Small Town Blues

by Alyx

"I'm dead meat, Nicky."

Theresa's voice held a world of doom. Nicky tried to ignore it.

"Did you hear me? Cass is going to kill me."

"Yes, I heard you! Now will you shut up for a second, I'm trying to think of what to do next."

"What to do?! What CAN we do? We're fucking INCARCERATED here!"

Nicky turned to glare at her "sister-in-law," wondering not for the first time how it was that Terry managed to get herself into such trouble. And why it was that she so frequently took Nicky with her.

"We are not incarcerated....well, at least YOU'RE not," she said pointedly. "There is a very good chance I will be spending the night in jail, however. Now would you be quiet while I try to find a way to get us out of this fix?" She glanced over to where their arresting officer, "Ronnie," Theresa had called him, was busy talking to the sergeant on duty. They'd be processing her soon, so there wasn't much time. "We're going to have to tell her, Theresa."

"Who? Cassie?! No way, are you crazy??"

"She's the only one I know in this town besides you and your parents, and somehow I don't think Mom and Dad will take kindly to bailing their daughter's partner out of jail for drunk driving!"

Theresa's beguiling baby blues opened even wider at that thought. "Nooo!" she shrieked, belatedly muffling it at the look they were given. "You can't call them either!"

"Well, then there's no way around it," Nicky said, heaving a sigh. "Damn, a $500 fine! We're only here for 5 days, and we manage to have a run-in with the cops. Cassie will have a fit."

"I thought she was on tour till Monday?" Theresa asked hopefully.

"Actually, she comes home tonight," Nicky replied. "The band's last gig was to close out WomynFest, and she said she'd rather drive straight home than wait another day, since it was only 30 miles away. That's why we're combining a visit to your parents with her performance. She should be home by..." she glanced at her watch, "about 1:30 or 2:00 this morning." She sighed again. "I don't want to wake your parents up with a phone call, you'll just have to wait up and tell her personally."

Theresa's reaction was close her eyes and whisper what looked like a prayer. Nicky snorted at this bit of drama, since Terry was the least religious person she knew. Then, without opening her eyes, Terry began to shake her head. Slowly at first, but then more and more emphatically, till Nicky began to feel a bit alarmed.

"No. Absolutely not. No way." Terry's eyes opened once again and there was a definite gleam of calculation in them. "I'll go home and get the $500 myself," she said at last. "I'll spring you before she comes home and no one has to know."

"Where are you going to get $500?" Nicky asked skeptically. She knew for a fact that the 20-year-old was terminally strapped for cash.

"I'll do an advance on my credit card," she said airily. "There are ATMs everywhere. You can pay me back later."

"Pay you back?!" Nicky said indignantly. "You're the reason we're in this mess in the first place!"

"Okay, okay, we'll split it, okay?" Theresa replied impatiently, brushing back her long blonde hair. "Besides, you're older than me and should know better."

"That's exactly what your sister will say," Nicky said with a groan. "I don't see why we can't just tell Cassie and have her bring the money. Okay, maybe there'll be a lecture or two, but it's less complicated all around."

"That's easy for you to say!" Terry said darkly. "You're her partner and not her younger sister."

"She's not your mother," Nicky pointed out.

"She sure acts like it sometimes!" the younger woman said. "Just remember, she's only five years older than you...she's TWELVE years older than me!"

"So what could she do – ground you?" Nicky scoffed.

"Worse."

"Worse? What do you mean? She–" Nicky broke off as she noticed the slow rise of color on Theresa's face. "You're kidding!"

Theresa refused to answer.

"Terry? C'mon, you're not serious, are you?"

"I wish I wasn't," was the mournful reply.

"She SPANKS you?!"

"Shhh, keep your bloody voice down, will you?!" Terry glanced over at the officers behind the desk, who looked like they were wrapping their discussion up. "I told you, Nicky, with her being so much older than me and Jas, she helped raise us. That included the discipline!"

Nicky grinned at the thought of Terry's twin brother Jason, a handsome and likeable young man, but known to be a terror in his youth. "Well, she has my sympathies," Nicky said. "But surely that was only when you were a kid, no?"

