Title: There Comes A Time Author: Agent Toad Email: Agent_Toad@hotmail.com Category: Post-ep: Audrey Pauley; DRR Rating: NC-17 Spoilers: Audrey Pauley (of course) Keywords: Reyes/Doggett romance, angst Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. The characters belong to CC, 1013, and Fox. Don't sue. No beta reader used; all mistakes are mine. This is not a song-fic, but I did make use of George Strait's "Run" (without permission of course); Title courtesy of Toad the Wet Sprocket Feedback: This is my first fic to feature smut. Let me know what you think. Please, please, please!!! Summary: A follow-up to the events of Audrey Pauley. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Reyes: I turn back, my eyes willing him to follow me. After a moment of watching him stare back at me, unmoving, I turn and enter my apartment. He had said "Good night" first. He obviously isn't ready for this, whatever *this* is. I close the door behind me and lean against it, seeking whatever emotional support it can provide. I silently wish away the feelings of frustration and defeat that threaten to drown me. Why didn't he follow me? Why won't he admit his feelings? Audrey, poor, sweet Audrey. She told me he loved me very much. After I regained consciousness, I finally convinced John that I was alive and as well as could be expected, and he went home to get some sleep. Dana then told me how hard he had fought for me, how he never gave up on me. Tears were in her eyes. She couldn't hide the fact that his devotion had touched her, and before she left, Dana reiterated Audrey's innocent observation: "He loves you, Monica, fiercely." I sigh deeply. What is it going to take? For God's sake, they thought I was dead! If that's not enough to make him "seize the moment," I don't know what is. He knows very well how I feel; the first move is his. Doggett: I get back into my truck, but rather than driving away, like I probably should, I sit with my head in my hands. What the hell am I doing? Why can't I just grow a pair and tell her how I feel? It took Audrey saying it to make me realize, to make me understand why I was so frantic to prove Monica was alive. It wasn't just friendship at work there; it was love, pure and simple. I know Monica feels the same. I've always suspected, but after our "cats versus dogs" conversation, there's no doubt in my mind. She loves me, and I love her...so why is this so damn hard?! If my life was a cartoon, a light bulb would have just appeared over my head. Why *does* this have to be so hard? I mean, there are complications, there will be issues, but damn it, life's too short! I know that now. The pain and helplessness I felt when Monica was lying lifeless in that hospital bed comes rushing back to me. Tears fill my eyes. "Oh my God, I can't lose her again," I find myself saying aloud. It was now or never. I get out of the truck and make my way to her door. Reyes: A knock on the door I'm still leaning against shakes me out of my reverie. I take a deep breath before turning and opening it. It can only be one person. "John." He enters without a word, and after closing the door, I sit on the couch. I gesture for him to join me, but he just stares at me for a moment. I can see a war going on behind his eyes, and it looks like he may have been crying. I study him as he approaches and crouches in front of me, his hand on the armrest of the couch for leverage. He still has not said a word. He gazes up into my inquisitive face, and his blue eyes suddenly turn wild, almost feral. His face moves up to meet mine. I try to control my breathing as I anticipate the feel of his lips on mine. I've wanted this for so long, I can barely contain my excitement and desire. His face is now only inches away, but he stops. His eyes become unsure, guarded, and he backs away, refusing to meet my gaze. "No," I state flatly. I feel my resolve steely within me. I reach out and put my fingers under his chin, turning his face upward to meet mine. "No, John, I want this." I lean down and place my lips tentatively against his, gauging his reaction. Almost immediately he opens his mouth to me and my tongue joins his in an exquisite dance. My fingers move from his chin to his cheek, and I caress his face as the kiss deepens. His skin is rough against my hand, but he feels incredible. This has to be the most amazing, most passionate, most loving kiss I have ever experienced. I feel his hand moving through my hair as the other one snakes around my waist, pulling me down onto his lap. I feel his desire hard against me, and I unconsciously moan into his mouth. I want him more than I've ever wanted anyone, and I'm having a really hard time controlling myself. This is better than I ever could have imagined. His movements are gentle, but urgent...the perfect blend. I wrap my arms around his neck, running my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. He lets out a deep, throaty moan, and his kisses move from my mouth down my jawline to my neck. Oh God, John Doggett is licking and sucking on my neck. My brain is beginning to lose all ability for rational thought. When his hand reaches up and cups my breast, it's all over. My brain shuts down and my body takes over, and I begin grinding against his lap. John lets out a contented hiss, and his breath against my skin causes me to shudder. Suddenly he pulls away, falling onto the floor, taking me with him. We lay gasping for air next to one another, trying to regain some composure. Doggett: When I see her, really see her, I can't help myself. I almost attack her. Then, of course, my stubborn, fearful side takes over, and