Title: Healing Hands II
By: Alison
Pairing: Cath/Sara
Challenge: Picture of hands, with a side order of AU
Series: 1) Healing Hands
Rated: pg 13
Spoilers: none
Disclaimer: If they were mine, they would spend more time naked, and oiled.
AN: I realised that there was a loose end or two to clear up, so I wrote this. I'd like to dedicate it to Mrs Woman, because her comments made me realise my error. This is also for my good mate David. Hi honey! I'd also like to thank my doctor, my dry cleaner, the inventor of Cadbury's chocolate buttons .... oh wait, that last sentence is from my Oscar acceptance speech.

***

Sara stared at her image in the mirror. She had already changed outfits four times and was still not satisfied. She couldn't remember being this nervous about a date since she was at school. And the stupid thing about it was that she was dining with Catherine, who had seen her nearly naked numerous times, had touched Sara with those long, elegant fingers of hers.

"Shit." Sara swore quietly and decided to put on her original outfit. Pulling her favourite black trousers back on and rummaging under the heap of clothes for the new blouse she had bought, Sara took a quick glance at her watch and realised she was going to be late if she didn't leave immediately. She grabbed the remaining discarded clothes from her bed and unceremoniously threw them into a cupboard, quickly shutting the doors. Smoothing the clean bedcovers with her hands, Sara glanced around to check everything was neat and tidy, even though she had spent all afternoon cleaning and ran for the door, grabbing her keys and purse on the way out.

Catherine heard a car screech round the corner on two of its four tyres, and was waiting by the door when Sara rang the bell.

"My, you are keen, aren't you?" Catherine teased as she opened the door to Sara, who was perspiring and a little flustered.

"I didn't want to be late. I hate being late. Wow, by the way. You look .... amazing." Sara realised she had never seen Catherine in anything but her therapist's whites, with her hair clipped back. Now she was dressed in a body skimming flowery dress with her hair down and framing her high cheekbones. Her bare arms were tanned and toned. Sara caught a faint whiff of perfume and realised she had neglected to put any scent on - it was rare to have the opportunity, and it was forbidden at work. She suddenly felt eclipsed by the beauty of the woman standing before her and wished she had made more of an effort with her appearance. At least she had spent time on her hair and make up. Sara just wished sometimes she wasn't so damn tall and lanky.

Catherine stepped back slightly and signalled for Sara to come in. The hallway was tastefully decorated in neutral tones and Sara could see the entrance to the living area and kitchen behind Catherine's retreating figure.

'Great ass,' Sara found herself thinking before reining in her fertile imagination. It was just dinner, after all.

Once in the living room with Catherine making drinks, Sara found herself looking at a larger photo of the little blonde girl displayed in Catherine's office. The resemblance to Catherine was striking, with the same blue eyes and facial structure, and hair slightly more platinum than Catherine's.

"Where's your daughter tonight?" Sara asked as Catherine handed her a tumbler of vodka and cranberry juice.

"She's staying with her aunt and cousins for a couple of days. They have a pool so she prefers being there than at home lately." Catherine took a sip of her drink, then placed it on a corner table. A slightly sad look flitted across her face.

"I'm sure that's not true. I bet she misses you like crazy. She's a beautiful girl. She must take after her mother." Sara reached over and placed her hands on Catherine's shoulders, just for a moment.

"Now you're just trying to flatter me. It's working though." Catherine smiled. "Where are we eating? I am starved."

"Do you like Italian? I know a great little place, Dino's. The food is amazing."

"It's one of my favourite's but I don't get to go much because Lindsey, my daughter, won't eat anything that isn't made by Colonel Saunders or Ronald McDonald lately."

"Ok, let's go then. I'll drive, and I promise to get you back in one piece."

