Tension

Nicole and Maria were walking past a park in Maria's neighborhood. They had managed to get out of the house before Maria's mother saw them. Nicole had on her usual sports bra and shorts and Maria, a bit more covered, had on capri tights and a pink under armor shirt.

Maria spotted the swing set and looked to Nicole, "Can we go over there?"

Nicole couldn't help but giggle. Maria had these puppy dog eyes that she found hard to say no to. "Sure, if it's what you want."

Maria jumped up and down, clapping her hands together. "Yay!" She ran over hopping into a swing. "Push me!" She demanded, though to Nicole it was no problem. She walked behind Maria pulling the swing back as far as she could.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, yes. Come on!"

Nicole let the swing go and Maria began swinging her legs back and forward with passion. Nicole watched Maria, seeing how beautiful she looked with her hair blowing in the wind. Her brown locks covering her face, her smile bright and the medley that was her laughter.

Maria slowed stopping. Nicole stepped in front of her. "Thank you. For everything. I know my mother is a bit much but, she means well."

Nicole let out a chuckle and smirked at Maria. "You know, I thought you were going to be like her or her be like you. But, I was wrong. So wrong."

Maria laughed. She always heard people say she was nothing like her mother. Even growing up she noticed that she was just like her father. "Thank you, I'm really sorry for the way she treated you. I hope she doesn't stay for long. But, my father will be here tomorrow."

"Yeah?" Nicole had a slight grin on her face, seeing Maria light up at the arrival of her father. "What's he like?" Nicole took a seat in the swing next to Maria as they swayed slightly.

"Mi Papa. He's everything to me. I remember growing up he always made time for me. That's if my mother wasn't being her bossy self. We would go to this festival every year in Austin. Once he even took me to see Selena. I thought I would pass out."

Nicole listened as Maria went on about her and her father. She noticed how her lips curved, and how even when Maria wasn't on stage, she talked with her hands. Maria was filled with emotion.

Maria's voice faded, she looked like she was thinking, "Nicole, how...how did you know you were gay? I mean a lesbian?"

Nicole's eyes widened. "Well. I...I guess when I was in middle school. Though I didn't come out until high school."

"Did you feel better after?"

"Yeah. I felt like I could do anything. Granted this was 16 years ago. But, I was happier after. Even my friends noticed."

Maria let out a soft oh. Her head fell and she searched for words to tell Nicole she was sorry. "I'm sorry....for how I treated you before. I...I guess..."

Nicole looked at Maria, who head was still low. "You don't have to apologize. It's your view and I'm ok with that."

Maria finally looked up, locking eyes with Nicole. She couldn't help but see Nicole's deep blue eyes. They looked so inviting and warm. "We should head back, your mom might be worried."

Nicole's voice pulled Maria from her trance. She stood following Nicole back to her home. The walk back seemed so much shorter. When they got back Nicole went to her room to take a shower. Maria sat downstairs thinking about Nicole. Her eyes, that body that seem to be even more attractive than the first time.

She went upstairs to her mother's room. Peeking in she noticed she was in deep sleep. She shut the door heading to her own room for her shower. She noticed that ache in her body that was there the night Nicole held her.

*************

Nicole had put on shorts and a t-shirt. The shower she had was refreshing, she was somewhat able to clear her mind of Maria and how much she wanted her. She turned on her iPod and sat on her bed. Stevie Nicks' Leather and Lace played softly. Her mind kept wondering back to how much she wanted to kiss Maria.

She laid on her back looking at the ceiling. 'Nicole get yourself together that woman is married.' Before her thoughts could run away from her, there was a knock at the door. "Come in." She turned her head seeing Maria in an oversized shirt. She sat up,quickly, reaching for her gun. "Is everything ok, is there's someone here?"

"No. I was wondering....never mind it's stupid."

Nicole stood. "Hey, you can ask me anything. Do you need me to do something?"

"No."

"Well then, ask me." Nicole chuckled seeing Maria play with the hem of her shirt.

"I...I wanted to know if I could stay in here...with you?" Nicole's eyes widened. She didn't know what to say to Maria. "It's ok if you say no. I wouldn't want to put you in a compromising position." Maria dropped her head.

"Uh, sure you can." Nicole smiled. Maria walked over closing the door behind her. She walked over to where she slept the night before.

"What that song?"

"Stevie Nicks. If it's bothering you I can turn it off." Nicole stood walking to the dresser.

"No. I like it." Nicole got back in bed, laying on her back. Maria looked at her, the light from the moon danced across Nicole's skin. "Nicole, what's your favorite type of music?"

"Depends. I like everything, even heavy metal. I guess for nights like this, I just want to relax. It's like my body can drift to sleep. I lose all stress of the day." Nicole sighed.

Maria closed her eyes listening to the music. Night After Sidewalk by Kaki King slowly made its way through the speakers. "What's this one." Maria asked.

"It's the first song I learned to play on my guitar. Night After Sidewalk."

"You play guitar?" Maria sounded a little surprised. Nicole turned her head looking at her, a smile creeping onto her lips.

"Yes."

"Can I hear something?"

"Now?"

"Yes. I want to see." Nicole got up and grabbed the guitar at the foot of the bed. She couldn't say no to Maria and the look on her face was so beautiful that she wanted it there forever.

"What do you want hear?"

