'm thrilled when my finger actually punches the button for the thirteenth floor. My senses are buzzing now as I step off the lift, my feet landing firmly on the floor, rooting me to the spot. Instantly I feel different. Alert. The air is stiff and thick around me, as though the space itself is willing me to turn back; screaming out a soundless warning that danger resides here. One might feel fear in this moment, or at least anxiety. Not me. I feel alive again. Finally. After hours of tedium, I'm reveling in the rush of blood that pumps through my veins acting like a shot of adrenaline to my heart.

My mind runs over what Pedro had told me earlier today. The thirteenth floor is unique. The cleaning company is only allowed to clean half the offices, each of which has a separate key for entry. The rest of the rooms are to be left untouched by him and his crew. I, on the other hand, was not part of his crew and was about to make a point of entering each and every room on this floor.

Before getting to work, I slip a small video transmitter out of a side panel on my radio. I start dusting the fake plants and framed wall art, all the while sidling up to the security camera which is currently trained on the long hallway in front of me. While swiping past it with my duster I deftly clip it on to the exposed wire.

"Camera ready for sync, Paco," I whisper softly.

"Affirmative. Syncing in progress."

Less then a minute passes before I hear Paco say, "Sync complete. Pepa, you're a go."

I push my cart forward, approaching the first barrier carefully. Casually, my gaze meanders over the hallway while I pretend to peruse my cleaning supplies.

My breath stops short. Fuck, I mutter to Silvia, who is lurking silently just under my skin.

What's the matter?

We have a problem.

What kind of problem?

I'm staring right at it, redhead. Which means you should be staring at it too. Right ahead of me. Do you see it?

Oh shit.

That's right. Oh shit.

How many are there?

I'm not sure yet. My eyes subtly glance around the corridor as I continue to sort through my cleaning supplies. At least five, maybe more.

I turn the music up on my radio and start to sway to the rhythm, singing along. After a few moments my singing recedes and I can only hope Paco can hear me as I speak to him in a muffled tone, "Paco. Do you read me?"

"Yes, Pepa. You're coming in clear."

"I've hit a roadblock."

"What type of roadblock?"

"Cameras throughout the hallway. They're hidden in the light fixtures. Every inch of the area is covered by surveillance."

"Shit!" Paco yells. "Pedro, why didn't we get briefed on this?!"

Pedro sputters a bit on his end before I interrupt, "I'm sure Pedro didn't know they even existed. They're well hidden; hard to spot."

"Well, that's it then. You don't have transmitters for all of them, Pepa. We can only loop video on the main security camera. We have no choice. Abort the mission."

"No, Paco."

"What do you mean, no?"

"I can do this."

"Pepa, you're pulling out now and that's an order!"

"No, Paco. I can do it! I can't explain right now but I'll get into those rooms, sight unseen."

"Pepa..."

"Trust me, Paco. Please."

The bug in my ear responds with dead silence as Paco sits and waits. The pause grows longer, and just before I check to see if the wire is still working I hear him clear his throat and say, "Proceed. But on the first sign of danger you are both to get out of that building immediately. Do you hear me, Pepa?"

"Loud and clear."

My swaying to the music continues as I pull the key ring from my hip and unlock the first door. It swings open benignly, exposing a pitch black room potentially filled with clues that will lead us to El Gordo. The excitement builds inside of me and I know that Silvia is at the center of it, feeling elated at the prospect of finally being able to join the investigation. Finally being able to use her "special skills" now that all other options have been lost to us.

Alright, princess. You're up.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 13

2009-09-14T21:06:21Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - for language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - So, if you read this and decide to throw tomatoes at me, all I ask is that they are ripe. Rotten ones stink and are all squishy. They're no fun. Ripe ones, however, are quite tasty if I catch them in my mouth. I know this doesn't contain the sexy time you were all hoping for, but I PROMISE when it happens it will be worth the wait. Just give them a bit more time, and a chance to be alone. That's all I ask! And for those of you all sad and bummed out about the news, I'm totally there with you. However, this story will give us the happy ending we all want. Another promise from supercontenta. I'll even have that promise notarized and trademark registered. That's how serious I am about that promise!

Buzzzzzz...buzzzzzz...buzzzzzz...

Ding...de-do-de-ling-a-ling-ding

Bom...bom-bum-boom-boom-bom

A cacophony of noise assaults my senses, morphing my peaceful slumber into a confused stupor. What the hell’s going on? Where am I? Fuzzy memories flash through my beleaguered mind: Cards, dishes, Don Lorenzo, a floor mat, Silvia, Rita – Silvia! White hot flashes of desire pulsate through my body as I remember our little experiment in mutual satisfaction; hands gliding over heated skin, the taste of my fingers, the sound of her moans, her begging me to touch myself…

Mmmm, Pepa, you really know how to turn a girl on in the morning.

Silvia?

Of course, silly. Or do you often have people conversing in your head?

Well, admittedly I am crazy, but none of those other voices are as sexy as yours.

And no one else’s mind is as horny as yours. I’ve been dying to get into that shower with you, Miranda. Your dreams have been driving me absolutely crazy all night.

My dreams?

Well, as it happens, there’s a pleasant side affect to lying inside of you while you sleep. Not only does it make me feel all warm and cozy, but I also get a rather insightful look into the subconscious mind of one Pepa Miranda.

You’re watching my DREAMS while I sleep?!

Yes! Isn’t it wild? My own personal Pepa theater, though I have to say, not all of your films were pleasant to watch…

Hmmm, I’m not sure how I feel about this…

Don’t worry, cariño. When the dreams became too tough to take I would just pop out and talk you down. I was usually able to calm you pretty quickly. It was…nice, actually. Not the dreams of course, but knowing I was helping you. Sometimes I feel so useless like this --

Don’t say that, princess. You’re far from useless. You’re the only thing keeping me sane. It’s comforting knowing I have you to keep the monsters at bay.

I hear movement around me. Without opening my eyes I turn my head and feel a crick in my neck the likes of which has never been felt in the history of man. I have to bite my tongue to keep from yelping in pain. My body’s so stiff I can barely move, and I marvel that I was able to sleep at all. My eyes finally crack open and rest upon the reason for my extreme discomfort. Not only am I essentially sleeping on the floor, but I have Rita curled up against me drooling profusely upon my shoulder. It’s no coincidence that I can’t feel my arm. It’s dead to the world. No pins, no needles, just flat out numb. It’s as if I have no arm at all. All thanks to her head cutting off essential life fluids to my extremities for most of the night.

The pain is excruciating. Not able to bear it any longer, I try to dislodge Rita’s “pillow” from its place of rest. With my first attempt at movement I am rewarded with a cramp induced spasm that jolts Rita awake and has me groaning in agony. It wasn’t the most pleasant way to break up our two-person slumber party, but it sure did the trick. I'm secretly glad to see Rita hiss in response to her own lack of mobility.

Serves her right, interrupting a perfectly good screw on the floor.

Hey, stop bitching, Miranda, and get your ass to the bathroom. Stat!

I sit up massaging my scalp in a vain attempt to reduce the headache barking at me from behind my eyes. The buzzing, whirling, and ringing continues in the condo and I realize that everyone is grumbling into wakefulness like the undead rising from a cemetary plot. Finally, Paco reaches out for one of the offending pieces of gadgetry causing all the commotion. His cell phone flips open clumsily and I hear him mutter, “Paco Miranda here.” Then, as if struck by lightening, he’s on his feet. “No!” I hear him gasp. His face bows into his free hand and I can tell he’s fighting off tears. “I’ll…I’ll be there as soon as I can.” His voice breaks over the last sentence before the phone collapses and falls from his hand. His body slumps back onto the couch, crumbling in despair.

All aches and pains forgotten, I jump to my feet and quickly make my way over to my brother. I place one hand on his back and the other on his cheek, trying to get him to look at me. “Paco,” I whisper. He turns my way, and the emotion etched on his face breaks my heart.

No, God, please no more. The prayer Silvia utters inside my head echoes my own fears. I know I’m about to hear something painful and horrific, and I’m terrified to know the truth. Terrified of my own reaction to it, but there is no stopping the words that spill forth from my brother’s lips.

“It’s Mariano…he…he was in an accident.”

“Accident? What kind of accident?” I hear Aitor question from across the room. Everyone is awake now, attention fixated on Paco and the tears streaming down his face.

“He’s at the hospital. I need to get there as soon as possible.”

“What kind of accident, Paco?” Curtis presses.

“An explosion…he’s not expected to live.”

_______

My driving has never been as insane as it was today. The police siren screamed out as I flew down every street. The flashing lights gave me a leg up in getting my brother to his best friend’s bedside in record time.

And now here I am, standing on the other side of a protective glass window, watching silently as Paco whispers encouraging words into Mariano’s ear. My brother’s hand rests on his friend’s bandaged arm, and you can barely make out Mariano’s face through the endless amounts of white gauze covering his skin. It’s a miracle he’s still alive, but the outlook isn’t good.

My heart feels like it’s going to bleed for my brother. On the entire drive to the hospital he couldn’t stop imagining scenarios that would have kept this from happening: What if he had forced Mariano to stay? Perhaps if he had put off the investigation instead of pressing forth? Maybe he should’ve had everyone leave town? His second guessing went on and on. I tried to assuage his guilt, tried to make him stay calm, but I know better than anyone that there’s no cure for regret.

From everything we’ve gathered from the police reports, Mariano showed up at his house early this morning probably to get a change of clothes after a night of drinking his memories into oblivion. When he unlocked his door and pushed it open it triggered a chain reaction; a pre-rigged explosion meant to kill whomever entered the home. However, it hadn’t killed Mariano - at least not yet. In the back of my mind I wonder if Mariano would even want to live like this. If anyone would want to pull through only to awaken to the harsh reality of a missing arm and a body covered in scars. Lord knows I wouldn’t want to.

Don’t even think that, Pepa, especially at a time like this.

I'm serious, Silvia. Just put me down if that ever happens to me. I won’t live like that.

Silvia rushes out of me with disbelief clouding her expression like a mask. “How can you say that to me? After all we’ve been through? I don’t care if you were beat up, burned, or broken in half, I'd hold on to you until my fingers bled."

"So you can what? Take care of an invalid? That's no life, Silvia, that's a curse."

"I don't believe what I'm hearing. Meanwhile, you stand here watching your brother pray for his best friend’s life? I didn’t know you could be so selfish."

"Silvia --"

"No, Pepa, you're not helping anyone, least of all Mariano.” She shakes her head with disdain and walks through the glass away from me and towards our devastated friends. Her hands reach out and try to comfort the fallen man before me. I see the faint glistening of tears as they flow down her face. Her mouth moves, and I instantly know what she’s doing. Just like Paco, she’s talking to Mariano regardless of whether or not he can hear her. And though her mouth moves in silence, I can tell her words are meant to comfort, to hearten, to motivate him to fight and know that loved ones are near.

I don’t think I’ve ever loved Silvia more than I do in this moment. Her strength. Her love. It overwhelms me and I stand motionless in awe of her.

“She’s right,” I mutter to myself. Shame crashes straight through me, making me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I'm being selfish thinking of my own life when someone else’s hangs in the balance. Opting for the easy way out when others are praying for survival. Mariano deserves better than that. He deserves my faith in his ability to make it through this. And now he has it. Thanks to my redhead, he has it.

My voice sounds as hard as stone as I make a solemn promise to myself standing alone in the cold white corridor. “El Gordo will pay for this. He’ll pay for every drop of blood he’s spilt. Every life he’s broken. His reign of terror is going to end soon and you’re going to live to see it. We're all going to live to see that soulless bastard go down if I have anything to say about it."

_______

Six hours later finds me standing next to Don Lorenzo examining blueprints. As it turns out, certain building blocks we put into place the day before have given us an edge regarding the potential whereabouts of our prey: El Gordo. My mouth salivates at the thought of wasting that motherfucker.

With Antonio Blanco now working as a double agent, Don Lorenzo spent the better part of yesterday thoroughly briefing him on several false leads. In face of his possible exposure as a spy in the precinct, we guessed that the mafia would be checking in on their favorite whipping boy soon enough, and we were right.

We knew the Italians may not take his information at face value anymore, or that they'd test his leads as a way to prove their mole hadn't cracked. So our plan was to have Antonio weave together bits of truth and bits of lies hoping it would keep him in the clear while setting a trap for El Gordo to fuck himself. After several hours of cross referencing pieces of surveillance from our homes as well as the false safe house we fed the Italians, we were able to link at least three different vehicles to an inconspicuous office in donwtown Madrid.

The structure seemed rather mundane in the beginning. Our research told us the building housed several licensed businesses that ranged from a temp service to a computer repair shop. However, one name stood out amongst the rest: Globo Corp. A contracting company for small arms weapons manufacturing. Bingo. What better way for El Gordo to explain any suspcious weapons activity than to have a legtimate company to back it up? Now all we had to do was figure out the best way to infiltrate those offices without the Italians catching on to our scent.

A brief knock on the door steals our attention away from the schematics in front of us. Paco swiftly passes through the entranceway trailed by an unknown gentleman. "How's it going in here, you two?" Paco inquires.

"Good," Don Lorenzo answers. "We've examined the blueprints and located the two floors that Globo Corp. occupies. We now have a good idea of every nook and cranny that needs to be searched. And what do we have here?" Don Lorenzo lifts his chin up, subtly motioning toward the stranger in the room.

"This is Pedro Garcia. He has been the lead cleaning person of building 519 for the past five years --"

"Sanitation supervisor, please." Pedro glowers at Paco, obviously clutching at his pride. I feel my teeth grind slightly. I don't have time for pride.

"Yes, sanitation supervisor," Paco corrects himself. "He's agreed to help us. Each night he and one other sanitation specialist empty the trash out of building 519 --"

"Inspect and sanitize, please," Pedro interrupts again, getting more worked up over his job description.

Alright, I'm shutting this shit down right now, I mumble to Silvia in my head before stepping forward into the short man's personal space. "Listen, Pedro, enough of your semantics bullshit. We're dealing with killers here. Real psychopaths who will flay you alive if they catch your ass looking the wrong way. Our job is to make sure that doesn't happen to you or anyone else. We aren't playing cops and fucking robbers, this is some serious shit. So cut the crap, cooperate with us, and don't speak unless spoken to. Got it?"

Pedro may be an arrogant ass, but lucky for us he wasn't stupid. His gulp was the only sound I heard from his general direction over the next ten minutes as Paco relayed everything he'd learned. Basically, it came to this: They needed someone to go undercover with Pedro. His being around for over five years gave whomever accompanied him some credibility and helped abate doubts that may arise with a new face.

To me it was obvious who the choice for this operation was: Yours truly. To Paco, however, it wasn't so clear cut.

Knock, knock, knock

"You wanted to see me, inspector?" Rita steps through the doorway, her eyes taking in the stranger and the blueprints scattered across the table with interest.

"Rita, we may have a job for you," Paco proposes.

"For her?" I can't believe my ears.

"Yes, Pepa. Nearly all the employees at the cleaning company are women. It would raise unnecessary suspicion if a man were to go undercover with Pedro."

"And what the fuck am I, Paco? Do I look like I'm packing a penis in these fucking pants!"

"Pepa!" Don Lorenzo scolds me with a warning glare in his eyes.

"No, Don Lorenzo, this is bullshit and you know it. She can't do this type of job!"

"I resent that, Pepa!!" Rita cries out, but I ignore her completely.

"Pepa, it's too risky sending you in. You're practically six feet tall. You're too conspicuous --"

"Then I'll fucking slouch! I'll put a fucking hump on my back and say I've got scoliosis! I don't give a shit what your reasons are for passing me over, Paco, but they're done. I'm going in. End of story."

Rita steps forward defiantly. "How dare you insult me and toss me aside as though I'm not even in the room! I can handle this job just as well as you can --"

"No Rita, you can't. I think you're a good cop, but you have no undercover experience. I do." My eyes flash angrily back at my brother. "I'm also the best shot in the precinct and I can jimmy a lock faster than you can tie your shoes, big brother. If I encounter any doors our friend Pedro can't get me past I'll find a way in, trust me. I'm doing this, Paco. I'm the one for this mission."

Paco turns to face my father-in-law. "Don Lorenzo? What do you think?"

"This is bullshit! I have just as much right to go in as Pepa does! I lost people too! People I cared about! People I loved! Silvia wasn't the only one who died that day!" Her voice quivers with anger as she finishes her plea, tears starting to stream down her face. A few moments earlier and a comment like that would have set me off, but all I can feel now is sadness and pity for my friend. Silvia and I got to spend our last precious moments together, looking into each others eyes. She didn't even know Montoya was dying until it was too late.

Silvia steps out of me and stares into Rita's watering eyes with renewed sympathy. "She can't do this Pepa. If she goes in she'll get herself killed. It has to be you. Both of us. I'm sure of it." I nod in understanding, knowing her sixth sense is telling her I'm right. Though her instincts and I have travelled a rocky road thus far, we couldn't be in more agreement on this fact.

I glance over and see that Paco's expression has softened as he regards Rita before gazing back at me knowingly. Her near hysteria hasn't gone unnoticed by Don Lorenzo either; his eyes lock with mine in understanding and I know I've won this fight.

Instead of giving Rita a straight answer Paco touches her arm and gently pulls her toward the door. She pulls out of his grip with a sob, hurt by their decision. Her eyes scan the room before she rests her eyes on my brother and states with conviction, "This isn't fair, Paco. None of this is fair. It wasn't fair."

"I know, Rita. I know." He puts his arm across her shoulders and pulls her into a tight embrace, walking her out of the room.

My mind resets instantly as they exit the room, immediately focused back on the task at hand. "So, Papa, when do I go in? You know I've just been dying to clean El Gordo's clock."

Pepsi Challenge: Primer Año de Pepsi - Ch. 10

2009-09-04T19:48:16Z

Title: Pepsi Challenge: Primer Año de Pepsi - Ch. 10
Author: supercontenta
Fandom: LHDP
Pairing: Pepa y Silvia
Rating: R - for language

A/N - Hey everyone! Rocky messaged me and said she is too busy to write the next chapter, and in fact is too busy to participate in this fic! :( Here's hoping Rocky has a good time in RL! So consequently, I had to jump in early to write the next installment. Enjoy! Oh, and thanks to bigmarianfan for leaving off at such a good spot! soorpanakha , you're up next! (On a side note: I am going away this weekend. Don't expect an "I See Red" update for at least a week. Sorry, RL calls!)

"SILVIA!" I try yelling again but she is too far away. Those beautiful waves are creating a nasty sound barrier between me and my princesa. And now that fucking blonde is sitting on the sun bed next to her - MY sun bed!! My body heat rises as I march toward them, my head feeling like the top of a thermometer about to explode.

Trudging through the sand is taking what seems like an eternity, but I'm slowly closing in. Unfortunately I'm not fast enough; the topless blonde is now putting lotion on the back of my pelirroja! How dare she! How dare Silvia let her!! That's my job! If ever there was a job for a girlfriend, it's putting the fucking lotion on her lover's back!!

My pelirroja is holding her thick locks of hair up, allowing the stranger easy access to that perfect, delicate skin. Now she is toying with the tie on the back of Silvia's bikini! She's starting to tug while laughing. They are BOTH laughing. What the FUCK!

Just before I reach them the blonde looks up and sees me. My eyes bore into her with clear intent to kill. She's so lucky I don't have my gun...

She gets the picture rather quickly and jumps up, waves goodbye, and heads in the opposite direction down the beach. Silvia looks surprised at her sudden departure...and is that disappointment I see on her face??

My feet kick up sand when I reach my pelirroja lying lazily on her back . "Hey, watch it, Pepa! You're getting sand all over me."

"Oh, I'm soooo sorrrry, princesa. Maybe you'd like your new friend to come back and apply a new coat of sun block! "

"What's gotten into you?!"

"What's gotten into me? I step away from you for ten minutes and you're letting some topless blonde drool all over you - and touch you?!"

"Pepa..." Silvia responds through laughter. I can't believe she's laughing at me!!

"Fuck this Silvia!" I go to leave and she grabs my arm.

"Pepa, calm down! Jesus, I didn't know you could be so jealous! She's not a stranger, I know her!!"

"You know her?"

"Yes! She's an old colleague of mine. She used to work at a neighboring precinct. Her name is Alicia Alvarez and she's in forensics, like me. She moved away years ago and I haven't seen her in ages - get it? That's why I was talking to her."

"So it's common for you to let naked colleagues apply lotion to your back, huh?" I cross my arms over my chest.

"Pepa, you're being ridiculous. I have a fair complexion. She was worried about my skin --"

"Here!" I pull a nearby umbrella up out of the sand and plop it down next to my pelirroja. "Was that so hard? She could have literally blocked the sun from your skin, but no, she wants to rub her hands all over you! What kind of bullshit is that? She was totally flirting with you, Silvia!"

"Pepa, will you stop! I told her about you! I pointed you out the moment she greeted me. She knows I'm not here alone."

"Oh, great, so she knows you like women? And then she stuck around and felt you up??"

"Ugh!" Silvia throws her hands in the air before trying to relax on the sun bed, placing her sunglasses on her face. "This is pointless. I am not continuing this conversation." Then she leans up and pulls the sunglasses down her nose. "Where is the food you were getting, anyway?"

I grimace a bit, remembering my initial reaction to the blonde nightmare. I glance back to see the mess I made. In the distance I can see birds gulping down my lunch. Maybe I am being a bit ridiculous; look where my jealousy has gotten us: Arguing on a sandy beach with growling stomachs. I fidget a bit before answering, "Um, well...the seagulls got it."

"They got it? Like, they stole it from you?"

"In a manner of speaking."

Silvia pushes the sunglasses back on her face and can't hold back her giggles while she mocks, "Big bad Pepa. Did the nasty birds steal your lunch away?"

Rather than tell her the truth, I just let her tease me. I don't want her to know that my fit of jealousy cost us our food, and besides, taunting I can work with whereas anger, well, that's a bit harder to maneuver around.

We spent the next hour sunbathing and chatting in the heat. It was glorious having Silvia all to myself. Being able to study her reclining form glowing in the sunshine. Each ray of light licking her perfect body. She had yet to remove her top, which I was disappointed by at first, but on later reflection realized it may have been a good choice - I don't think I could have handled it. I was already fighting off a need to pounce on top of her, but I would also have to deal with growling at every passerby who glanced in my pelirroja's direction. It would have been exhausting juggling between carnal desire and guarding my territory.