Sara picked up her keys and headed for the door. She felt a hand on her shoulder, pulling her round. Catherine was standing mere inches away - Sara could feel the warmth of her breath on her face. Catherine put her hands on either side of Sara's head and pulled her in, kissing her lightly on the lips. It was over almost before it registered in Sara's overloaded brain. She could taste the wine Catherine had been drinking on her own lips, could smell her heady scent. Catherine gently wiped the pad of her thumb across Sara's lower lip, sending Sara into sensory overload. Catherine smiled in a teasing manner, showing Sara the lipstick she had wiped away with her thumb.

"Dino's deliver too, you know." Catherine whispered, taking Sara's keys out of her hand.

Sara sat in a dazed state while Catherine phoned the food order through to the restaurant, occasionally sipping at the drink. The kiss from Catherine had been one of the most erotic experiences of her life, yet she seemed to have no clue as to what it meant. Did Catherine like her, or was she just playing around?

Catherine eventually got off the phone and came to sit next to Sara, leaving only a little room between them.

"I'm sorry if I was being a bit forward before. You just looked so kissable. I hope I didn't offend you." Catherine gently picked up one of Sara's hands and traced light circles on the palm and inner wrist. This was enough to make Sara aware of her nipples hardening and a growing moistness at her core. She was finding it hard to breathe, her breath catching in her throat.

"No, I liked it." Sara was having trouble stringing more than a few simple words together, as the sensations of Catherine's feather light touch surged through Sara's yearning body. Sara gently moved her hand away from Catherine's ministrations, scared of her physical reaction to this woman.

"I like you Sara. I think you are a very attractive and intelligent woman. I'd like it if we could get to know each other better." Catherine looked deep into Sara's widening eyes. "I spent much of my life trying to satisfy other people, but now I realise that I sacrificed my own happiness. Now my priorities are my daughter and me. I think I could find some happiness with you."

"I don't think I've ever met anyone like you before." Sara said. "I, uh, oh shit!" Leaning forward, Sara kissed Catherine, and feeling her respond, pulled her in deeper, gently tugging on Catherine's lower lip, probing with her tongue. Sara had always been good with words, but it seemed that sometimes action worked better.

The need to breathe eventually broke them apart, and while they sat grinning at each other the doorbell rang announcing dinner.

Over food, they talked about all manner of subjects, finding out little bits of information about each other. Sara spoke about her job and colleagues, and growing up in San Francisco. Catherine talked about Lindsey and her career. The conversation and wine flowed easily, and Sara could not remember a time when she had felt so comfortable around someone this quickly. Catherine was everything that Sara admired, so confident and beautiful. Sara realised that throughout their meal, both of them had reached out to touch the other in little ways, on the arm or hand, or offering a taste of the other's meal.

Catherine got up to put on some lamps, and when Sara looked at her watch she realised with shock that they had been talking for hours. Regretfully, she got up and stretched, feeling slightly drunk from the wine.

"I really should be going." Sara tried to make it sound convincing, although she was perfectly happy where she was. "It's late."

Catherine turned to look at her. "Do you think you should? We have managed to drink rather a lot of wine tonight. You could stay here."

***


Sara thought for a brief moment. "Do you think it's wise if I stay? I could get a cab home."

"I promise I will keep my hands to myself if that's what you're worried about." Catherine smiled and pulled Sara to her. "You can trust me, you know."

"I do trust you. I just don't want us to rush into anything and then regret it later. I guess I'm just a little bit old fashioned in that I like to take things slow." Sara paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "If all you are after is a good time, then I'm afraid I'm not the girl you need."

Catherine gently kissed Sara on the lips. "I'm all for getting to know each other first. We'll take it at your pace. So will you stay?"

Sara pulled Catherine in once more and kissed her long and slow, their tongues entwined. Sara found herself yearning to touch Catherine's skin, feel the contours of her body. Her hands wound through Catherine's hair, the soft silky strands gliding between her fingers. Catherine's own hands were slowing insinuating themselves under Sara's blouse, feeling the smooth skin underneath.

