Love is Warm

by this_is_why

Summary:

A very domestic day-to-day fic on their relationship post-gunfight. There will be plot but I am mostly exploring their relationship development. They navigate Josie’s injury, both of their pasts and what their jobs hold for them going forward all whilst falling in love.

Chapter 1: Waking Up

Josie stirred, she had no idea how long she’d been out. She could tell that she was in the hospital but couldn’t remember anything since the gunfight. Just Cruz standing over her, holding her hand whilst the medics assessed her. Since then, she’d been transported to hospital, had surgery and was now in recovery, unaware of it all. This was the first time she’d really been conscious and she didn’t want to open her eyes and finally face what had happened. So she held onto the moment, just a little longer.

She listened to the sounds around her: the beeping of the machines attached to her, the faint talking and shuffling in the background and the slow breathing of someone next to her. It was only then that she became aware that her hand was warm, holding onto something. It was the curiosity of who was holding her hand that finally made her face reality. God she hoped it wasn’t her mother.

She opened her eyes, blinking and groaning as she adjusted to the bright lights. She looked to her right and saw Cruz in the chair next to her. She was asleep; her chair pulled as close to the bed as it could go and her hand intertwined with Josie’s. The beeping on her monitors increased slightly at the sight. The change in noise stirred Cruz awake and she came around quickly, almost trying to hide the fact she was even asleep in the first place.

“Hey” Cruz said quietly, not wanting to overwhelm Josie. She stood up, reached over to the table by Josie’s bed and grabbed her a cup of water with a straw.

“Hey” Josie responded, “thanks” she said as Cruz lifted the cup to her mouth for her to have a drink.

Cruz put the cup back on the table, returning to the edge of her chair to lean close to Josie. “How you feeling?” She asked, genuine care in her voice.

“Ok I think. Head feels foggy, probably from the meds. How long have I been out?”

“Your surgery was 2 days ago, you’ve been in and out since last night.”

“I don’t remember anything since we got rescued.”

“Probably for the best” Cruz smiled.

“Probably” Josie agreed, a smile creeping onto her face too.

They sat there for a moment smiling at each other, hands intertwined, until a voice came from the doorway.

“Cruz, I’ve never seen you smile before” Joe quipped as she walked in. Cruz immediately shot back away from Josie and the smile dropped from her face; her walls shooting back up. She stood up and leaned against the wall behind her chair. Josie leaned back too, huffing at yet another interruption of her and Cruz having a moment.

“You’ve never given me anything to smile about” Cruz responded bluntly. To this, Joe rolled her eyes and moved towards Josie on the other side of her hospital bed.

“How are you feeling, Captain?” Joe asked.

“Fine. I haven’t spoken to a doctor yet, I don’t know what the situation is.” She responded, looking down at her broken leg with worry.

“I just spoke to your doctor. You’ll stay here for 3 more days, then you’ll be released and we’ll travel to Liberty where we are getting a house organised for the QRF. She said you’ll have around 8 weeks in the cast and then once it’s off, plenty of physical therapy. The rest of the team will be recovering with you so you’ll have the support you need to get you to appointments and anything else you need.”

Josie didn’t know what to say. That was a lot of information to process, her life was going to change drastically again. With no choice in the matter. Again. Then she had a thought “Then what? Will I fly again? Will I go back to my unit?”

Joe sighed “Captain, you won’t be able to return to your unit. We don’t have a plan for you yet. Let’s see how your recovery goes and we’ll talk soon.” Josie just stared blankly at Joe, she really couldn’t take any more disappointment. She wanted to cry but had nothing left. She also refused to cry in front of Joe anymore, she’d seen enough of Josie’s tears already.

Cruz had stood silently, listening to the conversation and had been able to observe emotionless until Joe’s last statement. She clenched her jaw and said sternly “Joe. A word.”

Joe glared at Cruz for the tone she had used but stepped out into the hall waiting for Cruz to follow her. As Cruz left, she turned and gave Josie a quick look of reassurance and whispered “I’ll be right back”. Josie nodded but her expression remained broken.

As soon as the door to Josie’s room closed, Cruz said “That’s the best you can do? You have ruined this woman’s life. You lost her the job of her dreams, stripped her of the title she earned, made her give up her privacy and dignity to a team she’d never met and destroyed what little relationship she had with her family. She nearly died for you in that gunfight, and now her leg is broken and the next 2 months of her life are going to be pain and appointments and grief for everything she’s lost. Everything you took from her. So you’re gonna have to do better than ‘Let’s see how we go.’” Only when Cruz stopped did she realise she’d been almost-shouting. She knew Joe would be pissed, furious maybe, for the way she had spoken to her. Cruz was past caring. All of this had happened to Josie without her having a say in it. She refused to let that happen again.

Joe didn’t speak, she stood jaw clenched, hard staring at Cruz after her outburst. Cruz stared back, refusing to back down. Then Joe’s mobile rang. She reached for it and put it to her ear without breaking eye contact or saying a word. It was Cruz who won the stand off when Joe turned and walked away, responding to whatever had been spoken to her on the phone.

Cruz took a second to watch her disappear around the corner before she turned and re-entered Josie’s room. She walked over to her chair and slumped into it with a sigh. There was beat of silence before Josie said “so I heard all of that.”

Cruz sighed again and ran her hand through her hair. She looked up at Josie and leaned forward to rest her clenched fists on the bed. “Sorry.. I didn’t want to talk about you like you weren’t here but I also didn’t think Joe would’ve let me get that much out with you watching.”

“Thank you.” Josie said softly, taking Cruz’s hands into her own and uncurling her clenched fists. A tear fell from Josie’s eyes and Cruz reached up and wiped it away. Cruz was glad Josie felt comfortable crying in front of her, she could see her fighting it when Joe was in the room.

Although Josie was broken, she was glad that at least one other person understood what she had been through and how she felt. She was glad it was Cruz.

In an attempt to lift the mood, Cruz responded “thank you for not dying, that would’ve been really embarrassing for me.”

Josie perked up with an inquisitive laugh “for you?”

Cruz laughed “first girl I’ve ever asked on a date, and then you go and die? Super embarrassing.” Cruz grinned and Josie let out a genuine laugh, shoving Cruz’s shoulder playfully.

“Oh wow yeah no, I see your point. So glad I saved you that embarrassment.” She laughed.“Although, I think our date might be postponed for a while” Josie sighed looking at her leg.

“Well, maybe. Maybe not. I was thinking… and it’s ok if you don’t want to, it’s a lot to put on you and we haven’t known each other that long so if it’s too much I get it-“

“Cruz. What? Just say it” Josie interrupted. Always straight to the point with Josie. Cruz liked that.

“I wondered if you wanted to stay with me when we go back to Liberty. The team will be nearby, but I’ll be around to help you and take you to appointments and anything else you need.”

Josie sat thoughtful for a second and then her look turned devilish as she said “anything?”

Cruz rolled her eyes and laughed, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Is that a yes or a no?” She responded lightly.

“Yes. Obviously yes. Only if you promise to tell me when I’ve overstayed my welcome or you want some alone time.”

Cruz smiled back “are you planning on being annoying?” She asked jokingly.

“Babe, you know I’m a brat and you still want me, in fact, I think you like it” she said with a wink. Cruz was definitely blushing now, being called ‘babe’ and being called out for liking Josie’s bratty side. Ohhh she was in too deep already, there was no going back now.

“Whatever” Cruz said sheepishly. To Cruz’s relief, a nurse came in to check on Josie which saved Josie noticing Cruz’s red cheeks.

The next three days in hospital went as well as they could’ve. They chatted, ate hospital food together, had visits from the QRF to get updates on each other’s injuries. Cruz left every now and then to have a shower and Josie was in and out of sleep with all the meds she was on. Three days later she was discharged and on a plane back to Liberty, Cruz by her side.

Chapter 2: Coming Home

Summary:

They arrive home from the hospital and realise how normal and natural it feels to live together.

Cruz pulled the car up to the curb outside her house, hopped out and jogged round to Josie’s door, determined to get there before Josie attempted to get out herself. She made it just in time and stopped Josie from being too hasty.

Cruz opened the back door, grabbed the crutches and put them in Josie’s hands so she could drop her weight onto them. Josie was independent, a leader, someone who didn’t need help. Until now. 

Cruz knew how frustrating her leg was going to be for her and would do her best to help without patronising or babying her. She walked behind Josie to the front door, then opened it up and let Josie go in on her own whilst she went back to the car to get what little bags they had with them. When she got back, Josie had sat herself down on the couch with her broken leg up on the coffee table. She looked exhausted. “Want anything to eat, drink?”

“Water please” Josie responded. Cruz headed to the kitchen to get it for her.

Whilst she was there, she looked through the fridge and realised there was nothing in there that wouldn’t kill them. She handed Josie the water and she downed the whole thing. “So we have no food. Let’s order dinner tonight and I’ll get groceries tomorrow.” 

Cruz sat down on the sofa too, putting her left leg up on the coffee table to copy Josie. She turned her head towards Josie in an exaggerated, playful way. “Are you mocking me?” Josie asked, head turning towards Cruz, matching her.

“Yes” Cruz replied grinning. She took the time to look at Josie, analyse her features up close. They looked at each other until Josie’s eyes dropped to Cruz’s lips. Cruz grinned again then leaned in and kissed Josie gently. It was soft, quick, affectionate.

“So about not-talking…” Josie started and Cruz laughed.

“Are you not tired? Even I’m tired and I didn’t have surgery a few days ago.”

Josie huffed in protest and rolled her eyes “fine, maybe I’m a little tired” folding her arms in annoyance.

“Brat” Cruz said as she stood up. She put her hands out towards Josie and said “right, let’s get you to bed for a nap and food will be here when you wake up”. Josie took Cruz’s hands and let her pull her up off the sofa, slotting the crutches under her arms. 

They began heading towards Cruz’ bedroom when Cruz realised she hadn’t asked Josie something important. She stopped and turned to Josie “Umm, where do you want to sleep..? I don’t want to assume..” Cruz looked away, feeling awkward and guilty that she’d assumed Josie would sleep with her. 

“In your bed. With you. That ok?” Josie was confident in what she wanted. She immediately dissipated the anxiety Cruz had felt over the assumption she’d made.

“That’s ok with me” Cruz responded with a nod. 

She led Josie to the bedroom and took the crutches off her as she got into bed. “What would you like for dinner?”

Without a second thought, Josie said “pizza” like she had been waiting to be asked. Something comforting after a shitty week. A shitty month.

“Ok, get some sleep.” Cruz said as she stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door behind her. 

Cruz got to work on emptying out the fridge of old food. She found herself wondering what Josie liked to eat and made a note to ask her what she’d like from the grocery store. She then ordered some pizzas and headed into the guest bathroom for a shower. She dressed in grey sweatpants with a white cropped tank top and white sport socks. 

She realised Josie probably didn’t have any clothes that would be easy to get over her cast. She’d ask her if she’d like her to buy some for her when she woke up. She then went through their bags by the front door, pulled out all of Josie’s medication and placed them on the kitchen table ready for Josie to take. 

Cruz got a notification on her phone that their food was nearby so she grabbed their bags and headed to their bedroom to wake Josie up. Their bedroom. That would take some getting used to. It made Cruz feel warm in a way she’d never experienced before. 

She put the bags down and sat beside Josie, touching her gently to wake her up. Josie shot up and gasped “shit!”

“Hey woaw sorry, it’s me. I didn’t mean to scare you. You ok?” Josie sat, catching her breath for a second before she looked up at Cruz with relief.

“Sorry it wasn’t you, was just having a bad dream” she replied as she looked past Cruz, remembering what she’d dreamt. It was the gunfight, the moment Joe had asked her to kill her own team if it came to it. It haunted her. 

“Wanna talk about it?” Cruz asked, taking Josie’s hand in hers. Cruz noted how natural and easy that felt. To be physically affectionate without even thinking about it. She’d never experienced that before. She wondered what it was about Josie that made her feel so comfortable doing it that she didn’t even question it.

“Not now, maybe later” Josie responded, looking back at Cruz.

“Ok. Food is nearly here. Come take your meds.” Cruz stood up and stepped backward, giving Josie space to sit up. She pulled Josie up into a stand and then handed her the crutches. 

On their way to the kitchen, Josie said “I’m just gonna use the bathroom, I’ll be there in a sec.”

“Sure, let me know if you need any help” Cruz responded but immediately questioned if that was the right thing to say. She didn’t want to upset Josie by assuming she couldn’t do something as simple as use the bathroom without help.

“Will do” Josie said as she crutched away, seemingly unoffended by the offer. Cruz breathed a sigh of relief. 

A moment later there was a knock at the door and a delivery driver handed Cruz the order. As she was putting the plates out on the table she heard Josie call “Cruz!”

She dropped everything and hurried to the bathroom. Cruz knocked at the door and asked “you ok?” as calmly as she could manage.

Josie responded with a huff “yeah, just dropped a crutch and can’t get it.. can you help me?”

“Sure, can I come in?” Cruz asked.

“Yeah” Josie responded. 

Cruz opened the door and found Josie standing by the sink, fully dressed but one crutch on the floor, half stuck under the bathroom counter. “Only you could do that” Cruz joked.

Josie did a fake offended face and said “hey!” 

As she watched Cruz bend down and grab the crutch, she noticed what Cruz was wearing. She liked it. She’d never seen her dress so casual, so comfortable before. It looked good on her. Her eyes raked over Cruz’s body and as Cruz stood up and attempted to hand her the crutch, she caught Josie looking. 

Cruz lent Josie’s crutch against the wall and turned to face her. They stood looking at each other for a second, working out what each other’s next move was. Cruz slowly leaned in, lips almost touching Josie’s. Josie’s eyes dropped to her lips. The tension was sudden and palpable. She wanted to kiss Cruz. Cruz’s eyes matched Josie’s, looking down at her lips too.

Cruz parted her lips and Josie mentally prepared herself for the kiss. “Food’s here.” Cruz said as she turned around and walked out of the bathroom smirking to herself.

Josie huffed out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. “Asshole” Josie said under her breath as she grabbed the crutch Cruz had rescued for her.

“Heard that” Cruz called.

Josie threw back “you were supposed to!” How had Cruz thrown her off her game so easily. She started the flirting in the first place! She’d never been so easily affected by anyone in her life. Cruz was hot, that was undeniable. But she was also confident, maybe even cocky, yet thoughtful, empathetic, generous. ‘Oh I’m in deep’ she thought to herself. She crutched her way to the kitchen, trying to compose herself. 

They sat at the table opposite each other, Cruz went back to setting the plates out and pouring them drinks. Josie began organising the pills she needed to take when Cruz asked “how’s the leg?”

“Broken” Josie responded teasingly. Cruz tutted in amusement and waited until Josie continued. “It’s hurting quite a lot right now, but the meds kick in pretty quickly, I’ll be ok in an hour.” Honestly, her leg was throbbing. She’d been aware of it as soon as she got out of bed but tried her best not to show it. It was then she realised there was no reason to hide her pain. She trusted Cruz, felt safe around her, could be honest, vulnerable. “How are you? Are your bruises from the crash clearing up?”

“Can barely feel them now” Cruz reassured her. 

After swallowing her pills, Josie asked “What toppings did you get?”

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted so I got two different ones, we can split ‘em if you want?”

Josie’s eyes lit up at the sight of the pizzas “that’s what I like to hear” she responded as they halved each pizza and started eating. 

There was a comfortable silence as Josie enjoyed the first tasty food she’d had in at least a week. Then she asked “so what’s your plan now? Will you be working with the QRF once they’re fit for duty?” Josie wasn’t sure whether it was ok to talk about work, but since it’s what brought them together and most likely what will separate them soon, she wanted to get an idea of what was going to happen.

“No idea, haven’t spoken to Joe since our chat at the hospital. I’m sure she’ll show up at some point. If not, then I’ll go back to my unit… eventually.” She looked up at Josie when she said that, hoping to communicate what she meant. She meant that she would stick around here with Josie as long as she could, as long as she needed her. Josie used her good foot to stroke Cruz’s leg under the table briefly. She understood. 

“I wonder where I’ll end up” Josie said sadly, she knew she’d never get back to where she was.

“I don’t really know either” Cruz replied as she leaned forward to ensure Josie was listening and taking her seriously, “but I’ll do everything I can to make sure you end up somewhere you’re happy with. That’s the least we can do.”

“You didn’t have anything to do with the situation I ended up in. But I know what you mean. I’m grateful.” 

They smiled softly at eachother then Cruz jabbed her slice of pizza towards Josie and said “cheers”, holding it there, waiting for Josie to copy her.

Josie laughed and tapped her slice of pizza to Cruz’s “salud”. She thought about how she is probably one of the very few people that got to see this side of Cruz. She realised it in the hospital when Joe made the comment about Cruz smiling. It had surprised her as she’d seen Cruz smile a lot, even on their mission when things kept going from bad to worse. She realised now that Cruz had consciously let Josie see that side of her in the same way she consciously hid it from others. She promised herself she would do everything she could to maintain that privilege. 

“What do you like to eat? I’m getting groceries tomorrow, I’ll pick up anything you want.” Josie’s eyes lit up again. Cruz was learning that Josie was quite the foodie. It made sense, she must get hungry after all the working out she did to have abs like that…

She thought back to when Josie changed in front of her at her parents’ house. How she had definitely done it on purpose because the rest of the team had been making fun of her for wanting privacy to change when they were around. Josie had even changed in front of Cruz after Cruz had told her she was into women. Josie knew what she was doing. She loved Josie’s boldness, her confidence to just ask for what she wanted. But now Cruz was thinking about Josie’s abs and her mind started to wander to a place that sent heat to her core. 

Thankfully, Josie snapped her out of it by listing off a million different foods she had missed and wanted. “Jeez ok slow down, let me make a list” Cruz pulled out her phone and opened the notes app, writing down the ingredients Josie recited. “I feel like it’d be quicker to tell me what you don’t want” Cruz joked.

“Oh that’s easy, bananas. They’re gross.” Cruz stopped typing and looked up in disbelief.

“What? They’re like, the best fruit”

“No way!” Josie said in disgust.

“Wait, so you don’t like banana bread?” Cruz questioned.

“Ugh no, it’s disgusting.”

Cruz dropped her phone on the table dramatically and sat back in her chair, mouth open in shock and then said matter of factly “so I don’t think this is going to work out between us. I’ve just learned that banana bread is a dealbreaker for me.” She folded her arms across her chest, trying to look as serious as she could muster.

Josie looked thoughtful for a second then leaned forward, looked Cruz up and down and purred “there must be something I can do to change your mind.. Sergeant”.

Cruz’s face dropped and she gulped, her cocky demeanour broken so quickly by Josie’s flirting. To make matters worse, Josie’s eyes continued raking over her again in her crop top. Cruz squirmed, admitting defeat and Josie started laughing at how quickly she’d affected Cruz. Cruz shook her head and got up to clear the table. Josie offered to help, but she was shooed off to go and get ready for bed instead. 

Once Cruz was finished in the kitchen, she headed to the bedroom and found Josie about to climb into bed. “Why don’t you sleep on the left side of the bed, that way I won’t bump your bad leg in the night” Cruz asked.

“But that’s your side” Josie replied.

“I don’t mind, I’m fine either side” Cruz reassured her. Cruz did actually prefer the left side but she was realising she’d do anything for Josie. Josie sat on the bed and slid herself over to the left side. 

“Oh” Cruz said and then disappeared out the bedroom door briefly, Josie left confused. She quickly returned with a pillow from the spare bedroom and slid it under Josie’s cast as she lifted her leg.

Josie smiled warmly “thanks”. Cruz returned the smile and went into the en-suite bathroom to get ready for bed.

She re-emerged shortly after in a black T-shirt with the sleeves cut off and her boxer short underwear. Josie watched her walk over and get into bed and Cruz could see this was another outfit of hers that Josie was enjoying. She got into bed and lay facing Josie and Josie matched her as best she could with her leg staying propped up. 

This felt familiar, like the morning they’d had in bed together a week or so ago. Cruz lifted her hand to Josie’s face and tucked her hair behind her ear. Josie’s hand stroked up Cruz’s arm and rested on her neck.

Cruz leaned in and brushed her lips against Josie’s. The kiss was soft, reassuring. They rested their foreheads together briefly and then their eyes met again. Josie kissed Cruz this time with far more intensity, like she’d been waiting weeks to do it. She had. Whilst they kissed at a steady pace, their hands began to explore. Well, Josie’s went straight for Cruz’s ass in those boxer shorts.

Cruz laughed “knew it” into the kiss, she knew Josie had been looking.

“What?” Josie pulled back, amused.

“You’re an ass man” Cruz said matter of factly. Josie cackled and gave Cruz’s ass a squeeze.

“And what about it?” Josie responded, lips already colliding with Cruz’s again. 

Cruz’s hand slid up the back of Josie’s shirt, exploring the expanse of skin she’d never touched before. Josie responded with a satisfied hum which had Cruz pushing her tongue into Josie’s mouth.

The kiss grew more heated, tongues colliding. As much as she was enjoying it, Cruz slowed down. She gently pulled away and saw Josie’s eyes struggle to open in response.

“You’re tired” Cruz said, bringing her hand to Josie’s face and stroking her cheek.

Josie sighed “it’s the meds, they’re kicking in.”

“Let’s get some sleep, I’m tired too. Maybe you can come shopping with me tomorrow if you feel up to it?” Cruz asked.

“That would be nice” Josie responded, already drifting off. Cruz placed a final kiss on Josie’s forehead and reached over to turn off the light. As she lay down, Josie’s arm slid over her waist and she felt that warm feeling again.

Notes:

I like the idea of them joking/making fun of each other and not taking things so seriously after everything they went through. More to come!

Chapter 3: Opening Up

Summary:

Cruz gives opening up a try. It goes well!

The next morning, Cruz woke up first. Josie had had a rough night so they were both awake a lot. Josie was fidgeting and sore whilst doing her best not to disturb Cruz. Cruz was a light sleeper so she was witness to it all. Every now and then she’d reach over and take Josie’s hand in hers, trying to comfort her without keeping her up by talking. Eventually, after an extra painkiller, Josie drifted off and Cruz managed to get a couple of hours in too. 

Cruz got up and went to the spare bathroom so she didn’t wake Josie and got ready for the day. She then headed to the kitchen, put Josie’s meds out and started brewing some coffee. She really wanted to make Josie breakfast but there wasn’t anything to cook, so she set 2 bowls out and a couple of cereal boxes. She ate her cereal and drank her coffee alone, wanting to let Josie sleep as long as possible. 

After she tidied away her bowl and got everything ready to go shopping, she went to the bedroom to wake Josie. This time, she tried to stir her by knocking on the door so she didn’t startle her by touching her again. It seemed to work, Josie lifted her head slightly spotting Cruz in the doorway and turned her body to face her, still laying down. “Mornin’” Cruz said as she walked in and sat in her own side of the bed.

“Morning” Josie said, reaching for Cruz’s hand and using it to pull herself into a seated position. “You smell like coffee” Josie said, “it’s nice”.

“Come get some coffee and take your meds?” Josie nodded in response. Cruz could see how exhausted Josie still was. Cruz stood up and brought Josie’s crutches round to her.

“I’ll be there in a sec” Josie said as she crutched towards the en-suite whilst Cruz headed back to the kitchen. 

Not long after, Josie emerged still wearing her pyjamas. “I realised I don’t really have any clothes that fit over my cast” she said as she sat at the table, sounding tired and defeated.

“Right, I’ll pick you up some sweatpants and shorts. I think it’s best if I go on my own and you can rest. Is that ok?”

“Yeah that’s ok, maybe next time. I’d like to have shower, maybe I can do that whilst you’re out.”

Cruz’s face twisted with concern at that last part. She wanted to be around the first few times Josie showered, in case she needed help. “I’d prefer if you didn’t shower whilst I’m gone, in case you need help”.

Josie knew there were so many things she could respond to that to make Cruz blush but she could see the worry on Cruz’s face. “Ok, I’ll wait until you’re back.”

“Thank you” Cruz replied. 

Josie took her meds, poured herself some cereal and Cruz handed her a mug of coffee. “I’ll show you how to use the TV then I’ll head out.”

“I’m a helicopter pilot, I think I can work out a TV” Josie replied having chugged half her coffee already.

“You say that now…” 

Josie turned in her chair and faced the TV as Cruz showed her what to do. “What the fuck, Cruz” she said as Cruz handed her 3 different remotes after an extremely complicated demonstration.

Cruz laughed and headed towards the front door “good luck” and then added, “oh and no heroics please, I’ll wash up when I’m back.”

“Sure sure” Josie replied, already invested in the telenovela Cruz had left on. Cruz chuckled and headed out. 

When she returned, Josie was asleep on the sofa, TV still on. She tried to be as quiet as she could but it was inevitable Josie would wake up as she brought in all the bags. “Hey” Cruz said as Josie stirred and began sitting up.

“Hey, can I help?”

“You can help by eating all this stuff, I got everything you asked for on the list aside from Pocky sticks, I don’t know what that is.” Josie smiled, imagining Cruz looking around the store for them.

She got up and crutched towards to the kitchen where Cruz was unpacking the bags. “A little help?” Josie asked, motioning towards the counter. She wanted to sit up there and watch. Cruz wasn’t sure if she wanted to watch her keep bending over or if it was the food she was interested in this time. Probably both. 

Cruz took Josie’s crutches off her and put her hands behind her thighs, lifting her easily onto the counter. Josie knew Cruz was strong but the way she did that so effortlessly had her thinking inappropriate thoughts real fast.

Cruz turned and began unpacking the bags again and Josie watched, eyeing up the food she was putting away. Every now and then she’d ask Cruz for the thing she was putting away, open the packet and eat some of it. Cruz found it incredibly cute.

She finished unpacking and stood in front of Josie, resting her hands on her thighs. Josie opened her legs and used her right leg to hook around Cruz and pull her between them. 

Josie was still eating the chips she had opened and she offered one to Cruz, putting it in her mouth. Cruz maintained eye contact as she crunched and swallowed. Josie smiled then put a chip in her own mouth. “Right stinker, let’s get you in the shower.”

Cruz squeezed Josie’s thighs then stepped back to help her down “so rude, I don’t stink” Josie replied, letting Cruz lift her off the counter and put her down gently.

Cruz put the crutches under Josie’s arms and then said “oh I got you some clothes that should fit over your cast, I’ll put them in the bathroom, you can try them on. I also got a stool to sit on in the shower if you need to”. Cruz grabbed the bag of clothes and the stool and followed Josie to the en-suite. 

The hospital had given them plastic to wrap Josie’s cast in so they attached that together and Cruz made sure Josie’s towel was easy for her to reach from the shower. She put the stool in the shower and got the water running to a good temperature. “Right, I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me.”

“Ok, thanks” Josie replied, a little defeated that she’d already needed so much help just to get ready for the shower. 

Cruz stepped into the bedroom and shut the bathroom door behind her. She busied herself by unpacking the bags they’d brought back from the hospital, making sure Josie had her own drawers with her own clothes inside the room they shared. She felt that warm feeling again. 

She listened closely for any signs that Josie may need help and then made the bed and sat at the end of it. She lay back and put her hands behind her head waiting for Josie to finish. She thought about the day they’d first met, then their mission together and then where they were now. It all felt so natural, easy, transitioning through each stage of their relationship. It also felt quick. She wondered if they were actually ‘in a relationship’. It felt like they were but they hadn’t discussed it. Maybe they should.

She heard the water shut off and sat up. She listened carefully for any sounds of struggle but so far, Josie was managing alone. She was so strong. So impressive. To go through what she went through and just get on with the consequences without a fuss. Her thoughts were interrupted by Josie opening the door dressed in her bra and new sweatpants. 

Cruz was staring, she was aware of it but she couldn’t look away. Josie crutched towards her, knowing full well what she was doing to Cruz and thoroughly enjoying it. She stopped in front of Cruz, looking down expectantly. Cruz ran her hands up Josie’s legs, over her ass and across her stomach, tracing the defined muscles with her thumbs. Josie looked down at her, watching as Cruz explored what she could see. 

Eventually Cruz looked up and met Josie’s eyes. “Forgot my shirt” Josie said innocently.

“Yeah I bet you did” Cruz replied. ‘Two can play at that game’ she thought. Cruz used her thumb to pull down Josie’s waistband just a little. She leaned in and placed a warm kiss on Josie’s hip. Josie gasped and Cruz smiled into her skin. 

Then she removed her hands and stood up, looking down at an unraveled Josie. “We better find you a shirt then” she said and went to Josie’s drawers, breaking the tension before things escalated. “Your stuff is in these drawers now” Cruz said, reaching in and pulling out a T-shirt for Josie to wear.

Josie continued watching Cruz in awe. She’d made space in her room for her things. Cruz made this transition feel so effortless, so normal. She was pretty sure Cruz hadn’t lived with anyone else before, not like this. She mentioned a woman whose heart she’d broken but it sounded like that happened on her mission. So how did she know all the right things to say and do? A warm feeling hit Josie, unrelated to the kiss she could still feel on her hip. 

“That’s sweet, thank you” Josie replied, watching Cruz walk back over to her. Cruz smiled and took the crutches off Josie, giving her the shirt in exchange. Josie balanced on her right leg and put her shirt on.

“What do you wanna do today?” Cruz asked.

“Not much, still pretty tired. If you have things to do, don’t worry about me. I can entertain myself.” Josie replied.

“Why don’t we have some lunch and then I need to clean my guns that came back with us. You could watch tv, read a book, sit on the porch. Whatever you want.” 

They headed to the kitchen, Cruz made them an omelette each and they sat and ate together. Josie took her meds and they chatted about the QRF and how their recoveries were going. Bobby had texted Cruz with some updates and when their next hospital appointments were. Josie was due to see a doctor tomorrow at midday and the QRF were booked in for the morning so they decided they’d meet and catch up in person. 

Since they were on the topic, Josie commented “I thought there’d be more history between you and Bobby when I first joined. I assumed you’d probably at least slept together.”

“What?!” Cruz choked on her water. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, two queer women on a team full of men, working closely together with little outside contact…” Josie trailed off. She was smirking, she could see she’d touched a nerve but not in a bad way. Maybe Cruz would share a little about her dating life, or about her mission. 

“You’re ridiculous. I was imbedded literally a day after I met them, we barely had time to speak to each other, let alone...” Cruz trailed off, shaking her head.

“What about after the mission?” Josie asked, testing the water.

“No. I took off as soon as we finished debrief. Didn’t see them again until you showed up.” Cruz’s tone had changed, it was more dismissive.

Josie decided that was enough prying for now. “Ok well, I’m just saying, she’s hot. I just thought you might’ve thought so too” she smiled.

Cruz softened “not my type” then added “not bratty enough” winking at Josie. Josie stuck her tongue out and finished her food. She was relieved she hadn’t sent Cruz spiralling. She hoped Cruz would open up the more they spoke but she wouldn’t push. 

Cruz wished she’d said more when Josie questioned her about Bobby, wished she’d been more open about her experiences. It was going to be hard. A lot of it was stuff she never wanted to think about again, let alone talk about. She’d get there. Josie was worth it. 

Josie sat on the porch with a book she’d taken from Cruz’s bookshelf. Cruz stayed inside, cleaning her guns. It felt nice, domestic, peaceful. They both knew it would change at some point but were happy just existing together like this for now. 

Later that evening, after they’d eaten and gotten ready for bed, they lay facing each other, studying each other’s faces. Cruz could see she was getting sleepy from her meds but that didn’t stop Josie. She made the first move, shuffling herself as close to Cruz as she could get and kissed her softly. Cruz responded immediately and they got into a rhythm like they had the night before. 

After their hands had explored everywhere they could reach with clothes on, Josie put her hand on Cruz’s shoulder and pulled gently, encouraging Cruz on top of her. Cruz wanted this, and she wanted to give Josie everything she wanted too. Just, not yet. She had a constant thought in the back of her mind that she couldn’t shake, hadn’t been able to shake since Aaliyah. It haunted her. 

As Cruz’s thoughts shifted to a dark place, it became obvious to Josie. Whilst Cruz continued kissing Josie, Josie pulled away and pushed their foreheads together. Cruz looked down, unable to meet Josie’s eyes.

“What’s going on in there?” Josie asked, gently butting her forehead to Cruz’s. Cruz sighed and pulled her head away, keeping her hands on Josie.

“Jose I want to, I really do. But-“ she didn’t know how to say what she needed to say. This involved some opening up. She regretted not opening up in their earlier conversation so she figured it was worth a shot this time. Josie waited, not wanting to push her as she could see Cruz was having an internal battle. 

Cruz sighed “For you to understand why, I need to talk about my mission.”

Josie gulped, Cruz was trying to share something important, terrifying about herself. She had heard Cruz say on the plane that what she did on her mission haunted her.

She wanted to know everything but only at Cruz’s pace. “Ok” she replied, keeping a neutral tone so Cruz didn’t freak out. Cruz sighed again, running her fingers through her hair. She sat up and crossed her legs, facing Josie who remained laying down, looking up at her. Josie took Cruz’s hand but didn’t say anything more. 

“I don’t wanna talk about the whole mission right now. But part of it, you should know.” Josie nodded. Cruz continued “my mark was a young woman, daughter of the target. My job was to get close to her, be her friend, find out where her father was. I did that. We got close, we were friends, I actually… really liked her.”

Cruz sighed and rubbed her hands over her face. She looked down at her hands now in her lap and continued. “One morning, she was excited about some news she had gotten and.. she kissed me. I didn’t know what to do, I froze. I didn’t realise that was what it was for her, I didn’t realise that I’d like it, or that I was even into women, not really. But mostly, I couldn’t stop thinking about how she had no idea who I actually was or why I was there. We pretended it didn’t happen.”

Cruz fidgeted for a bit, unsure of how to say the next part. “But later on she asked me what I’d thought about it. I told her the truth, I told her I liked it.” Cruz sighed again, a tear falling down which she wiped away as quickly as she could. The next part was hard. “Later that day… we slept together.” She stayed quiet for a minute, still looking down. Shame. That was what she was feeling. 

Eventually she looked at Josie guiltily, like she was going to get berated. But Josie reached over and squeezed her hand, waiting for her to continue when she was ready. “Afterwards, the guilt was too much. I had to leave, I left her there alone, she thought she’d done something wrong.”

Tears were streaming down her face, she couldn’t hide it and she realised she didn’t need to. “Joe sent me back in. We spent more time together and there were moments she tried to initiate things with me again but I stopped her. I wanted to, but all I could think about was how she had no idea who I really was, so she could never really consent. I shouldn’t have even let it happen the first time.” Cruz clenched her fists. 

Josie reached up and wiped the tears off of Cruz’s cheeks and cupped her face with one hand. “And you’re worried about consent with me?” Josie asked, trying to work out how this related to their very-different situation.

“You’re on a lot of medication, it makes you drowsy, it wouldn’t be right-“

“I understand” Josie interrupted. She understood the connection Cruz was making, and she wouldn’t do anything to give her more guilt to carry, even if it was unjustified. 

Josie sat up now and kissed Cruz on the cheek. “Thank you for telling me.” She pulled Cruz’s fists into her lap and uncurled them. “I can see how much that’s weighing on you, I’m sorry you’re carrying that. Although I don’t think it’s your fault and you did what you had to do for the mission, most people wouldn’t have thought twice about consent or lying, and the fact you’re still thinking about it now… you’re a good person, Cruz. I thought that before you told me this and I think it even more now.” 

Cruz couldn’t really respond to any of that but she heard it. She’d think about it later when she had the capacity. Right now, she’d shared something she hadn’t shared with anyone aside from her therapist and needed to just sit with it. Josie shuffled back down into the bed and Cruz joined her, head resting on Josie’s shoulder. A silent thank you. Josie stayed awake as long as she could, running her nails up and down Cruz’s back but the meds took over and she finally fell asleep. 

Cruz was awake for most of the night, thinking about the conversation. She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep but she woke up in the same position the next morning. When she thought about it all again, she felt different. Not free, she didn’t think she’d ever be completely free of it, but it felt a bit less heavy. 

Chapter 4: Checking In

Summary:

They open up to each other more whilst the flirting continues.

Cruz woke up early so she decided to go for a run and let Josie sleep. She scribbled a note on some paper telling Josie where she was and when she’d be back and then headed out. 

When she got back, she found Josie sat on the sofa with a book in her lap and a coffee in her hand. “Your handwriting is cute” Josie said as Cruz stepped in and closed the door behind her.

“You mean it’s bad” Cruz replied, amused.

“I’m going with cute” Josie smiled. She looked Cruz up and down in her running clothes but decided she wouldn’t be the first one to flirt after their conversation last night. She didn’t want to say anything triggering. 

“Coffee’s still hot if you want some. I’m still pretty tired, I’m gonna go lay down for a bit” Josie said to distract herself.

“Ok” Cruz replied as she pulled Josie up and put the crutches under her arms. She grabbed Josie’s coffee and book and followed behind her. She noticed that the note she’d written this morning was poking out of the book. She felt that warm feeling again. “I’ll have a shower whilst you sleep, want me to use the other bathroom?” She asked as she set the stuff down on the bedside table and helped Josie into bed.

“No it’s ok, I’ll sleep through the noise.” Cruz grabbed some clean underwear and headed into the en-suite. 

After her shower, she stepped out into the bedroom in her underwear. She had thought about it before doing it. She assumed Josie would probably still be asleep, and if she wasn’t, well, it was payback for when she did it to Cruz. Twice.

Josie was still asleep but stirred as Cruz moved around the room. Cruz got out some clothes to put on and set them down on her side of the bed. She looked over and saw Josie looking. Like really looking, taking her all in. Josie has never seen her like this, she’d imagined, sure, but wow. Cruz’s body was breathtaking. “You’re staring” Cruz pointed out.

Josie snapped out of it and looked away, “sorry” she didn’t want to make Cruz uncomfortable. 

Cruz laughed and threw her t-shirt at Josie “I’m kidding. You can look… I want you to look” she said, as she walked around to Josie’s side of the bed to get her t-shirt back.

Josie watched her move and reluctantly handed her the t-shirt when Cruz put her hand out for it. Cruz put the t-shirt on but before she got to her pants, Josie smirked “turn around.”

Cruz chuckled and shook her head “you’re obsessed” but did as she was told. She’d do anything Josie told her.

After a few seconds, Cruz turned back and grabbed her pants from the bed “um I wasn’t done but ok” Josie huffed and Cruz laughed at her.

“Right weirdo, we gotta get ready for your appointment.” Cruz said as she helped Josie up out of bed. 

“I’ll go make breakfast whilst you get ready. Let me know if you need help” Cruz said, kissing Josie on the cheek as she left.

Josie couldn’t believe the last 5 minutes had happened. Cruz was still flirting with her, teasing her. Last night hadn’t set them back, they were still ok to do those things. She was definitely going to get Cruz back later…

They had breakfast together then drove to the hospital for Josie’s appointment. The doctor asked Josie questions about her pain levels, side effects of medications and the timeline they were looking at. He booked her in for the following week to have scans done to see how the bone was healing but he was happy with her progress which was a relief to both Josie and Cruz. 

When they came out, the QRF were waiting for them. They spent time chatting and catching up, updating each other on the status of their recoveries. Everyone still had a long way to go. Josie noticed how much easier it was interacting with them now, like they’d finally accepted her onto their team. To be fair, she had nearly died on their mission, it felt like she’d earned it. 

As they were chatting together, Josie noticed how Cruz’s voice changed depending on who she was with. Now, with the QRF, her voice was deep, assertive, stoic. When she was talking to Josie, her voice was higher, softer, more playful. She wondered if Cruz was aware that she did that. Josie felt lucky that she got to hear her real voice. 

Bobby invited them back to the house for drinks and a gaming session but Cruz could see Josie was getting tired.

Josie whispered to Cruz “hey, why don’t you drop me home and carry on with the guys?”

“Jose no, I don’t wanna leave you, what if you need help?”

“Cruz I’m gonna be asleep the second my head hits the pillow. Please, go have fun, for me?” Cruz didn’t really want to leave Josie but she figured Josie might want some alone time and it would be good to catch up with Bobby and see if she knew what the plan was going forward for her and the QRF.

“Fine, but I’m only staying for one drink.” Josie rolled her eyes and smiled at Cruz. 

They told the team their plan then headed back to Cruz’s house to drop Josie off. Cruz walked Josie to the door and tried to come in with her until Josie said “baby I’m okay, go have fun.”

Cruz blinked hard at the ‘baby’ and replied a quiet “ok” as Josie kissed her on the cheek and closed the front door. Cruz headed off in the car to the QRF house and had a beer pushed into her hand before she’d even closed the front door behind her. 

Josie went to the kitchen and made a quick snack so she could take her meds with food. When she was done she went into the bathroom to get changed as she was sweaty from being out in the sun.

She wanted a shower but she knew she had to wait until Cruz was home for that. She had promised. As she took her shirt off she looked in the mirror and had an idea of how to get Cruz back for this morning.

She pulled her sweatpants down to her hips, grabbed her phone and took a picture of herself in the mirror: bra on, abs tensed, arm flexed. She sent it to Cruz with a purple devil emoji then replaced her shirt and got into bed. She was right, she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. 

Cruz had just gone off towards the bathroom after her first beer when her phone beeped. She went into the bathroom, locked the door and opened the message. She nearly dropped her phone. That little shit. This was payback for this morning, she should’ve expected it.

She didn’t know how long she stood there looking at the picture. She analysed every detail, heat pooled in her core.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and Two-Cups announced that he was going to piss himself if she didn’t open up. She let him in and went back to the living room, completely forgetting to use the toilet.

She put her phone in her pocket, but her brain was still very much recalling every detail that she could of Josie’s body. She must’ve looked deep in thought because Bobby asked “you ok?”

“Yeah I’m good, I’m gonna take off. Thanks for the beer.”

“Fine, next time bring Thunder. I bet she’s more fun than you” Bobby called after her as she was leaving. Cruz threw up a middle finger as the door slammed behind her but she agreed, she bet Josie was fun at parties. 

When she got home, the house was quiet. She poked her head through the bedroom door and saw Josie still asleep. Cruz made herself a snack and ate it whilst watching the TV on mute.

A little while later she heard the sound of crutches coming from the bedroom and Josie came through. “Hey” Josie said innocently as she came around the sofa and sat down next to Cruz.

“Hey yourself” Cruz replied, remaining neutral.

“How was it? Did you have fun?” Josie sat with her back against the arm and lifted her legs up into Cruz’s lap.

Cruz rested her hands on Josie’s legs and shot her an extremely accusatory look. “It was fine, that was until I opened your text and then honestly I don’t remember anything after that. I’m pretty sure I drove home but I couldn’t say for sure.”

Josie laughed, seemingly very satisfied with how well her picture had been received. “Sounds like you had a good time, I’m glad” she said smugly. 

They sat together for a while, chatting about the QRF until Josie said “I need to shower, will you help me?”

“Sure.” They headed to the bedroom and Josie picked out some clothes from her drawers and went to the bathroom, Cruz in tow with a bag for her cast.

Josie removed her shirt and joggers so they could get the cast wrapped up and then Cruz got the water ready for her. “You can stay… if you want” Josie said, almost nervous. 

She wasn’t 100% sure where the line was for Cruz. Cruz wasn’t sure either. She looked thoughtful and conflicted briefly and then said “I’ll stay but I’ll face the other way, that ok?” Josie smiled, she really didn’t need Cruz to be so respectful but she felt lucky to be with someone who was. It was not something she’d experienced much of in her past relationships and hookups. People looked at her body and treated her like an object. She thinks Cruz probably had the same experience.

“Of course” Josie replied “I’m gonna get undressed now” giving Cruz enough warning to turn around. Cruz turned and sat on the floor facing the door, leaving it open a crack. Always alert and ready to spring into action. 

“Bobby said that Joe will be around tomorrow” Cruz announced once Josie was in the shower.

There was a beat of silence before Josie asked, “what for?” In a worried tone.

“Not sure, guess we’ll find out” Cruz responded. Josie sighed, why did this feel stressful? She wasn’t sure if she was more worried for her sake or Cruz’s. She wondered how Cruz felt.

“You feel ok about it?” Josie asked.

“Is what it is” Cruz said without thinking. Responding without emotion had always been her default. It was with everyone else. She realised she owed Josie more than that. “Wondering if she’ll clear me for duty”.

“Is that what you want?” Josie asked.

“I think I won’t know until she tells me what she wants from me.”

“Ok” Josie left it there. They couldn’t let their feelings for each other intertwine with their duty. She knew that but it still felt extremely difficult. 

They spent the rest of the shower in silence, both deep in thought, until Josie shut the water off and said “I’m coming out.”

Cruz stood but stayed facing the door, ready to help Josie if she needed it. Josie got out and wrapped her towel around herself “you can turn around” she said and Cruz turned to face her.

They met eyes for the first time since the conversation and they could both see the worry that the other was feeling. Cruz stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Josie’s waist, hugging her tight. Josie understood. They both found talking hard, actions seemed easier. Josie wrapped her arms around Cruz’s neck and stroked the hair on the back of her neck. 

Eventually Cruz pulled back, lifted Josie’s chin and kissed her firmly. Josie kissed her back. It was a kiss they both needed. It was one of reassurance and safety, expressing feelings they hadn’t shared vocally. Cruz pulled back, gave Josie one final peck and then faced the door again, letting her dry off and get changed. 

Once Josie had her underwear on, she reached for Cruz’s arm. Cruz turned back and helped Josie dress herself. Josie didn’t need help, but they were both on the same page, wanting to feel connected. It felt more intimate than either of them could’ve imagined.

After pulling Josie’s shirt over her head and down to her waist, Cruz got on her knees. Josie lifted her broken leg so Cruz could carefully thread her cast through the sweatpants. Josie then sat on the toilet lid so Cruz could get the other leg done and then she helped Josie stand and pulled them up to her hips. 

They stood looking into eachother’s eyes. “No one has ever treated me like you do” Josie whispered. Cruz felt a split between that warm feeling she was starting to get used to and a sudden flash of anger at the thought of anyone treating Josie badly.

“Want me to kill them?” Cruz whispered back, smirking but half serious.

Josie chuckled “that’s oddly arousing.”

Cruz smiled at that like she had the first time Josie said it to her. Then she turned thoughtful “will you.. tell me, about your… relationships?” Josie smiled sweetly, she could see that was hard for Cruz to ask such an intimate question. They were better at this talking thing than they gave themselves credit for, she thought.

“Sure, shall we sit down?”

“Shit, yeah, sorry, forgot standing is hard” Cruz quickly handed Josie her crutches and followed her to the living room where they sat on the sofa side by side. 

“I’ve only had 2 actual relationships, they were when I was younger.” Josie started.

“What were your relationships like?” Cruz asked. Josie let out a breath and looked thoughtful.

“They were quite different from each other, but also kinda the same in the end. The first one, was when I was 20, we were in the same unit. She was… sweet, well-meaning. But she had a lot of internalised homophobia from her parents. We had to be very discreet and sometimes she would say things that were.. hurtful. I don’t think it was ever intentional but at the time it was painful. We spent a lot of time together but always behind closed doors. I realised from that relationship that I liked honesty, directness. We were only together for a year, I couldn’t do it anymore. We broke up and she moved to a different unit.” Josie looked lost in thought, she hadn’t thought about that relationship in so long. It used to hurt her a lot when she thought about it, but now she felt more sad for the other girl than herself. She had grown a lot since then. 

Cruz watched Josie think things through and waited for her to continue, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts. “The second relationship was when I was 24. That one was longer.. but more complicated. He was temporarily posted at our base. We got on quickly and when he left we continued talking when we could and would see each other when our schedules matched. It was only once per month or so and it was nice for a while. We did that for 2 years, but as time went on, I realised we didn’t actually have much to talk about. We’d meet, get dinner, have sex and then one of us would have to leave and we wouldn’t see each other again for a month or so. I think he was happy with that but it started to feel… uncomfortable.”

Josie looked deep in thought again, sad. She fiddled with her hands in her lap until Cruz reached out and grabbed one, smoothing it out like Josie had done to Cruz multiple times before. “I think both of my relationships in the end were about meeting someone else’s needs… whilst feeling like an object.” 

Cruz nodded, she understood that very well. She’d felt the same in every relationship she’d had. Even with Aaliyah. Although she did believe they both had feelings for each other, she did also understand that she was being used and that the relationship was unhealthy. She’d had some casual hookups after Aaliyah but was too broken for a relationship. She hadn’t expected Josie to come into her life, let alone be someone that made her drop her walls without even realising she was doing it. She wanted to get this right with Josie. She thinks Josie might feel the same. 

“You haven’t dated anyone since?” Cruz asked.

“I’ve been on dates but mostly just casual hookups. It’s easier.” Josie smiled softly. “What about you? Did you date anyone after… her?”

Cruz looked thoughtful but not sad like the last time her mission was brought up. “No dates, just hookups. I didn’t want to give anyone any time to ask questions or try to get to know me.” 

Josie thought about how lucky she was to be sat here getting to know someone who didn’t want people to know her. She decided to change the tone, in case Cruz worried about saying too much and put her walls back up. “So these hookups…” Josie questioned playfully, “are we going to like, bump into them at the grocery store at some point?”

Cruz grinned, “oh I hope so, that would be fun.” Josie rolled her eyes. Why did she feel jealous of people she’d never met? And how had Cruz clocked her jealousy so quickly? She felt that warm feeling again, realising how much Cruz observed and understood her. 

Cruz felt weirdly proud and excited at Josie being jealous of people that had slept with her. That warm feeling washed over her. Then she thought about tomorrow; Joe was coming. She was going to ask questions and make assumptions.

“Hey um, Joe is going to have questions, about us… this.” Cruz didn’t know what else to say.

Josie responded with a tentative “ok” and then “and you won’t know how to answer?” Cruz nodded, looking uncomfortable. 

Josie responded with confidence because she could see how uncomfortable Cruz was. She was pretty sure Cruz liked her confidence. “Why don’t you tell her we’re dating? That sounds ok to me if it sounds ok to you.”

Cruz released the breath she’d been holding and smiled with relief. “Ok” she smiled, Josie could’ve sworn she saw Cruz’s cheeks redden a little. Cruz became aware of it too and quickly changed the subject with “shall we start dinner?” She said as she stood up.

“Sure” Josie replied, as Cruz pulled her into a stand. 

Before she had time to get her crutches, Cruz put her hands behind Josie’s thighs and lifted her up so she was carrying her around her waist. Josie laughed as Cruz carried her to the kitchen and sat her on the counter so she could oversee the cooking and steal the food Cruz was chopping up. 

Josie decided on a recipe that Cruz didn’t know how to make so she talked her through it and Cruz did as she was told. She reallyyyy liked doing what Josie told her.

They chatted as Cruz cooked and when it was ready, Josie said “thank you, for cooking” as Cruz put her back on the floor. Cruz kissed her on then cheek then went and grabbed Josie’s crutches and let her get herself to the table to take her meds.

“How’s your leg feeling?” Cruz asked as they ate. “Sore but not any worse than it was so it’s fine, I guess I’m getting used to it” Josie responded.

“Will be good to find out more when you get your scan next week” Cruz responded. 

It had been a long day, an emotional one too. They didn’t know what tomorrow would bring with Joe’s arrival so they tried to make today last as long as they could.

They assumed their normal bedtime routine and found themselves lying facing each other. 

Josie waited for Cruz to make the first move, set the pace. Cruz leaned in and kissed her, pushing her tongue into Josie’s mouth. Cruz figured that now they were on the same page, they could have a little fun. Josie hummed at Cruz’s haste. She kissed her back with the same vigour and their lips moved together as their hands explored. Cruz did what Josie had wanted her to do last night. She propped herself up and was now on top of Josie, careful not to touch her broken leg. “Fuck” Josie whispered, turned on by the sight of Cruz on top of her. 

Cruz, now turned on by the sight of Josie below her and the sound of her swearing into her mouth, kissed down past her mouth and planted a kiss on her neck.

She felt Josie thread her hands into Cruz’s hair and pull in response. They both knew they needed to stop so Cruz leaned back and threw her leg over Josie so she was sat on her hips, straddling her. “I like this view” Josie breathed, trying to slow her heart rate.

“Me too” Cruz responded, watching Josie run her hands up and down Cruz’s thighs.

“You know I want you” Josie said confidently.

Cruz smiled. “I know, I want you too. I just-“

“I know baby, it’s ok” Josie reassured her. She was not going to push or try to convince Cruz to do anything. Cruz stroked her hands up and down Josie’s arms. 

“I like it when you call me that” Cruz said, almost embarrassed.

Josie smiled “I know” with a wink.

Cruz leaned down, kissed Josie softly, then got back into bed. “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I really liked today” Cruz said.

“Me too” Josie replied, taking Cruz’s hand in hers and holding it until she fell asleep. 

Chapter 5: Going Away

Summary:

Cruz gets called away and it’s the first time they’re apart since their mission.

Josie woke up first due to the throbbing in her leg, it was time for her meds. As she looked to her right, Cruz was lying on her stomach with her face towards Josie, still asleep. She thought Cruz looked beautiful with the morning sun coming through the window, shining on her face. She turned on her side as best she could with her aching leg and gently pushed her hand under Cruz’s shirt. She scratched her nails up and down Cruz’s back soothingly and Cruz’s eyelids fluttered open. 

She met Josie’s eyes briefly then closed them again and smiled. “That feels good.” Josie smiled, she didn’t stop until Cruz’s phone started ringing. Cruz shoved her face into her pillow and groaned, forever pissed off with the interruptions.

Josie laughed and pulled away, getting up and moving to the bathroom. When she returned, Cruz was in the kitchen, talking on the phone whilst putting Josie’s meds out on the table. She watched Cruz. 

Firstly, she looked really fucking good walking around in her boxers and tank top. But mostly she was in awe of how thoughtful she was. She could see Cruz looked annoyed by whatever was being discussed on the call, yet she was still worrying about Josie’s needs.

Josie crutched into the kitchen and as she sat down, Cruz put a plate with some toast down in front of her so she could take her meds with food. Josie looked up at her and Cruz winked as she continued the conversation. Josie ate her toast and took her meds with the coffee Cruz had handed her and as she finished, Cruz hung up and sat down opposite her. 

“Everything ok?” Josie asked.

Cruz sighed then said “Joe needs me to go to Langley with her for 2 days.” They looked at each other, trying to work out how the other was feeling about it.

“Oh” Josie replied. She didn’t want to express how disappointed she was for Cruz to leave, she knew their relationship couldn’t get in the way of work. But she also didn’t want to appear to not care. Talking was hard. “Do you know why?”

“No, just that it’s an order from Kaitlyn” Cruz replied.

Josie tried to stay neutral “so you have to go?”

“Mmhh” Cruz replied. “Joe’s coming by in 3 hours to pick me up…” Josie could see Cruz was struggling with this.

She wanted to let her know it was ok to say how she felt. “Is that ok?”

Cruz looked at her then and she could see the worry in her eyes. Cruz ran her hands through her hair and sighed. “I’m worried, about leaving you.”

Josie smiled and reached her hand out for Cruz to put her clenched fists in. She smoothed them out and said “Baby I’m okay, I haven’t had any accidents, I can order food so I don’t have to cook and I’ll call Bobby if I need help with anything.”

Cruz looked noticeably relieved just from hearing that. Then she asked “do you promise me you won’t shower until I’m back? Just in case?”

Josie laughed “fine but don’t go calling me stinky again” Cruz smiled. She felt better. 

She knew Josie was capable and could do it all on her own, she’d just gotten used to helping her and liked that role. She liked Josie needing her. She needed Josie too. She wondered how well she was going to sleep when she was away. She’d been sleeping better than she usually did. She wondered if it was the same for Josie. 

Cruz moved around the house, showering, getting changed, and packing up what she needed for her trip whilst Josie watched her.

When Cruz was done, she said to Josie, “I’m gonna cook some food so you’ve got dinner, then you’ll just need to order food tomorrow and I’ll be back in the evening.”

Josie replied “Cruz you don’t have to, you have enough to do right now, I’ll be ok.”

Cruz stopped and stood in front of Josie. Josie put her hand in Cruz’s and Cruz said “please let me, I need to be busy.”

Josie squeezed Cruz’s hand and replied a soft “ok.” Cruz headed back to the kitchen to cook. She made the food and portioned it up for Josie to have later on and even ate some herself after Josie told her she had to. 

Joe texted Cruz that she was outside. “Fucking coward, she won’t come in here and face you” Cruz said to Josie.

Josie shrugged “I don’t want to speak to her anyway” she replied softly. She didn’t want to work Cruz up into being angry at Joe when she was going to spend the next 2 days with her.

They weren’t really sure how to say goodbye to each other. They’d see each other tomorrow so it wasn’t really a big deal but it felt like it. 

Josie crutched to the front door where Cruz was standing with her bag and Cruz stroked her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow” Cruz said and lent down and kissed Josie softly.

Cruz pulled away and Josie replied “see you tomorrow” as Cruz opened the door, picked up her bags and walked to the car. Josie closed the door behind her without watching Cruz. She didn’t want to catch a glimpse of Joe and then have to think of all the things she should go out and say to her. Instead, she sat on the sofa and put on the telenovela she’d been getting into. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep in front of the TV. 

Cruz and Joe drove to the airport after some brief small talk. Cruz was still pissed about the situation Josie was in and Joe’s lack of care that it was her fault. On the other hand, Joe had saved Cruz and Josie’s lives when she really should’ve sent a missile. It was a confusing situation. 

“Do you have a suit?” Joe asked Cruz as they boarded the plane.

“A wha- no? Why would I have a suit?”

“We’re going to a meeting with your much higher superiors, even mine. You need a suit.” Cruz rolled her eyes and ran her hands through her hair. ‘Fucking fantastic’, she thought. 

They got off the plane and drove for 30 mins until they were at a road of fancy shops. Joe pushed Cruz into one of the stores and an assistant helped pick out some suits for Cruz in her size. This was hell, having to wear smart clothes that weren’t comfortable and perform for people she didn’t know. She decided she’d make it her own as best she could. She went for a stylish, light grey, oversized suit with a tie and chunky smart shoes. 

Their meeting was first thing tomorrow so they headed to a hotel for the night. Thankfully Joe had a separate room so Cruz could relax a little. She ordered room service and sat down on the bed. She texted Josie to let her know what was happening and check she was okay. 

Cruz: Hey

Josie: hey, you ok?

Cruz: Yeah, at the hotel now for the night, meeting first thing tomorrow then I’ll be on a flight home 

Cruz put her phone down and headed to the bathroom to shower off the day. When she got out the shower, she immediately checked her phone for Josie’s reply. She’d never immediately checked her phone in hopes of a text from anyone before. 

Josie: you know what the meeting is about? 

Cruz: No clue 

As Cruz moved around the bathroom, only half dried off, she had an idea. She put on her sports bra and boxer shorts and stood in front of the mirror with her phone. Water still dripping down her stomach and shoulders from her wet hair, she took a picture of herself and sent it to Josie. She finished drying off and put on her t-shirt. 

10 seconds later she got a text from Josie.

Josie: holy shit 

Cruz: You wanna call?

Josie called her immediately. 

“Hey” Cruz said casually.  

“Hi” Josie replied, sounding a little out of breath, “that picture…”

“Figured I owed you one” Cruz replied in a cool tone, shrugging it off like it hadn’t blown Josie’s mind. 

“I’m… I like it.. a lot” Josie responded. 

Cruz smiled smugly “good” then “you doing ok?” 

Josie took a second to gather herself before responding “yeah I’m okay, I just ate the food you made me for dinner. It was really good.”

Cruz smiled “I’m glad. You in bed?” 

“Yeah but I’m pretty awake, meds haven’t kicked in yet.”

Cruz heard a knock at the door and went to answer it. It was room service with her food. “What did you order?” Josie asked

Cruz chuckled “you really love food, huh? Do you like to cook?” She sat on the bed and started eating her meal. 

Josie smiled “I love it, when I can stand on my own I’ll cook for you. But seriously, what are you eating?”

Cruz laughed “Lasagna” she replied. 

“I’m jealous” Josie said with a pout. 

“I like when you’re jealous” Cruz replied without thinking. She hoped that wasn’t too much. 

Josie smiled “Oh yeah? And what if I made you jealous?”

“How?” Cruz smirked. 

“Well I’m in your bed, all alone, nothing to do, looking at this picture of you…”

Cruz stopped chewing. 

“You ok? You’ve gone a little quiet” Josie said innocently, knowing exactly what she was doing. 

“I.. I’m here. Are you- Do you want to…” how Josie always managed to have Cruz go from cocky to stuttering in a matter of seconds bewildered her. 

Josie hummed a laugh and said “I mean I do, but I’m mostly just winding you up. You jealous you’re not here yet?” 

Cruz’s heart was pounding thinking about.. “you can- If you want to…”

“Tell me you’re jealous” Josie purred. 

“I’m jealous I can’t do that for you right now and you can” Cruz responded, deep voice, mind in the gutter. 

“Oh it does feel good... making you jealous, I mean” Josie knew she was unravelling Cruz with every sentence. 

“Are you-?” Cruz choked out.

“No. I will, but after. I don’t want to make things confusing for you” Josie said, not sure where this fell on Cruz’s boundary but not wanting to cause Cruz any internal conflict. 

“Thank you” Cruz felt relieved. As much as she wanted to do that with Josie and as turned on as she was just from knowing Josie was going to, it was too confusing. “I wish we could. We will soon.”

“I know baby, it’s ok” Josie replied softly. “How’s the lasagna?” She asked, shifting the conversation.

Cruz hummed a laugh “it’s good, I’d share it with you if I could”

“So romantic” Josie replied. “we should go on a date, get some lasagna maybe.. would you want to do that?” 

Cruz grinned “yeah I’d like that. I’ll take you out when I’m home”

“Looking forward to it. I get to pick where we go though” Josie replied

“Naturally” Cruz smiled. “You like to be in charge, huh?”

With a devilish grin, Josie replied “oh baby you have no idea.”

Cruz’s mouth went dry for a second time. She loved Josie telling her what to do in general but in bed? Dear God. 

“I think I should let you go before I make bad choices” Cruz replied, mind in the gutter again. 

Josie laughed “ok baby, I’ll be thinking of you..”

Cruz groaned and Josie laughed, she knew what she was doing to Cruz. 

“Sleep well” Cruz managed. 

“Oh I will” Josie replied, grinning. “You too” 

“Mmm” was all Cruz could come up with and then hung up as soon as she could.

She ate her lasagna and turned on the TV, doing her best to distract herself from what she knew Josie was doing. It didn’t really work. 

Josie hung up and went back to the picture of Cruz. Her body was insane, she wanted to touch it, everywhere. She pushed her right hand under the waistband of her underwear and gasped at the wetness. If this was what she was like just from a picture of Cruz, she’d be a mess when Cruz actually touched her. 

She ran her fingers through her folds briefly but she knew what she needed. She pushed two fingers in with little resistance and couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her.

It had been a while since she’d had sex, and Cruz had been turning her on for weeks. She needed a release. She pushed her fingers in and out slowly until she turned her head to the side and her face was pressed against Cruz’s pillow. The smell of Cruz had her speeding up and it wasn’t long until she could feel her body start to twitch and clench.

She came quickly, much quicker than she usually would. As her body began to relax, she pulled out and lay there until she got her breathing back to normal. She wondered if Cruz was doing the same thing. She hoped Cruz would allow herself some relief too, in whatever way felt ok to her. She got up and went to the bathroom, then checked her phone to see if there was a text from Cruz. 

“Goodnight x” a short but sweet message that made her smile like a teenager getting a text from her crush.

“goodnight xxx” she replied. She hoped Cruz found it sweet too. She got back into bed and was asleep within minutes. 

Cruz did her nighttime routine and got into bed, painfully aware of how turned on she was despite trying to ignore it. She wanted some relief but she refused to make things complicated with Josie or give herself any more guilt to carry. It took her a while but she managed to fall asleep. 

She woke to the sound of her phone beeping at 0630 with a message from Joe telling her to be ready in 30 minutes. Cruz got up, brushed her teeth and hair and put on her suit. She stood in front of the mirror staring at herself like it was somebody else. She barely recognised herself. She waited until the last minute then stepped out of her room and met Joe in the hallway. 

They went down to the hotel cafeteria and grabbed breakfast together. It felt weirdly causal considering their relationship had been strictly work so far. They sat down opposite each other with their food in silence until Joe said “Captain Carrillo.” Cruz looked up with a blank expression, not expecting Joe to be so forward and so god damn early in the morning too. 

“What about her?” Cruz asked, trying to work out where this was going.

“What’s your relationship with her?” Yep, there it was. She knew this was coming but she didn’t think it’d be first thing on the agenda.

“We’re dating” Cruz said as confidently and casually as she could, trying to show Joe she hadn’t thrown her off. She was so glad in that moment that Josie had told her what was ok to say so she didn’t get flustered when asked.

“Ok” Joe replied and then went back to her meal. Ok… no follow up? Did she not care, was she so angry she’d gone silent? Was she going to get grilled by the rest of the suits later? She thinks she’d rather be yelled at than this. 

They finished their food, hopped in a car and were driven to the office for their meeting. They walked into a boardroom and Cruz was told where to sit. Joe sat next to her and everyone else sat opposite. She wanted to go home.

“Cruz, how are you doing? How is Captain Carrillo?” Kaitlyn asked.

“Both fine” Cruz replied, she didn’t want to get into how they were both not really fine. 

Thankfully, Kaitlyn got straight to the point. “We called you in because we need you for a job.” Cruz sighed. When did she agree to be in the QRF? Or to still be selected as a lioness? 

She listened to what they wanted from her. It sounded relatively straightforward if it went to plan. She’d only be away 3 days, Josie would likely be ok for that long and she would make sure it didn’t coincide with any of Josie’s appointments.

They spent hours going through the plan, working out where the mark would be and how they would approach him. After a day of talking and planning, they were done and Cruz couldn’t get out the door quick enough. Joe followed behind also keen to get home. Cruz got the impression from that meeting that Joe wasn’t as involved as she usually would be.

When they got on the plane Cruz asked “are you stepping down?”

Joe was surprised for a second and then she remembered that she was sitting in front of someone she had trained, her most successful lioness. Cruz was observant. “I’m not stepping down I’m just stepping back. I’ll be on your team to support you but I won’t be on the frontlines.”

Cruz was thoughtful for a second and then asked “because of your family?” Joe was silent for a bit, they didn’t talk about this stuff. But if Joe was stepping back, she needed Cruz to step up. And that required getting to know each other. “Yes, I can’t do this to them anymore.”

Cruz nodded, she understood. She’d seen Joe after the gunfight, crying and terrified. It made sense for that to be Joe’s last frontline mission. 

They spent the rest of the plane ride in silence and had separate cars waiting for them when they got off the plane. As Cruz was getting into her car, Joe called “Cruz.”Cruz turned to her “I’m glad. That you have Carrillo. I’m glad for you. Don’t fuck it up.” Cruz gave Joe a nod and got into her car. This day was so weird. She needed it to be done. Once she was on the move, she texted Josie her ETA. 

The car pulled up outside her house at 1900, it was just getting dark. As she walked in, she smelt food and heard noise in the kitchen. “Jose?” Cruz said as she moved through the house.

“Hey!” Josie called from the kitchen. Cruz turned the corner to find Josie facing the counter, unpacking takeout food onto plates for both of them. Josie turned around to greet her and her jaw dropped as she saw Cruz standing there in a suit.

Cruz, confused by Josie’s expression said “what?” and approached Josie, concerned. 

As soon as she was within reach, Josie’s hands were on her. “You look so hot what the fuck” Josie said as she ran her hands up and down Cruz’s chest and dipped her fingers below her collar. Cruz already had the top buttons undone with her tie loosened, plenty of space for Josie to explore.

“Joe made me get a suit to go to the meeting. …you like it?” Cruz said resting her hands on Josie’s hips.

“Mmhh” Josie said, undoing Cruz’s tie and leaving it hanging over her shoulders. 

She undid more of Cruz’s buttons until Cruz started laughing and covered Josie’s hands with her own. “You want me to take it off?” Cruz asked.

“No I want me to take it off… so you don’t get food on it. Obviously.”

“Oh that’s the reason?”

“Sure” Josie responded in a daze.

Cruz grinned. “We better take it off then” she replied as she released Josie’s hands.

Josie pushed the blazer off of Cruz’s shoulders and put it on the counter. She undid the shirt all the way to the bottom and helped Cruz shrug it off too until she was standing there in her trousers and bra. She ran her hands up Cruz’s stomach and slung them over her shoulders. She stroked the hair at the back of Cruz’s neck and said “hi” smiling like she was very pleased with herself.

“Hi” Cruz replied, arms around Josie’s waist. Cruz lent down and placed a kiss on Josie’s lips. “I’m gonna go put some clothes on, then we can eat?” Cruz asked.

Josie smiled back “okay.” Josie’s hands dropped to Cruz’s ass and squeezed before she turned back to the food and finished prepping it. Cruz disappeared into the bedroom with her suit and returned in her tank top and joggers combo Josie liked. She carried the plates to the table and helped Josie into her chair before sitting down opposite her.

“How did it go?” Josie asked. Cruz didn’t seem particularly upset or annoyed like the last time she’d spoken to Joe so she hoped it had gone ok.

“They’re putting me in, just for a short mission, I’ll be gone 3 days.” Cruz said. She sounded a little worried but not upset.

“Do you know the details?”

“I do, but we can talk about them tomorrow, I want to hear about you. What have you been up to?” Josie could do that.

“Finished my book, watched way too much TV, sat on the porch. Nothing heroic” she winked at Cruz.

“Good” Cruz smiled. “We should go for a walk tomorrow” Cruz said.

“Cool so, I can’t walk” Josie responded which got an eye roll from Cruz.

“I have a plan. We’ll sort it out in the morning.”

“Ok. I need to have a shower tonight, can you help?”

“Sure” Cruz smiled. 

Cruz cleared up after dinner whilst Josie got her clothes ready for her shower and they met in the bathroom. They carried out their normal routine and Cruz assumed her position by the open bathroom door facing away from Josie. They chatted about Josie’s upcoming appointments and when Cruz would be away to make sure nothing clashed. When Josie was done, Cruz helped her with her clothes and then they got ready for bed side by side. 

They got into bed together and lay facing eachother. This was both their favourite time of day. Josie stroked Cruz’s hair behind her ear then kissed her softly. Cruz returned the kiss and Josie didn’t hesitate to pull Cruz on top of her. They deepened the kiss until Cruz was out of breath and pulled away. 

“Last night, did you..” Cruz asked looking down, unable to meet Josie’s eyes.

Josie smiled and put her hand under Cruz’s chin, pulling it up to meet her gaze. “Yes. Did you?”

Cruz shook her head gently and said “no”.

Josie sighed, “you should be kind to yourself Cruz, it’s okay” and then “aren’t you frustrated?”

“Very. But it feels right to wait. You should do whatever you need to do though” Cruz said reassuringly. She didn’t want Josie to feel bad about it, Cruz put the boundary in place for herself, not Josie. 

Josie cupped Cruz’s face in both of her hands and pulled her down into a soft kiss “let’s get some sleep and you can tell me about your mission tomorrow.”

Cruz turned her face to the side and pressed a kiss to the inside of Josie’s palm and replied “ok” before laying back on her pillow with Josie tucked into her side. 

Notes:

Last chapter for a week as I’ll be away!

Chapter 6: Going Out

Summary:

Cruz and Josie spend the day in bed and then go on a date!

They both attempted to have a lay in the next morning. The sun was shining through the window making it hard for them to sleep but they lay in bed snoozing on and off for as long as they could. 