"Do you want to go swimming?" She asks me, smiling in my direction.

"Absolutely. I need to cool off anyway."

Silvia goes to get up, and I pull her back down on the bed next to me. "Ah, ah, ah. I need to put some sun block on you."

"But Alicia already --"

"A proper application of sun block. I don't trust 'Miss peroxide' over there. She probably doesn't have any brain cells left after all her bad dye jobs." Silvia shakes her head at me, but acquiesces without a fight. I assume since I am not insulting "Alicia" to her face she is willing to put up with my green eyed monster.

I pour the white liquid over my hands and start massaging it into her skin. She's holding her hair up just like before, and I realize I am in the exact same place her "friend" was when they were getting "reacquainted." I grind my teeth thinking about it. I mean, this isn't exactly a "friendly" gesture, I am actually getting turned on right now while I slide my hands over my princesa's skin. And then she had the gall to tug on Silvia's bikini string? Grrrrrr.....

"So, um, what were you and Alicia talking about while I was away?" I do my best to maintain a casual tone.

"Oh, nothing really. She was just telling me about where she's living, what she's doing..." Silvia ends with a chuckle. A fucking chuckle!! Obviously there was more to it than that...

"What's so funny?" I pull off her sunglasses so I can gaze into her eyes while applying some more lotion to her legs. She is horrible at lying, especially when someone is looking at her straight on.

"Nothing," she responds; eyes cast down and away from me. The classic give away for every bad liar.

My hands flex around her calf muscle as I coerce her to continue. "C'mon, tell me, princesa. I promise I won't get jealous." I cross my heart and she grins at me. I can tell she's about to break.

"Well, Alicia always liked to joke around. She often would pull practical jokes on her coworkers, it's just in her nature. So, I was laughing because when she came up to me she pretended to come on to me, but she knew who I was the whole time." My pelirroja's laughing again at the memory.

I'm sure she knew who you were, alright. "Hmmm, that must have been funny," I manage to get out through a forced grin, my jaw twitching slightly. My hands are smoothing over her thighs and I'm trying my best not to press too hard, keeping my annoyance in check.

"It was hysterical actually. Then I pointed you out to her, and we chatted for a bit. She heard about the death of Dr. Lucia Castillo. She's just as heartbroken as I am about it."

Yeah, I bet she is. And let me guess, she wants your shoulder to cry on?

"It was such a senseless tragedy..." Silvia finishes.

"Wow, that sounds like a depressing conversation. How did it segue into her putting lotion on your back?" I inquire with a bright smile plastered to my face, keeping the mood light. This Alicia is a smooth operator, I can tell, I was just like her once...

"Oh, well, she started teasing me about being at a topless beach with my top on, and then said maybe it was best since my skin is so fair. That's when she offered to put the lotion on my back."

"How nice of her." My jaw is clenched tight, but Silvia is so engrossed in telling me about their conversation she doesn't even noticed. My princesa is laughing again and her giggling is starting to get on my nerves. What the hell? Is Alicia a stand-up comedian or something? A fucking laugh riot??!

"She was saying that she used to feel embarrassed when she'd be topless at a beach, but that now she felt self conscious when she left her bikini on. Then she was cracking me up, telling me I should join her. You know, 'when in rome...'"

"THAT FUCKING BITCH!" I jump to my feet, nostrils flaring.

"PEPA!"

"I KNEW she was coming on to you!! I knew it!! And with me just down the beach?!! The nerve of that woman!!"

"Pepa, you promised!"

"Yeah, well I lied, pelirroja. Sorry, but these things just aren't controllable. And that's exactly what I'm going to tell her when I beat the shit out of her!"

"You have some nerve yourself, Pepa!!"

"ME?!!"

"You give me shit during this whole trip because of my preoccupation with the Castillo case, and now here you are, ruining a beautiful day on the beach together because you won't get the ridiculous idea out of your head that someone was flirting with me? And so what if she was flirting with me?! I'm here with you! Comprende? Joder!"

Silvia marches down the beach and dives into the oncoming waves. Meanwhile, I'm standing still, rooted to the ground as if my feet have melted into sand.

Silvia's right. I'm being a complete hypocrite, but I can't help the battle waging between my heart and my instincts: Do I join Silvia and cool off? Or do I endure the heat while bashing Marilyn Monroe's head in?

__________

A/N 2 - I know I got them fighting again, but I just can't help it!! I love when the fight!! It's up to soorpanakha to decide what Pepa should do next.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 12

2009-09-02T22:32:09Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - This entry is a little longer than usual. Which I'm sure no one will complain about. There's teasing, sweetness, a bit of sadness...oh, and the lights go out. Wait? What was that? The lights go out? Yes. Lights out. It's what you've all been waiting for. Is ghost_smut finally upon us? You'll have to read to find out...

It is now 3 A.M. and people are STILL playing poker. Don Lorenzo and Paco joined the game an hour ago, and Don Lorenzo has been kicking everyone's ass ever since. Meanwhile, I am on my third beer, trying not to get too drunk in anticipation of Silvia's little surprise, but no one will fucking go to sleep!! My hand goes to my hip, wishing there was a gun resting in my holster so I could accidentally blow a hole in this table. "Oops! Aw, that's too bad. Oh well, I guess we have to go to sleep." Not that I'd really do that...I don't think.

Ever since I came back to the table the mood has been intensely casual. Not one mention of recent tragedies, doubts, or fears since Rita's mini interrogation; only card play discussed and liquor consumed. I've also discovered that Don Lorenzo is a God damn card shark! He's a slick one, that Castro. Every time I think I have him he either folds or pulls out a monster hand. I think Silvia must have taken lessons from him in subterfuge. Speaking of my redhead, she's been enjoying herself entirely too much as the evening's worn on; taking every opportunity to trick me, help me, or distract me entirely with those teasing looks. At one point she settled herself comfortably inside of me as I gathered my cards, giving me orders on how to play my hand:

You should go for the straight.

It's an inside straight, Silvia, I'm better off going for the two pairs.

Two pairs, against this many players? Do you really think that's going to win a hand?

No, what I think is going to win me this hand is if you either shut up or provide me with some spontaneous telepathic powers. C'mon, redhead, give me some special insight into my opponents' hands! We could be cleaning up!!

Absolutely not! I am not going to help you cheat.

You helped me earlier!

That wasn't cheating, that was advice - which you didn't take.

At least help me with your father. He's destroying us! Does he cram cards into his sleeves or something?

No, he's just always been good at cards. He can read people. I never was able to beat him until I figured out... Silvia stops mid sentence.

Figured out what?

Nothing.

Silvia, please, I'm dying here! All I want is to be in the pitch blackness with you right now, but no one will call it quits! So since I'm being forced to continue this painful lesson in patience, can't you at least give me something to work with?

I told you I don't want to cheat.

You wouldn't be cheating, princess, you would be giving me ADVICE. I loved it when I could use her own logic against her.

Hmmm... Well, I shouldn't tell you this, especially considering what you did earlier with my advice.

Yes, yes??

My father has a tell. Whenever he's bluffing he scratches his chin. I picked up on it years ago and he doesn't know that I know. I don't think he knows he's even doing it.

A tell, huh? Now you're talking. Papa's not gonna know what hit him.

I hear Silvia giggle in response.

What?

Nothing. It's just so weird hearing you call him Papa.

Well, that's what he is to me now, right? But if it's too strange I don't have to --

Oh no, I love it! It's just that never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you two getting along so well. It makes sense though since you're both very similar people; both strong, proud, and insanely stubborn.

Oh, that's funny coming from you.

What's that supposed to mean?

Please, redhead, you are THE most stubborn person I've ever known.

Excuse me? Compared to the two of you I'm a push over.

We were broken up for MONTHS because of you!

ME?! I wasn't the one airing out our dirty laundry over the radio!

That was an accident, redhead. After which you wouldn't even TALK to me!

YOU decided getting pregnant with an ex was the solution to our problems, and then you slept with Aitor!

That was a mistake! I was wasted out of my mind because YOU broke up with me while STILL not letting me explain myself. That, followed by WEEKS of cold shoulders acting like I didn't exist!

You filed CHARGES against me!

And you filed a RESTRAINING ORDER against me! Meanwhile, you were still in love with me! Who does that? My stubborn ice princess, that's who!

Ugh!! Silvia scoffs.

Just face it, YOU'RE the stubborn one. I just have an impaired sense of logic.

I hear a throat clear and then, "Um, Pepa?"

My eyes focus on the faces in front of me staring with concern. The cards lie in my hands, limp and forgotten, and I belatedly realize that perhaps the conversation I've been having inside of my head has somehow seeped out into the real world. They look worried - really worried.

"Yes?" I answer innocently.

"Are you alright?" Paco's voice is tinged with concern. What the hell was I doing to make them so anxious?

"Yeah, of course. I'm fine. Just playing cards, right? Why, what's wrong?" There, I'll just ask them straight up, then I can think of an excuse.

"It's just...oh, never mind, it's nothing." Paco dodges the question and looks back at his cards.

"No, tell me." Trust me I want to know.

Why don't you just tell them you see dead people?

Shut it, Castro.

Paco looks around at the other players. Finally Curtis pipes up, "It's alright, Pe. It's nothing, you were just making strange noises, that's all. Like..." He proceeds to demonstrate a series of grunts, gaffaws, like a person in the middle of a tiff. How appropriate since I was in the middle of a tiff. I've got to reign myself in or they are going to think I'm a psychopath.

"Oh, um, that. I was just...just reacting to these cards. They're total shit!" I throw the offending hand down on the table in frustration. Real frustration, not at the cards, but at the fact that this game will not end! All I want is for these damn lights to go out so I can give Silvia the spanking she deserves!

You wish, Miranda.

Fuck, she heard that.

Damn right I heard it! You'd better watch what you think.

I get a few more strange looks, and then Aitor mentions, "Pepa, you hadn't even traded any of your cards in yet. Your hand could've gotten better."

Nice one, Miranda. My father must be shaking in his boots right now, seeing how skilled a player you are --

"Alright, that's it!" Fuck, I said that out loud! I cough, sputtering a bit, trying to recover. "I mean...what I meant was...you're right, Aitor, that's it. That's right. I guess I'm just tired. I was just...you know...not really thinking about the game." I conjure up a sad expression and everyone's mood immediately changes. A moment ago people were having a bit of fun, and now I pull the sympathy card and the room is doused in a veil of depression again.

Wow, I'm an asshole.

No, I'm the asshole. I shouldn't have been teasing you.

I'm the one who couldn't keep quite. And now I've bummed everyone out - I'm such an idiot!

Don Lorenzo's gruff voice interrupts our secret conversation. "It's getting late, everyone. We aren't going to be any use down at the precinct tomorrow if we don't get some sleep. So, off to bed. All of you. That's an order." He smiles gently and pats my hand knowingly. But he doesn't know. He thinks I'm sad and tired, but I'm neither of those things. I'm a bundle of energy and Silvia is my battery: She's pissing me off, turning me on, and driving me insane all at once.

You're not an idiot, Pepa, you're an evil genius. You just got the entire room to go to bed in an instant.

Silvia was right. I guess I didn't need my gun afterall.

Does that mean we can put a stop to this ridiculous argument?

No more arguing. I promise. And as soon as those lights go out you'll get your surprise.

Yes! Now where the fuck is that light switch?!

_______________

People are dragging their feet around the apartment, trying to get situated before we all crash. Bodies press tightly into the bathroom in an attempt at communal teeth brushing. Not me, thank you. I opt for the kitchen sink until I see all the dirty dishes piled up. Ok, maybe not the sink. "Ah, hell," I mumble before grabbing the soap and digging in. I killed the mood of the room, I may as well polish off these dishes as penance.

Silvia mimics kissing me on the cheek as a silent, praising gesture. She knows I hate dishes. I just grin back at her as I soap up the plates.

"I'll be right back," she whispers.

"Where are you sneaking off to? Are you sick of being shackled to me already, redhead?" I wink at her.

"No, silly," she chides, ineffectually swiping suds in my direction. "I was just going to...well, it's kind of silly really."

My curiosity rises. "What?"

"I thought I'd give everyone a goodnight kiss. I know, it's not like they can feel it or anything, but it's just something I felt like doing, even if they don't know I'm there."

My heart melts at her sincerity, her face turned from me in a rare show of embarrassment. "That's not silly at all, princess. I actually think it may do more good than you know."

She smiles back at me, a light blush warming her cheeks. Instead of going around me, she simply wafts through me like a breath of air and exits the room. I shake my head in response to her ethereal caress. I haven't gotten used to the feeling that washes over me when her spirit mingles with mine. I don't think I ever will.

As I put the last dish away I glance through the entranceway and see that people are finally settling down. Don Lorenzo walks into the kitchen in his adorable little sleep pants and matching shirt. Well, it's less like pajamas, really, and more like a sleeping "suit." How appropriate for my father-in-law. I have a feeling he works while his sleeps - and likes it that way. "What's all this, daughter?" he wonders aloud. "I thought you were offended by housework, at least that's what Silvia always said," he chuckles a moment before his face falls into a solemn expression.

I quickly try to dispel the somber effect of his comment. "Offended by housework? No, more like perpetually hopeless at it. Luckily, though, Silvia was a good teacher. Something tells me it had something to do with her good upbringing..." I wink at him and feel tenderness well up inside of me at the sight of his warm smile.

"Goodnight, cariño," he murmurs gently before pulling my head towards him and pressing a kiss to my temple.

"Goodnight, Papa. Sleep well."

"You tell Silvia to come visit me now, alright?"

"I will."

He pats my cheek and turns to leave. As he steps forward Silvia crosses the threshold and sees her father exiting the room. "Papa, I was looking for you!" She quickly brushes her lips across his cheek as he passes by. He abruptly stops, his hand absentmindedly stroking his jaw, a small smile curling his lips. Then, as if nothing had happened, he continues on his way.

__________

Everyone insisted that Don Lorenzo take the bedroom. The one bedroom. The rest of us are vying for a place on the floor since we also insisted upon Paco sleeping on the couch. This isn't the ideal place for a pack of six (seven if Mariano had stuck around) to shack up together.

I eagerly snatch up the only place that grants even the slightest bit of privacy - the space between the wall and the back of the couch. Yep, I've been scoping out this spot all evening, a nice piece of 5' x 9' real estate - large enough to sprawl out if need be. I also figure that the only way anyone can see me is if they were practically standing on top of me. So here I rest, with my pathetically thin foam mat keeping me an inch off the hardwood floor, and a sad little blanket lying on top of me. I've never been more excited to go to sleep in all my life. The lights are about to go out! Finally! I look up in anticipation and find that Silvia has abandoned the spot she occupied moments before. What the hell??

"Is everyone settled?" Aitor is at the light switch. He receives grunts and moans in response and instantly we're all shrouded in blissful darkness. But where the hell is my redhead? I look above me and below me from my prone position, but it's so damn dark I can't see a fucking thing. This is what I've been waiting for all night? Sleeping on a cold, thin "mattress" without my redhead? This sucks!!! I want to scream "where the fuck are you Silvia?" but know that it would only add to my in-patient profile at the local nuthouse.

Something catches my eye, and my vision shifts downward toward the end of the couch. I can't be sure of it, but I swear I see a faint light piercing the darkness. Then my certainty grows as the light gets brighter, and brighter. Air swiftly rushes from my lungs, and I grip the blanket tightly around me in reflex when Silvia steps into view. My mind can barely comprehend what I'm seeing: Silvia's sublime shape is enchanted with light as an inner glow engulfs her body from head to toe, radiating from her like a shimmering mist.

"Surprise." Her lilting voice tickles my ears while my eyes attempt to memorize every detail: Her porcelain skin glimmering softly, her russet curls shining like fire, her deep brown eyes beaming with an intensity befit an angel. I am speechless. Thoughtless. Her presence has overwhelmed me, and I'm drowning in the sight of her.

I have no idea what my expression conveys, but an unexpected look of concern crosses her face, prompting her to kneel down and lie next to me; her radiance spilling forth all around her. "Are you alright, sweetheart? Pepa?" My slack-jawed response making her snicker. "You don't have to say anything, just nod."

Nod. Yes. How do I nod again?

As if she heard me, she coaxes, "You can nod right. Like this..." her head bobs up and down.

Hello? Earth to Pepa. Move your head up and down so she knows you can still function, dimwit! My inner monologue coerces me to follow her instructions.

She laughs again as my head nods slowly. Her hand caresses my cheek, allowing her incandescence to warm my skin ever so slightly. "Do you like my surprise?"

I nod my head vigorously, my paralysis finally abandoning me as I mirror her movements, raising my arm up to sculpt her perfect face. Her shimmering light bends and folds around my fingers creating phantom waves of luminance. She blurs and parts at my touch while my eyes dance over her features in astonishment. Without warning she drops her elbow and rolls into me, infusing me with her effervescence. My head drops back onto my pillow as my chest rises from the ground in physical reaction to her presence. My heart skipping with each pulse of energy she sends through me.

I thought it'd be easier for us to talk like this.

Oh God, redhead, every time you do that to me...

You like the feeling of me inside you?

Don't get me started, princess.

I hear her laughter trill through my ears like a song.

Silvia, you looked like an angel standing there. No, better than an angel - a Goddess!! So unbelievably beautiful, I can't even... How did you... When did you...?

Her laughter continues before she explains, I was surprised by it myself the other night when I went to check on Paco. You had fallen asleep in our room with the lamp on, but once I entered the rest of the house I saw light just glowing off my skin. I was totally confused by it. I can't imagine what causes it. I'm not sure if it's a reaction to the dark, or if the light has reflective properties -- Oh, Pepa, I almost forgot to tell you: I can see in the dark!! She finishes in a rush.

You what? I'm barely able to get out before she rapidly sits up, pulling her spirit from me with unexpected vigor. As she stands she explains, "I can see the entire room as though it were lit up, only not. I mean, it doesn't look like the lights are on, I can tell it's dark, but somehow I can see everything. I can see Paco's adorable face starting to drool on the couch, Curtis looks like a blanket with a wig on top, the clock says 3:35 A.M., and you're smiling that ridiculously gorgeous smile of yours and staring at me like I'm doing a children's show and tell."

She's right. My hands are behind my head and I can feel my face beaming at her as her body beams back at me. I can't help myself. I feel so insanely excited right now that I'm about to burst. She can see in the dark? Silvia's a freakin' superhero!!

Her arms cross over her chest as she returns my grin, then she surveys the room again and muses aloud, "It's funny, actually, I feel a bit like a voyeur. I mean, they can't see me, they can't hear me, meanwhile I can see everything, and everyone, even in the dark." She pulls a face at me, scrunching it up like a question mark. "That's not creepy, is it? I mean, I'm not betraying their trust or anything, am I?"

I shake my head from side to side, still smiling. Leave it to my Silvia to worry about everyone's right to privacy on top of everything else that's happened. And as much as I'm enjoying the view I can't help but miss my redhead's warmth, so I crook my finger, quietly motioning for her to come closer. She answers with her body, getting down on all fours and crawling on top of me. "Do you like me better here?" I nod, my grin widening. "You know, Miranda, you looked really cute tonight playing poker. All you were missing was a visor and a cigar in your mouth." She giggles at me and I poke my tongue out at her playfully. "Too bad you couldn't win a hand to save your life." My eyes flare in response and I wish to God I could flip her over and pin her to the ground, but alas, I have no choice in the matter. I have to endure her gibes.

Those twinkling eyes of hers get a mischievous glint, and I instantly know her teasing is about to take a wicked turn. Her fingertips start to roam over my body; eyes recording every inch of their journey, making my skin tingle. Then her gaze rises up to mine. "Do you wish you could touch me right now?"

I let out a soft snort and raise my eyebrow sardonically. Did she even need to ask?

The low timbre of her chuckle tells me she understands my frustration. Iridescence flows from her like waves of heat, and I try to feel her warmth only to find the surrounding air cool to the touch. I run my fingers over her lips, wishing I could kiss them, taste them, and she wets them in response. I bite my lip trying to suppress a groan. Why does she have to torture me like this? I wonder, all the while knowing that I never want her to stop.

She leans closer and whispers in my ear, "I have another surprise," then slowly drops her body into mine, sending delightful shivers throughout my frame.

You have ANOTHER surprise? Jesus, Silvia, I'm not sure if I can take any more.

Believe me, you'll like this one. But...if you don't want me to share it with you...

No, no! I want!

Okay, but you have to promise me something first.

Anything.

You have to stay quite, Miranda, and I mean it! No noise! Not one peep out of you. Promise?

I promise! I answer like an eager child awaiting her prize.

Alright then, I want you to take your hands and slowly run them down your torso and over your thighs for me.

My eyes widen in shock at her request. I didn't expect those words to come out of her mouth, but damn, I'm definitely liking the sound of this! I dutifully follow her orders, placing my hands below my breasts and smoothing them over my tank top, then over a patch of exposed skin before hitting my sleep trunks and running down over my upper thighs.

Like this, princess? My muscles twitch in reaction; my body recognizing the familiar feel of roaming hands, wishing they were Silvia's.

My redhead releases a moan, Oh yes, Pepa, exactly like that.

I swallow. Hard. My heartbeat doubling in an instant. Did you...did you feel that?

I told you I could touch myself, remember? And while I'm inside of you, anything you do, I do. Comprende?

My breath quickens, and I bite my lip with excitement. It made perfect sense, I can't believe it never occurred to me that I could...

So what are you waiting for, Miranda? Make love to me. Make love to us both.

Oh. My. God. I can barely breathe as heat spreads over my skin and gathers between my legs. Is this real? Is this happening? And why the fuck does it have to happen here of all places?!!

Motherfucker, Silvia, you tell me this NOW? Our colleagues are surrounding us!

That's why I made you swear you'll stay mute, otherwise you may as well just go to sleep because the last thing you want is for all our grieving friends to find you masturbating under your blanket, don't you think?

Silvia, this isn't funny! I practically scream in my head.

