Title: Blood On Blonde
By: little arsonist
Pairing: Cath/Sara
Challenge: anitchka's one! I liked it.
Spoilers: season four, to be safe.
Disclaimer: not mine, don't sue.
Word Count: 436 (eek. Iwon't go over the limit ever again!)
Notes: I don't think this is quite finished. I had to get everything I have down before it escaped. There may or may not be more in the long run, but I had to quit because I was already over the limit. (what happened to me? I used to be able to write drabbles without going over).

***

In four years of working together, Catherine's never been to your apartment, having no reason to come over. You're friendly with her, not as much as you'd like to be, but you settle for breakfast invitations she offers, eager to see her outside of work. You don't want to admit that after years of fighting your attraction to her, you've lost the battle. It doesn't matter anymore though. You heard all about her new man from Nick.

She wakes you from a light sleep on your night off, the intercom buzzing at one minute intervals until you answer it.

"It's me." She's quiet, her voice so small.

Your brain works quickly, making the connections with what you know. You heard it on the scanner before deciding to call it a night. One dead, two wounded at the Acid Drop. He manages that club.

You let her inside the building and wait at your door.

Several minutes pass before the elevator opens. You see the stains first.

A massive one covers the front of her pale blue dress and creeps up, over the tops of her breasts. You notice a handprint on her side, and another high up on her cheek. It's partially hidden by her hair, red streaking the blonde strands.

You struggle with the tears forming, blurring your sight. She hasn't appeared this fragile to you since Eddie's death.

She approaches you slowly, her legs shaky with each step. You hold out your hand and instead of asking what happened, you ask, "Catherine, do you need anything?"

"I want to get clean."

Without hesitation you guide her to the bathroom, sitting her down on the closed toilet.

You've wanted her in your shower for months now, but this isn't what you intended. However, you want to be there for her now. She's aching inside.

You start the water, adjusting the temperature a few degrees before you close the stall door. She stands and slides her dress off, revealing bare flesh. You're focused on how much blood she's wearing.

"Sara, can you get in with me? I might need help."

Your stomach turns as she wipes at her cheeks, watching your reaction. You manage a small nod, unsure of whether or not you should remove your clothes. You go halfway, stripping down to your underwear and leaving your tank top on.

The moment she hits the water, the blood cascades down, water diluting it until pink surrounds her feet. You get in behind her, in time to catch her when she slips.

"I've never felt this numb," she whispers in your ear. "Help me feel something."

***