When Josie was fully awake, she scratched her nails up and down Cruz’s back eliciting a hum from Cruz. “I want to stay like this but I really need to pee” Cruz said as she rolled away and got up.

Josie stayed in bed and replied “come back afterwards.”

Cruz used the bathroom and brushed her teeth then came out to get back into bed. She looked at Josie laying there with the sun shining on her face and felt a rush of warmth at the thought that this woman wanted her. This beautiful, kind, fiery woman wanted Cruz. 

Josie opened her arms so Cruz could lay on her chest and resume running her nails over Cruz’s back. Cruz tucked her head into Josie’s neck and they stayed like that for a while. “you’re really pretty” Cruz mumbled into her neck, sounding a little shy.

Josie laughed “you can’t even see me.”

“I do remember what you look like” Cruz grinned into her neck.

“I think you’re really pretty too” Josie replied. Cruz didn’t know what to say so she didn’t say anything. 

Eventually Josie asked, “will you tell me about the mission you’re going on?” continuing to scratch Cruz. Cruz moved her head back slightly and replied “I’ll be gone 3 days if it goes to plan. My target is a man who’s either responsible for the kidnap of Congresswoman Hernandez or knows who is, we haven’t worked that out yet. The plan is for me to meet him at a hotel bar, flirt with him, get him up to my room, the team will be waiting for him.” She put her face back into Josie’s neck. 

“Sounds pretty straightforward, you okay with it?” Josie asked, unsure how Cruz would feel about having to seduce a dangerous man.

“It’s nothing compared to things I’ve done.” Cruz mumbled into her neck. Josie squeezed her into a hug in response, she didn’t really know what to say. She thinks the stuff Cruz told her about her mission was only the tip of the iceberg of what Cruz had been through. She hoped to learn more when Cruz was ready. 

“Shall we go on a date tonight?” Josie asked, scratching Cruz’s back again.

“We were gonna go for a walk today, why don’t we go for a walk in the park and then grab food? Will that be too much?” Cruz asked lifting her head to look at Josie.

“I can stay awake for all that as long as I spend the rest of the day in bed” she smiled, bringing one of her hands up to stroke Cruz’s cheek. “Right after I pee though.”

Cruz helped Josie with her crutches and then said, “I’ll make coffee and breakfast and meet you back here.”

“A woman after my own heart” Josie replied, winking. 

Cruz made them eggs and bacon and a fresh pot of coffee and carried it all through on a tray with Josie’s meds. She found Josie back in bed, sat leaning against the headboard. Cruz put the tray down at the end of the bed and sat next to Josie. She handed Josie her coffee and meds and after she’d taken them, put the plate of food on her lap. 

“Thank you baby” Josie said as she tucked in. “Do you like cooking?” She asked as Cruz took a sip of her coffee.

“No” Cruz replied completely deadpan which had Josie choking on her food.

“What?! You’ve cooked for me this whole time, why didn’t you tell me you don’t like cooking!” Josie yelled, pushing Cruz’s shoulder.

Cruz laughed and replied “why would I do that? Your leg is broken and we have to eat” Cruz replied, amused by Josie’s reaction. “Can’t have you on my normal diet of protein shakes and peanut butter can we?” Cruz added, recalling the first time Josie had been to her house.

“Cruuuuuzzzz, you have to tell me these things, I could’ve been more helpful” Josie whined.

“You sitting on the counter staring at my ass is helpful, it’s good for morale” Cruz winked back.

“Asshole” Josie said as she rolled her eyes then went back to her food, amused by the revelation. 

They finished their breakfast and got back under the covers, chatting about where they’d be going on their date.

At some point, the doorbell rang so Cruz threw on some sweatpants and took in the delivery that had arrived. As Cruz headed into the bedroom wheeling the delivery with her she called out “don’t be mad” to Josie. Josie squinted suspiciously and when Cruz turned the corner pushing a wheelchair she turned thoughtful. 

She was quiet for a moment and Cruz waited to be told she was being patronising or controlling but instead Josie asked “this is so we can walk around the park?”

Cruz nodded, she hoped this was ok. “Ok” Josie replied. “You can push it but I decide what direction we go in” Josie proposed.

“Naturally” Cruz replied, a smirk forming.

“Good” Josie grinned back.

“Brat” Cruz responded as she got back into bed and was immediately pulled on top of Josie. They kissed but it wasn’t hot and heavy like their nighttime routine. It was sweet, grateful, maybe even.. loving? Cruz resumed her position on Josie‘s chest and Josie’s nails were back under her shirt, scratching her back without her needing to ask. 

Some time later, Cruz got up for a shower and Josie got herself dressed for their date. It’d be warm and they weren’t going anywhere fancy for dinner so she dressed casually. Cruz packed Josie’s meds and then they were in the car on their way to the park. 

When they arrived, Cruz grabbed the wheelchair from the trunk and helped Josie into it. As Cruz pushed Josie around in whatever direction she pointed, they found themselves in front of a fountain where a dog was splashing around in the water. They sat on a nearby bench and watched. 

“I want a dog, have you ever had one?” Josie asked.

Cruz was thoughtful for a second and then said “there was a dog in the house I was living in before I joined the marines, never had one of my own though” she looked a bit lost in thought after that.

Josie tested the water. “Where were you living?”

Cruz sighed and replied “uhhh in a house with lots of people. My boyfriend at the time, a bunch of his friends and their girlfriends.”

Josie nodded. “And then you joined the marines? Did something happen?” Cruz looked at Josie now, working out what to say without killing the mood. 

“Came home from work, had an argument with one of the girls in the house, my boyfriend stepped in and punched me in the face. The next day I hit him in the face with a frying pan and ran. He chased me, but a marine protected me. Signed up there and then.” Cruz was watching the dog play, she couldn’t meet Josie’s eyes.

Josie was quiet for a beat then said “you hit him real good?”

Cruz grinned and looked at Josie who looked sad but smiled at Cruz’s grin. “I hit him real good” she nodded.

“Good” Josie replied.

They chatted about light things after that: dogs, swimming, going to the beach, and then they were on the move again. Josie had researched places with lasagna and found a small restaurant near the park. They walked from the park to the restaurant and got a table without needing to wait. 

They sat opposite each other and looked at their menus. “If you weren’t getting lasagna, what would you get?” Cruz asked.

Josie hummed, looking over the menu and decided carbonara would be her next choice. The waiter came over and Cruz ordered for them: a beer, a Diet Coke, lasagna and a carbonara. When the waiter left, Josie raised her eyebrows at Cruz and Cruz responded “now you get to try the carbonara.” Josie reached over the table and grabbed Cruz’s hand, intertwining their fingers. Cruz got a pang of self consciousness but then realised she could beat the shit out of anyone that tried anything and relaxed again. 

So this is your first date, huh?” Josie asked, still smiling at Cruz’s order. Cruz nodded, “you’re doing very well” Josie continued.

Cruz’s stomach dropped. Josie praising her isn’t something she thought she needed, let alone found arousing, but here she was. A blush crept up her neck and thoughts of taking Josie into the bathroom and- “here are you drinks, ladies” the waiter said as he put them on the table. “Thanks” Cruz choked out. 

As he walked away, Josie lifted her coke towards Cruz’s beer and said “salud”, Cruz copied her.

“How many languages do you speak?” Josie asked. Cruz was grateful for the distraction from her thoughts.

“4: English, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese.”

“Why those?” Josie asked.

“My mum was Mexican so she spoke Spanish to us, my step dad was Syrian which is how I learned Arabic. Portuguese I learned in my recon training.” Josie nodded, she found Cruz so impressive.

 “And your family, they’re… all gone?” She asked.

Cruz nodded “my mum died of an overdose when I was in junior year, I told you about my step dad. My yonder brother died shortly before my mum and the other died in prison recently”.

Josie sighed “I’m sorry.”

Cruz shook her head “I told you before, they made a lot of bad choices” she shrugged. “What about you, tell me about your sisters.” 

“Two of them live abroad, we don’t see them much, I’m closest to my youngest sister” Josie explained.

”What’s she like?”

Josie rolled her eyes “ugh classic younger sibling: entitled, doesn’t listen, does whatever she wants.”

Cruz quirked her eyebrow “so like, bratty.”

Josie’s face dropped and she shot a glare at Cruz “oh she’s worse than me.”

“When’s the last time you saw her?” Cruz asked.

“Christmas last year. We talk on the phone a lot though. I love her, she’s a pain in the ass but she’s also sensitive, emotional, wants everyone to be ok… I wonder how much she knows about what happened” Josie thought out loud.

“You haven’t spoken to her since?”

Josie shook her head “no, I should call her, I know. I’m scared, my dad has probably already told her what a terrible person I am”. 

Cruz looked thoughtful for a second then responded “mmm probably, but if your sister is as smart as you are, she knows your dad is a liar and her sister wouldn’t have done what she did without good reason.” Josie squeezed Cruz’s hand. How did she always know what to say? Cruz continued, “you should invite her over, if you want to. Or I could take you to Texas if you want to visit her.”

Josie, yet again taken back by Cruz’s thoughtfulness, “thank you baby. I’ll call her first and see what she knows and we can make a plan from there.” 

They chatted about their plans for the next few days. Josie’s scan was tomorrow and then Cruz would be leaving the next day for her mission. Cruz was mentally noting all the prep she could do to make those 3 days easy for Josie. 

Their food arrived and they began eating. “How’s the lasagna?” Cruz asked, knowing how much Josie was looking forward to it.

“Ugh so good” she replied. “How’s yours?”

“It’s good, try some” Cruz pushed her plate towards Josie and Josie took a bite.

“Oh damn, that’s good, I think it’s maybe better than mine.”

Cruz laughed and replied “let’s swap.”

“what! No, enjoy your food!”

Cruz was thoughtful for a second then asked “half half?”

Josie smiled and replied “ok half half.” They ate half their meals then swapped plates and finished each other’s.

The waiter took their plates away and asked if they wanted dessert to which Cruz responded “yes” immediately because she knew Josie would. He left the dessert menus with them and they picked out two options together, deciding to go halves again. Not long after, he brought out their choices of chocolate cake and a  cheesecake and they ate them together.

“Oh man if I wasn’t tired already I’m definitely having a food coma after this” Josie declared.

“Let’s get you home” Cruz replied.

The waiter brought their bill and as Cruz reached for her wallet Josie said “hey no absolutely not. You’ve paid for everything so far and you’re letting me live in your house. I’m paying.”

“Jose it’s fine, I want to do all of those things. Let me get it”. Josie folded her arms and put on a stern expression, raising her eyebrows. Cruz was half scared half aroused. The waiter came back and Cruz accepted defeat as Josie handed him her card. After he walked away Cruz muttered “brat” under her breath and Josie threw her napkin at her. 

They headed back to the car and drove home as the sun was starting to set. As Cruz drove, Josie reached over and took her hand, holding it on the arm rest. Cruz was a little surprised at first, but felt that warm feeling and relaxed when their hands settled there. 

They left the wheelchair in the car and Josie crutched back into the house, dropping onto the couch as soon as she could.

Cruz went to the kitchen to get them some water and when she came back she asked innocently “so, what do you usually do after a date?” Josie shot her a look that told her exactly what she would usually do after a date. “Oh…” she replied. “Umm, wanna make out?” Cruz proposed instead. 

Josie laughed and pulled Cruz down onto the couch until she was laying back and Josie got on top of her as best she could. Cruz looked up in awe and it must’ve been obvious because Josie asked “you like me on top?” twisting Cruz’s hair between her fingers. Cruz nodded rapidly as her hands went to Josie’s ass and pulled her closer. “Me too” Josie replied before she leaned down and kissed Cruz.

The kiss was lazy, they were full and tired and it wasn’t long before Josie pulled away and put her head in Cruz’s neck, half falling asleep. They made themselves comfortable and took a nap on the sofa. 

Cruz woke up first, needing the toilet. She tapped Josie gently and then slid herself out from underneath her. She got herself ready for bed and came back to find Josie sat up. “Not really tired enough to go to bed now, shall we watch a film?” Josie asked.

“Sure, you pick” Cruz replied.

“Naturally” Josie winked back and Cruz laughed. 

She picked a film then got herself ready for bed too and they met on the sofa. Cruz sat with her back against the arm of the sofa and Josie leaned back into her chest, Cruz’s arms around her body. Josie picked Juno because she couldn’t believe Cruz hadn’t seen it. They laughed together and Cruz genuinely enjoyed the film. They chatted about the actors and Josie was learning that Cruz really hadn’t seen any films or shows. 

They got into bed and got straight into spoon position, both super tired from being out in the world for the first time in a while. They fell asleep immediately and slept the best sleep they’d both had in while. 

Chapter 7: Getting Ready

Summary:

Josie has her scan and they prep for Cruz to go away on her mission.

Cruz’s alarm blared at 0800, set for Josie’s appointment. “Jose, you need to shower?” Cruz asked, already wide awake. Josie groaned in response, refusing to move.

Cruz reached over and encouraged Josie onto her back which Josie responded to by grabbing Cruz’s pillow and throwing it over her eyes to block the light. As Josie lifted her arms to hold the pillow over her eyes, her t-shirt rode up, exposing the lower half of her abs. Cruz couldn’t resist a little teasing if it would get Josie out of bed. 

She slid her hands up Josie’s legs and slowed them as she got to her abs. She ran her fingers firmly over the ridges, drawing over the lines she could see. Josie sighed but the pillow stayed over her eyes and there was no sign of movement. Cruz leaned down and placed a kiss on the muscles where the hem of Josie’s shirt was. Josie gasped. Cruz placed another kiss slightly lower, working her way over the ridges. 

Josie lifted the pillow and looked down to watch what Cruz was doing. “Fuck Cruz” Josie sighed as Cruz kissed her way down until she got to Josie’s waistband. She then looked up and met Josie’s eyes which were dark and mesmerised by her.

“Oh good, you’re up” she said nonchalantly. Josie slammed Cruz’s pillow back to Cruz’s side of the bed and ran her hands over her face and into her hair. “Do you need to shower?” Cruz repeated.

“I do now” Josie muttered under her breath as she got herself out of bed. 

Cruz laughed and walked around the bed to hand Josie her crutches but instead of taking them, Josie pulled Cruz into a hug. She tiptoed up to have her mouth by Cruz’s ear and whispered “I’ll get you back for that.” She took the crutches from Cruz’s hand and headed to the bathroom. Cruz stood still for a moment, thoughts rushing through her head of all the things Josie might do. “You coming?” Josie asked, waiting by the bathroom door. Cruz scrambled after her, forgetting Josie needed help due to the thoughts running through her head. 

They did their usual shower routine and got ready for the day with coffee and toast. Josie took her meds and Cruz made a list of things for them to organise when they got back so that the next 3 days alone wouldn’t be too hard for Josie. 

They drove to the appointment and got seen to quickly. Josie was sent off for her scan whilst Cruz sat in the waiting room. Whilst alone, she texted Bobby. 

Cruz: Bobby, you know who’s coming on the mission with me? You guys still aren’t cleared yet, right?

Bobby: Tex is cleared and is coming with you, I’m on babysitting duty for the rest of ‘em

Cruz: Right
Cruz: Josie will be alone at my place for the 3 days, she swears she’ll be fine but you ok to help her out if she needs anything? 

Bobby: sure, I believe she’s got some gossip to fill me in on anyway 

Cruz: ???

Bobby: Cruz we all know you’re fucking

Cruz: we’re not

Bobby: Sure. I’ll get Thunder talking 

Cruz: Bobby don’t give her a hard time, she’s been through enough already 

Bobby: I’m just fucking with you, tell her to call me if she needs help or company
Bobby: or wants to gossip 

Cruz rolled her eyes and left Bobby on read. She knew that’s just how the QRF were and she was sure if she spent enough time with them, she’d participate in their banter too but right now, short bursts was all she could manage. 

Josie appeared in her wheelchair, being pushed by a nurse and her face flooded with relief when she saw Cruz. She looked scared. The nurse said they’d call them through when the doctor had seen the scans. 

“Jose, you ok?” Cruz asked, taking her hand.

“Yeah, just got a bit claustrophobic in the machine.”

Cruz squeezed her hand, “shit I’m sorry, I should’ve come with you.”

Josie shook her head, “you weren’t allowed baby, you asked, remember?”

Cruz hummed and then said “I’m pretty sure I could’ve flirted my way in, I’m quite persuasive” trying to lift the mood.

Josie smiled “I think you just want to see me jealous again.”

Cruz chuckled “I do, yeah” and winked at a less stressed looking Josie. They sat hand in hand, waiting for the doctor to call them. 

“I just spoke to Bobby, she’s staying back to look after the guys so she’ll be around if you need help. She said to call her if anything comes up or you want company.”

Josie nodded “will you be jealous?” She prods Cruz in the ribs.

“Of you? No. Of Bobby? Definitely. Pretty sure she has a little crush on you.” Cruz jabbed back.

“Well, she has seen me naked so she’s gotten further than you” Josie teased.

Cruz looked at Josie in shock “what? when?”

“In Texas when we were all sharing the latrine, she came in whilst I was showering to tell me to hurry up.” Cruz shifted in her seat a little after hearing that. “Ohhhh you’re jealous! This is so good” Josie laughed and clapped her hands together, amused but the shift in Cruz’s confidence. Luckily for Cruz she didn’t have to come up with a lie about how she definitely wasn’t jealous that Bobby had seen Josie naked because the doctor called them in. 

Cruz wheeled Josie into the room and sat down next to her. It was a different doctor to who they’d seen last time. He sat at his desk, looked up at them and said “Captain Carrillo, lovely to meet you, I’m Dr Rodriguez, who do we have here with you?”

Josie responded “this is Cruz” as soon as she said it, she realised that wasn’t really what he was asking. He was asking about who she was to Josie. Josie was going to have to elaborate. 

Describing Cruz as her friend felt weird and wrong, a disservice to the bond they’d built and the moments they had shared.  “Umm, my girlfriend.” Whilst the doctor had no reaction aside from telling Cruz it was nice to meet her, Cruz went stiff as a board.

Josie tried not to panic that she might have upset Cruz and instead listened to what the doctor was saying. He told her that her scans looked good and the healing was going as planned. He wanted to review her medication so booked her a follow up appointment in a week’s time so they could discuss reducing her pain meds. He asked if Josie had any questions and she asked when she could start working out again. The doctor told her it was fine to work on some upper body exercises but nothing on the lower body for now. Josie could work with that. 

This was a lot of information to take in a short space of time for Cruz. Josie just called Cruz her girlfriend. What the fuck. She’d never had a girlfriend before. That was terrifying. And also the best thing she’d ever heard. The doctor also said he may take Josie off the meds that make her drowsy in a week. That meant they could have sex. Holy shit. Also, Bobby has seen Josie naked?? She was fuming about that one. But also, Josie working out in front of Cruz? Very hot. Cruz was feeling a lot of conflicting emotions and could only really respond by having no reaction at all. 

Josie put her hand on Cruz’s leg to signal for her to get up and wheel them out of the room. They got into a packed elevator and walked through the busy lobby until they finally got to the car. Cruz opened the passenger door and lifted Josie up into her seat, facing Cruz where she stood. 

“Cruz, you ok?” Josie asked. She’d noticed Cruz had been quiet since they entered the doctor’s office. Cruz nodded but didn’t say anything. Josie pulled her closer so she was lent against her knees and cupped her face. “What’s going on in there?” She asked.

Cruz finally met Josie’s eyes and asked “did you mean it?” Sounding far more vulnerable than she had intended.

Josie smiled, she knew what Cruz was asking about. “Yeah, was that ok to say? I figured he was asking what our relationship was and it felt like the easiest response. But I did mean it, that’s what I want. Is that what you want?”

Cruz nodded quickly “yes” she replied, running her hands over Josie’s thighs. “I’ve never had a girlfriend before” Cruz said, thinking out loud.

Josie stroked her cheek and replied “I feel lucky to be your first. Now let’s get some burgers on the way home and you can tell me all about how jealous you are of Bobby seeing me naked.” Cruz rolled her eyes and closed Josie’s door once she was strapped in. She put the wheelchair in the back and hopped in the driver’s seat. They drove to the nearest drive-thru on the way home and Josie ordered enough food for at least 3 people and paid for it before Cruz even had a chance to get her wallet out. 

They got home and ate their burgers, fries, side salad, pies and milkshakes then got to work on the list they’d made this morning. Cruz cooked up a couple of meals for Josie to eat over the next few days.

Josie crutched into the bedroom and got out some clothes and underwear for Cruz to take on her mission. She packed them into her usual travel bag along with the shirt Josie slept in last night. She figured Cruz might appreciate having something from home whilst away doing something scary in an unfamiliar place. Cruz was going to shower before she left so she left her toiletries for Cruz to pack herself. 

There were so many things she wanted to put in the bag to get Cruz back for this morning: a nude picture of herself, some sexy lingerie, a vibrator, but she didn’t. One, because all of those things were back at her apartment in Killeen, but two, she didn’t want to distract Cruz from her work which was dangerous and important. She’d get Cruz back another way. That reminded her that she should text her sister and make a plan to go to Texas and get some of her stuff from her apartment. She pulled out her phone and texted her sister a basic ‘hey, how you doing?’ Leaving it ambiguous and neutral. 

Josie headed back into the kitchen to stare at Cruz’s ass whilst she cooked which got an eye roll from Cruz. “I texted my sister” Josie announced. “I’d kinda like to go to my apartment and get some of my stuff and if I’m going to be there, I should try and see her… if she wants to see me.”

Cruz turned around and nodded, “I’m sure she’ll want to see you. Let me know what she says and we can arrange flights when I’m back” Cruz said before turning back to the stove. 

They chatted whilst Cruz finished cooking and then she talked Josie through what she’d made as she boxed it up. When Cruz had tidied everything away, Josie asked “baby do you have a workout equipment? I want to start doing upper body stuff when you’re away, it’ll give me something to focus on.” Cruz tried not to let her mind wander to what that would look like and instead told Josie to follow her to the spare bedroom. 

Cruz had the basics, a pull up bar in the doorframe, some weights, some exercise bands. “You can workout in here, it’s not much but it’s better than nothing.”

Josie’s eyes lit up at the weights, she had missed working out a lot. It was one of the ways she blew off steam, that and sex with strangers which she wasn’t doing either. “I will. Actually I kinda wanna do some stuff now, that ok?” Josie asked.

“Sure, I’ll get your wheelchair so you can sit and move around easier.” 

Cruz disappeared and came back a few minutes later with Josie’s wheelchair which she helped her into and then left her to exercise. Cruz went to the bedroom and saw the bag Josie had started packing for her. That warm feeling crept over her again as she thought about how her girlfriend had packed her clothes for her trip just to be helpful. Cruz jumped in the shower and then packed her toiletries. She cleaned the bathroom so Josie wouldn’t attempt to do it and did a general tidy up around the house. 

A little while later, Cruz went into the spare room to check on Josie and her jaw hit the floor when she walked in. Josie had taken her T-shirt off and was sat in her sports bra, lifting the heaviest weights Cruz had. Her abs were tensed and her arms pumped from the workout. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and sweat dripped down her body from the general heat mixed with the workout. This was Josie’s payback for this morning, she saw that now. 

Josie grinned at Cruz as she stood in the doorway gawking at her as she continued lifting the weight. “Uhhhh need anything?” Cruz asked, failing miserably at sounding unfazed.

“Water please” Josie responded, smug as hell.

“Yep yep” Cruz said as she bumbled out the room and to the kitchen, almost forgetting the way there. She filled a hydro flask with cold water and brought it back to Josie who put the weight down to accept the water. She drank loads of it, drops of water dripping past her mouth, down her chin and onto her chest. Cruz watched each droplet fall. She wanted to lick them off her. 

Josie must’ve noticed the dark look in Cruz’s eyes because her eyes raked over Cruz’s body in her sweatpants/tank top combo she loved, returning the heat. They looked at each other, neither could say for how long.

Cruz finally whispered “I should go” and Josie responded an understanding “ok.” Cruz went to sit on the couch and flicked the TV on. Josie wished Cruz would allow herself some relief but if her next appointment went well, she’d be able to give it to her herself in a week. 

Cruz watched the TV on mute, distracting herself from the thoughts she was having about Josie’s ripped body lifting weights, dripping with sweat… She was startled when Josie wheeled herself into the room and said “what you watching?”

Cruz truly had no idea, she hadn’t been paying attention. “Umm, I don’t know.” 

She looked at the screen for the first time properly and saw a bunch of doctors in a hospital talking to eachother. “Cruz that’s Grey’s Anatomy. You don’t know what Grey’s Anatomy is?”

“I’ve heard of it..” Cruz replied.

“You’ve heard of it? I’ve seen every episode” Josie said as she wheeled herself around to watch too. “Ugh fucking Owen, I hate that guy.”

“Why?” Cruz asked, curious as to what would make Josie dislike someone.

“Oh there isn’t enough time in the world to explain that one.” 

They sat watching together, Josie talked Cruz through who the characters were and what their relationships were to each other. By the end, Cruz was invested and wanted to watch another episode. “Can we watch this somewhere? How many episodes do I need to catch up on?” Cruz asked.

Josie laughed “baby, there are 21 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.” Cruz was stunned into silence.

“So I think this actually might be the most shocked I’ve been today and that’s saying something.” Cruz announced.

Josie pushed Cruz’s shoulder, “idiot” Josie said as she rolled her eyes. “I wanna have a quick shower after that workout, then we can start Grey’s from the beginning if you want?” Cruz agreed and helped Josie into the shower. 

There was some residual tension on both sides after their stare-off earlier. Cruz was more conscious of looking away as Josie was undressing and dressing again and Josie watched and noticed every minor change in Cruz’s body language and movements. “Baby, are you ok about earlier? Was it too much?” Josie checked in. She could see Cruz was struggling. 

“What? No, don’t worry. I liked it, a lot. I like the teasing” Cruz admitted, looking almost shy. “I just want to give you everything you want.”

Josie wrapped her arms around Cruz’s neck and Cruz hugged her waist. “I want you, like, a lot. But I’d wait a whole lot longer than you’re asking me to if that’s what you needed.” She smirked and added “but I really like seeing how much you want me, it’s good for morale” stealing Cruz’s line from yesterday. Cruz grinned and squeezed Josie’s ass before letting go of her and following her back to the living room. 

They sat together on the sofa, wanting to spend as much time as possible together before Cruz left. Josie found a streaming service that had every season of Grey’s and they started watching. Between episodes they would take a break and chat about various things. 

During a break, Josie asked “you feeling okay about what you have to do on the mission?”

Josie had been thinking about what Cruz said, that it was nothing compared to what she’d done before. “Yeah, why, you think I won’t be able to get him up to my room?” Cruz joked.

Josie smiled but tried to steer the conversation somewhere more serious, she wanted to know more about her girlfriend. If she was ready. “I have no doubt about that, I’d follow you anywhere, even into a gunfight apparently.” Cruz smiled at that. Josie continued “I mean, you said you’ve done worse, will you tell me?”

Cruz turned to face Josie with a worried look on her face. “Are you scared?” Cruz asked. 

She thought Josie might be trying to work out if she should run before it’s too late. Josie grabbed Cruz’s hands and squeezed them “No, idiot! I’m not scared of you, I’m scared for you, sure. I just want to understand what you’ve been through. If you want to tell me.” Cruz’s heart began to slow back down. The brief thought of losing what she had with Josie because of her past had sent her pulse through the roof.

“Oh. Um, I don’t even know where to start, it’s been like that my whole life. It’s why Joe picked me, she knew I could take it.” 

Josie was thoughtful for a second. How different her and Cruz were. Joe could tell from minutes after meeting her that she couldn’t take it. “Why don’t you tell me about your mission, how you got to the target?”

Cruz sighed and tucked her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. She wanted to tell Josie everything she wanted to know, but the fear of rejection was looming over her. “What if you change your mind, after you hear what I’ve done?” Cruz thought out loud again.

Josie shook her head and reassured Cruz, “I’m not going anywhere.” Cruz sighed and agreed “ok” then started. 

“At the end of the mission, I was at my mark’s wedding. Her father wasn’t supposed to come for security reasons but he ended being there as we predicted. The men and women’s sides of the house were separate so I couldn’t meet him with her.” Cruz took a breath and looked up at Josie, met with reassuring eyes. “In the evening, she came to my room, she said she didn’t want to get married. She wanted to spend the night with me. She kissed me but I stopped her. I had to get away from her so I left to get water.” 

That feeling of guilt about what happened with Aaliyah returned again, but less heavy than last time. “When I was in the kitchen, a man came in and started talking to me. I worked out pretty quickly that it was her father, he looked like her. He was in his underwear sharing his ice cream with me. He was sweet.” Cruz ran her hand through her hair, this was one of the moments that haunts her the most. 

“We were talking, and then my mark’s fiancée ran in. He shouted that I was a marine, he’d worked it out. He ran at me so I hit his head on the counter and stabbed him in the neck.” Cruz squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed them with her fingers. The vision of that moment burned into her irises forever. 

When she opened her eyes, Josie was still there, still waiting for the rest. Not moving away or looking scared. “What about her father?” Josie asked, letting Cruz know it was ok to carry on.

“As I turned around to him, he hit me in the head with a pan. I managed to get around him and stab him in the side. When he hit the floor I had to make sure he was dead so I lifted his head and slit his throat. And then I ran for my fucking life whilst his security team shot at me.”

There was silence for a moment whilst they both processed. Cruz having to relive the experience from the images this had brought up. Josie, hearing it all for the first time and getting a better glimpse at some of the things Cruz had been through. Josie never let go of Cruz’s hand. “You gonna run from me now?” Cruz asked, unnerved by Josie’s silence.

Josie met her eyes and smirked “I can’t run, my leg is broken” Cruz rolled her eyes. How Josie always managed to ease tension by saying something stupid was one of Cruz’s favourite things.

“Asshole” Cruz muttered. 

Josie knew it was time to reassure Cruz. “What you had to do sounds terrifying. Were you scared?” Josie asks. She could never do what Cruz had described. She couldn’t even picture Cruz doing it. Cruz nodded. “How did you cope when you got home? Did you have someone with you? Did you have therapy?” Josie asked.

“No I was alone afterwards, didn’t see Joe or the QRF again until you showed up. I had to do mandated therapy. 3 times per week for 3 months, then once a week for a while. Now I just go once per month.” Josie nodded, she was glad Cruz was willing to engage in therapy. She’d mentioned she’d done a psych course before so Cruz seemed pretty aware of the mental impacts of things like this. 

“I’m really sorry you had to deal with all of that alone. And then to come back and work with Joe again, Jesus. Why did you come back?” Josie couldn’t understand why she’d risk experiencing something like that again.

“I didn’t choose to, she reassigned me from my unit to her team without my permission” Cruz replied.

“Fucking bitch” Josie muttered. 

Cruz shrugged. Her feelings about Joe were very conflicting. She had caused her so much suffering and trauma although she had begged Joe for the opportunity to do what she did. Then she ruined Josie’s life. Then she saved both of their lives. It was confusing. And it seemed like their relationship was going to evolve again now that Joe was stepping back. “So flirting with a dangerous man and getting him to your room isn’t really a big deal huh?” Josie asked, finally understanding why that was true.

“No, I’ll be ok” Cruz nodded.

“I weirdly feel better about it too” Josie replied, knowing Cruz could handle it. “Hey when you’re back, you think we could do some shooting practice? I don’t know if I’ll ever fly again and I want to learn the things I didn’t understand on my mission. I wasn’t ready.”

Cruz smiled reassuringly, “sure, but you need to know that your mission was sprung on you with no warning or choice and you not being trained for what Joe made you do was not your fault.”

Josie nodded, “yeah, but I want to learn now that I have time.” 

“Hey maybe Bobby could take you down to the range whilst I’m away? She loves shooting stuff.”

Josie laughed “I’ll ask her tomorrow. You wanna watch more Grey’s?”

Cruz shuffled back into the sofa excitedly “yes I need more.”

Josie asked “who’s your favourite so far?”

Cruz replied instantly “Izzie, she seems bratty” and then winked at Josie.

“Oh girl you got a storm coming with that one” and then pressed play on the TV. They watched TV and chatted until bedtime, neither of them hungry after their massive lunch. Josie took her meds with a snack and then they got ready for bed. 

They assumed their positions in bed facing each other, Cruz cupping Josie’s face. “I’m gonna miss you” Cruz admitted. She’d never said that to anyone before. She’d never felt it about anyone before. Her family members after they died, yes, but that was different. 

Josie stroked Cruz’s forearm and replied “I’m gonna miss you too. Wake me up when you’re leaving?”

Cruz stroked Josie’s hair behind her ear and agreed “ok” and then she leaned in and kissed Josie. Josie reacted immediately, this time she pushed Cruz onto her back and propped herself up so she could be as on top of her as possible with her leg. 

Cruz hummed at the sight of Josie above her again, yep she definitely liked it. Josie’s hand snaked up Cruz’s shirt, exploring her abs, her collarbone, her neck. As much as she wanted to touch Cruz’s boobs, she knew that was too much. Cruz squirmed underneath her, pushing up into her touch. Josie lowered herself so her mouth could reach Cruz’s stomach and she kissed her abs like Cruz had done to her this morning. Cruz sighed and looked down to watch her. 

Josie wanted to give Cruz a parting gift. She began sucking bruises into Cruz’s ab muscles, leaving marks as she moved. Cruz was strong but she wasn’t that strong. She put her hand under Josie’s chin and lifted her head “fuck Jose, I’m- we should stop” Josie smiled warmly and pulled her way back up to Cruz’s face and kissed her softly.

Josie lay back on her pillow and said “just a little payback for this morning.”

Cruz shuffled closer “um you definitely already got me back for this morning. Earlier I was-“

“I know, me too” Josie agreed, both admitting how turned on they had been. 

Changing the subject, Cruz said “I’m leaving early but I’ll only be gone 2 nights. I’ll call you when I can but I don’t know what the situation will be. Sorry if you don’t hear from me.”

Josie stroked her cheek and reassured her “I know baby, just do what you can. I’ll be ok” she planted one last kiss on Cruz’s lips and then got into spoon position. Cruz flicked off the light and they fell asleep quickly. 

Josie was woken up suddenly from the sound of Cruz gasping for air. Cruz shot up and Josie did her best to sit up with her whilst she worked out what was going on. “Baby, what happened?” Josie asked, touching Cruz’s arm gently. Cruz startled to Josie’s touch until she looked around and met Josie’s eyes. When she realised she was safe, she moved her arm back into Josie’s hand. 

“Bad dream” Cruz managed to say as she tried to calm down.

Josie was thoughtful and then asked “about what we spoke about?” Cruz nodded. “What happened?” Josie responded. Cruz squeezed her eyes shut and ran her hands through her hair.

“They killed her. I watched them kill her” was all Cruz said. Josie realised in that moment that it’s not only the death that she feels guilty about, it was the consequences for her mark after everything went down. 

“Do you think that’s what happened, they killed her as punishment for you killing her father?” Josie knew that was a rough question to ask but she thinks that’s where Cruz’s thoughts were and wanted to let her know she understood.

Cruz nodded, “it’s likely they wanted justice for his death.”

Josie stroked Cruz’s back. “I’m sorry.” Cruz lay back down facing Josie. “I hope she’s alive.”

“Me too” Cruz replied as Josie hugged her into her chest, scratching her back as she knew Cruz liked. “Sorry if I pushed you to talk about that, I didn’t mean to bring those things up for you” Josie apologised.

“No it’s not that, this happens sometimes whether I think about those things or not. It’s less now, therapy helped a lot.” Josie kissed the top of her head and they stayed like that all night. Cruz didn’t really get back to sleep but she felt safe in Josie’s arms.  

Chapter 8: The Mission

Summary:

Cruz goes on a mission and Josie hangs out with Bobby

CRUZ

Cruz’s alarm went off the next morning and she shut it off as quickly as she could so she didn’t wake Josie. She slipped out of Josie’s arms and got herself ready in the spare bathroom. She checked her phone and had a text from Joe saying she’d be pulling up in 10 minutes.

Cruz made a slice of toast, a coffee in her flask and grabbed her bag that Josie had packed for her. Joe was 3 mins out so she went back into the bedroom and whispered to Josie that she was leaving. Josie pulled her into a sleepy hug and gave her a firm kiss. Cruz pulled back, placed a final kiss on Josie’s forehead like Josie had done to her in the night and left the bedroom.

Cruz realised that she actually felt a bit sad about leaving. She was getting used to this life with Josie, getting to know her had been one on the best experiences she’s had and she’d miss it whilst she was gone.

Cruz headed outside, jumped in Joe’s car and they were off to the airport. At some point Joe asked “Carrillo ok?”

Cruz nodded. “You got a plan for her yet?” She shot back.

Joe sighed and responded “I’m working on it. It’s not easy. We had to plaster her face all over the news for her dishonourable discharge so we can’t use her for undercover work. That limits our options massively.” Cruz sighed. Joe was right.

“She wants to learn to shoot, to do all the things she should’ve been trained to do for her mission” Cruz replied.

“Ok, let’s start there. Let’s see what she’s good at aside from flying.” Cruz returned one firm nod. She could work with that.

They flew to their safe house, nearby to where the target would be tomorrow. After some trailing, they had found what hotel he was staying at and had an idea of when he’d be there. It was late afternoon by the time they were all at the house, discussing the plan for the following day. Smoothing out the details, planning escape routes and organising backup. They finalised plans over dinner and then went off to their rooms which thankfully were all separate. As soon as Cruz was alone, she pulled out her phone and texted Josie. “Free to call?” Josie called her straight away.

Cruz: hey babe, you okay?

Josie: yeah I’m good, how are you?

Cruz: fine. Spent the day planning the mission and tracking him so we’re ready for tomorrow. What you been up to?

Josie: did a big workout this morning, felt really good. Called Bobby a little while ago. She’s gonna come over tomorrow and take me to the range to practice

Cruz: nice! I spoke to Joe briefly, she said we should get you trained properly on all the things you missed out on. Does that sound ok?

Josie: yeah, that’s what I want I guess? I need options if I can’t fly

Cruz: we’ll give you as many options as we can, I won’t let you end up doing something you don’t want to do. I promise.

Josie: I know, thank you baby.

Josie: you wearing your suit?

Cruz laughed loudly

Cruz: No not for this mission, why, you disappointed?

Josie: yeah, I want a picture of you in it

Cruz gulped. It’s possible Josie just wanted the picture to have, or maybe wanted the picture to use…

Cruz: I bet you do. Next time

Josie: send me a picture of you

Cruz: alright let me get changed first, I’m sweaty

Cruz put the phone on speaker and went to the bathroom with her bag to change into her sleep clothes. As she was changing, she looked up in the mirror and caught a glimpse of her stomach. The bruises that Josie has sucked into her abs last night were deep purple and spotted over her lower half. “Oh shit” Cruz said out loud. She got dressed in the dark this morning, she hadn’t seen them until now.

Josie: you ok?

Cruz: uh, yeah, I’ve just noticed your little gifts from last night

Josie hummed a laugh

Josie: show me

Cruz stood in front of the mirror with her sweatpants and bra on, took a picture of herself and sent it to Josie.

Josie: fuck

Cruz: gonna have to make sure I don’t change in front of the team tomorrow…

Josie: shit, sorry.. but fuck, that’s hot

Cruz smiled.

Cruz: yeah, it is

Josie: you gonna… do something about it?

Cruz: no, are you?

Josie: mmm I want to, is that ok?

The lust already in Josie’s voice made Cruz’s mouth go dry

Cruz: yeah, of course

There was quiet for a moment, then

Josie: I want to send you a picture, but I don’t know if it’ll be ok

Cruz: umm, is it of a part of your body I haven’t seen before

Josie: no

Cruz: Will I be able to see anything that you’re doing?

Josie: hmm not directly

Cruz: then I think it’s ok

Josie: do you know how to delete a picture from that chat if it’s not ok?

Cruz: Josie I’m literally Gen Z

Josie: oh Jesus Christ. I forgot I was dating a younger woman

Cruz: send me your picture

Josie: I can’t yet

Cruz: why?

Josie: …I haven’t started yet

Cruz: -oh

Josie: do you want me to start?

Cruz: I really do but we shouldn’t. It’s not long now before we can do all those things though

Josie: I know, I’m looking forward to it

Cruz: me too. Ok I should go… so you can send me your picture…

Josie: ok baby, good luck tomorrow. Check in if you can

Cruz: I will, sleep well

Josie: you too

They hung up and Cruz had no idea what she was going to receive or when. She was thrumming with anticipation. She went into the bedroom to grab her toiletry bag so she could shower in the morning and when she came back, her phone buzzed. She opened the text from Josie and the picture she looked at sent heat straight to her core.

The picture was from Josie’s perspective, she was lying down with the phone pointed at her waist. Her abs were on show and her right hand was pushed under the waistband of her sweatpants. It didn’t show anything more than that but it was the sexiest thing Cruz had ever seen. She analysed every detail and thought about the fact Josie was doing that right this second. After god knows how long of staring at the picture, she decided that actually she needed a shower right now. A very very cold one.

When Cruz got out she had a follow up text from Josie.

Josie: was that ok?

Cruz: I really liked it

Josie: I was worried, you went quiet

Cruz: I needed a cold shower

Josie: sorry ;)

Cruz: I should go to sleep so I stop thinking about what you were doing

Josie: good luck
Josie: sleep well baby

Cruz: you too

Josie: good nignt xxx

Cruz: goodnight x

Cruz climbed into bed and tried to think about the mission tomorrow. She went over the plan, thought about what she was going to wear, what she would say to him. She managed to think about it long enough to tire herself out and she finally fell asleep.

 

JOSIE

Josie had a quiet day, worked out, ate the food Cruz made her, watched TV. She wanted to get started on her training so she called Bobby who agreed to take her out tomorrow. She washed herself down as best she could without getting in the shower as she had promised Cruz she wouldn’t until Bobby was around then got into bed. After her call with Cruz, she fell asleep quickly.

That was until she was woken up by the horrifying image of putting a bullet through Cruz’s skull. This dream had happened before, on and off but it had never gotten to the point she actually had to take the shot.

She was back in the gunfight, Joe asking her to use her pistol on her own team if it came to it. That conversation haunted her day and night.

Maybe it was because Cruz was away or maybe this was triggered by seeing Cruz have her own nightmare, but this time, she pointed the gun at Cruz from where she sat on the ground. Cruz looked down at her, tears falling down her face but otherwise expressionless. Joe called from behind her “now!” and she pulled the trigger. Blood poured down Cruz’s face as she fell to the floor. Cruz’s blood splattered back at Josie. Josie let out a loud scream and woke herself up.

She shot up, still screaming until she realised where she was. She reached over for Cruz who wasn’t there and the tears began streaming down her face. She sat for a while, trying to slow her breathing and stop crying. She wanted to pick up the phone and call Cruz, hear her voice, make sure she was still alive but she couldn’t. Cruz was working and didn’t need distracting.

When she had calmed herself, she lay back down and tried to sleep. It took a long time, but she got a few hours in before her alarm went off.

She got herself up in the morning and got ready to go out with Bobby. She felt like shit. She hadn’t slept well and had hurt her leg when she jolted awake. After her meds, the throbbing lessened and Bobby knocked on the door.

“You look like shit” Bobby observed as Josie opened the door.

Josie sighed, “bad dream” she replied as she stepped out the door on her crutches.

“Shit. They got you in therapy yet?” Bobby asked.

“Bobby I haven’t heard shit from anyone” Josie was exhausted in every way.

“I’m on it” Bobby said as she pulled out her phone on the way to the car and texted rapidly. She helped Josie into the car and drove to the range.

“I was gonna spend all day teasing you about Cruz but now that feels like bullying a puppy” Bobby said after some time.

Josie looked up at Bobby with a quirked eyebrow and said “what about Cruz?”

Bobby shot her a very knowing look and said “you two ain’t fucking?” She asked.

“No” Josie sighed, they really weren’t.

“But you’re…?” Bobby prodded.

“Dating” Josie finished for her.

She wasn’t going to get away with this and she knew Cruz knew that too. “So you’re together but haven’t slept together?” Bobby asked, struggling to understand.

“Yep” Josie replied.

“Because…?”

Josie sighed, she was hoping Bobby would move on but it seems like they were going to have this conversation. “Because she wants to wait until I’m not on hardcore pain meds so I stop getting drowsy”

Bobby laughed and said “oh she really is the perfect woman” which got a lightening fast head turn from Josie.

“You like her?” Josie asked, sounding more defensive than she intended.

Bobby laughed and tutted “we joked when she joined us, she downed a beer in less than 10 seconds and knew where to watch all the sports games we’d missed. We were all secretly a little bit in love with her.” Josie’s eye twitched and Bobby continued “platonically!!” Josie spent the rest of the car ride feeling jealous for no good reason. God, she was in deep.

They pulled up at the gun range and got set up. They were just going to do target practice for now since Josie couldn’t walk and hold the gun at the same time. They alternated between her standing and sitting so she didn’t get tired and called it a day around lunchtime. Josie was a natural shot but had learned a lot from Bobby. She thinks this is something she could get into if she couldn’t fly.

“Shall we go to the bar?” Bobby asked when they’d packed up. Josie had nothing else to do so she agreed and they drove to their local. They ordered drinks and Josie waited to see how long it would take for Bobby to bring Cruz up again.

“Cruz tell you about her mission?” Yep, there it was.

“Bits and pieces, I got the gist of it. Sounded really fucked up.”

Bobby nodded slowly “it was, one thing after a-fucking-nother. What did she tell you about?” Bobby asked.

“She told me about the relationship with her mark and also how the assassination went down, why is there more?”

Bobby looked sad “there’s always more. I won’t say anything that she hasn’t told you already but she went through a lot, more than she should’ve.”

They both took a swig of their drinks. Fuck, that made Josie sad. Everything Cruz had already told her was devastating, and there was more? She knew Cruz would open up when she was ready. “She must really like you, she didn’t tell us shit about herself. I mean, we’d read her file, we knew it all, but she was a closed book.”

Josie thought about how much Cruz had shared, even on their mission together. She told Josie about her family and how they had died, she’s told her that her mum’s boyfriends were abusive to her. All of it without being pushed. She felt lucky that Cruz felt safe to say those things to her.

They were both in deep thought when a woman came over and started chatting to Bobby. “This your girlfriend?” She asked, pointing at Josie.

Josie sighed “no you’re good” and waved her on in encouragement to chat Bobby up. Josie took the opportunity to check her phone. There was a text from Cruz from a few minutes ago.

Cruz: hey babe, we’re just up and on the move now. I won’t have my phone until I’m back. Hope your day is good x

Josie: hey baby, good luck, I’ll see you tomorrow xxx

She hoped Cruz had time to read it before she turned her phone off. She stayed staring at the screen for a few minutes whilst Bobby and the women groped each other and Josie’s heart raced when the 3 dots popped up.

Cruz: I can’t fucking wait

Josie sent a heart back and left it there, she knew Cruz had to go. When she looked up, Bobby had her tongue down the woman’s throat.

Josie cleared her throat loudly and Bobby startled and turned around. “So I should go home and you should do whatever it is that you’re doing” Josie said, watching the woman try to get Bobby’s attention again.

“Shit, let me drive you home, you ready?” She asked.

“Bobby it’s fine, I can get a cab.”

Bobby rolled her eyes and got up, helping Josie with her crutches “fuck no, I told Cruz I’d help you and I ain’t getting on her bad side. Motherfucker is lethal” Josie smirked at that.

She saw Cruz in the gunfight but she hadn’t seen her do all the other things she was good at, she wanted to. Bobby gave the woman her number and left her behind. They drove back to Cruz’s place and Bobby helped her into the house. “You need anything?” Bobby asked.

“Umm actually I really wanna shower but Cruz won’t let me do it without supervision. You mind?”

Bobby shook her head “lead the way.” Josie got all her stuff ready and had Bobby wait by the door which she left open a crack so they could talk. It’s not like Bobby hadn’t seen her naked anyway…

Bobby checked her phone and read through a few texts she’d received. Then she called to Josie “hey, you’re starting mandatory therapy tomorrow, I’ve given them your number, they’ll contact you.”

Fucking fantastic. “Thanks for sorting that” she called back. She was grateful but she was also exhausted by all the shit she’d been forced to do against her will for the last 2 months, and here she was again, more force. She definitely needed therapy though, she needed help with the anger she felt about it all so she didn’t take it out on the wrong people, the wrong person.

Josie finished her shower with no issues, Bobby helped her where she needed it. They headed back into the living room and Josie asked “you hungry?” Remembering all the food Cruz made.

“Fucking starving actually” Bobby replied. Josie got the food out and Bobby plated and reheated it and they sat together at the table whilst they ate.

“You make this?” Bobby asked, jabbing her fork at her plate.

“No, Cruz did” Josie replied.

Bobby laughed and said “fuck, truly the perfect woman” Josie rolled her eyes and laughed a little. “Hey when you finally fuck you better treat her so fucking good” Bobby said.

Josie laughed and said “oh I plan on it” with a devilish grin. She’d missed this, having queer people to talk and relate to. She had that on her base, she missed her friends. She was glad she could get that from Bobby, even if it did come with a lot of teasing…

They finished eating and Bobby cleaned up, another of Cruz’s requests apparently. “Bobby I really appreciate your help, now go get some from that woman please.”

Bobby saluted and said “yes Captain” with a wink. She’d denied Josie her salute when they met but Bobby was willing to give it to her now. Josie rolled her eyes and pushed Bobby out the door, closing it as Bobby climbed into her car. Josie lay on the sofa and put the TV on but was asleep in minutes as her meds kicked in.

CRUZ

Cruz was up late since their mission would take place in the evening. She had lunch with the team in the living room of the house they were using and they went over the plan again. The target’s location tracking was working and he was where they expected him to be. He’d be in the hotel at around 6pm so Cruz needed to be ready and in the bar with her keycard before he turned up.

She went back to her room and started getting ready. Joe was making her wear a fucking dress. The point of the mission was to seduce the target so unfortunately she was going to have to show some skin. As she got into the dress and jewellery they’d picked out, she felt an uncomfortable feeling of being back where she was before the marines. This is how she used to dress, and it was mostly for the pleasure of the men around her. If she hadn’t had so much therapy over the last couple of years, this might’ve sent her spiralling.

She did her makeup and put on some heels and stared at herself in the mirror for ages. She wasn’t really looking at herself. She was thinking about her past life, the things she had to do to keep a roof over her head.

She got a knock at the door that they were nearly ready to go. She pulled out her phone and texted Josie that she was leaving and would be back much later. She took a picture of herself in the mirror and thought about sending it to Josie but she had no idea what she’d think. She didn’t send it but she didn’t delete it. Josie could see it if she wanted to later.

She turned her phone off after Josie replied and locked it in the room’s safe before joining the rest of the team. She got a chorus of whistles as she walked in and gave everyone a death glare that silenced them.

They drove to the hotel as a team but on arrival, she stepped out the car and was alone going forward. She had a microphone in her necklace so the team could listen and know when to step in, but they were going to be in a different room. Cruz went to the desk and got her keycard under a fake name, then headed up to her room.

When she walked in, she made it looked like ‘lived-in’. She had a travel bag of items with her so she dispersed them around the room, throwing clothes over the chair, leaving a hairbrush and perfume on the dressing table, made sure the bed wasn’t too neat. She knew the team would be set up in their nearby rooms by 5:30pm and that was her cue to head down to the bar.

She sat at the bar with her small purse and ordered a drink. She thought about how useless the small purse was and why anyone would use it. She drank her drink slowly but wanted to ensure it was low by the time her target arrived so he would offer to buy her a new one.

Just after 6pm, her target walked in and sat at the bar a few seats down. She paid no attention to him and instead made small talk with the server behind the bar. She knew he’d have to interrupt their conversation if he wanted to order and that was her in.

As expected, he called the server over and ordered a drink which allowed Cruz to look up and watch the interaction. He turned to Cruz and looked her up and down like a piece of meat. Cruz had to work extremely hard to not punch him there and then.

“Sorry, did I interrupt?” He asked.

Cruz put on a flirty smile, “you did actually.” The man stood up and moved a couple of seats towards Cruz so there was one stool in between them and sat facing her.

As he sat, his jacket opened slightly and she noticed a pistol attached to his hip. “Well you can talk to me?” He smirked.

Cruz smiled back “Since there’s no one else, I guess you’ll do” she said with a wink, he found it amusing.

Cruz needed to let the team know he was armed. They had agreed on codewords so when she ordered a martini, the team knew what to expect.

He flirted shamelessly with her, she was disgusted by the whole thing. How well he thought he was doing, the gross things he came out with, the hand on her knee. God she needed this to be over. She flirted back and encouraged the attention and after a few drinks, his hands were all over her. Now was her chance.

“You wanna come upstairs?” She said, acting tipsier than she was.

“Let’s go” he replied, putting his hand on her ass and encouraging her towards the lift. She could kill this motherfucker with her bare hands.

As they waited for the lift, she said “I’m on the 12th floor” letting him know they were going to her room.

“Oh no baby, you’re coming to my room, I’m on the 30th floor, the view is incredible, you’ll love it.” Shit. There wasn’t much she could say to that. They had planned for this, it was fine, it just meant the team needed to move quickly. They’d have heard his request through the necklace and would be on their way to his room right now but it would’ve been more calm and controlled if they’d gone to her room.

The lift dinged and they stepped in alone, doors closing behind them as he pressed ‘30’. As soon as the lift started to move, he pushed his body into Cruz’s and tried to kiss her. She pushed him back, trying to make it playful and said “be patient”. She ran her hand up his arm so he didn’t get suspicious of her sudden disinterest and he seemed ok with having to wait 60 seconds.

They got to his floor and she held his hand as they walked to the room, trying to keep his eyes on her and not on the people that would be hidden in his room waiting for him. He tapped his key card on the door and pushed it open. She grabbed his tie and pushed his chest gently so he walked in backwards. She followed him in and the door shut behind him. In the same second, voices filled the room. “Freeze! Put your hands on your head! Stand against the wall!” The CIA agents were already frisking him and removing his gun from his hip before he’d even processed what was happening. Cruz stepped back and watched everything from the bathroom doorway.

Once he was in handcuffs and being questioned by the agents, Cruz was called out of the room. She was told to get into the car waiting outside and found Kaitlyn waiting for her. “Impressive Cruz” she praised as the car started moving.

“Not exactly hard to seduce a man” Cruz replied. Kaitlyn huffed a laugh and replied “no, but that’s not what I’m talking about. You thought on your feet, communicated with us seamlessly, kept his attention where it needed to be right until the end.”

All of this felt obvious to Cruz, not a special skill that only a few could do. But she’d had loads of training and spent enough time with scary men to know how to behave with them in order to stay safe. “Uhh thanks” she replied.

“You should be training people, to do what you just did. It comes naturally to you, and we need more people we can trust to do what you just did effortlessly”.

Cruz was confused “more lionesses?”

Kaitlyn nodded. “We saw what happened with Carrillo when we selected a lioness who wasn’t pre-trained. It wasn’t her fault, it’s just the situation we all ended up in but we can do better. We can avoid future lionesses feeling what Josie felt.”

Cruz actually felt a bit emotional at the acknowledgment from such a higher up figure that what they did to Josie was fucked up. She also agreed that it would be better to train the lionesses first. Even she felt unprepared when she was inserted despite all the other training she’d had. “Ok. I’ll do it.” Kaitlyn gave her a firm nod and was on the phone within seconds.

Back at the safe house, Cruz waited around for the rest of the team to arrive and then they de-briefed. The man they’d arrested was one of the men involved in the kidnap of Congresswoman Hernandez. Cruz felt relieved at the success of the mission, having to touch and flirt with him had been gross but it was worth it. It was late when debrief was over. She went back to her room, turned on her phone and sent Josie a text.

Cruz: hey baby
Cruz: mission done, back at the house now

Josie: hey ❤️
Josie: how did it go?

Cruz: all good, went as planned
Cruz: I got a job offer from Kaitlyn too

Josie: ??

Cruz: I’ll explain tomorrow
Cruz: how you been?

Josie: I’ll call you?

Cruz: ok

Cruz answered the phone immediately, desperate to hear Josie’s voice. Jesus Christ it had been 2 days…

“Bobby and I went to the range, then had a drink at the bar. Well, I had a drink, Bobby had her tongue down a girl’s throat. She took me home and helped me shower then went back to fuck her new friend” Josie laughed.

“Fucking Bobby” Cruz laughed. “You have a good time at the range?” Cruz asked.

“Yeah it was really useful actually I learned a lot.” Cruz was glad it had gone well as there was gonna be a whole lot more of it with Joe and Kaitlyn’s plans. “Bobby also organised my therapy, they called me today, I have to start tomorrow.” Josie continued.

“Shit sorry, I should’ve chased that for you. Do you have to go in person?” Cruz asked.

“It was never your job Cruz, wasn’t Bobby’s either. It’s online for now, it’d be too much hassle trying to get there with my leg.”

“Mmm, how many times per week?” Cruz asked. “Two sessions per week for now.”

“you ok with it?” Cruz asked.

“Is what it is” Josie replied, unsure how to answer. She wasn’t ok with any of it, but this was the situation she was in.

“Tell me about your mission?” Josie asked, wanting to change the subject. Cruz walked her through it, the slight change of plans with the rooms but overall, very smooth.

“What did you wear?” Josie asked, genuinely curious.

“Uhhh, a dress, lots of jewellery, heels” Cruz felt slightly uncomfortable admitting that, it felt so different to Josie’s experience of Cruz.

“Oh shit, did you take a picture?” Cruz huffed a laugh, she knew Josie would ask, it’s the only reason she did take a picture.

“I did, you want me to send it?” Cruz asked, surprisingly nervous.

“Yes please” Josie responded. Cruz sent the pic and waited for Josie’s reaction nervously.

“Oh wow” Josie said. Then quickly followed “this is like, objectively sexy, but also, not very you. I think you’re sexy when you look comfortable, when you dress how you like.” Cruz felt relieved, she felt the same. Cruz used to dress like this and men found her attractive. She knew she looked good by a patriarchal, normative standard, but it wasn’t her.

“This is how I used to dress, it never felt comfortable” Cruz shared, feeling vulnerable.

“You dressed like this with your boyfriend?” Josie asked, trying to piece together the timeline Cruz had given her of her life events.

“Yeah, and before that, at work, I had to dress like this” Cruz continued.

“What for?” She didn’t know this part of Cruz’s story.

“Uhhh the boyfriend I told you about, I met him when I was a dancer. He used to come to the club I worked at. If I did what he wanted and followed him around looking like this, I had a place to stay.”

Josie was quiet for a beat and then asked “how long did you do that for?” Keeping a neutral tone. Cruz was relieved she didn’t have much of a reaction to that.

“A couple of years. Once I’d lived with him a while, I got a job at a diner instead.”

Josie was quick with “oh baby, be honest, which was worse? I know you hate cooking.”

Cruz laughed and replied “honestly, that’s a hard choice” Josie laughed too. Talking to each other was so easy. It had never been like this with their previous relationships.

“Did you have a job before you graduated?” Cruz asked.

“I worked in a bar, it was really fun”
Josie answered.

“Oh really? I thought you weren’t much of a drinker?” Cruz remembered Josie saying that she didn’t drink when they were with her parents.

“Oh that’s because I’m a- was a pilot…” she paused. “Before I was a pilot, I knew how to have a good time.” Josie grinned.

“I knew it” Cruz replied.

“What?” Josie questioned.

“Bobby told me that next time the team hangs out that you have to come with me because we think you’d be more fun at parties than me.”

Josie laughed and said “baby I think Joe would be more fun at parties than you.”

“Oh shit! That’s how it is? Cool.” They both laughed together.

“Well what do you like to do for fun then?” Josie asked.

Cruz saw the opportunity and took it “I’ll show you next week” she replied cockily.

Josie’s mouth went dry. “I can’t fucking wait” Josie replied, copying Cruz from earlier.

“Are you in bed?” Cruz asked.

“Yeah” Josie replied.

“What are you wearing?” Cruz asked with a laugh in her voice.

Josie laughed loudly and replied “t-shirt and underwear.”

Cruz was feeling confident this evening. Maybe from the success of her mission and her job offer. Maybe because she missed Josie loads and it had only been 2 days. “Are you gonna touch yourself?” Cruz asked.

“Send me a picture when you’ve changed and I will” Josie replied, matching Cruz’s confidence.

“What do you like when you do it?” Cruz asked, a little unsure if this was ok for Josie.

“You want me to tell you how I touch myself?” Josie asked, making sure she understood.

“Mmhh” Cruz replied, already invested.

“You sure?” Josie asked, not wanting to push the boundary when they were so close to not needing it anymore.

“Yes, only if you want to though” Cruz confirmed.

“When I do it with another person I like to take my time, but when it’s just me I want it quickly” Josie started. Cruz waited for her to continue, needing to know more. “When it’s just me I like it inside, I’m faster that way” Josie finished.

Cruz’s voice was the deepest Josie had ever heard it when she replied “what do you like with another person?” She wanted to make sure she gave Josie exactly what she wanted when she was able to.

Josie grinned “I like everything” but she wanted to give Cruz the answer she was looking for so she continued “but I really like it when their mouth is on me.” Cruz gulped loudly, she was going to need a very cold shower in a minute. “What do you like?” Josie asked and then followed with “is that ok to ask?” she didn’t want to push.

“I like everything too. I like… using my mouth” letting Josie know she would give her what she wanted. Josie sighed audibly. This had Cruz buzzing and they both knew they needed to stop.

“I gotta go take all this shit off and have a very cold shower” Cruz said, letting Josie know she couldn’t take anymore. “Ok baby, send me a picture when you feel more comfortable.”

Cruz smiled “I will.” Just before they hung up, Cruz added “oh by the way, there’s a vibrator in the drawer on your side of the bed if you want to… take your time.”

Josie replied “fuck” and Cruz ended the call by laughing and then hung up. Josie was rooting around for the vibrator the second the call was over.

Cruz removed her jewellery, clothes and makeup, a weird distant routine she vaguely remembered. She sent a picture of herself in her underwear to Josie and then stepped into the shower to wash it all off. The mission, the discomfort, the heat.

As she rummaged through her bag for some socks, she found the shirt Josie had put in there for her. She got into bed and held the shirt next to her face so she could smell it. She shot Josie a “goodnight x” text and waited for the “goodnight xxx” back and then she was out like a light.

Chapter 9: Coming Back

Summary:

Cruz returns from her mission and they realise how much they missed each other.

Notes:

and the smut begins!

The next morning Cruz was up around 1000. Everyone began packing up and organising transport to various locations. Joe was there now and had been filled in on the mission she’d missed. She approached Cruz and told her they’d be travelling together. Once bags were packed into vehicles, they were on their way to the airport. 

“I spoke to Kaitlyn about the mission, you did well.” Joe started. “She wants you to stay on our team, help train others.”

Cruz nodded “yeah she mentioned”.

Joe looked up expectantly “so will you do it?”

Cruz nodded, “I will, but only when we have a plan for Captain Carrillo that she’s happy with.” Cruz challenged. “She’s started her training with Bobby and is doing well, she’s a quick learner. I don’t see why she shouldn’t be part of this team too” Cruz finished.

Joe was thoughtful “is that what she wants?”

“She didn’t say that word for word but it’s the impression I got when we discussed it.” Cruz replied.

“If she can fly post-injury then she can pilot for us, if she can’t fly, we’ll find something else for her on the team” Joe finished.

Cruz felt a wave of relief sweep over her. “I think the offer should come from you.” Cruz proposed. Joe looked at her for a brief moment and then gave her a single nod and started making calls. 

The journey was long, there was traffic both before and after their flight. Cruz texted Josie that she was 45 mins away so they could get dinner ordered and it was late evening by the time Cruz was pulling up outside the house. This time, Josie was waiting. She opened the front door when she heard Cruz’s car pull up and beamed a smile at Cruz as she walked up the driveway with her bag.

“Hey” Josie grinned leaning up to kiss Cruz as soon as she was close enough.

Cruz kissed her back and responded “hey” when they pulled back. Cruz went in and put her bags down, collapsing on the sofa dramatically. She put her hand out for Josie to take. As soon as she did, she pulled Josie into her lap sideways so she could rest her legs up on the sofa. 

Josie stroked her hand over Cruz’s face with her other arm slung over Cruz’s shoulder. Cruz’s arms went around Josie’s waist. “I missed you” Josie said quietly, like it was a secret she wasn’t supposed to share.

Cruz pulled her as close as she could and replied “I missed you too.” Cruz looked up at Josie whilst Josie caressed her face, examining every detail, as if making sure everything was as it should be. 

When she was satisfied, she leaned in slowly, hovering her lips just over Cruz’s. Cruz took the lead and pushed forward, kissing Josie softly. It was sweet, romantic, they took their time with each other.

Josie pulled Cruz’s lower lip between her teeth and Cruz hummed in response. She lowered her hands to Josie’s ass as best she could, squeezing firmly. Josie whined softly, she’d missed Cruz’s hands on her. Just as she pushed her tongue into Cruz’s mouth, there was a knock at the door. They pulled away from each other in shock and then both giggled at yet another interruption. At least this time it was a good one. 

Cruz slid Josie along to sit on the sofa beside her and then got up and answered the door. The delivery driver handed Cruz the bag of food and when Cruz looked around for her bag to find her wallet, Josie called “already paid!”

Cruz glared at Josie as she thanked the driver and handed him some cash as a tip. She closed the door and started setting the food out on the coffee table.

“Jose you don’t need to pay for stuff, really” Cruz pleaded.

“I want to help where I can.” Josie replied.  

Cruz wasn’t really sure how to say this next part because she’d never had to speak about it with anyone before. She looked awkward as she sighed and said “when you assassinate an international terrorist on behalf of the US government, the US government give you a lot of money. Like a lot.” She stood awkwardly, scratching her head. 

This was an uncomfortable conversation for so many reasons. Telling someone you have a lot of money, that someone being a new romantic partner where everything is new, saying out loud that you accepted money for murder, the list goes on. “Are you uncomfortable?” Josie asked.

“Very” Cruz responded.

“What would make you comfortable?” Josie continued.

“Just, you don’t need to pay for things, I’ve got it. Money doesn’t mean anything to me, I don’t value it. So just let me get things, please.”

Josie looked up at Cruz understandingly. “I get it, my parents were always so materialistic, obsessed with it all. I never understood the appeal.”

Cruz nodded. She’d seen Josie’s parents’ house, the way Josie’s mother dressed. They liked having money. Josie didn’t seem like that at all. “Me neither” Cruz agreed. Then “shall we eat?” Josie’s face lit up at that. 

She’d ordered Thai food and a lot of it, naturally. As they sat and ate, Cruz gave Josie more details about the mission she’d been on and then explained Kaitlyn’s job offer. “Is that something you want to do?” Josie asked. She had assumed Cruz would want to go back to her unit.

“I think it is. I never wanted to stay with the QRF but after your mission, seeing how you had to do it all against your will without the right training.. I can’t let someone else go through that. I’m sorry you had to.”

Josie smiled at her. “That’s sweet, but just make sure it’s something you want, don’t do it for me.”

Cruz nodded, “no I know, I do want this. I seem to be unable to escape the QRF, I may as well join them” she said, rolling her eyes. Cruz didn’t want to mention that Josie could be a part of it all too yet. She wanted it to come from Joe like a real job offer should, not just be passed along like gossip. 

“You have therapy today?” Cruz asked.

“Mmhh” Josie replied, nodding, mouthful of food.

“You like the therapist? You can ask for a new one if you don’t like them.” Cruz continued.

Josie laughed and asked “did you ask for a new one?”

“Yes” Cruz grinned.

“She was ok, no reason to change for now.”

Cruz nodded once, “ok, good.”  

They finished their food and got themselves ready for bed. They met in bed in their normal position but it felt more charged today, they had missed this for 2 nights.

Josie’s hands explored Cruz’s body whilst Cruz watched her. She watched Josie’s eyes rake over her, her hand slide up and down her arm, her stomach, her waist. Josie was gentle yet confident, she was honest and upfront about what she wanted whilst always making sure Cruz was on the same page. She’d never had all those things at once. That warm feeling was almost overwhelming. At some point she was going to need to address what that warm feeling really was, what it really meant. 

Cruz leaned forward and kissed Josie gently. She didn’t want to ignite the flame and leave them both frustrated, but she wanted to let Josie know how she felt. She’d missed her, she was enjoying the attention and she wanted to give her some back. They kissed briefly and then Cruz pulled away so she could inspect Josie the way she had done to Cruz. She ran her hand all over Josie’s body, taking her time in her favourite places. Cruz leaned in and gave Josie a final peck before turning off the light and pulling Josie into her arms. 

Cruz opened her eyes and found herself back in the position she had been in a couple of weeks ago, looking at Josie sleeping in the morning light. Josie woke up when she felt eyes on her and Cruz nodded her a ‘good morning’.

She stroked the hair out of Josie’s face whilst Josie brushed up Cruz’s arm, hand shaking. Their hands explored until their faces were close enough and they kissed each other quickly. Cruz pulled away and moved her hand over Josie’s waist, pulling Josie’s body towards her. In the same moment, Josie kissed her with heat and Cruz returned it. Cruz threw her leg over Josie’s and it wasn’t long before Josie’s hand was on her shoulder, pulling Cruz on top of her. This time, Cruz’s phone didn’t sound. 

Josie’s hands explored Cruz’s body which was now hovering over her. She pushed her hands up Cruz’s t-shirt and brushed her thumbs over Cruz’s nipples which elicited a strained “fuck” out of Cruz.

Cruz moved down to kiss Josie’s neck. Josie hummed in response, bringing one of her hands up to thread through Cruz’s hair. Cruz attempted to kiss her way down Josie’s body but was stopped by Josie’s hand moving from her hair to under her chin.

Cruz looked up, confused, had she misread the situation? Josie pulled gently and encouraged Cruz to bring her face back up to her own, then kissed her firmly. Whilst Josie’s left hand held Cruz’s face to hers, her right hand snaked down and she pushed it under the waistband of Cruz’s boxers. She paused before she made contact, waiting for permission. Cruz nodded and was pulled back into a kiss whilst Josie’s hand dipped into her wetness. 

Josie audibly moaned at Cruz’s arousal. Cruz had to remind her that the QRF were next door and would definitely hear them. Josie rolled her eyes but stayed on task.

She moved her fingers through Cruz’s folds, circling her clit and teasing her entrance. Cruz was a mess above her. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she panted and tried not to make any noise. “Look at me” Josie whispered, looking up at Cruz.

Cruz opened her eyes and looked down at the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen. Josie’s eyes were dark and her lips were parted. Her hair was splayed around her, slightly messy in a very sexy way. Her lips were swollen from kissing and her cheeks flushed from the heat they shared. Cruz couldn’t look away. She couldn’t believe she got to have this view. Josie looked up thinking the exact same thing. She wanted to give this to Cruz. She moved her fingers down to Cruz’s entrance, pushing two inside slowly. “Josie!” Cruz moaned, way louder than she had intended. 

Cruz woke up with a gasp, her heart racing. When she realised it was a dream, she ran her hands through her hair and over her face.

“Cruz?” Josie whispered.

Cruz turned her head to the side to meet Josie’s eyes. Fuck, she had woken Josie up. “Mmm?” She responded, trying to slow her breathing.

“Bad dream?” Josie asked.

Cruz didn’t really know how to respond to that. “Uhh no” she said.

Josie looked confused for a second and asked “good dream?” Trying to piece together the state Cruz was in.