Calm down, Pepa, I know this isn't funny. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spring this on you, but honestly, what choice did I have? I didn't expect us to be in a room full of people, but there you have it. Do you want to just go to bed? I understand if you don't --

Fuck no!! It's just...Silvia, I don't know if I can do this, you know - quietly. That's not exactly my style.

I know, but you'll just have to reign it in, Pepa. Those are the rules. Or maybe we should just wait? Lord knows I don't want to, but --

I toss my head back on the pillow in a huff. Wait??! I don't want to fucking wait!

Then touch me, Miranda. I'm going crazy here. I've been waiting for this all night!

You knew about this all night and you didn't tell me?!

Alright, we are NOT going to start bickering now of all times. Do you want to fuck me or not?

Instead of answering her, I simply run my hands back up my torso and under my top, massaging my breasts. Does that answer your question, redhead? A groan echoes through my mind as I hear her react to my touch...her touch...and I suddenly realize that she is completely at my mercy. I control her every movement. I can tease her as mercilessly as she's teased me today, and she can do nothing about it. A sneaky grin spreads across my face as I relax my hands. My fingers pull back and gently circle my breasts, never quite hitting the right spot.

Is this what you want, Silvia?

More, Pepa. Faster.

Oh no. Not faster, slower.

Slower?

Slower and lighter.

No, faster and harder.

Oh? Do you think you have a say in this, princess?

Pepa... Her voice takes on a warning tone.

Look, whether you like it or not, I'm in charge right now. I can either stop... I pull my hands away and lay them flat against the floor. Or I can take things slow the way I want to. It's your choice.

But why --?

Because if I'm going to do this here, now, then I've got to take my time and do things slowly, that's the only way I'll be able to control myself. You want me to keep quiet, don't you?

I hear an annoyed sigh reverberate in my head. Now she's struggling with her own "rules." Serves her right.

Pepa, I --

Do we have a deal?

Yes, but --

No buts. For once I'm in the driver's seat, so you'll just have to follow my lead or else we aren't going to get anywhere.

Fine. Her voice sounds defeated, but still anxious for me to proceed.

Don't worry, redhead, I'm not going to stop, I'm just going to take my time. All you have to do is lay back and enjoy the ride. As I finish that thought, I slide my hands down my thighs again before parting my bent knees and running my fingers inward towards my center. Her breath hitches as I decide at the last second to slip my hands back outward and cup my ass; palms squeezing and kneading the muscles.

Silvia gasps in surprise. You're going to pay me back for all the teasing I've dished out tonight, aren't you?

Absolutely.

Shit.

As planned, I start out at a leisurely pace, my patience reaping unexpected rewards. The feel of my own hands drifting over my body usually feels quite nice. Great even. Tonight, however, it feels fucking incredible. Knowing that Silvia's experiencing every caress with me is adding a whole new level of sensuality. My fingers roam wantonly over my skin, exploring places that I'd never thought to go on my own. They graze the back of my knees, the sides of my neck, they tousle my hair, and trace my face with restrained passion, and every touch is for Silvia - what I want to do to her, would do to her if she were here, next to me. But she's not next to me. She's inside of me, slavishly following my every movement. All the while I'm taking my sweet time, savoring each breath that flows from her lips; her gasps acting like a guide to my own body, encouraging me to think outside the box.

You know, redhead, this isn't the first time I've touched myself.

Mmmm, I'm shocked. She teases. Her breath catches, however, when my fingertips reach my breasts again. I start massaging and caressing them with calculated pressure.

Actually, princess, I can remember many nights in Seville that I did exactly what I'm doing right now...and every time I was thinking of you.

This time I receive only silence in response. No smart come back, just a sharp rise in body temperature, and somehow I know that it's not just my own arousal adding to the heat.

I would think about our first kiss. Do you remember it, princess?

Uh huh.

Did you dream about me too?

Yes. Her whisper is heavy; her breaths are labored.

My breathing is starting to get erratic along with hers as I bring my fingers up to my mouth and slip them inside, sucking and coating them with my tongue. Silvia groans out loud, fracturing the silence around us. Then my wet digits are on my breasts; circling, fondling, pulling...

I'd remember how soft your lips felt. No one's lips ever tasted as sweet as yours. Then I'd imagine more: My touching your body, you stroking my skin, the taste of your breasts, the sounds of your moans, your fingers sliding deep into my center...

I lick my own lips as I remember those nights, and I can hear Silvia panting inside of me, her short cries filling the stillness around me.

You have no idea how many nights I came while screaming your name, Silvia.

"Oh my God, Pepa..." Her voice is laden with lust, the sound of which makes me roll my head back and to the side, biting my tongue. Staying quite is becoming almost painful.

All those nights wishing you were inside of me...

I roll both my nipples between my fingertips and I hear soft cries fill the air. A whimper. A sob.

"Ohh, Pepa, don't stop!" Her voice fills the room around us and I'm the only one who can hear it. I suddenly want her to scream for me, to release every noise that I'm powerless to make. Each sound she utters burning waves of fire over my skin.

That's what you'd say to me, Silvia. You'd cry out my name, begging for more. Is that what you want, redhead?

"Oh God yes, Pepa..."

You want me to slide my fingers inside of you?

"Yes! Please fuck me..."

My body is trembling with anticipation as my palms head south, smoothing over my skin; my fingers dying to drown in the wetness pooling between my legs.

I immediately stop; my eyes flaring open and darting around, searching for the source of my unease.

Silvia whimpers, "Please, Pepa, don't stop. I want to feel you inside of me --"

Shhh, Silvia, quiet.

Why? What's wrong?

I heard something.

I didn't hear anything.

Of course not, you were moaning too loud.

I was not!

Shhh, there it was again. A dragging sound. Did you hear it?

She pauses and sighs before reluctantly answering, Yes. We sit still for a second before she counters, You know, why don't we just keep going? It's probably a mouse or something. It won't mind if we --

Silvia, it's not a mouse.

"Pepa?" I hear Rita's voice break the silence, followed by the unwelcome thump of her mat as it hits the floor next to me.

What the hell is she doing? Silvia demands.

I have no idea.

Rita sits down next to me on her makeshift bed. "Pepa, I'm sorry about earlier, you know...with my questioning. I didn't mean to imply that --"

"It's fine, Rita, really. No apology necessary. Why don't you --"

"No, it is necessary. I've been lying on the other side of the room thinking about how much I do trust you, and how it may have sounded like... I'm so sorry. I feel awful. Then when I heard you crying over here all alone, knowing that we're both sharing the same pain..."

Oh fuck.

Crying, Pepa?? I told you not to make a sound!!

I tried, redhead! I did!!!

Rita lays her body down next to me and wraps her arms around my neck. She wastes no time unleashing her sorrow; her sobs shaking us both with their ferocity.

FUUUUUCK!! Silvia screams in my head, making my eyes bulge.

I thought I was being silent, redhead, I swear it! I wasn't even aware I was making any noise!

Well obviously you were, Pepa!

Well, at least she doesn't think I was touching myself.

I wish she did!! Then maybe she'd leave you be!

What the fuck are we going to do now?

Push her off!

I can't do that!!

Then tell her you want to be alone!

While she's crying in my arms? She just lost Gonzalo. Her heart's broken. I can't just push her off when she's asking for comfort!

God dammit!! Silvia pops out of me, jumping to her feet. Her hands are on her hips as her feet carry her soundlessly around the room. Under normal circumstances she would have sounded like a rampaging elephant with her angry footfalls, but sadly, my Silvia's incapable of dropping a pin let alone making a ruckus. I watch her with wordless amusement, seeing her frustration finally reach the surface. I'm glad I'm not alone.

Resignedly, I start petting Rita's head, trying to calm her tears. Silvia sees this and then looks to the ceiling, tapping her foot. Then she eyes me thoughtfully before dropping down into me with one smooth motion.

Fine, I know Rita's in pain. You're absolutely right to console her... But um, Pepa...do you think maybe you could just use your other hand to --

Silvia!!

I'm sorry, but I'm desperate here!!

I am too, but I'm stuck! I'm not going to toss a grieving friend off me because I want to get off!

You're right, you're right! Silvia lets out a defeated sigh.

Tell you what, princess. How about you and me in the shower tomorrow morning?

ALONE?

I sure as hell hope so.

It's a date, but only on one condition.

What's that?

We are NOT going slow!

_____________

A/N 2 - Hee hee!!! Interrupted again. Don't you just love it??

Fanfiction: I See Red - 11

2009-08-27T21:53:29Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - It's been a week and a half since my last posting. That time included sickness, work, sickness, work, and now my woman is sick. That's what you get for kissing despite having a cold. So with all the sickness, work, and kissing there wasn't much time to write, until now! Now I feel LOADS better, thanks for all the well-wishes. I hope everyone can remember what happened previously. Quick reminder: Pepa/Silvia/sweetness in the garage/Pepa's back on the case. Maybe that helped.

Thunk, thunk, thunk

That's the sound of my head pounding relentlessly against the white station wall. Not only did I just do Paco a big favor by eating crow in front of the whole precinct and showering our traitorous friend Antonio Blanco with apologies for my impulsive, grief-driven attack before praising him for his courage and unerring loyalty, but now he's just dropped this little H-bomb on me:

"Pepa...um..." His feet shuffle a bit as he searches for the right words. "Seeing as the hit list is, you know, still active...we've, uh, made arrangements for everyone who's still a target. Rita, Curtis, you --"

"What kind of arrangements?" I ask warily.

"Well, it was such short notice, and we had to keep the location top secret, even from the precinct. You know, no safe houses --"

"What kind of arrangements, Paco?" I repeat, waiting to hear the punchline.

"A cousin of Silvia and Lola's owns a condo in Madrid. They are away on vacation and said we could stay there. Just for a while, until things die down."

I hear Silvia react next to me, "Oh, I know that place! Carlos and Agustina, how sweet of them!" That's when my head starts pounding - not only at the temples, but literally against the wall in protest.

My sudden self-inflicted wounding takes Paco by surprise. "Pepa? Are you alright?"

My head stops mid-hammer and I stare daggers at my brother. "No I'm not alright, Paco! No fucking way do I want to stay in some non-safe house, condo, whatever-the-fuck-it-is with all my coworkers. Not tonight, not ever. I told you, I need to be alone right now."

"Pepa, your front door is practically hanging from it's hinges. The mob knows where we live, knows where we work. We can't just go home at the end of our day and feel safe."

"Believe me, if you give me my guns back I'll feel plenty safe."

His eyes harden. "Pepa, this is not a request, this is an order!"

My eyes bore right back into his, willing him to back down, but I can quickly tell this is one battle I'm not going to win. When it comes to the safety of his family Paco's will is as strong as steel. I both love him and hate him for it.

"Ahhhh!" I slap the wall impotently and glare at him before spitting out: "Fine! But I want my gun back."

"Deal. I'll call Aitor right now and have him get it to you. Here are the keys to the condo." He reaches into his pocket and fumbles with several sets of keys, trying to untangle them. "Sorry, I just made copies this afternoon to make sure we all had a set." The dangling metal clangs together incessantly as he pulls and tugs like he's working out a brain teaser. My eyes roll up to the ceiling and I clench my fists. How many fucking people are staying in this joint?!

"Here." He finally hands me the keys and I pocket them. "I want us all there at 8 P.M. sharp."

"Are you telling me there's a fucking curfew?!!"

"Just for now. We all need to regroup and share the information we've gathered today."

My jaw is twitching.

"Please, Pepa. It's just to make sure everyone is safe. Do this for me?" He looks up at me with those fucking puppy dog eyes.

"I'll be there," I manage to get out through clenched teeth. "Just make sure there is cold beer stocked in the fridge - lots of it."

He nods and grins. "Do you need the address?"

My eyes dart over to Silvia who is unsuccessfully hiding a grin. I'm guessing she's finding my forced imprisonment rather amusing. I just shake my head at my brother, "I think I know where it is," and stomp out the door.

__________________

"Full house, Aces high," Curtis reveals as he rakes in his winnings. "I won the first hand, that's a first for me."

It's nearly one in the morning and we're all still up, milling around the condo, trying to exhaust ourselves into slumber. After meeting up at eight (I was fifteen minutes late and Paco was calling my phone like a fucking lunatic!), we all debriefed in the living room and took stock about what we knew. Apparently, my little friend Pinocchio had been quite helpful today, that is, after I scared the shit out of him. He ended up giving us as much information as he could regarding the attack on the wedding day: The location of El Gordo, when the security guards were killed, the time of the Italian officers' capture and placement in the trunk, the vantage point of each gunman - all of it.

Don Lorenzo and Paco had a map made up of the area, and we just spent the last few hours going through each detail of the ambush together. They reasoned, with all of us there as witnesses, that any one of us may hold some extra piece to the puzzle. The trouble was that no one cared to even look at the puzzle let alone figure it out. Needless to say, the meeting was exceedingly painful for all parties, present company included. At one point Rita started sobbing, and Mariano was so angry at Paco for making us sit through this that he pushed him against the wall and stormed out. I can't say I blamed him.

I felt like bolting myself, and probably would have if not for my analytical redhead. To her, the whole event was like an autopsy she needed to dissect. She wanted to know the particulars of everything, down to the time she walked down the aisle. She had me ask question after question regarding what time the communications were cut off, when El Gordo's men were in place, when did each guest arrive, etc. I tried to get her to back off, at times silently refusing to speak like an insolent child, but it was no use. She'd either beg me, or reason with me about her stupid fucking instincts, and as usual, in the end she got her way. Death had done nothing to temper her thirst for knowledge. She was the same old Silvia - intent at finding the answers while being completely clueless to the feelings of those around her - but this time I was the one doing her dirty work! Honestly, I felt like a heartless bitch being so interested in the minutiae of that day. It was my wedding day after all. My particular nightmare that everyone else had to endure. And here I was asking about what time the cake was delivered? What the fuck??!

As Silvia sat inside of me I tried to explain to her that maybe now wasn't the best time in the world to bombard people with such insensitive questions, but she just argued that the soul purpose of this meeting was questions, and that finding out those answers was the only way we were going to move forward; figure out the next steps. How terribly logical of her. From her point of view, of course, that all made perfect sense, but from where I stood the picture was painted much darker. She couldn't understand that she was focused on fixing a problem that the rest of us all saw as permanent.

"Pepa, are you in or out?" Aitor's voice jolts me back to the poker game. I look at my cards trying to register what I'm holding. A two, a seven, and three queens. The queens remind me of Silvia; their knowing stares compelling me to trust them despite their illusory existence, like they've got a surprise in store for me. Now that I'm willing to bet on. I shove my chips forward and hope for the best.

As the bets continue around the table I glance over at my redhead. She is standing next to her father and my brother, examining the map and listening to them discuss the circumstances of our ill-fated wedding day. She's looking at them as they speak, hand on her chin, nodding as they discuss the event - as though they can see her! And what a sight they'd see: Done up in lace, makeup pristine, hair pulled back into an elegant coiffure. Without warning, Don Lorenzo slides past Paco to grab a folder, startling Silvia by sailing straight her. She gasps, and her shocked expression gives away exactly what I suspected: She wasn't just acting like she was part of the meeting, she actually believed she was there! She stomps her feet silently and mutters a swear before trying to swat at a pile of papers, not knowing I am watching. Her inability to physically be part of this investigation is really starting to piss her off, and I have to suppress my laughter as I watch her frustrated gyrations. To think of my opinionated Silvia not being able to express her opinions, and now she has to rely on me of all people to voice every fucking thing that pops into her head. Fuck, I'm a doer, not a talker! Fate sure has a wicked sense of humor.

As if she can sense my amusement, Silvia's eyes jerk toward me. I bite my lips closed and concentrate on my cards with renewed interest.

"Alright, I call." It's just Curtis and I left. He puts forth two pairs - kings and jacks. I lay down my three queens and accept my winnings, not missing the opportunity to rib him about my girls beating his boys. He grins and we all chuckle a bit. Evidently, the poker game Aitor suggested was doing the trick: Actually taking our minds off of things, if only for the moment.

Just as I was starting to relax for the first time in days, I see my redhead sauntering slowly around the table. The moment our gazes meet I feel imprisoned in her eyes. She's got that look. That "I'm going to tease you" look, and I'm suddenly far from relaxed. As the newly shuffled cards are dealt out I watch her look over everyone's hand surreptitiously. She keeps pulling expressions along the lines of "uh, oh, these cards look good," or "geez, Pepa, you've got your work cut out for you" clearly trying to distract me. I try to look down at my cards but my eyes continue to rise up to her like magnets, unable to escape her pull.

She eventually makes her way to me and leans over my shoulder, her mouth inches from my ear. She regards my cards, which happen to include three aces. Not too shabby, but she of course tsks, "Pepa, my love, you're going to have to do better than that." I covertly grimace at her in disbelief. "I'm serious. Rita's going to beat you, no contest." She leans in closer and purrs into my ear, "But you might win if you go for the flush." I swallow in response to the chill that runs up my spine. Looking down, I see all hearts except for two of the three aces I hold in my hand. My eyes capture hers suspiciously. Do I trust her, or do I go with my gut? She's always going with her instincts, why not me? Besides, something about this just doesn't feel right.

When the option to trade out cards comes my way I don't follow her instructions, which makes her eyebrows raise in amusement. She grins at me and shakes her head before leaning back to whisper, "So, you don't trust me? After all we've been through, Miranda?" Her tongue rolls over my name so seductively I can barely keep my eyes from closing in reaction. My body leans closer to her but she stands up and continues her wandering around the table, shaking her head in disappointment each time her eyes catch sight of the cards I'm up against.

Finally, someone calls, and we all tip our hands. Rita silently gathers her chips, a slight smile raising the corners of her lips. Laying in front of her is a straight. Straight beats my three of a kind, but if I'd had a flush... Shit.

"That will teach you next time to trust me, Miranda." She's back against my ear making my breath hitch as her words vibrate through me.

I glare at her, but only half heartedly. She's so adorable when she's screwing with me. She winks back and continues her leisurely stroll. Our eyes lock together in a heated exchange, her gaze so dark and smoldering it's making my blood run hot. What is running through that mind of hers? My head follows her as she travels around the room until I hear Rita inquire pointedly, "Pepa, you sure seemed focused during the meeting. It's almost as if you know something we don't." Suddenly the room goes dead quiet and the heat that was pulsing through my veins stops cold. Damn! I knew people would notice I was acting like a soulless weirdo. My non-Pepa questioning was getting me unwanted attention. Even Paco and Don Lorenzo's conversation has hushed as they wait to hear my response. Silvia is still looking my way, though worry now wrinkles her brow.

I feel as though there's a noose around my neck, and I swear if I had a collar on I would be pulling at it like one of our guilty suspects hot under the lamps. I'm seriously racking my brain to think of something to say, but the silence grows longer. Rita's eyes are watching me with honest curiosity, but also with an aloofness I've never seen coming from her, like she doesn't fully trust me. After the events of the day, knowing that even our coworkers aren't without suspicion, I understand her skepticism, but it still hurts to see it reflected on me.

Before I know it, without even thinking, honesty is pouring from my mouth. And as the words tumble forth I realize they aren't in response to Rita's fears as much as an answer to my own doubts. "I guess you could say I haven't any choice in the matter. I have to stay focused, on the facts, the details, or my mind starts to...turn, to steer in all sorts of dangerous directions. There's no special bit of information I hold, Rita, other than knowing my grief can cloud my judgment."

"Pepa, I didn't mean --"

"You were witness to it today, Rita. My insanity rubbed off on you, making you do something that went against your nature. Well, the problem is that is my nature." I pause, willing my eyes not to water as I think of my redhead. "But somehow I didn't cross that line today. And I owe it to my redhead. I guess you could say Silvia rubbed off on me. That I've got a little piece of her inside of me, holding my hand, leading me in the right direction when all I want to do is..." My breath hitches. I lay my cards down and rise from my seat. "So if I seem focused, cold even, believe me, it's in everyone's best interest."

I head into the kitchen, wanting to feel the soothing chill of a beer pouring down my throat, hoping that may stall the thoughts running through my head. That, and a moment alone with my girl - that's what I need.

As I exit the room, my feet carrying me quickly away, I hear Curtis whisper to Rita, "Nice going. What were you thinking?"

"I just thought she was acting strange, I--"

"Can you blame her?"

"No...no I can't. I'm sorry, it's been a confusing day..."

I understand her confusion. She's isn't the only one suffering from it.

Their low voices fade away as I reach the fridge and pull out a cold bottle. The bitter taste calms my mind just before my body buzzes again with a different kind of energy. Silvia is slowly melting into me. I've discovered this is her new way of hugging me, melding herself with me unexpectedly so that I can feel her the only way she knows how. Her smell swirls in my senses, drowning out any negative thoughts that are lingering in my brain. My body tingles, prompting me to set the bottle down and lace my fingers together as if I'm holding her hand.

Rita can sure be a mood killer, huh? Silvia jokes.

Yeah, and just when I thought I could forget everything for a moment and concentrate on a silly card game, not to mention that hot redhead trying to distract me from winning.

Distract you! I was helping you!

You were tricking me, and you know it.

How can you possibly rationalize that I was tricking you when I was telling you the truth?

Because you knew you were fucking with me! Don't deny it, red. The way you were whispering in my ear, giving me those looks, you knew I wouldn't believe you.

Hey, I told you to trust me didn't I?

Yeah, I guess I learned my lesson, huh? And speaking of lessons, am I going to learn another one from you tonight, princess?

What makes you think that?

You don't just undress me with your eyes for nothing. There's some plan brewing in that head of yours, I can tell.

Well then I better ditch you before you hear what it is.

Quick as a flash, she bolts out of me giggling, driving me crazy with intrigue. "Silvia," I mutter dangerously, only for her ears.

Her beautiful red lips turn up with a smirk. "Just wait until the lights go out, Miranda. You'll see..."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 10

2009-08-17T22:11:26Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - strong language and some violence
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Good news: I got a new laptop!!! Bad news: I'm sick *cough, cough*. So, in order to make me feel better, all I ask is for y'all to tell me what you think of this installment. The doctor says I need a healthy dose of comments. Oh, and no sexy time yet. Just be patient...

Paco's questioning voice bounces off the walls behind me as my feet race down the hallway, but it's not fast enough. I start jogging, then sprinting down the corridor and shove through the door. Sunlight blazes into my eyes, making me cringe, but I don't stop running. The wind whips my hair about my head and my breath rushes raggedly from my throat. I have to get out of here. I have to get away.