Eventually they broke apart, both realising that they were about to break their own rules. Catherine went to make coffee, and this gave Sara the opportunity to assess all that had occurred in the past few hours. Her physical longing for Catherine was obvious, but she also felt the beginning of a more spiritual connection between them. She wanted to get to know this woman in all ways.

"So where do I get to sleep?" Sara asked as Catherine passed her a steaming cup of coffee. "I didn't bring a toothbrush or my nightclothes."

"You can sleep in the spare room if you want. I can lend you something to wear and I'm sure I must have a spare toothbrush lying around. You finish your coffee and I'll find some bed linen."

Sara woke up feeling disorientated. The pattern of light across the walls was not familiar and it took her a few moments to remember that she was staying at Catherine's. She took a sip of water from the glass on the bedside table and slipped out of the bed, noticing the chill of the room. Her bare feet made little noise as she made her way to the bathroom. There was no sound as she passed by Catherine's room. By the time Sara came out of the bathroom she was feeling quite chilled; the oversized t-shirt that Catherine had leant her barely skimmed her buttocks. Trying to be as silent as possible, Sara crept back up the hallway but as she passed Catherine's door she heard her name being whispered.

"Are you okay?" Catherine's voice was slightly husky from sleep.

Carefully putting her head around the door, Sara answered. "I'm fine, just a little cold. I'll be okay once I get back in bed."

"We can talk for a while if you want." Sara could not clearly see Catherine, as the only light in the room was the cool silver of the moon through a gap in the curtains. Catherine sat up in her bed and beckoned to Sara. "Just come and sit for a minute. Let me put a light on."

"No, leave the light off. There is more honesty in darkness." Sara moved closer to the bed and sat on the end, rubbing her arms to try and encourage some blood flow. Goosebumps popped up on her limbs. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course. As long as it's not bad." Catherine said quietly.

"No. It's just, well, I've never felt like this. The feelings I have for you scare me a little. They're so intense, overwhelming."

"I know what you mean. But you shouldn't be afraid. It doesn't feel wrong, does it?"

"Nothing has ever felt more right." Sara could barely get the words out as her teeth were chattering, both from nerves and the cold.

"Why don't you get in for a moment? You must be freezing." Catherine held up the corner of the duvet in invite, and despite the warning sirens in the rational part of her brain, Sara could not resist the temptation of warmth. Her own bed would surely be icy cold again by now.

Sara moaned quietly in delight as she slid under the covers and experienced the bliss of a bed warmed to body temperature. Catherine put her hand out to touch Sara's arm, encountering chilly flesh. Instinctively she pulled Sara into an embrace, Catherine fitting her own body around Sara's longer and colder one. Sara could feel the heat from Catherine's body seeping into her own, making her nerve endings come alive. She became aware of the smoothness of Catherine's legs nestled under her own, and the pressure of breasts in her back. Catherine's hand was resting lightly on the dip of Sara's waist, spreading its heat outward. Sara was warming up, but she was also noticing other feelings becoming more apparent. She could feel Catherine's warm breath at the nape of her neck, the little hairs there sending thrilling signals to her nipples and groin. Sara could feel the hand at her waist slowly and tentatively begin to work its way up and down her side, occasionally slipping under the t-shirt. The feel of Catherine's hand on her bare flesh was more than Sara could take, and she groaned.

This resulted in Catherine gently nipping at the flesh on her shoulder and nibbling and licking her neck. The wandering hand now became bolder, pushing the t-shirt up so that Sara could feel the silk of Catherine's negligee at her back. Breaking contact for a moment, Sara ripped the t-shirt off over her head and threw it on the floor, too lost in sensation to care about the consequences. Hands pulled Sara over onto her back, and then continued on their slow exploration of her body.