“Mm” is all Cruz could bring herself to say. Why did this feel embarrassing, it happened to everyone, and she’d been frustrated lately, it made sense that this would happen.

Josie put it together “sex dream!” 

Cruz groaned and rubbed her hands over her face again. Josie was invested now. “What happened?”

Cruz turned her head to Josie again, looking embarrassed. Josie rolled over to face her and Cruz copied but she didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say. Josie continued “you said my name.”

That caught Cruz’s attention. “What?” She asked.

“When you were dreaming, you said my name” Josie revealed.

Cruz brought her hand to her face, rubbed her eyes and groaned again. “Fuck, I’m sorry, my body is probably frustrated, I didn’t meant to-“ Cruz apologised.

“Cruz, stop. I’m not upset, this is hot as fuck, I want you to tell me what happened” Josie said, eyes dark and intense. 

Cruz sighed, guilt creeping in. She had no control over it but it still made her feel that shameful feeling she had been trying to avoid by not sleeping with Josie. “It was that first morning we had together when the team were here. Except we- we weren’t interrupted…” Cruz said, unable to look at Josie. 

Josie wanted to let Cruz know this was totally ok, in fact she was enjoying this a lot. “Did I touch you or you touch me?” Josie asked boldly.

Cruz looked up at her, noticing that Josie definitely wasn’t upset, she was actually turned on. “You touched me” Cruz almost whispered. She was painfully aware of the heat between her legs and shifted uncomfortably.

Josie noticed, “are you? You should- I wish I could help you” she knew Cruz wasn’t ready.

“I know, a couple of days and we can do anything you want” Cruz reassured her.

“I just want you” Josie whispered back.

“Me too” Cruz shifted again “I’m gonna go...” she said as she looked towards the bathroom. Josie nodded. 

Cruz grabbed a change of underwear and went to the bathroom. She splashed cold water over her face and got back into bed where Josie was waiting for her. Josie opened her arms as Cruz lay down so she could lay on her chest. Josie scratched up and down Cruz’s back the way she liked until neither of them could keep their eyes open anymore. 

Chapter 10: Hanging Out

Summary:

They spend the day hanging out: shopping, cooking, shooting practice, falling in love

They woke up the next morning as the sun beamed through the window. Josie stroked Cruz’s jaw, moving to push the hair behind her ear and running her finger over the scars spotted over her face.

Cruz watched her, she loved having Josie’s attention. She was aware that they wouldn’t be in this bubble forever, things would change soon. But this bubble was the best experience of her life and she was going to enjoy every second of it. 

“Mornin’” Cruz said in her accent which was always thicker when she’d just woken up.

“Mornin’” Josie mocked, exaggerating Cruz’s accent further.

Cruz laughed and said “asshole” as she pushed Josie’s hand away and rolled on top of her instead.

Josie leaned up, trying to meet Cruz’s lips but Cruz pulled away shaking her head as she sat on Josie’s hips. “Wowww ok” Josie complained, folding her arms over her chest and huffing.

“You’re gonna have to work for it now” Cruz responded dismissively, loving watching Josie be a brat. 

Josie looked mischievous then thrusted her hips upward into Cruz. The cockiness on Cruz’s face dropped as she felt Josie push into her. Fuck, how did Josie always know how to dismantle her. Josie ran her hands up Cruz’s stomach, then back down, over her hips and down her thighs. Cruz watched, mesmerised. Josie thrusted again and Cruz signed. She lent down and kissed Josie hard, letting her know how much she wanted it. Josie kissed her back, she wanted it too. Before it got too heated, Cruz pulled away. They looked at each intensely, both aware of the rising tension between them. 

Cruz sat back on Josie’s hips, trying to break that tension for now. “We should go grocery shopping, you’ve eaten us out of house and home.” Josie did an offended shocked face and attempted to push Cruz off of her. Cruz grabbed her wrists and pushed them back into the bed, eliciting a hum from Josie. They found the tension building quicker and quicker between them lately. 

“Let’s get ready” she said as she got off of Josie and helped her stand up. “I need to shower” they both said at the same time.

“First one there gets to go first” Cruz said as she darted off to the bathroom, leaving Josie standing on one leg, reaching for her crutches.

“Asshole!” She called to Cruz who came back out laughing.

“You go first, what do you want to wear? I’ll grab your clothes for you” Cruz said, walking to Josie’s drawers. Josie called off what she needed as she got herself and her cast ready to get in the shower and then Cruz was sat on the floor by the door waiting to be asked for help if Josie needed it. 

Once Josie was out and dressed, she said “you shower, I’m gonna make you breakfast.”

Cruz replied automatically “don’t worry I can make it, I don’t want you to hurt yourself” which got an eye roll from Josie.

“Babe I’ve been feeding myself for 3 days whilst you were gone I can make breakfast.”

Cruz was thoughtful for a second then said “okay, thank you. Call me if you need help” as she turned and headed off to the bathroom. 

Josie got to work making coffee and breakfast burritos whilst Cruz showered. When Cruz came out, the table was set and the food smelled amazing. “Ok you’re definitely cooking from now on” Cruz announced as she bit into her food. 

Josie took her meds and realised she only had enough left for the rest of today. She had her appointment tomorrow for the medication review so she’d have to take Tylenol in the morning until the doctor decided the next steps. “Today’s my last day on the heavy stuff” Josie said, watching for Cruz’s reaction.

Trying to hide her smile, Cruz replied “let’s see what the doctor says tomorrow” Josie rolled her eyes but knew the doctor might keep her on the heavy stuff for now. Whatever happened, happened. 

“You hear back from your sister?” Cruz asked.

“Oh, yeah! She knows what happened, apparently she always knew what dad was doing too. I guess we just never discussed it.”

Cruz nodded, “makes sense. We going to Texas then?” She asked.

“Yeah she said she asked if we can come this weekend?” Josie asked.

“Cool, where is she staying?”

Josie sighed, “in my apartment…”

Cruz turned to look at her and asked “Is that bad?”

“You’ll see when you meet her, no boundaries or personal space, she just does whatever she wants.”

Cruz chuckled “aww it’ll be like living in co-ed again, you loved that” Josie flipped Cruz off and threw her napkin at her. 

“Right let’s make a list of what we need” Cruz said, looking through the empty fridge and throwing Josie a pen and notepad. Cruz started listing things off as Josie wrote. Josie added plenty of her own ideas without Cruz seeing and then they were ready to go.

Cruz grabbed the list and looked it up and down. “Of course you have nice handwriting” she said, looking annoyed. Josie shrugged smugly and then crutched her way out the front door. Cruz grabbed her wheelchair and loaded it into the back of the car. 

On the drive to the grocery store, Josie played with the radio, settling on a pop song which she hummed along to. “You like Chappell Roan?” Cruz asked Josie.

Josie whipped her head around towards Cruz. She’d never seen Josie look more shocked, and they’d been in a lot of shocking situations together. “You know who Chappell Roan is?” Josie asked in disbelief.

“Am I going to have to continuously remind you that I’m Gen Z?” Cruz asked, amused by Josie’s shock.

“Oh Jesus Christ” Josie remembered as she looked out the window to process that. Cruz was so mature and confident, she forgot she was younger. Cruz laughed and grabbed Josie’s hand, holding it between them until they arrived. 

They got out the car and got Josie into her wheelchair, then she pushed herself to the front door whilst Cruz grabbed a shopping cart and met her there. Cruz looked at the list and did as it told her, pulling things from the shelves and adding them to the cart. Meanwhile Josie picked out whatever looked good added that to the cart too. 

At some point, Josie was left with the grocery cart whilst Cruz went back to get something she’d missed. As Cruz came around the corner at the end of the isle, she had a lady in tow chatting to her.

Cruz looked uncomfortable, like she was trying to get away but the woman was persistent. As they approached, Josie noticed that she was pretty, and chatting to Cruz with some familiarity. It was unclear what they were talking about but as Cruz stopped in front of Josie, she interrupted the woman with “this is my girlfriend Josie” and stared blankly at the woman. The woman smiled at Josie and said “hi” which Josie returned and then said “it was nice to see you” as she walked back the way she’d come. 

Josie shot Cruz a knowing look, this was definitely one of the women she’d hooked up with after her mission. “Bumping into an ex in front of you was funnier in my head” Cruz grumbled which had Josie laughing out loud.

“Yeah I’m less jealous and more second hand embarrassed.” Josie quipped. Cruz groaned as she ran her hands through her hair. “She was very pretty though. When did you see her last? Ok maybe I’m a little bit jealous” Josie admitted.

“Uhhh she was just before I was called to your mission so… not that long ago” Cruz said sheepishly.

“Ok I’m more jealous now” Josie said with a huff.

“Good” Cruz smiled with a nod, feeling some relief from the embarrassment. Cruz pushed the cart and they carried on shopping. 

“Ok Cruz come here” Josie called. Cruz abandoned what she was looking at and came to Josie’s side instantly. God Josie had her on lock and fuck did she like it. “These are Pocky sticks” Josie said as she picked a packet off the shelf and gave it to Cruz.

“They’re a cookie? Ok that explains why they weren’t with the breadsticks…” Josie laughed at Cruz’s confusion as she threw them in the cart. 

They got to the checkout and loaded everything onto the conveyor belt. As they waited, Josie stroked and then hugged the back of Cruz’s thigh so they were standing in a side-hug. For a second, Cruz flinched and looked around, worried. “Why do you do that?” Josie asked, not offended, just curious.

“I don’t know. Sorry. I guess it’s new for me, I don’t know what the reaction will be…” Cruz admitted.

“Do you care what people think?” Josie asked.

“No, it’s not that. Probably more about feeling unsafe, especially around men.”

Josie nodded. “Do you want me to stop touching you in public?” She said, looking up at Cruz.

“No, I don’t want that at all” Cruz reassured her, taking her hand and holding it until the cashier started checking them out. 

They paid for groceries and headed back to the car. Cruz packed the food in the back whilst Josie sat in the passenger’s seat facing out to watch her. When Cruz returned from dropping the cart back, she noticed Josie watching her and stood to face her. “I was thinking we could go home, have some lunch, you can take a nap and then we could do some practice at the range?” Cruz proposed.  

Josie’s face lit up, all of her favourite things! Well, most of them… “perfect” she replied, holding Cruz’s hands. Cruz leaned in and kissed her firmly, showing Josie and herself that she didn’t want to hide their relationship whether they were in public or not. Josie smiled widely as Cruz pulled away and closed the passenger door before going around to the driver’s side. 

On the drive home they discussed what they were going to eat and Josie had plenty more questions about the girl they’d ran into which Cruz did her best to answer.

Honestly, Cruz didn’t let any of the girls get to know her and she tried to do the same back. She thinks the girl’s name was Jenny but she wasn’t sure. “It’s not in a disrespectful way I just didn’t want to talk and I always made that clear” Cruz explained, she didn’t want Josie to think she treated women like objects.

“I know you’re not disrespectful, in fact maybe you’re a little too respectful…” Josie winked as they pulled up at the house. Cruz sat there frozen for a second blushing before realising Josie was trying to get out without help and ran around the car to give her the crutches. 

They went inside and Cruz started unpacking the groceries and Josie helped as best she could. That was until she found the Pocky sticks, then she had Cruz lifting her up onto the counter so she could enjoy them with a view. 

When Cruz was done, Josie pulled her over to stand in front of her and fed her a stick. “Oh damn!” Cruz said as she crunched it. She took another one out of the packet and crunched it down quickly. Josie watched in amusement. Cruz then swiped the packet and walked away with it “these are really good” shovelling them into her mouth.

“Cruz! Come back! You better not eat them all!” Cruz ran around the corner knowing Josie couldn’t chase her.

“Mmmm!” she called from the living room. After a second she came back and handed them back to Josie, still crunching on one.

Josie snatched them back and ate one herself, scowling at Cruz, “asshole.”

Cruz leaned against Josie’s knees and gave her the most puppy dog look she could muster which had Josie rolling her eyes and feeding another stick to Cruz. They shared the whole packet and then Cruz carried Josie to the bedroom for a nap. 

Once she put Josie down on the bed, she took off her shoes for her and then stared, wondering if Josie wanted her sweatpants off to. She didn’t want to reach for them without asking. “You can take them off” Josie said, noticing Cruz’s conflict. Cruz lent forward, reaching for Josie’s waistband and pulling it down whilst Josie put weight on her good foot to lift her ass up.

Cruz pulled them down slowly, mostly to be careful not to hurt her leg but also because it felt intimate with the tension they’d had between them the last few days. Josie watched Cruz, noticing the care she took and that glint of something more in her eyes. Cruz threw the sweatpants onto the other side of the bed, leaned down and kissed Josie softly. “Sleep well” she said and then got up and left the room, closing the door behind her. 

Josie lay awake for a little bit, thinking how soft Cruz was with her, how she made Josie feel things she hadn’t felt in a long time. That warm, comforting feeling swept over her and she was starting to realise what it meant. 

Cruz went to the spare room to lift some weights. She’d missed this part of her routine before Joe forced her away from it. After a decent workout, she jumped in the shower in the spare room then got to work making lunch. Josie had told her she wanted mac n cheese and she could do that one without Josie’s instructions. When it was ready, she went to their bedroom and knocked on the door so Josie would stir without startling. “Lunch is ready” Cruz whispered.

“It smells so fucking good” Josie replied, already getting up. Cruz went back to serve up whilst Josie used the bathroom and they met on the sofa. Cruz had put Grey’s on the TV and they watched together as they ate. 

“Did you paint all the paintings on the walls in here?” Josie asked when the episode finished.

“Uhh yeah, it was part of my therapy… after I’d painted them all I didn’t know what to do with them so I just put them up.” Cruz replied, feeling a little self conscious.

“I like them, I like that you did them yourself” Josie replied. Cruz huffed a laugh, the paintings weren’t anything impressive but she did feel weirdly proud of them. “Did it help? With your therapy, I mean” Josie continued.

“Yeah it did, I found it hard sitting in silence or having to talk about things that were painful so it helped for me to have something to focus on” Cruz answered. Josie nodded, they both found talking hard, she could see how having a practical task to do made that easier. 

When they were done eating, Josie took her meds and then they were back in the car on the way to the gun range. Cruz set up the guns and targets whilst Josie sat in the shade and watched her work. She noted how meticulous Cruz was, safety checking everything and laying it all out neatly. Cruz set out a chair for Josie to sit on where they were going to be working and talked her through their objective.

Josie was a visual learner so Cruz demonstrated a few shots, hitting the centre of the chest on every target. Josie copied Cruz’s stance and fired her shots, almost replicating Cruz’s success. “You’re a really fucking good shot” Cruz complimented. Josie smiled, impressing Cruz felt really fucking good. She’d done minimal gun training as a pilot so it was reassuring to hear there were other ways she could be useful if flying wasn’t it anymore. 

They moved on to CQB and Cruz walked her through it like they had done before her mission. But this time, no loud music, no shouting, no rushing. Josie was in her wheelchair, following Cruz through the course whilst Cruz gave her a step by step explanations of what to expect and how to react. She taught Josie the hand signals and physical touch communication they used and practiced it as best they could without Josie being able to walk. 

“You’re a really good teacher, you gonna be great at training Lionesses” Josie said as they sat in the shade for a break.

“I think you’re just a very quick learner” Cruz returned. “Did you do S.E.R.E.?” Cruz asked Josie, wondering what her experience of it had been.

“When I first joined, yeah. It wasn’t too bad, basic training, standard situation. Not like this. What was yours like? Did you have to do it again when you became Lioness?” Josie asked. 

Cruz’s jaw clenched remembering being alone on the concrete island having the life beaten out of her. “Uhh kinda. It wasn’t like standard S.E.R.E. The team snatched me in the street, took me to the island and beat the shit out of me for 2 days.”

“What the fuck? On your own? Who ordered that?” Josie was in disbelief. Cruz shot Josie a knowing look which Josie responded to with “fucking Joe… were you ok afterwards?” Josie was angry.

“Mostly. It nearly fucked the whole mission though. I showed up to my mark’s place covered in cuts and bruises, tooth missing, I had to tell them I’d been in a car crash but they knew I was lying.”

“Oh shit, what happened?” Josie asked.

“They called a doctor to look at me, I told him a boyfriend did it and that I had come here to get away from him. They all bought that.” 

Cruz thought about how easy it was to tell them that story because it wasn’t untrue, it had just happened at a different time, in a different situation. “And the purpose of beating the shit out of you was…?” Josie couldn’t understand why they would do that at all, let alone half way through a mission.

“Uhh to see what my breaking point was. They didn’t find it…” Josie took Cruz’s hand and held it tightly. She knew Cruz was strong and had been through far more than was fair for 10 people, let alone 1. She promised herself to always treat Cruz with kindness, even when she was angry or hurting. 

They did a little more practice but the sun was getting hot and Josie was getting tired so they packed everything up and headed home. They collapsed onto the sofa together, Josie leaning back on Cruz’s chest whilst Cruz lent against the arm of the sofa. Cruz’s arms wrapped around Josie’s waist and they fell asleep like that with Grey’s on in the background. 

They slept through to the evening, it had been a long day for Josie, Cruz was just happy to be with her like this so she relaxed into the rest, something that didn’t come naturally to her. Cruz woke up first and encouraged Josie up too, it was time for her meds. Cruz headed to the kitchen to make them some toast as neither of them were super hungry after a heavy lunch. 

Cruz got a text whilst they were eating, it was from Joe. “Joe will be here tomorrow afternoon. She wants to speak to you.”

Josie looked up, an almost-scared look in her eye. “Do you know why?” Josie asked.

“I think I do but I won’t know for sure until you do.” Josie nodded slowly. If Cruz had a feeling she knew what this was about, hopefully it wasn’t anything bad otherwise she would’ve said. 

They got ready for bed and met facing each other, their favourite place to be. “Do you think I’ll fly again?” Josie asked, sounding vulnerable. The news of Joe coming to see her had derailed her a bit.

“Yep” Cruz said matter of factly.

“Why are you so sure?” Josie asked.

“Because you’re determined and ambitious and impressive. And you don’t take no for an answer” Cruz smirked at the last part.

“The brattiness does come in handy” Josie laughed, stroking her nails up and down Cruz’s back. “I don’t know who I am if I’m not flying” Josie admitted. A lot of her identity came from the pride and passion she had for her work.

“Well, you’re not flying right now and I think you’re the best person I’ve ever known. But if you want to fly again, we’ll get you up in the air. Joe took it away from you and I will make sure she gives it back.”

Josie moved her hand to stroke Cruz’s face, “you’re the best person I’ve ever known too” she whispered. Cruz leaned in and kissed Josie softly. 

As they’d slept through the evening, they weren’t immediately tired. They went from making out to chatting to making out again. They were both the happiest they had been in a while. Tomorrow was a big day for different reasons so they focused on the present, on each other. 

Chapter 11: Getting Closer

Summary:

Josie’s appointment goes well and they spend the day getting to know each other in a new way. Then they go for a drink at the bar!

Notes:

Ok it gets smutty for real now.

Also trigger warning: they talk about what almost happened when Cruz was drugged in season 1.

They woke up the next morning to their alarm for Josie’s doctor’s appointment. Josie was more chipper than usual, looking forward to hopefully hearing some good news from the doctor. She turned the alarm off and turned to face Cruz who was still laying down, half asleep. She kissed Cruz on her cheek, then eyebrow, then her forehead, peppering kisses all over her face. Cruz lifted her head and cupped Josie’s face, kissing her back. 

Josie pulled back and said “I gotta shower.”

“Me too” Cruz replied.

“Can I sit with you if you go first?” Josie asked.

“Sure, I’ll get you a chair” Cruz said. They got out of bed and Cruz disappeared to the kitchen whilst Josie freshened up. Cruz came back with a chair and put it in the en-suite. She used the bathroom and gathered her clothes, then nodded for Josie to come in. She sat in the chair facing the door whilst Cruz got undressed and into the shower. 

“What are the bumps on your back? I feel them when I touch you but I haven’t seen them.” Josie asked, unsure if it was too invasive.

Cruz was quiet for a second and then replied “uhh it’s a scar.”

“What from?”

“…extension cord”

Josie nearly turned in shock to meet Cruz’s eyes and then realised she couldn’t look at her right now. She stopped mid turn and faced the door again. “From who?”

“One of my mother’s boyfriends”

Josie was sad. And angry. “You were a kid?”

“Pretty young, yeah.”

Josie sat with that for a minute. Why do grown fucking adults hurt children? Why would anyone want to hurt Cruz? Why did no one protect her? 

“You deserved to be protected” Josie managed, feeling teary. Cruz was quiet for a while, taking that in.

“That’s why I protect people now.” Cruz replied.

“You do a really good job of it.” Josie had felt protected by Cruz pretty quickly after they met. Cruz had her back before her mission, during the mission and after it. They spent the rest of the shower in silence, both deep in thought about what safety looked and felt like to them. They felt safety in each other, something neither of them had had in a really long time, if ever. 

Cruz finished up and got out the shower, putting her underwear on then walking over to stand in front of Josie. Josie stood and wrapped her arms around Cruz tightly. She ran her hands up and down Cruz’s back, feeling the scar they’d been talking about. “Can I see?” Josie asked. Cruz gave one firm nod and turned around. Josie looked at Cruz’s back from top to bottom, she hadn’t seen it before. There were scars scattered all over her skin but the cord scar was big and obvious. She reached out and ran her fingers over it before pulling on Cruz’s arm for her to turn around again.  She kissed Cruz on the shoulder then sat back down on her chair and let Cruz finish getting dressed. 

Cruz helped Josie wrap her cast and got the water ready, then took Josie’s place on the chair facing the door. Josie watched Cruz for the whole of her shower. She was falling for this woman, she was ready to acknowledge it. She wanted to know every part of her and she wanted to give every part of her to Cruz too. She has gone from someone who wasn’t good at talking to someone initiating hard or emotional conversations and craving more of them.

She stepped out of the shower and Cruz helped her dress before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast together. Josie took Tylenol with her coffee now that her hardcore meds had finished. “How’s the pain?” Cruz asked, worried that it was too soon to come off the strong stuff.

“Actually not too bad” Josie replied.

“And you’re not just saying that because you want to come off the strong ones?” Cruz said, quirking her eyebrow at Josie.

“As much as I want to have sex with you, if the pain was really bad I’d be pushing to keep the strong stuff. It helped a lot when I needed it.” Cruz nodded, she was always grateful for Josie’s honesty and directness. 

They finished breakfast and then were in the car, driving to the hospital. They waited in the waiting room hand-in-hand, Cruz feeling more relaxed about PDA after discussing it with Josie. They were called into the room and Cruz sat down beside Josie in her wheelchair. 

“Captain Carrillo, how are we feeling?” Dr Rodriguez asked.

“Pretty good, I’m just on Tylenol today and the pain feels manageable.”

“Do you think you’re ready to come off the stronger pain medication?” He asked.

“I’d like to try, I’m willing to go back on it if I need to.” Josie replied.

“In that case, I’ll prescribe you a small amount of stronger pills you can take as one-offs if necessary but I agree, I’d like to get you off them if we can.” Josie nodded in agreement. 

“Well, you certainly won’t be drowsy like you have been, you’ll have to take up some hobbies now that you’ll be awake a lot more!” He joked, writing out the prescription.

A wicked grin formed on Josie’s face “oh I have a few ideas.” The doctor smiled back, oblivious to where Josie’s mind was. She glanced at Cruz who was trying to hide the smile forming on her face. She turned away to look out the window with as serious of a look as she could muster with Josie’s eyes on her. Josie laughed quietly at her.

They went to the pharmacy and waited for Josie’s medication and then they were in the car on their way home.

There was a tension between them, they could both feel it. It was different to the flirting and teasing they were used to. This felt more exciting, there was maybe even a little bit of nervousness. Josie wanted to reach for Cruz’s hand but she could already feel the anticipation thrumming through her, making her warm. She didn’t want to pressure Cruz or make assumptions about how Cruz was feeling so she kept her hands to herself, tapping them on her leg nervously instead. 

Cruz noticed Josie fidgeting in the car. She wondered if Josie was in more pain than she was admitting. She could feel the tension between her and Josie since the comment Josie made to the doctor. Cruz wanted her so much. She wanted to reach over and grab Josie’s hand, hold it in her own or rest it on her thigh… But if she was in pain, she wouldn’t initiate anything. 

They got back home without saying much in the car, both in their own heads. Josie headed to the kitchen whilst Cruz went back to the car for Josie’s wheelchair. She locked the front door and joined Josie in the kitchen. Josie drank a glass of water then motioned for Cruz to help her up onto the counter. Cruz lifted her up and then turned to the fridge. “You hungry?” Cruz asked.

“No” Josie said softly.

Cruz turned to look at her in disbelief as she closed the fridge. “You? You’re not hungry?” Josie smiled at her and reached out her hand for Cruz to take. She pulled Cruz to her legs so they were facing each other. 

“I’m not hungry. But I do want something…” she said as she ran her hands up Cruz’s arms and back down again.

Cruz gulped at the look in Josie’s eyes. They were dark, focussed, wanting. Cruz realised now that this is why Josie was fidgeting in the car, she was feeling the same as Cruz. “You promise your pain isn’t bad?” Cruz asked, needing to make sure she made the right choices. Josie nodded quickly. 

Josie opened her legs and used her right leg to pull Cruz between them. Their faces were an inch apart and she continued to run her hands over Cruz’s body. “Is this ok?” Josie asked. She figured Cruz would be ready once she was no longer on strong medication but she wanted to make sure that was true. Cruz nodded, her nose brushing against Josie’s. “Say it” Josie pushed, needing to hear that she had permission.

“It’s okay. I- I want you.” 

Josie sighed and lifted her chin to meet her lips to Cruz’s. The kiss was gentle but needy. As they kissed, their hands roamed, pulling each other as close as they could get. Cruz’s hands went to the hem of Josie’s T-shirt, pulling it up over her head, then returning her lips to Josie’s. Her hands cupped Josie breasts and thumbs brushed over her nipples through her bra, eliciting a whine from Josie. Cruz moved her mouth to Josie’s neck and began kissing her way down Josie’s throat. “Cruz” Josie said as she cupped Cruz’s face. Cruz looked up with dark eyes and red cheeks, she wanted Josie so much. “Let me touch you, please” Josie asked. Cruz looked at her for a second, noting how beautiful she looked like this. She stood up straight again and Josie pulled her face back into a kiss. 

Josie’s hands moved down Cruz’s body, grabbing the hem of her tank top and pulling it over her head. They maintained eye contact as Josie’s hands returned to Cruz, undoing her belt buckle and the button and zip on her pants. Josie paused for a second waiting for Cruz’s approval. When she got a nod, she pushed her right hand down into Cruz’s underwear. “Fuck” Josie whispered as she felt the wetness waiting for her. Cruz pushed her forehead against Josie’s, jaw clenched and fighting back moans as Josie’s fingers roamed. 

Josie put her right leg between Cruz’s and pushed them apart, making space for herself. She lowered her fingers to Cruz’s entrance and looked at Cruz for permission. “Please” Cruz whispered. Josie pushed inside slowly and Cruz gasped at the feeling. She pulled Josie’s face to her’s and kissed her deeply. Josie began moving her fingers in and out at a steady pace.

Cruz moved her face to burrow into Josie’s neck, kissing her there and releasing quiet moans. Cruz whispered “Jose I’m not gonna last-“ “it’s ok” Josie interrupted. She didn’t care how long Cruz took. Cruz had been patient and respectful, waiting to do this until Josie was able to do it with her. Josie curled her fingers as she pushed in deeper and Cruz came immediately. Her body clenched as she moaned into Josie’s neck. Josie kept moving her fingers until Cruz was still, stroking her hair with her other hand. When Cruz finally looked up, she kissed Josie hard then pulled away, both grinning at each other. 

Josie pulled out, lifting her fingers to put in her mouth. Before she could, Cruz grabbed her wrist and sucked Josie’s fingers into her own mouth instead. Josie watched her with pure lust in her eyes and crashed their lips together when Cruz had released her fingers. She moaned at the taste of Cruz on her tongue. Cruz slid her hands under Josie’s thighs and picked her up off the counter, carrying her to the bedroom. 

She put her down on the middle of the bed as gently as she could, then grabbed the waistband of Josie’s sweatpants and pulled them down. She took her time threading Josie’s cast through the pants carefully. When they were off, she looked up to see Josie taking her own bra off. “Fuck” Cruz said as she looked down at Josie’s body.

“Take those off” Josie said, nodding at Cruz’s pants. Cruz did as she was told and then didn’t waste another second to have her mouth around Josie’s nipple, brushing the other one with her fingers. “Oooh fuck Cruz” Josie whined as she pushed her chest further into Cruz.

“You’re so beautiful” Cruz said as she swapped her mouth over to the other nipple. Josie was fidgeting under Cruz, desperate for friction. Cruz knew what she wanted and she wouldn’t deny her it. 

She kissed her way down Josie’s body, taking plenty of time to nip and suck each of her abs like Josie had done to her. When she reached Josie’s waist, she looked up for permission which was given but Josie pulling her underwear down herself. She wanted Cruz so much. Cruz thread them over Josie’s cast and pulled the spare pillow over, propping it under Josie’s left foot. She kissed her way up Josie’s good leg until she got to her hip. Josie was leaning up on her elbows, watching Cruz’s every move. Cruz pulled Josie’s right leg over her shoulder to make space for herself and then leaned in, licking Josie’s centre. The noise that came out of Josie was the most perfect sound Cruz had ever heard in her life. She vowed to make her make that sound as many times as she could. 

Her tongue explored Josie, she licked and sucked in all the right places. She reached her hand up and brushed Josie’s nipple with her thumb. Josie threw her head back into the bed, reciting various curse words in English and Spanish. She brought her right hand down and thread it into Cruz’s hair, squeezing and pulling her as close as she could. 

Cruz lowered her tongue and pushed it inside. Josie gasped as she began rocking her hips in time with Cruz’s tongue. Cruz brought her right hand down and continued brushing Josie’s clit in circles with her thumb as she pushed her tongue in and out. The orgasm hit her suddenly, taking them both by surprise. Josie squeezed Cruz’s hair as her hips bucked. Cruz’s left hand was wrapped around her leg and held Josie’s hips down as she came. Cruz didn’t stop until Josie removed her hand from her hair and put it under Cruz’s chin, pulling her up to meet her. Josie lent up, crashing her lips into Cruz’s. Cruz straddled Josie then laid her back down on the bed and kissed her with the same vigour. 

“Holy shit” Josie smiled as Cruz pulled away and sat on her hips. Cruz grinned at her whilst she ran her fingers over the marks she’d left on Josie’s stomach. Josie looked down at them and rolled her eyes “payback?” She laughed, amused.

“Yeah” Cruz grinned. 

Josie ran her hands up and down Cruz’s thighs. She could see how turned on Cruz was from the way she watched her. She ran her hands up to Cruz’s core and rubbed her thumb back and forth through her underwear. Cruz’s eyes closed as she whispered “fuck, Jose.”

“Take them off” Josie instructed. Cruz got off, removed her underwear and sat back onto her hips. 
 
“Is your leg ok?” Cruz asked.

Josie rolled her eyes “Cruz!” She knew Josie wanted to stay on task but she needed to check in.

“I just want to make sure we’re not aggravating it.”

Josie grabbed Cruz’s hand “you’re sweet. I promise I’m ok.”

Cruz squeezed her hand “ok” she replied. 

“Sit on my face” Josie said confidently.

Cruz’s eyes bulged as she replied “what!? No, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Cruz I want to taste you and I can’t get down there with my leg, I need you to come to me.” 

Cruz looked undecided “have you done this before?” She asked Josie.

“Yeah, you won’t hurt me. Have you done this before?”

Cruz shook her head. “No I’m normally the giver” Cruz said, knowing Josie liked to be in charge too.

Josie smiled, “Will you try it, for me?” Cruz gulped. It’s not that she didn’t want to sit on Josie’s face, should couldn’t think of anything better actually. She just didn’t want to hurt her. But if Josie said she’d be ok, she’d try it. She loved doing what Josie told her to do. Cruz nodded. 

Josie encouraged her to shuffle upwards until she was hovering over Josie’s face, hands on the headboard. Josie pulled lightly on her thighs to encourage her down and she lowered herself slowly. As soon as Josie’s tongue made contact with Cruz, her nervousness was gone and replaced with pure heaven. Now that Cruz had relaxed, Josie pulled hard, bringing Cruz as close to her as possible. Cruz moaned as Josie’s tongue moved up and down, circling her clit and sucking it into her mouth. Cruz didn’t realise that she was moving but she’d started grinding into Josie’s tongue. This elicited a moan from Josie which only encouraged Cruz more. 

Cruz looked down and saw Josie looking up at her, it was the most perfect sight she’d ever seen. Josie’s hazel eyes, dark and wanting. She was so beautiful. She’d make sure she told Josie that every opportunity she got. 

Josie watched Cruz’s face. Seeing her like this was so special, she felt lucky to know this side of her. The first time Josie had touched Cruz, she had been quiet, or tried to be. Now though, she was cursing and sighing Josie’s name as she rocked back and forth. Josie thought that she had never seen a prettier sight than the one she was looking at. 

Cruz looked down again, seeing the lust in Josie’s eyes but also something more. She’d seen Josie looking at her like that the last couple of days. She’d been looking at Josie like that too. A rush of warmth hit her as she thought about what that look might mean, she knew what it meant to her. The thought pushed her over the edge and she came hard, hips stuttering into Josie’s mouth as she lost control. Josie hummed in satisfaction and didn’t stop until Cruz lifted her right leg back over Josie and threw herself face down into the mattress next to her. 

“Holy shit” Cruz mumbled into her pillow.

Josie laughed “was that ok?”

Cruz turned her head to the side to look at Josie “so good” she smiled, looking almost high, then shoved her face back into her pillow. She threw her arm over Josie, hugging her into her side. “Leg ok?” Cruz mumbled.

“Still attached, yeah” Josie replied.

“Asshole” Cruz mumbled, getting a laugh from Josie. “I bet you’re hungry now” Cruz said as she finally caught her breath and turned to face Josie.

“You know me so well” she smiled.

“What would you like?” Josie thought hard about it and eventually decided on spaghetti and meatballs. Cruz got up and went to the bathroom, coming out with clothes on to Josie’s disappointment. She helped Josie out of bed and once she was standing, looked her up and down, spending extra time on her chest.

“You’re a boobs girl” Josie realised, nodding proudly at her discovery.

“And what about it?” Cruz mimicked playfully, copying Josie’s previous reply about her being an ass man. 

She ran her hands up and down Josie’s body, she couldn’t get enough. “As nice as this is, I do need to pee” Josie admitted.

Cruz laughed and said “sorry” as she handed Josie her crutches. When Josie was in the bathroom, Cruz collected up her clothes and handed them to her when she was done. 

They headed to the kitchen together, Cruz putting Josie up on the counter so she could oversee the cooking. “You’re beautiful” Josie said after a little while. Cruz turned to look at her, smiling almost embarrassed by the compliment. It was a bit silly considering Josie’s tongue had literally just been inside her but it felt just as intimate.

“I thought that too from the moment I saw you” Cruz replied.

“I know, I caught you checking me out, remember?”

Cruz rolled her eyes, “I didn’t mean to, I mean, I didn’t mean for you to see me” Cruz admitted.

“It’s okay, I liked it, if you remember” Josie winked. 

She pulled Cruz into a kiss which felt different. Some tension had been released and there were no boundaries in place. It felt loving. The spaghetti started boiling over in the pan which had Josie yell “Cruz!” as she pushed her towards the stove.

“Shit” Cruz said as she grabbed the pan and pulled it off the heat. “That was your fault for distracting me” Cruz said as she shot Josie a playful glare.

“Oh sure blame the guy with the broken leg, real nice” she quipped back. 

Their banter was interrupted with a notification on Cruz’s phone. “Joe will be here in 30 mins” Cruz said in a more serious tone.

“Great” Josie sighed. Cruz served up their food and handed Josie the Tylenol for her to take. They sat and ate together with a different kind of tension in the air now. Josie didn’t know why Joe was coming. Cruz seemingly did but couldn’t share it. Work took priority over their relationship which felt strange but it had to be that way. 

When they finished eating and Cruz cleared up, Josie sat on the sofa with the tv on and it wasn’t long until they heard Joe’s car pull up. Cruz went to the door and opened it, finding Joe walking up the driveway. She stood back to let Joe in, neither of them said a word. 

As she walked in, her and Josie locked eyes. Josie refused to break first. She wouldn’t have Joe make her feel any smaller than she had. “Captain Carrillo, how are you feeling?” Joe asked.

“Recovery is slow but it’s healing as it should” is all Josie gave. She wasn’t going to get into it.  Everyone stood looking back and forth at each other awkwardly and Cruz realised she should probably leave them alone. She wanted Josie to try and relax in Joe’s presence so she offered Joe a peace-offering to let Josie know she was welcome. “Uhhh do you want some food? We just cooked, there’s leftovers…” 

The last time Joe had been in Cruz’s house, she had made it very clear she wasn’t welcome and wouldn’t even offer her water. 

Joe nodded, “sure, thanks” she said as she moved to sit on the chair next to the sofa. Cruz made a plate of food up for Joe and handed it to her with a bottle of water.

“I’m gonna be in the spare room if you need me” she said to them both but only looking at Josie. She gave Josie a small smile and a nod and turned to leave. 

There was silence for a while whilst Joe ate her food and Josie glared daggers at her. Why was she here? “So you and Manuelos are dating?” Joe finally said. Josie took a beat to reply.

“Is that why you’re here?”

Joe laughed, “no I don’t care I’m just making conversation.” Joe replied. Josie could feel her mind going back to every conversation she’d had with Joe on her mission. Joe talking to her like she was an idiot, bringing Josie to tears and Josie still never being told what the fuck was going on. She refused to let Joe do it to her again. 

“Why are you here?” Josie said harshly. Joe sighed, she could see she was putting Josie on edge and for the first time, that wasn’t her intention.

“I have a job offer for you.” Josie said nothing, her face didn’t change. She needed to hear it all laid out plain and clear before she replied. She was sick of the confusion. “We want you on our team. Unfortunately we had to plaster your face all over the news so you will be behind the scenes. If you can fly, you can pilot for us. If you can’t fly, you can do drones, driving, intel, tech, guns, all of it. Your training starts as soon as you agree.” 

Josie looked at Joe with nothing but scepticism at this extremely appealing offer. Why would she give this to Josie? “What’s the catch?” Josie asked with squinted, suspicious eyes.

“No catch, Captain. I think we can agree you’ve paid the price ten times over.” Jesus Christ. Was Joe admitting that she had torn Josie’s life apart, was she acknowledging what she’d put her through? 

“Cruz knows?” Josie asked.

“She doesn’t know the specifics but her demands have been met” Joe nodded. That eased Josie’s suspicion. Cruz would’ve told her if there was something to worry about, something more going on.

“Ok” Josie replied.

“‘Ok’ you accept the offer?” Joe clarified.

“I accept” Josie confirmed. There was no emotion in her voice, she wouldn’t give Joe the satisfaction. 

Joe finished her meal whilst they sat in silence. Joe watched the muted telenovela on the TV, Josie’s thoughts were elsewhere anyway. When Joe was done, she took her plate to the kitchen and washed it herself before heading to the front door. “Bobby will be leading your training, she’ll send you what you need to work through from home and schedule you in for in-person training on everything else. She’ll be in touch.” Josie gave her a single nod and with that, Joe left. 

Josie sat on the couch for a while, thinking over Joe’s offer. It was a great one, that was undeniable. In an ideal world, she wanted to go back to her unit and fly for them but that had been taken from her. But with this job, she’d still be able to fly. Cruz was right, she was determined to fly again, fuck the leg. 

Eventually, Josie crutched her way to the spare room where Cruz was lifting weights with headphones on so she didn’t hear her coming. Josie guessed that Cruz had put them in to give her and Joe privacy which wasn’t necessary but Cruz was always respectful. Cruz looked up to Josie practically drooling at the sigh of Cruz working out and she grinned when she realised that was what was happening. 

She took her headphones off and asked “Joe gone?” Josie nodded. “How did it go?” She asked tentatively.

“Good. I accepted” Josie replied. Cruz smiled and felt a rush of relief. She didn’t know the exact details of Joe’s offer, just that she’d be making one that met all of the demands Cruz had made. So it must’ve been good enough for Josie to want to do it. She was glad Joe didn’t disappoint.

“Workout with me and tell me about it?” Josie smiled and nodded. “Let me get your wheelchair.” Cruz said as she got up and went to the living room to get it.

When she came back, Josie had already stripped off her t-shirt and was stood in her sports bra, waiting for Cruz. The bruises Cruz had sucked into Josie’s abs an hour ago were raw and hot as fuck. Cruz eyes immediately trailed Josie’s body, stopping her in her tracks. Josie loved the effect she had on Cruz. “Cruz, the wheelchair” Josie reminded as Cruz stood gawking at her.

“Shit yeah, here you go” she said as she wheeled it over to Josie, put the breaks on and lowered her into it.

“Thanks” Josie said smugly. They lifted weights together, spotting each other and discussing the offer Joe had made. It was better than Cruz thought it was going to be. She was glad that Joe saw in her what Cruz did. Josie was extremely capable and a quick learner, she just had it thrown at her way too quickly on her mission. 

When they were done, Cruz left the room to get them some clean clothes and then they were sat on the sofa together. “We should sort our flights to Texas, let me see if Joe can get us a jet” Cruz said as she pulled out her phone and started texting. Josie put the TV on and they sat watching a film together.

“Hey you wanna go for a drink tonight, like a real drink?” Josie asked. She wasn’t a pilot anymore and she wasn’t on heavy pain meds. The idea of having a drink with her girlfriend in a bar sounded kind of perfect after the rollercoaster of a day they’d had.

“Actually yeah, that sounds fun” Cruz agreed. 

Josie napped on the sofa whilst Cruz arranged a jet with Joe, it was the least Joe could do to help Josie see what little family she had left after her mission.

Cruz woke Josie a little later to tell her about the jet so she could text her sister and confirm everything, then they got ready to go out. They decided to take a cab to the bar as they weren’t sure how much they were going to drink. 

When they arrived, they sat at the bar and Cruz ordered for them both. “Two beers, in the bottle, no glasses” Cruz said to the server.

“Why in the bottle?” Josie asked. Cruz looked at Josie and Josie saw the dark thoughts brush over her gaze as she remembered something.

“You ever been spiked?” Cruz asked.

“No” Josie replied. “Have you?”

Cruz sighed and answered “on my mission, I was at a club with my mark. Guy spiked my drink with GHB, I passed out, he carried me into the woods…” Josie look at Cruz in horror.

She reached out and grabbed her hand, “did he..?” She asked.

“Nearly.” She said looking down. “The team were tracking me, they got to me in time and Joe beat the shit out of him apparently.” Cruz said with a slight smirk. The whole thing was awful but knowing he’d never be able to do it again was satisfying.

“Fuck Cruz, I’m sorry” Josie replied, stroking Cruz’s hand.

“That’s why we don’t do glasses” Cruz said as she looked up and met Josie’s eyes.

“No glasses” Josie nodded. 

“I have therapy tomorrow” Josie said, sipping her beer.

“Cool, I’ll go out for a run whilst you’re on the call” Cruz replied.

“When is your next session?” Josie asked.

“On Sunday but I’ll go for a walk for my session and you can spend time with your sister.” Cruz responded.

“You been to Killeen before?” Josie asked.

Cruz shook her head “you can show me around. Hey, are we gonna bump into all of your exes now?” Cruz joked.

“Shit I hadn’t thought of that. I hope not, my sister will be hard enough work.” Josie laughed.

Cruz smiled “I’m looking forward to meeting her, does she know I’m coming?” Josie smiled sweetly at her.

“She knows all about you” she said, stroking up Cruz’s arm.

“Oh really, what did you tell her?” A smile forming on her face. She’d never been someone that other people gushed about to their siblings or friends. She felt warmth rush through her as Josie looked almost embarrassed. 

“She probably knows too much, we spoke on the phone and she pushed until she got all the answers she was looking for. She wants to meet you, that’s for sure.” Josie shared which made Cruz smile ear to ear. She was probably going to get grilled by Josie’s sister if she was anywhere near as fiery as Josie but she was actually looking forward to it.

“Anything I should know before I get grilled?” Cruz asked, amused.

“She’s super nosey, she’s gonna ask about your family, work, she’s definitely gonna ask about our sex life, don’t answer anything you don’t want to.” Josie said shaking her head.

“Oh damn ok, I’ll be putting my S.E.R.E. training to good use then” Cruz joked. Josie laughed and it made Cruz smile widely. This felt so nice, so normal. Being out in public together, joking, talking, touching. She could get used to this. 

Cruz leaned in and kissed Josie on the lips. It was quick but it was meaningful. Josie knew Cruz had felt a little uncomfortable with PDA recently so this felt like a big gesture. It was maybe Josie’s favourite kiss they’d shared so far. 

“Hey I’m just going to the bathroom, want another beer?” Cruz said as she stood.

“Sure, thanks” Josie replied. Cruz headed off to use the bathroom and on her way back, she ordered two more beers at the other side of the bar. As she carried them back to Josie, a man had sat himself on the other side of her and was talking to her, far too close for Cruz’s liking. Cruz sat back on her stool, placing the beer bottles down on the bar and watched the interaction. Josie did her best to end the conversation with the man and turned her chair to face Cruz.

“You ok?” Cruz asked, Josie nodded, aware that the man was still sat behind her.

“Hey, we were talking over here” he called to Cruz as she looked over Josie’s shoulder at him.

“She’s done talking to you” Cruz replied in a calm tone. She really didn’t want to get into it. They were having a nice fucking time.

“Oh do you speak for her now?” He replied, clearly drunk and frustrated at his failure to chat Josie up.

Josie turned her chair back to him and said “we’re done talking” reiterating what Cruz had told him. As Josie turned her stool back towards Cruz, the man put his hand on Josie’s shoulder in an attempt to turn her back. In less than a second, Cruz had jabbed him in the throat and thrown him to the ground before he’d even seen her get up. 

“Cruz, no, not again!” The bartender called. This wasn’t the first bar fight she’d gotten into…

“He touched her first” Cruz said calmly, sitting back on her stool.

“He did” Josie confirmed to the server.

“Alright Marcus, out!” She called to the man on the floor who was still catching his breath and trying to stand.

“Fucking bitch” he muttered as he hobbled towards the door, hand on his throat. 

“Are you okay?” Cruz asked Josie again. She expected Josie to look at her with fear or maybe even anger at how Cruz had reacted. But when Josie looked up, her eyes were dark with lust.

“That was hot” she smiled at Cruz’s concerned face.

“Jose, seriously, are you okay?” Cruz replied, a small smile in her voice.

“I’m okay baby” she said, running her hand up Cruz’s arm and throwing them over her shoulders. She leaned in and kissed Cruz slowly, communicating what she thought about Cruz protecting her.

Cruz laughed and pulled away, there was plenty of time for that. Josie grinned as she sat back on her stool and Cruz slid her new beer to her. Cruz said “to your new job” and Josie replied “to finally having really good sex” which got a laugh and an eye roll from Cruz. She tapped her bottle to Cruz’s with a “Salud” and took a big swig. 

“How many before party girl Josie comes out?” Cruz asked, nodding at her beer.

Josie laughed, “I actually don’t know, I haven’t drank in years, I’m probably a lightweight now. How many for you?”

Cruz grinned, “I’m a fucking marine, I can hold my drink. Not sure the last time I was really drunk-drunk.”

“Oh I really need to meet drunk Cruz, is she a chatty drunk? A touchy drunk? A karaoke drunk?”

Cruz shrugged “only one way to find out” she said as she took another swig. 

At some point Josie announced that she was hungry to no one’s surprise and they ordered a huge portion of loaded fries to share. Cruz let Josie eat all the fries with the best bits on and it didn’t go unnoticed. “You’re too good to me” Josie said as she stuffed the cheese and bacon covered fry into her mouth. “Tomorrow I’m cooking your favourite meal for you. What do you like?”

Cruz was thoughtful and then replied “my mom was from Jalisco, she used to make the best Carne en su Jugo. I’ve never bothered making it but it was always my favourite.”

Josie smiled, “Ooo so good, tomorrow I’m making it for you” she confirmed with a nod. 

They chatted and laughed together for a while and after 4 beers, Josie was definitely drunk. Her hands were all over Cruz whilst she swayed to the music on her stool and it wasn’t long before she asked Cruz to dance with her.

Cruz, who was tipsy but definitely not drunk, couldn’t resist Josie’s charm and helped her hobble over to the open area of the bar. It certainly wasn’t a dance floor but there were others standing around, bobbing to the music with drinks in hand.

Cruz wrapped her arms around Josie’s waist whilst Josie’s slung her hands over Cruz’s shoulders and they swayed to the music. Their foreheads were pressed against each other and they both grinned ear to ear as they laughed and sang along to the songs that were playing. 

Cruz didn’t think she’d ever been happier. Josie was like no one she’d met before. A strong leader who was confident and direct but also wanted Cruz to look after her, protect her, be vulnerable with her. That’s all Cruz had ever wanted. Josie was all of those things for her too. A combination of the sound of Josie laughing, the sight of her looking up at Cruz with a grin on her face, and maybe the alcohol, had a rush of warmth hit Cruz suddenly. She was in love with Josie.

As she thought those words in her head, her heart raced at the realisation. It was terrifying to admit that she had fallen in love again. She had someone that she needed and that needed her. She had someone she was going to fear losing but look forward to coming home to. She had someone that was going to factor into every decision she made going forward. 

The thoughts rushing through Cruz’s head must’ve been noticeable because even drunk Josie picked up on Cruz’s change of expression. She was still smiling, still swaying, but there was something more. “Baby, you okay?” Josie asked.

Cruz smiled reassuringly, “I am, are you?”

Josie smiled back “I am.” Cruz pulled Josie into a hug and they swayed to the music like that for the rest of the song. Cruz could see Josie getting tired so she shuffled them back over to the bar and handed her the crutches.

“Shall we go home?” Cruz asked, Josie nodded in response. 

They got a cab home and Cruz carried Josie to the front door to Josie’s amusement. When they were inside, Josie crutched to the bedroom to get ready for bed whilst Cruz got them some water. They met in the bedroom. Cruz put Josie’s water and painkillers on her bedside table then went off to the bathroom to get herself ready. 

Josie took the meds, downed the whole glass of water and sat up waiting for Cruz to join her in bed.

She thought about how fun the evening had been. She hadn’t been this happy in a long time, even before Joe stormed into her life and tore it apart. Cruz was everything she had ever wanted: safety, consistency, vulnerability but also someone she could take care of, be the rock that she needed, be strong for her.

She thought about her past relationships and how they hadn’t even really come close to this. Maybe she had never really been in love with those people, but she realised sitting here after the best day she’d had in a while that she was in love with Cruz. Cruz had worked hard to keep other people away, out of her business. She knew Cruz held a lot of guilt and judgement towards herself for the things she had done. And yet, Cruz was the easiest person to love Josie had ever met.

Cruz walked back into the room and looked at Josie who had tears falling down her face. “Babe, what’s wrong?” Cruz said, immediately concerned.

Josie laughed, “nothing, I just- I finished my water” she said, holding her empty glass up.

A smile started to form on Cruz’s face as she asked “you’re crying because you finished your water?”

Josie laughed through her tears and said “something like that.” Cruz sat on her side of the bed, picked up her own water and gave it to Josie. She took it with more tears spilling over her eyes and downed the whole thing again.

“Ok?” Cruz asked, confused but amused by the whole thing.

Josie nodded “thank you”. 

Cruz grabbed both empty glasses and headed to the kitchen to refill them. She came back and put one on each of their bedside tables and got into bed. She pulled Josie into her chest with a hum from Josie and stroked her hair. Josie drifted off quickly, leaving Cruz with her thoughts. 

The last time she was in love, it came with guilt, shame, fear and a whole lot of lying. She assumed it would always feel like that, one way or another. But being in love with Josie felt the opposite. It was scary, sure. She had someone she needed to keep safe and someone she needed to keep herself safe for. But she also had never felt more safe, accepted, understood. In the past she’d wondered if she’d have to lie about or hide all of the things she’d done for anyone to love her. But it seemed like she felt closer to Josie every time she shared something about her past. 

She managed to drift off to sleep at some point and only woke again when Josie sat up to drink more water. She leaned over Josie and put her own glass of water on Josie’s bedside in case she needed it later on in the night. Josie kissed her softly before they both lay back down in each other’s arms and fell asleep together. 

Chapter 12: A Therapy Session

Summary:

Josie has a therapy session and then they pack for their trip to Killeen.

Notes:

ok I am aiming to post updates weekly on a Saturday from now on!

Josie woke up the next morning with the sun, feeling surprisingly okay considering she hadn’t drank in a long time. She was dehydrated but not feeling sick. She rolled onto her side to look at Cruz who was still asleep. She wanted to reach out and touch her but didn’t want to disturb her, she looked so peaceful when she was sleeping. Instead, she thought about her realisation last night. She was in love with Cruz. 

As she ran that thought through her head, there was no rush of fear, regret, panic, she felt content. She felt happy. Warmth pulsed through her as her eyes traced over every inch of Cruz’s face, every scar she knew by heart-“are you watching me sleep?” Cruz mumbled, eyes still closed. 

Josie’s face dropped in shock, how the fuck did she know? “Yes, it’s romantic” Josie replied dismissively. 

Cruz opened one of her eyes to look at Josie who was pouting about getting caught. “How’s your head?” Cruz asked, noticing the empty glasses on the bedside table. 

“Surprisingly fine, how’s yours?” Josie replied. 

“I wasn’t drunk, but I was enjoying party girl Josie” Cruz replied, smiling at the memories of last night. 

“I’ll get you drunk and I’ll meet drunk Cruz, that’s a promise” Josie assured her. 

“You can try” Cruz teased. 

Josie lent forward and kissed Cruz on the forehead before getting up and using the bathroom. Cruz went in after her and they met in the kitchen to make coffee together. “Eat something light for breakfast, I’m making you Carne en su Jugo for lunch” Josie reminded Cruz. 

Cruz beamed a smile back at her, she wasn’t sure Josie would remember after the alcohol. “You don’t have to, you know. I’ll eat anything” Cruz replied. 

“Baby you have done so much for me and when I can walk I’ll help you with all of those things but this is something I can do now and I want to.” 

Cruz smiled understandingly, she’d feel the same in Josie’s position. “Okay, can I help at least?” Cruz asked. 

“No” Josie replied “I need you on morale duty” Josie winked.

They ate cereal with their coffee and Josie took some Tylenol, surprised by how well she was coping on the lower pain meds. When they were done, Josie reminded Cruz that she had therapy soon so Cruz got ready for her run whilst Josie sat on the sofa. 

Cruz came back in and sat on the coffee table opposite Josie. “Send me a text when you want me back. If you need some alone time after the session I’ll go to see the team. Let me know.” 

Josie nodded “I will, thank you.” Cruz kissed Josie on the cheek, lingering ever so slightly which didn’t go unnoticed. When she pulled away, Josie was smiling. They both thought the thing they weren’t ready to say and then Cruz stood up and headed out the front door, she looked back just before she closed it and saw Josie watching her, that new look in her eye she was growing fond of. 

Josie joined the call with her therapist Helen and they started with lighter stuff. Updates on her injury, how well she’d been sleeping, anything that had come up. She thought about Cruz in that moment, they had shared a great evening together and she had realised she was in love. It was big, it wasn’t really what her therapy was for but it felt big so she said it anyway. Helen commented on how she smiled when she said Cruz’s name and Josie blushed. 

When Helen asked about Cruz, Josie couldn’t resist gushing about her. “She has supported me through it all, she’s so strong. I don’t know how she does it.”

Helen: do you feel like you’re not strong?

Josie: I thought I was strong, and then in a matter of days, I had never felt so weak

Helen: why did you feel weak?

Josie: everything I had worked hard for, everything I had control over in my life,
stripped away from me in the space of a day. I had no say in any of it, I had no control

Helen: does having control make you feel strong?

Josie: umm, I guess having control makes me feel safe. And if I feel safe, I feel strong 

Helen: didn’t you fly helicopters into active battles for a living? That doesn’t sound safe

Josie: I mean no, it’s not safe. But I was good at it and the confidence I had in myself made me feel safe

Helen: and you didn’t feel confident on your mission? 

Josie: They asked me to do things I had no training in. They told me repeatedly that they didn’t trust me or have confidence in me and that made me lose confidence in myself. The mission was doomed from the start…

Helen: and because you didn’t feel confident, you didn’t feel safe on your mission? 

Josie: no, I didn’t know who any of them were, they were asking me to do something that could easily have gotten me or my family killed. When Cruz arrived, she helped, but the whole thing was a shitshow

Helen: how do you feel now? Do you still have confidence in yourself?

Josie: getting there. I have a job lined up when I’m recovered and I’ll be getting the right training for it. I’m confident that I can trust my team now, they risked their lives to save me. And I’m confident that I love Cruz, and I think she loves me too 

Helen: that’s quite the turnaround. Is there safety in that confidence?

Josie: I feel safe in the things I understand and can control. Parts of my mission haunt me, I don’t know how to feel safe from them

Helen: what things come to mind?

Josie: well there’s the permanent damage to my family. I’ll likely never speak to my father again, I don’t know about my mother. I also don’t know if my father would ever try to retaliate for what I did to him

Helen: do you know for certain that the damage is permanent?

Josie: …no

Helen: do you want a relationship with them? 

Josie: I never really had one anyway, so I guess it doesn’t matter. I have always believed in chosen family 

Helen: who is your chosen family?

Josie: when I was in the desert, my unit were my family. We had community, trust, we had each other’s backs 

Helen: and now?

Josie: Cruz is my girlfriend, so I’d consider her family. And I think the rest of the team could be like family too. They definitely are to each other 

Helen: what about your siblings?

Josie: we’re going to see my baby sister tomorrow actually. She and I are the closest. My two other sisters live abroad and we don’t see each other much but I would still consider them family 

Helen: it sounds like you already have a community, and the potential for a new chosen family 

Josie: I guess I do 

Helen: what else comes up from your mission?

Josie: I crashed my helicopter. I have never crashed a helo. It’s made me question everything I thought I was good at 

Helen: you crashed it or you were hit?

Josie: both. A tank fired at us and clipped the tail. Then we went down. 

Helen: you got hit by a tank, crashed to the ground and you both survived? 

Josie: yes

Helen: that sounds like the work of a skilled pilot to me

Josie sighed. She had done everything she could in that crash to prevent a fatal landing. It didn’t go the way she had hoped, but she had reduced the impact of the crash to keep Cruz from being thrown out. It also could’ve been a lot worse for her. 

Josie: I just, I hope I can fly again

Helen: what would hold you back? Your leg or your confidence? 

Josie: I’m determined to get my leg back to full function. I guess I’m worried that I won’t be good at it anymore. That I never was in the first place 

Helen: Aren’t you are a highly decorated Captain with 10 years of experience? You wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near that far if you weren’t good at your job. Especially as a woman

Josie thought back to the comment her father made about how many apache pilots were women. It certainly hadn’t been easy for her to get to where she was. 

Josie: only 82 out of 1500 apache pilots are women. 81 now I guess.

Helen: is it possible that this new job is actually better than your previous role? You’ll be the only pilot. Working for the most skilled agents in the country. In the world, possibly. They want you to fly for them. 

Josie: I hadn’t really thought about it like that, I guess I was so happy where I was that I haven’t considered I could be happier somewhere else 

Helen: and you’ll be working with Cruz?

Josie: we’ll be on the same team. Probably not working side by side, but together. Yes. 

Helen: does that feel okay? To be working with someone you love?

Josie: I don’t think it will be negative in terms of conflict or getting sick of each other. The thing that worries me is something happening to her. What she does is dangerous. I’ve never really had to fear for someone else before, not properly 

Helen: she’s strong though right? She’s good at her job?

Josie: she is. She’s confident, annoyingly so sometimes. I have no doubt she will do her best to keep herself and her team safe 

Helen: and you’ll keep her safe too

Josie: I will, as best I can

Helen: and she’ll be worrying about you too. Has she ever had to fear for someone like this?

Josie: no, it will be new for us both. We’re both used to being alone and being in control

Helen: no one has control over everything. There are certain things we can control and that predictability creates safety for us. But there are also things we have no control over. I’d like you to sit with that until our next session. What do you have no control over? We can discuss how to cope with each of those things in our next session.

Josie: okay, I’ll make a list. See you Wednesday 

Helen: see you then, Captain 

Josie ended the call and sat with it all for a while. She knew she liked being in control, it’s why she left home as soon as she could. Her childhood had been manipulated and fabricated by the secrets and security of her father’s criminal activity. They all had to live a certain way, speak a certain way. She wanted control over her life so she left at 18. Since then, she’d had control, she’d worked hard, pushed herself over and over and achieved everything she strived for. 

Now that she was in the grey, she was going to have to accept the lack of control. She was on a team of high ranking agents doing high level shit, under really important people. She would be taking orders, switching up roles when told and relying on others to keep her safe. It was full of uncertainty. Her new normal, she was learning. 

Josie pulled out her phone and texted Cruz.

Josie: you can come home now baby

Cruz: on my way

Cruz’s heart raced when she got that text. Not from the running she’d been doing, that was light work. From Josie calling her house their home. She wanted Josie to stay with her after her leg was healed. Or for them to find somewhere together. She couldn’t imagine living apart from her now, she was glad Josie felt at home there with her. 

Cruz was back about 15 minutes after Josie’s text and as she stepped through the door, Josie looked her up and down with a smirk. “Looking good, Sergeant” Josie catcalled with a whistle. 

Cruz shook her head and then chugged a glass of water.  “Wait til you smell me” Cruz replied. “Call go ok?” She asked. 

“Mmhh, I like her” Josie nodded. 

“Good” Cruz replied. 

“I’m gonna have a shower” Cruz said after she’d caught her breath. 

Josie looked up with a glint in her eyes “I could use a shower too…” she replied playfully. 

Cruz grinned back, she understood what Josie wanted. “Let’s go shower then” she said as she nodded towards the bedroom. Josie crutched to the bathroom with Cruz following behind. 

They removed Josie’s sweatpants and wrapped her cast as they usually would and Cruz got the water ready for them.

When it was warm, she turned to Josie, anticipation already running through both of them. She put her fingers under the band of Josie’s underwear and pulled them down, careful around her cast. She came back up and repeated the same for Josie’s t-shirt, pulling it over her head, followed by her bra. She ran her hands up and down Josie’s body until Josie started undressing Cruz. She lifted Cruz’s tank top over her head, followed by her sports bra and then started on her shorts. She couldn’t bend down far enough so Cruz helped her and removed her underwear too. 

Cruz took Josie’s hand and helped her into the shower, making sure her stool was nearby if she needed it. Cruz got in behind her. She leaned down and placed a kiss on Josie’s shoulder, then her neck. Her hands were on Josie’s waist and gently guided her to turn around to face Cruz. 

Josie leaned up and kissed Cruz as the water sprayed down on them both. The kiss was heated and their hands were everywhere. 

Cruz pushed her right leg between Josie’s, eliciting a groan from them both. Josie was already soaked. She lifted Josie’s broken leg around her hip, holding it there and helping her balance with her other hand. Cruz looked down at Josie and gave her a nod. Josie shifted her hips forward, grinding on Cruz’s leg. As she moved, Cruz kissed her everywhere she could reach, her face, her neck, her chest. 

Josie had one hand in Cruz’s hair, and the other grabbing onto Cruz’s back as hard as she could, nails digging into her skin. “Cruz” Josie whined when she couldn’t take it any more. 

Cruz pulled the stool over and placed Josie’s left foot on it whilst keeping her left arm around Josie’s waist, taking most of her weight. “That ok?” Cruz asked. Josie nodded as she pulled Cruz down into a kiss. 

Cruz’s right hand dropped between Josie’s legs, pushing inside her. Josie moaned as Cruz pushed in and out and Cruz couldn’t hold back how much she loved hearing Josie. She moaned with her. Josie was loud this time, the sound sent heat to Cruz’s core, encouraging her to move faster inside Josie. 

Josie’s legs started to shake and her grip tightened in Cruz’s hair. Cruz slowed her movements but pushed in deeper, curling her fingers into Josie’s walls and thrusted into her again and again. “Oh fuckkk” Josie whispered into Cruz’s ear as she came undone. Cruz held her up as she tensed through the orgasm and when Josie stilled, Cruz pulled out. 

Cruz lowered Josie onto the stool so she could catch her breath without needing to stand. “Leg ok?” Cruz asked. 

Josie nodded “fine baby, that was… fuck” she pulled Cruz forward and kissed her stomach. Cruz smiled down at her then began showering herself. Eventually Josie got up and washed herself too. They moved together effortlessly, like they’d done this a hundred times. Cruz got out and dried herself off, then helped Josie out. 

“Shall we make lunch?” Cruz asked once they were out and dressed. 

“I’m making lunch, you’re relaxing.” 

“I’ve never heard of that, what is that?” Cruz asked and got a glare in response. “Ok fineee I guess I’ll lay down.” 

Josie smiled, pushing Cruz onto the bed. “Have a nap, I’ll wake you when it’s ready” she said as she crutched away. 

Cruz got into bed and fell asleep much faster than she thought she would. She wasn’t used to resting ‘just because’. She’d always pushed through pain, exhaustion, discomfort. She was good at ignoring it. She thinks Josie is too. She also never really slept well, not until Josie started sleeping next to her. This resting and recovering thing they were doing was new to them both, she was glad they were doing it together. 

Josie got to work on the Carne en su Jugo, something she also used to eat when they travelled to Mexico. She thought how nice it was that Cruz has memories of her mom cooking, nice things to hold on to. Although Josie grew up with money, she didn’t spend time with her parents. They had cooks and Nannie’s to look after her and her sisters, she never got to cook with her mom or play sports with her dad. She was glad she had her sisters though. They were all very different but they were in it together. 

Josie cooked for just over an hour and when there was about 20 minutes left, she went into the bedroom to wake Cruz. Cruz was asleep in the middle of the bed and woke to the sound of Josie’s crutches. She had slept a lot heavier than she thought she would. “Hey baby, food in 20 mins” Josie said as she lay down on Cruz’s side of the bed with her. 

Cruz lay on her back with her right arm out and Josie lay on it, tucked into Cruz’s armpit. She ran her hands over Cruz’s stomach, pushing her hand under her T-shirt to feel her skin. It was warm from her nap, and soft under her touch. She moved her fingers up and down Cruz’s stomach whilst Cruz watched her. Josie’s hand slowly trailed up, finger tips brushing over Cruz’s ribs, her collarbone and then circling Cruz’s breasts but not making contact. When Josie moved her fingers closer, Cruz sucked in a sharp breath. “Jose” Cruz gulped in her deep voice, the one Josie knew meant she was turned on. 

“Can I touch you?” Josie asked, looking up at Cruz. Cruz turned her face to the side and looked at Josie, leaning down and kissing Josie’s lips softly. Cruz pulled back and nodded to answer Josie’s question. 

Josie moved her fingers to Cruz’s nipples, alternating between brushing them softly and squeezing them. Cruz’s body reacted immediately. She pushed her chest up into Josie’s hand and whined as Josie’s fingers moved. 

“Face me” Josie whispered into Cruz’s ear. Cruz rolled onto her side, Josie’s hand staying in her shirt, never breaking contact. As soon as they were face to face, Josie kissed Cruz desperately, pulling her lower lip between her teeth. Josie pushed her right leg between Cruz’s, giving Cruz some relief. Cruz groaned at the feeling of Josie pushing into her and began moving her hips. 

Josie angled her leg so her hips were open and her knee was high enough to rest Cruz’s on top. Now there was enough space between Cruz’s legs, Cruz grabbed the hand that was in her shirt and pushed it into the front of her sweatpants. Josie hummed a laugh at Cruz’s eagerness but Cruz was already lost in it, desperate for contact. 

Cruz let out a breath when Josie’s fingers brushed her clit, then moved down to gather wetness. “Fuck Cruz” Josie sighed as she felt how much Cruz wanted her already. Cruz’s left hand cupped Josie’s face and pulled her into a kiss, licking into Josie’s mouth. The previous times they’d had sex, it felt more heated, more desperate. This time it felt slower, more romantic. Josie was taking her time, not just chasing the orgasm, but enjoying being this close and having their hands on each other. 

Josie maintained a steady rhythm, moving through her folds and circling her clit hard then soft. She didn’t push, she didn’t rush, both of them watched each other.

Cruz groaned when Josie sped up and it wasn’t long before she felt the orgasm building. She brought Josie’s chin up and their lips met with purpose, Cruz wanted to be as close and connected as possible as it hit. She moaned into Josie’s mouth as she came, using her left arm to hold onto Josie as tight as she could. Josie slowed through the aftershocks and when Cruz had come down, she pulled on Josie’s wrist for her to stop. 

Josie took advantage of Cruz’s state to roll Cruz onto her back so she was lying on top of her. She put all of her weight on Cruz, looking down at her with warm eyes and a soft smile. Cruz pushed her hair behind her ear and stroked her face, looking up at her with the same adoring expression. She pulled Josie’s face down gently and kissed her. As she moved her hands down to Josie’s ass the timer in the kitchen went off. 

“Food’s ready” Josie hummed as she placed a final peck on Cruz’s lips and then got herself up off the bed. Josie grabbed her crutches and headed towards the door.

 “I’ll be there in a sec” Cruz called after her. She lay there for a second longer, running her hands through her hair. Fuck she was so in love with this woman. 

Cruz got up and used the bathroom and then met Josie in the kitchen. “That smells so fucking good” Cruz said as she came up behind Josie and hugged around her waist. She kissed Josie on the cheek, making her blush and then said “how can I help?” 

“I’m serving up if you can take the bowls to the table? Drinks too” Josie replied. 

“I’ve got it, you want a beer?” Cruz asked with her head in the fridge. 

“Sure” Josie said as she crutched to the kitchen table and sat down in her chair. Cruz brought the plates and beers to the table and handed Josie the Tylenol to take with her food. 

The smell was already triggering memories of cooking with her mom and when she took her first spoonful, she felt a rush of emotion. “Thank you, for making this, it’s exactly how I remember” Cruz said. 

Josie smiled and said “tell me about your mom?” 

Cruz finished her mouthful and replied “she was a good mom, she really did care about us. She had a lot going on that I didn’t understand at the time but I understand now as an adult. It must’ve been so hard for her.” Cruz took another bite and Josie waited for her to continue. “My brothers and I all had different dads, she raised us on her own for the most part. She had plenty of boyfriends but they’d just make things harder. Make things worse.” 

Cruz paused, not talking, not eating. Just looking off at nothing in particular, remembering her mother. “Were they abusive to her as well as you?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded, “sometimes more to her, sometimes more to us” she replied “my older brother left as soon as he could. He was dealing drugs so he had the money to get out. My younger brother, there was an accident, he died, I was there… anyway, my mother couldn’t cope after that.” Cruz sighed. She hadn’t spoken about this stuff in a while, only in therapy when she first started. 

“She started using drugs, her boyfriend at the time only encouraged her and it wasn’t long before she overdosed.” Cruz wiped a tear from her eye, she hadn’t realised she was crying. “I know it doesn’t sound it, but she was a good mom, she just made bad choices.” Cruz took a bite of food which only made more tears stream down her face, remembering her mom making this exact dish for her and her brothers. 

“She does sound like a good mom, I wish I could’ve met her” Josie replied. 