Seeing the garage, I change course, wanting to reach my car before anyone else sees me. I don't want to stop, I don't want to chat, and I don't want to share in mutual heartaches. I just want to get away from here.

I burst through the door, slamming it against the wall, basking in the deafening echo that greets me. I'm alone. Not a soul is around...with the exception of my redhead.

"Pepa, stop!!" She yells as I race down the steps and forage through my pockets for the keys. I check each pocket but can't find them. They aren't on me. I instantly remember that I left my keys, wallet, and cell phone behind. Everything is still inside, back in the precinct.

"FUCK!" I scream, and slam my hands forcefully onto the roof of my car.

"Are you done running? Are you finally going to listen to me?" My redhead asks in exasperation.

My eyes flash at her. "No, I'm going to march back into that building, grab my shit, and get the fuck out of here."

Her head shakes with incredulity. "I don't understand you."

"No you don't," I affirm coldly, my stare warning her to let me be.

"Why are you doing this? Because you lost your temper?!"

"Because I almost killed a man!! A man who is just as innocent as you were!"

"No, Pepa! No he wasn't!! He had a choice, and he chose to help the enemy."

"He didn't have a choice --"

"Yes he did! He was just too afraid to try --"

"His family was in danger!"

"SO WHAT?!" Silvia yells. An eerie silence surrounds her words, ending with her breath as they never reach the concrete walls. "Pepa, you're right. He didn't deserve to die. And he didn't."

"No thanks to me --"

"Will you shut up and listen to me?!"

I jerk my eyes downward, not wanting to face her.

"But if you think he's innocent, you're wrong. Do you think for one second that if you had been in his shoes you would have given in to El Gordo's demands?"

"I...maybe, I don't know --"

"Bullshit!! You never would have turned on your own men. Never! You would have found some way to trick him, or find him, or get help. I know that with every fiber of my being. And you know why I know this? Because you're stronger than he is."

I let out a suffering breath and throw my head back; eyes cast up to the ceiling, arms crossed in front of my chest. Silvia ignores my reaction and walks right up to me. My eyes lower to meet hers against my will.

"You're Pepa Miranda. My hero. You have been ever since I was a little girl, and I need you right now. I need you to be stro --"

"I don't want to LOSE YOU!!" The truth breaks free from me with frightening power.

Silvia freezes as my broken cry reverberates around us like angry waves hitting a jagged cliff. Her dark eyes gaze at me, sparkling with unshed tears, embodying everything that I'm trying so desperately to hold on to. They're as dark as night, yet somehow shine with a light that I've never seen in my own. They glow with love for me every time I look at her, and I need it. More than she could possibly imagine, I need her. Near me. Inside of me. Surrounding me. I need her to survive...

"I..." I try to tell her but can barely get the words out as I gaze into those beautiful eyes. "I know you're here for... for a purpose. But what if...?" More tears are welling in my eyes as my throat constricts.

"Tell me," she asks gently.

"What if your only reason for being here is justice? That's all. And once it's served...once your mission is over...you...you leave." I finish in a whisper. "I can't take that again, Silvia." My head shakes from side to side with abject certainty.

Silvia inhales a quivering breath and lets it out slowly, trying to calm her emotions. "Pepa. I don't think that's going to happen. My instincts tell me --"

"I don't care about your instincts. They're far from a guarantee. You know that. Neither one of us can say with any certainty what the hell is going on. And if I have to choose between you and justice, I pick you. Period. El Gordo can go on living a long, fat, miserable life. I don't care what happens to him as long as I have you."

My redhead studies me cooly before nodding her head in understanding. "You're right. I don't know what's going to happen. When do any of us know what's going to happen? That's life, Pepa. Whether you decide to help Paco with this mission, or follow my instincts, or tell me to shut up about my stupid intuition, you have no idea what will happen. I could disappear right this second, and what could you do? Nothing." A shiver runs through me, my body reacting to the truth of her words.

She moves closer to me and her eyes meet mine with such tenderness I nearly fall to the ground and weep. "Pepa, I've loved you for as long as I can remember. There was never anyone else. Not really. It was always you. Only I was too afraid to let myself feel it. All that time wasted because of fear. All those years..." One tear breaks free from her eye and slides down her cheek. "You may hate yourself right now because of who you are. Your anger, your power - it scares you. And I'll admit sometimes it scares me," she laughs softly through her tears and I feel the ghost of a grin touch my face. "But that's who you are. It's your fearlessness that always drew me to you. Your strength. These are the things that made me fall in love with you, made me want to be more like you." She runs her hand over my cheek, and looks at me in wonder. Her shadowy touch sending shivers through my body.

Her hand slowly drops before her eyes capture mine with determination. "Now...to hear you say you want to change who you are, that you want to give up because of me? Pepa..." She shakes her head with disappointment. "That's not you and you know it. So what if I stick around? I'll be like this...this...whatever I am. Unable to touch you, or taste you, or hold you in my arms. Do you really want me tagging along in this form for the rest of your life?"

My eyes flutter, breaking off tears and sending them rushing down my face. "I want you."

"You have me. Now. That's more than we could've both hoped for. Let's not waste this time being afraid. Sitting around doing nothing to help our friends, to make things right. That's not the woman I fell in love with. The woman I love is a gun-wielding, ass-kicking, bone-breaking, crazy mother-fucker named Pepa Miranda and she's sexy as hell." I can't restrain my laughter at her description, making me smile. "I wouldn't change her for the world. I would give my life to keep her exactly as she is. Exactly as I've always known her."

My lungs fill with air as I try and release the knot in my throat. I am captured in the radiance of her eyes, and the words rush forth without thought: "I love you." I whisper softly.

"I love you more." She presses closer to me, our bodies mingling as her lips touch mine. I feel a hint of movement in the space around me and smell the sweet scent of orchids in the air.

"Oh God, I want to touch you," I exhale in frustration.

"Are you kidding me? The moment I'm able to touch you again, I'm ripping every piece of clothing from your body and devouring you."

I chuckle but can't stop the doubt that lingers in my heart. "How can you be so sure that's going to happen?"

"Because unlike you, I have faith. You said I don't know how you feel, well that works both ways. I can't explain it, Pepa, but there's something inside of me, a powerful sensation pushing forward, and that something is telling me we'll be together again. That some how, some way, it's going to happen."

"Is that a promise?"

"Damn straight it's a promise," she laughs, and sits back on her heels. "So do we have a deal?"

I raise my eyebrow. "What was the bargain again?"

"You stay you, fighting the good fight, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure I come back to you. How does that sound?"

"I still would like a guarantee," I mutter under my breath.

She leans in to whisper in my ear, "Believe me, nothing is going to stop me from keeping my promise. If there is one thing you can count on, it's that."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 09

2009-08-15T20:15:18Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - strong language and some violence
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Oh...I feel drained. I always think of a good A/N way before I write it, then when I'm ready to post my mind goes blank *duhhhh*. I just hope everyone likes this one, even if it is a bit dark. But don't worry, light is on the way, and eventually a little sexy time...maybe...if you're good...

The white walls smear past me as I blow through the precinct hallways; up stairs, down corridors, through doorways, and toward the main office area.

One of our own... I can hardly believe it. A furnace is blazing inside of me and I don't know if I will be able to control myself when I reach the traitor. The son-of-a-bitch who killed my love. Death is too good for him...

As I enter the work area I can see people scattered around me shuffling papers and talking on phones. The sad looks that get sent my way are ignored completely as I search him out: Antonio Blanco. A man I barely know, have barely spoken to, but I know him well enough to recognize his face - a face that's going to be rearranged the moment I reach him.

My eyes fall on him as he stands next to Rita. His arms encircle her as she cries against his chest. Both their eyes are red and swollen as they lament the loss of their friends. Bile rises in my throat at the sight of his false comforting. The fucking liar! The fucking coward!

Without thinking, my feet are racing me towards him. My gun flies out as I rip Rita from his arms, slapping the shaft across his face and slamming him against the wall with so much force the hanging plaques fall all around us. I shove the gun into his mouth, muffling his yells, and cock it back.

"You killed them..." I manage to hiss through clenched teeth in a terrifying whisper.

People all around me are yelling my name and pulling at my shoulders trying to get me off their co-worker. "GET BACK!!" I shout.

Rita is behind me, trying to calm me, "Pepa, what's going on?! Put the gun down! Antonio is our friend --"

"FRIEND?! He fucking sold us out, Rita! Do you all hear me?!! This betraying sack of shit sold us all out. He's a fucking rat, and he's the reason they're dead. He's the reason Silvia is dead!!" I hear the gasps around me, and some murmurs of disbelief. Meanwhile, Antonio can't say a fucking thing to defend himself, I've got the muzzle of my gun shoved so far into the back of his throat he can barely breath.

"Pepa, put the gun down!" I hear Salgado order from behind me. "If this is true, we need to know what he knows."

"I'm sick of wanting information! I'm sick of waiting for justice when I've got justice right here, in my hands. All I have to do is pull this trigger and justice is served. That's justice. None of this bullshit of talking, and waiting, and booking, and trials. Fuck trails!! I'm the jury, and he's fucking guilty!!"

Antonio is screaming against my gun and shaking his head, tears streaming down his face.

"I know you don't believe that, Pepa. Don't do this. Don't become a murderer, like them," she pleads.

I clench my eyes shut, trying to fight off the fury inside of me. Trying to stem the flow of rage burning through my veins. Then I feel her. Silvia. She's melting into me, cooling the heat in my blood and easing the pain in my soul.

Shhhh....it's ok, love. It's alright, I've got you. Just ease off. Ease off and let him go. Let him go, Pepa. It's alright now...

I inhale a shaking breath and loosen my grip on his neck before pulling the gun from his mouth and uncocking it. His feet take a firmer grip on the ground and he is weeping against the wall, thankful he is still standing on this earth. I hear Rita next to me say softly, "Pepa, give me the gun," and like a zombie I hand it over without any thought, only knowing that my rampage is over.

Before I know what's happening, Rita is standing before Antonio, cocking the gun, and pointing it at his head, her limbs shaking wildly.

"RITA NO!!" I scream and shove her arm aside just before she pulls the trigger. A lone bullet blasts a hole through the wall, sending shards of plaster in every direction. Several officers grab her and the gun is knocked from her hand and kicked away.

"They were your FRIENDS!!" She shrieks in pain, the arms about her unable to contain her anguish as they pull her away. One of them quickly handcuffs Antonio before rejoining the others, trying to calm Rita down. Antonio slides to the ground weeping and I just stand there, feeling numb as chaos surrounds me. I scarcely notice Silvia as she drops down to kneel before Antonio.

After a few moments I hear her soft voice call up to me. "Pepa..." I glance down to see her still watching Antonio, hand cupping his cheek like a mother to a child. My mind swirls with confusion and anger. How can she comfort this fucking turncoat? Finally, through his sobs I'm able to make out a few muttered words: "family...no choice...", prompting me to squat down next to my redhead and pull his hanging head up so he can look me in the eye.

"Why did you do it, Antonio?" I ask softly, while the mayhem around me continues.

Mumbling through his pain, I'm barely able to discern: "I'm so sorry...He has them. My family." His tears of sorrow staining every word. "I didn't know...I had no choice...forgive me..." I release my hold and rise up, unable to say a word to him. Unable to grant him the forgiveness he so desperately wants. Not now. Not yet...

_____________

Droplets of water litter the ground beneath me. My body feels rigid and numb as the tears roll down my cheeks and silently hit the floor. That I'm still capable of crying shocks me. I thought I'd used up all my tears on my wedding day, but apparently I embody a never-ending well that I wish would dry up. I wish that I could rewind my life and undo these last few days, but it's not possible. I can't change the past, and my eyes won't stop crying.

Silvia crouches before me. I've been sitting here in silence, peering at the ground like a statue, unable to move or speak. She's been kind enough to let me be, knowing that sometimes I just need time to work things out in my own head. Now she's done being quite...

"Pepa? Pepa, listen to me. It's not your fault."

I want to speak, to share what I'm feeling with her, but the lump in my throat feels like it's cutting off my air supply. I simply remain still and try to swallow it down.

"Pepa, no one knew about Antonio's family. No one knew what kind of trouble he was in."

"I was going to kill him Silvia..." I manage to croak out in a monotone voice.

"But you didn't, remember? You didn't do it."

My head raises, my pained eyes connecting with hers. "Because of you I didn't."

"I know you wouldn't have done it, Pepa," she says with heartbreaking confidence, fracturing my stoic facade.

"You don't know anything, Silvia. You don't know what it's like to see the love of your life dying in your arms after trying so desperately to save her. You don't know the pain of missing her so intensely that a bullet in the head sounds like a blessing. All of this, everything that's happened...it's got me so twisted inside, that I...I can't do this, Silvia. I can't..." I just shake my head and drop it back toward the ground, staring at the tiles below.

Silvia scoots closer to me, running her hands over and through me, comforting me the only way she can. "Pepa, I'm right here, with you. You don't have to go through this alone. We'll work this out together, I know we will."

Just then Paco exits the interrogation room and turns my way. I can hear his feet shuffling towards me before he plops down next to me and sighs. There is a long pause before he finally speaks, "Antonio Blanco's wife and two children were kidnapped over a month ago by El Gordo's men."

My eyes squeeze shut as he continues, "Apparently he's been leaking all our communications: radio frequencies, cell phone ESNs, home phones, everything. He made us as vulnerable as sitting ducks." Paco shakes his head wearily.

"Why didn't he tell anyone?" I quietly mutter, not sure if Paco can even hear me.

"He was warned that he was under constant surveillance. That he was being watched, and if he let anyone know about his secret his family would be made accountable." My hands clench together on my lap and Paco reaches over and rests his palm on them. "But luckily, there is a light at the end of the tunnel...if you can call this whole god-foresaken mess a tunnel."

"What do you mean?" My voice sounds foreign to me.

"Salgado has come up with a plan, and it hinges on you."

I glance over at him, surprised at how much I don't care.

"No one but us know about his family. We haven't validated your accusations to anyone. As far as the precinct's concerned, your attack could have been motivated by false information and grief. At least that's what we're betting on. We need you to sell that to them."

"Why?"

"So Antonio can continue as a mole in the department. We can use him to filter false information to El Gordo. If we..."

Paco continues talking, but I hang my head again, not wanting to hear what he has to say. Silvia is in front of me still, trying to pull me out of my stupor as though I were a patient in a coma. Her lilting voice reaching me despite my efforts to block it out.

"Pepa, don't do this. I know you. I know you're shutting down, but you can't. Not now. Not when we finally have an advantage over El Gordo. My instincts are telling me we must follow through on this." I jerk my head up and lock my eyes on hers, my body vibrating with desperation. "Please, Pepa. You need to help them. You're the key to all of this. This is the reason I'm here, I can feel it."

I thrust to my feet, surprising both Paco and Silvia. "I can't do it."

"What? Pepa, I don't --"

"No, Paco! You know I want you to capture the Italians and bring them down. Make them pay for everything they've done, for everyone they've hurt, but I can't be a part of it."

"Pepa!" Silvia is standing next to me, her brow furrowed in confused frustration.

"I won't do it, Paco. I can't be on this case. You saw me today with the suspect. Then later with Antonio, what I almost did to him...I'm too close to this. I'm not safe."

"Pepa, you're being ridiculous. Why won't you listen to me!" I glare over at Silvia, warning her to stop trying to convince me to change my mind.

"Pepa, you're...this doesn't..." Paco stumbles over his words, obviously taken aback by my decision.

I turn to him with pleading eyes. "Please, Paco, leave me out of it. You don't need me." I spin around and start walking down the corridor before whispering again, "You don't need me."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 08

2009-08-13T21:08:32Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - strong language and some violence
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - What's up, chicas?! I don't really know what to say except the usual: COMMENTS PLEASE!! Whether you like it, hate it, despise it, or just think it is boring as hell - I want to know. Again, I'm a comment whore. What can I say? I'm shameless...

"Look, we know you're with the Italian mafia, and we know the hit list is still active! You're going to tell me right now every plan you and your Italian friends have set into motion. And you're going to tell me where El Gordo is if you want to get out of here alive. Now, where is he? WHERE IS HE?!!"

I inch closer to the two-way mirror willing the son-of-a-bitch to answer Paco's questions, but I know he won't. He clammed right up the moment we escorted him from the hospital. I watch as Paco slaps his hands down hard on the steel table, making the man flinch, but it makes no difference. His mouth hasn't opened but for a drink of water since he arrived at the precinct. Paco looks exhausted. He decides to take a break and heads into the darkened observation room I'm standing in. The door opens and slams hard, echoing my brother's frustration. Before I have a chance to speak to him the other entranceway opens up, and in walks the only person in the world I feel more grief for than myself.

Don Lorenzo stops short at the sight of me. His face haggard and grey, with stubble covering his jaw like a rugged map. We stare at each other for what feels like an eternity, and then come together wordlessly, crushing each other like vises, each hoping the other can squeeze away the pain. I finally pull back and see that his eyes are filled with unshed tears that are starting to drip slowly down his cheeks. My tears are flowing along with his, and though we are probably the proudest people at the precinct, neither one of us makes a move to wipe them away.

He places a warm hand to my cheek and looks at me lovingly. It is in this moment that I see Silvia at his side, sobbing softly, her hand gracing his cheek as he touches mine. She swallows down her sorrow and tries to speak, her voice cracking, "I...I've never seen him cry before, Pepa..." she whispers. "Please don't cry, Papa. I'm here."

As if in reaction, he releases me and finally wipes away the moisture from his eyes while I do the same. Then he gazes at me, and a small smile parts his lips unexpectedly before he says, "Paco told me about your dream, Pepa. Thank you. His words - your words - have brought me more comfort than you could possibly imagine. I never -" His voice breaks, and instead of continuing he just nods his head.

I understand. He doesn't have to say one more word, I know everything he's feeling. I kiss his cheek tenderly, and he kisses mine back.

He takes a steadying breath and squares his shoulders. Though I'm sure he hasn't slept in 48 hours, his face becomes of mask of concentration as he eyes the suspect through the glass. "So what have you found out?"

"Nothing. He won't talk. I've been at it for almost an hour now, but..." Paco explains.

"Have you roughed him up?" Don Lorenzo stares at Paco in all seriousness.

"A bit." Paco answers reluctantly.

"Tss..." I jeer, knowing full well that Paco's "roughing up" consisted of some moderate shoves and loud bangs on the table.

"What is it agent Miranda? Do you think you could do better?" Don Lorenzo inquires, his familiar tone invading my ears and making me grin. It's nice to hear the old Don Lorenzo again; no sadness in his voice, just a matter-of-factness with a touch of asshole mixed in for good measure.

"Absolutely, commissioner."

"Then be my guest." Don Lorenzo fans his arm out like an invitation, and I happily accept.

I turn toward the interrogation door but Paco steps in front of me. "Now, Pepa --"

"Paco, give me your gun." I state, plainly.

"Pepa, you know we aren't allowed to bring firearms into the interrogation room. It's strictly forbidden. It goes against policy --"

"Policy, Paco?! Central doesn't know this man is alive! Hell, only a fifth of the precinct knows this guy even exists! Now you're so interested in policy?! This isn't by the book anymore, Paco, and as far as I'm concerned, that book burned the day my wife was killed. Now, give me your gun."

Paco's eyes are locked on mine, but he doesn't move. Before he can make a decision I hear Don Lorenzo behind me grunt out, "Here, daughter, take mine." He pulls his sidearm from his holster and hands it to me. Without even thinking, I take the weapon gratefully in my hand and can feel from the weight of it that it's loaded. Don Lorenzo looks at me fixedly and nods.

"Thanks, Papa," I say, as I slip the gun into the back of my jeans.

"Don Lorenzo --" Paco starts, but is cut off quickly by my father-in-law.

"Paco, ENOUGH! You had your shot, now give your sister hers."

"But --"

"I don't give a fuck about policy! If you told me that bashing that bastard's head open was the only way I could find out his secrets, than I'd do it! I'd smash it open like a fucking pumpkin if it meant getting one centimeter closer to El Gordo!! So don't lecture me about policy, Paco, when I know damn well you haven't followed it from the moment this son-of-a-bitch showed up on Pepa's doorstep!" Don Lorenzo turns to me and nods again, "Now get in there, agent Miranda, and get the information we need to nail El Gordo's ass to the wall!"

"Yes, sir."

As I head toward the door I feel movement behind me. I stop and turn to see Paco and Silvia both trailing me, forcing me to put up my hand. "I'm going in alone," I declare with resolve. Paco sees the set tone of my jaw and gets the message, finally backing down, but Silvia stares back at me in astonishment. I can tell she knows I'm talking to her as well; her eyes filling with hurt at my shutting her out, but what can I do? I need to harness my anger right now, and I know having her near will only calm me. My gaze softens and I say again, softer this time but just as adamant, "Alone."

She reluctantly nods and stays put, but not before adding, "I trust you, Pepa. Just be careful."

____________

I walk through the door and close it behind me with a resounding thud.

"Hey flower boy, how's it going?" I say, mocking him with a cheshire grin. His face instantly grows weary at my presence, and my blood starts pumping harder. I love knowing he's afraid of me. That makes my job so much easier.

"You know, I'd call you by your real name, but you won't tell us your real name, will you? And I have to call you something, right? But maybe I'm not being imaginative enough. Maybe I can come up with a better name for you. One that better suits you." I size him up, taking in his two arms jutting out from his body covered in stiff, white casts. His arms are pretty much useless in this state, save for his sad little hands poking out of the ends. He can't even drink the water sitting in front of him. Paco had to give him sips from the bottle when he first arrived, like a newborn baby, and now it stands there silently taunting him.

"Let's see, now. You're an Italian boy, aren't you?" I muse aloud while I pick up the bottle and put it to his lips. He drinks it hungrily, gulping down the water with fervor, knowing he might not get another chance to quench his thirst. It drips from the corners of his mouth, and after I stop administering the drink, he leans his shoulder in and wipes away the droplets. "An Italian boy who can't fend for himself. Who can't bend, or flex, or even scratch himself without the help of another. Your arms are as wooden..." I grab one and slam it against the table with a deafening bang, "...as a puppet's. A pathetic little puppet, that's what you are. Like Pinocchio! So that's what I'm going to call you." He glares at me with hatred, and I meet his eyes willingly, knowing my hatred burns hotter and brighter than his ever could.