"Surprise me?" Maria sat up, her back against the headboard and crossed her legs. Nicole watched as she did this. The little light seeping in the room shined off her golden skin. She knew the perfect song.

She started playing. "I've got this friend. I don't think you know him. He's not much for words, he's hidden his heart away." Maria listened as Nicole played. Her voice was soft and soothing. Maria sat, tapping her foot. She couldn't help but feel every word Nicole said run through her body.

She wanted her. Even if it wasn't sexual, she wanted Nicole. "Oh oh oh oh, if the right one came. If the right one came along." Nicole finished the song.

"I didn't know you could sing"

"It's a secret. And, you can't tell anyone." Nicole laughed, smiling.

"I won't. Promise. But, why didn't you become a musician?"

"Music is a passion. But, I rather keep it as something that takes stress away."

"Oh." Maria let out a yawn.

"We should go to sleep. You have a lot to do tomorrow."

Nicole put her guitar away and laid by Maria. Nicole was hesitant but she wanted Maria in her arms. "Are you cold?"

Maria wasn't cold, but she needed to feel Nicole against her body. "Yes."

Nicole turned on her side wrapping her arm around Maria. "Is this better?"

Maria backed in closer and pulled Nicole's arm tighter around her. "Yes."

Nicole felt Maria's warm body and let out a breath she had held since she asked if she was cold. Within minutes Maria's soft snores filled Nicole's ears. She listened closing her eyes.

*****************

The next day was hell for Maria. Her mother had joined her and the entire time judged everything and everyone. Maria, who's mother's words never really had an effect on her, couldn't help the anger she felt when her mother criticized Nicole. They were now in the car headed to the airport in San Antonio. Her mother was beside her, yelling at the driver.

"Hijá what's wrong?"

"Nothing Mama." Maria's words came out soft. She looked out the window, thinking of the night she spent with Nicole. She could hear her sweet voice singing and the softness of her arm. The warmth of her body.

"Marianna Julia Santiago!! Did you hear me?" Maria jumped at the sound of her mother's voice.

"No Mama, Lo sentio." Gloria let out a big huff.

"Did you talk to John?"

Maria had completely forgot about him. Her thoughts were always on Nicole. Her body, her lips, everything about Nicole made Maria tingle. She looked in the mirror to Nicole, who's eyes didn't leave the road. "No."

"Where is he?"

Maria was getting annoyed by her mother's question. "Omaha."

She turned her attention back to the window, seeing the airport come to view. She was glad her father decided to join. He could keep her mother busy. "Mrs. We are here." The driver pulled up to the loading lane. Nicole got out, holding the door for Maria and her mother.

Maria stood, looking in Nicole's eyes. "Thank you." Nicole nodded following behind Maria.

They had gotten there as her father came with his carry on. They headed back to the car, going to a dinner. They had arrived at the elegant restaurant. Nicole noticed how much Maria changed when her father was around. She laughed more and her smile beamed through the entire room. After dinner, the went back home.

Walking through the front door, Gloria dumped her giant bag. Jose kissed Maria goodnight and followed his wife to their room. "Your dad is amazing."

Maria smiled, "I know."

Nicole sat in the living room, turning on the tv. "Nicole, you aren't tired?"

"No, also it's my turn for the night shift."

"But, I ne....I mean you have been out all day." Maria didn't want Nicole to know she wanted to spend the night with her...again.

"I'm fine. Officer Stevens will be with me tonight." Maria felt a pang of jealously. "Don't worry I'll be here all night."

Nicole smiled at Maria. She stood walking pass Maria, to her room. She changed her cloths and went back downstairs, she saw Maria in the same place. "Maria are you ok?"

Maria looked up at her, she could no longer hold back her urges. She walked closer to Nicole and before Nicole could ask another question, she kissed her. Maria kissed Nicole with so much passion, wrapping her arms around Nicole's neck. She felt Nicole's arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer.

After what seemed like forever, Maria pulled away. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

Nicole kept her arms around Maria, who tired backing away. "It's fine. I wanted you to. You just surprised me."

Maria sighed, "I'm not sure what this means."

Nicole pulled Maria to the couch, "It doesn't have to mean anything. If you want to forget this ever happened we can. I won't say a word."

"That's just it, I want more. You have made me feel things John could never do. A simple kiss with you was more than what he has ever given or done to me."

Maria was going to kiss Nicole, but a knock on the front door pulled them apart. Nicole cursed to herself, Jesse always knew how to ruin a moment. She got up opening the door for Jesse. "See, Nic this is why you need me. It took you way too long to get the door. How are going to protect that beautiful woman."

Nicole moved so Jesse could see that Maria was behind her. Maria waved, "I'm going to go upstairs."

"Goodnight Mrs.Valdez." Jesse said. "Nic why didn't you tell me she was behind you?"

"You were too busy running that mouth of yours."

Jesse and Nicole sat downstairs, doing what the usually did on overnights together. Drink coffee and Nicole listened to the many sex stories Jesse had for her that week. Even with Jesse there, Nicole thought of Maria. Her soft skin and lips, her hips when she pulled her closer, the slight pomegranate scent that leaked from her pores. Maria was all woman and Nicole wanted more of her.

*********

Hoe you like it. Took forever but I kept rewriting it. They finally kissed.

Any questions or things you want to see happen let me know.

Much Love

-M