Cruz smiled at that “she would’ve loved you, she was just as fiery. And she could talk for days, she’d want to know everything you’ve ever done. Oh she’d definitely have you flying her around in a helo by the end of the day.”

Josie hummed a laugh, “sounds like my kinda lady” she said with a wink. 

They finished their food and beers and moved to the couch to sit together. Cruz was quiet, thinking about her mom and Josie didn’t interrupt her thoughts. Cruz sat at one end of the sofa and Josie lay down with her head in Cruz’s lap. They put Grey’s on but neither of them were really watching it. Josie was tired from their busy start to the day and Cruz was deep in thought. Josie napped whilst Cruz absentmindedly stroked her hair. 

After an hour or so, Josie woke up, meeting Cruz’s eyes which gazed down at her with warmth. She felt warmth rush over her own body as she thought about how lucky she was to wake up to this woman. This strong, brave, soft, caring, woman who she knows would do anything for her, and she’d do anything for Cruz too. 

“Hey” Josie smiled as Cruz stroked her face. 

“Hey” Cruz smiled back. Josie sat up and shifted herself to sit next to Cruz, facing her. 
“We gotta pack for tomorrow” Cruz said “how long are we staying?” 

“My sister said she’s free until Tuesday so we can head off Tuesday morning?” Josie replied. 

“Ok, let’s get packed, our jet is early tomorrow.” Cruz said as she stood up and helped Josie with her. She slotted the crutches under Josie’s arms and they headed to the bedroom together. 

“I won’t pack much, I’ve got stuff there I want to bring back” Josie said as they got their bags out and started throwing underwear and sleep clothes in them. 

Cruz packed light too, she wanted to make sure Josie had space in her bag if she wanted to bring as much back as she could. 

“Did you like living in Killeen?” Cruz asked. 

“I mean, I didn’t spend much time there, I was deployed as often as they’d let me. I was only there because it was close to base.” Josie said. 

“Do you want to move back there?” Cruz asked wearily. She was a bit scared of the answer. She knew her and Josie were together and that she loved her, and she thinks Josie loves her too. But they hadn’t spoken about their living situation after Josie has recovered. 

“No, I don’t have any attachment to it. Plus I’ll need to be around here for work, and for you.” She said looking up at Cruz with a reassuring smile. 

Cruz breathed out a sigh of relief. She was going to try something brave, she was going to ask a big question. 

“I know we started out here together because it was practical with your leg but… you can stay here, once you’ve recovered, if you want that… or we could find somewhere you like better.. if you want to live together obviously-“ Cruz was rambling so Josie cut her off. 

“Cruz. I want to live with you, I can’t imagine not living with you now. It can be here, it can be somewhere else, I don’t mind. I just want you.” She said firmly. Always so direct and honest was Josie. Cruz loved it. She loved her.

“Ok” Cruz said, feeling a little shy but also relieved. 

“Do you want to stay in this house?” Josie asked. 

“Uhh, I don’t really mind. I bought it with the money I got from my mission because I wanted to be close to base. It’s convenient but also safe because of the location. I like the safety of it.” Cruz replied. She’d never really thought about moving out, but she never thought she’d have a Josie to move out with. She wasn’t against the idea. 

“Safe is good, I like safe” Josie smiled back. 

“You want to stay here?” Cruz asked. 

“It’s your home, and it’s kinda mine now too. Is that ok?” Josie replied. 

“That’s ok” Cruz smiled back. 

They finished packing and Josie decided to go workout whilst Cruz wanted to make sure everything was set for their journey. She was a planner, she liked to be prepared. She arranged for a rental car to be ready for them at the airport and gave Joe the date and time they’d be returning so they had a jet lined up for them. She wouldn’t ask Joe for a favour like this again. It was a one-off because Josie deserved it, and Joe owed her. 

Cruz then went through the fridge, grabbing anything that would go bad in the next couple of days. She used those ingredients to make a meal for them to have for dinner later on. 

A little while later, Josie came in and sat herself on the counter, managing to get up there on her own finally. She grabbed a bag of chips that was left on the counter and worked her way through them whilst she watched Cruz. She still had her shirt off from her workout and Cruz nearly dropped the knife in her hand when she turned around to greet her. Josie grinned smugly as Cruz shook her head and turned back to do the washing up. 

Josie had a quick shower and then they were back in the living room having dinner together. “Im excited to travel with you. Like not for work, just to go somewhere together” Josie admitted. 

“Me too, it’ll be nice to see where you live” Cruz replied. “Do you like to travel?” 

“I think it’s something I could like. I’ve always made sure I was working as much as possible but I like the idea of seeing the world, flying to different places. Do you?” Josie replied. 

“I don’t really like flying, but I think it’d be cool to see more of the world, for fun, not for work.” 

 “Ok let’s talk about this because it hurts my soul when you say it, why do you hate flying?” Josie pleaded. 

Cruz laughed “early in my career I did a lot of helo jumps. Not the best introduction to a helicopter”

“Mmm okay, but why do you hate them now?”

“So I’m not sure if you remember but I was recently in a helicopter crash. You were also there” Cruz said as she deadpanned.

“Asshole” Josie replied, then continued “crash aside, what is it about them you don’t like?”

“Umm I think the inability to escape, they make me feel claustrophobic. Same on a plane. If you’re in a car you can pull over and get out. But up in the air, you’re stuck.” Cruz admitted, feeling a little vulnerable. 

“That’s why I love them. Once you’re up there, it’s just you and the sky. No traffic, no stopping and starting, no interruptions, just peace and fucking quiet.” 

Josie looked happy when she spoke about flying. Cruz could see how much she missed it, how much peace it must’ve brought her. 

“We’ll get you back up there” Cruz said with a firm nod. 

They got ready for bed and lay in each other’s arms, both tired but enjoying the quiet together. That was something they both found peace in: quiet. When the QRF had come to stay at their house during the mission, it wasn’t just the interruption of their almost-kiss. It was the noise, the bodies, the movement in her safe place, in the only place she truly experienced quiet. She could see Josie had been affected by it too, looking like a deer in headlights as the team shouted about the Xbox and groceries and god knows what else. 

Cruz flicked the light off and the fell asleep quickly, both looking forward to their trip tomorrow. 

Chapter 13: Loved Ones

Summary:

Josie and Cruz travel to Texas to stay with Josie’s youngest sister.

Their alarm sounded at 0600 and they were up and on the move quickly. They packed their toiletries, grabbed a slice of toast each and then threw everything in the car, including Josie’s wheelchair. 

The drive to the airport was quiet, the roads were still pretty empty and they watched the sunrise together in silence. Josie reached for Cruz’s hand and they stayed like that until they pulled up in front of the jet. 

Getting up the stairs of the jet was going to be a problem for Josie so they figured the easiest thing was just for Cruz to piggyback her up there. She got Josie in her seat and then headed back down to grab their bags, Josie’s wheelchair and crutches. On her last trip up the stairs, the plane’s captain stood at the top, waiting for Cruz to board. 

“Morning, I’m Mo. I’ll be your captain for this flight. Can I see both of your IDs please?” he asked. 

Cruz put her bags down in the doorway of the plane and showed the captain both of their IDs as an idea formed in her head. 

“Hey Mo, Captain Carrillo is a first cav pilot but has been unable to fly due to her leg break, happened in a helo crash. You think you could let her into the cockpit before we land so she can get a chance to have the view she would normally have? She’s missing flying a lot.” Cruz knew she was milking it a bit but Mo seemed like a nice guy and she really wanted Josie to feel like she was flying again. 

Mo looked at Cruz sympathetically and said “I can imagine how she feels, I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I couldn’t fly. I’ll call you over before we land. Come on, let’s get you up in the air.” He said, helping Cruz with the bags she’d left in the doorway. 

Maybe it was a pilot thing, Cruz thought. Something she didn’t get about flying, something she was missing. At least Mo understood and was willing to help. 

Cruz sat opposite Josie and they were up in the air pretty quickly. Josie spent all of take-off looking out the window, enjoying the view from the sky and Cruz didn’t interrupt her, she wanted her to enjoy the moment. When Josie finally looked away and met Cruz’s eyes that had been watching her, she smiled. 

“So, you in the mile high club or..?” Cruz asked teasingly. 

“Cruz!” Josie whisper-shouted at her, tapping the back of her hand to Cruz’s knee. 

“What? I know you like to be in the sky, and I know you like to have sex, I just figured that’d be on your bucket list…” Cruz replied coolly. 

Josie rolled her eyes but then looked at Cruz challengingly. “It is on my bucket list, but I haven’t done it, not in the air.”

“You’ve had sex in a plane on the ground?” 

“Not a plane, a helo” Josie grinned. 

“Of course you fucking have. And tell me, were you having sex with the helo itself?” Cruz quipped back. 

“Wow you’re being a real asshole this morning, flying really doesn’t bring out the best in you does it?” Josie retorted. 

Cruz flipped her off which got a laugh and then Josie asked “…are you asking if I want to join the mile high club right now?” She said with a quirked eyebrow. 

Cruz grinned. “Not this flight, I have something else planned. But on the way back, absolutely.”

“What’ve you got planned?” Josie asked suspiciously. 

“You’ll see…” Cruz replied. They sat in the quiet together for most of the flight, Josie looking out the window and Cruz looking at her.

A little while later, the co-pilot stepped out of the cockpit and said “Hey, I’m Mike, I’m your co-pilot. I heard we have another pilot on board? Would you like to come and see the view from the cockpit?” 

Josie’s eyes lit up and darted to meet Cruz’s that were gazing at her adoringly. Josie couldn’t hold back the smile on her face as she shot up and grabbed her crutches from the seat next to her. Cruz got up too, helping her before she got ahead of herself and fell over. They made their way to the cockpit where Mo was flying. Mike stayed standing and said to Josie “take a seat” as he gestured towards his chair. 

Josie beamed a smile as she handed Cruz her crutches and sat in the co-pilot seat, mesmerised by all of the buttons and controls. 

“I hear you’ve been unable to fly as of late?” Mo asked Josie. 

Josie nodded and said “I’ve been out for nearly a month, at least another month to go.” She replied, nodding towards her cast. 

“Well it’s a pleasure to have you on board, Captain” he smiled at her. 

They sat there for a while watching the sky and Mo would tell Josie what buttons to press every now and then. Josie listened to him talk through the radio, missing when that was her job. Only when they were about to begin their descent did Mo let them know he needed them back in their seats. 

They went back to the cabin and strapped in. Josie was beyond happy and Cruz couldn’t stop smiling back at her. Weirdly, being in the cockpit and watching Mo and Josie fly had helped ease her own anxiety about the flight, the view from there was incredible. Ok, maybe she got it a little bit. 

“Bet you feel bad for calling me an asshole now” Cruz grinned. 

“Only a bit” Josie replied. “Thank you for that, it was.. it was just what I needed” she smiled before turning to look out the window and watch their descent. 

They got off the plane and into the rental car that was waiting for them on the tarmac. It was about an hour drive to Josie’s apartment which they spent chatting. Josie pointed out spots she liked or had been to, she had a few places in mind she’d like to take Cruz. She hadn’t explored much of Killeen but she had her favourite spots. 

They pulled up at the house and Cruz unpacked the car whilst Josie waited by the building door, holding it open for her. Thankfully Josie’s apartment was on the ground floor as stairs were not going to be easy with her leg. 

Josie had a moment of conflict, unsure whether to knock on the door or just let herself in. It was her apartment after all. In the end, she decided on knocking because god knows what her sister could be doing, she could be butt naked and it wouldn’t surprise her. 

After a few moments, Josie’s sister opened the door and had a confused look on her face. “Why are you knocking on your own apartment door?” She asked as she leaned in to hug Josie. 

“Oh for fuck’s sake” Josie muttered as Cruz laughed at Josie getting it wrong again. 

After Josie pulled away from her sister she said “Cruz this is Gabriela, Gabi, Cruz.” Josie felt surprisingly nervous to introduce them. She didn’t really know why, she loved them both and wanted them to know each other. 

Gabi grinned smugly at Cruz as she pushed forward and gave Cruz a hug. “Oh you are hot” she laughed into Cruz’s shoulder. 

“Gabi!” Josie yelled, smacking her on the arm and then ranting at her high-speed in Spanish. It’s not like Cruz couldn’t understand her, but she was busy processing everything else that had just happened. 

She’d just been hugged by a stranger and it wasn’t that bad. That was new for her. She usually hated being touched by people she didn’t know. She did tense up a little but it was Josie’s sister and she had made a comment about being good looking which did feel quite nice. As she thought about the comment, she realised that meant Josie must’ve told Gabi that Cruz was hot. That felt really good. 

Josie and Gabi went inside, still arguing with each other whilst Cruz brought in the bags and wheelchair. Josie sat down on the sofa, exhausted from the early start and the travel. “Water?” Cruz asked. 

“Cruz sit, Gabi can get it. You’re the guest now” Josie smiled. 

Gabi came back from the kitchen with two bottles of water and handed them to Josie and Cruz. “Got anything to eat?” Josie asked Gabi. 

“Mmm not really, today is grocery day. I was going to head out and do the shopping and let you guys get settled in.” Gabi replied. 

“Let’s order food. What’s your favourite round here?” Cruz asked, pulling out her phone. She opened the food delivery app and handed it to Josie. Josie scrolled through until she found her favourite local diner and added some dishes to the basket.

“You pick for me” Cruz said to Josie as she tried to hand the phone back “get enough for all of us.”

“You’re gonna regret saying that Cruz, have you seen how much this girl eats?” Gabi laughed, pointing at Josie. 

“I honestly don’t know where she puts it all” Cruz laughed back. 

Josie watched the exchange and rolled her eyes at their teasing but she found the interaction extremely sweet. It was nice to see her girlfriend and her baby sister getting on, even if it was at her expense. 

Josie put the order through and Cruz asked which room they’d be sleeping in which Gabi showed her and then headed out to get groceries. Cruz took their bags to the room and asked Josie if she could look around. 

“Sure, most of it isn’t really mine though, Gabi is here more than I ever was.” Josie responded. 

Cruz wanted to look around, partly because she was curious about where Josie lived but mostly for safety. To know where everything was and the best ways in and out if it were necessary. 

In the hall, she noticed a framed picture of Josie and her unit standing proudly together. Josie looked so happy, her team look proud to serve under her. She felt sad that it was stripped from her. She carried on down the hall and checked out the other rooms and closets. She went to the front door and opened it, looking at the lock and memorising how it worked, trying it a few times. Then she went back to the living room. 

“Everything secure?” Josie teased as Cruz returned. 

“You know I have to do it” Cruz replied, sitting down next to Josie. Josie leaned her head on her shoulder and they stayed like that in the quiet for a moment. “How’s your leg?”

“It’s hurting after the travelling, struggling a bit” Josie said with a wince as she propped her leg up on the table in front of her. 

“Why don’t you take one of your stronger painkillers and then switch back to Tylenol this evening?” Cruz asked.

Josie sighed. She really didn’t want to. That felt like regression, that felt like pushing her return to flying back even further. But her leg was throbbing and she wanted to enjoy this trip, not spend it in pain. “Ok” Josie replied. 

Cruz went to the bedroom and got the meds out of their bag and brought them back to Josie. She’d take them with the food when it arrived. 

“So you think I’m hot huh?” Cruz asked with a grin as she sat down again. 

“That fucking girl, honestly. No fucking filter” Josie replied, clearly still annoyed. When Cruz turned to look at her, her face relaxed and she smiled, stroking Cruz’s cheek. “Of course I think you’re hot, very hot actually” moving her face forward and hovering her lips over Cruz’s. Cruz closed the distance and they kissed lazily. It had been an emotional day already, they were tired, hungry and learning more about each other which they both loved doing. 

They were interrupted by the doorbell and Cruz headed outside to grab the food from the delivery driver. She came in carrying four bags of food, struggling to find a surface big enough to put them down on. 

“Jose, the delivery guy asked me if we were having a party” Cruz said, looking at the amount of food in shock. 

Josie grinned, “if you think I can’t eat all that you don’t know me at all.” Josie replied nonchalantly. 

“Oh I have no doubt you’ll eat it all” Cruz said, opening that bags up. Cruz laid everything out whilst Josie got plates and cutlery out and talked Cruz through everything she’d ordered. To be fair, it looked good and smelled amazing, she was looking forward to trying it all. 

“It’s from a diner just across the street, it’s my favourite place to go” Josie said, tucking into her chicken and waffles. Cruz grabbed some too, along with some Frito pie and a spoonful of Chili. 

“This is so fucking good” Cruz said through a mouthful of food. 

“See! And there’s Sheet Cake for dessert” Josie replied proudly. 

They ate as much as they could stomach and then they were both in need of a food coma. Cruz wrapped up the rest of the food for Gabi and they went off to the bedroom for a lay down. Josie took a painkiller and got into the bed under the covers. Cruz stayed on top, ready to spring into action if she needed too. Being in an unfamiliar environment always had her a little on edge. 

They were both asleep within minutes and Cruz only stirred when she heard Gabi come home. She slipped out of the room and closed the door behind her, letting Josie rest. 

“Hey, let me help” Cruz whispered as she reached Gabi at the front door. 

She grabbed the bags Gabi was holding and took them to the kitchen whilst Gabi went back to her car for the rest. “Thanks” Gabi replied. 

Gabi joined Cruz in the kitchen and said “holy shit, this is how much she ordered?” Looking at the 4 open bags of takeout on the counter. 

“I managed to convince her to leave some for you” Cruz laughed. “Eat, I’ll put this away” Cruz said, nodding at the food. 

“I can see why she likes you” Gabi winked as she grabbed a plate and loaded it up with food. 

“So she told you I’m hot?” Cruz asked jokingly. 

“Oh she’d murder me if I repeated all the things she’s said about you. I won’t, but just so you know, she’s never spoken about anyone else like that before.” Gabi smiled at her. 

Gabi sat on the stool at the kitchen island and told Cruz where to put things as she ate. They chatted about their journey and what they’ve been up to since Josie got injured. 

“Very domestic, very unlike Josie” Gabi noted. 

“It’s not like me either. I’m usually always working, keeping busy. It’s been strange slowing down, but not bad. Just different.” Cruz replied. 

“You’re good for each other. I can see it already.” Gabi observed. “Have you had an argument yet?” 

Cruz huffed a laugh and then thought about it for a second. They actually hadn’t. She knew they probably would at some point, no one gets along all the time, but so far they’d managed to avoid it. “Nope, smooth sailing so far” Cruz replied. 

“Very interesting. Josie’s a spitfire ya know” Gabi prodded. 

“Oh I know, I’ve seen her argue, just not with me” Cruz replied smugly. 

“You’re gonna have to tell me what the secret is, that girl loves to argue with me” Gabi said, rolling her eyes. 

“That’s because you’re sisters, it’s inevitable. I used to argue with my brothers all the time.” Cruz remembered. 

“You have brothers? How many?” 

“Had. Two of ‘em but they both died. We had our fair share of arguments though” Cruz smiled, a little sadly. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t imagine losing any of my sisters. Jose and I are the closest but I love them all. We’re kinda trauma bonded from my dad’s bullshit.” Gabi sighed. 

“Yeah I met your dad, real piece of work” Cruz nodded. She remembered the slurs he used so casually towards her and Josie at the dinner table. 

“Fucking asshole am I right?” Gabi said, jabbing her fork at Cruz. 

“Massive fucking asshole” she replied, both breaking into a laugh. 

Josie crutched into the room and found them sat together laughing. She was glad they were getting on, she was worried Gabi would be too much for Cruz. She knew Cruz liked quiet, privacy. Gabi was the opposite. 

“What’s so funny?” She asked, crutching over to the island and grabbing a fry from Gabi’s plate. 

“Just talking about our beloved father” Gabi snarked. 

“Fucking asshole if you ask me” Josie muttered through a mouthful of fries which had Cruz and Gabi burst into laughter. 

Cruz grabbed a beer for everyone and they sat around for the rest of the evening chatting and drinking. It wasn’t long before Josie started getting tired again and they decided to head off to bed. 

“Don’t have sex too loudly please, I need my beauty sleep” Gabi called as they walked away. 

Josie rolled her eyes and called back “maybe we will!” 

“Girl you know I’ll come in there and tell you to shut up” Gabi yelled back as she closed her own bedroom door. 

Josie looked up at Cruz and said “she will” with a terrified expression. Cruz laughed and shut the door behind them as they went in. They got ready for bed and lay in their usual positions, stroking each other as they chatted and exchanged kisses. 

Josie was feeling emotional. Travelling with Cruz outside of work was new and she was enjoying it a lot. And the surprise on the plane Cruz had arranged was so thoughtful, it had made her feel loved. More loved than she had ever felt with a partner before. She had also found it heartwarming to watch Cruz make an effort with Gabi, knowing how important she was to Josie. The more she learned about and experienced with Cruz, the deeper she fell in love. 

“Baby, the plane thing, that was-“ Josie sighed “It was so thoughtful, thank you.” 

Cruz smiled back “you’re welcome” stroking her face. 

“Cruz?” Josie said, sounding nervous. 

“Hmm?” 

“I love you” Josie almost whispered. 

Cruz froze. The fingers on Josie’s face stopped moving, her eyes stopped roaming her body and stayed locked onto Josie’s. At the same time, her heart began to hammer in her chest as she processed what Josie had said. 

Cruz knew she loved Josie, and she figured Josie might love her too. But thinking it was true and knowing it was true was such a different feeling. A flood of emotions hit her: relief, excitement, safety all at once and it only made her heart beat faster. 

Cruz took Josie’s hand and moved it over her heart, letting Josie feel the effect it had had on her. Cruz let go of her hand and moved it back to Josie’s face, stroking the hair behind her ear. Josie smiled and hummed a laugh as she kept her hand over Cruz’s heart, feeling it thud rapidly. 

“Jose?” Cruz finally said. 

“Yeah?” 

“I love you” Cruz replied. 

Josie smiled a huge smile and replied “I know” before leaning in and kissing Cruz firmly.

She wiped a tear off of Cruz’s cheek and pulled herself into Cruz’s chest so her ear was close enough to Cruz’s heart that she could hear it racing. Josie felt tears form in her own eyes, thinking about how much Cruz deserved to be loved but no one had ever shown it to her, not really. They lay in each other’s arms, as close as they could get, and fell asleep together feeling safer than they ever have. 

Notes:

They’re so cute I love them and they love each other.

Writing Gabi has been fun and her relationship with Cruz over the next couple of chapters is the sweetest 🥹 I can’t wait for you to read it.

Next chapter out Saturday x

Chapter 14: Meeting Family

Summary:

Cruz and Josie spend time with Josie’s youngest sister in Texas.

Notes:

Trigger warning: they talk briefly about Cruz’s sexual assault when she worked at the club.

Loud pop music hammered through the walls at 9am which had Josie groan loudly and throw her pillow over her head. Cruz blinked awake and was momentarily disoriented as to where she was and where the noise was coming from. “See what I mean?” Josie complained. 

Cruz huffed a laugh and lifted the pillow from Josie’s face a little bit “let me in” she pleaded and Josie lifted it up as Cruz shuffled in and then rested it back over their heads. 

“How’s your leg feeling today?” Cruz asked. 

“Better, not throbbing anymore.”

“Good.” 

After a minute of hiding under the pillow, Cruz said “I guess we better get up.” She peeled the pillow away from Josie’s grip and rolled on top of her. She kissed Josie’s face all over until Josie finally opened her eyes. 

Cruz got up and got herself ready for the day and then went to the bedroom door. “I’ll leave you to get ready, call if you need help.” She said as she left and closed the door behind her again. 

“Mornin’” Cruz said to Gabi who was in the kitchen getting ingredients out of the cupboards. 

“Mornin’” Gabi mocked with a smile. 

“You two are the fuckin’ same” Cruz said shaking her head. She reached over to the speakers on the kitchen counter and turned the music down a bit to give Josie some relief next door. “What are we making?” 

“Pancakes, wanna help?”

“Sure” Cruz said as she opened the ingredients and started mixing them together in the bowl Gabi handed her. 

“Thanks for being quiet last night” Gabi grinned, looking for a reaction. 

Cruz rolled her eyes and nudged Gabi with her elbow “Jose warned me all about you, y’know. Nosey.” 

“Uh!” Gabi responded with a shocked expression. She grabbed a pinch of flour from the bag and flicked it at Cruz, dusting her face and shoulders.

Cruz froze, she couldn’t believe Gabi had done that. She forgot how young Gabi was. She was closer to Cruz’s age than Josie’s but still, younger than Cruz. There was only one thing to do. 

Cruz grabbed a fist of flour and flung it at Gabi, covering her face and t-shirt. “Ohhhh it’s on” Gabi said as she tried to grab another handful of flour. Cruz grabbed the bag and lifted it up as high as she could. Cruz towered over Gabi so there was no way she was getting it. Still, Gabi jumped around trying to pull Cruz’s arm down. 

Suddenly, a loud throat clearing sound came from their right hand side. 

Josie was standing there with squinted eyes and her head tilted in question. Cruz and Gabi both froze and stared at Josie like kids being caught red handed. 

“She started it” Cruz said before Gabi tried to throw her under the bus. 

“Wowwwww” Gabi replied, but not denying Cruz’s statement. 

Josie crutched over to stand in front of Cruz and brushed the flour off her face and shoulders. She let out a secret smile that only Cruz could see then pecked her on the lips. 

“What are we making?” Josie said as she stepped to the side to shoot daggers at Gabi. 

“Pancakes” Cruz and Gabi said at the same time. 

Josie’s eyes lit up and said “I’ll finish, Gabi go get changed.” 

“Yes Captain” Gabi said with a salute which had Josie rolling her eyes. Gabi disappeared off to her room and Josie and Cruz got back to the pancakes. 

“You two are getting along well” Josie said as she poured the batter into the pan. 

“I like her, she reminds me of my younger brother” she replied. Josie pulled Cruz into her side and squeezed tightly. She was glad Gabi was reminding her what it was like to have a sibling, letting Cruz be a little childish with her.

“I like that you’re getting on. You’re my two favourite people” she smiled up at Cruz. 

Cruz smiled back and said “hey” pausing for a second and then continuing “I love you.”

Josie grinned at her “I love you too” then pulled Cruz’s face down into a kiss.

“You’re burning the pancakes” Gabi said as she walked back into the room, catching them making out. 

“Shit” Josie said as she flipped it over and found it nearly black on the other side. She scooped that one into the trash and started again. 

Cruz made coffee and poured out three mugs. “How do you take it?” She asked Gabi. 

“Almond milk, two sugars and caramel syrup” she called back. 

Cruz looked up at her in disbelief, assuming it was a joke. When she realised it wasn’t, she shook her head and muttered “Jesus Christ” which had Josie giggling. 

Cruz handed Gabi her coffee and put Josie’s on the side next to her with her Tylenol as she cooked. When the pancakes were done, they shared them together around the island. 

“You got plans today?” Josie asked Gabi when they were done. Gabi always had plans, even when she said she didn’t have plans. 

“Meeting some friends at the mall soon, I’ll be gone a few hours” Gabi called from the couch whilst Cruz and Josie stayed in the kitchen tidying up after breakfast. 

When they were done, everyone went off to their rooms. Gabi got ready to go out whilst Cruz and Josie took turns in the shower. By the time they’d finished, Gabi called “bye!!!” From the front door before slamming it closed behind her. 

“Enjoy the quiet while it lasts” Josie said to Cruz, rubbing her hands over her face. 

“I’m more interested in enjoying the privacy” Cruz said as she stepped towards Josie and put her hands on her hips. It was a question, an invitation. She wasn’t sure how Josie would feel about having sex here, away from home. She let Josie decide. 

Josie slid her hands up Cruz’s arm looped them around the back of her neck. She leaned up and kissed Cruz slowly. Josie had missed it too, they had been around each other, sure, but not really alone. She wanted to feel as close as she possibly could. Especially after the admission they’d both made in bed last night. 

They kissed slowly, taking their time and enjoying the quiet until Josie pulled away. She had a look on her face that Cruz wasn’t sure how to read. “I want to show you something and you can tell me how you feel about it.” Josie said, looking up at Cruz.  

“Ok” Cruz said, a little nervous. 

Josie crutched to her bedside table and opened the bottom drawer. She reached into the back and pulled out a box and from the box, a strap-on. She closed the drawer and turned to Cruz to look for her reaction. 

Cruz gulped. Her eyes fixated on the strap in Josie’s hand. “Cruz?”

“Hm?” Cruz said, meeting Josie’s eyes. Josie looked worried, like she might’ve upset Cruz. 

“What do you think?” She asked hesitantly. 

Cruz looked at the strap quickly, then back at Josie, collected her thoughts and then nodded rapidly, “yes.” Cruz walked over to Josie to save her having to crutch back. “I’ve never used one before” Cruz admitted. 

“That’s ok. Would you prefer to use it on me or I use it on you?” Josie asked. 

“I use it on you” Cruz replied. She had more conflicting feelings about it being used on her. 

Josie smiled sweetly. “Okay” she said as she threw it on the bed. She reached for Cruz’s hands and said “if you want to stop, just tell me. We don’t need to do this if it doesn’t feel right.”

Cruz nodded “ok.” She pulled Josie in by the waist and kissed her with heat. Her hands were already under Josie’s shirt, sliding it up over her head. Josie pulled Cruz’s off too. Cruz pushed Josie down onto the bed gently so she was sitting, then crouched down to pull her shorts and underwear down and off. As soon as she stood back up, Josie was undoing Cruz’s pants and pulling them down. “Do you want these on or off?” Josie asked, tugging at her boxers. 

“Umm on I guess?” Cruz replied. She hadn’t done this before, she didn’t know what would be most comfortable, but she figured probably on. 

Josie lay back on the bed and Cruz climbed on top of her, careful of her cast. She lowered herself down and put some of her weight on Josie the way she knew she liked, pushing her knee between her legs at the same time. Josie kissed her hard, pushing her tongue into Cruz’s mouth and running it along her teeth. 

When Cruz lowered herself to kiss Josie’s neck, Josie let out a moan. She was already so turned on thinking about Cruz strapping her. 

Cruz kissed her way down, sucking an erect nipple into her mouth and Josie couldn’t stop her hips staring to rock into Cruz’s knee. Cruz swapped nipples, caressing one with her thumb whilst she sucked and gently nipped the other. “Fuck Cruz” Josie whined. 

Cruz pulled away and looked over to the strap on the bed. She picked it up and moved the straps around, working out how to put it on. Josie sat up and helped her and a minute later, she was hovering over Josie again. 

“Anything you want me to do?” Cruz asked, worried about hurting Josie. 

“Just go slow. You should feel it too, tell me if you like it.” 

Cruz nodded and took the dildo in her hand. She lowered herself slightly, rubbing the head of it through Josie’s folds. “Shit” Josie moaned. 

Cruz lowered the head and rested it against her entrance, then used her hips to drive it forward slightly. Josie gasped at the stretch, and heat pulsed through Cruz at the sound. Cruz gave Josie a moment and then pushed in a little more. 

“You sure you haven’t done this before? Fuck” Josie asked through gasping breaths. 

“Just doing as I’m told” Cruz smirked at her. She knew Josie liked to be in charge in the bedroom, she figured she’d like to hear it. 

“Good girl” Josie laughed in response. She didn’t mean for it to sound dominating, it had been a joke but Cruz gulped at the praise anyway. 

Cruz pushed again and then she was all the way in. She lowered herself down to meet Josie’s face which was currently thrown back. Cruz took the opportunity to kiss Josie’s neck and nip along her jawline. “Ready” Josie whispered, dropping her face to meet Cruz. 

Cruz pecked her quickly. She shifted her hips to pull out a little, then pushed back in slowly. Josie moaned as Cruz repeated the same movement a few more times. On the next one, she pulled out nearly all the way and then pushed back in. “Fuck, Cruz I’m coming” Josie said suddenly. 

“Already?” Cruz asked as Josie gripped her tightly and tensed up as she rode out the orgasm. 

“I told you I’m quick this way but when you do this to me, fuck it’s hot. Is it ok for you?”

Cruz smiled and nodded “yeah I was just getting into it” she teased as she started to move off Josie. 

“Hey, we’re not done here. I can go again.” Josie challenged. 

“Good, I wanna do that again” Cruz replied, lowering back down and restarting her movements. 

She started slow but picked up the pace much quicker this time now that Josie was used to it. 

She was moving faster and pushing harder. Cruz could feel her own orgasm building with the pressure of the harness on her clit and the sounds Josie was making. 

Cruz cursed as she thrusted into Josie, kissing her sloppily when they weren’t both gasping for breaths. “I’m close” Cruz said into Josie’s ear which only turned Josie on more, knowing how much Cruz liked it. 

Josie rocked her hips in time with Cruz, unable to keep still with how good it felt to have Cruz inside her like this. She scratched her nails down Cruz’s back, definitely leaving marks behind. 

It wasn’t long before Cruz’s orgasm hit her and she lost her rhythm as her hips stuttered into Josie. The change in pressure, paired with watching Cruz finish sent Josie over the edge too. She moaned Cruz’s name loudly not giving a fuck who could hear, it was her damn apartment.

When they both caught their breath, Cruz pulled out gently and removed the harness, throwing it to the end of the bed. She rolled to lay beside Josie as they both stared at the ceiling slowing their breathing. 

“You liked that?” Josie asked, turning her head to face Cruz.  

“A lot” Cruz replied.

“Would you let me do it to you?” Josie asked. She was usually the one using it when she had sex with other people and she enjoyed it. 

“Can I think about it? I liked doing it to you and I want you to be able to do it to me if you like it too but..” Cruz started then wasn’t sure what to say. 

“Tell me” Josie whispered, turning to face Cruz. 

“it’s just, what I told you about before, what nearly happened on my mission. It has happened before.” Cruz said and then went quiet, not meeting Josie’s eyes. 

Josie sighed. Learning that Cruz had been violated and abused even more than she already knew made her so deeply angry. “Cruz, I’m sorry” Josie said stroking her face. “We don’t have to do it, it’s not important to me. You are important to me” 

“I want to try. It’s not that I think it will the same, not even a bit. I just, I don’t know if it will trigger me in a way I have no control over.” 

Josie understood that. Her nightmares were less now but still caught her by surprise and upset her every single time. It frustrated her that she had no control over them or how they made her feel. 

“If you want to think about it and let me know, then we can check in later. But we can also just not.”

“I will let you know” Cruz said, kissing Josie on the forehead. 

Josie pulled her into a hug and they lay like that quietly for a while. Eventually they got dressed, cleaned the strap and put it away. They didn’t trust Gabi not to nose around their room and find it, although Josie was sure she’d probably already been through all of her stuff anyway. 

Josie went through her drawers and wardrobe, pulling clothes and shoes out that she wanted to take home with her. Fuck she couldn’t wait until she could wear two shoes again. 

“Is there anything from around the house you wanna bring? To make our place feel more like home for you?” Cruz asked.

Josie smiled at the sentiment and Cruz calling it ‘our place.’ Then thought about what she was actually attached to here. It wasn’t much. 

“What about this?” Cruz said as she walked into the hall and came back with the framed photo of Josie and her unit. Josie smiled and nodded, taking the picture from Cruz. She looked at it for a while until Cruz asked “you guys were close?” 

“Like family” she nodded, wiping a tear away. 

“Tell me who everyone is?” Cruz asked, standing beside Josie. 

Josie talked her through the team, telling stories that were significant to each person she pointed out. “I’m sorry we took you away from them” Cruz sighed. 

“Who knows, maybe my new job will be even better” she replied, thinking about what her therapist had said. 

“I don’t know, the smells that come out of Two-Cups…” Cruz retorted. 

Josie started laughing and Cruz kissed her on the forehead before taking the frame and adding it to her own luggage. Josie grabbed a few small other bits: some jewellery, her camera, her laptop and some other pictures in frames. She was looking for a specific pair of shoes which she had a feeling she’d find if she went into Gabi’s room… She’d interrogate her later. 

Josie’s phone beeped with a text from Gabi. She was asking if they wanted to come out and meet her for lunch. Josie texted back that they were leaving now and they hopped in the car with Josie’s wheelchair. 

Josie told Cruz where to go, it wasn’t far. They parked up at the mall and got Josie into her wheelchair, then headed inside. It was the busiest place either of them had been in a very long time. Cruz lent down and said in Josie’s ear “let me know if this is too much and we can go outside” which got an “ok” from Josie. 

It was definitely overwhelming for them both, kids running around screaming, parents chasing after them, teenagers in huge groups talking and laughing. Josie pointed Cruz to the food court and they found Gabi sat at a table big enough for all of them. 

“Captain” Gabi said, kissing Josie on the cheek. Josie deadpanned a glare at Cruz which had Cruz trying to hide her amusement at it. 

“What’s your rank Cruz?” Gabi asked, turning to face Cruz opposite her. 

Cruz sighed and lowered her head, she thought she was gonna get away with it. It was Josie giggling this time. “Uhhh Sergeant First Class” Cruz grumbled. 

Gabi looked confused “so a Sergeant but like, a hot one?”

Cruz and Josie both laughed and Cruz replied “something like that.” 

“Lunch is on me today, what’re we having?” Gabi asked the table. Cruz was about to pipe up and say that’s she’d get it but Josie put a hand on her leg and squeezed. 

Gabi hopped up and headed off to order the food and Cruz turned to her side to look at Josie with a questioning look. “She’s the youngest, she doesn’t like to feel babied, if she wants to pay for something, let her pay.” Josie said. 

Cruz nodded slowly, she’d missed out on that part of having a younger sibling. Both being adults together. But she understood what Josie was saying, she’d feel the same if she were the youngest. “Ok” she said, putting her hand over Josie’s hand on her thigh. 

“Feeling ok?” Josie asked, noticing Cruz’s hyper-vigilance. 

“Haven’t been somewhere like this in so long, are there really this many people everywhere all the time?” Cruz asked. She thinks being in a gunfight is less hectic than this. 

“You like the quiet huh?” Josie smiled. 

“Mm” Cruz nodded “you do too”

“Mm” Josie nodded back. 

Gabi returned with a tray full of tacos “there’s an odd number but I figured since Cruz is First Class and all she gets the extra one” Gabi joked as she put the tray down. 

“I outrank her, I get the extra one” Josie winked at Cruz as she picked up a taco. 

“Ohhh you outrank Cruz? I bet that’s fun in the bedroom-“

“Gabi!” Josie shouted across the table. It was obvious to Cruz that Gabi and Josie both knew how to wind each other up and were experts at it. They shouted at each other in Spanish across the table as Cruz watched in amusement and ate her own tacos. 

When they were done, Gabi asked “you wanna look around the stores? When’s the last time you bought new clothes?” Josie sighed and looked at Cruz to see what she wanted to do. She knew Cruz was struggling more than she was. 

“Sure let’s look around” Cruz nodded encouragingly. 

They went into a few stores and Josie picked out a few new t-shirts and tank tops. She’s been used to wearing her uniform so often that she didn’t actually have many civilian clothes. 

Even Cruz grabbed some sneakers, figuring she probably didn’t need to wear combat boots all the time, she was barely working. She also grabbed a hoodie to wear in the apartment because Gabi kept the AC on crisp and Cruz wasn’t used to a temperature that wasn’t sweltering. 

If Gabi weren’t hovering, Josie might consider looking in the lingerie department and letting Cruz pick things out she wanted to see her in. She would definitely try her best to drag Cruz into an ‘adult store’ but she wasn’t going to give Gabi any ammunition. 

After paying for their new clothes, they left the mall, both overstimulated and in need of some quiet time. They all drove back together, Gabi in the from seat blasting the radio whilst Josie closed her eyes in the back seat. 

When they got home, Josie took her Tylenol, more for her pounding headache than the leg and then went to the bedroom to lay down. 

Cruz’s therapy session was soon so she put her new sneakers on and went out for a walk. She put her headphones in and joined the call. 

Sasha: Cruz, how are you doing?

Cruz: Pretty good, how are you?

Sasha: Good thank you. You’re outside today? 

Cruz: Yeah I’m in Texas, just heading into a park now then it’ll be quieter

Sasha: What’re you doing in Texas?

Cruz: Visiting Josie’s sister

Sasha: Who’s Josie?

Cruz realised then that she hadn’t had a therapy session in over 2 months. She had been due to have one the day after Joe picked her up for the mission which she had to cancel so this was the first time she was checking in since everything changed. 

Cruz: Right, I have a lot to fill you in on

Cruz sat on a park bench away from other people and explained everything that had happened. Joe showing up, who Josie was, how badly the mission had gone, how horrifically it had ended and how she had ended up in Texas.

Sasha: You’ve been busy

Cruz: It sounds like I have, but I also don’t think I’ve ever slowed down to the pace my life is at right now. It feels unfamiliar

Sasha: Is that bad?

Cruz: I don’t think so. I’m getting used to it. Having free time, resting, watching TV. Hey, have you heard of Grey’s Anatomy?

Sasha: I think everyone has heard of Grey’s Anatomy, Cruz

Cruz: Mm, just me then…

Sasha: Tell me about Josie

Cruz beamed a smile. She didn’t really have friends or family to gush about Josie to, she figured her therapist was her best option. 

Cruz: She’s so strong, she’s doing so much better than I would if I were in her situation. I don’t know where she finds the strength. And she’s kind. I’ve told her things I’ve never told anyone, well, only you, and she just takes it all in her stride and still wants me. And she is so fucking good at her job, learns everything we show her super quickly. And she’s beautiful, like, it’s unbelievable

Cruz realises she’s rambling now, but she just has to tell someone all the things she thinks about Josie. Josie deserves to be bragged about. 

Sasha: Do you love her? 

Cruz: Yes

Sasha: This is a big moment for you, and very different circumstances to the last time you were in love

Cruz: It doesn’t even really compare. After Aaliyah, I thought love would always come along with guilt or pain but this is the opposite

Sasha: You feel safe?

Cruz: I feel safe

Sasha: What’s that like?

Cruz: Different, something I’m still getting used to. I’ve never really felt safe, not even as a kid. When I joined the marines, I felt some version of safety, physically safe I guess. But this, this is like emotional safety. I know I can tell her anything and she’ll get it

Sasha: And you are that for her too, I’m sure?

Cruz: I tried to be that for her as soon as I joined the mission. I could see how much she was struggling, we tore her world apart and then asked her to keep tearing. Everyone was being a dick to her because tensions were high, I tried to not be a dick

Sasha: Seems like it worked

Cruz smiled. She filled Sasha in on what the near future held for them. Josie’s leg had about a month or so to go, then she’d be joining the team full time. Cruz was staying in the QRF in more of a leadership position than she was used to. 

Sasha: A lot of transition to come. How are you feeling about that?

Cruz: Bitter sweet. I miss working and being busy but I’ve also learned to enjoy the downtime and spending loads of time with Josie. It will be a big change for us both

Sasha: Can you make time for that still? Once everything changes? Maybe having a weekly movie night or a bi-weekly date night? Make sure you don’t get lost in it all?

Cruz: That’s a good idea, I should do some planning for how to make the transition smooth for us both 

Sasha: That sounds like a good idea but hey, don’t forget to keep enjoying what you have now

Sasha knew how detail oriented and meticulous Cruz was.

“Right” Cruz nodded. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself. Balance, that’s what she needed. 

The hour was up so they said their goodbyes and booked their next session for a month away. Cruz headed back to the apartment and when she got in and approached the bedroom door, she could hear Gabi and Josie in there together chatting and laughing. She smiled and went back to the living room to watch TV on the couch. 

Gabi and Josie ended up being in the bedroom for a few hours. They had a lot to catch up on, a lot to work through together after what happened with their father. 

Cruz grabbed herself a beer and got started on dinner. She threw her hoodie on, an unfamiliar feeling to her. She was never really cold enough to wear more than a T-shirt, long sleeved at best. 

Gabi came out first, and by that point, dinner was ready. “You can cook too?” Gabi gasped as she got some plates out and served up for everyone. “Ohhh Jose you better treat her right, if you know what I mean-“ 

“I swear to fucking god” Josie started as she crutched around the corner into the kitchen. Her eyes met Cruz’s who was smiling softly at her. Josie looked her up and down as she approached, smiling back. “This looks really good on you” Josie hummed as she lent against the counter, pulling Cruz in by her hoodie. 

Gabi went off and sat on the sofa, leaving them in the kitchen to flirt with an eye roll. She pulled Cruz down into a heated kiss which had Cruz pulling away with a laugh. “You guys talk?” Cruz asked quietly. 

Josie nodded, still stroking Cruz’s arms and shoulders, enjoying how comfy she looked. “We spoke about a lot of things we’ve never really shared before. It felt good to get it out, we were always told to keep quiet about the things we saw dad do.”

“That’s not fair to ask of a kid” Cruz commented. 

Josie shook her head, “no, especially not one as young as Gabi was” Josie sighed. “Hey, therapy ok?”

Cruz laughed “yeah, I haven’t spoken to her in 2 months and a lot has changed since then, we had a lot to talk about.” Cruz stroked Josie’s cheek, letting her know she was a part of that. Letting Josie know she was someone that her girlfriend wanted to tell other people about. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.” 

Josie crutched over to the couch and Cruz brought the plates “beer?” She asked Josie. 

“Sure” she replied. Cruz came back with 2 beers and Josie’s Tylenol and they watched TV together.   

“Movie night!” Gabi yelled suddenly as they were midway through their meals. Josie and Cruz both jumped at the noise and then gave each other a look, amused and slightly terrified by Gabi’s volume. 

“Ok we’re staring off with a classic, Shrek. You seen Shrek, Cruz?” She said, scrolling through the streaming platform. 

“When I was a kid, not since” Cruz replied. 

“If we’re doing this we’re doing it right. Cruz, go make a shit tonne of popcorn” Gabi commanded as she pulled out blankets and fluffed pillows. 

“Yes ma’am” Cruz said, heading to the kitchen. 

She came back a few minutes later with a bowl of popcorn, putting it in Josie’s lap who was sat in the middle of the sofa with Gabi and Cruz on either side of her. Gabi hit play and they watched together, laughing and singing along to the soundtrack. 

When lord farquaad came on screen and his height was revealed, Cruz joked “ha, same height as Gabi” which got a gasp and a handful of popcorn thrown at her. Cruz threw a handful back before Josie slapped both of their hands for them to stop. She grabbed Cruz’s hand and entwined their fingers together, resting her head on Cruz’s shoulder. Cruz threw her arm over Josie’s shoulders and pulled her close. 

“Film rating?” Gabi asked as it finished. 

“8” Josie replied. 

“9” from Cruz. 

“You’re both wrong, it’s 10” Gabi replied. “Ok, a sad one now. You seen Bridge to Terabithia?” Gabi asked. 

Cruz shook her head. “Gab that one might be a bit much” thinking about how Cruz lost her brother when he was young. 

“It’s ok, let’s watch it” Cruz said, squeezing Josie’s shoulder reassuringly. 

They watched the film quietly, popcorn pretty much finished. As the film got to the sad part, all three of them were crying until the film finished. “What the fuck?” Cruz said through streaming tears. She looked around to see the other two also wiping tears away, “what the fuck??!” Cruz asked again. 

Josie and Gabi both started laughing at Cruz’s reaction, and then all three of them were laughing hysterically whilst balling their eyes out. “Gabi is not picking the next film, that was cruel.” Cruz announced, snatching the remote off Gabi and giving it to Josie. 

Josie scrolled through the tv and chuckled devilishly as she selected Twilight, knowing Cruz wouldn’t have seen it. 

They all watched together, Gabi and Josie loving it whilst Cruz watched in pure confusion. By the end though, she admitted that she had actually kinda liked it and Josie saw a glint in her eye when she told Cruz there were 4 more of them. 

Cruz stood and pulled Josie up with her “we’re going to bed” Josie said to Gabi. “Tidy up the popcorn before you go” she warned. 

Cruz and Josie got ready for bed and lay facing each other like they always did. Josie pushed forward and kissed Cruz passionately. Watching Cruz make an effort with her sister and seeing them get along so well was warming her heart more than she could’ve imagined. She hadn’t seen much of this more playful side of Cruz, it was sweet watching her be silly with Gabi. 

Josie pushed on top of Cruz, getting a hum in response. Cruz’s hand dropped to Josie’s ass and squeezed, pulling her closer. As Cruz’s hands slid up the back of Josie’s shirt, their bedroom door swung open and Gabi strolled in.

Josie immediately pulled away but it’s not like Gabi gave a fuck. “You left your phone out there and I don’t want your alarm waking me up in the morning” she said casually, ignoring what she’d walked in on.

Gabi put the phone down on the nearest bedside table and then turned to leave “night!” She called with a wink. 

Josie sighed as she dropped her head to Cruz’s chest, not even bothering to shout at Gabi, it never stopped her. Cruz started laughing “wow she really gives zero fucks, huh?” 

Josie pulled back and lay propped up on her elbow looking at Cruz. She sighed “it wouldn’t be the first time she’s walked in on me with someone. She’s always been like that” she said with an eye roll. 

“Maybe we just lock the door next time” Cruz suggested, trying to ease Josie’s annoyance.

“It’s funny that you think that would stop her” Josie replied, running her hands over her face. 

“Wishful thinking?” Cruz said as she got up and locked the door anyway. 

She could see Josie was annoyed so she lay next to her, giving her space to come to her if she wanted. Eventually, Josie threw her arm over Cruz’s middle and Cruz leaned over to flick the light off. It had been a busy day and they had another one ahead of them so they both drifted off quickly. 

Notes:

Happy Saturday! A big day for Cruzie in this chapter, let me know what you thought!

Chapter 15: Date Night

Summary:

Cruz and Josie go out on a date in Texas.

Cruz opened her eyes and watched Josie next to her, still asleep. She thought about what they did together yesterday, what she had wanted Josie to do to her last night before Gabi walked in. 

She reached over and rested her hand on Josie’s stomach, lifting her T-shirt up slightly to caress the skin there. Josie stirred and then met Cruz’s eyes, noticing the darkness of them, then looked down at Cruz’s hand. “This ok?” Cruz asked quietly. 

Josie smiled and nodded, feeling heat start to pool in her core just from the look Cruz was giving her. She reached over and pushed her hand under Cruz’s shirt, letting her know it was mutual. Josie stroked Cruz’s abs, her collarbone, her chest until Cruz started fidgeting. 

“I was thinking about what we did yesterday” Cruz started. “I want to try.” 

“Are you sure?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded. 

“Are you nervous?” Josie asked. 

“A bit but I think it’ll be ok” Cruz replied honestly. 

Josie looked thoughtful for a second and then said “I have an idea.” She reached into her bedside drawer and got the strap out. She thread her cast through it carefully, then her other leg and then moved to sit leaning against the headboard. Cruz watched her, working out what her plan was. 

“This way, you’re in control and can stop whenever you want to, I won’t be on top of you. You shouldn’t feel trapped or claustrophobic.” Josie put her hand out to encourage Cruz over to her. 

Cruz moved towards Josie, straddling her around the knees. She looked down at the strap in between them. 

“Is this ok?” Josie asked. 

“Yeah I think it’s better to start like this” Cruz said. She wanted to do this with Josie, she really did. Not just because she knew Josie really liked it, but the thought of Josie fucking her like that really did turn her on. She was just worried her body would panic despite her mind being ok with it. But she wanted to try. 

Cruz leaned forward and kissed Josie gently. Josie kissed her back at the same pace. She was going to let Cruz take complete control, knowing how sensitive this was for her. Cruz lifted Josie’s hands and pushed them under her shirt and up to her breasts which Josie got to work on immediately. She huffed at the fabric between them and pulled Cruz’s t-shirt off before returning to brushing her thumbs over her nipples. 

It wasn’t long before Cruz had Josie’s t-shirt off and then she pushed Cruz back gently and pulled her underwear off as best she could, Cruz helping her the rest of the way. 

“If it hurts or it doesn’t feel right just tell me, we’ll stop” Josie said softly, noticing Cruz’s eyes on the strap again. 

Cruz looked up and nodded a soft “ok” before moving closer to Josie. 

“Do you want to start or me?” Josie asked. 

“You start” Cruz replied. 

Josie put her hand on Cruz’s hip and pulled her forward gently. She took the dildo in her other hand and ran it lightly through Cruz’s folds, getting her used to the feeling. “Ohhh” Cruz sighed, it was colder than she was expecting, and firmer. Josie moved it up and down whilst Cruz watched. She wanted to know what was happening. 

“You do it when you’re ready” Josie said, letting go and encouraging Cruz take it. Cruz locked eyes with Josie briefly then took it, guiding it to her own entrance. Cruz put it in place and lowered herself slightly, surprised by the size. 

For now, Josie kept her hands to herself. She didn’t want to add any pressure or distraction to what Cruz was experiencing. “You’re doing really good” Josie praised, looking up at her. 

Fuckkkk Cruz loved it when Josie spoke like that to her. She pushed down further and gasped at the stretch. She paused for a minute, breathing into it. Cruz reached forward and took both of Josie’s hands, resting them on her thighs which she ran her hands up and down softly. 

Cruz moved down again and found herself at the bottom of it. She sat with her eyes squeezed shut, her mouth open and head back, getting used to the full sensation. 

Cruz reached out and put her hand behind Josie’s neck, pulling her gently. Josie leaned forward, pressing kisses to Cruz’s neck, chest, nipples, anywhere she could reach. Eventually, Cruz looked down to watch her and at the sight of that, began to move her hips. 

“Fuck” Josie whispered at the feeling of Cruz grinding into her. She held onto Cruz’s hips, guiding her as she rocked with more confidence. 

“You’re quiet, you ok?” Josie said looking up at her. 

“I’m good- it’s good- fuck” she managed through gasps. She thread her hands through Josie’s hair, pulling her towards her chest again, wanting the contact back. Josie resumed her ministrations on Cruz’s chest whilst Cruz moved slowly in Josie’s lap. 

Cruz found that it wasn’t really anything like what she was worried about. It was intimate and sexy and she pictured doing this with Josie on top of her, thrusting into her, which only turned her on more. Plus she liked that they both had their hands free to explore at the same time. 

“Do you want some help?” Josie asked. 

It’s not that Cruz needed it, but she was worried about Gabi being nearby and would prefer to explore this properly together in their home with more privacy. Cruz nodded. 

Josie dropped her right hand between them and used her thumb to rub circles on her clit. 
The hand in Josie’s hair gripped tighter. She looked up to see Cruz’s looking at her, pulling her in for a kiss. 

As soon as their lips met, Cruz cried out, trying to dampen the sound by connecting Josie’s mouth to hers as she came. Josie guided her hips until they stopped moving and Cruz went limp above her. After a minute of slowing their breathing as they leaned on each other, Cruz climbed off, groaning as the toy pulled out of her. 

Cruz flopped onto the bed next to Josie’s almost unable to open her eyes. “I think I need to go back to sleep” Cruz laughed as she threw her arm over her squinted eyes “holy shit”. 

“Was it ok?” Josie asked. 

“Yeah babe, I can’t wait until you do that on top of me” being more submissive than usual because she knew Josie would like it. 

Josie leaned over and kissed her forehead as Cruz struggled to keep her eyes open. Josie laughed “go back to sleep, I’ll watch you, it’s romantic.” 

“And creepy” Cruz joked back, already drifting off. Josie pulled the covers over Cruz just in case Gabi felt like barging in again. She put her T-shirt back on, went off to the bathroom and then got herself back into bed to watch Cruz sleep because it was romantic. 

An hour or so later, pop music blasted from the kitchen and Cruz groaned as she woke up again. She opened one of her eyes to see Josie watching her. “Creep” she whispered with a smile forming on her face.

“Asshole” Josie replied. 

Cruz closed her eyes again but rolled over so her top half was on top of Josie. She nuzzled her face into her neck and said “earlier, that was.. I liked it a lot” as she rested her head on Josie’s chest. 

“Me too” she said as she scratched her nails up and down Cruz’s back. 

Cruz hummed “if you keep doing that, we’re gonna spend the whole day in bed.”

Josie smiled “whilst I’m not against that, there’s only so long you can hide from Gabi before she comes looking for you.”

Cruz laughed into Josie’s neck and finally got up. Josie watched her walk naked to the bathroom and Cruz watched Josie watch her. She came back in and helped Josie out of bed and then they braved heading out to see what devastation Gabi had caused. 

Josie crutched over to the speaker and turned it down before surveying the mess in the kitchen. “You making breakfast or moving out?” Josie asked, noticing the majority of the drawers and cupboard half open and most of the kitchen utensils on the counter. 

Cruz watched in amusement as she made coffee. 

“Shut up, breakfast is ready” Gabi said as the oven timer pinged. She opened the oven and pulled out a frittata. 

It always surprised Josie when Gabi did grown-up things like make a fucking frittata. She was guilty of still seeing her as the baby sometimes, even as an adult. 

They ate around the island, working out what to do with their last full day. “I wanna take Cruz out for dinner, you’re not invited” Josie said, jabbing her fork at Gabi. 

“Fine, I have a date anyway” she huffed, “hey where are you going? Wouldn’t it be funny if we ended up at the same place!” 

“No.” Josie deadpanned. 

“A date with who?” Cruz asked. 

“Uhh a guy from college, why?” Gabi asked. 

“Full name, you know his date of birth? Where’s he from?” Cruz asked, pulling out her phone. 

“Ryan Weston, uhh September 2004? Houston. Why??”

Cruz texted the details to Bobby with a “details on this guy please” message and waited for a reply. 

Josie watched in amusement as Gabi started to panic at Cruz’s lack of response. 

“Are you gonna hurt him? Are you gonna kill him?” She asked, joking but still slightly scared. 

“Depends what comes back” Cruz said causally with a shrug. 

Josie wrapped her arm around Cruz’s waist, she was both amused at Cruz’s ability to get under Gabi’s skin and extremely touched that she was doing a background check on Gabi’s date. 

Cruz’s phone beeped and she opened it and leaned into Josie so they could both look at the screen. 

Bobby: one count of underage drinking, which is less than you have, all clear otherwise

Bobby: why am I looking up a kid’s details? Are you two adopting already? Fuck you move fast, fucking gay people 

Josie and Cruz both burst out laughing. Gabi started to look worried at their reaction. Cruz eased her anxiety, “all clear, don’t have to kill him” she said with a thumbs up. 

They tidied up after breakfast together and decided to spend the day hanging out in the apartment until their plans later on. 

“Got any baby pictures of Jose?” Cruz asked Gabi when they all sat on the couch. 

“Yes!” Gabi shouted at the same time Josie shouted “No!” 

Gabi jumped up and ran to her room, leaving Cruz laughing whilst Josie grumbled with her head in her hands. 

Gabi came back with some photo albums, putting them on the table out of Josie’s reach and opening one in her lap to show Cruz, who was sat in the middle. 

Gabi talked Cruz through who everyone was in each picture, how old they were, where they were. Cruz was loving it. She’d never looked through pictures of someone’s family before, she’d never been important enough to anyone. 

When they’d seen them all, Gabi asked “you got pictures of you as a kid?” 

“Uhh no” Cruz replied. 

“Your mom, your brothers?” 

“No, I don’t have pictures of anyone” she replied sadly. 

Josie grabbed her hand and held it in her lap, she wished she could see all of those things. See Cruz when she was younger, what her mother and brothers looked like. It’d be nice to see them, even if she’d never know them.

“What about your mum’s ID picture, could Bobby find that?” Josie asked. 

“Uhh, maybe, I don’t know what kind of ID she had” Cruz replied, thinking. She texted Bobby her mother’s full name and asked if there was any pictures associated. 

Gabi noticed the shift in mood and came up with an idea “hey, why don’t we take some pictures now that you can have? I have a Polaroid!” She said as she darted off to her room again. 

“You ok?” Josie asked, brushing the hair out of Cruz’s face and behind her ear. 

“I’m ok” she nodded with a smile. “You were a cute baby” she grinned. 

“I bet you were too” Josie said, nudging Cruz with her elbow. 

Gabi came back and snapped a picture of them looking at each other before they’d seen her. She put the picture on the table to develop and then asked them to look at her as she snapped another one. 

“Jose, take one of me and Cruz” she said, pulling Cruz up next to her. 

Cruz per her arm around Gabi’s shoulder “you might want to tip-toe otherwise it’s just gonna be the top of your head in frame” Cruz teased as Gabi put her arm around Cruz’s middle. Everyone laughed and Josie snapped the pic. 

“Ok you and Jose” she said to Gabi. Gabi sat on Josie’s lap with her arm over her shoulder and smiled at the camera. Josie smiled up at Gabi and Cruz took the picture. They watched the pictures develop, laughing at the expressions they were pulling when Cruz’s phone beeped. 

Bobby: this one was hard but I managed to find an old driving licence from her early 20’s nothing much after that
Bobby: you look just like her

Cruz: thank you

Cruz sat staring at the picture on her phone for god knows how long. She examined every part of her mother’s face, it was like looking in a mirror. She could only remember her face the way she saw it as a kid. Now that she was an adult, she realised she’d grown into the spitting image of her mother. Tears welled up in her eyes as memories flooded her brain of that face cooking and singing and dancing.

“Cruz?” Josie asked after she finished laughing with Gabi to turn to find Cruz with tears streaming down her face. 

“Hm?” Cruz said, looking up for the first time. She already felt sad looking away from her mother’s face. She looked straight back, making sure she hadn’t missed any details. 

“Your mom?” Josie asked. She didn’t want to be pushy and ask to see. She could see Cruz was having a moment, a big moment, and she would only join it if Cruz wanted her too. 

Cruz reached out her arm and pulled Josie into her lap so her back was rested against Cruz’s chest. Cruz lowered her chin onto Josie’s shoulder as Josie looked down at the phone screen in front of her. For a second, she thought it was a picture of Cruz, just with longer, wavier hair. But there were tiny details that were slightly different to the face she knew. 

“Cruz…” Josie said as she lifted her phone closer so she could see better. “I knew she’d be beautiful” Josie continued, turning sideways slightly and throwing an arm over Cruz’s shoulder. “You look just like her.” Josie wiped a tear away from her own eye. She was moved by getting a glimpse into Cruz’s family and felt honoured that Cruz wanted to share something so deeply personal with her. 

“Can I see?” Gabi asked. They’d almost forgotten she was there, she’d never been that quiet before. 

Cruz handed her phone over to Gabi then wrapped her hands around Josie’s waist, squeezing tightly.  

“Holy shit” Gabi said, looking at the picture, then looking up at Cruz, then back at the picture again. “You look exactly the same. How old was she here?”

“Early 20s” Cruz replied. 

“No shit, same as you” she said looking back at the picture one last time before giving it back to Cruz.

Cruz saved the picture to her camera roll. She thought about her brothers then. She wouldn’t be able to find a picture of her younger brother in the system, he was too young to have an ID. She’d definitely be able to find Josecito’s mugshot but she really didn’t want to look at that and think about all the awful choices he made. 

“Ok enough of that, let’s do something fun” Cruz said as she tapped Josie’s thigh for her to move off of her lap and wiped the tears off her face. “You got video games?” She said as she stood and headed towards the TV.

“I have Mario Cart on Switch, let’s fucking go” Gabi said opening the TV cabinet and pulling out all of the controllers. Cruz and Gabi set up the game for 3 players and they spent the next couple of hours shouting and laughing with none of them doing very well. 

They played some board games that Gabi had and Cruz found it amusing how competitive Josie and Gabi were with each other, especially when Cruz kept winning.

“Ok GG’s guys, I’m gonna get ready for my date” Gabi said as she left the room. 

“I don’t know what she’s saying half the time” Josie commented as she lay back on the sofa. 

“It’s cuz you’re old” Cruz grinned with a wink. 

“It’s almost like you don’t want me to take you out tonight” Josie said, folding her arms across her chest with a challenging expression.

Cruz climbed on top of her, pulling her arms apart and then throwing them behind her back so Josie was forced to hug her. Cruz nuzzled into Josie’s neck and when her mouth was an inch from her ear, she hummed “please, I’ll be good” knowing the effect it would have on Josie. 

She felt Josie stiffen and knew she’d achieved her goal. She looked up at Josie smugly and found Josie looking down at her, eyes dark and looking significantly less annoyed. “Fine, let’s get ready” she said, tapping Cruz to get up. 

They went to the bedroom, taking turns to shower and then getting dressed. Cruz hadn’t brought anything particularly nice with her so Josie dug her out a white shirt and she had some black pants already. She left the top few buttons open and borrowed some black shoes from Josie. 

When Josie came out of the bathroom, she was wearing a black waistcoat with nothing underneath. Baggy black trousers with a belt and chunky black shoes, well, shoe. Her hair was down and she had some light makeup on. 

Cruz’s mouth went dry as she watched Josie crutch towards her. Her fucking arms looked insane in the waistcoat and she could see the muscles over her hips peaking out below it. “Jose, you look so fucking good” she said, wrapping her arms around Josie’s waist. 

“I was just thinking the same thing” Josie replied, hands already running up Cruz’s chest and pushing under her shirt where her buttons were undone. 

“If we don’t leave now…” Cruz mumbled, already in a horny daze.

“Yeah I know..” Josie said using all of her willpower to remove her hands from Cruz’s collar. 

They headed to the front door and bumped into Gabi who was also about to leave. “Now Cruz, I want her home by 11:30 and no funny business in communal areas” she said, wagging her finger at her. 

“Uhh no we want you home by 11:30, and definitely no funny business. At all.” Josie shot back. 

They rolled their eyes at each other and just before Gabi turned to leave, Cruz said “hey, put your number in my phone just in case”

“In case of what?” She said taking Cruz’s phone and typing her number. 

“In case we decide we have to kill him, then we can find you both” Cruz replied deadpan.

Gabi sighed as she handed the phone back “I’m leaving now, have a nice time or whatever” she said, speeding off before they could stop her. 

“We walking or driving?” Cruz asked, turning to Josie. 

“It’s not far, let’s walk” Josie replied. 

Cruz grabbed Josie’s wheelchair from the car and then they were on their way. It was still light out, sun not quite setting yet. Josie pointed Cruz in the direction of the restaurant and when they arrived, it was fancier than Cruz expected. 

Josie looked up and saw Cruz’s face “this ok?” She asked. 

“Yeah” Cruz replied, pushing Josie in. When the staff by the door asked if they had a booking, Josie gave her surname and they were taken to a table. “You booked?” 

“Yeah, I did it this morning online whilst I was watching you sleep, romantically” Josie grinned. 

Cruz rolled her eyes. That was pretty romantic though. 

Josie wanted to sit on the actual chair and not her wheelchair so Cruz held the wheelchair still whilst Josie shuffled over. A server offered to move that wheelchair to the back and when he came back, they ordered a bottle of wine to share. 

“Have you enjoyed being back?” Cruz asked. 

“I have, not so much in Killeen specifically, I don’t have much attachment to this place, but I’ve loved spending time with Gab and watching you get to know her” Josie smiled. “Have you enjoyed it?” 

“It’s been really fun. I like Gabi, I like how protective you are over each other, it’s nice” Cruz smiled. 

The server returned and filled their glasses with wine. They clinked them together and took a sip. 

“When’s the last time you had wine?” Josie asked, laughing at Cruz’s reaction to the taste. 

“Umm on my mission probably, we did a lot of drinking…” 

“I think we should’ve done more drinking on mine…” Josie replied which had Cruz grinning.

“I think you’re right” Cruz replied, taking another sip. 

They looked through the menus and Cruz wasn’t really sure what she was looking at. It was much fancier than anywhere she’d ever been. “Will you pick for me?” Cruz asked. 

“Way ahead of you” Josie winked as the server came over and she listed off everything she wanted. Cruz breathed a sigh of relief. Josie was so in tune with when Cruz was uncomfortable, she was even good at predicting what would make her uncomfortable before it happened. God she loved this woman. 

“You looking forward to starting your training properly when you get back?” Cruz asked. 

“I am, I’m ready to be busy again. I love our life, I love spending time with you, but I want to balance that with learning and feeling productive” Josie admitted. 

“Yeah, me too” Cruz agreed. “I imagine I’ll be called to Langley when I’m back to discuss the best way to do the job they want me to do.”

Josie nodded. “Make sure you tell them exactly what you want, this is your operation now. Joe is stepping back, right?” 

Cruz nodded. “Yep, she’ll be around but I’m running it.”

The server came over with their appetisers and Josie talked Cruz through what everything was. They shared everything and Cruz learned that she actually liked olives just not shitty ones on shitty pizzas. 

They chatted about various things, seeming to never run out of stuff to talk about which Cruz noticed. She’d never been a chatty person but it felt so natural with Josie. 

For mains, Josie ordered Cruz steak & fries and got herself a risotto. “We can share if you want?” Josie asked. Cruz nodded as she cut her steak in half and put half the fries and salad to one side. Halfway through their meals, they swapped plates and finished each other’s food. 

When the server cleared the plates and asked if they wanted dessert, Josie said “no” which Cruz almost gasped at. 

“We’re going somewhere else for dessert” she winked. 

The server brought them the bill and Josie put her card down immediately. “Before you say anything, I know how you feel and I get it when it’s other things but I also just want to take my girlfriend out for a fancy dinner and pay for it” she said. 

Cruz nodded once, “ok” she replied. She got it, of course she did. She wanted to take Josie out and treat her too. “Thank you” she said. Josie beamed a smile back. 

After they paid, they got Josie back into her wheelchair and she pointed Cruz in which direction to push. The sun was almost finished setting now, the cloudless sky looked incredible with its pink and orange tint. 

Josie pointed out an ice cream store which was brightly lit with a small queue out the door. They waited in line until it was their turn and Josie asked “you want me to pick for you?” 

Cruz nodded. There were a million flavours and toppings to choose from and Cruz knew she would get too overwhelmed and just order vanilla ice cream with no toppings if asked. 

Josie made two different orders then turned to Cruz whilst they waited for them to be made. “Gabi and I have been coming here for years. We’ve worked out the best flavour/topping combos. You’re in good hands.” 

“Oh I have no doubt” Cruz replied as the server handed over two cups of excessively decorated ice creams. 

They sat at a table in the back and agreed to go halves again. “Good, right?” Josie asked. 

“Good. So cold.” Cruz said, pushing through the brain freeze. 

Josie laughed at her “you don’t do well with the cold, huh?” Cruz shook her head rapidly. 

“Let’s get you home” Josie said. 

As Cruz wheeled Josie out past the queue, a familiar voice filled their ears. Gabi was in the queue with her date, waiting to get ice cream. 

Josie grinned as she called “baby sister! You still on your date?” Intentionally trying to embarrass Gabi. 

Gabi shot devils at Josie as she said “yes Jose, and I’ll see you at home”

“Hey, 11:30 okay? Otherwise you know what I’ll have to do…” Cruz added as she started turning back towards the street. They both laughed at the glare Gabi gave them as they moved away. 

“Incredible, we couldn’t have timed that better” Josie clapped. 

“You think we scared him off?” Cruz asked, grinning. 

“Let’s just say I think she’s gonna be home before 11:30” she laughed. 

They got back and slumped onto the couch, enjoying each other’s company in the quiet. 

Not long after, Gabi stormed in, “here we go” Josie said, sitting up. 

“You two, I swear to God!” She said, kicking off her shoes and slamming her bag on the kitchen counter. 

“I was looking for those shoes” Josie said, pointing to them thrown halfway across the living room floor. 

Cruz tried to hide her laugh as Gabi continued, “Assholes, both of you!” 

“Did your date go well?” Cruz asked innocently. 

Gabi scowled. “It was going well until I had to explain why ‘the scary one’ needed me home by 11:30” 

Cruz turned to Josie with a look of confusion, she pointed at herself and mouthed ‘the scary one?’ Josie laughed and nodded in confirmation. Cruz closed her eyes and nodded understandingly, turning back to Gabi. 