Theresa was silent again, biting her lip.

"Terry?" Nicky stared at the woman next to her. "When exactly WAS the last time she...uh...employed corporal punishment on you?"

"My freshman year of college," she muttered.

"TWO YEARS AGO?! You never told me that!"

"That's not exactly something to brag about, you idjit! Wait till–"

"All right, ladies." Officer Ron had returned, jingling a large set of keys. "Miss Harken? Would you come with me, please? Miss Cristain – you're free to go. However," the officer continued, giving her a stern look, "I hope you'll use better judgment in the future, Theresa? Your mom and dad didn't raise you that way."

"No sir," Terry agreed meekly. She turned to Nicky, "I'll go get the money and be right back, okay? Don't worry, and DON'T call anyone!" She looked meaningfully at Nicky.

"How are you going to get it?" Nicky asked, as she was being led away. "The car's been impounded, you know!"

"I'll find a cab, if I need to. Don't worry....just stay put!" She darted away quickly.

"Ha-ha, very funny," Nicky grumbled under her breath.

The booking process went quickly, as apparently it was generally slow in Cassie's hometown of Rabbit Flats, even on a Friday evening. She was made to give up all her belongings, and searched quickly and impersonally to make sure she wasn't carrying anything dangerous. Fortunately, they didn't seem to feel a strip search was necessary.

"Turn this way, please. Okay, hold the numbers up under your chin. Right." For one hysterical moment, Nicky was tempted to make a face as her picture was being taken, but thought she'd better go with the usual grim-faced "mugshot" most arrestees seemed to favor. She could understand now why everyone who was arrested ended up looking like a criminal. She felt tired and disgusted with herself for ending up in this situation, and it no doubt showed in her expression.

As she was being fingerprinted her mind flashed back to what Terry had told her, and she felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised at hearing about Cassie's authoritative methods. Her partner had occasionally demonstrated a dominant streak to her nature...frequently in the bedroom. Nicky found herself grinning and shivering slightly at the memory, then remembering where she was, quickly sobered up.

She'd had a surprisingly responsible side to her too, Nicky reflected. Especially considering her profession – lead singer and guitar player for a women's band. She could be spontaneous and raucous, no doubt about it. And she was a bit of a gypsy about her home life. But considering her talent and artistic bent, Cassie was by far the least "diva-ish" of all of her bandmates, and most of the time surprisingly straitlaced.

Ron showed Nicky to her cell – it reminded her more of a detention room from junior high than the iron-barred jail cell from "Andy Griffith" she'd been expecting – and told her to call out if she needed anything. Nicky thanked him and sat down on the uncomfortable wooden bench to await her rescue.

Her mind flashed back to the night two years ago when she and Cassie had first met. It had been Terry's idea, of course. The youngster been visiting her sister in California for the summer, and waitressing at Hot Stuff, the coffee shop that Nicky had frequented. She'd noticed that Nicky usually came alone, or occasionally in the company of friends, and said that she'd had "dyke" and "recovering from a broken heart" written all over her.

"Did I really?" Nicky had asked bemusedly, once they'd become friends. "I mean, could you really tell?"

"Hey, my sister's a famous lesbian icon – you think I can't spot family when I see them?" she answered, grinning.

Then, at Nicky's skeptical look, she shrugged. "Okay, okay – I saw you reading a Laurie King paperback once, and you were always so serious."

"Hah! And so THAT'S what you concluded, Sherlock?"

"Well, but I was right, wasn't I?" Theresa had pointed out.

"Yeah," Nicky admitted.

"And I was right about you two getting along too, wasn't I?" she persisted, triumphant.

She had been. Nicky had resisted the suggestion mightily when Terry had first broached it. Numerous friends had tried to set her up with the "perfect match," and all had proved decidedly lacking in spark. And here some kid in a coffee shop thought her rock-and-roll singer sister was Nicky's type?

"She doesn't just sing rock-and-roll," Terry explained patiently. "Her band, Amazon Blood, also does reggae and blues...heck, they even do that 'wimmin's music' crap you lezzies are so fond of!"