"I always wanted a puppet of my very own, and now that I have one, I'm going to enjoy pulling your strings and making your mouth move."

He snickers, trying to show me there's no way in hell he's going talk. But I know better.

"Wait, what was that? Did you say something, Pinocchio?" I lean toward him, pushing my ear forward.

His head rotates towards me, eyes narrowed like he's on to my game. "Listen, bitch. I'm not gonna say shit. This 'good cop, bad cop' scenario isn't going to work, so walk away before I decide to kill you even slower than I already intend to."

"Well, Pinocchio, you're only half right," I spit out, before suddenly flinging his chair over with a forceful kick, and thrusting my boot into his groin with all my strength. He screams in pain and tries to hold himself; his mummified limbs making it an awkward maneuver. I kick his rigid arms to the side and stamp down on them hard with both feet, while pulling out my gun and aiming it right between his eyes. "Your problem is the 'good cop' has left the building. Now you have to deal with the mother-fuckin' insane cop whose wife you just murdered. Now, if I were you," I cock the gun back, "I'd start talking. Fast."

"I want my FUCKING LAWYER!!" He screams at me.

"You want a lawyer? You want a fucking lawyer?? Well, I've got news for you: This is your fucking lawyer!" I lower the gun and display it in front of his face. "And just like any lawyer, it can either protect you or it can fuck you in the ass. It all depends on you, you murdering piece of shit! Now you better tell me where the fuck El Gordo is right fucking now!"

"Go to hell!" He yells before his shackled legs rise up in an attempt to kick me off, but I thrust them back down with a kick and drop to my knees, pinning his arms to the ground.

Straddling him, I press the muzzle of the gun hard against his forehead and hiss, "Don't you fucking move." Fury courses through me as he lies impotent beneath me, shaking as the point of my gun digs into his skin. "You're forgetting something, mother-fucker: You're dead. Don't you get it? No one knows you're here - not Central, not the rest of the precinct, and not your precious Italian brothers. You're our little secret. Am I getting through to you? No one is going to protect you, and no one is coming for you. Outside of this room the world believes that you are six feet under, and I would love to be the one who makes that fantasy become a reality." I shove the shaft of the gun harder against his skull, fingering the trigger.

My words make an impact as the light bulb finally goes off in his head and his body starts quaking.

"So, I'm going to ask you one more time: Where's El Gordo?"

"I...I don't know --"

"Wrong answer --"

"I swear it!! I swear it!! I only receive messages from him. That's all. I'll give you the names! The places! I'll tell you everything I know! Just, please don't kill me!! Please don't kill me!! I swear I'll help you! I SWEAR IT!!" He is lying underneath me, broken and sobbing, my gun still pressing against his head practically puncturing it, and for a moment I don't care what he has to say. For a moment all I want to do is pull the trigger burning hot under my fingertip. Hatred boils over inside of me as I stare at this sorry excuse for a human being. He played a part in killing my wife, my friends, my life, and now I want to kill him. I want to see his blood run just as red, and flow just as hard as Silvia's did...

Silvia. She's with me. Here. And she trusts me...

It takes every ounce energy to make my feet find the floor and force myself up, stepping off of him and turning my back quickly before I change my mind. I reach for the door, but just before I grab the knob I hear Silvia say, "Ask him about the wedding day, Pepa."

My redhead is standing inside the interrogation room now, a strange expression etched onto her face.

I spin away from the two-way mirror and mutter under my breath, "Silvia, I asked you --"

"Pepa, I respected your wishes. I didn't interfere. All I want is for you to ask him about the wedding day."

I struggle to maintain composure. I was a hair's breadth away from pumping lead into this guy's skull and can still feel the adrenaline flowing through my veins. Now she wants me to open the wound again? I can't do it. "It's over with. It's in the past. What we need to do is focus on what El Gordo is doing now, Silvia," I whisper. I see Pinocchio start to clue in that I haven't left yet, and worse still, I am talking to dead people again. His eyes bulge in terror and start darting around the room like a scared rabbit.

"Pepa, listen to me. My instincts are screaming that we need to know more about that day. Think about it! How did they know about the guards from the Italian Republic when we didn't even find out until that morning? They were on to Francesca's route to the courthouse from the very beginning, they knew every detail about the wedding, down to where the security guards were posted and where the nearest cell towers were located..."

My hands start to tremble at the meaning of Silvia's words, and I look up at her in astonishment, our eyes locking in understanding.

With even more force than I showed moments before, I march over to our captive, pick him up by the scruff of his neck and slam him against the wall. "Who is the informant in the precinct!! WHO GOD DAMMIT!!!" My gun is out again, cocked, and shoved underneath his jaw ready to blow his brains out like a bloody pineapple.

He shakes and sputters, barely able to make coherent words come out of his mouth.

"You have three seconds to give me a name, and don't you fucking lie to me because I'll know." I press my body into him, our noses almost touching as I whisper, "I'll know because Silvia will tell me. And you're about to be just as dead as she is in three, two, one --"

"BLANCO!! ANTONIO BLANCO!!! HE'S THE CONTACT, I SWEAR IT!!!"

I release my grip and shove him to the floor before twirling on my heal and marching out of the interrogation room. Before Paco or Don Lorenzo can say anything I spit out, "Get all the information you can from him about the mafia, El Gordo, and about my wedding day. I want to know every detail about that day."

"Antonio...Jesus! Pepa, we should call the office, have the men --"

"Fuck no, Paco! Antonio made sure we got the surprise of our lives. Now I'm gonna return the favor." My footfalls echo off the wall as I continue marching past them and out the door.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 07

2009-08-10T21:46:31Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - strong language and some violence
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Thanks so much for all the comments! It means a lot to me to hear what you have to say, and makes me want to write more - and faster! Well, now, let's get the story underway, shall we?

I fling the door open and spat "What?!" into a giant flower arrangement. The man behind the flowers jumps a little at his unexpected greeting, the stems trembling in reaction. Meanwhile I feel just as shocked at the sight of what he's holding: a vase full of tall, beautiful blooms of red roses.

"Um...delivery for, uh, the newlyweds. Senoras Miranda and Castro."

A stab of pain shoots through my heart at the sound of his words. The wedding felt like a horrible nightmare that was slowly fading away, but here it is, staring me right in the face like a sickening valentine. My mind shifts to wondering who in their right minds would send such a gift? The whole of Spain must have heard by now about the massacre. You'd think any surprise of this nature would have been quickly cancelled, or at least condolence flowers sent in their stead.

"I..uh. You can, um, just take them back. I don't want them," I mutter, wanting the offensive present to leave my sight. Just the sight of the flowering buds makes my stomach lurch.

"Please, senora. I was told to personally deliver them, and, uh, they have to be signed for," he struggles to say with broken Spanish, flowers fanning in his face and muffling his voice.

I feel slightly bad for the poor dope who's just trying to do his job, so I reluctantly reach out and grab the base of the bouquet. "Um, alright. Just, uh, let me put these down inside first..."

"Pepa! He has a gun!!" I hear Silvia yell from behind him, her vantage point obviously far better than my own.

I stop my retreat into the house. My mind races and I quickly shove the giant arrangement back into his face. "You know, on second thought, I don't want your fucking flowers!! In case you weren't aware, that was the worst day of my life. So you can go tell your boss that he can FUCK OFF!"

I slam the entrance shut, throw the lock, and drop to the floor. Before I even start to crawl away, a smattering of bullets burst through the door above me, showering me in splinters of wood. I scramble forward and fling myself into the kitchen before the door bursts open with a ferocious kick. Then silence. I swallow hard, trying to keep calm and my breathing in check. God damn Paco! Taking away all my fucking weapons! What I wouldn't give for a crossbow right about now.

I can hear him quietly moving forward, his steps soft and slow. Luckily, I can see from the play of light on the wall that he's making his way toward the living room first, not the kitchen, and I entice him to move further away from me by grabbing a piece of shattered wood off the ground and tossing it down the hallway. It knocks against the wall, and I can hear him change his course toward the noise.

"Pepa, it worked! He's walking toward the hall, and he looks positive he's on to you - the smug little prick," I hear Silvia narrate in the distance. She's obviously keeping close tabs on our uninvited guest, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her here with me than at this very moment.

I slink my way over the linoleum floor and look for a weapon. Any fucking weapon would be welcome at this point. I don't want to open any drawers, as that would give away my position, so instead I look over an exposed rack of kitchen utensils. Giant spoons, ladles, tongs - could tongs work? Then I see it. A big, fat rolling pin. That's the ticket. I slide it slowly from the bin, stilling the other instruments with my free hand to minimize the noise. I silently thank Silvia for being the kind of woman to own a rolling pin. Lord knows my kitchen would never have one.

"He's in the hallway, Pepa, heading toward the bathroom."

I slip my boots off and leave them on the floor behind me as I make my way toward the hall. Crouched down, I can see his shadow turn into the bathroom, and hear the door creaking as he pushes it open.

"He's in the bathroom," My redheaded angel says, "and he's about to push back the shower curtain." The whoosh of the shower curtain bounces off the bathroom tiles as it flies to the side.

Perfect. While he's occupied, I silently stand up alongside the doorjamb, arms raised above my head ready to strike.

"He's leaving the bathroom now, Pepa. Get ready!" His gun comes into view first, and quick as a flash I swing the rolling pin down hard on his arm hearing the bone snap on contact. He screams in pain, his gun falling from his hand and spinning across the floor. I grab him by the broken arm, spin it behind his back, and shove him against the wall as he shrieks in agony. I give his arm another forceful push as I bend my knees quickly and pick up the gun, pressing it into his temple with relish.

"I'm gonna kill you! Do you hear me? You Italian, shit-eating mother-fucker!! So say goodbye to your brains because they're about to be smeared across this fucking wall like a brand-new paint job, you murdering son-of-a-bitch!!" I shove the mussel of the gun so far into his head his eyes are popping out. He starts to plead with me but I can't hear a thing. Pure rage is flowing through me, pumping in my ears and drowning out all sound as I start to compress the trigger.

Then I hear Silvia's soft voice float into my ear: "Pepa. Pepa, don't do it. You don't need to do this. You've got him now, alright? He's unarmed, and you've got him. You don't need to kill him."

"HE KILLED YOU!!" I scream in pain, tears starting to blur my vision. My finger itching to pull the trigger and give him the justice he deserves. "He killed you, Silvia! And he's going to pay for it - right fucking now!!"

My assassin starts to shake. His mouth moves, but no words are coming out. I don't care what he has to say anyway - it means nothing to me.

"Pepa, he's scared to death. He believes you are going to kill him -"

"That's because I AM! Do you hear that, mother-fucker?! I'm gonna to kill you!!"

"Just listen to him, Pepa!! He'll tell us anything we want to know! We can use him, don't you see? Don't you want justice?"

I'm trembling, and my finger flexes on the trigger...

"PEPA! Do you want justice?!"

I'm barely able to whisper a "yes," through my gritted teeth.

"Then put the gun down. He'll help us, Pepa. This man is nothing. El Gordo, he's the one we want. Please! Put the gun down. This isn't just for me, Pepa, it's for Nelson, Kike, and Montoya, remember? Please, Pepa."

It takes all the power within me to lower the weapon, my body still vibrating with hatred as I stare at the pathetic piece of shit before me. Before Silvia can stop me, I toss the gun down the length of the hall, pick up the discarded rolling pin off the ground, and slam it into his other arm with all my strength. The bone snaps in two and I smile in satisfaction while he writhes in pain, falling on the ground. "Pepa!" I hear Silvia shout behind me as I rip a power cord from the bathroom wall, yank his shattered arms behind him, and make sure to tug hard on the knot as I bind his hands together.

I notice that the power cord is attached to a curling iron and I smile devilishly up at Silvia. "First the rolling pin, and now the curling iron - that's twice you've come through for me today, princess."

_________

Paco is crouched down before me, examining me as if I had just survived a plane crash. "Paco, he didn't lay a hand on me, alright? I'm fine." I reiterate, hoping he'll get the point this time.

He blushes slightly and takes his hands away from my face, finally backing away. "I'm sorry, Pepa. I just...I want to make sure you're okay."

"I know, Paco, I know." I stand up and lovingly pat him on the cheek before glancing over at my sorry excuse for an assassin who is currently being examined by an EMT. His moaning has been constant since I bound his wrists, and now his screaming is hurting my ears. He's such a fucking pussy it's making me hate him even more - which is quite a feat considering there is only one person I hate more in this entire world: El Gordo. My hands burn at the mere thought of strangling him. Now that would be justice, but somehow I don't imagine my redhead would be in agreement.

A sudden need to see her grips me, and my eyes quickly search the room until I find her. She's standing beside Curtis, who is talking to the other EMT about the state of our new informant. At least he better be our new informant if he knows what's good for him. Silvia may have thought I was crazy before, but when she left this world my conscience took a holiday. It's a good thing for my little Italian friend that Silvia showed up again, or he would've been toast.

As if sensing my eyes on her, she looks towards me and gives me a soft smile. I know she wasn't thrilled with my breaking that asshole's other arm, but she didn't bitch to me about it. She knew how close I was to going over the edge, and without her there to pull me back, there is no doubt I would have leapt off - happily.

I turn away and give myself a mental shake, not wanting to go there. I didn't do it. It didn't happen. And believe it or not, I'm glad for it. Silvia was right - as always. He's more useful alive. And if I have my way he's going to tell us everything he knows about El Gordo and the Italian mob.

A soft tingling flows from the bottom of my spine to the back of my neck, and I know she's there, running her hand over my skin. Instead of turning around, I simply step backward and feel her energy fill me from head to toe. She pulses through me like a shock wave and her essence fills me with a wave of love, as though she's hugging me.

Thank God you're alright. I was scared to death when I saw the gun.

No worries, princess. With you watching my back, I'd say I've got the deck stacked in my favor, no?

I'm glad I could help.

You were perfect. In fact, it was kinda hot listening to you give me the play by play.

You're unbelievable! Even in mortal danger your mind turns to sex. Will you ever change?

Not likely.

Good.

My mouth breaks open into a smile, which obviously strikes Paco as odd considering he's been talking to me about...what? I have no idea. I've been secretly conversing with my redhead while he's probably been talking to me about my near murder. Definitely not something that should bring a smile to my face.

"Um... so..." he stutters, "did you see anyone else with him? At the door, did you see a truck, or anyone behind him?"

"Oh, um, no. No I didn't. The flowers were so large I couldn't even see the fucker's face. Why?"

"Well, there is no trace of the vehicle that brought him here. We suspect that he had someone else with him, who must have sped away once he realized the plan didn't go smoothly. So, El Gordo must know by now we have one of his men. He'll do everything he can to either get him out or kill him. He's done it before."

Well, that or he'll think that you killed him, Pepa. Silvia thinks quietly inside my head.

Silvia, you're a genius!

"That's it, Paco!"

"What's it?"

"El Gordo will have no reason to go after him if he thinks he's dead, right? Who's to say I didn't kill him?" My eyes quickly assess the other men in the room: Height, build, weight.

Curtis...yeah, Curtis is perfect. I say to myself.

Perfect for what?

You'll see, redhead.

"Curtis, come over here." He jogs over to me and looks up. "Take your clothes off."

"Huh?" Both Curtis and Paco say in unison.

"Pepa, I don't think this is the time -" Curtis stammers.

I swiftly cut him off: "Curtis, you and the assassin are about the same height and build. We just need to swap your clothes for his, then send you out with the paramedics with a sheet covering your body. Here, look at his jewelery: a gold watch and two rings on his left hand. Just let you left arm hang from the gurney as they wheel you out. Paco and I can call up some reporters to leak the story. They'll be here in no time to take pictures of the body and get the story. We'll tell them I killed the intruder. They'll sell the story on the 6 o'clock news and El Gordo will be none-the-wiser."

Pepa, I'm the genius?? You're the genius!

Curtis nods his head in agreement and Paco asks, "but what about the actual assassin? We still need to get him out of your house."

"Let the EMTs fix him up as best they can. We'll ask them to go along with our plan - say it's for the safety of the patient. One can stay here until this evening if they want. We'll promise to take him into the hospital once everything has died down. I think he can live with a couple of broken arms, don't you?"

Paco nods his head along with Curtis and agreement lights up their eyes. "That's good, sister. I think it'll work. As long as you don't mind this scum bag being in your home for a few more hours."

"Me mind?" I scoff. "Hell, he's the one that's gonna mind," I swear, as I glance back at the fucker in question. His eyes bulge as I glare at him, and even at this distance he starts to scoot away. I can see a stain running from the crotch of his pants to the bottom of his leg where he peed himself earlier. What a loser.

Several officers are surrounding him, and they grip their guns in readiness before I hear the paramedic say, "Calm down, sir. You must hold still while we examine you."

"Just keep her away from me! Keep her the fuck away from me, she's fucking insane!!! She talks to dead people! She talks to people that aren't fucking here!!"

I cock my head to the side and wink at him before turning back to my brother and Curtis, rolling my eyes and shaking my head.

"You sure you didn't hit him on the head, Pepa?" Curtis wonders aloud.

"Not that I remember. Though I did slam him into the wall pretty hard. Who knows? Maybe his guilty conscience has finally warped his brain? It would serve him right."

Pepa, you're so bad.

Just the way you like me, princess. Just the way you like me...

Fanfiction: I See Red - 06

2009-08-09T00:32:08Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG-13 for language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Yippee!! A new post. I am starting to really love writing this story. Does that make me full of myself? Um...anyway, I LOVE hearing from everyone, and I strongly encourage more responses. Like many before me, I'm a comment whore. I'm going to try and post again very soon. Here's hoping RL doesn't steal too much of my time away!

My head is spinning. I'm Silvia's center. I'm the key. What does this all mean? "Silvia, what are you saying? Are you saying you know something? Something about...all this?"

"I'm not sure yet. I just - I don't know. There's something in the back of my mind," she twirls her hand in the air, "It feels like...like an instinct! That's it. Like..." She bats her eyes in frustration, trying to articulate what she's feeling, "like I'm standing at the check-out counter and I know there's something I've forgotten to buy. You know what I mean? There are just some things in this life you know to be true. That's what this feels like. Like I'm here for a purpose."

"But what purpose?"

"I don't know, Pepa! That's what I'm trying to tell you. I don't know yet," she finishes, exasperated.

I walk up to her and run my hand along her cheek in an attempt to soothe her. I feel the slightest temperature change along the palm of my hand. "It's alright, sweetheart. Just give it some time. We'll figure it out together. There's no rush."

She looks at me tenderly, worry swirling in her eyes. "But maybe there is?"

"Don't say that, princess. I'm your anchor, remember? As long as I'm here, you're here. And that's something my gut is telling me to be true. I believe it. Just as I believe you. I have to believe it, otherwise, what's the point of all this?" She nods her head in agreement. "We're in this together, alright? It's not all on you to figure this out. In fact...there has been something I've been dying to find out myself..."

I step in closer as she regards me with curious eyes. Grinning at her, I keep inching forward until our bodies touch, then I slip into her elusive form and turn so that we're both facing the same direction, occupying the same space. A sudden wave of euphoria hits me, making me gasp as I inhale the deepest breath of my life. Like a new part of me has just been discovered; like I'm expanding - blood flowing through me at a rapid pace, my heart beating deeper and harder than ever before. A profound sense of life resonates through me. There's no other way to describe it other than feeling truly alive, vibrating with energy. It's the most amazing sensation I've ever felt and I never want it to end. I want to laugh with joy and cry at the beauty of it all at the same time.

"Silvia?" I say out loud with a shuddering breath.

"Yes?"

I hear a voice, Silvia's voice, and it's coming from within me. Coming out of me, but my mouth doesn't move. Then I hear her voice again, only differently...

God this feels amazing.

"Silvia? Did you just say something?"

"Yes. I said 'Yes', remember?"

"No, I mean after that."

"After that? What do you mean? All you said was 'Silvia?' and I said 'Yes'."

Has she gone crazy? I feel like we're talking in circles. Oh, maybe she can't hear me when we're like this? That must be it. But God, I don't want to stop being like this, it feels so good.

"There - just now! You just said 'Has she gone crazy? yada, yada, yada...it feels so good', right? You just said that. Right?"

"Nooooo....but I just...I just thought it..."

"You thought it?!"

No way. Can she hear my thoughts?

"Damn right I can hear your thoughts, redhead!" I leap forward and spin back towards her. My energy diminishes instantly and I feel a twinge of sadness before I look up at her and regain my balance. "What the...that was amazing!"

"It was fantastic! And you...you could hear my thoughts?"

"Yes! You were like a tape recorder running through my head. That's what it sounded like - your voice. The same, yet somehow different. I could hear you in my mind, Silvia! It was awesome! But weird too." I nod my head. "Yeah, a little bit weird..."

"Come here, let's do it again!" Silvia waves me over to her, even more excited at this miraculous discovery than the previous one.

"Wait. I stepped into you last time. This time you step into me and see if there is any difference," I say matter-of-factly. She raises her eyebrow, silently impressed with my scientific approach to the situation. She quickly marches her little feet toward me, twirls around, and steps back into me. The euphoria hits me again, and it's just as enjoyable. A tingling sensation running through my hands, arms, legs, toes; it permeates every inch of me and I can smell Silvia's scent surround me like a warm blanket.

"I can smell you, Pepa," Silvia mutters, in awe.

"I can smell you too, princess. This feels like heaven."

"Maybe this is heaven? Being with you for eternity sure doesn't sound bad to me."

"Me either..." Except I can't touch you.

"I know, Pepa. It's hard for me too."

"What's hard for you?"

"Not being able to touch you."

Wait, can you hear this?

"Yes, I can hear you. I thought we established that."

No, we established that I could hear your thoughts, not the other way around. I'm thinking these words right now, Silvia. Can't you hear the difference?

"You're thinking those words?

Yes, redhead. Don't I sound different? "Here, let me give you a demonstration: Now I am talking." Now I am thinking. "Now I am talking." Now I am thinking. "Get it, princess? Do you hear the difference?"