“I think he’ll want a second date, if he doesn’t, you tell him the scary one knows his social security number” Cruz winked. 

Gabi glared and then sighed “I’m going to bed” 

“Goodnight!” Cruz called as she left. 

“Love you!” Josie added.  

When Gabi had slammed her door, Josie pulled Cruz into her and said “I love you as well” kissing her on the cheek. 

“I love you too” Cruz said, pecking her on the lips. 

“I need to lay down, let’s go to bed” Josie said, getting Cruz to pull her up and hand her the crutches. 

When they got to their room and locked the door behind them (lesson learned), Josie threw her arms over Cruz’s shoulders and said “I am way too full to have sex right now but I do want to undress you because you look really fucking good. That ok?” 

Cruz smiled and nodded “yes baby.”

Josie started with the buttons on Cruz’s shirt, working her way down until it was open. She ran her hands up Cruz’s stomach, over her breasts and then pushed her hands under the shoulders of the shirt, shrugging it off her. 

She undid the button and zip on her pants and pulled them down, leaving them around her ankles. She ran her hands over Cruz’s body, spending extra time on her ass. “You’re gonna have to do shoes” Josie said as she pushed Cruz onto the bed to sit down. 

Cruz took her shoes off and pulled her trousers off too. She reached over to Josie who hopped closer, leaning on Cruz’s shoulders for support. Cruz unbuttoned Josie’s waistcoat and pushed it off, leaving Josie’s chest completely bare. She looked up in awe at the woman in front of her and placed a kiss on her sculptured stomach. 

She moved on to the belt, then unbuttoned her pants and pulled them down. She stood up and gently pushed Josie into the spot she’d been sitting in to remove her shoe and pants. They grabbed their night clothes from the bed and pulled them on before heading to the bathroom together to finish getting ready. 

“I’m gonna pee” Josie said as she pulled her underwear down “you don’t have to go” she said as she sat on the toilet. 

Cruz realised that it was things like that that sometimes felt more intimate than sex. Anticipating someone’s anxiety and helping them through it, having a good relationship with their sibling, helping each other get undressed, peeing in front of each other. 

Neither Cruz nor Josie had ever had those things before. They were both people that didn’t think they would. People that thought no one would ever truly get them, or even want to know them in those ways. But they wanted to know each other in every way. 

“Jet isn’t til midday tomorrow so we can pack in the morning” Cruz said as she looked through her phone for the details. 

“Music to my ears” Josie said, collapsing into bed. 

“Oh I’m sure there will be music in the morning…” Cruz reminded her. 

Josie groaned as Cruz pulled her into her chest and hugged her tight. She flicked off the light and they fell asleep in that position. 

Notes:

Let me know what you think!

Writing has been slow lately, i’ve only written one chapter so far after this. Let me know anything you’d like to see them do!

I’m probably gonna start speed running Josie’s leg recovery so she can get more involved with work and the team lol.

Chapter 16: Mile High

Summary:

Cruz and Josie return from their trip. Josie starts her training whilst Cruz gets called to Langley.

Notes:

A bit of a slower chapter as they decompress from their trip. This chapter and the next are more plot-heavy so I can set them up to do more exciting things!

Pop music hammered through the walls at 0930 and they both groaned in unison. They were both naturally early birds but with their change in routine and getting their body used to what rest actually felt like, they often found themselves asleep past 9. 

The music was particularly loud this morning, likely payback for their teasing last night. Cruz got up first and got herself ready. After some convincing, Josie got out of bed and started getting ready whilst Cruz packed up their stuff.

Josie got the box of toys out her bedside table and added it to their luggage with a wink at Cruz. Cruz almost blushed at the forwardness of it. 

Cruz went out into the hall and called “Mornin’” to Gabi as she picked up Josie’s shoes from the living room floor that she wanted to take with her. Cruz got a scowl from Gabi and eventually a “Mornin’” back, even more exaggerated than before. Cruz rolled her eyes and went back to pack Josie’s shoes. 

She carried their bags out to the front door as Josie crutched to the kitchen. She kissed Gabi on the cheek and waited for Gabi to kiss her back which she did after some hesitation. 

“I made you breakfast burritos to have before you go” Gabi said, putting their plates of food on the counter in front of them. 

“Thanks Gabi” Cruz said as she took a bite. “Coffee?”

Everyone said yes so Cruz made 3 coffees, pouring all sorts of shit into Gabi’s that she listed off. “Perfect” Gabi said as she took a sip. 

“How on earth can you drink that? And on an empty stomach?” Cruz asked in horror.

“Here, try it” she said, shoving it into Cruz’s hand. 

Cruz looked more scared than Josie had ever seen her and that was saying something. She took a sip and pulled a disgusted expression, handing it over to Josie to try. “If I drank all of that I think I would actually have a heart attack and die” Cruz said, the sugar almost crunchy in her mouth. 

Josie took a sip and gagged at the sweetness, then handed it back to Gabi. “That tastes like panic attack fuel” she said, washing the taste in her mouth out with her own coffee. 

“Exactly” Gabi smiled, taking a big sip. “You guys ready to go?”

“Yep, we’ll leave when we’re done. You gonna miss us?” Josie teased.

“I’ll miss Cruz” Gabi teased back, earning a screwed up napkin in the face from Josie. 

“When’s your cast coming off? Must be annoying as fuck” Gabi asked. 

“It is annoying as fuck. I have an appointment this week to see where it’s at” Josie replied. 

Cruz washed up whilst Josie chatted to Gabi and took her pain meds. When they’d finished their coffees, they gathered by the door to say their goodbyes. 

“You’re back to school today?” Josie asked. 

“Yep, got class at 1:30pm” Gabi said. 

“Ok learn lots, God knows you need to” Josie said, pulling Gabi into a hug which Gabi pretended to resist, then hugged her back. 

When she let go, Gabi pulled Cruz into a hug too. This time, Cruz was expecting it and hugged her back, feeling weirdly emotional about saying goodbye to a person she’d only met a few days ago. “Text me if you need anything” Cruz said to Gabi just before they pulled away. 

“Like if I need someone killed?” Gabi joked. 

“Yes.” Cruz deadpanned. Gabi’s face dropped, she could never tell if Cruz was being serious about that. 

Cruz winked at her and then carried their luggage and the wheelchair out to the car as Josie crutched her way out. They both turned to wave at Gabi one last time before they drove off. 

They drove to the airport mostly in silence, the radio played quietly and they both processed the last few days they’d experienced. 

Cruz piggybacked Josie onto the jet and then brought their luggage up. She showed their IDs to the pilot and shortly after, they were up in the air. 

Josie watched takeoff out the window and Cruz watched Josie. After takeoff, Cruz flicked through her phone, catching up on any messages or QRF updates she’d missed. 

That was until she felt a foot slide up and down her shin. She looked down to see Josie’s right foot rub her leg gently. Her eyes traced up Josie’s leg, then torso, before they landed on her face. She met Josie’s eyes and her gaze was mischievous and questioning. 

Cruz maintained eye contact, calculating if she’d read Josie correctly and when she felt she had, she asked “you need to use the bathroom?” Much louder than necessary. 

“Yep” Josie replied, matching Cruz’s volume. 

“You need help?” She asked, trying to hide her smile. 

“Yes please” Josie grinned. 

She figured it was best to let the pilots think they were in the bathroom together because of Josie’s injury, not because they were crossing something off of Josie’s bucket list. 

Josie stood up and crutched to the back of the plane where the toilet was, Cruz following behind ready to catch her if she fell. 

Josie went in first, lent her crutches on the sink and then Cruz joined her in the cubicle, closing the door behind them. 

They grinned as they stood looking at each other in anticipation. This felt silly, not serious, they wanted it to be fun. 

“We need to be quiet and we need to be quick” she said as she stepped towards Josie.

Josie wrapped her arms around Cruz’s neck and smiled “I can do one of those for sure” she winked. “Kiss me.”

Cruz leaned down and kissed her, pushing her tongue in without hesitation, they were in a rush after all. Her hands moved over Josie’s body quickly and then dropped into the waistband of her sweatpants. “Not wasting any time huh?” Josie laughed. 

“Jose if we get caught I will curl up in a ball and die” Cruz replied, holding in her own laugh. 

She pushed her hand into Josie’s underwear and kissed her immediately, knowing Josie was not going to be quiet. She moved her fingers, enjoying how quickly she had made Josie wet for her. She had to hold in her own moan at that. 

As she attempted to open Josie’s legs further, they stumbled backwards and knocked Josie’s crutches over. They both froze as the crutches clattered to the floor, listening for any noise outside. There was no sign of movement so Cruz carried on as they both giggled.

Cruz pushed inside and Josie sighed. She was enjoying how stupid this was and was also happy that Cruz was willing to do it for her even though she was embarrassed. She kissed Cruz as Cruz moved her fingers quicker, using her thumb to circle her clit as best she could. 

Josie’s arms tightened around Cruz’s neck and Cruz turned her head and asked “yeah?” with a grin. 

Josie grinned back and nodded with her eyes closed and then she was coming. She sank her teeth into Cruz’s shoulder to muffle her moan which made Cruz laugh more. They kissed quickly before Cruz pulled out and washed her hands whilst Josie composed herself. 

They looked at each other in the mirror, both still smiling, and Josie said “I’ve always wanted to do that” with a laugh. 

“I’ve actually always wanted to have sex this close to a toilet” Cruz teased. 

“Fucking asshole” she said, smacking Cruz on the ass before grabbing her crutches. Cruz unlocked the door and stepped out first, looking both ways for any crew members. There was no one around. 

“Ok be careful now” she said loudly again, just in case anyone was wondering where they’d been. 

“Thanks for your help” Josie said excessively loudly with a wink. 

Cruz shook her head and followed Josie back to their seats. They both sat down and giggled as they tried to make themselves look busy. 

“You’ve got some drool on your shoulder” Josie noted as she picked up a magazine and flicked through it nonchalantly. 

Cruz looked down at the wet mark on her shoulder where Josie had bitten her then back at Josie who was hiding her smile, pretending to be invested in the article she was looking at. 

Cruz pulled the shoulder of her t-shirt to the side to find a mark from Josie’s bite. She ran her finger over it then looked up to find Josie watching. Josie smiled smugly then went back to the magazine. 

They spent the rest of their flight chatting about the updates on the QRF Cruz had received. Josie also had a text from Bobby.

Bobby: let me know when you’re home, got a bunch of shit to drop off

She figured it was equipment and resources for her training which she was excited to get started on. She texted Bobby back that they’d be home in the next couple of hours. 

When they landed, their car was waiting for them on the tarmac and after an hour drive, they were finally home. Cruz brought all the bags in and took them to the bedroom. Josie slumped down on the sofa to rest her leg. 

“Bobby wants to come and drop off all my training stuff, is now ok? I wanna get started” Josie asked. 

“Yeah course, I don’t have any plans. I’ll get some food ready” Cruz replied, heading to the kitchen. 

Cruz made fried rice and had just served up 3 bowls when Bobby knocked on the door. Josie tried to get up and answer it but Cruz ran in and beat her to it, shooting a warning glare at Josie to sit down. Josie rolled her eyes but complied. 

“Hey Bob” Cruz said as Bobby stepped in with a bag full of gear. 

“How was Texas? You bring that new son of yours home?” Bobby joked as she sat on the couch next to Josie. 

“Fuck off. Texas was good” Cruz replied putting a bowl of food down each in front of Josie and Bobby. 

“You’ve made the perfect housewife out of Manuelos, Thunder” Bobby winked to Josie. 

Cruz immediately tried to snatch Bobby’s bowl off her but Bobby was quicker. Josie laughed at their banter as Cruz rolled her eyes and went back to the kitchen to grab her own bowl and some beers. 

“You two slept together yet?” Bobby whispered. 

Josie grinned and nodded. 

“Good?” Bobby asked.

Josie had a mouthful of food but gestured a ‘chef’s kiss’ in reply to Bobby’s question. 

“I want details later” she whispered before Cruz walked in with her bowl and 3 beers. 

“Not for me, I want a clear head” Josie replied. 

Cruz put two beers down in front of Bobby instead, knowing she’d definitely drink them both and go looking for more when she was done. 

“What’ve you got for me?” Josie said, looking at the bag at Bobby’s feet. 

Bobby opened up the first bag and then a plastic case. “Ok, this is your new service weapon. It’s assigned to you, have it on you at all times when outside of this house once you’re off the crutches. Know where it is when it’s not on you.”

Josie took it and nodded, placing it on the coffee table for now. 

“Laptop, but only for training and viewing classified information. Don’t use it for anything else. On here you’ll find training videos, drone simulations, documents you need to read every word of.”

Bobby showed Josie how to log in and scrolled through everything she’d mentioned. Josie nodded along, already wanting to get stuck in. 

“Ok there’s also a bunch of binders in here with even more reading if you get bored. Rules, regulations, laws and their loopholes. You name it.” Bobby slammed the huge binders down on the coffee table. 

“Oh and one last thing: if you can fly after your leg is healed, you get to pick the bird” Bobby grinned. 

“There’s no ‘if’, I will fly again.” Josie said, already running through the different helo options in her head that would suit the team. If that wasn’t motivation to get back in the air, she didn’t know what was. 

“Does Cruz need to learn all of this too?” Josie asked. 

“Not really, Cruz will be working on different things. You’ll be on the QRF with the rest of us. We’ll call Cruz in when we need her, though.” Bobby turned to Cruz “so you can read it all if you want, Manuelos” waving a binder at Cruz. Cruz wasn’t against it, she liked to learn too, she liked to be good at what she did. She nodded as she ate. 

They ate their lunch and then Cruz went to lift weights in the spare room whilst Bobby talked Josie through where she needed to start with it all. 

“Ok now she’s gone, you gotta give me the details” Bobby said, swigging her second beer. 

Josie smiled and looked in the direction Cruz had gone to make sure she was out of ear-shot. She needed to do some gay gossiping, it had been a while. “I’m not saying much, she likes privacy. But she’s just, so fucking good. And often too” Josie grinned. 

“Figures, she is the perfect woman after all” Bobby sighed. “Wait, who’s the top?” Bobby asked, thinking about it logically for the first time. 

“I think she’s used to playing that role but with me, she lets me take the lead.” 

“Leg get in the way?” Bobby asked. 

“Yeah, it’s fucking annoying. When this cast is off, she’ll have her work cut out for her” Josie said with a devilish grin. 

“Oh she’s got stamina, that one. Wait until you see the shit she does in the field or in a fighting ring. She’ll keep up.” Bobby winked. 

“I can’t wait until my leg is back to normal and I can learn all that too” Josie sighed. 

“You’ll get there, just be sensible” Bobby said, smacking Josie on the knee. “I’m gonna head off, I’ve got a hot date. Text me if you need help with anything” Bobby said, standing up. 

“I want details afterwards” Josie replied, pointing at Bobby threateningly. 

“I guess it’s only fair” Bobby said, rolling her eyes. “Tell the Mrs I said bye” motioning towards the spare room. 

Josie flipped her off as Bobby left, laughing to herself. 

Josie familiarised herself with her new gun, then worked through some tasks Bobby told her to start with. 

Eventually, Cruz came out of the spare room and noticed Bobby had left. “Getting on ok?” Cruz asked, heading to the kitchen for water. 

“Yeah, just a lot to read” Josie said, not even looking up from the binder. She’d been craving this for a while now. She loved to learn, she loved pushing herself and seeing what she was capable of. It’s how she got to where she was so young and could definitely have gotten higher if she hadn’t refused to sit behind a desk all day. 

Cruz came back in and noticed everything Josie was working on spread out all over the coffee table. Josie reached over, trying to grab the laptop and couldn’t quite reach it. “Hey, let me clear my desk for you, you can work from there.” 

“Ok, thanks” Josie said, taking the laptop Cruz was handing her. 

Cruz went into the room opposite the sofa where her desk was. It’s where she sat to clean or mod her guns but she didn’t use it for much else. She packed up everything that was on it and moved it to the spare room and then helped Josie transfer all the stuff Bobby had given her over to the desk. She helped Josie into the swivel chair and then left her to it, smiling at how invested she was. 

“Hey” Josie called as Cruz walked off to have a shower. “You look really good” Josie said, looking Cruz up and down after her workout. Cruz grinned and turned, heading off for a shower. 

When she got out the shower, her phone buzzed and she checked it as she got dressed. It was Joe calling her to Langley now that she was home. She knew she’d be called in soon to get started on the new Lioness training program. 

She texted Joe back and got a call within 10 seconds. 

Joe: I’m picking you up at 2000 tomorrow, meeting will be early the next day 

Cruz: how long will we be there?

Joe: unclear. As long as it takes to come up with a suitable plan and get the equipment and location we need to do it, all within budget 

Cruz: sounds thrilling

Joe: welcome to the other side 
Joe: you’re gonna need more than one suit 

Cruz: it just keeps gettin’ better 

Joe: get that sorted before I pick you up tomorrow 

Cruz: Jose has- Captain Carrillo has a hospital appointment in 3 days. I want to be there for it 

Joe: Then I suggest you start coming up with some ideas for what you want for this program so this meeting doesn’t take fucking forever. Then we can both get the fuck home 

Cruz: Roger that

They both hung up and Cruz stayed in the bedroom to unpack their bags from Killeen and then start packing her bag for Langley. 

She put Josie’s shoes and clothes away in her half of the drawers and wardrobe, then found the box of toys Josie had packed. She put the box in the bedside table on Josie’s side. She left the framed pictures on the dresser, she’d let Josie decide where she wanted them. Finally she took the Polaroids of her, Josie and Gabi into the kitchen and put them on the fridge. 

She then headed out into the living room to tell Josie what was happening. As she walked in, Josie looked up and watched her approach, smiling sweetly. “Bored already?” Cruz asked. 

“The opposite, this is so exciting” Josie laughed. 

“Nerd” Cruz said, kissing Josie on the forehead. “I have to go to Langley tomorrow, not sure how long I’ll be there, at least one night”

Josie’s smile dropped a little but she was understanding. “What time tomorrow?” 

“8pm so we have the whole day. Actually, Joe said I need to get more suits so I gotta go buy some before I leave.” Cruz thought out loud. 

“Umm watching you try on suits that I pick out for you and rating how sexy you look? Yep I’m coming.” Josie grinned devilishly. 

Cruz laughed. “You sure? Clothes shopping is boring, you can stay home.”

“Fuck no, I’m not missing out on seeing you in a bunch of suits” Josie replied. 

Cruz rolled her eyes but she did actually love how much Josie liked when she wore them. It made her like wearing them slightly more. “Alright pervert, we’ll go tomorrow morning.” Cruz grinned. “You wanna take a break and play some Xbox?” 

“Sure” Josie said, closing the laptop. 

Cruz spent 10 minutes getting the TV to work with the Xbox and then they were logging on. “You gotta fix the TV, that’s not ok” Josie said, watching Cruz alternate between the various remotes in amusement. 

“Jose I don’t know how” Cruz admitted. 

Josie laughed and shook her head “I’ll do it when you’re away.”

They took turns playing a few games, laughing at each other and how invested both of them were in winning. They were both competitive which was a given considering how successful they were in their careers. They were good at what they did, better than most.

After a few rounds of COD, Josie went back to the desk to carry on studying whilst Cruz cooked dinner. 

They ate, Josie took her meds and then they got into bed. Josie was exhausted from the travel and all the studying and Cruz was enjoying being back in her own bed, back in the safety of home. It took a little while for them to fall asleep, both thinking about what it was going to feel like being away from each other after spending a lot of time together. Eventually they both found sleep in each other’s arms. 

Cruz was up first and got herself ready, looking up where she could get some smart clothes for her trip later. When she had a plan, she got Josie up who had a shower, took her Tylenol and then they were in the car on their way to the nearest mall. 

When they arrived, Josie pointed Cruz in the direction of the first food place she saw and they grabbed some breakfast and a coffee each. 

They walked through the mall, both overwhelmed by the busyness and turned into the store that Cruz had found online. 

It was a bit fancy, but not like the one Joe had dragged Cruz into previously. They went to the women’s section and looked at the different styles and colours. Josie watched Cruz look around, she could see she wasn’t enjoying this. She wanted to help. She pointed out some different options to try to avoid making Cruz have to pick. 

“Come on, let’s go to the changing rooms” Josie said, handing Cruz all the clothes so she could push herself. 

They went into the furthest changing room so Cruz could show Josie each outfit without feeling self-conscious around others. 

Cruz went in and closed the curtain, putting on a simple black suit with a white shirt underneath. It was fitted but not particularly feminine, it didn’t feel as bad as Cruz thought it would as she looked at herself in the mirror. 

“You coming out?” Josie asked, noticing it had gone quiet behind the curtain. Cruz pulled the curtain back, letting Josie look her up and down, waiting for the verdict. 

“Very hot” Josie confirmed. 

“Are you just gonna say that for all of them?” Cruz asked. 

“For sure, yeah” Josie nodded, checking Cruz out. “Is it comfortable?” 

“It’s a suit so no, but it’s not too bad” Cruz replied, doing the buttons of the blazer up to make sure it fitted everywhere. 

“Ok, let’s see the next one” Josie said reassuringly. She knew Cruz wasn’t having a good time, she was going to do her best to help her through it. 

Cruz went back in and changed into a grey waistcoat and trouser set and then opened the curtain for Josie to see without hesitating this time. At least one of them was enjoying this. 

“Oh damn..” Josie said, looking Cruz up and down. “Turn around” she said with a grin. 

Cruz rolled her eyes and turned around, knowing exactly what Josie wanted to see. She turned back quickly and got a huff in response.

“You like this one?” Josie asked. Josie definitely liked it. 

“Yeah I prefer not wearing a blazer, it’s more comfortable.” Cruz replied, feeling way less restricted. 

“Ok good. What’s next?” Josie asked. 

Cruz closed the curtain and put on a similar outfit in dark blue and then stepped out. 

Josie gulped as Cruz showed her the outfit. “In hindsight maybe I shouldn’t have come, now I’m just turned on at the mall…” Josie said with a blush which even made Cruz smile through the discomfort. 

“Show me the last one and then we can get out of here” Josie nodded. 

Cruz got changed into a more fitted suit and as soon as it was on, she wanted to take it off. “I hate this one” she said as she opened the curtain. 

“Looks good, doesn’t look comfortable. Take it off” Josie said. She didn’t want Cruz to be uncomfortable any longer than she needed to. 

Cruz went back in and put her own clothes back on. She felt her whole body relax at the feeling of familiar, comfortable clothing. She figured she’d get used to the suits but right now, it felt like wearing someone else’s skin. 

“I think the first three are good and the last one is a no. Is three enough to get you by on this trip?” Josie asked as they headed out of the changing rooms. 

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s going to be more than 3 days” Cruz confirmed. She was just glad they were done. They walked through the store, heading towards the checkout when Josie spotted something. 

“Come with me” Josie said as she pushed herself off towards the back of the store, following the signs hanging from the ceiling. 

They arrived in the lingerie department. 

“I don’t need underwear Jose” Cruz said, confused. 

“That’s not why we’re here…” Josie replied pushing herself over to the lacy lingerie hanging up on display. 

“Oh” Cruz whispered as her mouth went dry. “For you?” She asked, hoping Josie didn’t want her to wear that. 

“Mmhh” Josie replied, nodding at Cruz. “You want me to wear these for you?” Josie hummed quietly to Cruz. 

Cruz gulped, eyes fixed on the clothes in front of her, imagining Josie in them. Cruz nodded her head rapidly. 

“You pick” Josie said, letting Cruz take control. She knew Cruz was struggling to be here, shopping is the last thing she would ever do if she had the choice. So Josie gave her one. 

“Um this one or this one?” Cruz said pointing between a red body suit and a black lacy bra & panties set. 

“Let’s get them both” Josie said, pulling out her sizes from the rack. 

Cruz was in a daze after that but not in a stressed and uncomfortable one like she had been before. Her mind was busy on other things now…

They went to the checkout and paid for everything and then headed back to the car, both relieved to get out of there. 

By the time they got home, it was late enough that Josie wanted lunch so she cooked whilst Cruz packed her bags for later. She took a suitcase this time, needing to keep her suits as uncreased as possible.

Josie had a hospital appointment in 3 days which Cruz wanted to be at so she’d be coming home before that, whether Joe liked it or not. She knew Bobby could take Josie if it came to it but it wasn’t just about the practical aspect, it was emotional too. This appointment was to decide if Josie was ready for a walking boot which was a big deal that Cruz wanted to be a part of. She wanted to be a part of all the significant events in Josie’s life now. 

That reminded her, she pulled out her phone and sent Gabi a text. 

Cruz: Hey Gab, I’m going away for a few days so Jose will be alone. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to use my phone, you mind just checking in on her every day in case I can’t? 

Gabi: can do Sergeant, since you’re First Class and all 

Cruz: 😐

Gabi: 🫡

Cruz shook her head and put her phone away, she actually kinda missed Gabi already. Missing people was new to her, it wasn’t necessarily a good feeling but it made her feel more human than she’d ever felt before. It had always been much easier just feeling like a soldier. 

Josie called to Cruz that lunch was ready and they ate whilst watching Grey’s. 

“Anything else you need to do before you go?” Josie asked. 

“Joe wants me to put a plan together of what we’re going to need for the program so that the meetings are as quick as possible.”

“Cool, I’m gonna study whilst you do that. Tell me if you need help” Josie said, moving from the sofa to the desk. 

Cruz pulled out her laptop and got to work on the sofa. She wrote up a list of equipment, resources, facilities and anything else she could think of that would be required for the program. She had no idea how much any of this would cost so she knew the meeting was going to be heavily centred around budget which she was super excited about…

She also wanted a set of criteria to ensure the right people came to the program so that those resources weren’t wasted. This was more Joe’s area but she wrote down any ideas she had that made sense to her. 

“Jose, what’s one thing you would change about your mission that meant it could’ve gone better?” 

Josie looked up, so invested in the reading she was doing she was almost startled when Cruz spoke. “Just one?” She joked. 

“I know.. what’s the most important thing though?” Cruz clarified. 

“Honestly? The way everyone treated me. I know tensions were high but I was treated like the enemy.” Josie replied honestly. 

“And you think that played into how the mission went?” Cruz asked. 

“Absolutely. They put me on the simulator and instead of telling me what to do, they watched me do it wrong and then berated me. That’s not how you motivate people to learn and want to work with you.”  

“They set you up to fail. They should’ve set you up to succeed by giving you the information before you got it wrong…” Cruz thought out loud. 

“Exactly” Josie agreed. “You did. You answered my questions when I asked them, you gave me advice on what to say and do. You’re the only person that made me feel like I could do it.”

“I knew you could” Cruz nodded at Josie. 

Josie smiled back and they both went back to their work. Cruz started working on a training plan not for the lionesses, but the training team themselves. She wanted her lionesses to feel seen and be set up to succeed. No one was going to go through what Josie did, not on her program. 

A little while later, Cruz got a text from Joe that she was 20 mins away. Cruz packed up her laptop into her suitcase, left her luggage at the front door and grabbed a snack to eat. 

Josie left her reading and joined Cruz in the kitchen. Cruz gave Josie the rest of her food, knowing she’d be hungry and she accepted it with a laugh. 

“Send me pictures of you in the suits” Josie grinned. 

Cruz laughed and replied “I was already going to, I know what you want.” 

“I’ve trained you well” she said with a wink. 

“And you? Are you going to send me pictures of what you bought?” Cruz flirted. 

“If you’re good” Josie replied smugly. 

Cruz gulped, how did Josie turn her on so quickly? She picked Josie up and put her on the counter so they were face to face. 

“I’ll miss you” Cruz said, inches away from Josie’s face. 

Josie rubbed her nose to Cruz’s “I’ll miss you” she replied. 

Cruz pulled her into a kiss, it was passionate and Josie matched her pace, pulling Cruz’s hips between her legs. 

As Josie pulled Cruz’s lower lip between her teeth, they were both startled by a knock at the door and shot backwards. Cruz pulled away to get the door but Josie grabbed her wrist, pulling her in for a last peck before she let Cruz go. Cruz blushed at Josie’s neediness. 

Cruz opened the door to find Joe standing in the doorway texting on her phone. As Joe looked up she said “Carrillo here?” 

 Cruz nodded and went back to the kitchen to help Josie off the counter and give her the crutches. Josie crutched through to find Joe now standing in the living room. 

“Captain, Bobby set you up with the training materials I sent?”

“Yes ma’am, I’m about halfway through it” 

Joe looked up in disbelief.

“I’m a fast reader. And a fast learner.” Josie clarified. 

“I should stop underestimating you” Joe replied, looking slightly annoyed at herself. 

“Probably” Josie said with no emotion. It wasn’t the first time Joe had assumed she wasn’t up for a task she had been given. 

“I’ll get more sent over” Joe replied, texting again. 

Cruz watched the exchange. It wasn’t as awkward and unpleasant as the last time. They were speaking to each other with some familiarity and it wasn’t as heated despite the conversation being a little tense. 

Once Joe had fired off her messages, she said “this your luggage?” Pointing at the suitcase. 

Cruz nodded. “I’ll take it to the car, let’s go.” Joe said, picking it up and carrying it outside. 

When Joe was far enough down the driveway, Cruz pushed the door closed briefly and pulled Josie into a hug. Josie hugged her tightly and when they pulled back to look at each other, she said “I love you.” 

Cruz smiled warmly, looking down at Josie and replied “I love you too.” She gave Josie a final peck on the lips and opened the front door again. Josie watched her step out and walk down the driveway, getting into Joe’s car. Cruz looked back at her and gave a final wave as Joe pulled away and then she was gone. 

Josie thought about their previous goodbyes. The first time Cruz had left, they hadn’t really said anything. The second time, they had admitted they’d miss each other. And this time, they said they loved each other. Whilst the escalation may have been fast, the circumstances they met in and the intensity of their jobs made it feel completely natural. Their lives were chaotic and dangerous and they had found love and peace in each other. Something they had both wanted and now that they both had it, they realised it was something they both needed. 

Josie closed the door and went back inside, finishing up the document she had been reading and then got herself ready for bed. It felt strange going to bed so early and going to bed alone. It took her a while to get comfortable and fall asleep now that she didn’t have the help of the stronger pain meds. She knew Cruz was safe, which made it easier, but she worried Cruz wouldn’t get much sleep if she were alone either. She’d ask about it in the morning. 

Cruz’s arrived at the hotel after midnight. Her meeting was at 0900 so she got into bed as soon as she was able to. She sent Josie a text telling her she’d arrived but she knew Josie would be asleep, or at least she hoped she would be. She had a feeling she was going to struggle to sleep without Josie next to her and she wondered if Josie would experience the same thing. She tossed and turned for a while and finally managed to fall asleep just after 0200. 

Notes:

A slightly longer chapter since it’s more plot-heavy. Let me know what you think, I love reading your comments!

Chapter 17: Working Hard

Summary:

Cruz and Josie continue to work on their separate projects.

Notes:

Ok this chapter is more plot than anything else but don’t worry, they have some fun at the end ;)

Cruz’s alarm went off at 0815. She got up and showered, then put on her black suit she’d bought yesterday. Once she was ready, she sat on the bed and checked her phone for any messages from Josie whilst she waited for Joe. 

Josie: morning baby
Josie: did you sleep ok? 

Cruz: mornin
Cruz: it took a while but I fell asleep eventually. You?

Josie: same

Cruz: what’re you up to today? 

Josie: just about to do a workout, then get back to studying. When’s your meeting?

Cruz: 0900, leaving in a sec

Josie: you wearing a suit?

Cruz: yes 

Josie: you know what to do

Cruz: fine, but I want one back 

Josie: after I’ve worked out

Cruz: after my meeting then
Cruz: Joe’s here, going now

Josie: good luck 

Cruz: ❤️

Joe knocked on Cruz’s door and they stepped out into the hallway together with the written plans they had made yesterday. 

Cruz had spent the flight briefing Joe on her plan and demands to ensure they agreed on what they were asking for. Joe added a couple of ideas and had a much better understanding of the costs involved in everything they’d asked for that Cruz had no idea about so they were able to put together an estimated budget. 

There was a car waiting for them outside and it wasn’t long before they were in the same boardroom they’d been in previously together.  

They grabbed a coffee and croissant, waiting for everyone to arrive and then they were sat alongside Kaitlyn and Byron, pitching to their superiors. 

Byron and Kaitlyn took the lead. Kaitlyn had been working on this for a while and only offered Cruz the job when she knew it was going to happen. Cruz was grateful to not be the one leading the meeting. She knew what she needed and what she was going to do with it all, but dealing with suits was not one of her strengths. 

They broke for lunch, none of them wanting to eat anything. As much as Cruz wanted to check her phone for updates from Josie, she needed to keep her head in the game. She could see Joe toying with the same idea as she fiddled with her phone too. They needed this to go right, then they could both go home as soon as possible. 

Joe pulled Cruz aside and told her it was time for her to pitch the details. Cruz could do this, this was the part she understood. 

They went back into the boardroom and Cruz was given the floor. She talked them through all of resources they would need to pilot the program and what they would need additionally if the pilot was successful. 

She discussed the training that the team would undergo, prioritising making the lionesses feel seen and motivated, not punished. She didn’t mention Josie, she knew that was a sore spot for everyone. Josie’s mission had failed because the team failed her. The people sitting in that room. She wasn’t going to cause tension by pointing out mistakes, instead she explained how to achieve the success they were striving for. 

“Where is all of this going to take place? Surely this facility is going to need to be large enough to house and train lionesses as well as store of this equipment you need?” One of the suits asked. 

Cruz nodded. “Yes, the facility is going to be the most substantial cost. We are willing to accept a small facility for the pilot as long as we can agree that we move somewhere bigger if the pilot succeeds.”

“Do you have somewhere in mind?” Another suit asked?

Cruz didn’t. Thankfully, Kaitlyn jumped in with some suggestions. She’d done her research on where she wanted the program to be run. She needed it to be accessible to her whilst also easy for Joe and the QRF to come and go from as needed. 

Kaitlyn presented some files with different facilities that would work along with estimated costs. There was some back and forth about what was necessary vs excessive and then they were done. 

The suits took the files and said they would review all of the demands and estimated costs to come up with a budget and timeframe and they’d meet again tomorrow. 

Cruz and Joe darted out of the room as quickly as possible, jumping into their waiting car and heading back to the hotel. “I’ll text you with times for tomorrow” Joe said as they went their separate ways to their rooms. 

Cruz went in and closed the door behind her, wanting to get the suit off as soon as possible. As she started pulling her jacket off, she realised she hadn’t taken a picture for Josie. 

She got her phone out and took a picture of herself in the mirror before stripping down to her underwear and throwing herself on the bed. She sent the picture to Josie and then grabbed the menu to order room service. 

Once she had ordered, her phone rang and she answered it immediately.

Cruz: hey

Josie: hey, you look so good

Cruz: hmm, I’m owed a picture 

Josie hummed a laugh back and sent a picture of herself she’d taken after her workout earlier. 

Cruz looked at the picture as it came through and seemed to forget how to speak. 

Josie: baby?

Cruz: I’m here. You look beautiful 

Josie: so do you 
Josie: how did it go today? 

Cruz: good, Kaitlyn took the lead, I spoke when it was my turn. They’re in talks until tomorrow then we’ll get the budget and go from there

Josie: sounds like it went well

Cruz: too well… How was your day? 

Josie: good, did a bunch of drone simulations, it’s actually really fun. I’ve done most of the reading I have so Bobby’s coming tomorrow to drop the stuff off that Joe sent. 

Cruz: I didn’t realise I was dating such a nerd, you’d love it here it’s so boring 

Josie: asshole 

They laughed together, enjoying the familiarity of their conversation after a long day. 

Cruz: how’s your leg?

Josie: it’s ok, recovered from the travelling now. Will you be here for my appointment?

Cruz: I’ll be back for your appointment whether we’re finished here or not 

Josie smiled. She knew that work had to come before their relationship because of the nature of the job. But she also knew how much Cruz cared about wanting to be at her appointments and it felt like a relief to know they could find a balance.

Cruz got a knock at the door and called for them to leave it outside. 

Josie: why not go and get it?

Cruz: because I’m in my underwear 

Josie: send me a picture 

Cruz laughed out loud. She should’ve known. She went to the door and grabbed her food from the hallway and on the way back to her bed, snapped a picture of herself in the mirror. She sent it to Josie and then put her on speaker as she sat leaning against the headboard to eat her food. 

Josie: mmm, so good 

Cruz: me or the food?

Josie: yes 

Cruz: Hmmm, you eaten?

Josie: I was too busy studying so I ordered pizza but I’ll cook tomorrow 

Cruz: you in bed?

Josie: yeah I’m tired, didn’t sleep well. How did you sleep?

Cruz: took me a long time but I got a few hours 

There was an unsaid understanding there. They both knew they struggled to sleep without each other but saying it out loud would lead to guilt or neglecting work duties and then it got complicated. They both knew how the other felt, but they left it at that. 

Josie yawned as Cruz finished her meal. 

Cruz: babe go to sleep, I’ll text you in the morning 

Josie: okay, I hope you sleep better

Cruz: you too
Cruz: I love you 

It still made Josie smile every time Cruz said that. Cruz could hear the smile in her voice when she replied “I love you” and then they hung up. Cruz got herself ready for bed and got under the sheets. She struggled for an hour but finally sleep took her and she was able to get some rest before more meetings tomorrow. 

Cruz was up at 0815 and got dressed in her grey waistcoat set. There were a few minutes before she was meeting Joe in the hallway so she sent Josie a text. 

Cruz: mornin, how’d you sleep?

Josie: morning baby
Josie: better, hearing your voice helped. You?

Cruz smiled, she felt the same but it sent a rush of heat through her hearing Josie say it. 

Cruz: me too
Cruz: hey I gotta go but I’ll check in later. Have a good day 

Josie: you too xxx

Cruz: ❤️

Cruz went out into the hall to find Joe waiting for her and they headed down to the car together. Soon, they were sat in the same boardroom but this time, they were doing the listening. 

The suits explained that they had heard all of their demands and would give them what they asked for to pilot the program. They had set a budget for the facility which wasn’t particularly generous but from Kaitlyn’s suggestions, two of them were possible. 

“Does anyone have any questions?” A suit asked. 

“The people on my team who will be training the lionesses with me, I want the final say on who’s in or out. How we teach is fundamental to the success of the program.” Cruz replied. 

“We will present you with candidates who are qualified and experienced to do the job but we’ll let you decide who of those people you take on.” 

Cruz nodded. She could work with that. There might even be some people on that list that she knew from her previous units that she’d be able to trust would respect her and the program. “When can I have the list?” 

One of the suits laughed, “I admire your eagerness. We’ll get it to you by the end of the day” she said as she nodded at a PA who rushed off to get to work on the list. 

Cruz was a planner, she liked to prepare and know what was going to happen so she wanted to get started straight away. 

Another suit added “the locations that are suitable and within the budget are in Texas and North Carolina. Do you have a preference?” 

“I live in Liberty Sir, North Carolina would be my preference for the pilot. If we’re successful, we can reassess location.”

“Very good. Go and see the facility today, tell us what you decide and we’ll get the paperwork started.” 

Cruz looked at Joe who nodded and they both stood up and headed out the door with Kaitlyn behind them. “See the facility, note down any changes we need to make to it for it to work, let me know and then you can go home.” Kaitlyn said with her phone already to her ear. “I’m arranging your flight now.” 

Kaitlyn followed Joe and Cruz to the lobby as she made their arrangements. As Joe and Cruz headed for the door, Kaitlyn called from behind them “Cruz!” 

Cruz turned to find Kaitlyn already right behind her. She reached into her inside pocket and pulled out two CIA badges in leather wallets. “You and Carrillo” she said, handing them to Cruz. Cruz nodded and put them in her pocket. “Please tell Captain Carrillo that we are pleased to have her on the team and I look forward to welcoming her myself when we cross paths.” 

“Yes ma’am” Cruz said, glad that Josie was getting some acknowledgment for her progress. 

Joe called Cruz along and they headed out the door and into the car that was waiting for them. They went back to the hotel to pack their up their stuff and it wasn’t long before they were on a jet back to North Carolina. 

Cruz texted Josie from the air, letting her know what was happening and that she’d be home sooner than she thought. Josie sent back a row of various emojis which made Cruz smile and then immediately control her face in case Joe saw her. 

“How is it? You two?” Fuck. 

Cruz sighed. “We don’t have to do this. It can just be business.” Cruz replied, now self conscious that it was obvious who she was texting. 

“Nope. Not anymore. You work with me now, not for me. Plus, you’re sleeping with one of my team so it is my business.” Joe said with a quirked eyebrow. 

Cruz sighed “we’re not ‘sleeping together’ it’s not just that, it’s… more” this was so weird, so uncomfortable. 

“How was Texas? Did you meet her sister?” Joe asked, doing her best to put Cruz at ease.

Cruz offered a small smile, “yeah, it was good. Her sister’s a spitfire too.”

Joe huffed a laugh “Figures. Well we know when they get it from don’t we…”

“Where is he? Will she see him again?”

“Classified. And no, not for pleasure. It would only happen if we needed them to work together.” Joe replied. 

“Can we trust him around her?” Cruz asked. She didn’t like the idea of Josie being in a position where he could get revenge for what she did to their family. Well, what the CIA did. 

“Unclear, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Joe replied.

Cruz glared at her answer. “Her safety would be the priority if the circumstances arose.” Joe added, knowing she wasn’t going to get away with that shit with Cruz.

“Can I ask you something?” Cruz asked, since Joe was in a ‘chattier than usual’ mood. “Did you pick Captain Carrillo to be the lioness?” 

After a beat of silence, Joe replied “no, she was picked for me.” Joe said with a clenched jaw. “I hate having my assets picked for me.” 

Cruz nodded, she could see this was difficult for Joe to talk about. There probably was a degree of guilt about what happened to Josie but she was seeing now that some of her blame was misplaced. Joe didn’t put Josie in that situation, other people did. 

“That’s why our proposal was approved with no pushback… they’re the main reason the mission went to shit.” Cruz thought out loud. 

Joe nodded, “the meeting went alarmingly well, they’ve definitely been scalded by someone” Joe huffed a laugh. 

“We’re not doing it like that. We’re not doing it based on what connections they have or who their family is.” Cruz thought out loud again. 

“I agree” Joe asked.

“You going home to your family after this?” Cruz asked tentatively. Personal talk was new to her with Joe. It felt extremely uncomfortable but Joe was right, they were going to have to get to know each other now. 

Joe also looked a little thrown off as she responded “I’ll stop in at the team’s house and update them and then fly home, yes”

“How many kids do you have?” Cruz asked. 

“Two girls”

 Cruz nodded thoughtfully. What a strange life Joe had. Raising two daughters and doing everything she could to keep them safe, whilst sending other people’s daughters out on missions where they would likely die. She imagined that brought Joe a lot of shame. Shame was something Cruz understood. She left it at that for now. 

They spent the rest of the flight in silence and then they were in a car on their way to the proposed facility. It wasn’t actually that far from Fort Liberty, Cruz would be home way sooner than she thought. 

Cruz and Joe met an officer waiting for them at the gates and he gave them a tour of the grounds. It was bigger than Cruz thought it would be with the budget they’d been given. It was mostly one big open space, she’d need to add some walls to separate off different areas. 

She wasn’t sure how many lionesses she’d be training at once but there were plenty of bedrooms in the back for the students and the staff if they needed it. Thankfully, Cruz would be able to live at home and commute. There was a kitchen with no equipment or seating which would need some renovating. The bathrooms also needed some help but aside from that, it looked like a good starting point for the program. Joe noted everything down and sent it off to Kaitlyn. 

“Happy with it?” Joe asked. 

“Yeah. You?” 

“I am, but it’s your decision.” Joe replied. 

“Let’s start the paperwork” Cruz nodded as they headed back to the car. 

“I’m heading to the QRF, you can drop me off then take the car home” Joe said as she typed on her phone. Cruz texted Josie that she would be home in the next 30 minutes. 

They pulled up outside the QRF house and Joe got out. “I’ll let you know if they need us back in” she said before she closed the door and walked up the driveway. 

Cruz checked her phone and there was a text from Josie. It read “are you alone?” 

Cruz, a little confused replied “yes”

She saw the three dots pop up and then disappear. She waited a few more seconds and then a picture came through. 

It was a picture of Josie, taken in the bedroom mirror. She was wearing the red body suit her and Cruz had picked out two days ago. Her hair was down and her other arm was bent upwards, fingers entwined with a strand of her hair. 

Cruz was speechless. Her heart stopped briefly and then began hammering in her chest as her skin heated up and mouth went dry. She couldn’t look away from the picture, her eyes took in every detail, memorising it. 

Another text came through. 

Josie: I’m waiting for you

It took everything in Cruz not to have any kind of visible or audible reaction as her driver was directly in front of her. Heat pooled in her core as she thought about Josie waiting for her in the lingerie, wanting Cruz to touch her. 

The car pulled up outside Cruz’s house and she yelled a “thanks!” as she practically sprinted up the driveway and unlocked the door.

Josie wasn’t in the living room so she kicked her shoes off and threw her keys and suitcase down then headed to the bedroom. The sight she walked in on stopped her in her tracks. 

Josie was sat at the end of the bed, leaning back on her left hand, legs slightly parted. Her right hand was in between her legs, running a vibrator over her centre, still wearing the bodysuit. 

This was a lot to take in, she just had to stand and watch for a beat. Josie’s eyes were on Cruz’s whilst Cruz’s eyes were everywhere. She could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she stood silently watching. 

Once Cruz had composed herself, she stepped forward and kneeled down in front of Josie. She took the vibrator, putting it on the bed next to her. She then reached her right hand out towards Josie which she took and pulled her forwards into a stand. 

Her hands roamed Josie’s body, admiring the lingerie and how good she looked in it. She looked up, locking eyes with dark orbs watching her. She took her time, touching and kissing everywhere she could reach until Josie was pushing into her. 

She lifted Josie’s left leg over her shoulder, letting Josie hold onto her other shoulder to balance. Cruz dipped her head, kissing Josie’s centre through the bodysuit making Josie wait a little longer for closer contact. Josie whined as her hips stuttered into Cruz’s lips. 

Josie’s left hand thread into Cruz’s hair and gripped hard, letting Cruz know she needed her. Cruz looked up again to see a more dismantled looking Josie. Cruz reached up and pulled the crotch of the bodysuit to the side. 

Josie pulled Cruz’s head into her and she didn’t deny Josie what she wanted any longer. She licked firmly through Josie’s folds, eliciting the most perfect moan in response. Josie was already moving her hips, grinding into Cruz’s tongue as it moved. 

Josie’s right hand slipped under the collar of Cruz’s shirt, enjoying the fact Cruz was still wearing the waistcoat set and looked hot as fuck in it. 

The hand in Cruz’s hair tightened as Cruz sucked her clit and circled her tongue to soothe it. She alternated between firm strokes and sucking until Josie couldn’t take it anymore. “Cruz” Josie whispered desperately. Cruz lowered her tongue and pushed inside, sending her over the edge instantly. Josie came with a loud “fuckkkk Cruz” and didn’t stop moving her hips until Cruz pulled back to make sure Josie was still with her. 

Cruz kissed everywhere she could reach and Josie watched in awe, still not recovered enough to speak. Eventually, Cruz pushed Josie gently to sit down on the bed. 

Josie pulled her face forward, crashing her lips into Cruz’s, moaning at the taste of herself. Her hands dropped from Cruz’s cheeks to the buttons on her waistcoat and once they were undone, she unbuttoned her shirt too. 

She pushed them off Cruz’s shoulders, pulled her bra off and then encouraged her up into a stand, immediately getting to work on Cruz’s pants. She pulled them down and Cruz kicked them off with her underwear. She stood naked in front of Josie, eyes darker than Josie had ever seen them and a pink flush to her skin. 

Josie reached to her left and picked the vibrator up, turning it on and pressing it Cruz’s clit. Cruz’s head fell back as she hummed at the feeling. Josie’s right hand dropped between her legs and pushed two fingers into Cruz easily. Cruz tried to moan but nothing came out, it was all so quick. 

Josie pushed into her rapidly, she knew Cruz wouldn’t last long after the show she’d given her. Cruz’s hand thread into Josie’s hair and as she pulled her face in to her stomach for Josie to kiss. As Josie sucked on the skin on her abs, she felt herself falling over the edge. 

She gripped Josie’s hair tightly as she came, overwhelmed by the different sensations Josie was giving her. Josie pulled out and threw the vibrator on the bed and then shuffled backwards and lay down. Cruz practically collapsed on top of her, still catching her breath. 

“Fuck” Cruz sighed into Josie’s neck. 

Josie hummed a laugh “hi” she said as she ran her nails over Cruz’s back. 

“Mmmm” Cruz mumbled, still recovering. 

Eventually, Cruz lifted her head and smiled widely at Josie and then kissed her softly on the lips. Josie grinned back as Cruz pulled away. 

“You look…” Cruz started, shaking her head, trying to find the right words. “So fuckin’ hot” is what she came up with. Not very poetic, but very Cruz.

“I was hoping you’d still be wearing your suit” Josie grinned devilishly. 

“I figured you didn’t get a picture of this one, so I’d just keep it on” Cruz replied. 

“Right choice” Josie smiled. “Why are you home so early?”

“Because everything went eerily smoothly, I think they’re in trouble after what happened on your mission” Cruz shared. 

“As they should be” Josie said matter off factly. “You find a place to run the program?”

“Mmhh, and it’s only 20 mins away. Shall we go see it tomorrow? The QRF can meet us there too” Cruz proposed. 

“Sounds fun” Josie replied, knowing they were all going to do very little work and a whole lot of drinking. “You eaten?” 

Cruz practically giggled which had Josie rolling her eyes and shoving Cruz off her. “I’m hungry, yes” Cruz followed up, trying to be serious. 

“I’m gonna make you food, come on” Josie said as she smacked Cruz’s ass and got up. “Actually I’m gonna need you to help me get out of this” she said, looking down at the bodysuit. 

Cruz sat on the edge of the bed, admiring Josie in it one last time. She ran her hands over the fabric, then down her bare legs before she undid the buttons between Josie’s legs, stood up and lifted it over her head. Josie was now stood naked in front of her, she really was the most beautiful woman Cruz had ever seen. She wrapped her arms around Josie’s waist and pulled her into a kiss. 

Josie smiled as she pulled away briefly before pecking Cruz one last time and then reaching for her crutches. 

Cruz had a shower whilst Josie got dressed and went to the kitchen to make Cruz some food. When Cruz came out and saw the decorated salad Josie had made she said “you didn’t have to do all that” helping Josie with the plates. 

“My guess is you’ve only eaten beige food for the last two days?” Josie asked as she sat down opposite Cruz. 

Cruz looked guilty and then replied “okay… thank you baby. Beer?” 

Josie nodded so Cruz got up and grabbed two beers and they sat and ate together as Cruz filled Josie in on the details of her trip. 

“Oh! I have something for you” Cruz said as she stood and went to her bag by the front door. She came back with the two CIA IDs that Kaitlyn had given her. She sat down at the table and opened them both up and then slid Josie’s over to her. 

Josie picked it up and looked at it and then smiled to herself. It felt a bit like validation. Confirmation that she had been through something shitty, proven herself and come out better off. She was good at that. “Let me see yours” Josie said as she put hers down. 

Cruz slid hers over and Josie grinned at the picture, “hot.” Cruz rolled her eyes. 

“Keep it on you at all times, even if you don’t have your gun.” Cruz said, swiping hers back. Josie nodded and put it in her pocket, copying Cruz. 

Cruz texted Bobby about meeting up tomorrow at the new facility and sent her the address. She got a thumbs up back. 

They finished their meal and beers and got themselves ready for bed. They both put their badges and guns on their bedside tables then got into bed facing each other. 

“I really hope I get the walking boot tomorrow.” Josie thought out loud. She was doing really well managing the broken leg but fuck it was getting old. She wanted to feel less bound by the restriction of it. She wanted to go for a run, learn how to fight, do things to Cruz she couldn’t currently do… 

“I think you will, you’ve been sensible and the pain isn’t too bad right?” Cruz replied. 

“It’s been manageable on Tylenol. I forgot to take it this afternoon and I was ok until dinner.” 

Cruz nodded firmly. “I don’t see any reason why they’d say no, but we’ll let them decide.” She knew Josie was desperate for her freedom back. Cruz would be tearing her hair out if she’d had to be as sedentary and sensible as Josie had been. She really admired her for it, she knew Josie was similar to her in that way, she liked to keep busy too. 

Josie looked a little sad in thought at the worry she’d be stuck in the cast for another month. Cruz reached over and stroked the hair out of her face, “hey, earlier, that was fuckin’ hot” Cruz said, thinking about what she’d come home to. 

Josie smiled, “you liked watching?” 

“I liked all of it. I liked the picture and the message. I liked watching. I.. I liked being on my knees for you” she replied, knowing the effect it’d have on Josie. 

Josie gulped and reached over to stroke Cruz’s face to distract herself from the thoughts running through her head and getting turned on again. “You should know, when my leg is better, you’re gonna have your work cut out for you. I like to be in charge.” 

It was Cruz who gulped this time but she tried her best to keep her cool and match Josie’s confidence. “Then you should know, I’m really good at taking orders” she said with dark eyes and a slight smirk. 

Ok so Josie was turned on again. Cruz’s effect on her was unsurprising considering how attractive and confident she was, but it had never been like this with other people. Or at least, maybe the first couple of times and then the novelty wore off. But with Cruz, every time still felt just as exciting. 

Cruz broke the tension, not because she didn’t want to, she always wanted to with Josie. She had been touch-starved for so long. Learning what it felt like to be touched and loved by Josie was her new favourite thing. But she wanted to hear about what she’d been up to when she was gone. She liked the idea of Josie living in the house she once was content being alone in and treating it like her own. “You have therapy today?”

“Mmhh”

“You talk about the leg?” Cruz asked. She didn’t like to ask Josie what she discussed in her therapy sessions, it was deeply personal. But she had a feeling the therapy session and the worry about the leg were tied together on this occasion. 

“Yeah we discussed the things I can and can’t control” Josie explained. 

“Where does your leg fall?” 

“We decided it was both. I can’t control that it’s broken but I can control how well I look after it to get it back to full use” Josie shared. 

“I like that. You’re stronger than anyone I know, you know that?” 

Josie smiled, it was funny hearing her say that when Cruz was objectively the strongest person she had ever met. She had been through so much and continued to go through more and more traumatic shit and still be a decent person. “Except you” Josie corrected. 

“I’m pretty strong” Cruz grinned, flexing her arm muscles and earning a laugh from Josie. 

“You wanna compete with me on that?” Josie challenged. 

“…no” Cruz accepted. “Why do you like working out so much?”

“It’s another way I feel like I’m in control. Not just in the way my body looks and feels, it’s not really about that. If I’m in peak physical form, I can do my job to the best of my abilities. My job was always the most important thing.” 

“You need a six-pack to fly a helicopter?” Cruz joked.

“Well once I got into it I got carried away. I’m not good at half-assing things. I like being really good at things.”

Josie had never thought about it in great detail. In the grand scheme of things, she worked out because she enjoyed it. But her therapist had made her more aware of how reliant she was on having control over things and how that comes through in different areas of her life. This was one of them. “Plus, the ladies love it.” Josie added with a wink. 
 
Cruz grinned and looked down at Josie’s stomach, lifting her shirt to run her fingers over the muscles. “When I first saw… at your parents’ house…”

Josie chuckled, “yeah I know, I did it on purpose”

“Of course you did” Cruz replied with an eye roll.

“Your gay panic was quite funny though”

“Gay panic?”

“Oh Cruz... it’s like, when something gay happens to you and then you feel overwhelmed by how gay you feel.” Josie explained.

“Ok yeah, that’s how I felt”

“Yeah I watched” Josie said, grinning. 

“Asshole” Cruz folded her arms and turned to lay on her back in a huff. Josie followed her and lay the top half of her body onto Cruz’s, unfolding her arms.

“You’re very sweet, you know that?” Josie asked, looking down at a blushing Cruz. 

“Yeah I know” Cruz replied with a fake scowl. Josie laughed and kissed Cruz on the lips before laying back on her side of the bed. 

“I love you” Josie said as she nuzzled into Cruz’s side. 

“I love you” Cruz replied as she pulled Josie in closer then turned off the light. 

Notes:

I tried not to make it boring lol. The next chapter is really fun and now the plot is set up for way more exciting stuff!

As always, let me know what you think!

Chapter 18: Right Hook

Summary:

Josie has a hospital appointment and then her and Cruz go drinking with the QRF.

Cruz woke up naturally with the sun. She looked at the time, it was a little after 8. She turned to her left to greet Josie only to find her side of the bed empty. A short burst of panic hit her before she perked up and listened, noticing noise out in the kitchen. 

She went to the bathroom, cleaned her teeth and pulled on some sweatpants, then headed out to find Josie. 

“Mornin’” Cruz said, voice surprisingly crackly having not yet spoken. How heavy had she slept? 

“Hey baby, you were sleeping like a dead person so I left you. Figured you had some catching up to do” Josie said, pulling Cruz into a hug. Josie was standing by the stove, frying some eggs and bacon. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever slept that deeply in my life, I feel weird” Cruz said, feeling disoriented. 

“Well, you had a lot of excitement yesterday didn’t you…” Josie said with a grin and a wink. 

Cruz smiled, almost embarrassed, as she poured her coffee and refilled Josie’s half-drank mug. 

They sat at the table together eating their meal as they chatted about the facility they were going to see. They had Josie’s appointment first but Cruz knew Josie was already nervous about it and didn’t want to send her spiralling with worry by talking about it more. 

“The whole team is coming” Cruz confirmed as she scrolled through her phone. 

“Cool, we should go to the bar afterwards, do some team bonding or whatever they call it.”

“Excessive drinking and getting into a bar fight I think is what the QRF call it” Cruz quipped. 

“My first bar fight!” Josie said as she raised her mug to Cruz and Cruz tapped hers against it with a head-shake. 

Josie had a shower and once they were ready, they were in the car on the way to the hospital. “Hey, can you drive?” Cruz asked, realising she didn’t actually know if Josie had a driver’s licence or not. 

“You think I can fly a helicopter but I can’t drive a car?” Josie laughed. 

Cruz rolled her eyes “I mean, do you have a driver’s license?”

“I do, why?” Josie asked. 

“I’ll add you to the insurance so you can drive the car once your leg is better.” 

“Ok good, I drive really fast, you’re gonna need that insurance” Josie grinned. 

Cruz glanced to the side, slightly scared. 

“I’m kidding! Mostly” Josie reassured her with a hand on her thigh, fingers tracing circles on the inside of her leg. Yep, that was enough to distract Cruz from the worst-case scenarios rushing through her head. 

They parked up at the hospital and Josie stayed on her crutches in case they needed her to practice walking around with the boot. 

They waited briefly until they were called in and then Dr Rodriguez was sat at his desk welcoming them. “Captain Carrillo, how are you doing?” He asked. 

“Good, the pain is a little less every day” Josie replied.

“Have you had any flare ups?”

Of course she wanted the boot, but she also didn’t want to ruin the progress she had made by lying. She was going to be honest. “Just one, we travelled to Texas and it was sore after the flight. I took one strong pain killer and it was already feeling better the next day.” Josie shared. 

“You’ve only needed one strong pain killer since we last met?” Josie nodded. “In that case, let’s get that boot fitted.” He said as he started typing on his computer. 

Josie turned to Cruz with pure relief on her face and Cruz grinned back, genuinely happy for her. Dr Rodriguez sent them back out into the waiting room where they sat hand in hand. Josie couldn’t stop smiling and Cruz thought it was the cutest thing she’d ever seen. 

A nurse called them through and took them to a different room. The nurse started by removing Josie’s cast and then checked the wound on her ankle where the bone had broken the skin. It had healed nicely and was now bright pink scar tissue. The nurse felt around, asking if there were any particularly sore points which there weren’t aside from the general pain. Once the nurse was happy with Josie’s answers, she showed Josie the boot and how to put it on. 

“Okay, when you’re ready, I’d like you to stand up with your crutches and apply a very small amount of weight onto your left foot as you move forward.” She said as she stood. 

Josie stood up and took a step forward, noticing how unnatural it felt to use both legs again. She was a bit wobbly. 

“This is totally normal, you’ve adapted to not using it. Take it slow, not too much weight.” The nurse encouraged. 

Josie took another couple of steps and started to get the hang of it. It wasn’t as painful as she thought it would be.

“Now we want to introduce this slowly. Do a couple of short sessions per day but for the rest of the day, keep the foot off the floor like you have been.”

Josie nodded. She wished this would all happen quicker but she’d come too far to fuck it up now. 

“We’ll have you get used to the walking boot for the next few days, and then we’ll begin your physiotherapy. I’ll contact you to schedule it.” The nurse informed. 

Beyond thrilled, Josie crutched back to the car with Cruz behind her and once Cruz had helped her in, she grabbed Cruz’s face and pulled her into a kiss. 

Cruz was startled but kissed Josie back, obviously. “Sorry, I’m just really happy” Josie said when she pulled back. 

“I’m really happy for you” Cruz grinned, pulling Josie back in for a brief kiss. She closed Josie’s door and jumped into the drivers seat. They’d arranged to meet the team at the facility when they were done so she shot Bobby a text that they were heading there now. 

An officer was there to supervise them since they didn’t have the keys yet. They both flashed their CIA IDs and were waved in and he didn’t bother them after that. They got out of the car and got Josie into her wheelchair. 

Cruz gave Josie a tour before everyone got there because she knew it would get loud and chaotic once the rest of the team arrived. She talked Josie through her plans about where things would go and what changes needed to be made. 

“Do you have any suggestions?” Cruz asked. 

“Are you going to have people on-site for welfare? Mental health support?” Josie asked. She thought back to what she felt like when she was the lioness, she had never felt lower and more alone in her life. 

“So at least one of the team members will be a medic but I’ll make sure they’re also trained in mental health. Good idea.” Cruz said, pulling out her phone and texting Joe. 

As they headed back outside, the QRF pulled up and then everything got very loud. There were cheers and claps as Tucker walked without crutches after his gunshot wound to the leg. Two-Cups flexed his muscles as he was finally able to move his upper-body again after taking multiple shots to the stomach. Josie and Cruz laughed as they celebrated together. 

“When did you get the boot?” Tucker asked Josie as she showed it off to the team. 

“This morning” Josie grinned. 

“We’re gonna work out together now right?” He asked. 

Josie grinned, “if you can keep up with me, sure” she shrugged arrogantly. Everyone laughed and then they all headed inside to check out the building. 

When they were done, Two-Cups declared that he needed a beer so they all got into their separate cars and drove to their local bar. 

When they walked in it was relatively empty as it was midday so they stood around the bar ordering enough beers for everyone. Cruz made sure Josie had a stool to sit on in the middle of everyone so she didn’t have to stand. She knew the ‘line’ was going to change now that Josie had her boot. Cruz was worried Josie would rush and put too much weight on it too quickly but she didn’t want to police her on it and upset her. 

They drank their first beers quickly as they caught each other up in their latest appointments. Cruz explained what was happening with the program and that she would be called in to join the QRF on missions when needed. 

“We’ve hit the big time, our own personal pilot!” Two-Cups said as he nudged Josie with his elbow. “It’s good to have you on the team, Thunder.”

“They got you training surveillance?” Tex asked. 

“I’m training in everything eventually but right now I’m doing drones, guns and legal shit.” Josie explained. 

“Come to the house tomorrow, we’ll set up surveillance and talk you through it” Tex replied. 

“You not gonna be hungover?” Josie asked. 

“I’m designated driver, I’m only having one” he said, shaking his bottle. 

Josie nodded, she really did feel accepted by the team now. They were inviting her in and sharing their knowledge rather than keeping her on the outside like they had done on her mission. 

“Another round” Randy said as he banged his fist on the bar excitedly. 

Bobby handed Cruz and Josie another beer and asked “I thought you weren’t a drinker?” As Josie took a sip. 

“I didn’t drink because I was a pilot. And I’ll stop drinking again when I get back to it” she said. Having a broken leg fucking sucked, she was going my to enjoy what she could for now. 

“So you must be a lightweight then?” Bobby laughed. 

“No..” Josie said at the same time Cruz confirmed “she is”. Josie shoved Cruz playfully as the team laughed. “Four beers and I had to carry her into the house last time.”

“Oh then we’re definitely getting you drunk today” Two-Cups grinned as he clinked his bottle to Josie’s. 

They chatted for a while and then split off in groups to play pool and darts. 

Cruz set up the pool table and Josie played against her. They were both competitive and the tension built quickly. “You’re annoyingly good at this” Josie commented. 

“Of course I am, it’s all about accuracy and predicting outcomes. That’s what I’m best at.” Cruz shrugged arrogantly. 

Josie took a shot and pocketed two balls at the same time. Cruz’s face dropped in disbelief which made Josie laugh out loud. 

“And why are you so good at this?” Cruz asked, as Josie took another shot. 

“Used to play a lot at the bar I worked at” Josie replied, “and I can’t do anything casually so I got really good at it.” 

“Yep I’m learning this about you” Cruz sighed as Josie pocketed another ball. 

It was finally Cruz’s turn and she planned her moves meticulously, pocketing two and then missing her third shot. Josie pocketed her last one and then the black ball and she’d won the game. 

Josie grinned arrogantly as she leaned against the table and pulled Cruz into her space. “I won, what do I get?” She hummed, her eyes and hands roaming Cruz’s body as her third beer hit her. Cruz was reminded that Josie was a touchy drunk which she found incredibly cute. 

“The satisfaction of beating me” Cruz said as she moved away, laughing at Josie’s scowl that her flirting hadn’t worked. 

“Get a room or get out of the way, I’m playing Randy” Bobby announced as she swiped the cues off of Josie and Cruz and set up the table. Cruz pulled Josie over to the side to watch their game. 

Everyone knew they were together and they’d both had enough alcohol to not be too on-edge about who was watching. Josie sat on a stool and Cruz stood behind her, arms wrapped around Josie’s waist. Josie stroked Cruz’s hands as they chatted and laughed at Bobby whooping Tex’s ass at the game. 

The rest of the team came over to take turns playing pool, making fun of each other and buying endless rounds. Cruz and Josie were both on their fourth beer, taking it slower than the team who could definitely hold their drink. 

A little later on, Josie was playing against Tucker and Cruz stood behind her, helping her balance without her crutches in between shots. Tucker was taking his turn and Josie was definitely too drunk to care who was watching so she reached up and kissed Cruz’s jaw. 

Cruz blushed as she looked down at her. That was until her eyes snapped up at the comment “so that’s why you weren’t interested, you’re a fucking dyke.” It was the man that had tried chatting Josie up the last time they were here. 

The rest of the team immediately squared up by Josie’s side. Another man appeared behind Marcus to back him up and they found themselves in a standoff. 

Josie was about to respond when Cruz put her hand on her hip, leaned down and whispered into Josie’s ear “you wanted a bar fight? Right?” Josie grinned as Cruz pulled Josie’s right hand behind her. She got Josie’s fist into the correct punching form, stroked along her knuckles where she wanted Josie to make contact and then let go. 

Marcus watched on in disgust as he assumed they were continuing to flirt. As his eyes flicked sideways to Bobby, more abuse on his tongue, Josie swung a right hook at him harder than anyone was expecting she could. 

Marcus lost his balance and fell to the floor as the entire QRF laughed and cheered at Josie’s punch. Marcus and his friend attempted to fight back but were massively overpowered by the QRF who threw a few more punches. The bar staff began shouting for everyone to get out which only made everyone laugh more. They all shuffled out into the parking lot, Marcus and his friend walking off immediately. 

“Holy shit!” Cruz laughed as she pulled Josie into a hug “that was so fucking good!” Everyone crowded around Josie clapping and cheering. 

“How’s your hand?” Randy asked. 

“I think I’m too drunk to feel it” she said, looking down at her right fist that she was opening and closing. 

“Let’s go back to the house and get some ice on that” Tex said as they all piled into the QRF’s car. Cruz would come back tomorrow to pick hers up. 

Josie spent the duration of the car ride smiling at Cruz who was still very amused (and a little turned on) by Josie’s punch. Josie was just drunk and thought Cruz looked pretty smiling at her. She ran her hands up and down Cruz’s arm, unable to keep her hands to herself with four beers in her. 

They got to the house and Two-Cups immediately set up the Xbox as Bobby emptied the fridge of all the beers they had. 

“No more for me, we’re doing surveillance tomorrow” Josie declared as she pointed at Tex. Tex saluted her which made her laugh and then she sat on the sofa watching the team play Call Of Duty. Cruz stood leaning against the wall, kind of watching the game but mostly watching Josie. She loved seeing her so happy, more so knowing that the team accepted her. There was no one more deserving of it. 

Randy handed Josie an icepack for her fist which she grinned at and then placed over her hand. 

The spent the next few hours taking turns playing Xbox and then the team were drunk enough and therefore loud enough that Cruz decided it was time to go home. 

“We knew you’d be fun, Thunder” Bobby called as Josie crutched towards the front door. Josie turned and took a bow in response and everyone clapped for her. 

“Hey, let me drive you home” Tex said to Cruz as she got her phone out to call a cab. Everything in her wanted to say ‘no’ but she wasn’t the only one that was officially new to the team. She figured she should make more of an effort to feel like a member of it. 

“Thanks, Tex” Cruz nodded. 

Cruz carried Josie out to the car whilst Tex carried her crutches and it wasn’t long until they were back home. “See you tomorrow!” Josie called as Tex waved from the window as he drove away. 

Cruz laughed at Josie’s excitement and said “let’s get you some water” as she helped Josie to the front door. Josie sat on the sofa and this time Cruz filled a hydro flask for her. Josie downed it and after Cruz refilled it, she cradled it, taking it to bed with her. 

Cruz got herself ready for bed, then helped Josie with her clothes and bathroom routine. “You’re pretty” Josie smiled as she watched Cruz brush her teeth. Cruz rolled her eyes but she still felt herself go warm at the compliment, she really loved Josie’s attention. She wrapped her free arm around Josie and pulled her closer until they’d finished. 

Cruz got Josie some Tylenol to take now and left some on her bedside table to take in the night if she felt hungover. 

Once they were in bed, Josie sat up and carefully took off her walking boot. “Damn, it’s my ankle! I haven’t seen it in so long!” 

“It’s a nice ankle” Cruz confirmed, amused by Josie’s shock. “Gnarly scar.” 

“It’s ok the ladies like scars” Josie winked. 

“All your ladies in Killeen?” Cruz teased back. 

“Shut up. Do you like my scar be honest.” 

“Very cool scar Jose” Cruz grinned. 

Josie grinned and nodded in satisfaction at her answer. 

“I had fun today” Josie said as she launched herself side-on into Cruz’s lap without any warning which only made Cruz laugh more. She wrapped her arms around Josie’s waist as Josie leaned the side of her head against Cruz’s forehead. 

“Me too” Cruz smiled. “You’ve got a mean right hook Jose.” 

Josie laughed “probably because I’m so strong” as she flexed her biceps at Cruz. 

“This again” Cruz laughed but entertained her by squeezing her muscles. That was actually the first time she’d done that and fuck they were insane. 

“Gay panic” Josie said, pointing at Cruz’s face. 

Cruz snapped out of the daze she was in and rolled her eyes at being called out again. “You need to get some sleep or you won’t be spying on anyone tomorrow” Cruz reminded her. 

“Are you coming?” Josie asked. 