"I don't care what she sings, she's still a guitar player in a band. I do data entry for an insurance company, for chrissake! Cassie Cristain must have women throwing themselves onstage nightly – what makes you think she'd ever be interested in me???" Nicky ran a hand through her short brown hair, frowning. For some reason the description she'd just given Theresa really bothered her, accurate though it was. It brought home just how dissatisfied she was with her life.

"Hey, you're cute!" Theresa answered with flattering sincerity. "And you're smart too. And most of all, you're nice."

"You don't know anything about me," Nicky had said dismissively.

The younger girl took in the woman across from her, noting her average height and slim build. True, she wasn't a stand-out beauty by any means. But the hazel eyes under straight dark brows showed clear intelligence, and the dimples that appeared whenever a smile lit her face were extremely infectious. And she was unfailingly polite and considerate in her manner, and generous with her tips....wait-help always notice things like that.

"Look, I just think you guys would get along great. C'mon, what've you got to lose? She's playing at the club tonight....if you don't like her you can just leave after the show." She looked at Nicky appealingly, blue eyes wide.

Nicky shook her head. "I'm gonna regret this, I just know it."

"No, you won't," Theresa jumped up excitedly, recognizing capitulation. "Be there at 9:00 p.m. sharp!"

In the end, Theresa had proven to be absolutely correct in her assessment about their compatibility, though Nicky had strong doubts at first. The club, dark and smoky, had been filled with women of all ages and sizes, butch and femme, some quite beautiful. And all hanging onto Cassandra Cristain's every move.

She'd had them from the moment she took center stage – snug black leather pants tucked into short black boots, long-sleeved black shirt, collar open at the throat. She held her guitar like she was caressing a woman, and her throaty voice made one immediately think of activities much more intimate than singing. The crowd lapped it up, and she played to them – catching a woman's eye here, smiling at one there.

Nicky was not immune. She'd always been drawn to talented woman, and Cassie's talent was undeniable. She found herself tapping a toe to the beat, singing along on the choruses, more and more attracted to the vibrant woman onstage. But also becoming ever more convinced as the evening progressed that this woman was not for her. There was no way she could compete with the kind of life Cassie must lead – Nicky's own life seemed increasingly boring the more she thought about it.

At one point Cassie noticed her sister sitting at the table Nicky was sharing, and she gave a wink and a smile in their direction. Theresa waved happily, and in that split second before Cassie launched into her next chord, Nicky noticed her sharp eyes taking in what Theresa was drinking, as well as who her companion was. Nicky was aware of a sudden thrumming inside, a heightened electricity that came from being the subject of that momentarily intense focus.

Nicky cleared her throat. "Um.....does your sister know why I'm here?"

"Of course not! I just told her I was bringing a friend of mine to see the Amazons play."

"Okay. 'Cause I got the feeling we've just been thoroughly checked out."

"Probably," Theresa agreed, making a face. "She's kinda overprotective sometimes."

"Well, I'm just glad you're not drinking anything illegal, since you're underage. Although I did get the urge to exchange my beer for a glass of milk."

Terry laughed. "Will you chill? She's certainly no saint herself. She just thinks I'm impressionable, or something."

Nicky snorted. "Can't imagine where she got that idea."

Cassie came to join them during the band's the first break, after wading through a number of admirers and signing a few of the CDs that they had on sale. Theresa introduced them, and Nicky stood up immediately to shake her hand, an old fashioned gesture that seemed curiously appropriate in Cassie's slightly intimidating presence. Cassie seemed to find it amusing, as her smile widened, and Nicky felt herself flushing a bit.

"Can I get you something to drink?" she offered, wanting to dissipate her feeling of awkwardness.

"Tonic water would be great. With lime, please?" Her voice was just as husky offstage as on.

"Be right back."

Nicky took her time, trying to regain her equilibrium. Damn, this dating stuff sucked! But it's not a date, she reminded herself. As far as she's concerned, you're just a friend of her little sister. You'll probably never even see her again after tonight...so no pressure, Nicky. She took several deep breaths and was quite poised again by the time she returned to the table.

"Thank you," Cassie said with appreciation, taking a long swallow. "It's thirsty work."

"Your band is great," Nicky said sincerely. "I really enjoyed that last number you did – 'Taming the Wild'?"