Sara could feel how tight and hard her nipples were even before Catherine brushed her fingertips lightly over them. This was followed by a firmer touch and then by a hot tongue. Sara could feel her orgasm mounting and tried to pull Catherine off only to be pushed back down into the bed. She was powerless to fight against the wonderful sensations coursing through her. Catherine dextrous fingers seemed to find all the erogenous zones of Sara's body, including ones she didn't know she had. Catherine through the covers off, and Sara was surprised to find that she was now hot, beads of perspiration breaking out all over her body.

Catherine moved above her, kissing her deeply while her hands played down Sara's body towards her panties. Catherine's mouth worked its way south, leaving a trail of cooling saliva that caused Sara's muscles to twitch as if an electrical current was passing through her. Inch by inch Catherine pulled her panties down, covering the newly exposed skin with kisses. Sara could feel how wet she was, how much she needed to be touched. Her hips began rocking upwards slightly, allowing Catherine to slip the scrap of silk down her legs. Catherine's fingers stroked lightly over the neatly trimmed curls before working their way between Sara's pouting labia. The oily slickness of Sara's arousal coated Catherine's hand as she worked her fingers over her clit before pushing deep inside Sara with one then two digits.

Sara was lost in sensation as she felt Catherine penetrate her while lapping and sucking at Sara's clit. Pleasure overwhelmed Sara, pushing her over the edge. Her orgasm flooded through her, dulling all other senses. She was dimly aware of Catherine kissing her way back up her body before pulling Sara into an embrace and pulling the bedcovers over their bodies.

Sara awoke to the smell of bacon and an empty bed. Strong sunlight streamed through the curtains. Picking her t-shirt and panties up off the floor and slipping them on, she followed the delicious smells downstairs to the kitchen.

"Morning sleepyhead." Catherine was dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt. "I hope you are hungry." She began dishing up bacon and eggs and pouring coffee.

Sara struggled to make sense of what had happened the previous night. At first she thought it was maybe a dream, but the ache in her groin and the bruised feeling of her lips told her otherwise.

"Morning Catherine." In a moment of decision, Sara grabbed Catherine and planted a kiss on her mouth, delighted when it was returned.

"Come on, eat before it gets cold." Catherine lightly scolded when they parted. "I need to keep your strength up."

"Yeah, um, sorry I fell asleep. Very bad manners." Sara mumbled through a mouthful of breakfast.

"That's okay. You're forgiven this time. Just promise you'll make it up to me."

"I promise. When?"

"Soon as you've eaten and had a shower. I expect your undivided attention." Catherine grinned slyly over the edge of her coffee cup.

"You got it." Sara bolted down the remains of her breakfast, realising how hungry she was. Placing her mug and plate in the dishwasher, she set off for the bathroom to shower and make herself feel more presentable.

"Where do you think you're going?" Catherine asked.

"Shower." Sara was starting to feel a bit confused.

"Wait for me. You don't think I'm letting you get soaped up on your own do you?" Catherine grabbed Sara's hand and dragged her giggling upstairs.

***

Epilogue
After the love, they lay in each other's arms, enjoying the closeness.

"You know this means I can't see you any more." Catherine stated matter of factly.

"Was it that bad?" Sara had always suffered from low self-esteem and now it was taking a nose dive.

"Hardly," Catherine chuckled, "You were very .... Inventive. I meant professionally. Therapists are not allowed to have a relationship with clients."

"We're in a relationship now are we?" teased Sara.

"After what you just did to me, most definitely. Talent like that shouldn't be wasted. I'll refer you to a colleague, Val Cientanni."

"Is she as sexy as you?" asked Sara, leaning over to kiss Cath.

"No, he isn't. Valentino is in his sixties, and suffers from facial warts."

Sara crinkled her nose in disgust. "So you're leaving me with some disfigured pensioner. How are you going to make it up to me?"

In answer, Catherine dove under the sheets. After several minutes her muffled voice asked "How am I doing?"

"Don't stop for God's sake," Sara squealed, "And don't talk with your mouth full."

***