The Bet || Lizrei

Chapter 4

Slipping the magnetic house key into her back pocket, Rei closed the front door to Liz's apartment as quietly as possible. For someone that dressed so nicely and carried herself like a princess, Liz's place was modestly sized and comfortable. Rei didn't bother turning on the lights. She knew the way to the bedroom in the dark. Although she and Liz weren't officially living together yet, it wasn't due to fear of commitment or lack of interest. Neither of them could decide whether to keep one of their apartments or pick a new place together.

Quietly sliding out of her shoes and padding through the living room area in socked feet, she draped her jacket over the back of the couch and headed for the bedroom. Unfortunately, she and Liz hadn't found any time to spend together since yesterday afternoon. Rei caught a case, which meant that all four detectives were questioning witnesses, pestering the guys in forensics to push their samples through faster, and hovering around Melinda while they waited for the good doctor's autopsy report. At least with dead victims, Rei thought, no one had to be there to help them pick up the shattered pieces of their lives. That didn't make things any easier for their family and friends, though.

Thinking about family brought a small smile to Rei's lips as she peeked into the bedroom, checking to see whether Liz was still asleep. The neon numbers on the digital clock said 3:22, but Rei's internal clock was completely off and she was wide awake. Liz was huddled in a cocoon of blankets, sleeping on what she claimed was 'her' side of the bed. Neither Liz nor Rei really had a 'side of the bed', since they usually ended up in a tangled knot of human limbs anyway by the time they woke up. Watching the deep, even breathing of her fair-haired girlfriend made Rei choke up a little. Liz could be a stubborn mule, an empathetic advocate, a wild temptress, and even a pain in the ass sometimes, but she was absolutely beautiful, especially while she slept.

Wanting nothing more than to feel Liz in her arms, she quickly slipped out of her clothes and climbed into bed behind her slumbering lover. She smiled softly to herself as Liz subconsciously recognized her presence and the blonde rolled over to cuddle. "I love you," Rei murmured, her words no louder than a breath, as she lightly pressed her lips to Liz's brow. Rei felt her heart clench as Liz hummed happily in her sleep and snuggled in closer. She wasn't all that surprised when her adrenaline ran out and she fell asleep as well.

......

Liz smiled as she woke minutes before her alarm, finally realizing that she was no longer alone in bed. She had been worried about Rei last night. The detective had been working so hard on their case that she only managed to steal away for one quick 'I love you, I miss you' phone call. But Rei was here in bed with her now, and that warmed the ADA's heart more than she could properly express.

One of Rei's arms was wrapped around her waist, and the other was tucked underneath her pillow, holding the soft material close to her cheek. Liz's smile grew wider as she gazed fondly at her sleeping detective. Rei had stolen her pillow, and was probably holding it because it smelled like her. That pillow wasn't all the brunette had taken from her over the years. Rei had also stolen her heart.

Glancing at the clock, Liz debated whether or not to disturb Rei's slumber. On the one hand, the detective rarely got enough sleep, and a few extra minutes would probably do her a world of good. But... but there was a bet to win, and a dare from Yujin at stake, and mostly – mostly, she just wanted the comfort that touching Rei always gave her.

Gently, Liz let her hands drift over strong shoulder muscles, trying to smooth away some of the tension that Rei carried there, enjoying the feel of warm, naked skin. She didn't stir, dead to the world. Liz's soft smile transformed into a wicked grin. She was going to enjoy herself.