"Thanks, it's a favorite of mine too," Cassie replied, smile flashing white in the dim light.

"Cass wrote that one," Theresa put in, with no little pride.

"Really?" Nicky was even more impressed. "The lyrics or the melody?"

"Both, actually. Though Erin added a lot of the little riffs in the chorus." When Nicky continued to look inquiring she explained, "Erin Gemeaux does keyboard and vocals, Melanie Hines is on bass and back-up vocals, and Raven Rage is our drummer."

"Raven Rage? Is that really her name?"

"It's what she answers to," was the amused reply. "Why? Doesn't it sound authentic?"

Nicky hesitated, remembering the spike-haired, heavily tattooed woman who pounded her sticks with such conviction. "Well, let's just say I've no intention of ever questioning it to her face," she said diplomatically.

Cassie laughed outright at that. "Wise woman," she said.

Her eyes are a much darker blue than Terry's, Nicky found herself thinking idly. Maybe not even blue at all...more gray. But the lashes are just as thick and long. She was suddenly aware of the silence that had fallen, and cast around for quickly for something to say. "I love your guitar," she blurted out, finally.

"Mm?" Cassie seemed almost reluctant to shift her gaze from Nicky to the stage, where the instrument rested in its stand. "Thank you. I'm pretty fond of it myself."

"It's a gorgeous shape...sort of asymmetrical," Nicky continued. "Not the usual Stratocaster, is it? Though it looks like a Fender."

Cassie's brows rose. She'd clearly assumed Nicky's initial comment had been made more out of politeness than interest. "It is a Fender – a Jazzmaster. Not all that uncommon, actually. But more surf bands than jazz musicians actually ended up playing it." Her head tilted. "Are you a musician?"

"God no," Nicky denied quickly. "I can't even sing on key. I'm....just a nerd, really." She laughed in a self-deprecating fashion.

"Nic knows all kinds of interesting facts," Theresa put in at that moment. "She could beat out those Jeopardy contestants, no sweat."

"Really?" Cassie grinned at her. "I'd love to see that."

Nicky shook her head decisively while throwing Terry an exasperated look. "Your sister is exaggerating. I know a few odd and useless bits of knowledge, but nothing that would win me any money, unfortunately."

"Do you go to school with Terry?"

"Good grief, Cass, don't be insulting! She's closer to middle age, like you," Theresa's voice was filled with the derisiveness only younger sisters can achieve.

"Brat," Cassie replied without heat. "And it's not insulting her to think she's looks as young as you." She turned to Nicky. "Are you really my age, then? Damn, these late nights and smoky clubs ARE murder on the skin, just like mom warned!"

"But you look great!" Nicky blurted unthinkingly, then flushed. "I mean, I don't know how old you are....I don't think we're exactly the same age, but don't listen to Terry, she's just trying to yank your chain!"

The subject of their conversation giggled at that moment and stood up. "Well, I have to go to the little girl's room anyway, so I'll just let you two MATURE women continue your conversation." She smirked and winked at Nicky over Cassie's shoulder before leaving.

Cassie shook her head as she watched her departing sibling. "If I look older it's because of all the gray hairs she's given me!" she said, but there was clear affection in her voice. "So how DO you know Terry?"

Nicky explained and they chatted a bit more, then Cassie stood and said regretfully that she'd better get back to work. "You will stay for the second set?" she asked Nicky, and seemed sincerely interested in her answer.

"Sure, of course," Nicky agreed, surprised at how much she wanted Cassie to care whether she did or not. A part of her was still saying it was a big mistake, but another part was musing over how unexpectedly down-to-earth the singer had seemed. Maybe we're not as different as I'd thought.

That evening had turned into a date, and then more dates, and then finally moving in together. They'd been extremely happy in the two years since, though it had taken awhile for Nicky to be convinced that Cassie really wanted to settle down with her.

Nicky's thoughts were interrupted at that moment by the return of Officer Ron, who announced that her car had been released, and Terry was back to pick her up.

"We found no evidence of drugs, which is lucky for you," he said, unsmilingly. "Bad enough driving under the influence...we'd better not catch you doing that again, you hear?"