"Yes, Pepa, I hear the difference..." And there's no need to be testy, I'm so sorry my ears aren't as attuned as yours.

"I wasn't being testy, I was being helpful."

"Stop listening to my thoughts!"

"I can't really help it when you're inside of me..." Hmmm, there's an activity that I wish we could indulge in.

"Pepa! Does your mind always turn to sex?"

"Hey, now you stop listening to my thoughts!"

"Alright, this is getting ridiculous. Just clear your mind."

"You clear yours."

"We'll both clear our minds, okay?"

I take deep breath and hear her do the same as we both start to relax. Without even thinking I step forward and start to walk, and before I know it I've circled around the room. "You still with me, princess?"

"Yes...wow. That was neat. Try sitting down."

I pull out a chair and take a seat. The same feeling courses through me, and I know she's still there, inside of me.

"I'm sitting Pepa! I can finally sit! It feels so...nice. So normal."

"What else do you feel?"

"Alive. Filled with energy like I'm plugged into the wall."

"Same here."

"And when you move around I don't have to move at all. I don't even have to think about moving, you take me right along with you. You feel warm and safe, like I'm inside my own personal glove. My Pepa glove." She giggles at her own analogy and I smile, liking the sound of it.

"You know, I never was one to enjoy puzzles, redhead, but I definitely like putting this one together with you."

"Hmmm..." I hear her mutter just before her life force pulls from me unexpectedly, and she spins toward me with excitement.

I love the feeling of her within me, no doubt, but seeing her face gives me a different kind of joy that I cherish just as much. Her knees are bent, bringing us eye to eye, and her smile is glowing so brightly I'm nearly blinded by it. She never fails to take my breath away.

"I always knew I could get you to enjoy the geekier side of life, Miranda. There's a nerd in you yet, and I'm gonna find her," she teases me. Her grin is infectious and I laugh out loud at her enthusiasm. God I wish I could kiss her right now.

"Yeah, and what are you gonna do when you find this nerd?" I question.

"What am I going to do when I find this nerd?" She wonders aloud. "You know what I'm going to do?" Her eyes glisten as she leans into me, our bodies mingling as she whispers into my ear, "I'm going to look deep into her eyes and take her by the hand..."

"Yeah..." My body involuntarily reacts to sound of her words purring softly against my ear.

"...and slowly drag her into the lab, locking the door behind us."

I gulp, as my eyes close, picturing the image her words are conjuring up in my mind. "Then what?"

"Then I'm going to lower the curtains..."

"uh huh..." My heart skips a beat, and my breath quickens.

"and pull her over to the counter, pressing her against it before running my fingers through her soft, dark hair."

My body shudders as if her hands are running through my hair while she continues to speak...

"Then I'll grip it tightly in my hands just before I..." she pauses.

"Just before you what?" My skin is vibrating. I'm on fire and she can't even touch me!

"Just before I tie it into a pony tail, shove her in front of a microscope, and teach her to analyze a blood sample!" Silvia jumps up laughing hysterically at her own joke.

She thinks she's so funny. Damn that woman! "Castro, you're such a little tease!"

"Hey, I was talking about 'nerd Pepa', remember? Like I said, it's your mind that always turns to sex."

"Oh please, give up the innocent act. You knew exactly what you were playing at." I stand up and stride toward her.

Her eyes widen with surprise as I start to unbutton my shirt. "Now what are you playing at? You know you can't catch me, Pepa."

"No, but I can tease you right back, now, can't I? And you can never escape me, remember?"

My eyes darken as I get closer, grinning wickedly. Silvia's jaw drops. "Pepa! We have more important things to deal with right now, don't you think?"

"No." I state, plainly, continuing to stalk her.

She starts to back away slowly as I come to the last button on my shirt and pull it off. Her eyes rake over my body and she reactively licks her lips. Now I know I've got her attention. Her eyes raise up to mine, pleadingly, as if asking for mercy. She knows I can tease with the best of them. But before I say anything, she bites her bottom lip mischievously and runs away.

I chuckle and simply spin around, staring at the front door, waiting for her to come into view.

Knock, knock, knock

I know what I just heard. I didn't want to hear it, but I know I did, so I grit my teeth...

Either Silvia just gained the power to touch things (I wish!) or someone is knocking on my door.

"God Dammit!" I start to pull on my shirt before glancing upward and muttering a rather pathetic "Sorry" under my breath, not wanting to piss off whatever other-worldly power, deity, or celestial being may have dropped ghost Silvia onto my lap. I've got to cover my bases, after all.

But it just figures, doesn't it? Even in the afterlife, Silvia and I can't have any fucking privacy!

Fanfiction: I See Red - 05

2009-08-07T22:06:08Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG-13 for language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I wanted to post more entries this week, but my work turned into uber-craziness and I had to pull 12 hour shifts! Dios!! So here is my next entry. I think you'll like it. Please let me know what you think!! Comments are always welcome! I had fun writing it, and I can't wait to write more! Hopefully tomorrow.

The front door closes and I turn back to Silvia, feeling elated at the knowledge that we're finally alone. I take a deep breath of relief and let it out slowly. "Now I can actually talk to you and not worry that someone's going to think I've gone insane." I chuckle to myself, gazing at her lovingly as she gazes right back.

An intense curiosity suddenly overcomes me, and questions start running through my head so fast I can barely keep up. "What? How?...Um, how do you feel? I mean, what do you feel?"

Silvia's eyes raise up in thought, obviously trying to wrap her mind around the question. She puts her hand to her mouth in contemplation, and then gazes at it as if she's wondering whether or not it's real. Whether or not she's real. She furrows her brow and tilts her head, then looks at me and graces me with a beautiful smile. The best smile in the world - at least that's what I've always thought.

"This may sound bizarre, considering the circumstances, but I actually...I feel great! I really do. I can't touch anything around me, which is frustrating, but I can touch myself." She runs one hand along a bare arm, and I raise my eyebrow suggestively at the meaning of her words. She smirks at me, knowing exactly where my mind has gone. "Pepa, you know I didn't mean it that way. What I mean is I feel like myself. Just because I can't touch anything around me doesn't mean I'm not here. I am here. I'm here, and I'm Silvia. The same Silvia who fell in love with her crazy, perverted sister-in-law!"

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing." I waggle my brows at her jokingly and she laughs. It feels as if nothing has changed, yet I know everything has, and the questions just keep coming...

"So we know you can touch yourself..." She glares at me. "Don't worry, I'm not going to go there...yet. How about the ground, can you touch that?"

She stops her glaring to bend over and place her hand to it. "Hmmm, it's funny. It doesn't feel like the ground. It just feels like a barrier, you know? Like a stopping point, if that makes sense. I can't feel any details of the tile." She walks over to the carpet and runs her hand over it. "Or the fringe of the carpet."

"And what about when you fell through the bed yesterday? I didn't hear a sound when you hit the floor, and I didn't hear you make any noise. Did it hurt? Did you even feel it?"

Silvia's brow crinkles and I can tell she's enjoying these questions, this puzzle, trying to understand the complexities of her own non-existence. "Now that you mention it, I didn't feel anything. No ground, no pain. Here-" She quickly jumps up and drops to the floor in a heap, right on her beautiful ass. Whereas under normal circumstances she would have a pretty bruise on her bottom for attempting such a stunt, now, however, she flashes me an excited smile and says, "Nothing. It didn't hurt one bit."

"So you don't feel pain. Well, that's good at least. What about other...needs. You know, like...."

"Hunger? No. I don't feel hungry one bit. I haven't since I showed up in our room. Though, I do miss the taste of food..."

"No, I meant like --"

"Sleep? I was going to tell you about that Pepa. Last night, you fell asleep while we were talking. I tried to join you on the bed, but couldn't of course. And as the night wore on I realized I wasn't tired. I had no need for sleep. I was up all night, so I just..." Her voice trails away and she blushes softly while grinning at me.

"What?" I smile at my redhead curiously.

"I spent most of the night just looking at you," she admits, her blush darkening.

I stand up, her love drawing me to her. My feet inch me closer as I say, "So we know you don't need sleep. That's definitely new for you," I say teasingly. She shakes her head and continues to grin as I close the distance between us. "But when I asked about other needs I was referring to--"

"Going to the bathroom? No. Not at all. Which makes sense seeing as I don't have an appetite." She nods her head, approving her own sense of logic.

I roll my eyes at her scientific brain. Of course her mind went there. To make my point, I place my arms on either side of her, seemingly "trapping" her against the kitchen counter, though I know she could escape at any moment. "No, princess, I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about this." I lean my head in and gently kiss her mouth. The faintest tingling flows over my lips before I pull back and see her smiling and blushing furiously back at me.

"Oh." She whispers, slightly embarrassed that it took her so long to clue in.

"So, redhead, are you really devoid of all hunger? Or are there a few things that even eternity can't satisfy?"

"In this regard, Miranda, you have no need to worry. Nothing satisfies me like you do." Her eyes darken and I can tell she's feeling everything I'm feeling. My relief is palpable. Imaging my redhead not needing me in every way was something I don't think I could live with. Her eyes sweep over my face and her fingertip traces their pathway, leaving a soft trail of warmth along my skin. Even without being able to touch me, she touches me. My Silvia can do anything.

"Well, seeing as you're stuck with me, we'll just have to work on a way of satisfying all your needs." I push my body closer, pressing into her, wanting to know the sensation of merging my soul with hers.

"Oh, that reminds me!" She rushes through me unexpectedly, leaving me hanging onto the counter, feeling like an idiot who was about to make love to a kitchen cabinet.

"Pepa, come over here."

Obviously we aren't on the same page again, but I know how her mind works, and there is no use trying to steer it one way when it's flying in the other direction. "Where do you want me, princess?"

"Here." She points to the center of the kitchen floor, eyes glowing with excitement. I stroll over and stop at her appointed spot. She looks like a kid about to conduct a science project. She's fucking adorable when she gets this way. I can't stop myself from smiling at her enthusiasm. "Now, Pepa, just stay right there. Don't move, alright?"

"Okay..." I say, wondering why it would be so hard for me to stay in one place.

She winks at me. "I'll see you soon, sweetheart," she waves and starts backing away slowly into the other room.

One foot. Five feet. Ten feet. She's in the living room. Fifteen feet. She's moving through the furniture. Twenty feet. She's starting to fade...her image is getting hazy. "Silvia?" I unconsciously step forward and she points at me to stay put. Twenty-five feet. She's entered the hall and I can barely see her. I squint my eyes, but it's no use. She's gone, she's disappeared. I can't see her and I start to panic. "SILVIA!!"

"There's no need to yell, I'm right behind you."

I spin around. My redhead is standing right behind me. My gaze shifts to the hallway and back towards her. "What...?" I ask in confusion.

"Along with watching you sleep last night, I did some experimenting. I was exploring the house, you know, checking on Paco in the living room, and then "Poof!", suddenly I was on the other side of our house. So I tried again, and "Poof!" - same thing. Then I went the other way and it happened again. It didn't matter which direction I headed off in, I always came back to the same place: You."

"Me?"

"Think of it like going around the world in an instance. I head in one direction..." Silvia turns around and runs straight away from me though the wall. I twirl around and see her coming at me just before stopping short and grinning up at me like a child. "...and end up full circle, right behind you."

The reality of what she's telling me starts to sink in, making me feel giddy. "So you're saying you can't ever be away from me, redhead?" I ask, utterly thrilled at the prospects.

"Yes, but it's more than that Pepa." She steps towards me and looks at me with shining eyes. "You're my center. Like an anchor, I'm tied to you - drawn to you like gravity. I can't escape you, Pepa. I think this means something."

"Yeah, it means I am the luckiest woman on earth."

"It means you're the key. You're the key to this mystery, and I'm here to help you find the lock."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 04

2009-08-03T21:40:39Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I know it's been a while, so I hope people remember what's going on! I had to re-read myself to remember! I hope to post a couple more entries by the end of the week. Wish me luck.

Paco busys himself at the stove top while I take my seat at the kitchen table. Silvia again goes to grab a chair and finds herself utterly incapable of gripping it. She swipes at the offending piece of furniture before rolling her eyes at me and turning away. She paces the kitchen floor out of frustration and quickly has to dash to the side to avoid Paco running into her with a plate full of food. I can't stop my lips from twitching and raise my hand to smother it, because I know damn well it would be strange for me to be smiling and laughing when only yesterday I was wallowing in the worst despair of my life. I better keep a lid on it, otherwise - hello loony bin.

He places the food in front of me before grabbing a plate for himself and sitting across from me. He flashes me a shy grin before digging in, his eyes trailing on me as I start to eat myself. I can tell he is still worried (understandably so) that I'm going to throw something against the wall, or suddenly run to the bathroom and lock myself in. He doesn't know that things have changed, my outlook has changed, and that I've made a promise to someone that I wasn't going to give up on this life. I silently contemplate how to assuage his fears without seeming like I've done a complete 180.

I clear my throat and start out slowly. "So, Curtis will be here soon, right?"

"Yes. He should be here any minute."

"Did you make enough food for him too?" I grin at him slightly, and he responds in kind.

"Of course. Curtis despises cold breakfasts. I don't think I'd hear the end of it if he showed up here without anything to eat while we sat around with our stomachs full. Besides, he's, um...well, it's the least I could do." Paco fills his mouth with another fork full, his eyes looking away sadly. A guilty feeling washes over me as I think about Paco, Curtis, or anyone from the precinct babysitting me when they're all in pain as well. My mind starts to brainstorm, trying to think of a way to convince Paco that I can be left alone; that I won't hurt myself. After all, how am I going to talk to my redhead when someone else is always around?

I wish I could ask Silvia's advice. I figure she'd know the perfect thing to say to Paco, but again, I don't think talking to my dead wife in front of him would go over well. I hear him clear his throat, his body language showing me he's uncomfortable and trying to think of something to say. "So, um, did you get any sleep last night?" I nod my head, and then suddenly an idea occurs to me.

"Yes. Yes, in fact, I...you know that dream that woke me up? The reason why you came rushing into my room this morning?"

"Yes."

"Well, I was having a dream, Paco, but it wasn't a nightmare like I said it was. I, um...I was dreaming of Silvia. And when I woke up from it I think I just went into shock." Now I know I am really stretching things. How is he ever going to buy this? Silvia is watching me with her brow furrowed, wondering where I'm going with this. But I continue despite how ridiculous this all may sound, hoping that I can be convincing enough.

His eyes focus on me thoughtfully, trying to gauge whether or not my seeing Silvia in a dream was a good or bad experience. "She came to me, Paco," I whisper. "She spoke to me." My eyes start to tear up unexpectedly, and I find myself genuinely moved at the memory of first seeing her again. What I'm saying no longer feels like a lie. It feels real, and it feels right to tell him. "She told me that she's with me. That she's here, with all of us. And she's alright." I see Paco's eyes watering and he covers his mouth, trying to stay strong underneath his onslaught of emotions. Silvia is behind him, smiling at me, knowing I am trying to ease his grief. She gently runs her ghostly hand over the top of his head, trying her best to comfort him though she cannot touch him. His eyes raise up, as though he feels her presence, then he looks back at me, a slight smile gracing his lips.

He clears his throat and wipes his eyes before saying in a gravely voice, "It sounds like it was a good dream, sister. Why did you react so...so..."

"I don't know. Shock, I think. Having her there with me, talking to me, telling me not to worry, only to find myself lying in bed alone. I think I just had a freak reaction. After all, Paco, you know what a skeptic I've always been. But no longer." I glance up at my princesa, both of us knowing full well that my skepticism is long gone. There's no other way to describe what was happening other than to believe in miracles. "No, that dream was real. She was real. And I know she's safe."

He nods his head with understanding. He's always been the believer among us. "Thank you, sister. Thank you for telling me this."

I wipe my eyes too, and then remember the reason I brought Silvia up in the first place. "Paco. I want you to know something else. Silvia wanted me to make a promise. A promise that I wouldn't hurt myself. That I would stay strong and never give in to my grief. And I did. I promised her, Paco. And now I'm promising you." I stare at him with all seriousness. "I will never try and take my own life. I swear it."

His eyes lock on mine and he lets out a breath of relief. "Thank you."

"No, thank you for being here for me." I place my hand on his and give it a tight squeeze. "I'm sorry to make you worry as I have. But know now that there's no reason why you, or anyone else from the precinct needs to be here with me at all times. I have my own mourning to do, Paco. As do all of you. And I wish to do mine alone."

"Mourning is not something one needs to do alone, Pepa. Mourning is something we can all work through together."

"Not me. That's never been my way, you know that. I need time. Time alone to..."

"To what? To despair? To wallow in all that was lost? No one should go through that by themselves. Not when there are friends and family to share your sorrow."

"No, not to despair. Don't you see? Since this dream I can feel her, here," I place my hand over my heart, "inside of me. I know now that she is part of me and she always will be. I just want some time to myself so that I can...so I can think of her, talk to her. Alone. Miss her yet feel her near me all at the same time. It's the only way I'll get through this, Paco. Trust me."

He regards me cautiously, trying to assess whether or not he can trust what I'm telling him. He shakes his head sadly. "I don't know. I don't want to take any chances, Pepa."

"Please, Paco.You know my word is good. You have my word."

We hear a knock at the door, and Curtis pops his head in uttering a soft hello. He looks exhausted, dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. I can hear Silvia mutter "God, he looks awful" and I couldn't agree more. I think seeing him, knowing how tired Curtis and everyone at the precinct is, finally convinces Paco to trust me. Not just for me, but for everyone's sake.

Paco stands up, clears our plates, and makes a new plate up for Curtis. Curtis sits down like a dead weight. He looks at me and I can read the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. "It's good to see you, Pepa."

"You too, Curtis." I smile at him sincerely. It warms my heart to know how exhausted he is, yet he is here for me. To keep me safe.

As Curtis looks at his plate and silently toys with his food, Paco suddenly orders, "Eat up quickly, Curtis. We have a lot more work to do back at the precinct."

"But I thought--"

"Thought what? That I would let you waste the day away hanging out with my sister? No, I think the precinct needs us far more than Pepa does right now. Right, Pepa?" Paco winks at me and I smile at both of them. Curtis looks between the two of us, bewildered at the unexpected lightening of mood. Though his confusion remains, I can feel it slightly uplift his spirits to see his friends not crying or at odds with one another. We're actually grinning; showing some sign of happiness.

He grins as well, still confused, but I can tell he's happy to no longer be on suicide watch. "Whatever you say, inspector."

Fanfiction: Hey Jealousy - 02

2009-07-30T18:25:59Z

Title: Hey Jealousy
Show: LHDP
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Sometime during their year of domestic bliss. No spoilers to speak of.

A/N: Here is the much anticipated (maybe) second part to my "Pepsi Smut-Fest 2009" entry. I wish I could have gotten it done all in one go, cause I find reading it all at once more fulfilling - so to speak. Enjoy!!

Her hand in mine, I thread my way through the sea of dancers trying to get to the exit. Turning my head, our table comes into view and I see several arms waving for us to come over and join our friends. I respond with my eyes, shaking my head and nodding back at Silvia. Several of them snicker, even the ones that weren't privy to our little cat and mouse game, and their motioning adjusts course and orders us to get out and go and have some fun. I smile in response and follow their orders, but not before a cute little blonde jumps in front of me, arms out, suddenly wrapping themselves around my neck.

"PEPA!! You're here! I'm always looking for you, but can never find you!!" She yells before leaning in to breathe against my ear, "You look so hot tonight. It's been so long, baby, I could just eat you up."

I feel Silvia release her grip from my hand, and knowing that my admirer's comment reached her ears, I panic that she's going to bail on me. I should have panicked about the other option.

"Excuse me!" Silvia wedges her arms between me and the blonde and pries us apart - I of course am happy to help her out with that.

"What the hell?" The blonde stranger bitches as we're separated. "Pepa, who the hell is this?!"

"Who the hell am I? I'm the one who's been her girlfriend for over a year. Now you, on the other hand, you were five minutes in a bathroom!" Oh God. There's that fiery temper of hers. It's scary, but damn sexy too. I step in quickly before it gets out of hand.

"Silvia, let's go. We were just leaving, right?"

"Pepa!" The blonde just won't shut up. "You can't leave!" She grips my hand and rubs my arm pleadingly. I quickly halt Silvia from launching at her, but my pelirroja still swats her hand away and gives her a death glare.

The blonde continues, "This is bullshit! Tell her who I am, Pepa!"

Both women look up at me waiting for an answer. The problem is, I have no idea who this girl is. My gaze shuttles back and forth between them and I cringe, knowing my answer is a shot in the dark. "Ummm....uhhhh...Nina?"

She scoffs, mouth hanging open, heartbroken at my betrayal. Silvia swiftly moves in between us. "Alright, Nina, it was so nice to catch up, but we have to be going now," and she shoves the blonde into the people surrounding us and drags me behind her and out the door.

She's marching us toward the parking lot, fury rising off her like steam. In an attempt to lighten the mood (and let's be honest, get some revenge as well) I say, "It's nice to see I'm not alone...caveman."

Silvia stops in her tracks and spins toward me; her hair flying around her head wildly, and her eyes blazing back. Those fiery brown eyes dart to the alleyway beside us and she unceremoniously shoves me into the dark corridor.

Her body is against me in an instant. Her mouth attacks mine while her hands roam up my front, making me groan on contact. This wasn't the reaction I was expecting, but I'm more than happy to oblige.

Just as suddenly, she rips our bodies apart and questions me like an interrogator: "Who was she?!"

"I honestly don't know. She probably thinks I'm someone else." I brush it off and try to continue our kiss, only to have my figure shoved back against the brick wall behind me. My woman is stronger than I think!

"She knew your name!" Silvia counters.

"Lucky guess??" I smile coyly.

"I swear to God, Pepa..." She shakes her head before jumping on me again, lifting my shirt and flaying her fingers across my bare skin. She finds my breasts and starts to knead them through my bra. My body is reacting like lightning hitting a dry field. I deepen our kiss, rubbing my tongue along hers and gripping her ass in my hands, pressing her hard against me. Our mouths separate slightly but continue to breathe into one another. She continues touching me while she utters against my lips, "What do I have to do to make those forty women before me disappear?" She rolls my nipple between her fingers, sending jolts of electricity through my body.

