Cast me gently into morning for the night has been unkind.

Lyrics from Answer by Sarah McLauchlan


Ryans phone rang at 7:00 A.M. She reached over on Shanes nightstand and answered it. Her voice was scratchy and sleepy.

Hello? She answered, still dead to the world.

Agent Sawyer??? The other voice said.

Ryan realizing it was her Captain, woke up quickly.

Yes Sir, this is Sawyer. She answered awake and attentively now.

I hear you had target practice last night? He inquired stiffly.

Yes Sir, I did. Im sorry it was so late. She attempted to explain, not knowing if she would be reprimanded or not.

Changing his tone, her Captain said, Slow down Sawyer. I was just calling to congratulate you. They recorded your scores last night. You can use them for your proficiency testing if you want. Its damn impressive to get an exemplary score with a broken wrist. Good job Sawyer. Thats all I wanted to say.

Thank you, Sir. Ryan said.

You have a good weekend. Ill see you Monday. He said as he hung up.

Yes Sir, you too Sir.

She hung up the phone. Last night seemed like a haze. She thought of Bailey and a chill ran down her spine.

It was real. She thought to herself.

Shane rolled over, Morning Beautiful.

Good Morning to you. Ryan snuggled up to Shanes nakedness.

You were amazing last night. Ryan said as she nibbled on Shanes ear.

What was up with you last night anyway? Shane said as she was nose to nose with Ryan now.

Nothing really. I was out blowing off some steam. Work stuff. Ya know? I had target practice till really late. Ryan explained.

Are you sure? Nothing else? Just work stuff? Shane asked again not really believing Ryan. She thought she might have gotten freaked out over their new relationship.

Yeah. Just work stuff. Ryan said reassuringly. She didnt want to get into the drama of the Bailey saga right then.

Ok. Shane said not wanting to push her.

Again Ryans phone rang.

What the *****? Why does everyone call you so ***** early in the morning? Shane joked.

Ryan held the phone up to check the caller id. She didnt recognize the number but Shane did.

I know who it is. Let me answer it. Shane requested with a devilish smile.

Fairbanks, why the ***** are you calling my girlfriend at 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday? Shane was laughing.

There was a brief pause as Dana tried to think of something clever.

Your girlfriend, hmmmm, interesting? Dana said pointing out Shanes Freudian slip.

Shane realized what she said then looked awkwardly at Ryan who was seemed to be a little shocked herself.

Anyway. I was calling to see if your girlfriend wanted to go for a run. Dana asked still chuckling.

Well, I dont know the answer to that one, but Ill let you ask her. Shane said, still embarrassed for her slip of the tongue.

Hey Dane. Whats up? Ryan said in a rather chipper tone.

Just wanted to see if you wanted to go for a run? Dana asked

Sure. Sounds good. When and where?

In an hour? And, is Griffith Park OK? Dana asked.

Yeah, sounds good. Ill meet you in the parking lot. Ryan agreed.

So? Going running with Dana? Shane asked with a grin.

Yes????. Ryan said as she started to get dressed.

Dont let her do anything funky, alright? Tennis players have a reputation for being a little handsy. Shane said, still laughing.

Im sure I can handle myself. Ryan said laughing, and reassuring Shane with an innocent kiss.

What? Shane said as Ryan stared at her in silence. What? Shane said again as Ryan continued to grin.

Girlfriend? Huh? Ryan asserted.

Shane just hung her head in humiliation. Im sorry, Ryan. It just came out.

Is that what we are? Ryan asked, wanting to hear yes from Shane.

I dunno? Shane said as she shrugged her shoulders.

Do you wanna be my girlfriend? Shane quietly asked and finally lifted her head up.

Kinda feels like were in junior high, doesnt it? Ryan joked.

Yep. I feel stupid. Shane answered back.

Dont, because I would love to be your girlfriend. Ryan pulled Shane against her.

Cool. So, what do we do now? Do we like shake hands or something? Shane laughed.

You are so cute! Ryan said to Shane as she kissed her.

Meet me back at my house in a couple of hours. Well do something fun today Ryan said as she was heading out the door.

Ok, and hey, tell Fairbanks to keep her hands off my girlfriend. Shane said with a wink and a smile.

I will. Ryan said as she left.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Wow Ryan, youre house is really nice. Dana said as Ryan gave her the grand tour.

Shane sat on the couch flipping channels with the remote and waited for the “tour” to be done.

She used her special ed voice to poke fun at Dana, and repeated,

Wow, your house is really nice. Under her breath.

Did you say something Babe? Ryan yelled from the kitchen.

Nope. Just talking to myself. Shane said.

Since nobody is talking to me. She said under her breath, and feeling a little neglected.

Oh. Your puppies are so cute! Dana said as she bent down to play with them.

I used to have a cat. His name was Mr. Piddles. He died. Dana said as her eyes started to well up.

Oh. Im so sorry. What happened? Ryan asked in sincerity, feeling the pain of someone who loved animals as much as she did.

Oh *****. Here we go. Shane thought and buried her head between her knees.

The vet thinks something with his thyroid. Shes not sure. Dana said as Ryan continued to hug and console her.

He was murdered! Shane said under her breath again, and trying not to bust out laughing.

Whos your vet Dana? Ryan asked curiously.

Dr. Pick. :)

Wow. Thats my vet too. Isnt she great? Ryan asked.

I love her to death. Shes so good with animals. Plus shes like smokin hot! Dana said.

With gatorade in hand and still out of breath, the girls plopped down on the couch next to Shane.

Baby?” Ryan laid her head on Shane’s shoulder.

“Yes??” Shane replied.

“Dana and I have a plan. Ryan said as she slid closer to Shane to butter her up.

And that would be? Shane asked curiously.

We thought since the weather was nice that we could get everyone together for a game of touch football. Ryan said as she rubbed Shanes shoulders.

Shane violently shook her head no.

“Absolutely No Way! No Way Man!” Shane said.

Oh please Baby. It will be so much fun! Ryan pleaded.

Yeah. Please Shane! Dana pleaded as they wrestled her to the floor.

Were going to pin you down till you say yes. Ryan said as she held her legs down.

Yeah. What she said. As Dana held Shanes arms down.

Ok? Im being pinned down by two gorgeous women. You guys need to rethink your punishment. Shane laughed.

Ryan softly punched her in the gut.

Ouch. Shane said still laughing.

Ill make it worth your while. Ryan suggestively offered.

Dana covered her ears, Ok. Yuck. Just tell me when your done.

They let Shane up and she finally agreed to play.

Ill play only if the two of you will wear those sports bra things with no shirts. Shane requested.

What? No way! Dana and Ryan said in unison.

Thats the only way Ill play! Shane stood her ground firmly.

Oh. Alright. Its warm outside. Ryan finally gave in.

Ok. Dana agreed too, knowing Alice would love her shirtless too.

Good! Youre in. Alice has already recruited everyone but Marina. Dana said.

GEEZ! You guys talked to Alice already??? Shane asked.

Yep. They said in unison again.

That figures. You two are trouble. Shane said as she pointed to the both of them.

T.R.O.U.B.L.E. Ryan said as she gave Dana a high five.


“Well I know it wasn’t you who held me down
Heaven knows it wasn’t you who set me free
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

But me, I’m already gone
And I’m feelin’ strong
I will sing this victory song
Cause I’m already gone….”

Lyrics “Already Gone” by the Eagles