"Yes, officer. I mean, no, I won't," Nicky assured him. "And there were no drugs involved, I swear. I had just a couple of drinks, and that's it!"

"Hm," was his only reply. They may not have found any drugs on them, but these two were hiding something, he was sure of it. They'd been too guilty-looking when he pulled them over, and he was almost certain he'd seen them trying quickly to get rid of something.

Out at the front counter Terry was waiting, a relieved expression coming over her face when she saw Nicky.

"You can opt to plead guilty and pay the fine, or we can set a court date, if you want to contest it," Officer Ron explained to Nicky, as he set a large manila envelope containing her belongings down on the counter.

"I'll pay the fine," Nicky said quickly. Anything to get this over with.

"Okay. Sign here to verify that you received all your property back in good order. And here to enter your plea. The county'll mail you your fine and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Expect the citation in a couple of weeks."

"A couple of weeks?" Nicky echoed. Good grief, that's all she needed – for Cassie to see it one day in the mail! "Do you have to mail it?"

"That's the usual procedure," Ron said.

"Officer? Can't she pay it right now? See, she lives in California, and it would be easier so much if she could take care of it tonight." Theresa turned her blue eyes on the man in uniform and used them to good effect. He frowned and then sighed.

"Yeah, okay. Hang on, and let me take care of all the paperwork." As he turned away Nicky glanced at her watch.

"How much time we got?" Terry asked her.

"It's 12:40," Nicky replied grimly.

Terry groaned. "Hurry, Officer Ron, please hurry," she pleaded under her breath.

In the end it took nearly half an hour to process all the paperwork and pay the fine, and then the two of them walked as casually as possible to the car, resisting the urge to run.

"Can't you drive any faster?" Theresa complained, glancing at the speedometer. "I knew I should've driven!"

"I'm going as fast as I dare. We wouldn't want to get pulled over again, would we?" Nicky replied cuttingly. "And you can't drive – you have an expired license, remember?" She glared at the woman next to her, who had the grace to blush.

"I just want to make it home before Cassie gets there," she muttered.

"We'll make it...just."

The Goddess must've been smiling on them, FINALLY, because they were home a good half hour before Cassie arrived. Nicky had time for a quick shower and to change into her sleeping clothes – a pair of men's boxers and an oversized t-shirt. She brushed her teeth for good measure, and was waiting in the living room when Cassie came home. She looked tired but happy to see Nicky as she set her guitar case down by the door.

"Want me to help you with the amps and stuff?" Nicky asked, reaching up to kiss her.

"Naw, I'll bring them in tomorrow. I locked the van and the garage door, and this is Rabbit Flats, not San Francisco, so things should be okay. Mmmm, that's good." She returned Nicky's kiss warmly, wrapping her arms around her partner. "How was your day, sweetness? Did you miss me?"

"Always. C'mon, let's go to bed." Nicky attempted to pull Cassie upstairs with her, wanting to be safely asleep before anything else happened.

"Hold on, I want to get something to eat." Cassie headed for the kitchen. She was frequently hungry after a gig, having spent enormous amounts of energy before, during, and after a performance. All the band members needed to be in good condition, and Cassie worked out in the gym regularly, which was evident in the way she lifted the band's heavy sound equipment with little effort.

Nicky kept her company as she assembled a turkey sandwich, and they sat at the table and chatted about that night's performance. Then Cassie smiled and squeezed Nicky's hand.

"What about you, babe? You and Terry manage to keep out of trouble?"

Now why did she have to go and frame it like that? Nicky thought guiltily, knowing the question had been perfectly innocent. She hoped the dim light in the kitchen hid the reddening she could feel in her ears.

"We went to Fusion," she replied, knowing Cassie would be familiar with the local gay bar.

"Ah. Did you have fun? I'm surprised Terry didn't drag you over to the straight bar, so she could check out the young studs."

"Oh, she likes dancing with the gay boys....she says they're more fun anyway," Nicky replied. "But it was....pretty uneventful. We left early." Which was true, Nicky reflected, mentally crossing her fingers. No need to mention the little detour to the police station. They went to bed soon after, and Nicky found herself breathing a sigh of relief that her terrible day was over at last, and she could look forward to an uneventful visit.

