Sliding into Home (A Frank Adler AU x MLB)

Want to Feel Safe Again

Frank: Practice is boring

Abby: Are you supposed to be on your phone?

Frank: No?

Abyy: Go back to practice

Frank: But I miss you

Abby: I'll make it worth it if you go back. 

Frank: Really?

Abby: Maybe

Frank: You can't downgrade Cricket

Abby: Who said I did?

Frank smiled as he looked at his phone. "That smile cannot get any bigger." He looked up at a smug looking Johnny.  Frank closed his phone as Johnny sat next to him. "Who are you texting with?"

"No one." 

"You're a shit liar Adler. You can tell me if you're texting my sister." 

"I'm not. Just a friend.  Making plans." He shoved his phone in his bag. "You need something, you nosy bastard?" 

Johnny laughed. "Ready to actually practice?"

"Fine," Frank shoved him out of the dugout as they laughed on the field. 

**

A couple of hours later, Abby was at her desk, updating the injury report when there was a knock.  She looked up to see Frank leaning on the doorway, freshly showered and smiling.  "I finished practice." 

"I see that. What can I help you with?"

Frank walked in and closed the door. "I believe you promised me something if I finished practice." 

"Did I?" Abby turned back to her screen. "I believe I said maybe." 

"Wow didn't peg Dr. Hernandez a liar." He shook his head. "Guess I should go." He moved towards the door, but Abby ran and grabbed his arm. 

"I am no liar, Adler," she said before pulling him down and kissing him hard. 

He looped his arms around her to bring her closer as he deepened the kiss. When they pulled back to breathe, Frank kept his forehead on hers. "Hi." 

"Hi." 

"Miss me?"

"A little," she smiled shyly. 

"God, I can't get over how beautiful you look in these suits Cricket. Can't believe you're a doctor now." Regret crept in at the thought of how much he missed. 

Abby could see it.  "Don't Frankie. Its ok." She ran her fingers around the edge of his beard.  "You didn't have this before. I like it."  She bit her lower lip. 

"I like how long your hair is now Cricket. I've always loved your hair." He ran his fingers through it. Her inky dark hair was straight today. "But I miss your curls." 

"Oh," she replied, blushing slightly. "Sorry, it's habit for me to straighten my hair." She looked away from him but pressed her cheek to his chest. 

He could tell she was holding back. "Talk to me Cricket." 

She sighed.  "Mike, he's the one that likes my hair straight." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Ok. Its ok." Frank pulled her in tighter. "You look beautiful either way, my love." He rocked her to calm her. "Everything is ok baby, don't cry." 

"Frankie, I don't know what I'm doing." 

"Neither do I, Cricket, but we'll figure it out.  Where is he?"