“I gotta stay home and do the paperwork for the program. They’ve sent me the list of agents who are eligible to work with me so I gotta go through them” Cruz replied. “But I’ll drop you off and pick you up. That ok?”

“Okay, and when you pick me up you’ll bring me a little treat?” Josie said, struggling to stay awake now as she lay down and leaned into Cruz’s shoulder. 

Cruz chuckled “I’ll bring you a treat” she confirmed. 

Josie was already asleep before Cruz had finished her sentence. She flicked off the light and fell asleep with a very touchy Josie in her arms. 

Notes:

A little bit of fun after some plot-heavy stuff.

Josie’s cast is off, yayyy! She’ll be up to more interesting stuff in the next few chapters…

Thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts!

Chapter 19: The Argument

Summary:

Josie and Cruz have an argument. And then they make up…

Notes:

Guys, I’m sorry. But it had to happen at some point! Don’t worry, everything’s ok and they handle it well.

Cruz woke up first and checked Josie was okay. She hadn’t been sick but she had drank all of her water so she refilled it and left it on the nightstand for her. 

She put on her running gear and headed off to the bar to pick up the car they’d left behind the day before. 

She went the long way to give herself some proper exercise before jumping in the car and driving home. When she got home, she went to the bedroom to find Josie stirring. “How’s the patient?” Cruz asked. 

“Asshole” Josie replied. “I have a headache but not too bad. Probably should’ve eaten something last night…” she said as she sat up and reached for her water. She smiled at Cruz when she realised it was full, remembering that she’d finished it in the night. Cruz winked back. 

Cruz helped her get to the bathroom and without her boot on. Josie got herself ready for a shower which felt fucking incredible not having to wrap the cast up anymore. 

Whilst Josie showered, Cruz did some housework. She vacuumed the floor and washed their clothes, enjoying how it felt cleaning up Josie’s things as well as her own. She was about to start changing the bed sheets when Josie emerged. “Hey, let me help you with that. I can be more useful now” she said as she fastened her boot. 

They stripped the bed together and put the new sheets on, moving together as if they’d always done it like this. Josie sat on the bed, puffing her t-shirt up and down “do you have AC? It’s been hot as balls here the last few days.” 

“Uh I have a unit but it’s broken. I’ll call someone to fix it.” Cruz replied, pulling out her phone. There was an approved list of workers allowed to do maintenance within Fort Liberty so she called around until someone said they’d come by in the afternoon. 

“Someone’s coming to fix it later.”

“Good, I wanna see you in that hoodie again” Josie grinned. 

Cruz should’ve know there was an ulterior motive. She shook her head with a smile, she loved how much Josie wanted her. 

They went to the kitchen where Josie made breakfast and they sat together to eat. “Looking forward to today?” Cruz asked. 

Josie smiled, almost embarrassed by how much she loved learning “I am, learning all this stuff has been really fun.” 

“You would’ve been a fucking incredible Lioness if we’d done it right” Cruz noted. 

Josie reached over and took Cruz’s hand, kissing her knuckles and then holding it on the table as they drank their coffees. 

Cruz had a quick shower and then she was escorting Josie to the car who was practicing putting some weight on her foot with crutches. She was a quick learner and getting the hang of it already, speeding up as she went. Cruz held her tongue when she was worried Josie was going too fast. 

Her anxiety about Josie’s leg was growing, mostly because she didn’t want Josie to set her healing progress back. But there was also a small part of her that worried Josie wouldn’t need her once she could do things for herself. She knew it was silly, that they were in love and Josie wanted to stay in their home together. But it was still a nagging thought at the back of her mind. 

They drove to the QRF’s house and Cruz helped Josie out of the car. “Have a good time” Cruz said as she handed Josie her crutches. 

“Thanks baby” Josie smiled. She reached up and kissed Cruz on the lips before turning and crutching to the front door. Cruz watched her go in and then jumped in the car, heading home to read through the files. 

Josie spent the new few hours with Tex where he explained what all of the equipment was and how it worked. He had set up some cameras around the house ready for their training so he talked Josie through what she should be looking for when watching people and what was important to relay back to the team.

They watched Bobby and Two-Cups move through the house, attempting to conceal weapons that Josie spotted and pointed out. It was obvious to Tex that these skills came naturally to her and let her take the lead after a few minutes of seeing her work. 

As Josie watched Bobby and Two-Cups talking, Tex’s phone rang. It was Joe. 

Joe: I need you for surveillance on a job Kyle is running

Tex: you know what happened on the last job we helped him with…

Joe: just surveillance this time, they’ve got their own team going in, they just need eyes and ears 

Tex: when?

Joe: tomorrow, we’ve got the gear, we just need you and one other on the job 

Tex thought for a beat. He stood up and left the room so no one could hear him. 

Tex: I’ve got Thunder here learning surveillance as we speak. She’s good. This could be a good opportunity for her to learn on the job 

Joe was quiet for a second, thinking about the logistics of it.

Joe: is she still on crutches? 

Tex: she got the walking boot yesterday but she’s also got a wheelchair so it shouldn’t be a problem if we’re safe where we’re watching from

Joe: ok, bring Carrillo, I’ll send a car for you both at 0800 tomorrow 

Tex: yes ma’am

Tex hung up and went back into the room where Josie was still watching the team. “That was Joe. She needs me for a surveillance job tomorrow.”

Josie nodded, “cool, what’s the job?” 

“Unclear but she wants two of us to go. I suggested you come with me” Tex said tentatively, unsure how Josie would take it. 

“Shit, yeah let’s do it. What time?” Josie was already excited. She hadn’t seen action in so long, the idea of watching from the sidelines was extremely appealing at this point. 

“0800, unclear how long we’re staying. Pack for a few days just in case.” Tex said. Josie nodded. “Let me talk you through the rest of this so we’re ready for tomorrow. They’ve got their own gear for us to use but it won’t be too different.”

Josie was already invested, memorising everything Tex showed her and relaying it back to him when he asked. 

A little while later, Josie’s phone buzzed with a text from Cruz. 

Cruz: AC fixed 

Cruz sent a picture of herself with her hoodie on which made Josie smile and she saved the picture, obsessed with how cute Cruz looked. 

Josie: 😍
Josie: baby can you pick me up in an hour? We’re just wrapping up 

Cruz: see you in an hour ❤️

Josie helped Tex pack up all the equipment, something he explained was actually really important. “Sometimes you gotta head out quickly and you need to know how it all breaks down.” Josie practiced setting things up and breaking them down a couple of times and then they were done for the day. 

Josie and Tex headed to the kitchen to join the others who were eating snacks and having a beer. She had some water and chips as they told the rest of the team about the job her and Tex were going on. They joked about Josie and Cruz being apart and asked how they were going to cope. She knew this was what they were like. They ripped the shit out of each other because they were family and she was glad they felt comfortable doing that with her too. 

Cruz texted Josie that she was outside so she crutched out to the car and beamed a smile at her as she got in. Cruz threw her crutches in the back and then leaned in and kissed her softly. “Hi” she smiled back. 

Cruz reached for the back seat and grabbed a packet of Pocky Sticks for Josie that she’d bought on the way. “Your little treat.”

“Ohhhhh I love you” Josie said as she leaned over and kissed Cruz on the cheek. She ripped into the packet immediately, putting the first one in Cruz’s mouth as she drove and they worked their way through them on the journey back. 

“How did it go?” Cruz asked. 

“Really good, learned a lot” Josie replied. “When we were working, Joe called Tex in for a surveillance mission and he wants me to go with him. Learn on the job” Josie said excitedly. 

Cruz was quiet for a while, processing that information. “When?”

“Tomorrow, 0800” Josie replied. 

Cruz was quiet for a lot longer this time. Josie looked at her, waiting for her to speak but got nothing back. 

They pulled up outside the house and Cruz helped Josie out of the car in silence. Josie searched Cruz’s face but didn’t know how to read it. Cruz was avoiding eye contact which made things harder. 

They went into the house and Cruz got them both some water. Josie sat on the sofa whilst Cruz moved around, busying herself with tidying up whilst her thoughts ran wild. 

Josie watched for a while and when she couldn’t take it anymore she said “hey” gently. Cruz heard her, it almost startled her from how in her own head she was, but she didn’t look up. “Hey” Josie said louder. 

Cruz clenched her jaw and looked up to meet Josie’s eyes which were confused and concerned. “What’s wrong?”

Cruz looked away again, she wasn’t good at this. She didn’t know how to say how she felt and she didn’t want to say the wrong thing and sound patronising or controlling. So she said nothing. 

“Cruz.” Josie said firmly. 

Cruz sighed and ran her hands through her hair, not meeting Josie’s eyes. 

“You don’t get to ignore me and not tell me why” Josie said, getting increasingly annoyed. 

“I’m not ignoring you, I-“ Cruz sighed.

“You’re not looking at me or speaking to me. I’d call that ignoring.” Josie snapped back. 

Cruz clenched her jaw and looked around the room. “I’m not, I-” she sighed “just- I want to be alone.” Cruz turned and rushed into the spare room, closing the door behind her. 

Josie sat on the sofa, confused by the entire situation. Why had Cruz gotten so upset? What had happened? Why wouldn’t she tell her? Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about their conversation in the car and tried to work out what had gone wrong. 

At this point, she didn’t want to see Cruz either, so she crutched to their bedroom and closed the door behind her. She got into bed but lay awake, confused and upset about the whole thing. 

Cruz sat on the bed in the spare room, tears running down her cheeks as she tried to process how she was feeling. She’d fucked up, she knew that. She knew what she was upset about and she knew she should’ve just told Josie. But the fear of Josie having a bad reaction made her say nothing instead. Which went down worse. 

She didn’t think Josie was ready to go on a mission. Not because of her abilities, but because she only got her cast off 24 hours ago. She was barely putting weight on it, she worried that she’d over-do it, push through discomfort, not tell anyone and then set herself back. All of these were logical thoughts and she was furious at herself for not being able to say them when Josie had asked to hear them. 

Because now Josie was upset too. For ignoring her and shutting her out. She wondered if Josie even knew why Cruz had been upset. Probably not. She dropped her head into her hands and sighed heavily. She knew she’d fuck this relationship up. She knew she wasn’t worthy of someone like Josie because she was too fucked up to just say how she felt. 

She sat there for a while, collecting her thoughts and working out what she wanted to say if Josie gave her the chance to try again. 

Eventually, she got up and walked through the house to their bedroom and noticed the door was closed. Everything in her told her to turn around, walk away, don’t make things worse, talking was too hard anyway, she’d probably just fuck it up again. She pushed through it. She needed to fix this. 

She knocked a couple of times before opening the door quietly in case Josie was asleep. When she walked in, Josie was laying on her side of the bed facing away from the door but seemingly awake from the sniffling sounds she made. 

Cruz sighed and walked in, sitting on her own side of the bed. Josie didn’t move. 

“Jose?” 

After a beat, Josie turned over to lay on her back, looking at Cruz who wasn’t quite looking at her yet. She didn’t want to make things worse so she fought every instinct she had and met Josie’s eyes. Josie had been crying too, and she looked sad, like she had on her mission. She was angry at herself for being the reason Josie was feeling like that again. 

“This is the talking part I’m not good at” Cruz said. 

“You haven’t said anything” Josie replied, still confused by the whole thing. 

“I thought it might be easier to not talk about it” Cruz admitted. 

“I don’t think that’s worked out” 

“Me neither” Cruz sighed. 

“Why are you upset?” Josie tried again. Cruz clenched her jaw, wanting to walk away, everything in her telling her to flee. 

“I don’t think you should be going on a mission one day after getting your cast off.” Cruz said. It was extremely hard for her to say that. Josie could tell. Her jaw was tight, she was struggling to make eye contact and looked like she was on the verge of tears. 

“Why didn’t you just say that earlier?” Josie asked.

“Because I didn’t want you to think I was being patronising or controlling” Cruz admitted. It felt a little easier saying this now that she’d admitted what was wrong. 

“But instead you said nothing and look what happened. Cruz, I can’t read your mind, I had no idea why you were upset.” Josie said, sitting up and leaning against the headboard. 

Cruz ran her hands through her hair and nodded slowly. She could see this from Josie’s perspective, of course she could. She hadn’t been fair. “I don’t know how to do this part, it felt easier running away.” Cruz realised out loud.

“You’re doing better than you think. But you can’t do that to me, you can’t shut me out and not tell me why.” Josie explained. 

“I know. I’m sorry.” Cruz agreed. 

“Can we actually talk about the problem now? You don’t want me to go away because you’re worried about my leg?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded. 

“Do you think I’m not worried about my leg? Cruz I’ve come too far to fuck this up now. But I also can’t let it hold me back from learning to do the job I’m going to do.” 

Cruz didn’t say anything, she just listened. She didn’t want to say the wrong thing and she’d been so busy thinking about how she felt, she hadn’t thought about Josie’s feelings about the trip. 

“It’s a surveillance mission, I’ll be behind the scenes in one place with Tex. It’s one flight there, one flight back. I’ll take my wheelchair, keep my foot off the ground and get back to practicing weight bearing on it when I get home. It’s no different to when we went to Texas.” Josie explained. 

“It is. I won’t be there.” Cruz replied. 

Josie sighed. She realised this was as much about Cruz as it is was about her. Cruz was worried something would happen and she wouldn’t be there to support her. Or maybe she was worried that Josie wouldn’t need Cruz’s help if something happened because other people would be there. The realisation hit Josie, Cruz was feeling insecure. 

“Are you worried that something will happen or are you worried that I won’t need your help if something does happen?” 

Cruz’s jaw clenched again. She knew a small part of her was feeling insecure about Josie getting better but she didn’t think that’s what they’d end up talking about. “Both” she said quietly. 

Josie reached out her hand towards Cruz and after a moment, Cruz took and held it. 

“Cruz I love you. And I need you. For lots of different things. Soon, my leg won’t be one of them, but that doesn’t change anything. Honestly, aren’t you sick of the fucking leg? I am.” Josie asked. 

Cruz did a small smile in amusement and replied “it’s not your fault it’s broken.”

“No, but it is my responsibility to get it back to full use and I can promise you I wouldn’t go on this mission if I thought it would set me back.” 

Cruz nodded. 

“You’re right, the team will be there to help me instead of you. But that doesn’t change anything. Cruz you are my favourite person and I will always want you, broken leg or not.” She reassured her as she squeezed her hand. 

Cruz nodded again, “okay.” She felt better hearing how confident Josie was in how safe she wanted to be with her leg. She was worried Josie would get reckless as she got closer and closer to the finish line but she’d misjudged her. She realised that she should’ve actually just asked how she was feeling instead of making assumptions. 

They both sniffled as they held each other’s hands, feeling better about the situation. “I’m telling Gabi you said I was your favourite person” Cruz laughed through her tears.

Josie wiped her own tears and laughed “Cruz don’t start something you can’t finish, that girl will be on a flight here within the hour.” They both laughed knowing that was completely true. 

Cruz moved to sit next to Josie against the headboard, pulling her into her armpit with her arm over her shoulder. She kissed the top of Josie’s head which Josie responded to by looking up and kissing Cruz firmly on the lips. 

“I’m sorry” Cruz said after the pulled away. 

Josie reached up and wiped Cruz’s tears off her cheeks “I know.” 

“Bet you’re hungry” Cruz said, “let’s make lunch.”

“See, what would I do without you?” Josie laughed. Cruz rolled her eyes and helped her out of bed and onto her crutches.

They made lunch and sat down in front of the TV to eat together. Cruz pressed the power button on the first remote and the TV started up and played a channel straight away without needing the other two remotes. Cruz gasped and turned to look at Josie who was laughing at her. “You fixed it?” 

“I fixed it” Josie replied, amused by Cruz’s excitement. 

Cruz pressed the streaming service button on the same remote and the corresponding streaming service opened. “Holy shit!” she yelled which only made Josie laugh more. “Did you see that?”

Josie nodded, “I saw babe, totally normal thing for a TV to do” she teased. 

“This is big” Cruz nodded, extremely satisfied with the efficiency of it all. Josie smiled and shook her head, she loved Cruz’s silly side. 

She put on Grey’s and they watched together for a while after they’d eaten, enjoying each other’s company. Not just because they’d had an argument, but because they were going to be apart again tomorrow and it was going to be different to their usual trips. 

“How long are you going for?” Cruz asked between episodes.  

“Unclear. Tex said pack for a few overnights in case.” Josie replied. She didn’t want to upset Cruz again but this was happening and they both needed to be on the same page. 

Cruz nodded. “Where?” 

“Also don’t know. Waiting for Joe to text details.” 

“Ok” Cruz liked having information to ease her mind. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any information and she was gonna have to just live with that for now. “You looking forward to it?” Cruz asked.

Josie could see this was hard for her and she appreciated Cruz trying. “I am” she smiled softly. “I’ve been really enjoying getting to know the team and learning from them. Such a different experience I had of them on my mission.”

Cruz nodded, she understood that. They’d been nicer to her on her mission than they’d been to Josie. She was glad they were treating her like family now. “They’re good people, just loud, loud people” Cruz replied. 

Josie smiled “yeah I’m learning that… will you help me pack?” She wanted Cruz to feel included even if she couldn’t come along. 

“Sure” Cruz took their plates to the kitchen, then followed Josie into the bedroom. She got Josie’s travel bag out of the closet and put it on the bed for her to pack in. Josie threw in some underwear and clothes to sleep in. She didn’t think they’d be gone more than one night but wanted to be prepared. 

“What’re you gonna do when I’m gone?” Josie asked as Cruz sat on the bed watching her move around. 

“Mmm workout, paperwork, maybe I’ll enjoy a banana since you banned them.” Cruz grinned at Josie. Josie glared at her and Cruz continued “Hey, maybe I’ll make a banana bread.”

“You wouldn’t” Josie challenged. “What if I come home early and the house smells like banana bread?”

Cruz had the most confused look on her face, “that’s like, everyone’s dream, Jose.” Josie scowled in response and Cruz put her hands up “jeez fine, no banana bread.” 

Josie pulled clothes from the drawers and threw them to Cruz who folded and packed them into her bag. In the end, she packed enough for three days just in case. 

When she was done, she joined Cruz on the bed and they sat side by side discussing anything else Josie might need. Cruz got her painkillers, including the stronger ones, just in case the travel triggered a flare-up again. As they finished packing, Josie’s phone beeped with a text from Joe. It was the details of her mission. 

“New York” Josie said out loud. 

Cruz nodded, that wasn’t so bad. She was worried it would be somewhere quiet and isolated. The kind of place that something bad could happen and it could be covered up easily. “You been before?”

“Yeah we vacationed there a few times as kids” Josie replied. “Have you?” 

Cruz shook her head. “Bring me back a little treat.” 

Josie grinned, “I will.” Fuck she loved this woman. 

She moved to the bed and sat herself on Cruz’s left, slightly further back than Cruz was. She tucked her right leg in so she could lean in close to Cruz, reaching her right hand up to move Cruz’s hair behind her ear. 

She leaned forward, placing a kiss behind Cruz’s ear and then worked her way slowly down her neck and along her jawline, feeling Cruz tense up in anticipation. 

Josie’s hands hugged Cruz’s body, running up and down her chest. When Cruz began to fidget, Josie lowered her fingers to the hem of Cruz’s top and pulled it off. She slid her fingers up and down Cruz’s front one more time before her hands settled on her breasts, grazing her nipples through her bra. 

When Josie had kissed everywhere she could reach, she moved her lips back to Cruz’s jaw and bit her teeth into her gently. Cruz turned her head immediately, unable to wait any more. 

Cruz pushed forward, taking Josie’s face into her right hand and kissing her firmly. Josie kissed her back, keeping her hands on Cruz’s body as best she could. She pulled Cruz’s bra off and returned to her nipples, brushing and pinching them. 

It wasn’t long before Cruz let out a whine and Josie pulled away smiling. “Lay back on the bed” Josie said, nodding towards their pillows. 

Cruz complied, enjoying being told what to do and needing Josie’s touch as soon as possible. Cruz lay down and Josie moved forward on her knees, until she had one leg in between Cruz’s. 

She lowered her body on top of Cruz, getting a loud sigh in response as she pushed her knee into Cruz’s centre. Taking advantage of Cruz’s reaction, Josie pushed her tongue into Cruz’s mouth, Cruz pliant and ready for it. 

Now that her cast was off, she had a bit more freedom to move around and was able to put some weight on the leg. She was going to give Cruz a taste of what she was in for when her leg was fully healed. 

Cruz’s hands ran up Josie’s sides, attempting to reach her boobs but Josie stopped her. She pulled away and grabbed Cruz’s wrists, pushing them into the pillow above Cruz’s head and held them there. Cruz looked up at Josie with dark eyes and sighed. 

“Is this ok?” Josie asked, needing to check in. She knew Cruz had a lot of trauma about being restrained or hurt and she didn’t want to trigger her. 

“Yes baby” Cruz managed, already so turned on, she just wanted Josie. 

“You keep them there until I say so” Josie replied, kissing Cruz’s chest and pulling a nipple into her mouth. 

“Fuck” Cruz moaned, at what Josie was doing but more so at the way she was taking control. 

Josie pulled down Cruz’s pants and underwear, throwing them to the floor and then returning her lips to Cruz’s. She kissed her hard as her right hand dropped between Cruz’s legs, running her fingers through her folds. 

“Fuck, Cruz” Josie hummed as she gathered wetness to rub into her clit “so wet for me.” 

Cruz’s hands instinctively went to Josie’s hair, needing connection. Josie sat up on her knees and moved her hands off of Cruz “not yet” she said, waiting for Cruz to return them to the pillow. 

Cruz’s eyes were dark and her mouth was parted as she groaned but did as she was told. Fuck this was hot having Josie on top of her, bossing her around. 

As soon as her hands were back in place, Josie pushed two fingers inside Cruz, staying on her knees so she could watch Cruz react. Cruz’s head tipped back and her mouth formed an O-shape as she gripped at the pillow desperately. 

Josie was enjoying this just as much as Cruz, grinning as she pumped her fingers in and out and listening to Cruz practically whimper. 

“Are you close baby?” Josie asked. Cruz nodded frantically, eyes wild. 

Josie smiled and pulled out, snapping Cruz out of her daze and getting an annoyed grunt in response. 

Josie checked Cruz’s hands were still on the pillow. “Good girl” she smiled as she began kissing her way down Cruz’s body.

Cruz pushed her body into Josie’s lips frantically, trying to get any friction back after being so close. Josie settled herself between Cruz’s legs, a position she could finally do with the cast off. She looked up at Cruz, who was watching her intently and as soon as Josie’s tongue made contact, Cruz’s eyes squeezed shut and head fell back into the pillow again. 

Josie held her hips in place, maintaining control right until the end. As she sucked Cruz’s clit into her mouth, Cruz gasped loudly and her muscles started twitching. 

Josie raised her head to look up at Cruz but  before Cruz could respond with another frustrated groan at the loss of contact, she hummed “you can touch me now.” 

Cruz’s hands darted to Josie’s head, threading her fingers through her hair, pulling Josie’s mouth back into her centre. Cruz moaned loudly as Josie continued her ministrations. 

Keeping her mouth where it was, Josie pushed two fingers in again and Cruz was coming instantly. 

She came hard and loud, Josie had never seen her have such an intense reaction before. She kept moving until Cruz finally stilled after multiple aftershocks. 

Josie crawled up her body, kissing along the way until she reached Cruz’s face. Cruz pulled her in for a lazy kiss, exhausted from the intensity of her orgasm. She lowered her hands, attempting to pull Josie’s shirt off but Josie put her hand over Cruz’s “that was just for you baby.” She hummed, very satisfied with her work. 

“What about you?” Cruz asked. 

“Wait until I’m back, it’ll give me something to look forward to whilst I’m away.” Josie grinned. 

“Fuck… Jose, that was… fuck” Cruz said, trying to string a coherent sentence together. That was the most intense orgasm she had ever had, it took her by surprise. But, she knew she liked Josie bossing her around, and she knew Josie was enjoying herself, figures it would do intense things to her.

Josie hummed “I liked it too” as she nuzzled into Cruz’s neck. 

They lay like that for a while, both thinking about the next few days. Cruz was trying to shift her mindset and be excited for Josie rather than worried. It was hard, but she knew the team would look after her, she trusted them with her now. 

Josie thought about the practical side of it, she was glad the cast was off and she could be more independent. It would’ve felt shitty needing the team to carry her or help her shower. She smiled at how far she’d come. 

She would miss Cruz, she hadn’t been away from home without her since the gunfight. She wondered how different it would feel to when Cruz went away. At least she’d have work to keep her busy and she knew Cruz had things to do too. Plus, it was something they were going to need to get used to when Josie was back in action. She’d be off on missions with the QRF whilst Cruz was training Lionesses. It was good practice, she thought. 

Eventually, Cruz got up and dressed to Josie’s disappointment and she headed to the desk to finish the paperwork she’d been doing earlier today. 

Josie went to the spare room to lift weights, wanting to get a workout in before she had a few days away from it. She couldn’t wait to start physiotherapy and do some lower body exercises again. 

Cruz finished up her reading and headed to the kitchen to start dinner. Josie went for a shower and then packed her toiletries and they met at the kitchen table. It felt right to have a more intimate dinner together rather than watching TV after the day they’d had. 

“Tell me about your mom, you don’t talk about her much” Cruz said as they sat down. The question took Josie by surprise, but she was also happy with how comfortable Cruz felt asking something like that. 

“Umm, honestly there isn’t that much to say, we’re not that close. Maybe we were when I was the only child she had but as my sisters came along, she grew more distant. I guess she figured we had each other to rely on.”

Cruz nodded, she got the impression they weren’t close when she’d met her mother. She hadn’t remembered Josie didn’t drink for 10 years despite her visiting for Christmas multiple times between that. 

“Does that make you sad?” Cruz asked. 

Josie was thoughtful. “Not really, can’t be sad about losing a relationship I never really had.”

“Mmm, you can be sad that there wasn’t one in the first place?” Cruz prodded. This was new for her. She wasn’t used to asking further questions to try and get more out of someone. 

“I guess so. It would’ve been nice to be close to my mom, sure. She was always so distracted with my dad and the money, she didn’t really have time for us.” Josie explained. 

“That’s difficult to hear as an adult, I can’t imagine how that felt as a kid” Cruz replied. 

Josie looked at Cruz with pure love in her eyes. She hadn’t brought this topic up herself or asked for validation of her feelings on it. Cruz had just done it, because she understood Josie like no one else ever had. Or likely ever would. “It was, but I’m lucky I had my sisters. If I’d have been an only child it would’ve been a lot lonelier with parents like mine.”

Cruz nodded. She was impressed by how strong yet still so loving and caring Josie and Gabi had turned out despite having such distant parents. It could’ve easily gone the other way where they learned to be entirely selfish and cold like their parents. 

“Have you spoken to Gabi lately?” Cruz asked. 

“We’ve texted but I’ll call her after dinner to tell her about my trip.“

They tidied up together and then Josie went into the bedroom to call Gabi, wanting to chat with her alone briefly. Cruz didn’t mind, she didn’t want her and Josie’s relationship to come between or change Josie and Gabi’s. 
 
Once Josie and Gabi had been caught up on each other’s weeks, Josie said “hey, I’m going on a work trip tomorrow, I might be gone a few days. Can you check in on Cruz? She’s going to be worried and could use some distracting.”

Gabi smiled, she figured neither of them knew that they’d both asked Gabi to keep the other company when they’d gone away. “Sure Captain, but don’t get jealous of how much fun we’re gonna have. I’m gonna make her play Fortnite with me.” 

“I don’t know what that is” Josie replied, always confused about what Gabi was talking about. 

“Cruz will know” Gabi sighed, disappointed in Josie’s lack of Fortnite awareness. 

They wound each other up for a bit before Cruz came in to start getting ready for bed. Josie handed the phone to Cruz who chatted with Gabi for a little while. Gabi didn’t mention what Josie had asked her. She’d text Cruz tomorrow to check in on how she was. Cruz and Gabi laughed frequently, Josie having no idea what they were talking about from the references Cruz was making. She rolled her eyes and got herself ready for bed.

Eventually Cruz said goodbye and gave the phone back to Josie who said goodbye too and then they got themselves into bed. 
They lay facing each other, emotions feeling a bit heavier than their normal nighttime routine would.

“You’ve got an early start, let’s get some sleep” Cruz said and then kissed Josie on the forehead. “I’ll help you with everything in the morning.”

Josie smiled softly “I love you.”

“I love you” Cruz replied as she turned of the light.

Notes:

Okay I literally finished this chapter today and I haven’t written anything after it yet. I will do my very best to have another chapter for you by next Saturday 🫡 I’m not giving up I’m just very busy!! We will get this fic to the finish line, I promise!

As always, let me know what you think!

Chapter 20: Surveillance

Summary:

Josie goes away on her first surveillance mission and Cruz does her best to keep herself busy.

Notes:

Hey!! This chapter ended up being way longer than expected so editing took a while. But it’s Saturday and it’s here!

This chapter is a good example of why this fic is listed as explicit 🤠 if it’s not your thing, it’s towards the end so you can skip it easily.

I hope you like it!

Josie’s alarm sounded at 0630 and they were both up and on the move quickly. Cruz made coffee and bacon sandwiches for Josie and Tex to have on the road whilst Josie collected the last of her bits for packing and then got herself dressed. 

When her bag was completely packed, she called Cruz to help carry it. As Cruz walked into the bedroom, Josie stepped in front of her and dropped her fingers to the hem of Cruz’s tank top. In one swift motion she pulled it up and over Cruz’s head and then folded it up neatly “I need this.” 

Cruz laughed “umm ok?” As she stood with her top half exposed, trying to work out what just happened. 

Josie threw it into her travel bag and then looked back at Cruz who was now smiling at her, understanding why she’d been stripped. Cruz went to the dresser and grabbed a new t-shirt to put on and then picked up Josie’s bag. 

Cruz brought her bag and wheelchair to the front door whilst Josie went to the kitchen to pack their food up and pour coffee into flasks. She poured a mug of coffee for Cruz too who smiled warmly as she took it, meeting Josie in the kitchen. 

Cruz leaned against the counter drinking her coffee, looking distant in thought. Josie could tell she was worried but trying to hide it as best she could. 

Josie stepped forward and leaned her body into Cruz’s, hugging her around the waist as Cruz wrapped her arms around Josie’s back. Josie could feel Cruz physically relax as she held her so they stayed like that for a while, wanting to spend these last quiet moments together.

Josie rested her head on Cruz’s chest and listened to the slow, strong beat. She closed her eyes and took Cruz in, her smell, the heat of her skin, the sound of her breathing. It was only really hitting Josie now how much she would miss Cruz. Cruz had created safety in herself but also in their home. So when Cruz went away, she still felt safe because she was still in their home. 

Leaving Cruz and leaving home felt daunting. She had been so busy thinking about the learning opportunities and the excitement of finally seeing some action that she hadn’t really processed this part until now, not this deeply. 

She had been working on these things with her therapist, she knew she needed to work on feeling safe away from Cruz and home. But realistically, her world had been blown apart just 2 months ago, it would take time to get to where she wanted to be. She’d had to rearrange her therapy session for this trip but she figured this would be a good opportunity to see what came up for her. 

When Cruz had finished her coffee, Josie said “I wanna get some practice walking on my leg before I take a break for a few days. Will you help me?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded and they went to the living room together. Cruz spotted Josie as she practiced walking back and forth with one crutch. It took a few attempts for Josie to get used to, having only used two crutches up until now but she was surprised by how manageable it was. 

Cruz beamed a smile at her. She was so happy Josie was finally seeing her commitment to being sensible over the last couple of months pay off. 

It wasn’t long before Josie’s phone beeped. “The car just picked up Tex, they’ll be here in 5.” Josie said. 

Cruz did a single nod and gave Josie back her other crutch. Josie moved into Cruz’s space, pulling her into a tight hug. Cruz squeezed her back until Josie pulled away and reached up, kissing Cruz firmly on the lips. Cruz placed a final kiss on Josie’s forehead, humming “I love you” into her skin. Josie smiled and replied “I love you” and then they were moving again. 

Cruz unlocked the front door and took Josie’s bag and wheelchair out onto the curb ready to load into the car. She went back for their breakfast as Josie crutched her way out, waiting together until the car came into sight. “No heroics, please” Cruz said as she picked up Josie’s stuff. 

Josie smiled, “yes Sergeant” she winked as she crutched towards the car that had just pulled up. Tex got out and helped Cruz put the wheelchair in the back whilst Josie got herself into the car. Cruz stepped back onto the curb, watching Tex get into the car too. Josie closed her door and put her window down, waving at Cruz as the car pulled away. Cruz smiled back, watching until their car was out of sight. 

She stood out there for a little while, staring in the direction that their car had gone. She stood enjoying the cool morning air on her skin as she thought about what she’d get up to today. A passing neighbour snapped her out of it and after an awkward “good morning” she headed back into the house.

Cruz made herself some food with the rest of the bacon she’d cooked and sat at her desk with another cup of coffee. Today she was writing out her training plan for the Lioness team. She’d spent the previous day sifting through the eligible officers that would work alongside her and she made her selection of those she wanted to interview. One she knew from a previous unit she’d worked in, the rest she’d never met. 

Construction work was already underway at the new facility so once she had an office in the building to use, she’d set up the interviews. She wanted the potential team to see the facility, make suggestions, be truly invested in the program. 

She got to work writing up not only what skills and techniques everyone needed to be able to teach, but more importantly, HOW they were going to teach them. 

She worked until she got a text from Josie that she was boarding her flight and at that point, she headed into the spare room for a workout, needing something more distracting to do. 

JOSIE

Josie and Tex chatted on the drive as they ate their sandwiches and drank their coffees. Tex had asked how Cruz was taking this trip and Josie was honest, it had been difficult. “Anything gets dangerous and we’ll have you out of there as our first priority.” Tex explained. 

Whilst it was a little disappointing to hear that Josie was a bit of a liability on this mission, she was glad they were still giving her the chance rather than picking an easier option. “How much will I be able to contact Cruz? Keep her updated like if I get pulled early?” 

“If you’re pulled, you can use your phone as soon as you leave. But once we get there, no phones. We don’t know how much monitoring will be going on, this guy might be more hardcore than we think.” Tex replied. 

Josie nodded. Cruz already knew contact would be difficult, same as on her own missions. They pulled up to the jet and Josie shot Cruz a text. 

Josie: Hey baby
Josie: Tex says no phones once we get there. They might pull me early if things don’t go to plan but I’ll let you know if that happens 
Josie: boarding the jet now

Cruz: Ok, can you let me know when you get there?

Josie: Will do

Cruz: Safe flight

Josie: you remember our last flight?

Cruz: yes

Josie: 🍑

Cruz: 🙄

Josie: 😘

Tex helped Josie up the steps of the jet and then they were on their way to New York. 

The flight was an hour and a half and Josie and Tex spent the whole time being briefed on the mission. They’d been sent info on Tex’s laptop so they worked through it together. 

They’d be tracking and intercepting a man suspected of illegal arms dealing. Their intel told them that he had a meeting with a contact to organise a large shipment of weapons in the next few weeks. Their current objective was not to stop him, but to find out the details of when and where this shipment would take place, intercept and seize it. This is why Tex and Josie were so important, it was a watching and listening mission. 

Kyle’s team had been tracking him and managed to set up cameras in his accommodation. The plan was to monitor those cameras when the mark was home, and have Kyle’s team tail him when he was out. Kyle’s team would be wired and have cameras where possible but they weren’t guaranteed. 

As the jet landed, Josie sent Cruz another text. 

Josie: just landed 
Josie: you better send me a pic after your workout btw

They got into the car that was waiting for them and were soon on their way to a safe house. 

Cruz read Josie’s text with a smile on her face and took a picture of herself in the mirror. She was wearing sweatpants and a sports bra and her muscles were pumped from the workout. 

Josie’s phone buzzed with Cruz’s message but she didn’t open it because she knew what it would be. She’d open it when they stopped, when Tex wasn’t sitting right next to her…

They pulled up at a fast food restaurant and ordered themselves lunch. Whilst Tex waited in the car for the food, Josie went into the restaurant to use the bathroom and reply to Cruz. 

Josie: very hot
Josie: I gotta turn my phone off now 
Josie: I’ll message when I can 
Josie: I love you 

Cruz: ok baby, good luck
Cruz: I love you 

Josie got back in the car and they were on the move again. They pulled up at the safe house, which was actually a small apartment on the ground floor of a large block. The target was staying in an apartment in the building next door. 

Two of Kyle’s team, Linc and Mara, were there waiting for them. They explained that they’d be observing the surveillance feed alongside Josie and Tex and then begin tailing the target when he emerged from the building. 

The equipment was already set up and Tex talked Josie through everything they were working with, not dissimilar to what they had practiced yesterday. There was just more of it. They were watching different cameras from different angles and had monitors ready to tap into Kyle’s team when they were tailing. They also had access to some local CCTV. 

“We’re good to go here” Tex announced. Mara showed them older footage of the last time they’d seen the target and when they were expecting him to return home. Once he was home, they’d have constant eyes on him from then onwards. 

They watched the cameras for a while. Whilst sitting around and waiting for something to happen wasn’t exactly in Josie’s nature, she found the whole thing fascinating. 

After a couple of hours Josie pointed at one of the screens “there, that’s him.” He was walking along a nearby street, heading towards his apartment block. They tracked him into the block and then watched him enter his apartment on the cameras they had in there. 

He did the things you would expect, had a shower, made some food, watched TV, nothing particularly exciting. 

Later into the evening, he began looking at his phone frequently, as if messaging someone back and forth. Not long after, he received a phone call. 

They listened intently and put together that he would be meeting his contact the next day. They agreed to meet at a bar a few blocks away at 1700. Tex noted that he spoke to the contact with no familiarity, sounding almost nervous. 

“That could be a good in for us, if he’s easy to break, we could intercept earlier than planned.” Tex said. Linc and Mara got on the phone, relaying their observations to the rest of the team to see what they thought. 

At this point it was late, they were both getting tired. “You go get a few of hours and then we’ll swap. I’ll wake you if anything happens.” Tex said, tapping Josie on the side of her leg.

Josie got herself ready for bed, wishing she could at least do their normal travel routine and chat to Cruz in the evening. She pulled Cruz’s tank top out of her bag and hugged it to her chest as she lay in bed. She’d had an early start and a busy day so she did fall asleep pretty quickly. 

A few hours later, Tex knocked on Josie’s door startling her out of a nightmare. She shot up, panting and dripping with sweat. 

It had been the helo crash this time, the bird was spinning, Josie was trying to get it under control but in this dream, the helo only sped up. The impact was brutal and the sound of Cruz’s scream from the back of the helo had happened at the moment Tex woke her. Tears streamed down her face as she got her bearings. 

As she sat on the bed wiping her tears and trying to control her breathing, Tex knocked again. 

“Coming!” Josie called through shaky breaths as she tried to get her heartbeat under control. She should’ve expected this with Cruz gone, it usually happened on at least one night when they were apart. 

She got up and wiped herself down as best she could after sweating through her sleep shirt. She threw a new one on, cleaned her teeth and then joined Tex in the living room to take over. 

Nothing had happened and they didn’t expect anything to until morning so Josie’s shift should be pretty quiet. 

Tex went off to sleep in his room and Josie watched the monitors for any sign of movement, trying not to keep replaying the nightmare she’d had. 

CRUZ

Cruz was tired but didn’t want to nap in case Josie contacted her. She knew she needed to calm down and not worry so much but this was the first time Josie had been away and her leg was still not back to full function yet. So she went back to her desk after her workout instead. 

She’d had a call with Joe to get more details on what areas they were going to prioritise for the trainees and then mapped out how she would teach them. 

After a couple of hours she started to lose momentum again and when her phone beeped, she checked it immediately, grateful for the distraction. It was Gabi. 

Gabi: bestie
Gabi: what are you doing I’m bored 

Cruz: just finished working

Gabi: you play Fortnite?

Cruz: not really, I have it on my Xbox though 

Gabi: log on, we’re playing Fortnite 

Cruz huffed a laugh and started up her Xbox. She got way too excited at how quickly it came on now that Josie had fixed the TV. She smiled to herself. 

Gabi sent Cruz a friend request and then they went into a game, chatting to each other on headset. 

“Damnnn you’re actually good at this” Gabi said as Cruz killed another team and rebooted Gabi back into the game. 

“This is more fun than I remember” Cruz said as they won the game. “Let’s play again.” 

They ended up playing for a couple of hours, laughing and shouting as they got multiple wins. 

“Why is your character cooler than mine?” Cruz asked as they went back to lobby. 

“You gotta buy them” Gabi explained. 

Cruz looked through the shop, feeling confused and overwhelmed by the choice. “Pick one you like” Cruz said. 

Gabi scrolled through and settled on her favourite character so Cruz bought it for herself and sent it to Gabi too. “Now we can match” she replied. 

 “Yessssss, you get it! Thanks!” Gabi laughed. “Hey I gotta go to bed, I’ve got class in the morning. But let’s play tomorrow” Gabi said. 

“Cool, I’ll be around” Cruz said. 

“I’ll text you. Night!” Gabi replied and then logged off. 

Cruz made some dinner and then got herself ready for bed. The day had gone surprisingly fast and she was tired from the early start and paperwork. She pulled Josie’s pillow to her chest so she could smell her as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep far quicker than she thought she would with Josie away. 

Cruz woke up the next morning painfully early. Her body only seemingly wanting a few hours of sleep. She was wide awake the second she opened her eyes. The sun was just about to rise, the room was still dark around her. She reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her phone, checking in case there was any word from Josie. Nothing. No news was good news, she hoped. 

She wanted to get out of the house so she went for an early run and once the sun was up and people emerged from their homes, she decided to visit the new facility. 

The plans had already been sent and were underway so it’s not like she’d be able to do anything when she got there but she just wanted to see how it was coming along. 

When she arrived, one of the construction workers walked her around the site after she flashed her CIA badge at him. He showed her what they’d completed and what they were working on next. 

She asked to see the area where her office would be and requested that they prioritise it so she could start her interviews ASAP. He nodded and said it would be the next thing they worked on and it should be ready to use in the next 2 days. Furniture and equipment had already been ordered and sent over so it would all be up and running quicker than she expected. 

Although Josie experienced what she did on her mission, she was glad that something good came from it. Everyone learned something and it was clear they were trying to do better for next time by investing in this. 

She drove from the facility to the local supermarket and picked up some groceries as they were running low. She didn’t have a list but did her best to remember what they needed and made sure to pick up all of Josie’s favourite snacks. 

On the way home she picked herself up some lunch and ate at her desk as she wrote out interview questions to ask the candidates. 

A little while later, Gabi texted asking if she wanted to play and she logged on to join her. They played well into the early evening. 

JOSIE

Josie watched the mark as he began his morning routine. He got up, made coffee and toast and then grabbed his bag that he had left by the front door the previous evening. 

He brought it to the kitchen and took out a small case, placing it on the kitchen table. He opened the case and carefully took out a pistol, handling it with excessive care. From the same case, he picked up another small object and studied it briefly. After some struggling, he worked out what to do and attached it to the pistol. It was a silencer. 

Josie stood, keeping one eye on the screen as she leaned in the direction of Tex’s room and threw one of her crutches at his door. After 5 seconds, Tex emerged looking extremely confused until Josie told him to hurry and look at the screen. 

As she continued to watch, the mark was still fiddling with the gun, seemingly trying to work out how to load it. He couldn’t get the magazine into the butt of the gun so left them separate instead. “This guy has no idea what he’s doing” Josie said, pointing at the screen. “He’s been handling that gun like it’s going to explode, he’s clearly never used one before.” 

“Why would they send someone with no experience to make such an important deal?” Tex thought out loud. 

“Maybe they didn’t want anyone who actually knew anything. That way there’s no way anyone will be able to find out who he’s working for or how they do what they do.” 

“Risky though, right?” Tex asked. 

“Mmm could be kinda perfect. There’s almost no risk of it failing. The deal will go through without any tension or double crossing because he doesn’t know anything which they’ll be able to tell. And if they kill him, well, they won’t get the weapons.” Josie theorised. 

Tex went into the hall and knocked on Linc and Mara’s door. Within minutes, they were all standing around the screens, discussing the observations whilst they continued to watch the mark bumble around.  

The mark put on his jacket and slipped the pistol and magazine into his inside pocket, grabbed his phone and wallet then headed out of the apartment. 

Linc, Tex and Mara discussed who would go out and tail whilst Josie continued to watch the mark. Mara headed out to tail the mark as he was due to walk past their building any second since they were only one building along. 

The mark walked down the hallway and called the elevator to his floor. As he stepped inside the elevator he looked around to check no one was watching. He pulled the gun and magazine out of his pocket, slid it in with ease and clicked the safety on. He put it back into his inside pocket confidently as the doors closed behind him. 

“Shit!” Josie said “He knows his apartment is being watched.”

Josie explained what she’d seen to Tex and Linc, that he’d been faking his incompetence in the apartment. Tex and Linc stepped back to discuss what this meant and what to do whilst Josie continued watching. 

Josie put her earpiece in so she could communicate with Mara as she tailed the mark. “M, do you copy?” Josie said quietly. 

“Loud and clear” Mara replied. “Mark spotted, I’m on the move.”

Mara followed the mark for a couple of blocks as Josie flicked through local CCTV cameras they had access to, trying to find the best angles. 

“He’s disappeared. I don’t have eyes on him” Mara reported suddenly. 

“Slow your pace, I’ll try to find him” Josie replied. After sifting through different cameras, Josie found an angle pointed at a small alley, close to where the mark was last seen. The image wasn’t clear but she could see the he was tucked up against the wall, watching the main road he’d been walking on. His right hand was behind his back and as he shifted his weight to look in the direction of the street, Josie spotted the gun in his hand. 

“M, do you see the diner coming up on your left? Go in there immediately, wait in the bathroom, lock the door. Do you copy?”

“Walking in now” 

Tex leaned over Josie’s shoulder, stopping his discussion with Linc to see what had changed. “What’s going on?”

“He knows he’s being tailed, he was waiting for her in that alley.” Josie explained, pointing at the screen. 

“This whole thing is fucked!” Linc yelled.

“Look, he knows he’s being watched, chances are that meeting he has later was a trap for us anyway.” Josie theorised. 

“I say we detain him now. Before we find out where he’s going and who he might tell.” Tex suggested. 

“The mission is to intercept the shipment” Linc argued. 

“He’s aware of us and he’s armed. I say you detain him, ask questions, make a deal, flip him, you might end up with a much bigger asset than one shipment of weapons. But this mission is compromised.” Josie said confidently. 

Tex nodded in agreement, impressed with Josie’s quick thinking. “You might also wanna have a think about how he knows he’s being watched. It’s not the first time your team have been crossed…”Tex added. 

Linc banged his fist on the desk in frustration. To give him a new mission, Josie said, “Linc, Mara is in that diner bathroom waiting for backup, go and meet her. We’ll watch the mark.” Linc darted out the door.

Josie had been watching the screen as she spoke and saw the mark give up on waiting for Mara. Meanwhile Tex had used his secure line to call Kyle and explain the situation. After some pushback, the rest of Kyle’s team agreed and went out in a car, heading to the mark’s location to detain him. 

Josie and Tex continued to track him, relaying his location until Kyle was able to pull his car over in a quiet street and arrest him. 

“Let’s get out of here” Tex said as their work there was done. 

“I’m gonna shower real quick, I’ll be ready in 10.”
Josie had a quick shower to wash off the sweat from her nightmare, feeling a bit better afterwards. 

As they were packing up their stuff, Joe called Tex’s secure line. 

Joe: I heard what happened 

Tex: We did what we could. You’re gonna want to do some digging on Kyle’s team, find out how Kyle’s mark was one step ahead 

Joe: Already on it but we need your help. I’m sending a car to you now, we’ll see you in DC in 2 hours 

Joe hung up, not giving them the option to say no. 

Tex stood silently for a second as Josie finished packing. “Uhh, change of plan. We’re going to DC.”

“What for?” Josie asked. She wasn’t annoyed but definitely curious. 

“They want help investigating the mole” Tex replied. 

“Ok, can I tell Cruz?” Josie asked. 

“Phones are fine now, go ahead” Tex nodded as he returned to packing. 

Josie: hi baby 
Josie: mission done
Josie: we’ve been called to DC
Josie: I think we’ll be home this evening, maybe a little late 

 

They stepped outside and waited for their car to pull up. That’s when Josie remembered Cruz’s gift. There was a cafe across the street so she told Tex she’d be right back and crutched across the road.

Josie went inside and was going to get a pastry or something Cruz might like when she noticed they sold t-shirts with their branding on the front with ‘New York’ in the logo. It wasn’t particularly exciting but she’d promised Cruz an NY souvenir if she could get it. She got it in an XL so it was comfortable to sleep in and after paying for it, tucked it into her backpack.

She crutched back across the road as the car pulled up, and then they were on their way to their jet. The flight was a little over an hour and then they were being driven to meet with Kaitlyn and Joe. 

Josie was in her wheelchair to make it easier to move quickly, Tex pushed her. They arrived in a surveillance room where there were screens covering the walls, watching all sorts of locations from different angles. Many of them were shots that Tex and Josie had been looking at just a couple of hours ago. 

“Captain Carrillo” Kaitlyn said as she approached Josie. Kaitlyn had an intimidating aura about her, like you could never tell if she was pleased or furious. Josie braced herself. 

“I’m glad I can welcome you to the team in-person” she said, extending her hand towards Josie. Josie took it tentatively and shook it, Kaitlyn’s eyes piercing into her soul. “Did you get your badge from Manuelos?” 

“Yes ma’am” Josie nodded. 

“Good. I hear you saved the day today” Kaitlyn said.

Josie didn’t know what to say, completely thrown off by Kaitlyn’s intensity “Uhh no we were-“

“Take the win, we’re impressed Captain.” Kaitlyn interrupted. Josie gulped and nodded. 

“We need you to walk us through the footage from today. What you found most significant, when you realised he was aware of you. Anything that might give us some information on a potential mole. The mark is detained and being interviewed as we speak and we’re searching his phone and laptop.” Joe said. 

“We have agents attending the mark’s meeting tonight, just in case it wasn’t a trap. That might give us some info too.” Kaitlyn added. 

Josie and Tex watched the screens as they played various pieces of footage from today. They talked them through what they’d noticed and after a couple of hours, their team had what they needed to investigate some leads. 

“You two can go home, thank you for your help” Kaitlyn said as she answered the phone and stepped out. 

Joe followed them out of the building, arranging their jet and car on the phone as they moved. “Car will be 20 minutes - traffic. Have you eaten today?” Joe asked.

“No ma’am” Tex replied. 

“Me neither, let’s go” Joe said as she walked towards a nearby cafe. 

Tex pushed Josie in her wheelchair. They’d left their bags in the car so at least they didn’t have to drag those around. Everyone ordered what they wanted, Joe paid and they waited for their food and coffees at the end of the bar. 

They sat at one of the outdoor tables so they could see their car pull up. Joe and Tex chatted casually whilst Josie listened. It was strange seeing this side of her, not so harsh. She actually had a personality. One Josie thought she might like if the dynamic were different. She figured her and Joe would become more familiar, not friends but not so angry at each other. She thinks they could do that. 

The car pulled up, Tex helped Josie in and then packed her wheelchair in the trunk. “Good work today, Captain” Joe said as she closed Josie’s door for her. Josie looked at her through the window and nodded once. That was something, she thought. 

As soon as they were on the move, Josie checked her phone to see if Cruz had responded. 

Cruz had just gotten back from grocery shopping and hadn’t been able to check her phone until she pulled up at the house. 

Cruz: hey babe 
Cruz: I spoke to Joe earlier 
Cruz: she said you saved someone’s life

Josie: I’m not sure about that, I just reported what I saw
Josie: you ok baby?

Cruz: I’m good
Cruz: you?

Josie: good
Josie: can’t wait to see you

Cruz: what do you want for dinner? I’ll order it when you’re off the jet 

Josie: pizzaaaaaaa

Cruz: of course
Cruz: let me know when you board and land 

Josie: I will
Josie: love you

Cruz: love you 

After sitting in traffic as they were leaving the city, they finally made it to the jet and boarded straight away as the jet had been waiting for them. Josie texted Cruz again. 

Josie: boarding now

Cruz: safe flight

Josie: 🍑

Cruz: I stg

The flight was just over an hour and Josie slept the entire time, only having had a few hours last night. Not only had she slept briefly due to the sleeping shift with Tex, but the sleep she did have wasn’t restful thanks to reliving the helo crash. As soon as the jet landed, they were in their car, heading home. 

Josie: just landed, omw 

Cruz: ordering now
Cruz: you get me a little treat?

Josie: I did
Josie: do I get something? 

Cruz: is the pizza not a treat?

Josie: I had something else in mind

Cruz: that can be arranged 

Josie: 🍑

Cruz ordered two pizzas, did a quick tidy and then thought about what Josie had asked. She wanted to give her something special, like Josie had given her when she came home last time. 

As soon as the idea popped into her head, she darted off to the bedroom to get what she needed. 

The pizzas arrived and Cruz put them in the kitchen and then sat on the sofa, Josie not far away. 

As she heard their car pull up, she got up and opened the door. Tex was carrying Josie’s bag and wheelchair as Josie crutched behind him. He dropped her stuff into the doorway and then waved goodbye as he headed back to the car. “Thanks, Tex” Josie and Cruz said at the same time. 

Josie stepped into the house, beaming at Cruz as she rested her crutches against the wall and then grabbed her face. She pulled Cruz down into a kiss and they grinned at each other as she pulled back. “Hi” Josie said. 

“Hi” Cruz replied. Josie turned around and pulled the t-shirt she’d bought out of her backpack, handing it to Cruz. “That’s about as exciting as it got for this trip, sorry.” Josie said. 

Cruz unfolded the t-shirt and looked at it with a warm smile, “Thank you.”

Josie stepped forward into Cruz’s space, throwing her arms over Cruz’s shoulders and looking expectant. “And what do I get?” She asked, already eyeing Cruz hungrily. 

Cruz looked into Josie’s eyes confidently, a slight smirk on her lips. She put her hands on Josie’s hips and pulled her forward so they were pressed against each other. 

As soon as Josie felt it, she looked up at Cruz with pure lust. She slid her right hand down Cruz’s body slowly, stopping between her legs. She ran her fingers along the firm ridge between Cruz’s legs and hummed.

As she locked eyes with Cruz again, she sighed at how dark they were. From the gulp she watched Cruz do, she imagined hers must look the same. She put her hands on Cruz’s shoulders and pushed her onto the sofa. 

She hopped forward and straddled Cruz, sitting in her lap as her hands roamed her face, her neck, her chest. Cruz pulled her hips forward and Josie gasped as she made contact with the strap in Cruz’s sweatpants. 

She began grinding into it slowly, Cruz guiding her hips as they watched each other intently. Josie’s cheeks were flushed, her mouth parted, eyes glazed. Cruz hadn’t seen her this turned on before. They hadn’t even kissed yet. 

As much as Josie was into it, she wanted Cruz to feel as good as she did. She stepped back onto her good foot, pushed the coffee table out of the way and dropped to her knees. Cruz’s eyes widened instantly, watching Josie’s every move. 

Josie opened Cruz’s legs and leaned forward, pulling at the waistband of Cruz’s sweatpants. Cruz lifted her body so Josie could pull them down slowly and once they were off, she threw them to the floor. 

Josie kissed the inside of Cruz’s knees, working her way along her thighs until she reached the strap. She placed one kiss on the base of the strap and looked up at Cruz “Yes or no?” 

Cruz couldn’t whisper “yes” fast enough as she nodded rapidly.

Josie licked the length of the dildo before pulling it into her mouth and sucking it slowly. Cruz wasn’t sure how long she’d been holding her breath but inhaled sharply at the sight of Josie in her lap. 

She pushed Josie’s hair out of her face, and held it at the back of her head, watching Josie move up and down. Cruz groaned and fidgeted, unbelievably turned on by what she was watching. She was supposed to be treating Josie, but of course Josie had taken control. She was not against it.

As Cruz’s heat grew, her grip tightened in Josie’s hair, making Josie look up at her. They locked eyes, both completely lost in it and Cruz couldn’t wait any longer. She pulled Josie up with a hand under her chin and crashed their lips together as Josie stood. Josie returned the heat, Cruz already fumbling with her belt and pulling her jeans and underwear down. 

She pulled Josie back into her lap, doing her best not to break the contact of their lips. She needed this woman in every way. Josie dropped onto the dildo immediately, not needing any time to ease into it. Their lips only broke as Josie cried out at the fullness. 

Cruz kissed Josie’s neck as she rocked into Cruz. They knew she’d come quickly and as her first orgasm hit, Cruz took the moment of distraction to get Josie’s t-shirt and bra off. “Again.” Cruz commanded. 

Josie smiled at her confidence as Cruz placed her hands on Josie’s hips and encouraged her to move again. Cruz pinched, squeezed, licked and sucked Josie’s nipples as best she could with her movements. Josie got faster as her second orgasm began to build and at that point, they took to watching each other instead. 

“Fuck- I’m-“ Cruz said suddenly as she leaned her head into Josie’s neck, falling over the edge. Josie smirked, she loved that Cruz could come without Josie even touching her. She thread her fingers through Cruz’s hair, maintaining her movements as Cruz came back down. 

Now she was able to concentrate better, Cruz dropped her fingers to Josie’s clit and rubbed circles as Josie moved. “Shit, Jose” Cruz gasped at Josie’s arousal. Josie did her best to try and last but when Cruz looked up at her with pure adoration in her eyes, she couldn’t hold on anymore. Cruz sucked Josie’s bottom lip as Josie squeezed her eyes shut and moaned loudly into Cruz’s mouth. 

She came hard, squirting into Cruz’s hand as she continued her circles. When Josie finally stopped moving, she collapsed into Cruz who hugged her as they both tried to slow their breathing. “Baby, that was so fucking good” Josie laughed into Cruz’s ear. Cruz chuckled back, humming in agreement. 

When Josie finally got off, she stood up and grabbed Cruz’s new oversized t-shirt and threw it on. “What the hell?” Cruz laughed in disbelief, already losing her own gift. She didn’t care really, she’d give Josie anything she wanted. 

Josie grinned as she pulled Cruz up and kissed her warmly before saying “fill me in on the pizza situation” looking around for the food Cruz had ordered. 

Cruz shook her head and laughed, “in the kitchen, I’ll be there in a sec.” She headed to the bathroom to clean up and change her clothes before meeting Josie in the kitchen. They ate their pizzas standing over the counter, both hungry and enjoying being together again. 

Josie filled Cruz in on what had happened. Cruz was a little worried as it sounded like it got way more serious than it was supposed to but she was also endlessly impressed by Josie’s skill in the field and she really did save someone’s life. 

Josie wanted to know everything Cruz had done even when Cruz dismissed her saying that it was boring. Cruz walked her through the Lioness planning, the visit to the site, Fortnite with Gabi, all of it. Josie was invested in every word. “You’re gonna have to show me what Fortnite is.” Josie said. 

“That might be dangerous, it’s actually really fun, we played most of the day.” Cruz admitted. 

“Oh well then you’re definitely showing me tomorrow, I’ve got the day off” Josie replied. 

When they’d eaten, Josie texted Gabi that she was home and thanked her for checking in on Cruz. They got ready for bed and were soon in bed facing each other. 

“How was your sleep?” Cruz asked, fearing she already knew the answer. 

“Bad” Josie admitted. “You?” 

“Short” Cruz replied. 

Josie pulled herself into Cruz’s side so they were as close together as possible and they both fell asleep within minutes.  

Notes:

I really liked writing Josie at work, more of that to come!

Cruz did well, that wasn’t easy for her. She’s never had to worry about someone before 🥹

I try to balance smutty scenes so it’s not constant but is frequent enough to be realistic for these characters and their histories and new relationship with each other. Hope it’s ok!!

Thoughts? Feelings?

Chapter 21: Home and Away

Summary:

Josie and Cruz have a lazy day and then get called into work again.

Notes:

Most of this chapter is domestic Cruzie, enjoying being together after Josie’s mission. BUT I know you guys liked the plot progressing with their jobs changing so there’s some of that in there for you too!

Josie woke up to her phone ringing and was surprised when she checked the cornier of her phone and saw it was 0930. They’d slept in pretty late, neither of them had even stirred until now. Sleeping apart was something they were both going to have to work on, it wasn’t sustainable to be so sleep deprived in the moments they needed to be most focused and alert. Josie would bring this up in therapy, she thought. 

She answered her phone as quickly as possible to avoid waking Cruz who was stirring now too. She grabbed one crutch and headed out the bedroom door as she whispered “hello?” 

She closed the door behind her and sat on the sofa as she listened to the voice on the other end. “Hi, am I speaking to Josephina Carrillo?” 

“Yes, speaking” Josie replied, still trying to wake herself up after such a long sleep. 

“I’m calling from the hospital regarding your upcoming physiotherapy. I’ve been asked to schedule you in for your first appointment.”

Josie smiled to herself, this was a big moment in her recovery. “Amazing, I’m flexible, when is your first available appointment?” Josie was ready to get going as soon as possible. 

The receptionist replied, “would tomorrow at 10am work?” 

Josie rushed out a “yes, that’s great, thanks!” She’d expected to have to wait at least a week, tomorrow was the best news she’d ever heard. 

“I’ll email you over the appointment details now. Have a nice day.” The receptionist replied.

“Thanks, you too!” Josie replied and then hung up. “Fuck yes!” Josie said loudly and then immediately covered her mouth, forgetting Cruz was still asleep. 

In the same moment, Cruz emerged from the bedroom blinking and rubbing her eyes. “Everything ok?” She asked. 

Josie grinned as she hopped over to Cruz, pulling her into a hug, “I start physiotherapy tomorrow.” 

Cruz smiled and squeezed Josie back, then lifted her up around her waist and kissed her, both still smiling. She carried Josie to the kitchen and put her on the counter, placing a final kiss on her lips before stepping back. “I’m really happy for you” Cruz said as she started making coffee for them both. 

“Thanks” Josie grinned. Cruz handed her a cup of coffee and they drank it whilst they made plans for the day. “Oh! I need to tell my therapist I’m back so we can reschedule.” Josie said as she scrolled through her phone and then sent off an email to Helen.

“There’s nothing I really need to do today, I did grocery shopping yesterday and my office at the facility won’t be ready until tomorrow.” Cruz said. 

“Lazy day?” Josie proposed.

Cruz smiled back “lazy day.”

Doing nothing was something neither of them had ever been good at so they were surprised at how much they enjoyed it now. Just being in each other’s company, or doing things separately and checking in with each other. They looked forward to days like this in between chaotic work trips. 

Josie got an email back from her therapist that she could do a session this afternoon so they agreed to meet at 1600. 

They spent the rest of the morning working out and then taking it in turns to shower. After that, Josie reminded Cruz that she was supposed to teach her what Fortnite was. 

Cruz walked her through it and once Josie had got the hang of it, Cruz texted Gabi to come online. They played for a few hours, Cruz and Josie taking it turns with Gabi as they shouted and laughed together. 

Eventually Gabi had to go study and Josie’s therapy session was coming up. Cruz grabbed her laptop and walked to the QRF house so Josie could have some privacy. 

When Cruz arrived, she sat with Bobby and showed her the candidates she had been sent to work alongside her on the program and asked if she knew any of them. Unsurprisingly, Bobby recognised quite a few, especially the higher ranking officers. Cruz showed her the selection she had made for interviews and Bobby agreed on all but one. “This guy? He’s a dick.”

“Why?” Cruz asked. 

“Oh you’ll see. Do the interview with him. You’re gonna love the feeling of rejecting him after you’ve met him.” Bobby laughed. 

Cruz nodded, at least she knew what to expect. “Is there anyone else from the rest of them you think I should interview instead?” 

Bobby looked through again and then suggested someone she recognised. “She’s smart, takes instructions well, doesn’t put up with shit, especially from asshole men like that other guy. Interview her and see what you think.” 

All of those attributes sounded like things she wanted in her team so she sent off an email asking the officer for an interview. As soon as her office was ready, she’d get people in. 

“How’s the Mrs?” Bobby asked. “I hear she basically ran that mission.” 

Cruz smiled proudly, “Joe and Kaitlyn were impressed. I’m glad they’ve stopped doubting her.” 

“She’s a quick learner, she’s done guns, drones, surveillance. We need to get her into combat training next” Bobby replied. 

Cruz grinned wickedly, “oh I’m gonna train her on that myself. As soon as she can put her full weight on the leg, I’m taking her into the ring.” 

“That’s some kinky shit” Bobby jabbed.

Cruz rolled her eyes but smirked a little. She’d be lying if she said Josie taking a swing at her and trying to pin her down wasn’t hot. “Speaking of the leg, she starts physio tomorrow. When we’re back I’m gonna go to the facility and set up my office. Maybe you two could go to the range?”

“Sure, we could do rifles and snipers?” Bobby suggested. 

“Good plan” Cruz replied. “Fuck wait until she gets to try the RPG, she’ll love that shit.” 

The rest of the team came in and they chatted together for a while. Tex explaining their mission again from his perspective. He described how impressed he was with Josie which made Cruz go warm with pride. 

Josie texted Cruz that she was done with her therapy session so Bobby drove her home and came into the house with her.

“Hey Bobby” Josie said as they stepped through the front door. 

“Thunder, congrats on your first mission” Bobby said as she headed to the kitchen in search of a beer. Josie and Cruz looked at each other and laughed, but they were glad Bobby felt comfortable enough to make herself at home. 

“Thanks, hey, when can we train again?” Josie asked, joining Bobby in the kitchen. 

“That’s why I’m here, you wanna head to the range tomorrow afternoon?” Bobby asked. 

“Fuck yeah, when are we doing RPGs?” Josie asked excitedly. 

Bobby and Cruz looked at each other and laughed.

“What?” Josie asked, shoving Cruz playfully. 

“Nothin’” Cruz replied as she headed off to her desk to do more admin for the interviews. 

“Why’s she laughing?” Josie asked Bobby through squinted eyes. 

“She just knows you very well” Bobby replied. “Speaking of” she continued in a whisper, “how’s it going, you two?” 

Josie smiled warmly “So good. We had our first argument and survived it… Then we had really good sex” she grinned. 

“Damn, that’s the real shit. It’s good to see her with you, she’s different. She was always in survival mode when we knew her. I think she’s actually starting to relax around us now too.” Bobby observed. 

“She is, but she does better one on one. You guys are… not quiet” Josie jabbed. 

Bobby rolled her eyes “you love us” 

“Speaking of, have you found love yet, all these dates you’re going on? I didn’t get any details after the last one” Josie accused. 

“Date is a strong word” Bobby admitted. “I prefer to sleep around, no emotions involved. That kinda date.”

“I did too, I get it. Are you at least sleeping with the same people?” 

“There is this one girl that I’ve seen a few times, she’s different” Bobby admitted. 

“Okayyyyyy, see, that’s something.” Josie said excitedly. 

Bobby rolled her eyes “calm down, we’re not getting married. How long until you are? Weeks?”

“Fuck off” Josie replied. 

“Have you discussed it? Is that something she wants? Or you want?” Bobby prodded. 

“I don’t know, we haven’t spoken about it. But we-“

“Haven’t spoken about what?” Cruz asked as she walked into the kitchen to grab her own beer. 

Josie shot Bobby a panicked look as Bobby burst into laughter. Cruz eyed them both suspiciously. “That’s my cue” Bobby said as she patted Josie on the shoulder and headed out “good luck, see you tomorrow!” She called from the front door. 

“Fucking asshole!” Josie yelled back. 

“What just happened?” Cruz asked, super confused. 

Josie sighed, “nothing, Bobby was just being nosey about us.”

“And there’s something we haven’t spoken about?” Cruz prodded. 

Josie closed her eyes and sighed, she was gonna murder Bobby. “Uhhh, she was asking if we want to get married. I said we haven’t spoken about it, not that it’s something we would do any time soon- or, more that, we haven’t discussed it so, how would we know that-“ Josie was rambling. She was trying not to send Cruz into a panic or give her a reason to withdraw. 

Cruz laughed, “babe, it’s ok” she could see Josie was uncomfortable, she wanted to reassure her that it was okay to talk about. “Is that something you want? To get married?” 

Josie was stunned into silence. Was Cruz wanting to have this conversation now? Shit ok. “Umm I don’t know, I never really thought I’d be in a long term relationship so I never really pictured it for myself. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to, it’s just not like a huge dream or goal for me. Does that make sense?” 

Cruz smiled warmly “that makes sense” she nodded. 

Josie breathed a sigh of relief. “Do you? Want to get married?” She asked tentatively, hoping it was ok. 

“Yeah, I do” she said confidently. Josie was shocked at how well Cruz was taking this conversation and also, she wanted to get married??? 

“Why?” 

“Uhhh, I just never really thought it would be something I’d be able to have. And now it is. The guys I dated were drug dealers, they were dangerous. When I was with them, it’s not something I ever pictured or wanted. But then when I realised I was into women, I felt differently about it. But even then, my life had always been chaotic and dangerous and I never thought I’d have stability or safety. But I’ve learned that I can. So now it’s something I do want for myself. Does that make sense?” Cruz replied. 

Josie gulped and whispered “that makes sense.” Since they were having this conversation they may as well have the other one. Fuck it. “…and… kids?”

Cruz looked a little surprised at that but she figured it was in the same realm and they should talk about that too. “No, not for me” Cruz said softly. “You?”

Josie shook her head “not for me either” she agreed. 

Cruz nodded once, “that wasn’t so bad, huh?” She observed. 

Josie laughed “we slayed that!” 

Cruz rolled her eyes but kissed Josie on the head as she opened the fridge again. “Beer?” 

“Sure” Josie replied. There was some pizza left from the previous evening so they shared that together in the kitchen before getting ready for bed. 

Warmth rushed over them as they both felt a new layer of peace in knowing they were both on the same page about what they wanted for their futures. Their futures together. 

They lay facing each other, Josie was wearing Cruz’s new t-shirt and a thong which Cruz thought looked incredibly sexy.  As she moved towards Josie, pressing her lips to hers, Josie didn’t hesitate to pull Cruz on top of her, not something Cruz was expecting. “You want me on top?” Cruz asked, surprised.

“You’ll see” Josie smirked as she pulled Cruz down into a heated kiss. She wasted no time pulling Cruz’s top off and running her fingers over her chest. Cruz pulled back to get Josie’s t-shirt off too which Josie allowed but had Cruz back in the same position as soon as possible. She pulled Cruz’s boxers down to her knees and then said “take them off.”

Cruz stood and pulled them off and then dropped back onto her knees. She placed a kiss on Josie’s stomach and then used her teeth to grab Josie’s thong and pull it down. “Fuck” Josie sighed. It was fucking hot watching Cruz do that but she was also frustrated at herself for losing control. As soon as Cruz removed them completely, she pulled her back on top so they were face to face. 

“You want me to touch you?” Cruz asked, trying to work out what Josie had planned. 

“No, I want to touch myself whilst I touch you” she smiled as her eyes roamed Cruz’s face. Cruz was already very turned on but her eyes widened at the idea of getting to watch Josie touch herself. Again. 

“Fuck, ok” Cruz replied. She was surprised at how much she enjoyed Josie being in control now. At first, she let Josie do it because Josie liked it, but now, she looked forward to seeing what Josie had in store for her. 

Josie spread Cruz’s legs with her foot and ran her fingers through her folds, Cruz was already soaked for her. She brought her hand up and rested her fingers on Cruz’s lips. Cruz parted her lips and sucked them into her mouth, keeping her eye’s locked onto Josie’s.