As far as I was concerned, they already had disappeared the moment I laid eyes on Silvia in that shooting range. "What forty women? You're all that I want, pelirroja. Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life." I whisper back against her mouth. I feel her smile against me and I smile back. I take hold of her ass and lift her up my body, her legs wrap around me quickly as I walk toward the wall across from me, pressing her against it. Our mouths collide, opening and parting. Tongues fighting one another for dominance. My mouth makes its way down her neck and across her collar bone while her body writhes against me. She presses my head lower, and I suck on her breast through the fabric of her dress, making her whimper in appreciation. One of my hands curls under her, and my fingertips rub over her panties, along her center. Now she groans and starts to move in earnest, increasing the pressure of the contact.

I break apart from her, stopping my ministrations and she gives me a confused "WTF?" look. I wink at her, set her down on the ground, and lead her out of the alleyway. "Pepa!" She whines and tugs on my hand, trying to keep us in the alley, but I keep going, hurrying us toward our SUV.

When we arrive at our vehicle, she pushes me against it and runs her hand up along my inner thigh until it reaches my crotch. I suck in a breath, loving the feel of her hand there, holding me. She looks at me fixedly and mutters, "I don't want to wait till we get home, Pepa. I want you now."

I breathe into her ear, "You read my mind, princesa," as I unlock the door which opens into the back seat. Her eyes widen in surprise and her smile glows with contentment as she slides into the rear of our car.

I follow her, and close the door behind me. Hardly a second passes before she's pulling my tank top off and unbuttoning my pants with renewed fervor. But before she gets a chance to touch me, I quickly push our front seats forward, giving us more space, and press her into a seated position, settling myself between her legs. I remove her underwear and toss it to the side before pushing the hem of her dress up her thighs and pulling her ass toward me. I drape one of her legs over my shoulder and start licking her inner thigh, making my way to what I've been dying to taste all night.

"I'm so glad we decided on tinted windows," she says, now knowing what I'm after and delighted to comply. She runs her hands through my hair as I lock my eyes with hers. I kiss and suckle her soft, creamy skin and finally reach her center, running my tongue along its folds. I hear her suck in a breath and spread her legs in reaction, allowing me full access. I continue to explore, wanting to taste every inch of her. Her arousal is all around me, driving me insane, making me want to go faster. I slide my tongue inside of her and then glide it from bottom to top, over and over again. Her moaning begins to match my pace, her breathing becomes erratic. She's so wet that I feel like I'm drowning in her, and I realize that this would be the best way to die: Tasting my pelirroja, making her cum.

I can feel she's close, so I slide two fingers into her and start driving them in and out while I continue to lick her. Suck her. Taste her. "Oh God yes, Pepa. That feels so good." She's tightening around me, and I can hear her panting above me. I watch as she throws back her head and rocks against me, pulling me into her. "Oh Fuck yes, don't stop!" I pick up my speed, pumping my fingers harder and swirling my tongue around her clit. "Pepa....Peppaaa....oh fuck, I'm coming...Oh God, I'm comminngg!! OH GOD!!" She screams out and thrusts against me as I continue to love her, drawing out her pleasure for as long as I can.

Her trembling slowly subsides and I gently pull away from her. I rise up and hold her in my arms as the last tremors of her orgasm disappear. I kiss her bare neck and shoulders and smell her sweet skin. "I love you, Silvia," I murmur in her ear. I don't hear any response. I feel no movement. My brow crinkles in response as I lean back and see her head leaning peacefully against the seat, mouth agape. "Princesa?" I call out softly. Her only response is a deep, rhythmic snore. She's dead asleep and I'm left here, wide awake, and ridiculously aroused.

I'm disappointed for all of five seconds before laughter bubbles up inside of me. I put my hand to my mouth and muffle the sound. Just the sight of her: skirt hiked up, hair disheveled, mouth starting to drool against our leather seats, sleeping like an angel. It sends me into a fit of giggles, but I don't want to wake her, I know she's had a long day. So instead I pull out my cell phone and take a picture so I can remember this moment. What my pelirroja doesn't know won't hurt her.

A/N Part 2: I didn't want to leave Pepa wanting, but I ran out of time and I have to go to work! It's hard work satisfying two women AND a forum full of horndogs!!!

Fanfiction: Hey Jealousy - 01

2009-07-30T08:20:22Z

Title: Hey Jealousy
Show: LHDP
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Rating: R, ultimately NC-17
Spoilers: Sometime during their year of domestic bliss. No spoilers to speak of.

A/N: So I've been out of the loop for days now, and I come back to this?! SMUT-FEST!! You bunch o' horndogs! So, I had no choice, I had to join in the common cause to make people horny. I've actually never written smut before, now that I think about it, but I have wanted to for a loooong time. So, thanks to you junebuggy, for getting my ass in gear! This one's for you!!
Oh, and Part 02 will be up tomorrow (God willing). I didn't have enough time to finish today, and the story was getting longer and longer...

I lay out the last of her clothes on the bed as I hear her walk through the front door. I can tell by the lack of "hello" that she is tired, and probably grumpy. I'll have my work cut out for me.

"Babe, is that you?" I ask as I walk from the bedroom to the living room. A pathetic grunt is what I get in response, followed by her stuff being thrown on the table and the fridge opening. I see my girl come into view, staring into the cool appliance, and I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and kissing the top of her head. Despite her obvious bad mood she rests against me, a contented sigh gracing her lips.

"Happy to be home?"

"That's an understatement."

"Tough day, huh?"

"You try doing back to back autopsies over the course of 12 hours and see how you feel. I'm so glad we have the day off tomorrow."

"Me too, especially since we promised to go out with Rocio and the girls tonight." I back away casually and start to put her coat up knowing the shit's about to hit the fan.

"Pepa..." I hear her voice start out as a warning growl. "You better be joking."

"Nope, sorry to disappoint you, pelirroja, but we made plans with them weeks ago." I turn and stare at her pointedly. "And we are going."

Silvia momentarily forgets her ire as she takes in my tight low-waisted jeans and tank top. Then she remembers why I'm dressed to kill and gets back to the point. "You mean you're going, I'm staying home and sleeping," she looks at me just as stubbornly and crosses her arms.

Instead of getting mad, I decide to use the sympathy card. I've learned over time that it works so much better than fighting with my hard-headed girlfriend. "Silvia, listen my love, we've canceled our nights out with her twice before, and I've been looking forward to this night out with you for a long time -"

"Pepa, I'm exhausted! We'll go out some other night."

"When? For the last two months the only times we've been out together at night were for some seedy stakeouts. I need this! You need this! Look, I've already done the work for you. I've got your clothes laying out on the bed as we speak. Just hop in there, slip that sexy body into your sexy outfit, and we're on our way." I smile at her enthusiastically, not forgetting to leave traces of determination on my face. I want her to know that I mean business. She glares back at me and I think she's going to start a fight, but her mouth starts to twitch at the corners instead, and I can see defeat written on her face.

"Fine. I'll go out with you tonight. But it's only because I love you." She points a finger at me and squints her eyes as if she's angry. I laugh and kiss her cheek before swatting her butt.

"Now get in there, pelirroja, and get dolled up fast because we only have twenty minutes before we have to leave."

"Twenty minutes!?" I hear from the other side of the wall as she walks to the bedroom.

"Well, if you weren't so slow cutting bodies open you would have more time."

"Don't push it, Miranda!" I hear her muffled yell through the walls. Then I hear a little yelp followed by her footsteps.

"You want me to wear this?!" She holds up the apparently offensive piece of clothing. I don't know what she's going on about. it's a hot, tight little black dress with silvery fringe, and she bought it for herself, after all.

"What's wrong with it?"

"Pepa, I'm not just going out with you, I'm going out with a bunch of lesbians, one of which has the hots for me, or have you already forgotten?"

I start to chuckle. "Oh, c'mon. I think you're exaggerating."

"Then why is it that Paula always ends up talking to me when there are plenty of other girls around? I mean, she's a nice girl and all, but I'm taken, you know, and whenever you leave my side - there she is."

"So she has a crush on you, it's flattering."

"You aren't jealous?"

"No, why should I be. You obviously aren't interested in her, you love me, so I have nothing to worry about."

Silvia crinkles her brow, slightly annoyed at my level-headedness. You'd think after all this time she'd be happy that I'm acting rational. She obviously comes to some conclusion in her head and points at me again. "Fine. I'll wear it. Just don't leave my side." She gets back to her primping and I stand in the kitchen smiling. A year ago I had to connive ways to spend time with her and now she doesn't want me to leave her side? How did I get to be so lucky?

___________

An hour we've been here, and though my girl is sitting right next to me, I can't seem to claim any of her attention. Paula has been taking classes in forensic science for the last few months and suddenly Silvia is all to happy to talk with her ad nauseam about blood, guts, and brains. And she thinks I'm the crazy one?

Lorena is next to me, and Rocio, her wife, and several other women are seated across from us. The conversation has been fine, great even, but I can't help but feel lonely without my pelirroja giving me some bit of acknowledgment. A hand hold, a smile, a wink, even a glare would be welcome. Deep down I know that I am feeling a bit jealous at this point, but I'll be damned if I'll admit that to her.

While the music is pumping, I lean into her and whisper in my best seductive voice, "Dance with me, princesa." She glances back at me with a small smile, shaking her head in the negative before turning away and falling back into conversation with Paula, as if I didn't exist. I frown slightly, and decide to play my trump card by running my hand up her bare thigh until it hits the hem of her dress. I can feel her flesh quiver under my fingertips and think things are going well until I push the boundaries of the fabric and get a quick slap on the wrist for my efforts. What is this? So I don't know the time it takes for blood to coagulate, does that make me undesirable all of a sudden?? I'm feeling a bit angry now and find myself turning my back on her and staring right at Lorena, who is giving me a knowing look. She can tell I'm frustrated. Suddenly a devilish scheme comes to mind and I decide to enlist her in winning back the attention of my woman. A quick chat and she quickly agrees to be my accomplice.

One minute later and I'm moving against Lorena on the dance floor. She and I have a history. We'd been an item several years ago, only for a few weeks, which was kind of long term for me. It wasn't anything serious, not that that matters to my pelijorra, who gets her panties in a twist whenever I want to go out with Lorena or we spend too much time together. Well, right now I'm happy to use that to my advantage.

I try my best to not look over at Silvia, using my peripheral vision instead. I can see that she's gazing my way so I wrap my arms around Lorena and grind against her to the beat of the music. Lorena knows exactly what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. She's enjoying the charade, grinding right back and rubbing her hands along my back. I can't take not seeing Silvia's reaction, so I risk a quick peek at her only to find her face flushed red and her eyes flashing at me with jealousy. I wink at her, and she furiously turns back to Paula. Her posture is stiff, silently telling me she knows I'm trying to piss her off and she won't be giving me the satisfaction of looking. I turn my eyes back to Lorena who shrugs at me, knowing our plan has failed. I tell her that I'm going to get another drink and she heads back to the table.

Damn! All I wanted was for Silvia to march out onto the dance floor and either jump me or punch me - was that too much to ask? She's so stubborn, it's infuriating! She knows I just want her to pay attention to me, to dance with me, but she won't give me the satisfaction. No, she has to have it her way. She has to have the upper hand. I'm so annoyed I snap my drink order at the bartender, who gives me a somewhat frightened look before carrying out my order.

The beer is cold and it tastes good as it flows down my throat. I turn back to our table intending to find out if anyone else wants a drink, and I quickly notice that Silvia is gone...and so is Paula. Where the fuck did they go?!

My eyes scan the room thoroughly before skidding to a sudden halt. I see her; her eyes locked on mine knowing I can see every movement she makes, and I can't believe what I'm seeing: My pelirroja, dancing like a stripper and our "friend" Paula is the pole. What the FUCK?! The bottle in my hand creaks slightly under the pressure of my death grip. My eyes must have turned green, I'm so filled with envy.

She did it. She fucking did it to me. She's made me feel insanely jealous, and as luck would have it, I can't look away from the cause of said jealousy. Her movements are so enticing, I can't tear my eyes away from her. I know she's only doing this to taunt me, to get back at me, and hell, it's working. 100% working.

Just then, a crowd of people come pushing into the club, filling up the dance floor, and severing our connection. I see my opportunity and instantly take advantage of it. I wend my way through the masses, making sure Silvia can't see me. With my height I have a slight advantage over her as I watch her step away from Paula and search for me. Paula looks slightly dejected, but I'm positive she must be in on this game too - Silvia wouldn't lead her on without fair warning.

I get in close and Paula catches my eye, none too guiltily I might add. I motion with my head for her to take a hike, which she quickly does, and I swiftly take her spot behind my girl, who is standing on her toes trying to find me in the throng of dancers. I slowly snake my arm around her waist and pull her against me. She gasps and stiffens in response, instantly recognizing my touch. "What, princesa? Don't you want to play anymore?" I start to sway behind her, moving her body with mine. "You wanted to dance a moment ago, didn't you?"

"I didn't ask you to dance."

"No, you asked poor, lovesick Paula. I thought you were better than that, Silvia. Playing with her emotions like that, tsk, tsk--"

"No, she knew it was just a game, just to tease you--"

I yank her against me again, harder this time. "I thought as much, you sneaky little minx."

Silvia spins out of my grip and faces me. "I'm the sneaky one? I didn't start this game, you did. What's pissing you off is that I'm not the one who got jealous." One eyebrow raises provocatively.

"Oh please, your face was as red as your hair you were so jealous."

"Really? Well, which one of us came charging onto the dance floor and claimed their woman like a caveman? Hmmm?"

I narrow my eyes and walk toward her, closing the gap between us. She smirks as I get closer, her eyes glowing with victory and a hint of arousal. I slide against her and move us both to the rhythm of the music, all the while whispering against her ear, "You're right, pelirroja, I am jealous." I run my tongue along the side of her ear and hear her moan against me in response. "I want you," I nip at her earlobe, "every part of you," I suck on it, "every piece of you," I twirl my tongue along the contours of her ear, "all to myself, right here on this dance floor." She whimpers, trembling in my arms, goose bumps covering every inch of her. "So what do you say we stop this childish bullshit and you let me dance with you, and touch you the way I want to." With that, I smooth my hand over her ass and run it up and down her thigh. The other hand roams up her back as I pull her in as close as I can, moving our bodies to the music.

Her hands are straining to pull me even closer, signaling I have definitely won this battle. Her tongue is now lavishing its attention on my ear, making my eyes flutter and my body vibrate. Once she's done playing there, she makes her way down my neck, leaving a hot, wet trail behind her. God she's driving me crazy. I grab the nape of her neck and bring our mouths together, feeling desperate to taste her. Our tongues instantly entangle and slide in and out while our bodies undulate against one another. The heat between us is growing as we grind together, and my hands are starting to slide underneath her dress of their own accord.

Without warning, Silvia pulls our mouths apart and stares at me with lust-filled eyes. One perfect eyebrow rises as a challenge, and it occurs to me she may still think this is a game. If she leaves me high and dry on this dance floor right now she really will see what a caveman I can be.

"You wanna get out of here?"

"God yes!" I answer in a rush, thrilled that we're both finally on the same page.

Fanfiction: I See Red - 03

2009-07-25T01:02:11Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - So, it seems this fic may be bumming people out. I apologize for that. I know it's a bit depressing at times. But stick with it and I think you'll like how it turns out. I know this story is a little strange, and kind of all over the place emotionally. I would re-read and edit more, maybe smooth it out a bit, but I want to post as much as I can because I won't be able to post after this for a few days. Well, maybe I'll get to post tonight, but don't count on it. C'est la vie.
Again, please go and sign the petition to save Silvia: http://foros.antena3.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=18925&p=123509#p123509
And send digital photos of yourself holding a sign about saving Silvia or Pepsi to : savepepsi@gmail.com
The world needs Pepsi!

Summary - Silvia may be dead, but is she gone?

The sun shines through the curtains making me cringe. I groan softly as I pull the quilt in closer and squeeze my eyes shut. I was having the most surreal dream and I want to get back to it. Silvia was back, only not. She was a ghost...or something. It all seems so distant, like a movie playing back at the end of a tunnel. My head is pounding in a painful rhythm and my body feels like it took a ride on a jackhammer. I don't know how much I drank yesterday, but sure as shit it was a lot.

In the light of day I feel the sadness creeping up on me and I quickly will myself to fall back asleep. It may not have been the perfect dream, but my Silvia was with me and that was all that mattered. I'd rather have her as a ghost than not at all. "Silvia, come back to me," I mutter quietly to myself, trying to forget reality.

"I'm right here, sleepy head."

Hearing her voice, I know I must be close. I relax, trying to fall in deeper. Trying to remember the dream, the details.

"Pepa, it's time to get up."

My self hypnosis is working. It's as if my redhead is in the room with me...

"PEPA!"

"What?!" I sit up in bed like a shot, utterly confused and groggy. My squinty eyes look around the room, hunting for the person who made my head pound harder and interrupted my beautiful dream. Finally my blurry vision comes to rest on a beautiful, angelic, redheaded woman dressed in white. She slowly comes into focus and I can't believe my own eyes. Silvia. No, it can't be. It was a dream, right? Silvia? SILVIA??

"Ahhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!" I scream at the top of my lungs, bouncing away from her and toppling off the bed with a loud crash. The lamp flies off the nightstand and cracks on the floor as I rush to my feet, tangled in bedding.

"Pepa, that was my mother's lamp!" Silvia screams out as I hear footsteps come bounding through the house. Silvia quickly regains her composure. "Pepa, just relax. It's me, remember? I came back to you. Don't you remember?"

Paco swings open the door, eyes bloodshot and fearful. "Pepa! Pepa are you alright?" He sees me staring into nothingness, shaking under the blanket. "It's Ok. I'm here." Walking towards me, arms outstretched, he embraces my quivering form and whispers consoling words into my ear, but I have no idea what he's saying. All I can focus on is Silvia over his shoulder, her hands gesturing me to calm down and stay quiet about her presence.

Paco leans back and looks into my eyes, which are wide in amazement and staring right past him. "I think you're still in shock, sister. That's to be expected. It was a dream, wasn't it?" He takes a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. "I'm afraid we both had the same dream last night." He rests his hand on my cheek, and my gaze shifts back to him, his eyes brimming with tears. I feel helpless. Helpless to ease his pain, and helpless to tell him what's running through my mind right this second: It wasn't a dream. Silvia is here, in this room, at this very moment.

It wasn't a dream.

____________

"It's alright Paco. I'm fine. I'm feeling better, really I am. It was a bad dream, just like you said." I press Paco toward the door, hoping he'll take the hint.

"I can stay in here longer if you'd like. If you don't want to be alone."

"Oh no, no, I, um, I just need some time alone. Why don't you go make us breakfast. Let me just..." my eyes dart over to my wife "...figure some things out..."

"Alright, but call if you need me." Paco steps back into the hallway and I go to close the door. "Leave the door open, Pepa, remember?"

"Vaguely..." I answer, leaving the door slightly ajar. He presses it open a little further, winks at me, and continues down the hall. I can hear his footfalls quickly recede into the distance. Turning back to my redhead, I'm feeling confused, happy, and sad all at once. I can't believe it wasn't a dream. Am I hallucinating right now, or am I still dreaming? Maybe I drank so much yesterday I got brain damage or something. I stand in shocked silence, not speaking or moving, just hoping she won't disappear.

"Pepa? Pepa? Hello?" Silvia calls out softly, eyebrows raised, hand waving in the air.

"Redhead? Is it true? Are you really here?" I ask in all earnestness.

"Yes, I'm really here. At least, I'm here in some sense of the word." She shakes her head in wonderment and then looks at me sternly. "Anyway, I can't believe you don't remember!"

"I remember, I do, it's just that I drank a lot yesterday, Silvia, and it just seemed so, so...unbelievable, I thought it had to be a dream."

"Well, you believed in me last night. We spent hours together and you seemed fine to me. Besides, you drink all the time, since when does it impair your judgment?"

"Hmmm, let's see, Silvia. I was drunk the night I said I wanted to have a baby, AND the night I slept with Aitor." I raise my eyebrows at her as a challenge and she purses her lips.

"Point taken." She sighs and goes to sit on the bed before thinking twice about it and staying on her feet. She looks at me thoughtfully, sizing up my disheveled appearance and wary expression. Her eyes meet mine, tenderness flowing from them. "It's me, Pepa. I'm here. It wasn't a dream. And you don't have to be afraid of me, Ok?"

I nod my head and relax a bit, feeling slightly guilty for freaking out. "I won't, princess, I promise."

"What do you remember?"

"Well, now that I realize it wasn't a dream, I'm starting to remember a lot more. I remember seeing you right when I was about to..." On second thought, maybe I won't bring that part up again. "I remember being confused, and you not being able to touch me. I remember being so incredibly happy to see you that I thought maybe God isn't such a complete asshole." This makes my redhead smirk. "I remember telling you about...about our wedding day."

Silvia looks away and stares out the window, wrapping her arms around herself as if to ward off a chill. "Don't call it that. Not now." She lets out a sad breath. "Let's just call it that day, Ok?"

"Ok."

She turns around and stares at me, and I know she's pondering our circumstances. Her expression slowly changes from sad to determined, and her eyes glitter as she faces me. "What do you say if I get us out of this mess we hit the restart button on this marriage? Deal?"

I'm intrigued. "And how do you propose we 'get out of this mess', my love?"

She struts toward me with a grin starting to curl her lips. "I haven't quite figured that out yet, Miranda, but I need you on my side."

"Always."

She smiles and keeps moving forward. "Nope, I'm not sure how this whole thing works, but you should know better than anyone that I always get what I want. And besides, you can't tell me that crazier things haven't happened, right?" She finishes as she glides through my body, proving her point, and making me tingle from head to toe.

I spin around drink in the sight of her. I love when she's cocky. For the first time since this whole disaster happened I'm feeling truly optimistic. "Oh, I don't doubt you, redhead. If anyone can figure this out it's you."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 02

2009-07-24T20:12:06Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - Thanks to everyone who've posted comments. They really make me want to write more. I just want to please you all!! That said, I am joining junebuggy01 and asking, no, begging you to go to http://foros.antena3.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=18925&p=123509#p123509 and sign that petition to save Silvia. Make your voices heard! And it is JUST AS IMPORTANT to send a digital photo of yourself asking to save Silvia, or Pepsi, or whatever to: savepepsi@gmail.com. Let's all do our part!!