But it seemed that the Universe wasn't willing to let things go that easily, for it sent retribution in the form of that bane of small towns – the "concerned neighbor."

~~~~~

The following afternoon Cassie, Nicky, and Theresa were at the local Kroger's, shopping for groceries. Eleanor Babbin, the Cristain's friendly next-door neighbor, spotted them in the canned goods section and approached with a smile. She was nearly 80 years old, but walked upright with a brisk energy that belied her years.

"Oh Theresa, Cassie, I'm so glad to see you're all right! There wasn't anything wrong, was there?"

"Hello, Mrs. Babbin," Cassie greeted her. "This is my partner, Nicole Harken."

"Nice to meet you," Nicky said politely, but she could feel a sudden sinking feeling in her stomach.

"Nice to meet you, dear," the older woman replied graciously. But she immediately returned to the subject. "My nephew Conner, he works the night shift at the hospital, you remember? He told me he saw your parents' car over at the police station. I hope everything's all right?"

"At the police station?" Cassie frowned, puzzled. "When was this?"

"Just last night! I was going to ask Myrna and Lloyd if everything was okay, because I know there's been that rash of robberies recently. But since I saw you two, I thought I'd ask...." she trailed off expectantly.

"Last night? I wasn't home last night, Mrs. Babbin. But Terry and Nicky had the car...." Cassie turned to them, a sudden suspicious look forming in her eyes as she noticed the panicked glance Nicky gave Theresa.

"Actually, we went there to report Nicky's wallet missing," Terry said, clearing her throat. "She and I were out at a club and noticed it gone when we were about to leave."

"Well, isn't that terrible! It's awful how you just can't trust anyone these days, isn't it?" Mrs. Babbin clucked her tongue and shook her head sadly. "Still, I'm glad it wasn't something more serious."

"Yes, me too, thank you for asking," Cassie said politely. "It is terrible not to be able to trust people." She sent a look at her sister and Nicky that made it clear who she was talking about. After Mrs. Babbin walked away, there was a small silence.

"I don't suppose anyone would like to tell me what that was all about?"

"Like I said, Nicky's wallet–"

"Save the bullshit, Terry. If it were that simple one of you would've mentioned it by now." Her expression was furious. "Maybe we'd just better wait till we get home."

The atmosphere during the ride back to the house was heavy. Nicky tried a couple of times to explain, but Cassie just told her in a cold voice that she needed to concentrate on her driving and they could talk once they were home.

When they did reach the house Nicky was relieved to note that Cassie's parents were out for their weekly bingo night. They put the groceries away in silence, then Cassie told them both to get ready for bed. When they all sat down in the living room later Cassie seemed to have calmed down somewhat, but her face was unsmiling as she nodded to Terry to begin.

"Well, see....Nicky got pulled over for drunk driving...."

"WHAT?!?"

"But I wasn't!" Nicky put in quickly. She sent an irritated look at Terry before taking the story up herself. "It was like this – after we left the bar, we were headed out to grab a quick bite before heading home. I had had a couple of drinks, so I wasn't driving," she emphasized the last part, as she knew her partner felt very strongly about that particular issue.

"Good." The tone wasn't all that encouraging, but Nicky continued on.

"So Terry was driving, but apparently she was going a bit fast..."

"It was that stretch down on Lansing," Terry interjected. "You know what a speed trap that road is. I couldn't've been going more than 35 or 40, I swear."

"Hm." Cassie's voice was noncommittal. "Go on."

"Anyway," Nicky continued, wincing as she relived the incident in her memory, "we pulled over as soon as we saw the flashing lights. But before I could move, Terry was climbing over my lap and pushing me into the driver's seat. I was completely confused, and the next thing I know, the cop was shining a flashlight into my eyes and asking to see my license and registration."

Cassie turned to her sister with eyebrows raised.

"I....uh....my license kinda expired."

"You were driving with an EXPIRED LICENSE?!"

Terry flushed. "I just lost track of the renewal. It's not like I don't know how to drive, Cassie! I've doing it for 3 years now. But I knew the cops would find out about it, so I figured it was better to say that Nicky was at the wheel."