Josie sighed at the feeling of Cruz sucking her fingers whilst Cruz moaned at the taste of herself on her tongue.

Cruz released her fingers, kissed Josie softly and said whispered “fuck me, please.” Josie gulped at how submissive Cruz was being tonight, she loved having her this way. 

She moved her right hand back down between Cruz’s legs and pushed two fingers inside of her easily. Cruz groaned as Josie began pushing in and out of her, painfully slowly. 

Cruz kissed Josie’s face, her neck, her chest as Josie took her time, building Cruz up slowly. 

Josie dropped her left hand to her own centre and gasped at the contact, pushing her body up into Cruz’s. Cruz watched Josie get momentarily lost in her own pleasure as she began tracing circles over her clit, gasping at the pressure.

Cruz took the opportunity drop her lips to Josie’s chest and pull a nipple into her mouth. Josie moaned loudly and then growled at Cruz trying to take over. She pulled Cruz’s face up to her own, then dropped her hand back down to continue her ministrations.

They watched each other for a while until Josie could feel Cruz starting to tense. “Are you close?” 

Cruz nodded, attempting to rock into Josie’s fingers, chasing her orgasm. Instead, Josie pulled out. It was Cruz who growled this time, frustrated, until she realised Josie had stopped touching herself too.

Josie sat up, pushing Cruz back slightly, threading their legs together. She pulled Cruz back towards her so their centres were together and began to grind into Cruz. Cruz watched the whole thing in a daze and only snapped out of it when the pleasure of Josie pushing into her hit.

She began moving too, eyes flicking from Josie’s face to her chest to their centres moving against each other. 

Cruz came first, pushing into Josie harder as she fell over the edge. As Josie watched Cruz finish, she felt a rush of satisfaction at how she had unravelled Cruz and allowed herself to let go too. Cruz brushed Josie’s nipples as she ground into Cruz faster and then she was coming.

Once she stilled, Cruz collapsed on top of her, pushing Josie back into the bed. “Fuck you’re good at that” Cruz huffed into her neck. 

“Mmm, it’s you, I always want to touch you” Josie hummed back, still coming down.

They lay in bed afterwards chatting for a while, Cruz filling Josie in on the people she was going to interview and the input Bobby had given her. Josie spoke briefly about her therapy session, highlighting that sleeping when they weren’t together was something she was trying to work on. Cruz agreed, it wasn’t sustainable to only sleep when they had each other. Helen had given Josie some ideas she could try and Cruz was willing to do them too. 

They both enjoyed a good night’s sleep together and when Josie’s alarm went off the next morning, she had never been happier to hear it. She got up and got herself ready, letting Cruz sleep for a bit. She went into the kitchen and made coffee, managing to bring Cruz’s mug to her now that she’d got the hang of one crutch. 

“Morning!” Josie beamed as Cruz stirred. 

“Hey” Cruz replied, sitting up and taking the coffee. Josie leaned forward and crashed her lips into Cruz’s. Taken aback but not against it, Cruz kissed her back, holding her coffee in the air trying not to spill it. “You excited about your appointment?” Cruz guessed. 

Josie sat on the bed and nodded “very” she replied. “Honestly the pain is so dull now, I really think I’m nearly there.”

Cruz smiled warmly, “that’s fucking amazing” she replied, sharing Josie’s excitement. 

“I’m gonna go make breakfast whilst you get ready” Josie said as she stood, kissed Cruz on the cheek and crutched back to the kitchen. 

Cruz drank her coffee as she got ready and met Josie in the kitchen where they ate breakfast together. Cruz packed her bag with her laptop as she was going to go straight to the facility after the appointment. Josie took one crutch with her and then they were on their way.

Josie turned the radio up loudly and sang along to the pop songs that played, making Cruz laugh and eventually joined in. She loved seeing Josie so happy, it filled her with that familiar warmth. 

They sat in the waiting room briefly until they heard “Josephina Carrillo?” They stood and headed towards the physiotherapist. 

“Captain” Cruz added as they followed him into the room. 

“Captain Carrillo, got it.” He said, slightly scared at Cruz’s hard stare and tone. Josie tried to hide the smirk on her face. 

“I understand you’ve been on the walking boot for a little while now, how are you getting on?” He asked. 

“Really good, I’m consistently walking with one crutch and the pain is only dull, nothing like before.”

“That’s great, we’re going to go through some exercises and we’ll see how you walk without the crutch. If you can manage the pain, you can start walking without the aid.” 

Josie beamed a smile as she looked at Cruz who was smiling back. The physiotherapist showed her some exercises and movements to start doing daily. It was nothing in comparison to the lower body workouts she’d usually do so she knew she’d get on just fine.

“Ok, let’s have you walk up and down without the crutch and see how it feels.” He said as Josie stood. Cruz followed her, spotting her as she started to move. It felt a little weird, she’d not put her full body weight on it for so long but it was more strange than painful. She could deal with that.

“I’d like you to do the exercises daily and you can walk without crutches in the house first. Once it feels more comfortable, you can go without them completely.” He said. 

They thanked him and headed out, both extremely happy with the outcome. Josie pulled Cruz into a hug before pecking her quickly and closing her door. Once they were on the move, Cruz didn’t take their usual route home. Just as Josie noticed and asked where they were going, Cruz pulled up at an ice cream shop. 

“It’s 11am” Josie observed. 

“I’m sorry, do you not want ice cream?”

“You make such a good point” Josie replied as they hopped out of the car and went in to order. They sat in the sun, swapping half way through so they got to try each other‘s. “Hey” Josie said, looking over at Cruz, “I love you.” 

Cruz smiled back “I love you.” 

Cruz drove to the QRF’s house to drop Josie off on her way to the facility. She kissed Cruz goodbye and headed into the house as Cruz drove away. 

When she pulled up, she flashed her badge and the construction worker took her straight to the office area. Their progress had been quick and it was definitely in a usable state.

 The room had basic furniture, a desk, chairs, a sofa against the wall, a small amount of storage. All very minimal but she could make it her own once she got started. 

Cruz sat at her desk and opened her laptop. She sent off emails to the selection of candidates, letting them know she was ready to conduct interviews. She asked them the soonest dates they could come in. She was hoping to have her team picked in the next week so they could get to know each other and the curriculum before the lionesses arrived. 

She had the construction worker walk her around the rest of the facility. The bathrooms were nearly finished, looking much better than the state they were previously in. Kitchen had just been started with all of the new equipment lined up outside ready to go in. Some of his team were working on the walls they needed to divide off different sections of the building. It was looking good. Cruz felt a strange sense of achievement considering she hadn’t actually started yet. 

When she had seen everything, she thanked him and jumped back into the car, heading to a local drive-thru. She bought three burgers and milkshakes and then drove to the gun range. 

As she pulled up, Josie and Bobby emerged to see who had arrived. Josie beamed a smile at Cruz as she got out of the car, and the smile grew even bigger when she saw she’d brought lunch. 

Josie and Bobby had been sat on two chairs in the shade taking a break. Instead of getting another chair, Josie pushed Cruz into her own chair and then sat side on in her lap facing Bobby. 

Cruz handed out the burgers and milkshakes and they ate as they chatted, Josie throwing an arm over Cruz’s shoulders.

“How’s it going?” Cruz asked. 

“Fun! We did rifles, just been trying to get used to the recoil, it’s different to the pistol.” Josie replied. 

Cruz nodded, “you told her what we’re doing next?” She asked Bobby.

“Nope it’s your speciality I thought you’d like to do the honours” Bobby replied. 

Josie looked at Cruz who grinned and said “snipers.”

“Fuck yeah” Josie replied. “You were a sniper before you joined my mission, right?” 

“Mmhh” Cruz nodded. “I liked it a lot, this should be fun.”

As they grinned at each other, Bobby interrupted with “so I hear you two are getting married.”

“Bobby I swear to fucking God” Josie shot back. 

Naturally, Josie and Bobby had spent the last hour gossiping. Bobby had asked what had happened after she left them mid-marriage conversation yesterday so Josie had filled her in. 

“Bobby’s falling for someone she’s sleeping with” Josie added, playing Bobby at her own game. 

“No shit!” Cruz laughed, “aww Bobby that’s so cute” she teased. 

Bobby scrunched up her napkin and threw it at them, “ah fuck off, I’m going to get the sniper ready before I have to witness a marriage proposal at a gun range. Wouldn’t be my first either” she said storming off to the gun locker. 

Cruz and Josie laughed as Bobby disappeared and when she was gone, Josie placed a brief kiss on Cruz’s lips “hi” she smiled.

“Hi” Cruz smiled back. 

“She’s such a gossip” Josie said, pointing in Bobby’s direction.

“So are you” Cruz added with a smirk. 

“Rude” Josie huffed. 

“Brat”

“You love it”

“I do” Cruz smiled. “Let’s go shoot stuff.” She patted Josie on the ass to get up and they headed over to the bench where Bobby had prepped the sniper. 

Cruz talked her through what each part was, how to hold it, how to aim. It was much heavier than anything she’d used before. Josie managed everything well so they moved on to target practice. 

They lay in the grass with a target at 100m. Cruz had the spotter scope and talked Josie through what information they both needed and what adjustments to make. 

Josie took a few shots, missing the first couple and then hitting the target on all of her remaining attempts. On her final shot, she hit the target in the centre of the chest. “Fucking A” Cruz said with a laugh. 

Josie had been walking without crutches all day and was doing really well. Cruz felt more relaxed at this new change, knowing now that Josie wasn’t going to push too hard and set herself back. She was glad they’d had that discussion, even if it hadn’t been in the best way. 

Cruz showed Josie how to take the gun apart and pack it away correctly, and then Bobby insisted they follow her back to the QRF’s for drinks. 

When they arrived, the team were already playing Xbox and on their first round of beers. Bobby grabbed one for herself and handed one each to Cruz and Josie. 

“Thunder’s here! The party’s arrived!” Two-Cups yelled as he lost to Randy. Everyone cheered as Josie raised her beer to them and wrapped her arm around Cruz’s waist. 

Tucker tried to stand up and offer Josie her seat which she rejected, she was having an amazing fucking time standing on two legs. 

They stood around the TV watching Two-Cups lose repeatedly against various people. Josie and Cruz played against each other in a 1v1 shooter and everyone was on the edge of their seats. They were both competitive and trying to throw each other off. The team were cheering and laughing as they each got a kill against each other. 

They were neck and neck but it was Cruz that got the final kill and won the round. “Fuck!” Josie yelled. 

Cruz stood up grinning and nodding, lifting her controller in the air with two hands like a trophy as everyone clapped for her. She actually enjoyed hanging out with them now and Josie had been a big part of that. Seeing them take her in and treat her like family allowed her to relax into it as well. 

Bobby headed to the kitchen to grab more beers but was interrupted by her phone ringing. She stopped and answered it as soon as she saw that it was Joe. 

Joe: get the team ready, I need you all on a mission, wheels up in an hour

Bobby: what’s the mission?

Joe: We’re putting Cruz in with our new friend from New York

Bobby: shit. Thunder too? 

Joe: she’ll be on surveillance with Tex again

Bobby: this really is a whole family affair then. Okay, I’ll have the team ready in an hour 

Joe: I’ll send your flight details over now

They hung up and Bobby looked at her phone screen as their flight information came through. Then she headed into the living room to tell everyone the plan. 

“That was Joe on the horn, we’re being called in. Wheels up in 1 hour” she announced. 

Everyone began moving except Cruz and Josie who weren’t sure if they were included. Bobby noticed. “Thunder you’ll be on surveillance with Tex.” 

“Shit, ok” Josie said as she got up realising she was going to have to go home and pack. 

“Both of you, go home, pack your gear, meet us at the airport. I’ll send you flight info now.” Bobby ordered. 

“Wait, me too?” Cruz asked. 

“You’re the most important part, they’re putting you in.” Bobby said, texting Cruz the details as she spoke. 

Cruz didn’t know how to feel about that. Her head was busy with all the new Lioness work she was doing, she wasn’t anticipating being the Lioness herself. She froze for a second, processing the information until Josie put her hand on her back gently. “You ok?” 

“I’m ok, let’s go” Cruz said, grabbing her car keys and opening the front door for them both. 

They drove home as quickly as they could get away with and began packing essentials. Cruz scrolled through her phone, there were no details about the mission itself. “I have no idea how long we’re going for, pack for a least 3 nights.” Cruz said as she whizzed around the room throwing stuff into her bag. 

Josie had been quiet, not because she didn’t want to go. She definitely did. But when she found out Cruz was going in as the Lioness, her heart dropped. She knew this was how it was going to be now. This is what Cruz does, what she’s going to train others to do. But it was fucking terrifying. 

Cruz noticed Josie had slowed down her packing, distracted by her thoughts. “Hey, you ok?” 

Josie smiled softly, “I’m ok… this is gonna feel different huh?” She admitted. 

Cruz stopped what she was doing and stood in front of Josie, taking her hands. “It’s going to feel different” she agreed with a nod. “We can’t change it and we knew this would happen. All we can do is promise to do everything we can to stay safe. That’s going to mean something different in my role than what it means in yours but just know, I’m trying.”

Josie nodded understandingly. The mission came above everything, that was the most integral part of being a Lioness. Sometimes it came above safety which she’s sure Joe had seen play out plenty of times with the countless Lionesses she’d lost. “I’ll be on surveillance, I’ll be with you the whole time.”

Cruz smiled, that brought her a lot of peace. “It’s okay if you have to look away, I don’t know what’s going to be asked of me and I understand if you don’t want to watch.” She thought out loud, feeling vulnerable. 

“I will never take my eyes off you” Josie said as tears streamed down her face. 

Cruz wiped them away and smiled at her “me or my ass?” 

Josie laughed through her tears “yes.” 

Cruz wiped the tears off Josie’s cheek and then said “come on, let’s go”, kissing Josie on the head and turning back to finish packing. 

They got packed up and were ready to start loading the car. “Wheelchair or crutches?” Cruz asked. 

“I can pretty much walk without crutches now, I’m just slow. Let’s do wheelchair so if we need to move quickly I’m not slowing people down.”
 
Cruz packed everything into the car, locked up and then they were on their way to the airport. They sat hand in hand in silence, both preferring the quiet to process the rush of thoughts racing through their minds. 

They arrived at the jet first and once they’d got Josie up and in her seat, the rest of the QRF pulled up. There was a rush of bodies and luggage and then they were all sat ready for take off. 

Cruz and Josie sat opposite each other, they weren’t sure when they were going to see each other’s faces again like this so they took each other in for as long as they could. 

Once they were in the air, Bobby stood at the front of the plane to brief everyone on the mission. 

“Listen up! Mark’s name is David Tanner, he’s the friend we made in New York. Since he was detained, he’s been very open about who he works for and has agreed to work with us to get us the names and locations we need to intercept on a much larger scale.” 

Everyone listened intently, wanting to know their roles and the risks involved in this new mission.  

“Cruz will be going in as his girlfriend. Tanner has arranged for his contacts to visit him in his home to discuss the next shipment. We’ve set up a fancy as fuck house for him in LA, full of cameras and mics.” Bobby explained. 

“Won’t his contact be suspicious about where he’s been? His last shipment arrangement didn’t go through because we detained him. They know that, right?” Josie asked. 

“Wrong. The meeting you heard him planning in his apartment was fake, he knew you were listening. It turns out he did have a meeting planned for the following day which Kyle’s team escorted him to and he was able to complete the transaction as intended. So his contacts are unaware of his detainment as far as we know.” Bobby replied. 

“How far are we posted from this house?” Tex asked. 

“3 mins out, we’ll have access via the road. It’s a big house with low walls along the perimeter, easy for us to get in and out quickly if needed.”

“Aside from his girlfriend, what’s my cover?” Cruz asked. Bobby handed Cruz the tablet she was reading from with the mission intel. Joe had written out Cruz’s cover for her to memorise. Really basic stuff, no huge backstory, she wouldn’t be involved in the conversations anyway. Her job was to sit in the background and listen. 

“Lucia Morales, 23, from LA, studied illustration, met David at a party and have been together for 7 months, no occupation.” Cruz read out loud. 

“She lives with him?” Josie asked. 

“Yep, if she’s just visiting they’ll expect her to leave.” Bobby replied. 

Cruz nodded. “Proximity to mark and contacts?”

“Your job is to sit in the background and listen, only get involved if they ask you to. You’ll be by the pool if they’re outside and hovering but looking busy if they’re inside.”

“What am I wearing?” Cruz asked. 

“Clothes are ready for you at the house in the wardrobes, lot of bikinis I hear…” Bobby grinned. 

Cruz sighed, “fucking perfect.”

The flight to LA was longer than their usual journeys so they all tried to get some sleep in, not knowing when the next time they’d sleep was. 

They were woken up by the pilot announcing they were making their decent and everyone was alert and ready to get moving. 

They got into the cars that were waiting for them and were on their way to the safe house which was only 30 mins away. 

They arrived and unloaded the cars and then headed to the living room of the safe house where Joe was waiting for them. She stood in front of the surveillance setup, there were multiple monitors with shots of the house, garden and pool area flicking through on rotation. 

“Welcome to LA” Joe said and everyone grumbled. “Agreed. We don’t have a lot of time so let’s get started.” 

Joe explained everything they knew about Tanner and the contacts he had arriving later. 

“Am I expected to eliminate these people if things don’t go to plan? Even Tanner?”

“Tanner is on our side but that doesn’t mean we can trust him completely. If things look like they’re going sideways, try to leave without being noticed. Then we can come in as a team. If that’s not possible, do what you need to do.”

“Am I going to have access to weapons?” Cruz asked. 

“Not easily, no. We couldn’t hide them around the house in case the guests go snooping. There is a safe in your bedroom with a pistol, code: 2369.”

Everyone cheered at the 69 and Joe deadpanned them all. Josie and Cruz looked at each other and giggled, Cruz whispering “At least I’ll remember it” with a wink. 

“Thunder and Tex, you’re leading surveillance, this is your gear.” She turned around and showed them what they had access to and where the most important cameras were.

“Bobby, Randy and Tucker, you’re on standby with weapons to go in if necessary. We are 3 minutes away by foot so if you need help, Cruz, you need to buy us 3 minutes. Can you do that?”

“I can do that” she nodded. 

“Dismissed, we’re sending Cruz in now. Put these on.” She said handing Cruz a pile of clothes. “When you get there, put on a bathing suit, sit by the pool and act like it’s your home” she said. 

Everyone got up and dispersed, prepping for their roles in this mission. Cruz took off her tank top, trousers and boots, replacing it with a white cropped vest top, tight jeans and white sneakers. 

Josie stood next to her, hovering as she changed. Joe noticed. 

“You have two minutes” she said to them both. 

They turned back and looked at each other. They were both worried, they could see it in each others eyes. But they had to do this and they also had to get used to it. This wasn’t going to be the last time. 

They expected Joe to give them some privacy but she stood a few meters away, watching it all. In fact, she was literally timing 2 minutes on her watch. Josie pulled Cruz into a tight hug which Cruz returned. “I love you” Cruz mumbled into Josie’s ear. 

“I love you” Josie whispered back as they pulled away. Josie looked over Cruz’s shoulder, locking eyes with Joe. Josie leaned up and kissed Cruz on the lips quickly before nodding Cruz in the direction of Joe’s stare. “Be safe” she said as she turned and headed towards Tex. 

“You too” Cruz called back. 

Cruz turned, meeting Joe’s eyes and then walked past her out the door. She left the bag she had packed in the safe house since the mark’s house had been set up for her and she wouldn’t be able to wear her own clothes anyway. 

Joe drove Cruz over to the next street and pulled up outside a huge house. Joe handed Cruz a small case and when she opened it, it had a necklace, bracelet and ring inside. “Mics in all of them, beacon in the necklace, same as before. They’re waterproof, don’t take them off.” 

Cruz nodded as she put them all on. Joe handed her a new phone “‘daddy’, if you need help” Joe reminded her. Cruz opened the car door to step out but Joe put a hand on her forearm, stopping her briefly “good luck.”

Cruz looked up, making eye contact with Joe whose gaze was softer than she was used to. She could see that they were becoming something closer to friends, or at least people that cared about each other since the gun fight. “Thanks” Cruz said and then closed the door and walked into the house. 

“I hope you can hear me” she said as she closed the door behind her. 

Notes:

Sorry it’s a bit late today! I wrote it without the smut originally but reading it back in edit, it felt like it needed a little something. And I didn’t want to disappoint my smut enjoyers 🫡

I rushed the edit so I’ll go back through it and look for mistakes tomorrow but wanted to make sure it was out on Saturday. Please forgive typos!

As always, let me know what you think!!

Chapter 22: Lavender

Summary:

Cruz shadows her double on a mission and Josie helps out behind the scenes.

Notes:

Hello, happy Saturday!!!

A bit more action in this chapter as they both get stuck into their new roles with the QRF.

Trigger warning: blood/stabbing

“Lucia, welcome” Tanner said as Cruz shut the door behind her. “Our guests will be here in an hour, plenty of time to get to know each other.” 

“I’m going to take a shower, I’ll meet you by the pool” Cruz said, heading up the stairs. She really hoped this guy wasn’t going to be an asshole and try to flirt with her when they were alone. She decided to set the tone straight away by meeting him when she was ready, this was not gonna be on his terms. 

Cruz looked through the closets in the master bedroom and found an unnecessary amount of bikinis, cropped tops and short-shorts. “Jesus Christ” Cruz sighed. She pictured Josie laughing at her right now as she looked at the selection of clothes in horror. 

She grabbed a green bikini and a silk robe to wear over it and headed to the en-suite. 

The shower was the entire length of the room, at least she was going to enjoy that part. She stayed in the shower for as long as she could before Tanner would likely come looking for her. She stepped out, dried off and put on the bikini. 

She stared at herself in the mirror, flashbacks of her time with Aaliyah hitting her. That was the last time she had worn something like this. Been somewhere like this. That was the last thing she wanted to think about right now. Or ever, for that matter. 

She knew Josie was watching which put her mind at ease and she at least hoped she was enjoying the view of her in the bikini. Small wins. 

She put on the robe and had a quick look around the house, needing to know where everything was just in case. She then headed back downstairs to the pool where Tanner was waiting. He held two glasses and offered her one as she sat on the sun bed next to him. “No thanks” she said. She was not drinking an unknown drink from an unknown man. 

He shrugged and poured Cruz’s drink into his own glass and took a sip. “Tell me what you know about me” Cruz said. 

“Lucia Morales, LA girl born and raised. Went to college, studied art?” He asked. 

“Illustration” she corrected. 

“Right, and we met at a party, have been together since. You speak Spanish?”

“Yep” she replied. “Is that relevant?”

“One of the guys coming, he’s Spanish speaking.”

“Don’t tell him I can understand him. It might be useful” she said. 

“Good idea” he nodded. Cruz had read Tanner’s file on the plane so she knew everything she needed to know about him to play his girlfriend but also knew what he was capable of if she needed to eliminate him. 

“How well do you know them?” Cruz asked. 

“I’ve been meeting with Carlos for years, his partner changes sometimes. Nick, he’s been there the last few meetings. I know him pretty well.” Tanner explained. 

“What’re we expecting from this visit?” She asked. 

“Normally we meet, they give me the details of the next shipment they have coming in. They tell me who wants it. Then I go to that contact, take payment, give them the shipment information and that’s it. Until the next one.” He explained. 

“So they send you as their middle man, you’re the one that gets caught or killed if things don’t go to plan” she observed. 

“That’s me” he smiled. “But the pay is worth it, I told them we just bought this house and they won’t question it. They live in bigger fucking houses than this if you can believe it.”

“Crime sure fuckin’ pays” Cruz sighed. 

“What’s your purpose here? It’s because they don’t trust me, right?” He asked. 

I’m here to observe, make sure you do everything you’re expected to. And if you don’t, I’ll kill you” she said matter of factly. 

He laughed in response until he met Cruz’s eyes which were completely unamused. “Oh, you’re not joking” he realised. 

“No” she said. “We need a code word if we think something isn’t right, maybe they’re not being truthful or they’re suspicious of me. A way to warn each other.” 

“He looked around them to see if there was something in the environment he’d be able to bring up in conversation easily. A little to the right of the table and chairs was a lavender bush. “Lavender” he said, pointing at the bush. 

Cruz nodded, that was easy to bring up. “If either of us use that word, we need to get away from them and meeting privately without them being suspicious.”

He nodded, looking a little worried about all the things he needed to remember. 

“Relax, treat this like any other meeting you’d have, I’m just here to listen. If we need backup, I can call them in but I expect everything to go to plan” she said, shooting him a warning glare. She hoped that if he had been considering crossing them, he had now changed his mind with how organised and slightly terrifying Cruz was. 

He nodded once, leaning back into the sun bed. “Uh, I guess I should ask, we’re meant to be together. What is ok…?”

Damn, was this guy actually being respectful? She couldn’t let this cause her to drop her guard around him but at least he was asking first.

“I’ll initiate when possible, otherwise, you can touch me when necessary, do not kiss me on the lips.” She said firmly. 

“Got it.” He nodded. 

Cruz didn’t hate this man which made a nice change. The sleezy men she was usually around on her missions filled her with rage and disgust. At least for now, Tanner seemed okay. 

They chatted for a while longer, making sure there were no gaps in their stories or plans for the evening. 

Eventually they heard a sports car revving loudly in the driveway and figured their guests had arrived. Tanner went to the door whilst Cruz stayed by the pool, wanting them to see her doing ‘not very much’. 

Tanner welcomed them in and showed them through the house and out to the pool. “This is my girlfriend, Lucia” Tanner said as he moved them towards the sun beds. 

The two men followed Tanner, the first one smiling and nodding at Cruz “Carlos” he said as Cruz smiled back. 

The second man stepped forward, took Cruz’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Nick” he said as he looked up, smirking at Cruz. She hoped she got to kill this one. 

She smiled back warmly, acting flattered by the gesture, “can I get you boys some drinks?”

“Scotch for me” Nick replied instantly, like he was waiting to be asked.

“Same for me, thanks” Carlos added. 

Cruz looked over at Tanner, “babe?” 

Tanner smiled at Cruz and replied “same please.”

Cruz made them all drinks and set them down on the outdoor table where they had sat down. She went back into the kitchen but could hear what they were saying from where she was standing. Their conversation was casual, they were talking about the house and the pool and why Tanner didn’t have any staff working in the house for him. 

She took the opportunity to go upstairs and put some clothes on now that the sun was setting and it was cooling down. 

She went back to the kitchen, listening to their chatter as she prepped dinner for them. The fridge was full of all sorts of food so she set out a variety of dips, cheeses, breads; stuff they could pick at without her having to do any cooking. 

The house was open plan so she flicked the living room TV on to a reality show that she imagined people her age probably watched. She put it on mute with subtitles on, pretending to be heavily invested in it as she prepped her own plate of food. Tanner came in first to see what the situation was. Cruz smiled at him as he approached “help yourselves” she said, nodding at the food she’d laid out. 

Carlos and Nick followed him in. Tanner put a hand on Cruz’s lower back and kissed on the cheek as he replied “thank you.” Cruz smiled and headed into the living room to eat in front of the TV as the men stood around the kitchen island picking at the food and pouring more drinks. 

She listened to their conversation in the kitchen but nothing significant came up. They were talking about property and cars and women. Cruz clenched her jaw through all the fucked up things they were saying. 

They headed back out to the garden after eating so Cruz stood in the kitchen, tidying up and listening in. Why the fuck weren’t they talking about the shipment?

It wasn’t long before Tanner came inside to talk to her. “Hey, they want to stay the night, talk in the morning and then head off midday.” 

Cruz had not anticipated having to sleep here. This deal was supposed to have been made by the end of the night and then she could go. Instead, she smiled softly and said “sure, I’ll show them to their rooms” needing them to not leave her sight. 

Spending the night also presented another problem: she was going to have to sleep in the same room as Tanner. If one of the guests went wandering in the night, she didn’t want them to find her away from him and raise flags. 

They finished up their drinks and headed upstairs together. “We’re in here” Cruz said, pointing at the master bedroom. Tanner went off into the room to get ready for bed whilst Cruz walked the others to their rooms. She went down the hall and turned the corner at the end. 

“Carlos, you take this one, towels are in the bathroom already.” She pointed as she opened the door to a massive bedroom with an en-suite. 

“Thanks Lucia, see you in the morning” he said as he walked in and closed the door behind him. 

Cruz was now alone with Nick, he already made her skin crawl but there was something about the way he walked behind her, way closer than necessary that made her hair stand on end. 

She turned to the door opposite Carlos’. As she opened it, he came up behind her and pushed her gently into the room by her hips. It took everything in her not to have an immediate reaction to it. Instead, she looked surprised and confused, playing it off like she didn’t know what he was trying to do. 

He was drunk and smiling, looking her up and down like a piece of meat. She stepped back, opening the door wider for him to walk all the way in past her. As soon as he did, she stepped back towards the hallway, pulling the door closed with her. “You get some sleep, have a good night” she said as she closed the door. 

She was fucking raging. She walked with clenched fists and a tight jaw all the way back to her room, trying to slow her breathing. 

She stepped into the master bedroom and met Tanner’s eyes straight away. He was wearing a t-shirt and pyjama trousers. She was glad he wasn’t planning on sleeping naked or some shit most men would do in this situation. 

“Everything ok?” He asked, noticing her expression. 

“Nick” she said through clenched teeth. 

“He did something?”

“Tried to” she replied. 

Tanner sighed and shook his head. “Sorry, I’ll make sure they leave tomorrow.”

Cruz got ready for bed and then lay down on her side. Thankfully this was the biggest fucking bed she had ever seen in her life and they were no where near each other once they were both in on their sides. 

Tanner fell asleep immediately, of course he would, fucking men. Cruz, on the other hand, stayed awake the entire night. Partly because she was worried Nick would return and partly due to the snoring coming from the other side of the bed. But mostly, because Josie wasn’t there. They were going to work on this together but now wasn’t really the time. 

JOSIE

Josie and Tex laughed as Cruz looked through the closet and muttered the words “Jesus Christ” to herself. 

Josie watched Cruz in awe, she was so fucking good at her job. She remained calm at all times, planned ahead by checking rooms, looking for exits and dealing with the disgusting men far better than Josie would have. 

When Nick kissed Cruz on the knuckles, Josie’s own knuckles went white from the tight grip on the edge of the desk. “I hope she gets to kill that one” Josie said to Tex who huffed a laugh. 

They were listening in on all of the conversations between the three men and got the sense that there was some stalling happening. They were unsurprised to find out that Nick and Carlos would be staying the night since they hadn’t actually spoken about the shipment at all. 

Josie never took her eyes for Cruz, just as she’d promised. She cringed when Tanner kissed her and when she realised they’d have to sleep side by side but she remained professional on the outside and sad on the inside. This was how it was. Cruz was going to be in situations like this and Josie had to watch. Cruz could handle herself and at the end of the day, Cruz only wanted Josie. So she sat through it, as hard as it was for them both. Seeing Nick try to push Cruz into her room though, that nearly sent her over the edge of no longer being professional.

She watched Cruz lay awake for a while and took the opportunity to try and get some rest herself. Bobby and Randy took over surveillance for a few hours and Tex and Josie returned when Cruz was up and about. 

CRUZ

As soon as the sun began to rise, Cruz got up and ready for the day, putting on a bikini. She headed downstairs, made a coffee and sat by the pool. 

Halfway through her coffee, she heard noise in the house and got up to see who had emerged. Just as she was about to pull the patio door open wide enough to step in, she heard the sound of a whispered conversation. 

It was Nick’s voice, but he was speaking Portuguese, that was not something that had been made known to her. She wondered if Tanner knew. She listened to the conversation through the crack in the door whilst Nick paced the kitchen, thinking no on was up yet. 

Whilst she couldn’t hear the other side of the phone call, she got the gist of the conversation. She wondered if the QRF were tapping the line and listening in. 

Thank fuck Cruz understood Portuguese. 

Nick: it wasn’t the right time yesterday, I need them relaxed and not expecting it, there was too much going on. I’ll do it this morning. 

Nick: it’s more complicated, Tanner has a girlfriend here! If I can’t get him to send her away, I’ll have to kill her too. She’s already seen my face, it might just be easier…

Cruz stepped back slightly to ensure there was no way he would see or hear her. She needed to know his plan so she could call for help or intervene. 

Nick: I know! Once they’re dead I’ll take their phones and then you need to come and do cleanup. I don’t want my fingerprints anywhere near this shit. Wait for my confirmation.

Neil hung up and Cruz knew she couldn’t let him out of her sight now. If he planned to eliminate Tanner and Carlos, he could do it at any point. 

Cruz took a few steps away from the door, put her phone to her ear and pretended to be talking to her mom as she slid the door open. “I know, I love you too, bye mom!” She said as she stepped in. “Oh- morning! How did you sleep?” She asked. 

“Very well thank you, beautiful.” Yeah she was gonna kill him. 

She made him a coffee and put out a selection of fruit. She fried off some bacon, sausages and eggs whilst she made small talk with Nick to try and keep him with her. She didn’t want him wandering off to find the others. 

She watched him look her up and down, not remotely trying to hide it and made multiple disgusting comments that she had to pretend to be flattered by. 

Carlos and Tanner emerged at the smell of the food cooking and they all grabbed a plate of food. Cruz made herself another coffee, looking through the cupboard the cupboard for something to add to it. Gabi had taught her that this was what people her age usually drank, black coffee might be a bit suspicious. 

There were a selection of syrups in the cupboard below the coffee machine and among them, a lavender syrup. Cruz pulled it out immediately and opened it up. She poured a splash of it into her iced latte and tried not to gag as she took a sip. 

She stepped towards Tanner and put her arm around his waist, pulling him in to a side hug. “You want coffee?” She asked. 

“Sure, thanks” he replied. 

“Try mine” Cruz said, smelling it and then handing it to him, “it’s lavender.” 

Tanner did well at not reacting but the way he locked eyes with Cruz for an extra second let her know he understood. He took a sip and gagged, making a big fuss and laughing at Cruz’s disappointment. 

“What’s so funny?” Nick asked. 

“He doesn’t like my lavender latte” she said, taking it back. 

“Let me try it” he said, reaching for it. Cruz handed it to him and clapped and jumped up and down when he agreed it was delicious. 

“Keep it, I’ll make another.” Cruz said, turning back to the coffee machine. 

Nick joined Carlos outside at the table and Tanner hovered next to Cruz, pretending to be waiting for his coffee. 

“What’s up?” He whispered. 

“Nick has been ordered to kill you and Carlos, me too if he can’t get rid of me.” Cruz explained. 

Tanner looked completely dumbfounded.

“I heard him on the phone this morning. Did you know he spoke Portuguese?”

“Wha- no, I don’t know any of this. He hasn’t been working with Carlos that long. He’s been stalling the shipment conversation, even Carlos seemed confused by it” Tanner realised. 

“He wants your phones after he kills you. What’s on them?” Cruz asked. 

“Everything.” 

Cruz handed Tanner the coffee and he said “thank you baby” loud enough that the others would hear as he headed out to the garden. 

Cruz headed to a sun bed a few meters away from them. She busied herself with small tasks like putting on suntan lotion, flicking through a magazine, scrolling on her phone. Things she assumed normal people did. She was already bored.

As she looked at her phone, a text came through from ‘Daddy’. It read, “call me.”

The mission had changed, listening to the mens’ conversation wasn’t really a priority now. She trusted Tanner enough at this point to take over on that. She put her AirPods in and got into the pool, walking to the far side and calling Joe on FaceTime.  

Joe answered the phone with her hair down, tank top on, standing outside. Cruz greeted her loudly “hey girl” she said. She moved her phone screen to different angles, showing off where she was and what she was doing. She spoke loudly as she cooed about the house and the pool, making it sound like she was chatting to a friend. 

“Did you hear the phone call?” Cruz whispered as she moved her phone to a wider angle. 

“We did. He works for a different cartel, he’s supposed to kill them to prevent their upcoming shipments, giving his cartel time to intercept it.” Joe explained. 

Cruz laughed loudly and then whispered, “what’s the play? Are we eliminating or bringing him in?” There were pros and cons to both. Eliminating him now could freak Carlos out and have him turn on Tanner. Carlos needed to know that Nick was crossing him. 

But bringing Nick in would piss off two cartels, not something the US government were looking to do after what happened with Josie’s mission and the shit they pulled with the cartels involved in that. 

“We need to eliminate him before he eliminates them. We can make it look like a fight broke out between them, or that N got caught being a double.” Joe suggested. 

“You want me to do it or Tanner?” Cruz asked. 

“You. We still can’t trust him, he could kill you all.” 

Cruz rambled loudly about how they should go for a beach day soon and then went back to whispering. “I’ll wait for N to make his move on C, intercept and eliminate. That way, C knows N is a double.”

“Team are on standby, be careful” Joe said. 

“Oh my god you are literally so funny, stoppp. Ugh ok, love you girl” Cruz said as she hung up the phone, smiling to herself. She bet Joe found that annoying and Josie found it funny which were signs of a job well done. 

She took her AirPods out, swam a couple of laps, keeping Nick in the corner of her eye the entire time. 

When Carlos announced that he was going to the bathroom, Cruz got out of the pool and dried off. She watched him go inside and headed over to Tanner, hugging him around his shoulders. Nick’s eyes raked over Cruz’s body, whilst Cruz smiled sweetly at him. The way he looked at Cruz was disgusting in itself but she was also shocked how much he didn’t care that Tanner could see him doing it. 

“You two make a good couple” Nick said, nodding as he finished smoking a cigarette. “I’m going to take a leak, let you two lovebirds have a minute to yourselves.”

He stood up and headed into the house. The second he was out of sight, Tanner attempted to stand up and go after him. Cruz pushed him back down into his chair. “Stay here. Backup is on standby if we need them.”

As Cruz stepped away, she looked back at him and pointed firmly “do not follow me.”

Cruz grabbed a small, sharp knife from the kitchen on the way, hiding it under the towel she had thrown over her arm as she climbed the stairs. 

As she got to the top of the stairs she saw Nick at the end of the hallway, turning the corner slowly. He had a pistol in his hand with a silencer attached to the end. He must’ve had it on him all morning, Cruz did wonder why he was wearing a blazer first thing in the morning. 

As soon as he turned the corner, she moved quickly, ending up just behind him but not turning the corner with him. Nick stepped into the doorway of Carlos’ room, hearing the bathroom door open. He pointed his gun in the direction of the sound and the second Carlos stepped into sight and said “Nick?” the gun fired. 

The shot hit Carlos in the bicep, knocking him backwards. He stumbled into the wall, banging his head on the window sill and hitting the floor with a thud. 

Cruz stepped forward, right behind Nick and shoved him hard into the door frame, banging his head into it with her grip in his hair. He tried to fire another shot at his attacker but it hit the floor. Nick took a second to work out what the fuck was happening and then turned to fight Cruz. 

Cruz dropped the towel in her hand and pulled her knife out, stabbing him once in the stomach as he tried desperately to point the gun towards her. She had a hold of his wrist and was pushing it upwards.  The gun firing at the ceiling. 

She pulled the knife out and stabbed him again, in the chest this time. His grip on the gun was weakening and the strength he was using to fight back began to decline. Cruz took the opportunity to knock him to the floor. 

As they hit the floor, the gun fired again, at the wall this time. Cruz was able to remove the gun from his weakening grip and stabbed him multiple times in the torso. His efforts to fight back eventually stopped as his body went still whilst blood poured from his wounds. 

She checked his pulse, yep, definitely dead. Cruz stood and turned to Carlos who was unconscious but was still breathing. 

She bolted down the stairs to get Tanner before Carlos woke up. “Nick is dead, Carlos is unconscious. He needs to think you saved him, he can’t know it was me, then he’ll question who I am and why I’m here.”

Tanner stood and headed towards the house, Cruz following behind. As they got to the room Tanner whispered “fuck” as he took in the scene. They looked in to see Carlos still on the floor. 

“Put some blood on yourself, go wake him up and tell him you stopped Nick killing him.” Cruz instructed. 

“What about you?” He whispered. 

“Tell him you sent me away after it happened so that I didn’t see anything. I’m going back to base. Send Carlos on his way and the team will come in to get you once he’s gone.” Cruz replied. 

Tanner nodded. 

Cruz bent down and searched Nick’s body, pulling out two different phones. She grabbed them both and rushed down the stairs. She checked her own phone on the kitchen counter, finding a text reading “driveway” from ‘Daddy’. 

She bolted out the front door to find Bobby in a van waiting for her at the end of the driveway. “Figured you couldn’t walk through streets looking like that” Bobby said, nodding at her. 

Cruz looked down and for the first time, realised how much blood was on her. She froze for a second until Bobby snapped her out of it with a whispered “come on!” 

She got in the van and Bobby sped off, it was only a short drive to the safe house so they were there within two minutes. 

She stepped out of the van and Bobby rushed her into the house. She handed Joe the phones she was holding whilst Randy gave her a towel to hold around herself. She was still wearing a fucking bikini. Josie had watched her come in and they now locked eyes for the first time as she attempted to wipe off some of the blood off of herself. 

Josie and Tex were still on surveillance as they needed to ensure Tanner had done what Cruz told him to. It took everything Josie had in her to turn away from Cruz and back to the screens, watching Tanner try to get Neil walking and down the stairs. 

Tanner sat Neil on a chair in the kitchen, bandaging his bicep to manage the bleeding. Nick pulled out his phone, “I can’t go to a hospital, my people will have to get me” he said, making the arrangements. “They’re 10 mins away.”

Tanner nodded, “what the fuck was that?” acting clueless. 

“Fuck if I know. He must’ve been working for someone else. He hasn’t been with us long.” Carlos sighed. “Where’s Lucia?” Carlos asked, looking around. 

“I sent her away as soon as it happened, I didn’t want her seeing all that. She’s gone to her friend’s house.” Tanner explained. 

Carlos nodded “Shit, you saved my life” he said as he looked Tanner up and down, noticing the blood all over him. 

Tanner shook his head, “right place, right time.”

“No seriously, I owe you, let me talk to my boss, see if we can get you moved up.” He offered. 

Tanner nodded once. They sat briefly, Tanner getting Carlos some water and it wasn’t long before Carlos’ car was pulling up. “Can you walk?” 

He helped Carlos up and put him in the back of the car that had pulled up in the driveway. A man got out of the passenger seat, taking the keys Carlos was handing him through the window and getting into the car that Carlos had arrived in yesterday. 

Tex immediately started running the plates and getting images of the driver and passenger from different angles, seeing if he could find them in the system.” 

As soon as Carlos’ driver pulled away with his own car following behind, Bobby, Tucker and Randy pushed the house. They secured the scene, escorted Tanner back to the safe house and called in the teams they needed to deal with the blood and body. 

“Great work, thank you team” Joe said as everyone dispersed and began packing up. Tex had found a match on the driver that got out of the car as well as details on the car itself so he sent that off to be looked into with Nick’s phones. Someone would likely do some digging and call them back in for the next operation. 

“We done?” Josie asked Tex. 

“We’re done” Tex nodded. 

Josie shot up and headed to where Cruz was stood in the kitchen. She was drinking a bottle of water, debriefing with Joe. Josie waited until they were done talking and stepped in front of her the second Joe walked away. “Hey” Josie said softly. She didn’t touch her, not yet. She didn’t know how sensitive Cruz was feeling after what she had to do, she might want space. 

“Hey” Cruz replied with a small smile. 

Josie looked Cruz over, making sure she wasn’t hurt but also noticing the blood stains smeared over her that she had tried to wipe off. “Shall we get you showered?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded, looking around the house. She hadn’t been here for more than 15 mins before they started yesterday, she didn’t know where anything was. “Follow me” Josie said as she headed towards her bedroom. 

Cruz’s bag was already inside and she opened it up, pulling out clean clothes and underwear. She moved into the bathroom, turning the shower on and putting Cruz’s clothes neatly on the counter. 

Cruz stepped into the bathroom with her and closed the door behind them. She stood in front of Josie who looked at her warmly, but Cruz struggled to meet her eyes. Josie didn’t push. “Can I?” She said, reaching towards Cruz’s bikini. 

Cruz nodded. She untied the bikini top and pulled it off, then moved down to the bottoms, pulling them down and helping Cruz step out of them. She put her hand under the shower, making sure the water was warm enough and then held the door open for her. 

Cruz stepped in and let the water run over her for a while. She looked down into the basin and watched the blood swirl down the drain. Josie watched too. 

Once the water was running clear, she ran her hands through her hair and finally began washing herself. Once she started, she couldn’t stop. She washed her hair three times and scrubbed every inch of her body, needing to know she was clean, that it wasn’t on her anymore. 

“Baby” Josie hummed softly, startling Cruz out of her thoughts. Josie opened the shower door, reached in and turned the water off. She grabbed Cruz’s towel and held it open for her, waiting for her to step out into it. 

When Cruz did, Josie wrapped it around her, hugging her with it. Cruz’s head dropped to Josie’s shoulder immediately, accepting the comfort that was being offered. 

The first time she’d done a mission like that, she’d had to handle the aftermath alone. There was no one to comfort her, hold her, truly understand what she’d been through. But now Josie could do that. Josie knew what she’d just experienced, she had watched it from 5 different angles. And instead of running, she was here, helping Cruz clean up and make her feel safe again. Warmth flooded her, bringing tears to her eyes as she observed how truly wonderful Josie was. 

Cruz raised her head, meeting Josie’s eyes which looked at her with warmth. She reached up and wiped Cruz’s tears away and then helped dry her off. Cruz stood in place whilst Josie dressed her and when she was done, opened the door and encouraged her out. She packed Cruz’s bag and then her own. “Shall we go home?” Josie asked. 

“Let’s go home” Cruz nodded once. 

The team did a quick debrief. They said they would wait to hear what came of the intel Tex had sent off. They also discussed the potential of having Tanner working higher up in the cartel and what that meant for them and future missions. 

Josie didn’t leave Cruz’s side the entire journey home. Not when they split off into cars to the airport, not on the jet and not in the car back to their house either. Cruz drove and Josie held her hand until they pulled up outside.

It was late at this point and they’d both barely eaten or slept the entire time. Josie had ordered takeout in the car and once they’d changed and unpacked, they sat down to eat it on the sofa. 

Cruz had been quiet, understandably. Josie didn’t try to make her speak, or do anything for that matter. She took care of her instead. Plated her food, brought her a beer and sat next to her. She didn’t want Cruz to feel for a second that she was alone in this. 

Josie tidied away whilst Cruz got ready for bed. They met under the covers, Cruz looking at Josie adoringly as she thought about how well she’d handled everything. Not just taking care of her, but doing her job too. It can’t have been easy for her to watch Cruz be in danger and then stab someone to death. But she never broke from the role she’d been given. And now she lay here, returning the adoring look, waiting for Cruz to initiate. Fuck she loved Josie. 

Cruz leaned forward, resting her hand on Josie’s face and pulling her into a kiss. It was slow, affectionate, loving. Josie had been everything Cruz needed during and after that mission. She was grateful. 

Josie kissed her back, she had never seen Cruz work like that. To have to be so quick, so brave, so cold. She admired her skill, it was an honour watching her work. But she was glad to have her back. 

Josie pulled away first, wanting to check-in. She knew Cruz would be tired having not slept the previous night. When she opened her eyes and saw Cruz struggle to open her own, she whispered “sleep baby, I’m here.”

Cruz turned off the light and shuffled towards Josie, tucking her head into her neck and exhaling deeply. Josie felt Cruz’s body relax and within minutes, could feel Cruz’s breath become more shallow as she fell into a deep sleep. Josie listened to her breathing for a while, taking a moment to appreciate that she was still alive and physically unharmed. 

She closed her eyes, leaning her head against the top of Cruz’s and sleep found her quickly. 

Notes:

I hope you liked it, please let me know your thoughts!

Also, I’ve started writing another Cruzie fic! I reallyyyyy hope my brain can manage writing two different things at the same time 😬 sorry if there are any delays to our usual Saturday routine!

I’ll probably write quite a few chapters of the other one before I start posting it. Please tell me if there’s anything you want to see in a new fic! I have a vague plan and it’ll probably have more jumps/time skips but ideas welcome.

Have a great week!

Chapter 23: Passenger Princess

Summary:

Josie and Cruz are both happy to be home alive and safe. They do some bonding and a little work on the side!

Notes:

Hey guys! I am so sorry it’s a day late! I was out yesterday and didn’t have time to finish and edit it, but it’s here!

A bit less adventure and a little more bonding in this chapter ;)

Josie woke up feeling eyes on her. She opened her eyes and trailed them up, seeing Cruz’s almost-black eyes scanning her face. 

Josie smiled, “are you watching me sleep?”

“Apparently it’s romantic” Cruz replied.

“What sick freak told you that?” Josie grinned. 

Cruz deadpanned, rolling away in a huff. Josie shuffled closer to her and encouraged Cruz’s head onto her chest. She pulled up the back of her t-shirt and scratched her nails up and down her back the way she liked. 

Josie had been avoiding this question, because it was stupid and cliche and the answer was obvious. But the answer mattered. “How you feeling?”

Cruz breathed out a heavy sigh, it’d take a while to decompress fully from what she did yesterday. But having Josie here with her, offering her everything she needed without having to ask, it was helping. “Better than yesterday.”

“That’s something” Josie replied. She was glad she wasn’t making it worse. 

“I wonder if it’ll get easier every time I have to do that. Does that make a psychopath if it does?” Cruz thought out loud. Saying something as vulnerable as that to anyone but her therapist would’ve been unheard before Josie. 

Josie was quiet for a moment. “You are brave, and strong and extremely emotionally intelligent. And I can make that observation accurately because I date men.” Josie said. 

Cruz hummed a laugh but didn’t respond. 

“I don’t think it gets easier, maybe just more familiar, less of a shock to the system. And that doesn’t make you a psychopath or a bad person, it makes you fucking excellent at your job. That you can repeatedly eliminate high level targets to make the world a safer place and come back alive every time” Josie observed. 

“So far.”

“Nope, none of that shit. You’re not dying” Josie replied firmly. 

They were quiet for a bit, Cruz listened to Josie’s heartbeat. 

“I don’t want to die” Cruz whispered. 

“Me neither” Josie replied. 

They laid in the quiet again, taking that in. There might’ve been a time when Cruz’s feelings about death were a bit different. She wasn’t suicidal, and she certainly wasn’t going to let an abusive boyfriend finish her off. But in the beginning of her career with the marines, doing dangerous shit, chasing adrenaline highs, maybe she didn’t care so much if something did happen to her. 

And for Josie, who spent her career up in the air, shooting targets from the sky, feeling much safer than her teammates on the ground, had never wanted to die. But in that gunfight on her mission, she thought she was going to. She knew she was going to. She accepted it in that moment as she sat behind the rock, clinging to Cruz’s leg and being ordered by Joe to kill the entire team and then herself. She’d never felt more scared and helpless in her life. And in that moment, the thought that maybe death would be a nice relief from that experience crossed her mind. 

“Jose?”

“Mm?”

“Why would anyone want their coffee to taste like lavender?”

Josie laughed a little, and then a lot. The memory of watching Cruz sip the lavender coffee and try not to gag ran through her mind, sending her into a fit of laughter. Watching Josie laugh made Cruz laugh too and then they both couldn’t stop. 

When they finally calmed down, Cruz said, “I bet Gabi drinks that shit.”

“Oh I know she does” Josie laughed. “I should text her that we’re home.” Josie reached over to the nightstand and shot Gabi a text. 

Cruz took the opportunity to check her own phone. She had a couple of emails from her candidates, two of them could interview this afternoon. She sent them back appointment times and told them what to bring. 

“I gotta go to work later” Cruz said as she put her phone down. 

“Interviews?” Josie asked, rolling back over to face Cruz again. 

“Mmhh” Cruz nodded, scanning Josie’s face again. 

She brushed the hair on Josie’s face behind her ear, dropping her eyes to her lips and then back up. Josie knew that look. She smirked but waited for Cruz to initiate and set the pace. She didn’t know what was okay and what was too much after yesterday.

Cruz closed the distance and kissed her, taking it slow but pulling Josie in as close as she could. She wanted to feel close to her, as close as possible. That was until she pulled away, “wait actually, I need to pee” She said, getting up. 

“Cruz!” Josie huffed. Cruz shot off to the bathroom and Josie took the opportunity to strip naked. She thought about what Cruz might want, might need right now. She opened the drawer to the nightstand and pulled out the strap, pulling her legs through it and fastening it. 

Cruz came back into the bedroom and her jaw hit the floor as she locked eyes with Josie and then looked her up and down hungrily. 

She pulled her t-shirt and boxers off, getting back onto the bed immediately. Josie got onto the bed on her knees and shuffled towards Cruz, “is this ok?” She asked. 

“Yes” Cruz sighed, encouraging her closer by the hand. 

“Wait” Josie leaned back over to the nightstand and pulled out a bottle of lube. She squirted it onto the dildo and moved it up and down the shaft as Cruz watched in question. “In case you’re tense.” Josie explained. 

Cruz gulped as she watched Josie handle the toy, she could feel herself being ready for it already. Cruz parted her legs and Josie moved in between them, lowering herself down to Cruz. Josie kissed Cruz once, then ran her fingers through Cruz’s folds, humming at how wet she was. 

“Me or you?” Josie asked. 

“You” Cruz replied. Josie moved the toy down to Cruz’s entrance, pushing in gently and then waited as Cruz caught her breath. 

When she was ready, Cruz grabbed the straps of the harness behind Josie’s ass and pulled her closer, sending the toy deeper into herself. She cried out in response and Josie watched, mesmerised by Cruz’s neediness, “fuck, Cruz” Josie sighed. 

Josie waited for Cruz’s signal and when they locked eyes, Josie began to move her hips. She started slow, wanting Cruz to get used to it from this position. Cruz pulled her down into a kiss, humming at the pressure and sound of Josie pushing into her. 

“Faster” Cruz whispered into Josie’s mouth. Josie sped up, keeping her body hovered as close to Cruz as possible, wanting to be face to face. She kissed Cruz’s cheeks, jaw, neck, maintaining a steady pace. 

When Cruz finally opened her eyes, Josie smiled and increased her pace again. “Uhh- F-fuckkk” Cruz managed as Josie thrust into her. Cruz ran her hands over Josie’s body, squeezing her ass, scratching her back, gripping her hair. Josie moaned in response. This was one her favourite ways to have sex, she had wanted to fuck Cruz like this for a while and was enjoying every second of it. 

Cruz was close, she could feel it building deep inside her. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around Josie’s ass. Cruz squeezed her in closer, getting a whine from Josie. 

The change in angle allowed Josie to push in deeper so she slowed her movements and thrusted hard into Cruz, reaching the spot Cruz needed her the most. “JOSIE!” Cruz cried as she began to spasm and clench around the toy inside her as Josie maintained the pace and depth. 

Cruz pulled Josie down into her, getting her to lay her body weight on her chest as she came back down. Josie watched her carefully, making sure this wasn’t triggering, that she didn’t feel trapped. Cruz was barely present, she was still getting aftershocks, heart still racing from the orgasm. 

“Ok” Cruz finally said, letting Josie know she could pull out. Cruz winced as Josie removed the toy and then threw the harness to the end of the bed. As she was about to settle down next to Cruz, Cruz grabbed her legs and encouraged her forward. 

“You sure?” Josie asked. 

Cruz nodded, pulling Josie up to her face so that Josie’s centre was above her. She was dripping, Cruz could see the wetness running down her thighs, making her salivate. She pulled Josie forwards, licking the wetness up her thighs and then into her centre. 

“Oh!” Josie gasped as Cruz pushed straight inside her with her tongue. She pulled out and swiped her tongue back and forth, then pushed in again. Josie was already close from fucking Cruz but when Cruz pulled her clit into her mouth and sucked, she fell over the edge instantly. She rocked into Cruz’s tongue, hands threaded through Cruz’s hair, gripping tightly and moaning loudly. When she finally stopped her movements, she shuffled back, sitting on Cruz’s hips and leaning into her chest as she caught her breath. 

“You liked that?” Cruz asked. 

“It’s my favourite, I like being that close to you when I fuck you” Josie replied. “Was it ok?”

Cruz smiled and hummed, “my favourite too.”

Eventually Josie climbed off and got into the shower, Cruz lay in bed, drifting back off to sleep whilst she waited for Josie. When Josie came back into the room, Cruz startled awake. 

“You ok?” Josie asked.

“I’m ok” Cruz said, trying to forget the dream she’d been having. She’d been standing in a pool of blood, it had no end and when she looked down at herself, she was dripping with it, creating the pool that surrounded her. 

Cruz had a shower whilst Josie made breakfast and they ate together at the kitchen table. “You want me to sit in the corner of your interviews glaring at them? We could be good cop bad cop.”

“And you’d be the bad cop? I thought I was the ‘scary one’.” Cruz did finger quotes on the last part. 

“Mmm but you’re a softie really” Josie said as Cruz rolled her eyes. “Hugeeeee softie” Josie winked. 

“I’m interviewing two today, one of them is a guy Bobby said is a dick and I should interview him just to reject him. You can sit in on that one?” Cruz proposed. 

“Oh fuck yeah, I’m in.” Josie replied. 

They spent the rest of the morning unpacking, working out and making out, both feeling extremely lucky to have each other after the dangerous mission. After lunch, they jumped in the car and headed to the facility. 

“Not long until you can drive me around” Cruz said, nodding at Josie’s walking boot. She’d been doing really well on it, rarely needing the crutches at all. And her pace was improving too, she wasn’t as slow as when she started on it. 

“Are you secretly a passenger princess like you’re secretly a bottom?” Josie smirked. 

“Asshole” Cruz muttered, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. 

 They pulled up at the facility, and had a look around, it was really close to finished. Cruz showed Josie her office and Josie suggested some small touches she could make to make it feel less sterile. Cruz wanted this to be somewhere people came to be heard, not scolded. 

It wasn’t long before the first candidate arrived, it was the man Bobby had warned her about. She met him outside and walked him into her office, closing the door behind them. “Sergeant Dean Waters, this is Captain Carrillo” Cruz said gesturing towards Josie who was leaning on the corner of the desk. “She’s a member of our team and will be joining us for the interview.” Dean saluted Josie who nodded back and then he sat in the chair opposite Cruz’s. 

Dean grinned, “two pretty women wanting to get to know me? I can definitely handle it” he winked. 

Cruz clenched her fist and Josie noticed, quickly getting up and joining Cruz behind the desk, standing behind her. She asked Dean about himself, his experience, why he was applying. His answers were shallow and unimpressive. Josie tried desperately not to roll her eyes at everything he tried to brag about which she and Cruz had done themselves. 

“What’s your experience with teaching? What approach would you take to help someone understand something?” Cruz asked. For her, this was the most important part. 

He chuckled, “I had a Commander, most brutal motherfucker you’ll ever meet. He used to scare the shit out of us, he’d shout and scream if you fucked something up, have you doing press-ups and laps until the sun came up the next day. But you know what? You never fucked up again after one of his outbursts.” 

Cruz and Josie stared blankly at him for a second, then Cruz clarified, “and that’s the approach you would take?” giving him the opportunity to backtrack. 

“Oh for sure, it’s tried and tested. It works. They need to fear us, know that stepping out of line just isn’t an option, not when the stakes are as high as they are with a program like this” he said with a firm nod. 

Jesus Christ. Cruz asked a couple more questions to fill the time but there was no doubt in her mind that this man wasn’t going anywhere near the program. “Thank you for your time, we’ll be in touch.” Cruz said as she stood. 

“Hey, no rush, it really was a pleasure meeting you both” he said with a wink as he headed towards the door. 

Cruz clenched her jaw Josie shot forward, taking over. “I’ll walk you out” she said, ushering him out the door before Cruz swung for him. 

Josie returned a couple of minutes later, “Sergeant, your next candidate is here” she said as she poked her head through the door. 

“Thank you Captain.” Cruz replied. Josie opened the door fully, letting the woman in and then closing it behind her, leaving Cruz and the woman alone. 

“Sergeant Aisha Weston” she said, extending her hand to Cruz. 

Cruz shook it, “Sergeant Cruz Manuelos, thanks for coming in.”

Cruz asked her the same questions but found herself actually listening this time. Aisha’s answers were thoughtful, she offered an interesting perspective. When it came down to the question that really mattered to Cruz, what her teaching style was, she replied, “I remember when I first joined the marines, the Sergeants would lose their shit over an honest mistake and make you pay for it ten times over.”

Cruz sighed, maybe finding someone who shared her ideas was going to be harder than she thought. Aisha continued, “and I remember thinking, ‘you’re supposed to be motivating people to work with you, to keep you safe, to keep your country safe, and instead you’re making people fear you, resent you.’ I don’t want to teach like that. Being firm when necessary, yes, but the priority is motivating people to want to work with you.”

Thank fuck for that. Cruz asked some further questions, impressed with her answers and when she felt she had everything she needed, she stood and extended her hand to Aisha. “Thanks a lot for coming in, I’ll be in touch very soon.”

“Thank you Sergeant, it was a pleasure to meet you” Aisha returned. 

Cruz walked to the door and opened it, seeing Josie sat a little distance away. “Captain Carrillo will show you out” Cruz said as Josie approached. 

Josie walked Aisha to the entrance and then met Cruz back in the office. “How did it go?” Josie asked. 

“Really good, she’s definitely in” Cruz nodded. 

“Ok good because we just had a very good talk about helicopters, I like her.” Josie said seriously. 

Cruz laughed and sat on her desk. Josie sat on the chair in front of her, propping her legs up on the desk. 

“That first guy…” Cruz said, shaking her head. 

Josie laughed, “what a fucking idiot. Bobby was right though, you are gonna feel great rejecting him.”

Cruz grinned, “yeah.”

“We gonna christen this desk then, or what?” Josie asked, smacking it with her hand. 

“Jose!” Cruz whisper shouted, going over and closing the door in case any of the construction workers were nearby. 

“Is that a yes?” Josie said, removing her feet from the desk and leaning forward. 

Cruz sat on the edge of the desk opposite Josie and smirked, “come here.”

Josie stood up and pushed herself into Cruz, leaning against her legs. She ran her hands over Cruz’s thighs and pressed her forehead to Cruz’s.

“You’re needy today” Cruz observed. 

“I’m not needy I’m horny, there’s a difference” Josie shot back, running the tip of her nose up and down the bridge of Cruz’s. 

“What’s the difference?” Cruz hummed. 

“I’m horny, you’re needy” Josie replied matter of factly. 

“I’m needy?” Cruz asked. 

“You don’t remember this morning?” Josie smirked. 

Cruz smiled back, “I remember this morning.”

Josie touched her lips to Cruz’s gently, teasing her. Cruz wasn’t willing to wait any more, she was needy after all. She pulled Josie’s hips between her legs and kissed her firmly. 

Josie reached for Cruz’s belt and just as she began pulling it undone, there was a knock at the door that startled them both. “Shit” Josie huffed, clutching her heart as she sat back down on the chair, annoyed. Their interrupted streak began again. 

Cruz put her belt back into place and answered the door. It was a construction worker, letting Cruz know that they were about to test fire alarms and sprinklers and needed everyone out of the building to do so. 

Josie dropped her head in defeat and sighed, then got up, heading out the door with Cruz and their belongings. They decided to go to the bar and grab some food, figuring some of the QRF would probably be there anyway. 

They pulled up and went inside, Tucker, Bobby and Tex were sat around the bar. “Look who it is” Tucker said as they pulled up a chair next to them at the bar. 

“This round’s on me” Bobby said, tapping the bar to call the bartender over. Everyone got a beer and Josie ordered enough fries for everyone. “How you doing?” Bobby asked Cruz when Josie swapped places with her to talk to Tucker and Tex. 

“I’m actually… not that bad today?” Cruz replied, realising that she hadn’t thought too much about what she’d had to do yesterday. It had crossed her mind, sure, but she wasn’t fixating on it, unable to move her thoughts away. 

“That’s good, right? Look, what you do? I couldn’t do it. It’s good for you to find a way to be okay with it, because it’s a skill, one that not many have.” She said, smacking Cruz on the back. 

Cruz sighed, “thanks Bobby” she was hearing this a lot. Maybe she did need to acknowledge that this was just something she was good at and be okay with using that skill. It was complicated. 

They all chatted and joked as they ate and after 2 beers, Josie was getting handsy. Everyone whistled and cooed as Josie ran her hands over Cruz and Cruz blushed at the attention from everyone.

“You better get this one home” Bobby said to Cruz, pointing at Josie, “I think her alcohol tolerance is actually decreasing.” Everyone laughed and Josie rolled her eyes, and threw her arms around Cruz’s neck, flipping everyone off behind her. 

“Yeah you should take me home” Josie hummed, quiet enough that only Cruz could hear. Cruz gulped as she looked down at Josie, who was actually sober and just being especially flirty. 

“Let’s get you home” Cruz smiled back. 

They drove home and as they pulled up, Cruz pointed across the road, “That’s Joe’s car.”

“Motherfucker” Josie sighed, the interruption streak now at two. 

As they stepped out, Joe did too. They waited for her to join them on the curb. “Carrillo, I have some drone training lined up for you. You’ll watch the team fly and execute a drone strike and then bring it home. Wheels up in 15 minutes.”

“Where?” Josie asked. 

“Not far but the drone launches at night so you’ll be observing until mission end tomorrow” Joe explained. 

Josie headed to the front door and went inside to pack, leaving Cruz to talk to Joe. Cruz updated Joe on the interviews and progress of the construction. Joe informed Cruz that the Lionesses would be arriving late the following week so she needed to get her new team in there and trained as soon as possible. Shit, that was soon. She could do it though. She had the rest of her interviews scheduled for tomorrow and everyone would be transferred as soon as they were informed of their acceptance into the program. 

Josie came out again and stood next to them both. Joe looked between them, acknowledging that they wanted to say goodbye to each other. “I’ll be in the car” she said as she turned and walked away. 

Cruz smiled at Josie, “sorry baby” Cruz hummed.

Josie smiled too, “it’s okay, I’ll be back” she winked. “You gonna be okay on your own tonight?” Josie was worried that it really hadn’t been that long since Cruz stabbed someone to death, sleeping alone was already hard without that being a factor. 

“Yeah, I’m ok. We gotta practice, remember?” Cruz reminded her. 

Josie sighed, “I know.”

“I love you” Cruz said, pulling Josie into a hug. She knew Joe would be watching but she tried not to let that affect how she sent Josie off. 

Josie squeezed Cruz back and then pulled back a little to kiss her. When Josie didn’t pull away and instead tried to deepen the kiss, Cruz laughed and pulled away “ok, you know your boss is watching?” Cruz reminded her. 

“Hey, she showed up at my home” Josie replied. Cruz buzzed with warmth at Josie calling it that. 

“Go before she comes back over here” Cruz said, nodding towards the car. 

“Ok, don’t do anything without me” Josie said, pointing at Cruz threateningly as she walked away. 

“Yes Captain” Cruz winked which only made Josie more frustrated. This drone shit better be worth it, Josie thought. 

Joe and Josie drove off so Cruz headed inside. She sent her offer to Aisha and her very blunt rejection to Dean. She read the files of the other candidates she was interviewing tomorrow and then busied herself with chores. When it came to falling asleep, it took a while. She lay on Josie’s side of the bed which technically was her own and she did prefer it but she’d never tell Josie that. She tried to keep her thoughts off the mission and instead wondered what Josie was doing, ran through her interview questions and mapped out where the equipment would go in the facility when it was ready. Eventually she tired herself out and fell asleep just before midnight. 

Josie arrived at base just as the briefing started. They were performing a drone strike on a test target as a training exercise for other officers and Joe had managed to get her in to take part too. 

Josie sat front and centre, listening to the mission objective, learning about the controls and capabilities of the drone and then watched the strike take place. They were doing it in the dark to create a more realistic scenario and also, to make it harder. They needed these people to learn how to do this in less than ideal conditions.

Josie watched on, fascinated. It wasn’t dissimilar to flying a helo, and fuck did she miss that. After the strike had been executed, the instructor called the students up one at a time to have a go flying the drone home. Josie went last, meaning she got to fly it the rest of the way back and land it. They talked her through the controls and she executed it all perfectly. She’d landed enough helos and done a bunch of drone simulations by now to know what she was doing. 

They finished in the early hours of the morning. Joe had already taken a bunk and gone to sleep so Josie found one as far away from her as possible and tried to get in a few hours too. After some tossing and turning, more from the uncomfortable bunk than anything else, she managed to fall asleep. 

Joe woke her up at 0700 with a kick to the leg of her bunk. “Fuck” Josie startled, getting her bearings after being rudely awoken. 

“We’re going to get breakfast, let’s go” Joe said. Josie went off to the bathroom to freshen up and then met Joe at the car. It turns out Joe meant they were going to get breakfast alone, just the two of them. Fuck ok…

Josie sat in the passenger seat staring out the window. She’d managed to get some sleep without Cruz which she was feeling proud of. She pulled out her phone, reading a ‘good morning’ text from Cruz. Josie replied, asking how she’d slept. Cruz had interviews today so she might not reply but she hoped she’d gotten some sleep too. 

Helen had told them to practice by trying to sleep in separate rooms in the house once a week, even just for half a night. Getting used to being apart in short bursts whilst not completely alone. It was a good idea, but hard to implement. When they had access to each other, they wanted to be close. They’d have to try though. 

Joe pulled up at a diner and got out, heading towards the front door. Josie sighed and got out of the car too, following behind. 

They both ordered coffee, Joe got a yoghurt and granola bowl and Josie got pancakes, refusing to miss the opportunity to eat something delicious. 

They sat in silence for a while, Josie was certainly not going to initiate conversation. What the fuck would she even say?

“How’s Cruz? After the mission, I mean” Joe asked. 

Josie nodded slowly, “she’s mostly ok.” She was quiet for a beat and then added, “you didn’t check on her after her first mission.” More of a statement than a question. 

“No.” Joe sighed.

“Why?”

“I’m the last person she would’ve wanted to see. She tried to beat the shit out of me after we rescued her, she tell you that?” Joe replied. 

“Im sure you deserved it. I should’ve beaten the shit out of you too” Josie shrugged. 

Joe quirked an eyebrow, “I’d like to see you try.”

“Mmm I recently learned that I’ve got quite the right hook.” Josie bragged. 

Joe furrowed her eyebrows, “who did you punch?”

“A guy, I don’t know, he was drunk, I was drunk too” Josie explained. 

Joe huffed a laugh. Were they, getting along? 

Their food arrived and they began eating. Fuck it. “Do you cook?” Josie asked. 

Joe laughed again, “no, awful at it. Do you?”

Josie nodded, “I like to cook. Cruz hates it.” 

“I can’t imagine Cruz cooking” Joe scoffed. 

“Oh she does cook, all the time, she just doesn’t like it. She does it for me, she’s… sweet.” Josie hadn’t meant to say that much, she just loved Cruz and couldn’t help gushing about her. 

Joe smiled, “I know, it’s why she’s so good at what she does. She’s skilled, and cold when she needs to be, but her humanity remains intact. She still feels it all.”

Josie’s eyes widened at that observation. She hadn’t really ever thought about how Joe felt about Cruz, not like that. She understood Cruz more than she’d given Joe credit for. 

They made small talk about the training Josie had the previous night. Joe had gone to bed before Josie landed the drone so she gushed about that. Joe could see her excitement. “When are you done with the boot?”

“Next week or two I think” Josie replied. 

“We need to see if you can fly” Joe responded. 

“I’ve been doing my physio religiously, walking on it isn’t really painful, I don’t think it’s gonna be a problem” Josie explained. 