Summary - Silvia may be dead, but is she gone?

I reach over to the bedroom door and close it softly, not wanting to call any attention to myself as Aitor and Paco search the house. As I glance back at Silvia I see her sad countenance grow into a full-blown frown. She steps back to sit on the bed but finds herself flying right through it. I hear nothing, no thump on the ground or grunt from my girl. All I hear is "What the-?" before her head snaps up and into view. I never thought I'd see my redhead like this, and by that I mean red head. That's all I could see: my wife's disembodied head poking up through the top of the bed, floating above the quilt like someone's twisted version of a stuffed animal. Her eyes meet mine with surprise and consternation as the truth seeps in: Not only is she dead, but she'll never sit down again.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?"

"I hope you don't mean physically, Pepa, because that goes without saying," her eyes flash in frustration.

"Well, I..."

"Why are you smiling? This isn't funny! How can this be funny? I'm DEAD, Pepa!!"

"True, but compared to 5 minutes ago, you feel a hell of a lot more alive to me."

"Well I feel a hell of a lot more dead to me! This sucks!" Silvia throws her arms up in vexation, but all I can see are her hands cut off at the wrists.

"I'll take you any way I can get you, redhead, whether it's paralyzed, labotomized, or as a ghostly haunt. I'm just glad you're here."

Silvia's face softens, and a tiny, albeit sad smile makes its way across her features. "I'm glad I'm here too. I just wish I could touch you. Or touch this bed for that matter."

I walk over to the bed and crouch down, resting my chin on the edge of it so that we're facing each other eye to eye. "Look, neither one of us knows what's going on. I don't know if I have you for five minutes, five days, five years, or a lifetime. But like I said, I'll take whatever I can get."

Silvia's face grows serious as she gazes at me. "Pepa...when I saw you with that gun. You were about to..."

I quickly turn around and lean against the bed, not wanting to face her with the truth of what I was about to do to myself. Suddenly she is in front of me, crouching down and staring at me intently.

"Promise me you won't do that again, Pepa, no matter what happens from here on out."

I turn my head away, not wanting to answer.

"Pepa." She tries to grab my chin and pull me back toward her, forgetting that we cannot touch. Her hand drifts through me briefly and I hear her sigh of resignation. "Pepa." Now she's waving her hand in front of my face.

I conjure up a devilish grin and look back at her. "I guess you won't be pushing me around anymore, huh redhead?"

"Pepa, stop it. I'm serious. Promise me you won't try and hurt yourself again. That's the last thing I want for you. It's not right, and you know it. You're too strong for that."

"You make me strong," I respond stubbornly.

"Promise me," she continues in a soft tone. Her eyes pleading with mine.

I gulp, trying to release the lump in my throat. "I promise," I whisper as I gaze back at her. How can I deny those glistening brown eyes that make my stomach flip and my heart ache? "I take it back, red. You obviously can push me around all you like," I grin, "Somehow you've been able to reduce a lifetime of rebellion into a gooey pile of mush."

"And you love me for it," she jokes, trying to alleviate the tension as she bats her eyes at me.

"God how I missed you Silvia."

She stops teasing and her eyes grow soft. The look of tenderness on her face makes my heart beat faster. She leans in to kiss me and I lean forward in reaction, wanting to feel her touch.

"Pepa!!" I hear Paco's voice bellow from down the hallway before his feet stomp to the door and swing it open. "Leave the door open. You are not to close any doors in this house, understand me?"

"Paco, relax. I'm not going to hurt myself."

"Oh yeah? Is that why you searched out a loaded gun?"

"I feel better now, alright?"

"And I'll feel better if you leave the doors open," he said with finality as he shoved the door wide and placed a boot in front of it to keep it there. "Aitor and I are just finishing up." Aitor walks into view next to Paco cradeling two hunting knives, a Baretta, and a crossbow, with the arrows slung over his shoulder.

"Jesus, Pepa, how many weapons do you own?" Aitor inquires, exasperated.

"Are you kidding me, Paco? You're taking my crossbow? You actually think I'm going to use that? C'mon, it's just a collectors item."

"I'm not taking any chances," he answers, his face as hard as stone.

I roll my eyes, finally resting them on Silvia who is giving me her classic judgemental glare. "What?" I mumble quietly under my breath.

"This is their second search and they're STILL finding weapons? Pepa, I told you I don't want any guns hidden around the house!"

"Hey, not all of those are guns," I respond like a petulant child.

I hear Paco respond behind me, "I don't care if they're guns, knives, or sleeping pills," he holds up a bottle of pills and shakes it, "they're going!" He throws the bottle at Aitor who is barely able to catch it in his arms while keeping hold of the other pieces of contraband. "Take all of this out of here, Aitor. I'll be staying the night. Go get some sleep, and let Curtis know he's to be here at 8am sharp tomorrow." Paco and Aitor head down the hallway and out of earshot.

"Wow. Paco's always been so soft-hearted when it comes to his little sister. It's strange seeing him be so tough on you, especially knowing what you're going through," Silvia wonders aloud.

"He's just afraid. He doesn't want to lose me too." I glance over at my wife. "Silvia we... we lost a lot of people that day," I finish, knowing I can't just leave it at that.

Silvia looks at me in surprise, but slowly becomes resigned to knowing the details. "Tell me, Pepa. Tell me everything."

Fanfiction: I See Red - 01

2009-07-23T23:30:22Z

Title: I See Red
Rating: R - for language
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Post season finale

A/N - I've been inspired by all the wonderful writers on this forum, and thought I should contribute as well. Afterall, I love Pepsi, and I miss watching the show already. These stories have brought me much joy, and I hope I can send it right back out to all of you. It's like a joy recycling program, and I think as good citizens we should all participate. And please, don't be put off by the dark stuff at the very beginning. Let me know what you think, comments are welcome!

Summary - Silvia may be dead, but is she gone?

Shards of brown glass go in and out of focus. They are scattered on the floor. What are they? Did I put them there? Is someone going to clean up the mess? What the fuck do I care? Silvia would've cared. Silvia would have cleaned it up the moment they hit the ground, not wanting a stray foot to collide with a sharp piece of glass. She'd have done anything to protect someone. She cared. She always cared, even when I didn't. Her heart was big enough for the both of us. Now it's gone. She's gone. And I don't want to care. I don't have the strength for it. My muscles feel so weak, so drained, that just turning my head takes a monumental effort.

I hear movement somewhere around me. It's near me, but I don't feel afraid. I hope it's an enemy. I hope I'm in danger. I welcome someone putting me out of my misery. A voice calls out my name and I realize it's Aitor. His sweet words run a chill up my spine. Good 'ole Aitor wants to help me, huh? He wants me to talk to him. Well, all I want is to be left alone. Left the fuck alone. Someone's around me all the time, and I'm sick of it. Why won't they just go? Leave me alone. I want to be alone... "I want to be left the FUCK ALONE!!"

My voice fills the air unexpectedly and Aitor jumps back in surprise. His face is flushed, and he composes himself before speaking in a softened tone, "Pepa. I...it's alright. Just calm down. Paco will be here soon if you'd rather he be with you. Would you like to talk to him? You shouldn't be alone right now -"

"Oh, I see. You're taking shifts now, is that it? Afraid I might hurt myself? Afraid I might blow my fucking brains out?! Well, congratulations! You've made that impossible. You took my guns, you took my rifles. Hell, you took out all the god damn knives in this fucking place! But what you didn't take out is you! You can't help me. No one can help me, so get the FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!!" I vaguely realize there's an empty beer bottle clenched in my fist before I fling it at the wall, shattering it into hundreds of pieces. So that's where all the broken glass came from. From the looks of it, I've laid waste to many a bottle, yet I have no recollection of it. I must be drunk, which would explain why I'm not crying right now. Or feeling. My mind is so numb I can barely feel anything at all. This lack emotion suddenly pisses me off, and a surge of energy bursts through me as I jump to my feet and rush at the punk kid in front of me. He wasn't expecting my sudden movement, tripping on his own feet as he backpedals away and falls to the ground. I swing open the door and use my foot to roll him out with a swift kick. "Tell Paco he can go council someone else! I'm exactly where I want to be - in hell!" The door slams with a resounding crack. Aitor's fists pound on the outside in a futile attempt to get me to open the door, but I've already thrown the locks and bolted it shut. I'm finally alone, free to feel the cold fingers of grief grip my heart. I hope they're strong enough crush it.

____________

I rush through the house, trying to find a gun. They couldn't have gotten them all. I've always been good at stowing them in unusual places. It always angered Silvia, but it made me feel safe, ready. You never know when you might need one - for instance right now. I check the hallway closet and the lower kitchen cupboard, both to no avail. I dash into the bedroom to search under the bed and find myself face to face with my wedding dress; crumpled and blood soaked, lying on the floor. Bile rises in my throat, and I quickly run to the trash can before throwing up, my whole body shaking so wildly I can barely hold the container still. Once my stomach is done contracting I drag my head up and stare at the offensive piece of clothing. I crawl over to it and finger one of the stains. It's dried, but hasn't yet lost all its vibrant color. How long has it been since I lost her? My redhead. My wife. By the look of the stain it couldn't be more than 24 hours, yet it feels like days. Weeks, even, that I've been drained of life. A life without her. The pain of it overwhelms me, quickly triggering my survival instincts as my mind fights my heart for dominance, willing me to feel anger and rage instead of this soul crushing agony.

"Ahhhhhh!" My scream bounces off the bedroom walls. It doesn't sound human. I wrench myself forward, crawling toward the dresser. My hand reaches underneath and finds the key to my own, personal salvation. An automatic pistol rests heavy in my palm like salve to a wound. I check the clip to ensure it's loaded before snapping it back into place. I try to swallow, but I can't, my mouth is too dry. My breathing sounds like wind through an empty tunnel as I slowly stand and look into the mirror. In the distance I can still hear the din of Aitor's pounding against the door as he calls my name, but I don't care. My eyes are dim and lifeless as they stare back at me. It all feels like a dream, as I raise the gun to my temple, hand shaking, eyes locked to my own. I don't feel fear, only elation in knowing that soon my body will reflect what I'm feeling inside - dead.

My finger twitches on the trigger as I think of Silvia. She wouldn't want this for me, but as luck would have it, she's not here to stop me. "I'm sorry Silvia..."

"Maria Jose Miranda! Put that gun down RIGHT THIS SECOND!"

I spin around in shock at the sound of the voice behind me. My gun lowers and drops to the floor unceremoniously, quickly forgotten. Every fiber of my being is vibrating as I soak in the vision of her. Silvia. My Silvia. She stands before me, dressed in her pristine, white wedding dress with fury blazing from her eyes.

My mouth hangs open in amazement as I realize what I've just done. "I did it. I shot myself. I'm dead."

"No, Pepa, you most certainly are not dead! How could you even THINK of putting a gun to your head?!! Why would you do such a thing?! What about me?? Were you not thinking of me at all?!!" Silvia yells passionately at me as an insanely joyful smile makes its way across my face.

"You were ALL I was thinking of, princess." It is her. She's here, in front of me, yelling at me.

"Then why would you do such a thing? And why the hell are you smiling, this isn't funny!!"

"Sweetheart, you're alive. YOU'RE ALIVE!!!"

"Of course I'm alive! What are you going on about?" I rush forward to embrace her in the strongest bear hug that ever was. My feet carry me to her swiftly before I unexpectedly feel weightless. My momentum pushes me through her, leaving me to crash into the closet, clothes falling on me in waves of fabric.

"What the?!" I hear myself and Silvia say simultaneously before I groan and rub my head in pain.

"Pepa?" Silvia turns to me with a stunned look in her eyes. "What just happened? Did you just...run through me?" Her voice is shaking slightly, and the extreme joy I felt a moment ago melts into confusion.

"I don't know, redhead."

"Pepa? What you said before...that I was alive. Doesn't that mean that you thought I was...dead?"

I peak out from underneath the piles of clothing on my head and see the worried expression on my wife's beautiful face. I reluctantly answer "Yes" in a small whisper. I watch as she looks around the room, her eyes falling onto the my white wedding dress that is now plastered with blood. She glances back at me and assures herself that I am unharmed before looking down at herself. She grabs at her stomach as she slowly recalls what happened.

"I was shot."

"Yes."

"Right here."

"That's right."

"And you...and Papa...you tried to save me."

"We did everything we could, but..." Tears are now flowing freely from my eyes as I watch the realization of what happened spread across her face.

"Yes. I remember now. But...it's not possible, is it? I don't understand. What am I doing here?"

"Maybe I was right. Maybe I did shoot myself? Maybe we're both dead?" I say, as I stand up, wiping tears from my cheeks and shrugging clothing onto the floor. I can see the wheels spinning in Silvia's mind, as her scientific brain tries to make sense of the unimaginable.

"If that were true, then you wouldn't have hit the closet wall, or hurt yourself for that matter." Silvia steps over to the bed post and goes to grab it. Her hand drifts through the wood like a breath of smoke. She gasps in reaction, looking at her hand as though it were a foreign object. "Pepa?"

Her eyes fill with tears as she looks at me afraid, searching for answers. I rush over and reach for her, but her image shifts and parts as though I am trying to embrace water. Her form contains nothing solid for me to hold on to, and I pull back in frustration. My only desire is to comfort her, but I am unable to even do that. "Oh, princess. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

A large crash forces me to look away. "PEPA!!" Paco's voice vibrates through the house as he hurries into the bedroom. His eyes meet mine, and I can see his worry give way to relief as his shoulders and head fall forward in exhaustion. "Sister, don't ever do that to me again." He pants, catching his breath.

I wait to see his reaction to Silvia, and realize I am standing between them, blocking his vision. I step to the side and stare back at her as she stares back at me, an anxious look gripping her from head to toe.

"Pepa, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" Paco asks quietly.

"Yes, Paco, it's true." I look back at him and see that he's not looking at Silvia at all, but gazing at the loaded gun resting on the bedroom floor. He bends over, grips the handle, and raises it up in front of him before deliberately releasing the clip into his hand. "Aitor!" He calls out, his eyes holding mine with an intense warning. Aitor appears in the doorway and is shocked to have a gun and clip shoved at him in anger. "Go over this place again, Aitor, and make sure you check below, behind, and above every piece of furniture in here!" His stare switches to the younger man, but the intensity remains the same. Aitor doesn't miss the meaning of the glare and nods his head before getting to work.

"Paco, don't you see -"

"I know you're in pain, Pepa. A pain I cannot imagine, and wish with all my heart I could take away. But you're not the only one hurting. I lost a lot of good people yesterday. I saw a lot of blood. And so help me God, if you hurt a single hair on your head I will NOT forgive you, sister, in this life or the next." Paco strode off. I could hear him bark orders at Aitor to help him pull the book shelf out, continuing their weapon search.

"He couldn't see me," Silvia whispers in surprise.

"Apparently, neither could Aitor," I conclude.

"What does this mean?"

"I guess it means..." A realization comes over me, and I flash a glowing smile at Silvia, "It's just you and me, redhead."

Pepsi Fanfiction 01 - "Fatherly Advice"

2009-07-14T01:16:23Z

Title: Fatherly Advice
Rating: PG
Show: LHDP
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Spoilers: Do you watch LHDP? Yes? Then you won't be spoiled.
Time frame: Takes place between the episode 87 and 89. (After Silvia breaks the rules to do the autopsy, and before Pepa pretends to be pregnant)

Summary - DL finally talks to Silvia about her and Pepa's break-up.

A/N - This is my first Pepsi fanfic, and on top of that, the first fanfic I've ever posted! As many before me, I decided to write an "in-between" fic (thanks to onemorefan for the challenge). It always annoyed me that Silvia and Don Lorenzo never had a scene together during her break-up with Pepa. It was like he was MIA, and I thought for sure they'd talk at some point, but it never happened. So here it is, in all its made-up glory. And if you haven't guess already, there is no "gettin' it on" with our girls in this one. Maybe I'll do one of those someday. I'm starting out slow. Thanks to dossemanas for her help.

As I walk down the hallway I can see my father berating Povedilla yet again. It looks like this time his offense was to spill coffee on the floor, leaving Papa to nearly break his neck before Pove could clean it up. I quickly duck into the lab, hoping he hasn't seen me yet.

Lately, the only thing I feel when I see my father is humiliation. Humiliation over my recent flaunting of protocol when I refused to stop that woman's autopsy. Humiliation at being accused of mobbing by my ex-lover, turning the precinct into yet another butt of a joke. Humiliation from listening to him fumble through explaining to a judge that two grown women were using lawyers to work out their relationship issues.

But that's not the worst of it. The worst is knowing that he was right and I was wrong. He never approved of Pepa, and I can't help but feel shame every time I look at him because of what I put him through. All for what? Another failed relationship. The feeling's been eating away at me, and I've found myself avoiding him ever since the break up. It's hard enough showing up to work every day with a broken heart and bloodshot eyes because I can't stop myself from crying every night. The last thing I want is an "I told you so" spilling from his lips. I'm in enough pain already, and I don't need his judgement on top of my own.

I jump at the sound of knocking on the door and feel my gut clench when my father walks through it. I busy myself with the microscope and summon up a look of deep concentration, hoping he takes the hint and leaves me be, but instead I hear him clear his throat.

"Ahem. Silvia? May I have a word with you?"

"Ummm..." I keep my head turned away and pretend to jot down my recent "findings" from my non-existant specimen. "I'm a bit busy, Papa. Can't this wait?"

"No it can't, daughter. I think this has waited long enough."

Dear God, this is going to be worse than I thought. He's already using that tone from my childhood, just before he'd dole out his punishment. I raise my eyes to him reluctantly and conjure up a bright smile. If I seem happy he may rethink his lecture and leave me in peace, to wallow in my own self misery. "What is it, Papa?"

"Well..." He looks down at the floor and shuffles his feet a bit. Now I know this is about Pepa, because that's the only time he gets uncomfortable speaking his mind: whenever he has to address the fact that I'm in a relationship with a woman. Scratch that, was in a relationship with a woman. "This isn't easy for me, sweetheart." He looks up and his face softens. "I...I know I was...difficult...when you and Pepa..."

"Papa, I don't -"

"I was afraid. I was afraid for you, for your future -"

"And you were right, Papa. I get it. Pepa broke my heart, and I should never have gotten involved with her. You'd think by now I'd have learned my lesson."

"That's not what I was going to say."

"That's exactly what you were going to say!" I burst out of my seat and start pacing the room, my anger quickly rising to the surface. "I know you never approved of us. I know it wasn't what you wanted for me. Well, now you've gotten your wish. I'm free! I'm all alone. No Pepa. Now I can be with a man. That's what's best for me, right? That's what you were thinking, isn't it? That if I just found the right man I could leave all this "lesbian" nonsense behind me. Well, I'm through hearing you lecture me about my life-"

"Silvia!" His stern voice shuts my mouth instantly. He was always a master at demanding attention, I suppose that's why he became commissioner. "If you would let me speak, you'd see that I have no intention of lecturing you! What I do intend to do is apologize."

"Apologize?"

"Yes, dammit! I was wrong."

"You were wrong?"

"Will you let me speak?"

I slowly sit back down in shocked disbelief. Maybe my hearing was going bad, but I could've sworn my father just apologized AND said he was wrong.

"The truth is, I was skeptical." I scoff, earning me a warning glare. I force myself to stay mute, fighting back my desire to speak. "It's true that I didn't approve - at first," he adds, giving me a meaningful look. "I didn't understand it, but I did accept it. You were an adult, after all, and it was what you wanted. And as time went on, believe it or not, I grew to care for and admire Pepa." My eyebrows rise in astonishment. "She loves you, deeply. I can see it on her face every time she's near you. Just like I can see how happy she's made you this past year. It's like she awoke something inside you, and you've been filled with more joy, more life then I can remember. That is, until recently..."

I look down, trying to hide the tears in my eyes. His words would have filled my heart only weeks ago, but now I feel like it's breaking all over again. To hear him describe the life I loved and lost makes me shut my eyes to escape the sting of it.

"And now, all this business with the lawsuits and lawyers, as though that will solve your problems. As though forcing Pepa to not go near you or speak to you will change the pain I see on your face every day."

"Are you saying you're on her side?" I look up at him in shock, not caring if he sees my eyes brimming with tears.

He steps forward and grabs my hand in comfort. "No, daughter. I'm saying that pushing her away isn't going to make you any happier. Has it? Have you been happier since she's been out of your life?"

I look into his kind eyes and know he's right. My head shakes "no" as silent tears trickle down my cheeks. His hand squeezes mine.

"Then don't do it. Don't try and pretend as though she doesn't exist. She's Pepa Miranda, sweetheart. Pushing her away is like trying to prevent an avalanche from rushing down a mountain. All you can do now is make the best of it, right?" I nod my head. "And besides, with all you're going through, I imagine it would be nice to at least have your friend back, no?" I grace him with a genuine smile this time.

Something inside me warms a bit. A tiny shred of hope. Maybe he's right. Maybe there is a way for me to be close to Pepa, because like it or not, I need her. "Thank you, Papa."

"That's what fathers like me are for: To out-stubborn their stubborn daughters." He grins and kisses my forehead. He squeezes my hand gently before letting go and heading to the door. "Now, you have some tests to run, I believe? That double homicide case isn't going to get solved on its own. I expect to see those lab results on my desk by the end of the day."

"Yes sir, Commissioner!" I give him a mock salute before he closes the door behind him.

My hands silently wipe the tears off my cheeks as I contemplate what to do about Pepa. I'd been dragging my feet regarding the restraining order I'd filed. It seemed so insane and ridiculous now. Quickly, I hop up and hurry to the phone, dialing the number to my lawyer so I can have the suit dropped immediately. Pepa is supposed to return in a couple of days. I smile just thinking about seeing her. The first thing I'll do is hug her. That's exactly what I'll do. My stomach warms at the thought of it. It seems like ages since I've touched her. And why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't we be friends? She was my best friend before all this mess occurred, why couldn't she be again? My smile broadens. It's funny how fast things can change. Only minutes ago I was dreading having to work along side her and now I can't wait till she gets back to San Antonio.