Now her partner's laser blue gaze was turned on her, and Nicky shrugged uncomfortably. "Well, I figured it was better too. I mean, I didn't want to get Terry in trouble."

"She was BORN in trouble!" Cassie said tartly. "And I don't suppose it occurred to either of you that driving with an expired license is a much less serious matter than driving under the influence of alcohol?"

"But I wasn't!"

"But she wasn't!"

Neither Nicky nor Terry's protests seemed to make much difference to Cassie.

"As far as the police were concerned, you were. Besides which, they probably saw you changing places and figured you were trying to hide something!"

"They did impound the car to check it for drugs," Nicky admitted in a small voice. "But of course there weren't any."

"There better not have been. Go on."

As rest of their sorry tale dribbled out, Cassie's expression resembled a thundercloud more and more. At the end, she had just one question for them.

"And you weren't going to mention this to either me, or mom and dad?" Neither Terry nor Nicky spoke at that point, but the answer was pretty clear.

"That's it, you're grounded," Cassie rapped out to her sister. "You live under mom and dad's roof and are their responsibility, but when I tell them I'm going to recommend that their car is off limits to you for the rest of the semester."

"Cass!" Terry's voice was a wail of distress. "How will I get to school? How will I get to work?"

"Walk. Use the bus. Catch a ride with one of your friends....hopefully they're LEGAL drivers?" Cassie's voice was unsympathetic. "You're lucky you didn't have your license taken away for a year, young lady. It's no one's fault but your own that you neglected to renew it. Driving is a privilege, one you clearly aren't responsible enough to handle."

"I am too!"

"Then prove it. If your behavior warrants it, you know mom and dad will probably allow you to have it back before the semester's over. They're way too soft on you."

Terry muttered something under her breath, her expression still resentful, but Cassie grabbed a hold of her arm and murmured something into her ear. Nicky guessed it was probably a reminder of how much worse her punishment could be were it up to Cassie, as she flushed a dark red and her expression immediately lost its obstinacy.

"You're right, I'm sorry," she said, and seemed to mean it.

"You'll be the death of me, I swear," was Cassie's reply. Then, with a sigh, she hugged her younger sibling. "I'm just glad Mrs. Babbin's nephew didn't see you two being escorted into the police station in handcuffs!"

"God, yes. It would've been all over the neighborhood by noon," Terry agreed feelingly.

"Go to bed," Cassie pushed her sister toward the stairs. "We'll talk more about it tomorrow."

"Okay, goodnight." Terry hugged them both before leaving, sending Nicky a sympathetic look before she headed up the stairs.

Nicky turned to her partner with trepidation. Cassie was rubbing a hand over her eyes as if she had a headache. "I can't believe it."

"Darling, it sounds worse than it was, you know. I wasn't drunk at all, but those road sobriety tests are impossible–"

"They're unreliable, you should always ask for a breathalyzer or blood test," her partner agreed absently, then growled to herself. "What am I saying?! That's completely beside the point, and you know it!"

"It is?" Nicky frowned. "You mean you aren't upset at the $500 fine for drunk driving, when I wasn't even driving?"

"Well, I'm not thrilled about that, but that's not what upsets me the most. It's that you don't seem to realize the seriousness of it all!"

"Are you kidding? I'M the one that was arrested like some criminal, you know! I'M the one that was fingerprinted and mugshot and had to wait in some jail cell for two hours! Of course I took it seriously!"

"And yet you fell into Terry's plans without any hesitation, I notice," Cassie pointed out. She shook her head. "You know what disappoints me most about this whole incident? That you lied to me."

"I didn't exactly LIE to you–"

"You withheld the truth. In my book that's lying. Is it different in your book, then?" Laser blue eyes bored into her.

Nicky's mouth opened, then shut, then opened and shut again. They'd had discussions about this particular subject before, as Nicky's sometimes convoluted definitions of "the truth" was a source of friction for her partner. "No," she finally answered, miserably.

"No, I really want to know. Don't just tell me what you think I want to hear. Do you think it was okay not to tell me?" Cassie's voice was serious, but not hectoring. She waited to hear what Nicky had to say.