“Text me when the boot is off and we’ll get you in a helo” Joe nodded. 

Josie was buzzing after hearing that. 

They finished up their breakfasts and got back in the car, the drive home not that long. Josie let herself into the house as Joe drove away, noticing that Cruz wasn’t home. She went to the bedroom and lay down on Cruz’s side which she secretly preferred. She texted Cruz she was home and then fell asleep surprisingly fast. 

Josie woke up a little while later from her phone dinging. It was Cruz.

Cruz: hey baby 
Cruz: I slept okay, you?
Cruz: home in 30 mins
Cruz: you ok?

Josie: hi baby 
Josie: I slept too 
Josie: see you soon 

Josie got up and made some food that Cruz could eat when she got home, figuring she probably hadn’t cooked for herself since Josie left. 

It wasn’t long before Cruz arrived, heading to the kitchen as soon as she smelled food. “Hey” she said, kissing Josie on the cheek from behind as she served up. 
 
“Hey, how did the interviews go?” Josie asked. They sat at the table together as they discussed what they’d been up to. 

“I liked everyone I interviewed today, they should all be in. One of them I knew from an old unit, I like her a lot” Cruz nodded. 

“When does everyone start?” Josie asked. 

“Next couple of days. Joe has the Lionesses arriving end of next week.” Cruz replied. 

“Shit, that’s fast.”

“Yeah, but it’s good. I want to get started. I need the team to be able to teach without me if I’m on a mission so we need to get them trained asap” Cruz explained. 

They finished up, Cruz going to send her offers to the candidates and Josie going to do her workout and physio routine. 

Josie went for a shower as Cruz finished up so she went to the bedroom to wait for her to come out. Cruz thought about the day they had yesterday and what Josie had wanted before she was whisked away by Joe. She smiled to herself as she had an idea.

Cruz stripped naked and then sat on the bed, waiting for Josie. She emerged a minute or so later in her underwear and it took her a moment to work out the scene she’d walked in on. Cruz looked her up and down and Josie recognised that look again.

Josie walked over to Cruz and stood in front of her, waiting for Cruz to explain. “We got interrupted yesterday” Cruz hummed. 

“More than once” Josie nodded, threading her hands through Cruz’s hair as Cruz stroked up and down Josie’s legs and ass. 

“You can do whatever you want” Cruz whispered, she wanted to give Josie what she wanted. She had been fundamental in helping Cruz not spiral after the mission. She’d been exactly what she needed. And she wanted to be that for Josie now too. 

Josie smiled softly and kissed Cruz gently on the lips once. Then her smile dropped as her eyes darkened and she replied “get on your hands and knees.”

Notes:

I hope you liked it!

Also, some exciting things are happening. Our lovely reader Photolady has organised some Cruzie fan art for us! They are going to let us know when it’s ready. They have also written a song about Cruzie which you can checkout on their TikTok: @mezfotography. It’s called Forever Cruzie and it’s also on Apple Music and should be on Spotify and YouTube soon.

Everybody say thank you Photolady!

If you can draw or have already done some Cruzie art, we’d love to see it!

I’m not sure what my plan is with this fic. The other one I’m writing is going to be centred around one big mission so will have more action. This one is more day-to-day life and work stuff. I don’t want it to get boring but I would quite like to just follow their life and relationship a little more, even if it’s not action-packed. Maybe once I start posting my other fic, I’ll slow this one down a bit but keep it going. Idk, those are my thoughts, tell me yours!!

Have a great week!

Chapter 24: Licence and Registration

Summary:

Cruz welcomes her new team and Josie gets some good news.

Notes:

I tried to get this in before midnight but just missed it. Sorry! I really struggled writing this week, I hope it’s ok!

Josie thrust into Cruz slow at first, increasing her speed the more Cruz relaxed. By the time Cruz’s head had dropped to the mattress, Josie was pumping into her rapidly. Josie came first, getting to have Cruz like this was hot as fuck.

Josie didn’t stop or even stutter as she came, she kept her movements going until Cruz tipped over the edge, coming hard and loud. Still, Josie kept moving, not stopping until Cruz turned to look at her, reaching her hand out for her to take. 

That was their first orgasm of the night, and by the time they’d worn each other out, they’d lost count. They collapsed into bed, sore and sweaty from the hours they’d spent together, unable to stay awake any longer. As Cruz flicked off the lamp on the night stand, Josie giggled at how long they’d been at it, which made Cruz giggle too. “Shit” Josie sighed, wiping the sweat off her forehead. 

Cruz laughed, leaning over to kiss Josie on the forehead and then flopping back to her side, pushing the hair off her face, “shit” she agreed. 

Cruz’s alarm went off at 0800, she didn’t have any specific plans but she knew that some of the team were arriving today and she needed to be ready. She got out of bed and went for a shower, leaving Josie to sleep. They’d fucked into the early hours of the morning, they were bound to be tired today. 

Thoughts of the previous evening flooded her mind as she let the warm water wash over her. She’d never felt more safe and wanted than in her relationship with Josie. She’d avoided having sex as much as possible with Edgar and figured she didn’t really need it in her life. 

Then Aaliyah showed an interest, ignited that part of her that she thought she wasn’t interested in. Whilst her experience with Aaliyah was eye-opening, it wasn’t honest, it wasn’t real. She still felt unsafe, because she was, and she felt sick from the lies that came with it. 

And then Josie. The attraction was instant, Josie had caught her looking more than once and although that filled her with shame initially, she figured Josie liked her back from little things that she did. The moment when Josie was bold, offered to be the cure, it ignited something in her again, and it was real this time. 

Although she hated that Josie got injured, waiting to have sex until they were both ready was the best thing they could’ve done. It helped Cruz learn what it felt like to truly be wanted. It also taught her what it felt like to want without shame and guilt. It wasn’t like the random hookups she’d had in between, where she didn’t really feel anything at all. 

Cruz’s feelings about sex were so different now. It was something she enjoyed, got excited about, felt completely safe and comfortable experimenting with. Josie had created a space that allowed her to allow herself to want it, need it. She was grateful to Josie for that. 

She smiled to herself, thinking about the night they’d shared, the things they’d done together. Being vulnerable and trusting each other completely. Plus, it was really fucking hot. 

She stepped out of the shower, dried herself off and went into the bedroom to change. Josie had woken up and was sitting leaning against the headboard watching her. 

“Hi” Josie grinned. 

“Hi” Cruz smiled back, blushing a little. She knew they were both thinking about the previous night. 

“You’ve got some…” Josie pointed at Cruz’s stomach. Cruz looked down and noticed bruises spotted over her body that Josie had sucked into her skin last night. 

Cruz smiled and looked up, seeing a very satisfied looking Josie. “

Are you sore?” Cruz asked. 

Josie stretched her arms up and out, then shuffled her legs around a little “yeah, are you?” She laughed. 

“Worse than after a workout” Cruz grinned back. 

Josie smiled and nodded smugly, “you’ll get used to it” Josie winked. 

Cruz blushed again, she didn’t have time to go again right now so she rolled her eyes and encouraged Josie out of bed instead. “Let’s eat” she said. Just as Josie was about to make a very predictable joke, Cruz added “-food!” 

Josie laughed and got out of bed, “I’ll cook, just let me shower quickly!” Josie said as she darted off into the bathroom. Now that she was moving was actually very sore which made her laugh to herself as she stepped into the shower, thinking about what they’d done.

Josie made breakfast, Cruz made coffee and they sat and ate together at the table. They felt very connected and comfortable without feeling the need to fill the silence. 

As they finished, Cruz’s phone rang and she reached for it straight away. She knew the program was technically starting today so she needed to know what to expect and where to be.

Joe: you have two of your officers transferring today. Be there when they arrive, show them around, settle them in

Cruz: ok, I’ll head over shortly. When do the rest of the team arrive?

Joe: tomorrow morning, you’ll need to be there early 

Cruz: maybe I’ll stay the night, might be easier for everyone

Joe: your call. Let me know how it goes 

Cruz: Yep

Cruz hung up and looked at Josie who had heard all of Cruz’s end of the conversation. “It’s probably easier if I spend the night there, the rest of the team will be arriving early tomorrow” Cruz explained. 

Josie nodded, “we gotta practice anyway. It’ll be a good opportunity.” 

Cruz offered a small smile and nodded. Neither of them wanted to be apart but they did need to get used to it. They tidied up after eating and Cruz went to pack her bag for the night. She grabbed her laptop and sifted through her desk for any documents she might need and threw it all into her bag. 

Josie waited by the door, ready to send her off. Cruz stepped into her space and pulled her into a tight hug which Josie returned. Cruz moved her mouth down to Josie’s ear and hummed “I can’t stop thinking about last night.”

Josie smiled and squeezed her harder, “call me tonight and we can pick up where we left off” Josie hummed back. Cruz sucked in a sharp breath and froze briefly. Great, now she was going to be thinking about that all day. Cruz pulled away, meeting Josie’s eyes and seeing the smug look on her face. She loved how much she could affect Cruz. Josie tiptoed to kiss Cruz, harder to reach when she was wearing her combat boots, and then opened the door for her to head out. 

“I love you” Josie called. 

Cruz turned and smiled as she walked to the car, “I love you.”

Cruz drove to the facility and headed into her office, ready to do intake for the officers arriving today. One was the woman that was in her previous unit and one was a young guy. He’d just made Commander and was looking for a new opportunity to progress. She wanted people that were ambitious, driven, determined to do well, so she felt he would be a good fit. 

Each of the team members she had picked specialised is something that she felt would add value to the team. One specialised in weaponry, another in martial arts, another in intelligence. All of these things were going to be relevant to the Lionesses so she wanted them learning from the best.  

She checked the bedrooms and stocked them with everything they would need. There would have caterers and cleaners on rotation starting this afternoon so she was thrilled she wouldn’t have to cook for them. 

Once she’d triple checked everything, she heard a car pull up outside and went out to welcome them. “Hey, welcome back” Cruz said as they stood in front of her. “Call me Cruz, we’re not big on formalities around here” Cruz explained. 

“Lily” the woman said, nodding to Cruz and the young man. 

“Jin” the man added with a nod. 

“Let me show you to your rooms so you can put your stuff down, then I’ll give you the tour.” They agreed and followed Cruz, choosing which bedrooms they wanted and then met in the hallway. 

“Okay, you can stay in the rooms here for as long as you want. If you decide you’re staying with us, there are houses to rent or buy in Liberty which is a 20 minute drive away. Cars will be provided for you.” She turned and walked them through the facility, pointing out the shared break area, kitchen, bathrooms and the various training areas. 

“I’m going to spend today setting up equipment and organising the different training areas. The rest of our team are arriving tomorrow and the Lionesses arrive next week. We have a week to train up before we begin teaching. Any questions?”

“How many of us will there be training the girls?” Lily asked. 

“Five, including me. As I said in the interviews, I’ll get called away regularly to be a Lioness or support the QRF so I’ll be relying on you to run this place when I’m gone.” Cruz explained. 

They both nodded. “Ok, I’ll be around setting up equipment. Settle yourselves in and come and join me when you’re ready.”

Jin and Lily looked at each other and then followed Cruz in the direction she was heading. Cruz laughed, “ok then, let’s get to work.” 

They spent the day setting everything up. Cruz gave them the freedom to put things where they thought it should go. They were going to be here more than she was and if it didn’t work, they could change it. They chatted comfortably, it was apparent that Cruz had put them at ease and now they were all enjoying getting to know each other. 

Lily explained to Jin that her and Cruz had been in the same unit when they were deployed in Africa, a little before Josie’s mission. They discussed how they ended up finding out about the program and why they decided to move into teaching. Cruz determined that they were both doing it for the right reasons. 

“What is this place actually called?” Jin asked. 

Cruz looked blankly at him, “uhh, I guess we don’t have a name yet.”

“What about ‘The Den’, like, where lions live?” Lily asked. 

Cruz huffed a laugh, it was kinda silly but she liked it. “‘The Den’ it is.”

Caterers arrived and prepared them an early dinner which they ate together and then went to their rooms. Cruz was getting ready for bed as a text from Josie came through. She smiled and replied to it instantly, letting her know she’d call her soon. 

JOSIE

After Cruz left, Josie went inside and began her physio routine and then an upper body workout. She was excelling at her physio if she did say so herself, never being able to do things causally.

She finished up and went to her desk to continue her studies. It had been a little while since she’d done any work with the disruptions to their routine lately but she was happy to get back to it. 

A little while later, her phone rang and she reached for it, assuming it would be Cruz. As she answered, a hospital receptionist introduced himself. 

“Joesphina Carrillo? I’m calling from the hospital. We were wondering if you’d be able to come in today for a check-up?” 

“Hi, uh yeah I think so, is there a reason it’s been pushed forward?” 

“Nothing bad! We had some cancellations and your notes say you’re just about ready to be discharged so we thought you like to come in sooner rather than later.”

“Yes! That’s great thank you.”

“Perfect, we’ll send you a text with the appointment information. See you soon!”

“See you then!”

Josie hung up the phone and squealed. She wanted to call Cruz and tell her, but she couldn’t. Cruz was working and didn’t need any distractions on her first day at the new job. 

It did cross her mind during the call that Cruz might be upset or annoyed that she wasn’t able to make it to the appointment. But they’d discussed previously how sick of the leg Josie was and she hoped Cruz would understand Josie’s decision to try and get discharged ASAP as long as she got there and back safely. How the fuck was she going to do that?

She picked up her phone again and called Bobby who answered on the first ring. 

“Ok hasty, obsessed with me much?” Josie joked. 

“I meant to press decline, what do you want?” Bobby shot back. 

Josie laughed, “asshole. I have an appointment at the hospital in a couple of hours, can you drive me pleaseeeee?”

Bobby sighed, “fine. I’ll be there soon. You better feed me.”

Josie laughed and hung up, then headed to the kitchen to make food. They were running low on groceries so she made a simple pasta dish which she knew Bobby wouldn’t complain about considering she mostly lived on beer and chips. 

Bobby arrived 30 minutes later and they ate together as she grilled Josie on their latest relationship updates over a beer.

“You seem very chipper today” Bobby observed. 

“This might be my last appointment” Josie shrugged. 

Bobby raised her eyebrows, “is that it? Nothing else got you feeling this good?” Bobby prodded. 

Josie grinned and tried not to spill, but shit, she needed to gay gossip every now and then. “Last night… we.. so many times… I’d never tell her this but she nearly outlasted me. That bitch has stamina!”

Bobby laughed, “I told you, don’t underestimate her. But really, how many times?”

Josie laughed, “Bobby for real, I couldn’t even guess.”

“Oh shit, it hasn’t worn off yet?” Bobby asked. 

Josie shook her head, “honestly it’s the opposite, the more comfortable she gets, the more she wants to.”

“Lucky” Bobby rolled her eyes. 

“Yeah” Josie grinned. “How’s your fiancée or, what was she?”

“Fuck you. We… had a disagreement…” Bobby grumbled. 

Josie waited for more but nothing came. “Okay… and.. Are you… sad?”

Bobby met Josie’s eyes for a second before she rolled them and looked away. 

“You are sad! Awww Bobby, ok, tell me everything.”

Bobby huffed like she was being forced to share this information but Josie could see she wanted to talk about it. She let Bobby do what she needed to do. “She wanted to be exclusive.”

“Ok?” Josie asked, confused. 

“I’ve never done that before. That’s not what I do.” Bobby replied. 

“Does that mean you can’t try it? You like her?” Josie prodded. 

“Mmm” is all Bobby offered. 

“So what happened? You got scared and told her she was being unreasonable?” Josie asked. 

Bobby met Josie’s eyes with a look of guilt and then huffed out a sigh. 

“Bobby! Come on. Try something new. This is new to me too. I don’t do relationships but shit, this thing with Cruz, I can’t even explain it. It’s incredible.” Josie gushed. “She’s tried it your way, she’s done the casual hookups bit, now try it her way. You might surprise yourself.”

Bobby looked a little shocked, “damn, that shrink of yours is working overtime, huh?” 

Josie rolled her eyes and got up to clear the plates. “Think about it. But also, drive me to the hospital.”

It was Bobby who rolled her eyes this time and headed to the door with Josie. They drove to the hospital and Bobby waited in the lobby as Josie went into Dr Rodriguez’s office. 

“Captain, how are you?” He asked. 

“Really good” Josie smiled. 

“That’s great. I’ve had a look at your physio notes and latest scans and everything seems to be in order. How is the leg feeling?” He asked. 

“I barely notice it now. I think I’m more aware of the boot than any pain at this point.” She replied. 

“Interesting. Have you tried walking without the boot?” 

“No Doctor, should I?” She asked. 

“Let’s find out!” He said as he got out and moved towards her. 

Josie stood and removed the boot, putting her left leg down and standing with her weight on it. She looked up at Dr Rodriguez who smiled and nodded her towards the other side of the room, encouraging her to give walking a go. 

She took a step forward, aware that it felt DIFFERENT to wearing the boot but not any more or less uncomfortable. She continued forward, then turned on the spot and walked back to her chair. 

“Captain, that looks pretty darn good to me” he said with a nod. He gestured for her to take a seat again and typed up some notes on his computer. 

“Okay, I am pleased to say that I’ll be discharging you from our care. I’m going to leave you with the walking boot. Use it as and when you need some extra support but I am comfortable recommending that you begin using your leg as normal again. Start off in short bursts and build it up but I have no doubt you will be sensible, you’ve done an incredible job with your recovery.”

Josie didn’t know she needed to hear that but tears welled up in her eyes as she smiled and nodded at him. He handed her a tissue as he finished typing his notes and then sent her on her way. “Enjoy!” He said as she left. 

“Oh I will” she smiled back. She carried the walking boot out with her and Bobby clapped and cheered WAY too loud in the busy waiting room as she approached. 

“Knock it off” Josie snapped as she slapped Bobby’s hands away but couldn’t hold back her joy at the situation. She wished Cruz was here to share it with her. 

They headed back to the car together and as they were about to get in, Josie said “wait! Let me drive!” 

Bobby smiled and threw her the keys, heading for the passenger door instead. Josie got in and grinned as she started the engine and backed out of the spot. “Oh just so you know, I drive really fast, you should put your seatbelt on” she said as she took off. 

As Bobby was thrown back into her seat, she reached for her seatbelt, never buckling it as quickly as she did in that moment. They drove for a little while until Bobby said “hey, wait, can you pull over here?”

Josie pulled into a spot in front of a row of apartments and Bobby undid her seatbelt. She nodded towards one of the apartments, “this is her.”

Josie clapped and cheered as Bobby got out the car and stood on the curb. “Knock it off” Bobby mimicked in teasing tone and then added, “Take the car, I’ll come get it at some point.”

“Good luck! Just, hear her out, see things from her perspective. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Like Cruz and I did last night-“

“Okay NO I’m leaving now, get outta here” Bobby interrupted, shooing her away. 

Josie grinned, she knew that would send her off. Josie pulled back onto the road and took the longest route home she could find, enjoying the feeling of driving again. It wasn’t a helo, but it was speed and freedom. 

By the time she got home, the sun was setting. She checked her phone but nothing from Cruz yet. She put her walking boot on so she could move around the house faster and she figured she’d done enough practice for one day without the boot. 

She wasn’t super hungry after a late lunch so she got herself ready for bed and lay on Cruz’s side. She pulled out her phone and sent Cruz a quick text to let her know she would be going to sleep soon. 

She got a text straight back reading “I’ll call you in 5” and held her phone to her chest like an excited teenager. 5 minutes later, Josie’s phone rang. 

Josie: Hey baby

Cruz: hey, you okay?

Josie: I’m really good, are you?

Cruz: I’m good. Why are you really good?

Josie: I’ll show you tomorrow. How did today go?

Cruz: it went well, Jin and Lily arrived today. They helped me set everything up and we all got to know each other better 

Josie: Lily is the one you already know, right?

Cruz: yep, we were in Africa together not long before I joined your mission 

Josie: is she pretty?

Cruz: Jose! 

Josie: what? I’m deciding whether I’m jealous or not

Cruz: oh well in that case, she’s beautiful. I like it when you’re jealous

Josie: asshole. Want me to make YOU jealous? 

Cruz: you can try 

Josie: I don’t have to try baby

Cruz: why would I be jealous?

Josie: You remember last night?

Cruz: ….yeah

Josie: you remember how wet I was for you?

Cruz: …Mmm

Josie: I’ve been thinking about you all day, what we did. And I’m wet like that now. Too bad you’re not here…

Josie pushed her hand past the waistband of her sweatpants and hummed as she brushed her fingers over herself through her underwear. 

Cruz: Are you-

Josie: mmhh 

Josie pushed past her underwear and ran her fingers through her folds, circling her clit. A gasp escaped her as she teased her entrance which made Cruz groan in frustration. Josie didn’t push in yet. She knew if she did, she’d come. She wanted to rile Cruz up a little more first. 

Josie: do you want to touch yourself baby?

Cruz: Mhh

Josie: I want you to

Cruz: fuck

Cruz couldn’t resist, she pushed her hand into her boxers and groaned at her own arousal. She was finding that the more she had sex with Josie, the quicker she’d get turned on, anticipation thrumming through her at the idea of it. 

Cruz rolled onto her front and began rocking into her hand. She had to be quiet but Josie could hear her sighs and hums. 

Cruz: come for me 

Josie: yes baby 

Josie pushed into herself and the cry that left her throat sent shockwaves through Cruz, forcing her to speed up her movements. She pushed into herself too, rocking hard into her fingers. 

Josie pulled out and pushed in again a few more times and then she was coming. She made sure she was loud since there was no one else home and she wanted to work Cruz up. 

“FUCK” Cruz grunted as she pushed deep into herself as Josie came, close now too. Josie whimpered as she continued her movements, not pulling out yet. Cruz found the sounds Josie made during sex addictive and when she groaned as she pulled out, Cruz tipped over the edge. 

She thrust hard as she came, doing her best not to make a sound. She’d chosen the room furthest away from anyone else, knowing Josie wanted to do this tonight. 

“Fuck Jose” Cruz sighed, pulling out and laying on her back again. 

Josie smiled, “you did good baby”, she knew Cruz loved it when she spoke like that to her. 

When they both caught their breath, Cruz asked, “what you been up to today?”

Josie: did some studying, hung out with Bobby

Cruz: oh yeah? You gossip about me?

Josie: yep 

Cruz: what’d you say?

Josie: that’s none of your business 

Cruz: mmm

Josie: you think you’re gonna sleep ok?

Cruz: after that? Probably 

Josie: me too

Cruz: I gotta be up early, I’ll see you tomorrow okay? 

Josie: okay baby, I love you

Cruz: I love you 

They hung up, Josie laughing to herself at the whirlwind of a day she’d hand and Cruz smiling and shaking her head at how easily Josie could affect her. They both fell asleep quickly and got a restful night apart. 

Cruz got up at 0600, got herself ready and headed to her office. She looked through the files of the other two officers arriving today to ensure she knew everything she needed to about them by heart. She then headed the kitchen where caterers were just starting to set up for breakfast. “Thanks guys” she nodded at them and then headed to the entrance. 

The car pulled up, Aisha and a tall man stepping out and joining her at the door. “Welcome, I’m Cruz, we do first names here.”

“Aisha” she replied. 

“Zac” he nodded. 

“I’ll show you to your rooms and then we’ll meet for breakfast with the rest of the team.” She walked them to their bedrooms and let them settle in, asking them to join her at 0700 to meet the others. 

She grabbed a coffee and busied herself until it was 0650 and she found the team in a line, waiting for her by the kitchen. Cruz smiled, “early is on time, I like it. Let’s eat” she said, nodding them into the dining area. There were rows of tables and benches to sit at so everyone grabbed a plate and met around the middle table. 

This was not Cruz’s thing. She wasn’t chatty, she wasn’t a hostess, she didn’t like leading, she liked following. But what they were doing here was important and if they could get it right, she would still get to do plenty of the things she preferred whilst her team lead the Lionesses. 

The team chatted through breakfast, it turned out that Zac and Jin also knew each other from a previous unit. She didn’t need everyone to be friends, she just needed everyone to feel like a team, to want to achieve the same goal that she did. She felt like they were getting there. 

When they were done, she walked them all around ‘The Den’ and gave them some basic setup and safety check tasks to do to get into the swing of things. After that, they had the rest of the day to do what they wanted. The real work started tomorrow. 

Cruz dipped in and out, spending time in her office and joining the team on tasks that needed extra guidance but she felt they had good initiative and worked well as a team when she was and wasn’t around. That’s what she had hoped for. 

Cruz texted Josie that she was finishing up at 1700 so would be home at around 1720, offering to pick up dinner. 

JOSIE

Josie woke up way later in the day than she expected to, it was pretty much lunch time when she got herself out of bed. She had a shower and walked around the house without her boot for a bit, smiling to herself like it was the most incredible thing in the world. It kinda was. 

She sat on the sofa with her laptop, waiting for her therapy session to start at 1300. She updated Helen on her leg, her job, Cruz, the sleeping apart practice. She didn’t mention what they’d done to get themselves to sleep but it had worked, who cared.

Not long after her call, she got a text from Cruz that she was going to be home in the early evening which gave her an idea. She opened her recent calls and pressed ‘Bobby’.

Bobby: Jesus Christ, what?

Josie: wow, rude. Where are you right now?

Bobby: was just about to get a cab to your place, pick up the car

Josie: shit! You spent the night with your lady friend? 

Bobby: …yeah

Josie: tell me everything! 

Bobby: no. What’s up?

Josie: I need you to get a cab to Cruz and take her car for me 

Bobby: …huh?

Josie: I want to surprise her by picking her up from work but she took her car with her

Bobby: …ok?

Josie: go and get her car, tell her yours is fucked and that you’ll come by at 5 to pick her up when she’s done 

Bobby: and then what?

Josie: Come to me, take your car home, I’ll take Cruz’s car to pick her up. 

Bobby: damn, bossy. Cruz was right, you are a brat

Josie: yep

Bobby: fine, I’ll head to Cruz now

Josie: thank you! And when you swap the cars you can tell me all about your eveni-

Bobby hung up. 

“Asshole” Josie grumbled as she looked at her phone screen. Now that she had transport arranged, she had to find somewhere to take Cruz for dinner. She got her laptop out and researched places she thought Cruz would like. She wondered if Cruz had ever bothered exploring local food places since living here. She assumed probably not. She found a street food market a bit of a drive away but she was happy to drive, thrilled actually. 

Once she settled on where she was taking Cruz, she made some food as a ‘thank you’ to Bobby. As it was ready, Bobby arrived. 

Bobby came in and had a bowl of food and a beer shoved into her hands before she had time to speak and visibly looked less annoyed as she sat down and stuffed her face. “Ok tell me everything” Josie demanded. 

“Sex. Lots of sex” Bobby nodded, mouth full of food. 

“Ok, love that for you, but that wasn’t what we went there for was it?” Josie accused. 

“Well…” Bobby tried to disagree. 

Josie shook her head, “did you talk? Are you exclusive?”

Bobby rolled her eyes, looking a little embarrassed and quietly muttered a “yes.”

“Yes!!!” Josie cheered, this was big for Bobby and she wasn’t going to not celebrate it. 

“Ok ok, that’s enough” Bobby waved her off so Josie stopped, not wanting to embarrass her any more. “Cruz was annoyed at me for taking her car by the way so thanks for that.”

Josie laughed, “don’t worry, she’ll be in a much better mood after I’ve wined and dined her” Josie winked. 

Bobby shook her head “I’m not worried about Cruz, I’m worried about me. She’s scary.”

As Josie was about to argue back, explaining why Cruz was actually the sweetest person on the planet Bobby’s phone beeped. “I gotta go, me and Tex are headed to DC.”

“What for?” Josie asked. 

“Think we’re working on next steps with Tanner. Expect to be called in soon.” Bobby replied, wolfing down the rest of her food and standing to leave.

Josie nodded and walked Bobby out. “Thanks for the car!” Josie called as she headed down the driveway. 

“Yeah yeah” Bobby waved back. 

After she tidied up, Josie got herself ready, jumping in the car and heading to Cruz. She pulled up outside at 1655 and Cruz emerged at 1700 on the dot. The windows of the cars were tinted so Cruz would’ve assumed it was Bobby there to collect her. As she opened the passenger door, Cruz was met with a grinning Josie, and looked back at her with pure confusion. 

“Hi” Josie beamed. 

“Hi?” Cruz said as she got in the car, looking into Josie’s footwell and noticing that she wasn’t wearing the boot. “What-?”

“They called me in for a last minute appointment yesterday. Bobby took me. The doctor discharged me, said I’m good to go.” Josie explained. 

A million different emotions crossed Cruz’s face as she processed all of that information, but the one she settled on was pure fucking joy. She beamed a smile at Josie and pulled her into a passionate kiss which Josie matched, feeling equally happy. 

“Jose that’s fucking amazing” Cruz said as she pulled back. “Wait you drove here? You’re ok to drive?” She said with a little worry in her voice. 

“Yes baby, I’m an excellent driver, I’m a fucking pilot. Now, I’m taking you to dinner. Buckle up, let’s see how fast this thing goes.”

Cruz gulped. She had not doubt Josie was a good driver but she did prefer to be in control when it came to vehicles. 

Josie drove for 45 minutes, holding Cruz’s hand on the armrest. Josie was indeed an excellent driver, Cruz found herself switching off and enjoying to view. “How you doing over there, princess?”

“Fuck off” Cruz laughed. She could feel Josie’s joy vibrating off her, it was contagious. She found herself watching Josie, smiling at the fun she was having as she drove. 

Just before they entered the town they were heading for, flashing lights appeared behind them, sirens sounding, alerting them to pull over. Josie burst out laughing and Cruz joined in as Josie pulled off to the side of the road. 

Josie rolled down her window as the officer stepped forward. “Licence and registration” he said as she tried to keep a straight face. She handed him the documents and waited. “Do you know how fast you were going?” 

“Yep” Josie responded “70mph, which is the speed limit.”

The officer was very unamused. “Is there a reason you were going that fast?” 

“Yep” she replied, incredibly amused. 

Cruz had to look out the passenger window to cover up the laugh she was struggling to hide. 

“What’s the reason?” He pushed. 

“We’re on our way to work, and we gotta get going so…” she replied. 

Anger flashed across the officer’s face as he flicked through all the ways he could get Josie in handcuffs for challenging him. “I’m going to ask you to step outside of the vehicle right now ma’am” he said sharply.

She hadn’t actually broken a law and she didn’t need to be polite. “I won’t be doing that” she replied. 

He huffed sharply and attempted to open Josie’s door for her. “Hey! She said she’s not getting out of the car, back off!” Cruz called over to him angrily. 

“Both of you, get out” he yelled. 

“Officer, what’s your name and badge number?” Josie replied calmly. 

“Brian Williams, P238, get out of the car” he responded harshly. 

Cruz and Josie looked at each other and at the same time, lifted their CIA ID’s to show him. 

Brian’s eyes darted between them and their ID’s as the fury left his face and fear replaced it. “Ladies, look…”

“I’ll have my documents back now” Josie smiled and nodded to the paper and licence in his hand. He handed them to her hastily. 

“Thank you Brian Williams P238, we’ll be seeing you soon, I’m sure” Josie winked as she rolled her window up. 

She started the engine and pulled away,
Cruz burst out laughing at him as she looked back, seeing him standing at the side of the road watching them leave, fear of God in his eyes. 

“Baby that was incredible” Cruz praised. 

“Fucking men” Josie replied, shaking her head. 

Josie pulled up at the food market and as Cruz reached over to open her door, Josie called “wait!” 

She got out of the car and darted around to the passenger’s door, opening it and stepping back. She took Cruz’s hand and helped her out, Cruz laughing at her but finding it very cute. 

“Ok I hope you’re hungry because we’re trying one of everything” Josie explained. 

“Lead the way” Cruz smiled. 

Josie entwined her hand in Cruz’s and walked her around the market. They picked the best sounding menu item from each stall, sharing and rating them as they went. Josie was glowing, Cruz had never seen her so happy, it sent warmth across her body being able to share the joy with her. 

When they were full and had decided that the Indonesian Nasi Goreng was the best they got back in the car and headed home. Josie drove slower this time. It was dark and they were enjoying the time together. They chatted on and off but mostly listened to the soft music that played from the radio.

When they got inside, Cruz threw her bag down and picked Josie up, scooping her up into her arms and carrying her to the bedroom. Josie laughed as she threw her arm over Cruz’s shoulder and stroked the hair on the back of her neck. 

Cruz put her down on the bed and kissed her softly before helping her take off her very tight pants. Cruz figured Josie was taking full advantage of her healed leg in every way possible. She removed her boots, peeled off the jeans and pulled her shirt over her head. Josie did the same for Cruz, enjoying the intimacy of it and then followed her to the bathroom. 

They did their bedtime routine and got into bed together. 

“Babe?” Josie said. 

“Yeah?” 

“…can we swap sides?” Josie asked. 

Cruz laughed and sighed “oh thank god.” Cruz rolled over Josie who was shuffling to the other side and they both laughed as they turned to face each other. 

“How long have you wanted to do that?” Cruz asked, amused. 

“Since I got my cast off” Josie smiled sheepishly. 

“Same” Cruz responded. 

“Cruz!” Josie huffed, shoving her. “It’s your bed, you should’ve told me!”

“It’s not, it’s our bed and we both know you’re in charge” Cruz grinned. 

Josie laughed, “good point” and then kissed Cruz quickly on the lips. 

Josie leaned back and turned off the lamp, pulling Cruz close to her as they drifted off to sleep instantly. 

Notes:

Guys! Some of our Cruzie artwork is ready! You can find it on Tumblr, posted by forevercruzie, it’s brilliant and we have more to come! Go check it out!

Hopefully writing is a little easier this week. If the chapter is going to be late, I’ll try to post info on tumblr about it, you can find me at: get-in-front-of-it

Please let me know your thoughts and have a great week!

Chapter 25: Pros and Cons

Summary:

Cruz begins working with her new team whilst Josie is on standby for her mission.

Notes:

Hello! I hope you had a good week! This chapter feels very long? There’s a lot of plot so I wanted to pad it out with fun/sweet bits too. Enjoy!

Cruz was up at 0700, needing to be at work for 0800. She showered in the spare room so Josie could sleep and then made herself a coffee, leaving enough in the pot for when Josie woke up.

She stepped back into the bedroom, going to Josie’s side of the bed and kissing her on the forehead. Josie twitched a little but wasn’t awake enough to respond. Cruz smiled and left, grabbing her bag on the way out. 

She pulled up at The Den, the team were already on the move and breakfast was nearly ready. They sat and ate together and then it was time to get to work. 

“Ok, today we are teaching each other. You all have your own specialities which is great, but we have to work together. We need to agree on what we’re teaching and how, so that we can help each other out and maintain structure and professionalism for the Lionesses” Cruz started. 

Everyone nodded, sipping their coffees. 

“I’ve completed plenty of training programs and been the Lioness enough times to have a decent understanding of all of it but you guys will lead. We’ll spend the week learning from each other. Starting with weapons.”

Cruz got up and waved for everyone to follow her to Weapons. She talked them through the guns they had and typically used on the QRF and what the Lionesses needed to know. 

“Make sure you know how to assemble, load, aim, fire, disassemble and clean each weapon. Once you’re comfortable enough to be able to teach someone else how to do all that, we’ll move on. Lily is our weapons expert. Lily? Over to you.” 

Lily walked them through each gun, demoed the process Cruz had asked for from start to finish, and then had everyone take it in turns for each weapon. It was midday by the time everyone had learned about each gun so they broke for lunch. 

They ate together, chatting about their preferred weapons and the battles they’d used them in. When they’d finished eating, Cruz told them to hang out for a bit and meet back at Weapons at 1300. She went off to her office to call Josie as she’d not had time to check her phone before now. 

Cruz closed her office door and leaned on her desk, “hi baby” she greeted as Josie answered the phone. 

Josie: Hey, how’s it going?

Cruz: really good, we’ve done weapons this morning, we’re gonna move on to target training for the rest of the day 

Josie: sounds fun, you gonna try and show off your skills?

Cruz: I don’t have to try 

Josie: damn, using my own lines against me

Cruz: what’re you up to?

Josie: did a workout this morning and then Joe called, I’m on standby for surveillance on Tanner 

Cruz: shit, do they need me? It’s really bad timing 

Josie: Joe knows you’re busy, they’ll have to make a plan that doesn’t involve a Lioness

Cruz: mmm, ok. Keep me posted. I gotta get back, I love you 

Josie: I love you 

Cruz hung up and paced briefly, worrying about the situation with Tanner vs needing to be here. She huffed out a sigh, this was Joe’s job before it was hers, she could handle it. Once the Lionesses had arrived and were settled in, she could go. 

She headed back out and met the rest of the team at Weapons. They prepped the guns they would be practicing with and headed to the outdoor target training area. Targets had been set up at various distances and the plan was to cycle through the guns, getting them comfortable hitting targets with each one. 

Lily asked for someone to demo the first gun and Cruz stepped up. She aimed and fired her entire round at the targets at different distances, hitting the head or chest on every single one of them. “Damn” Aisha muttered under her breath as a Cruz put the weapon back. 

“Who’s next?” Cruz called, motioning someone to step forward. They spent the rest of the afternoon out there practicing. Everyone had decent experience on weapons anyway, they just all needed to be really fucking good. 

At 1700, Cruz said goodbye to everyone and left them to enjoy their dinner. She wanted to make sure they had time without her, so they could relax and speak freely. Cruz texted Josie that she was on her way and hopped in the car, heading off. 

“Hey baby” Josie called from the kitchen as she heard Cruz close the front door. 

“Hey, you ok?” Cruz asked, stepping into the kitchen and noticing the cupboards and fridge open with various ingredients on the counter. 

“I was just gonna start dinner but we don’t really have anything” Josie replied. 

“Oh yeah, I meant to do groceries. Um, we could go now?” Cruz proposed. 

Josie thought about it for a second. “Can we go in a few hours? Grocery shopping at night is way more fun” she replied. 

Cruz huffed a laugh, “sure, what shall we eat now?”

Josie looked around at the random things she had pulled out onto the counter, “uhh, pancakes?”

“Let’s do it” Cruz replied. She washed her hands and got the mixing bowl out. Josie put away the ingredients she didn’t need and handed the rest to Cruz who mixed them together. 

“Last time we made pancakes was with Gabi” Cruz reminded her. “She could come and stay with us if you want? Our schedules are a bit weird at the moment though…”

“She asked if she could come, I’d like that. I’m probably gonna be called in for Tanner soon so maybe after that, she can come over?” Josie proposed. 

“Cool, it’ll be fun” Cruz smiled. 

They ate their pancakes on the sofa and then sat in front of TV with Grey’s on. “How did target practice go?” Josie asked. 

“Good, they’re all a good shot, I just need them all to be excellent” Cruz replied. 

“You show off your skills?” Josie smiled, nudging Cruz with her elbow. 

Cruz grinned, “of course.”

“You’re very impressive” Josie flirted, fingers stroking down Cruz’s chest slowly. 

Cruz watched Josie’s fingers, soaking in the trail of warmth they left behind as she moved. Cruz locked eyes with Josie who was already watching her, looking for a reaction. 

Cruz huffed a laugh and grabbed Josie’s wrists, pulling her on top of her as she lay back. 

Josie hummed as she smiled down at Cruz, running her hands over her shoulder and chest. Cruz watched her explore briefly and then leaned upwards, pulling Josie’s lips down into a kiss. 

The kiss was slow, lazy. Cruz’s hands were on Josie’s ass, squeezing and pulling her as close and she could get. Josie smiled into the kiss, hands settling on Cruz’s jawline. 

They missed moments like this, their schedule had been busy lately which meant they were either away from each other completely or using a lot of the quiet time they had together to have sex. Whilst neither of them were complaining, it was nice to lay here like this, feeling close and connected without it going further. 

Josie pushed her tongue into Cruz’s mouth and Cruz matched her immediately. Cruz moved her hands up, sliding them under Josie’s top and getting a hum in response. She slid her fingers along Josie’s skin, tracing out the firm muscle ridges on her back and shoulders and then scratched up and down gently with her nails. 

Josie sighed into Cruz’s mouth, letting her know much much she was enjoying having Cruz’s hands  on her. Cruz was enjoying it too. Josie’s hands moved up to Cruz’s hair. She brushed it out of her face and behind her ear, then thread her hand into it, pulling Cruz closer. 

When Cruz deepened the kiss by securing Josie’s bottom lip between her teeth and pulling, Josie laughed and pulled away. 

Cruz attempted a scowl but couldn’t keep a straight face as Josie laughed at her. “We’re supposed to go to the store, are we not?”

“Fine” Cruz huffed. Josie stood up and put her hand out for Cruz to take. She pulled Cruz up into a stand and smacked her on the ass as she turned to walk away. “Dibs on driving!” Josie yelled after distracting Cruz. 

“Damn! Fine, here” she said as she quickly threw the car keys to Josie, thinking she’d miss them. Josie caught them with one hand and then stuck her tongue out at Cruz who sighed at Josie’s success. 

“Let’s go, Princess” Josie said with a wink as she held the front door open for Cruz. 

“I swear to God…” Cruz muttered under her breath but did exactly as she was told. 

It was dark when they got to the store, which Josie explained was an integral part of the late night grocery shopping experience. They headed inside, no list, just picking things up that they wanted or usually bought. 

Josie was beyond excited to push the cart herself, and Cruz enjoyed Josie telling her what to grab from the shelves and add to the cart. 

Josie checked her phone regularly, she was technically still on standby for Tanner but hadn’t heard anything since Joe told her about it. 

“Babe?” Cruz said as they turned into a new isle. 

“Yeah?”

“I was thinking we shouldn’t tell the new Lioness team about us being together. Do you think that’s okay?” Cruz asked. It had been something that occurred to her today when she went in her office to call Josie. She wasn’t sure what to do about it. She didn’t want anyone viewing her or Josie differently, as if they’d ‘slept their way in’ or were getting any kind of special treatment.

Josie nodded thoughtfully “Well, let’s talk about it, pros and cons of telling them. Pro: we wouldn’t have to worry about slipping up or getting caught. Con: people might view one or both of us differently.” Josie started. Cruz nodded. 

“Con: we don’t want to encourage gossip or distract from the important work, especially when the Lionesses arrive. Pro: ummm” Josie thought. “I think there are more cons than pros.”

Cruz nodded again. She’d done this loop in her head and mostly saw problems which is why she figured it best to not disclose it. 

“Oh! Another con: sneaking around is really hot and we wouldn’t be able to do that if they knew” Josie added. 

Cruz laughed, “thank you” she replied with a nod. She didn’t want to keep Josie a secret but in this situation, it was for the best. “If people see us out in public together, it is what it is, but I’d like to try and keep it to ourselves for now. I’ll tell the QRF not to say anything.”

Josie snorted, “good luck with that.”

They worked their way round the store to the snack isle and stopped at the cookies. “How many packets of Pocky is too many?” Josie asked. 

“I think that’s something only you can answer” Cruz replied. 

Josie added three packets to the cart and then stood staring at the shelf a little longer. She added a fourth packet and nodded to herself, satisfied with her decision. Cruz laughed and pulled the cart away before she reassessed and added any more. 

They got to the checkout, Cruz standing with her arm over Josie’s shoulder and Josie’s around Cruz’s waist. She thought back to the last time they’d been here, when she was a lot more worried about PDA. She squeezed Josie into her and then released her as the cashier began scanning their groceries. 

As they pushed the cart out of the store, Cruz called “I’m driving!” 

“Fuck!” Josie replied, pulling out the keys and handing them to Cruz. 

They loaded the car together and then Cruz opened Josie’s door for her. She leaned in and kissed Josie on the lips before closing the door, returning the cart and jumping in the driver’s seat. She liked that little routine they had.

They got home and unpacked the shopping, sharing a packet of Pocky as they moved around each other. 

They got ready for bed, Cruz getting into bed first. Josie walked in from the en-suite and as she lifted the covers to get in, she stopped and sighed. “What?” Cruz asked, concerned. 

“We’re supposed to practice” Josie reminded her. 

Cruz sighed too. It was Josie’s homework to sleep in a different room to get used to being apart from Cruz so that they could actually get some sleep when they were off working. 

“I’ll go next door” Josie said. 

“I don’t mind, I can go” Cruz replied. 

“No it’s okay, you gotta get up early, get some rest where you’re used to sleeping, if I don’t sleep it doesn’t matter” Josie offered. 

“Jose” Cruz sighed. 

“It’s ok, I’ll try and if I can’t sleep or I wake up, I’ll come back” Josie reassured her. 

“Okay, kiss me first” Cruz demanded. 

Josie grinned, “obviously.” She launched herself at Cruz, landing on top of her. Cruz groaned from the impact but her complaining was interrupted by Josie crashing her lips into Cruz’s. 

Cruz kissed her back and it wasn’t long before Josie’s lips began kissing along Cruz’s jawline and down to her neck. “Jose” Cruz said accusingly. 

“Ugh, fine” Josie replied, pulling away and getting off the bed. “Sit up for me” Josie said as she stood in front of Cruz. 

Cruz, confused, did as she was told and her face dropped into a deadpan glare as Josie grabbed the hem of her t-shirt and pulled it off over her head.

Josie threw the t-shirt over her shoulder and headed to the door. “Hey!” Cruz called after her, now sat top-naked in bed. 

Josie turned and smiled smugly. “Give me yours” Cruz huffed. Josie pulled her t-shirt over her head, leaving her bare chested in the doorway. She threw her t-shirt to Cruz and stood briefly, letting Cruz gawk at her. 

Josie put Cruz’s shirt on and headed out the door grinning, “night babe!” Cruz grumbled in response and then pulled Josie’s t-shirt over her head and settled into bed again. 

Josie tried, she did. She fell asleep a little after she’d left Cruz and made it with a few periods of being awake until 0300. She got up and creeped back into the bedroom, Cruz stirring as she got into bed. “Sorry, were you sleeping?”

“Not really, on and off” Cruz replied. Josie tucked herself into Cruz’s armpit, relaxing immediately and they were both asleep within minutes. She’d keep trying, it hadn’t been a total fail. 

Cruz’s alarm sounded at 0700 and she shut it off straight away, trying not to wake Josie. She knew she hadn’t slept well so was extra careful peeling Josie off her as she got out of bed so she didn’t disturb her. 

She got ready, packed her bag and jumped in the car, driving to work as the sun rose. She pulled up and dropped her things in her office and then headed to the kitchen for a coffee. Aisha and Jin were already there with a coffee so she joined them at their table. 

“What’re we doing today?” Aisha asked. 

“Intel and communications today. Zac is our expect, he’s going to walk us through it” Cruz replied. 

Zac and Lily joined them by 0800 and they chatted through the day’s plans as they ate breakfast. 

Teaching intel wasn’t easy, it was a skill that you learned with time and experience. Learning to read body language, learning to lie and be believable, learning how to remember information rapidly. They were all complex concepts that certainly couldn’t be taught in a day. 

Zac talked them through all of the skills they’d need to learn and why they were so important. It was a bit like learning to act. They needed to be able to play a role, control their emotions and not crack under pressure, all whilst completing an objective without giving themselves away. 

Despite the work today not being very physical, they all found that they were exhausted by lunch. Cruz sent a quick text to check in with Josie but ended up having lunch with the team and no time to call. 

Aside from Zac who previously worked in Intelligence, and Cruz who had been the Lioness, none of the officers had been undercover or had experience in what that pressure was like. It was a lot for them but they needed to understand it and teach it in a way that didn’t overwhelm the Lionesses. 

They continued after lunch, going into more detail on specific skill areas. It would take multiple days of training to get through all of the skills they needed to cover and deeply understand so that they could teach it to others. 

At 1700, Cruz said goodbye, and everyone dispersed off to their rooms quickly, exhausted from the theory. Cruz jumped in the car and drove home. 

“Babe?” Cruz called as she stepped into the house. Josie’s head popped out of the bedroom, looking a little flustered. 

“Hey! Baby, I gotta go, they just called me in” Josie said as she headed back into the bedroom with Cruz following her. 

“Okay, you got everything you need?” Cruz asked calmly as she watched Josie dart around the room, throwing things into her bag. 

“Uhh, I think so” she said, looking around for anything she’d missed. 

“Come here” Cruz said, reaching her hand out towards Josie. 

Josie puffed out a breath she’d been holding, Cruz could see she was a little stressed. She pulled Josie into her, using her other hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. Josie visibly relaxed, reaching up to kiss Cruz, “hi” she sighed as she pulled away. 

“Hi” Cruz smiled warmly, “what d’you need?”

Josie closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against Cruz’s. “Toothbrush!” She said suddenly.

Cruz turned and went off to the bathroom, getting her toothbrush and handing it to her. “That everything?”

“I think so, thanks baby. Hey, how did today go?” Josie asked.

Cruz smiled, “it was good, don’t worry, you gotta go, we can talk when you’re on the road” she replied. She could see Josie and was distracted and wanted her to stay focused on her mission. 

Josie’s phone beeped, “Car’s outside” she read out loud. Cruz grabbed her bag and carried it to the door, Josie in tow with her boot on. She didn’t know how much walking she was going to be doing, she figured it best to wear it in case. 

Cruz’s hand rested on the door handle, not opening it yet, she was waiting for her goodbye kiss. Josie grinned and kissed Cruz firmly, squeezing her ass as her other hand went to Cruz’s, taking her bag from her. 

“I love you” Josie said as she pulled away. 

“I love you, be safe” Cruz replied, opening the door for her. 

Josie nodded once and then headed down the driveway, “oh! Leftovers in the fridge!” She called back to Cruz as she got into the car. 

“Thanks!” Cruz called back. She waved Josie off as the car drove away and then headed inside. 

She microwaved the food Josie had left for her and sat down to eat in front of the TV, watching the news. A little while later, a text came through from Josie. 

Josie: So how did it go today? 

Cruz: it was good, but a lot today. We did intel and communications, it was Big Brain stuff 

Josie: I still need to learn the Big Brain stuff 

Cruz: I was thinking, when the Lioness team arrives, you should come to some sessions. Intel and combat would be good for you to learn ASAP

Josie: good idea, I wanna learn to fight 

Cruz: that bar fight really ignited something in you, huh?

Josie: I’m changed 

Cruz: I’ll teach you to fight 

Josie: you think I could beat you?

Cruz: I’d like to see you try 

Josie: I can be very distracting 

Cruz: that’s cheating 

Josie: if ya ain’t cheatin, ya ain’t tryin 

Cruz: you love to quote me 

Josie: it’s that Big Brain
Josie: I gotta go, we’re getting on the jet now

Cruz: safe flight

Josie: 🍑

Cruz: I stg

Cruz showered and busied herself for a while. She knew the flight was just over an hour so she waited to hear that Josie had landed before she went to bed. 

Josie: landed, in the car now 

Cruz: ok baby, goodnight x

Josie: good night xxx

She lay awake for a while, tempted to pick up her phone and talk to Josie again but she needed to be up early and Josie was busy. She tossed and turned for a while but eventually sleep found her. 

Josie and Tex pulled up at the office in DC and headed inside. Waiting for them by the elevator was Joe and Kaitlyn. 

“Captain, pleased to see you on two legs again” Kaitlyn observed as she called the elevator. 

“No one’s more pleased than me” Josie replied with a smile and nod. 

“We on Tanner?” Tex asked. 

Joe nodded, “Bobby’s already here, Tucker and Randy are with Tanner, ready to send him in.”

“He has some meetings lined up now that he’s been invited to move up within the cartel. We need to listen, capture faces, investigate each one of them and make sure Tanner doesn’t fuck us over.” Kaitlyn explained as they stepped into the elevator. 

They travelled up together, heading to the surveillance room full of monitors. Most of them were blank and the ones that were on were CCTV footage of nearby streets. “No eyes?” Josie asked. 

“Minimal. We can’t get in there, we’re in their territory now. We’ll use CCTV to identify cartel members and run any plates on vehicles they use as they come and go” Joe replied. 

“We’ve got ears, right?” Tex asked. 

Kaitlyn nodded. “He’s got multiple mics on him, we don’t think they will have signal blocking tech. If they do, then we’re completely blind.”

“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it” Tex replied with a nod. 

As they sat down at the desk, Bobby walked in with two trays of coffees. “Thunder!” Bobby greeted as she handed out the coffees. 

“Hey Bobby” Josie replied, sipping her drink. 

“I don’t get a ‘hello’?” Tex complained. 

“I see you every god damn day, it was nice to get away from you” Bobby snapped back. 

Tex flipped her off as he sipped his own coffee and then they got themselves set up, ready for Tanner to go in. 

“He’s been briefed but we don’t know specifically what they’re offering him. He’ll have to think on his feet” Joe said as they put their headphones on. 

“If he’s invited deeper into the cartel, is it going to be harder for us to access him? Is he going to have the freedom to come and go?” Josie asked. 

“This was the only thing we have informed him to request. We don’t want them getting suspicious with loads of questions but we need him to have flexibility” Kaitlyn replied. 

It wasn’t long until Tanner’s mic was active and he did a couple of tests. He got into his car and drove to the address they’d sent him which is where the CCTV they had access to was. They had no way to communicate with him so this was going to be a listening and waiting game. 

As he pulled up, they watched his car enter the gates to the large house on CCTV and once he was through, they were reliant on sound alone. 

“Tanner?” A voice asked.

“That’s me” he responded.

”JJ” the voice responded. Not very helpful, they weren’t going to get anything helpful running that through their system.

They listened for a couple of hours before anything important came up. The conversation up until then was dull as it had been previously: women, cars, money, drugs. 

As hard as it was to listen to, Josie didn’t let herself switch off. Their eyes darted from camera to camera, watching for any movement. One car pulled away an hour or so after Tanner arrived. No ID on the driver but they ran the plates and got a registered owner. 

Another car pulled in, this one they recognised. It was the car Nick and Carlos had arrived in on the last mission. They assumed Carlos would be getting out.

“The man who saved my life” Carlos said as he approached the men.

“How’s the arm?” Tanner asked. 

“Getting there, hurts like a bitch though” Carlos replied. 

Josie huffed at men’s inability to cope with pain. Her bone was sticking out of her leg and no one heard her complaining. 

“This is why we’re here together today, Carlos told us what happened” JJ said.

“It was nothing, I thought Nick was acting off so I followed. Right place, right time” Tanner played it off. 

“None of this. You showed loyalty, you protected one of us, one of your own. We want you to be Carlos’ new partner” JJ proposed. 

“I don’t know what to say” Tanner replied. He wanted them to do the talking, give himself less opportunity to fuck up. 

“Say yes” Carlos replied happily, seemingly smacking Tanner on the back from the impact on his mic.

“Yes. Of course, yes” Tanner replied. Everyone laughed and congratulated him and then the conversation was off-topic again. From the sound of it, they were drinking and smoking and they were really hoping Tanner was taking it slow. 

He was good at what he did but he wasn’t specially trained to be undercover like this. They didn’t need him drinking too much and exposing himself. Thankfully, he tried to steer the conversation the way they had asked him. 

“So this new position, what’s it like day to day? I’ll still have time for Lucia, spend time at the house, golf, right?” Tanner asked as other conversations went on in the background. 

“I’m telling you, you’ll have more time than you did before. We do a bit of travelling, check in on clients, pass on shipment details. That’s it, plenty of time with your lady” Carlos replied.

Josie rolled her eyes at them talking about Cruz. Cruz was her lady. Would Cruz use the word ‘lady’ to describe herself? Josie wasn’t sure, she made a note to ask her. 

“When do we start?” Tanner asked. 

“We need to find a replacement for you. We have a contact who’s interested and I was planning on meeting him tomorrow. Can you come?” Carlos asked. 

“I can come” Tanner replied. 

“Then you start tomorrow” Carlos replied and a glass clink sounded. They listened for the rest of the evening but nothing particularly useful came up. They noted down names and locations they heard and plates of cars that pulled away but they were seemingly done for the evening. Tanner announced he was leaving in the early hours of the morning since he was stating his new job tomorrow which everyone cheered at. 

He got into his car and drove a short distance to the safe house Randy and Tucker were in nearby. They put his car in a closed garage so no one recognised it and when they heard Tucker through the mic, they called it a night. 

They were set up in a hotel a short drive away, all with their own rooms. Josie got ready for bed and checked her phone but it was the middle of the night, she didn’t want to disturb Cruz. She lay down and after an hour of tossing and turning, she got up and went out into the hall. She stood in front of the door opposite her, hesitated briefly and then knocked. 

Ten seconds later, a very annoyed looking Bobby answered, “Thunder? What the fuck?”

“…can’t sleep, let me in” Josie said, pushing past her. 

“The one fucking night I get to myself…” Bobby muttered under her breath, still half asleep and confused. She got back into bed and Josie got in on the other side. 

“No spooning, I don’t like to be touched when I’m asleep” Bobby grumbled.

“Your girlfriend is a very lucky woman” Josie replied, rolling to face away from Bobby. 

“Asshole…” Bobby managed but was asleep by the end of the word. 

Josie felt a bit more relaxed with company. Maybe this could be classed as practice. Sleeping away from Cruz but still having someone close by? She’d talk to her therapist about it. 

It took her another twenty minutes but she did fall asleep and thankfully didn’t stir again until Bobby threw a pillow at her the next morning. 

“Get up” Bobby called, standing at the end of the bed. Josie stirred and eventually pulled the duvet off of herself and stood up. 

“You take up the entire bed by the way. Cruz tell you that?” Bobby jabbed. 

“…no, I don’t do that” Josie defended. 

“Like fuck you don’t. Ask her” she replied. “Now go and shower, we’re meeting in the hallway in 30 minutes.”

Josie padded out of the room in a huff, checking her phone as she went back into her own room. There was a text from Cruz from a few minutes ago.

Cruz: morning baby
 
Josie: morning 
Josie: you sleep ok?

Cruz: not terrible, you?

Josie: I couldn’t sleep so I made Bobby let me into her bed instead 

Cruz: I bet she loved that 

Josie: she was very annoyed 😊
Josie: hey!!!!
Josie: do I take up the whole bed?

Cruz: …

Josie: what the fuck!
Josie: why wouldn’t you tell me?

Cruz: because it’s cute
Cruz: and fascinating 
Cruz: how someone so small can occupy so much space 

Josie: asshole! 

Cruz: you love me

Josie: I do

Cruz: you miss me?

Josie: I do

Cruz: you want me?

Josie: always 

Cruz: you want me right now?

Josie sighed, how the fuck did Cruz do this to her? She’d always enjoyed sex but something about Cruz meant that she could get turned on by a single question. Plus, Cruz was relentless lately and it was extremely fucking hot.

Josie: yes baby
Josie: I don’t have long 

Cruz: I know you can be quick for me

Josie groaned and threw herself back on the bed, hand in her pants before Cruz had even called her. 

CRUZ
Cruz was 10 minutes late to work. Everyone was in the kitchen having breakfast and coffee so she dropped her bag off in her office and rushed to meet them. “Sorry I’m late, meeting overran. The QRF are on a mission and as a worst case scenario, I might be called in. So, I need to make sure you can run this place without me. I’m going to be in the background today and Aisha is going to run us through tech and vehicles.”

Everyone nodded and finished their meals. Cruz grabbed a slice of toast and a coffee and followed the team into Tech. There was all sorts of equipment for them to go through: surveillance, drones, tracking and tracing, mics and cameras, signal blocking and more. Cruz sat in the background and watched, she was actually learning a lot. This stuff was always handled by someone else on her missions, it was fascinating to see how it came together. 

Just before they broke for lunch, Aisha asked, “any questions?” 

Cruz shot her hand up. “Why would the Lionesses need to know this?” She understood why, its knowledge that she herself lacked and could be useful in the field but it might not be obvious. 

“What would you do if your mic got damaged in the field. Would you know how to fix it?” Aisha questioned. 

“Nope” Cruz replied honestly. 

“And what about those moments when you return to your team, waiting for the next time you’re sent to your mark. Or if someone on your team goes down? Would you know how to set up surveillance equipment, fly a drone to get location data, or tail their tracker in a vehicle without being spotted?” Aisha asked. 

“Not well” Cruz shook her head. 

Aisha nodded. “Whilst this may not be essential to every mission or every situation, these skills could save their lives.”

“Agreed.” Cruz nodded as she stood. “Thanks Aisha, let’s break for lunch.”

JOSIE
Josie met everyone in the hallway with a minute to spare and then they were in the car on their way to the office. They returned to the surveillance room, coffee and breakfast waiting for them and sat down for briefing. 

“Today should be as straightforward as yesterday. He’s going in and meeting the new contact with Carlos. He’s been told to let Carlos do the talking, he’s there to learn. Carlos texted him the address a couple of hours ago so we have local CCTV and mics on Tanner” Joe explained. 

A little while later, Tanner was pulling up at the address Carlos had sent him, Carlos already parked up and waiting. They watched them greet each other and head into the house and after that, they were reliant on Tanner’s mic. 

“I’m Carlos” they heard as the men greeted the new contact. 

“Tanner” he added. 

“Dominic Edwards” they heard the other man say. 

“Dominic Edwards, nice to meet you” Tanner responded, making sure the team got his name. 

Josie ran his name immediately, “shit” Josie gasped. Joe and Kaitlyn were behind her, reading what she was. “Ex-military, discharged dishonourably for espionage” Josie read out loud. 

“Fucking perfect” Joe huffed. Kaitlyn darted off with her phone to her ear, trying to get more information on him. 

“He wants to fuck the US government because he thinks they fucked him first” Tex commented. “Let’s find out what else our new friend Dom gets up to.”

The rest of the meeting went as planned. Carlos took the lead, asked Dom questions which Dom was very comfortable answering. There seemed to be a tone of excitement in him, like he really wanted to be doing a job like this. 

“Do you do anything else?” Tanner asked. “Any other jobs?”

“Maybe I sell a bit of intel here and there. I have ties and contacts. Hey, you let me know if you need intel on anyone, anything. I have people spotted all over that can get me what you need” Dom bragged. 

“The gift that keeps on giving, this fucking guy” Joe growled. “Find out who his contacts are and where. If he’s getting intel from his military friends, we need to make sure we know who’s helping him and that we are his new friends.”

“We could put Thunder in. Have him meet her, she tells him she was dishonourably discharged too. Has people on the inside that get information. Then we feed him bullshit” Bobby proposed. 

“Let’s think about it. Give me pros and cons” Joe replied. 

“I’ve actually had training now, and I can get a crash course from Cruz’s team before I go in so I’m even more ready” Josie offered. 

“But it’s so up close and personal, we’d be putting you out there on full display, real name, no disguise” Joe replied. 

“Well you already did that. Google my name and you can watch the endless news cycle clips with my name and picture and hear all about the lovely dishonourable discharge you gave me” Josie shot back. 

Joe clenched her jaw in annoyance but Josie was right. It wasn’t hard to find out who Josie was anyway, she may as well use it to her advantage since there’s no getting rid of it. 

“Ok. New plan. Thunder goes home, trains up with Cruz’s team for a couple of days, and then we send her in to meet Dom. Bobby, you go with her. The rest of you stay on Tanner. He’s doing well but we cannot trust him completely” Joe instructed. 

Everyone nodded then Bobby and Josie stood, following Joe out. “Head back to the hotel, get your stuff and the car will be waiting to take you to the jet” she said as she texted instructions on her phone. 

They did as instructed and a little while later, they were taking off. The second they were allowed to take off their seatbelts, Josie did and followed it with, “Bobby, I need you to reach me how to fight like right now.”

Bobby only responded with a look of pure confusion.

“Come on! I have never had combat training and we have an hour to kill. Plus I want to impress Cruz when we get there” Josie grinned. 

Bobby sighed, “here I was thinking I’d get an hour of peace and fucking quiet. Fine, let’s do it” Bobby said with an eye roll. 

She stood up and they moved to the front of the plane where there was a small open space. Bobby talked her through the basics and had her practice. They didn’t have gloves or helmets but she did let Josie take a few swings at her, knowing she could block them. She taught Josie a leg swipe, head lock and how to dodge incoming attacks. 

They practiced until the pilot asked them to return to their seats and at the point, Josie felt satisfied that she wouldn’t be completely useless when she got into the ring with Cruz. 

As they got into the car, Josie got a call from Cruz. 

Josie: hey babe

Cruz: hey, you’re on your way?

Josie: yeah, Joe called?

Cruz: yep, Jin is leading combat today anyway so we’ll have you join the afternoon session

Josie: Cool. They want me on undercover training too, who does that?

Cruz: that’s Zac. We’ll get him to work with you on that tomorrow. You know when you’re going in?

Josie: nope, they’re still investigating the mark, seeing where he goes and who he knows. Once we know more about him, I’ll be going in. 

Cruz: you feel ok about this? It’s not really what you signed up for. 

Josie: it’s not, but I have a choice this time and I feel confident that I can do it, unlike last time 

Cruz: ok, that’s good. We’ll see you soon. 

Josie: bye baby 

Cruz hummed a laugh. Josie got the impression she wasn’t entirely alone, “bye Captain.”

A little while later, Josie and Bobby pulled up at The Den and headed inside. Cruz’s team stood in a line, ready to greet them. 

“Captain Carrillo” Cruz said as she gestured towards Josie, everyone saluted in response. “Bobby” she said as she waved at Bobby. They saluted her too and got a disgruntled face and shooing motion from Bobby which amused everyone. 

Cruz introduced the team to them and then walked them over to Combat. “Jin has been teaching us combat today already. Captain Carrillo is skilled in many areas but combat is new to her. Jin, show us how you’d teach someone from scratch.”

Jin talked her through the basics, some of which had been covered by Bobby, some was more technical stuff that was new to her, such as how to predict what the opponent was going to do and be one step ahead. 

She had a couple of light practice fights with Jin and did relatively well. Josie had a lot of questions, learning something new always excited her. They practiced until 1700, each taking it in turns to fight Josie and then Cruz let everyone else finish for the day. 

“I’m heading back to the house, I’ll see you tomorrow” Bobby said as she waved and rushed out the door. 

“You know where she’s really going, right?” Josie said to Cruz. 

“The girlfriend?” Cruz asked. 

“Mmhh” Josie said with a laugh. 

“You ready to fight me?” Cruz asked, putting her gloves back on. 

“Let’s go” Josie grinned. 

Obviously, Cruz went easy on Josie, throwing punches but only touching her gently with them. She let Josie swing at her and took a few hits. Josie hesitated after she landed a pretty solid one. “Never stop, the second you hesitate I will take advantage of you. Don’t second guess it, you keep going until your opponent is down” Cruz commanded. 

Thoughts of Cruz taking advantage of her flashed through her mind but she pushed them aside. She was going to show Cruz what she’d learned. 

They tried again, Cruz took a few swings at her, she blocked most of them and in a moment of excellent timing, Josie planted a solid right hook into Cruz’s cheek. Cruz froze for a second in shock at Josie’s success and Josie remembered what Cruz told her. Don’t hesitate. Whilst Cruz processed the punch, Josie swiped her feet out from under her and then launched herself on top of her, pinning Cruz’s wrists to the ground. 

Cruz looked up at her in a daze, a million emotions crossing her face. She was extremely impressed, equally as shocked and also, turned the fuck on. Josie grinned down at her until their breathing slowed and then stood up, pulling Cruz up into a stand next to her. 

“Well done Captain” Cruz said, still collecting herself. There was no one around but she didn’t want anyone to hear them speak too casually. 

“Thank you Sergeant” Josie nodded, taking her gloves and helmet off. They grabbed and downed a bottle of water each and then headed to the bathroom to wash their hands wipe their sweat-covered faces. The second Josie had dried off her face, Cruz grabbed her wrist and pulled her out the door. “Cruz?”

Cruz dropped her wrist as they walked through communal areas until they entered her office. As soon as Josie had stepped in behind her, Cruz closed the door and locked it. Less than a second later, she had grabbed Josie and pinned her against the door, crashing her lips into Josie’s. 

Josie hummed, amused by what had turned Cruz on but matched her vigour immediately. Cruz’s hands were all over Josie, running up and down her torso, squeezing her boobs, grabbing her hair. She couldn’t get enough. 

Her hands dropped to Josie’s thighs, lifting her up and carrying her to the desk. Josie sighed at Cruz’s strength and threw her head back as Cruz’s lips moved to her neck. 

Whilst her mouth was busy, Cruz dropped her hands to Josie’s pants, undoing the zip and button and pushing her hand into them desperately. Josie leaned back and spread her legs, giving Cruz as much space as possible.

Cruz crashed her lips into Josie’s as soon as her fingers made contact with Josie’s centre, knowing she was going to struggle to be quiet. Josie moaned into her mouth as she gathered wetness and ran her fingers through her folds, alternating between light and firm.

Josie’s hand went to Cruz’s pants, attempting to undo them but Cruz grabbed one of her wrists with her spare hand and pinned it to the desk. 

When Josie began to arch her back, pushing her centre towards Cruz desperately, Cruz lowered her fingers to Josie’s entrance, teasing her. “Cruz…” Josie whined. 

“Where did you learn to do that?” Cruz asked, eyes glazed over with arousal but wanting to make Josie wait a little longer. 

“What? I didn’t- I learned today…” Josie managed. 

“We didn’t teach that today, where did you learn it?” Cruz pushed. 

“Bobby. On the plane. She showed me. I wanted to impress you” Josie admitted, desperate to get what she wanted.

Cruz pushed two fingers into her, putting her spare hand over Josie’s mouth to dampen the moan that escaped her. She pushed in and out of Josie rapidly, Josie trying her best to hold on a little. 

“You did impress me. You’re so fucking good” Cruz hummed into her ear as she peppered kisses along her jaw. 

As Josie’s hands went into Cruz’s hair, Cruz pushed in a third finger. Josie cried out again, muffled by Cruz’s hand. Cruz only had to pull out and push in again once before Josie was coming. 

Her body spasmed as she gasped at the feeling of tightening around Cruz’s fingers. Cruz kept moving until Josie’s head fell into her shoulder, panting as she caught her breath. Josie hummed when Cruz eventually pulled out. She watched, mesmerised, as Cruz sucked her fingers clean. 

“Fucking hell Cruz” Josie managed. 

“You wanted to christen the desk, didn’t you?” Cruz smirked. 

“I’d say we did that, yep” Josie was struggling with words. 

Cruz grinned at the state she’d left Josie in, it wasn’t often she took control and she liked that Josie had let her. Although, she did now prefer it when Josie took the lead,  she definitely wasn’t beating the ‘secret bottom’ allegations.

“Shall we grab some dinner and go home?” Cruz asked. 

“Mmh, yep” Josie managed, hopping off the desk and doing up her pants. 

They went to the canteen where the rest of the team were finishing up their meals and heading to the communal area to hang out. They grabbed a plate of food each, Cruz grateful they didn’t have to cook after a long day and when they were done, the headed to the car. Cruz waited for Josie to call dibs on driving but she was still in a daze and didn’t seem to remember to. Cruz laughed as she opened the passenger door for Josie and she got in with no complaints. 

Cruz drove them home and they got ready for bed immediately. It was an early night but neither of them had slept much the previous day and they’d been very physical today, in more ways than one. Josie tucked herself into Cruz’s armpit, kissed her neck and was asleep within seconds. Cruz rested her cheek on top of Josie’s head and found sleep just as quickly. 

 

Notes:

More Cruzie fan art on tumblr, find it at: forevercruzie!

I hope you liked the chapter, please let me know your thoughts!

As expected, my brain cannot handle writing two fics at the same time. I want to make some progress on the other one which MIGHT mean skipping a week on this one. If that happens, I’ll let you know on tumblr: get-in-front-of-it

Have a good week 😊