I stop myself from attacking her. What if I was wrong? I can't believe when she takes my face in her hand, and how soft her lips are against mine. She smells amazing, like warmth and life. I open my mouth, wanting to deepen the kiss, show her how much I want her. My brain loses track of space and time, and I all I know is her: her lips, her tongue, her hands, her hair, her scent, her desire. I pull her into my lap, brazenly kneading her breast. She moans, and I take that as a sign to begin my exploration of her body. I move down to her neck, and as I lick her beautiful skin she begins to rub herself against my erection...Oh God, I'm losing control. We can't do this, not now. I need to tell her... It takes every ounce of resolve I have not to pin her to the floor and make mad, passionate love to her. Instead, I pull away, and hit the floor hard, trying desperately to knock some sense into myself. "Mon," I gasp. "Mon, I'm sorry..." She cuts me off, misinterpreting my words. "John, don't apologize. I've wanted this as badly as you have." She rises and sits on the couch, reaching her hands out to me. I take them in mine and sit next to her, trying desperately to ignore the heat radiating from her body. "No, Monica, I'm--I'm sorry we didn't do that sooner." She smiles a deliciously mischievous smile. "Well, geez, John, why didn't you just say something?" I laugh lightly. "Gee, Monica, you make it sound so easy." She smiles even wider, "Why shouldn't it be?" She's teasing me. She knows there's a reason why I stopped kissing her, and she teasing it out of me. I shift uncomfortably, looking down where our hands are joined. "Monica," I start, "when you were lying in that hospital bed, feelings I've been suppressing, ignoring, whatever you want to call it, broke through. I was scared, Monica, scared of losing you." Her hands squeeze mine, encouraging me to continue. I take a deep breath. Here I go. "Monica, I love you." Tears spring to her eyes, and she leans into me, wrapping her arms around my body. She buries her face in my neck, and I return her embrace, kissing her softly on the top of her head. "Mon, you okay?" Reyes: I loosen my grip enough to look into his eyes. Those eyes, those gorgeous, crystal blue eyes. A woman could get lost in those eyes. We are inches apart now, and a tear escapes my eye and falls down my cheek. John catches it with his fingertips, and I kiss them as he pulls them away. "I'm fine, John. Just overwhelmed. I never thought..." I trail off, then continue down a different route, "John, I love you. I have for a long time, maybe ever since New York." John smiles widely and pulls me into a crushing embrace. His lips find mine again, and we're soon back where we had left off. We're lying on the couch, our hands roving over one another's bodies, our lips locked. God, he feels good. "Mmmmmm, John," I moan, and reach down and grasp his erection through his pants. He gasps, "Oh God, Monica, Mon..." he trails off, his lips moving over my neck. He starts unbuttoning my shirt, kissing the skin that he exposes. Oh God, he's incredible. He reaches underneath me and unhooks my bra, pushing it out of the way. His mouth latches onto my nipple, sucking and licking...and biting. "John!" My voice is shaky; I need him now. "John, I want you inside me." He's on top of me now, and my hips buck up against him for emphasis. My hands clasp at his back, pulling his body hard against me. "John, please," I groan. Doggett: Oh, Jesus, she's begging. What did I do to make a strong woman like Monica beg? I can't believe I'm really here. I can't believe I'm about to make love with Monica Reyes. How the hell did this happen? I lift her up and carry her to her bedroom, my lips never leaving hers. I put her down on the bed, but before I join her, I realize we might have a problem. "John, what's wrong?" "Condoms, do you have any?" She smiles, "Well, as a matter of fact, check the top drawer of my dresser." I can't help but be a little shocked, and she sees it on my face. "Well, John, a girl can't be too prepared." She smiles wickedly and begins taking off her pants. I practically run to the dresser. I'm relieved to find the box unopened. After taking out a condom and placing it on the bedside table, I'm stopped in my tracks. She's completely naked now, and I marvel at how beautiful she is. "Jesus, Monica, you're incredible. You're gorgeous." She smiles, suddenly looking very self-conscious. She reaches out to me, inviting me into bed. "John, make love to me." I don't need to be asked twice. I quickly remove my clothing and slide into bed next to her, aligning my body with hers. Her skin feels so hot against mine. I want to take this slow, but it's going to be a challenge. Our mouths meet hungrily, our hands clutching at one another. She moans and gasps as I nuzzle her breasts, my fingers drawing circles over her abdomen. They trail lower, and I touch her for the first time, my fingers dipping into her wetness. She's so hot. Her hips buck up against my two fingers and they slip inside. God, she feels so good, so wet. I resume drawing circles on her stomach, but this time with my tongue. She's whimpering now, moaning my name. I look up into her face. She's flushed, her head is tossed back, and her eyes are closed. I've never seen anything sexier in my life. Reyes: Oh God, his fingers are inside me. I'm so hot, so sensitive. He moves them slowly in and out. It's sweet torture. I feel his tongue leave my stomach, and I open my eyes. He's watching his fingers move inside of me. That has to be the hottest thing I've ever seen. He's captivated by what he's doing to me. He looks up, and our eyes meet. His are dark with desire, and he smiles, then mouths the words, "I love you." I feel tears springing to my eyes once again. I can't believe this is happening. Any coherent thoughts suddenly rush from my brain, however, when I feel his tongue teasing my clit. "Oooooooh, Jooohn," is all I'm capable of saying. His minstrations become faster, more intense, and I feel my body tightening. "Oh God, oh God, JOHN!" I scream his name as wave after wave of pleasure washes over me. Doggett: I thought I had already seen Monica at her most beautiful; seeing her in the throes of her orgasm proved me wrong. She's amazing, breathtaking. After she begins to relax I move back to her face, and kiss her lips gently, brushing her hair back from her face. "Monica?" Her eyes open, and she smiles radiantly. "John, that was incredible." She nuzzles my neck, and her tongue darts out, sending sparks through my body. I gasp loudly. She continues attacking my neck, lightly nipping the skin with her teeth. She surprises me with a deep kiss on the mouth, then moves to my ears...oh God, the ears. How did she know? I feel my body turn to jelly under her touch, well except for-- "Monicaaaaa," I groan as her hand wraps around my erection. With her other hand she reaches for the condom, and deftly covers me with it. She straddles me, and slowly lowers herself down onto my cock, taking me inside inch by tortuous inch. My hands reach up and play with her breasts while she adjusts to me. Just when I feel that I have to thrust she leans down and captures my mouth with hers, our tongues dancing frantically. She begins to move, and I moan into her mouth. Neither of us says a word; we're both so focused on the joining of our bodies. We kiss gently, then fiercely, then gently again. My mouth finds her breasts and I alternate between them, licking and sucking her nipples. She tongues my ears and neck, sending shudders through my body. She begins to move faster over me, her breathing becoming ragged. I fight for control. I'm dangerously close, but I want her to come first. I reach between us and find her clit. Taking it between my thumb and forefinger, I gently roll it back and forth. I am rewarded by her intense reaction. Oh God, she's coming. I feel her muscles grip me, and see her throw her head back, gasping my name. My eyes begin to lose focus. My free hand grips her hip, and I start pounding up into her body. Oh God, oh God... "Monica!" My orgasm washes over me, and I fall back against the pillow. Monica falls forward, her head resting against my chest. We hold each other for what seems like ages, and as our breathing returns to normal, she whispers in my ear, "I love you, John Doggett." I smile, and kiss the top of her head. "I love you, Monica Reyes." After I few moments I begin to disentangle myself from her. I have to get rid of this condom. She moans, protesting my movements. "I'll be right back, beautiful, I promise." She smiles sleepily. "Hurry up." Reyes: A couple of minutes later, he crawls back into bed, pressing his naked body up against my back and wrapping his arms around me. I find myself making a sort of purring noise as a snuggle against his warmth. I can't believe this is really happening, and I'm happier than I ever thought I could be. I fall asleep easily in his arms, his warm breath slow and even on the back of my neck. I wake the next morning to someone singing in my kitchen. Well, maybe singing isn't the right word; it's more like a deep warbling. I smile widely as I recall last night's events. Slipping out from under the covers, I pull on my button-down shirt from last night and find a pair of boxer shorts in my drawer. I creep out of the bedroom toward the kitchen. I peek my head around the corner and see John, in his t-shirt and boxers, frying up bacon and scrambling eggs. The singing continues. "If there's a plane or a bus leavin' Dallas, I hope you're on it; If there's a train movin' fast down the tracks, I hope ya caught it; 'Cause I swear out there ain't where you oughtta be; So catch a ride or catch a cab, don't you know I miss ya bad, but don't you walk to me" John paused in his singing long enough to open the fridge and remove the butter. "Baby, run, cut a path across the blue skies; straight in a straight line, you can't get here fast enough; Find a truck and fire it up, lean on the gas and off the clutch; Leave Dallas in the dust, I need you in a rush, so baby, run." He's really making a go of this song, and I can't help but smile. He isn't half bad. It's not like I'd recommend him for Star Search or anything, but he seems to be enjoying himself. I make some noise as I step into the kitchen. I don't want to embarrass him. He smiles as he hears me approach. "Morning, beautiful." He approaches and kisses me sweetly. How did I go through all those years without him? "What song was that you were singing?" I feel compelled to ask. He smiles, not ashamed at all. "Oh, you wouldn't know it. It's not your style." "Is it your style?" "Well, yeah, I guess it is." He stares at me with a bemused look on his face. "Then I want to know it." He smiles, understanding the deeper meaning of my words. He holds me close to him, his lips resting on my forehead. I want to know everything about this man. He releases me and gestures toward the table. "Breakfast?" "Mmm," I nod. This is what it means to be happy, to live a normal life. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man. I'll tell him that someday. There's plenty of time later to worry about the more complicated stuff. Right now, I just want to enjoy breakfast with the man I love.