"Well....no, not really. But I mean...maybe it's not such a big deal as you think. No one was hurt, after all." Nicky's voice was pleading, willing Cassie to understand.

"I see. And the fact that my sister was driving with an expired license, which is against the law, doesn't bother you?"

"I didn't know about that! Otherwise I would've driven instead!"

"Really? In spite of the drinks you'd had?"

Oops. "No! No, of course not," Nicky said quickly, knowing this was one of her partner's pet peeves.

"So, in your view, the only real problem here was that you two got caught?" Cassie inquired politely.

"No, I–"

"That, and the fact that I'm making such a big deal out of nothing? In fact, if I weren't such a spoilsport, you might've told me about this jolly little prank, instead of hiding it from me?" Cassie still hadn't raised her voice, but Nicky felt about two inches tall. "You act as if you're my sister's age, instead of treating me like your partner, someone you supposedly trust, and you wonder why I'm upset?"

"Cassie..." Nicky reached for her, but Cassie shook her head and took a step back.

"Not now, please. I need some time alone, I think."

Nicky felt terrible. She envied Terry at that moment – Cassie's reaction to her had been straightforward anger and disapproval. Anything was better than this crushing disappointment.

"Cassie, please, listen to me!"

Her partner said nothing, but waited.

"You're right, you're absolutely right. I shouldn't have treated you that way, shouldn't have treated our relationship that way, and I'm sorry. I don't blame you in the least for being angry and hurt, because I acted like an idiot. But please...please...I don't want to lose you over this."

"What??! You're not going to lose me over this, you goose. Come here." She was grabbed in a gruff embrace, and felt nearly faint with relief.

"Oh god, thank you." Nicky held her tightly.

"I'm pissed off and disappointed, but nobody said anything about breaking up," Cassie scolded her.

"I know, but I deserve it. I deserve...." she hesitated, then plunged ahead. "I deserve for you to treat me like you would've treated Terry, if she were under your roof."

"Treated Terry? What are you talking about?" Cassie pulled away slightly, frowned down at her.

"I acted like a stupid kid, I deserve to be treated like one," Nicky said, unable to meet her eyes.

It took Cassie a few seconds to realize what her partner was saying. When she did, she reached under Nicky's chin and lifted it to look into her eyes. "Terry told you how I used to punish her." It wasn't really a question.

Nicky nodded, blushing.

"And you want me to punish you like that?"

"Well, no, not really," Nicky admitted. "But....I think maybe it's what I deserve. And....Terry did say once you....um....once it was over, the slate was wiped clean."

"Yes," Cassie agreed. "That's true."

"Well, that part I do want," Nicky said. "I can't stand the thought of you being so disappointed in me, darling. I want us to get past this, I want it to be over......I want you to like me again," she finished in small voice.

"Oh, sweetheart," Cassie sighed and hugged her tightly for a moment. She was quiet as she thought about what Nicky had said. It would probably help her move beyond it, she realized. Help them both move beyond it. There had been times in the past when she'd had the urge to throttle her younger lover, and though they'd talked things out and eventually reached an understanding, sometimes she'd longed for a simpler, more direct solution. It sounded like maybe Nicky had wished for the same thing.

"If I spank you, it's going to hurt," she warned her. "This would be a punishment, not sexual play."

"Yes, I understand," Nicky replied, blushing again as she recalled the pleasure her lover's occasionally dominant side brought her.

"Okay, then. Let's do it." Cassie's tone was decisive, and Nicky felt a small jolt of alarm.

"Er...right now?"

"Yes, right now. I've always believed that punishment, besides fitting the crime, should be delivered as close to the deed as possible."

Nicky followed her over to the sofa, trying to convince her suddenly shaky legs that she was indeed doing the right thing. Cassie guided her around to her right side, and then down across her knees.

"Damn," Nicky muttered, feeling terribly off balance with the blood suddenly rushing to her head and Cassie's strong thighs pressing against her midsection. One hand braced itself on the rug, the other grabbed Cassie's left ankle for balance. Her legs dangled behind her. The whole effect made her feel like a child, which she somehow suspected was the point.

Cassie, with some experience in these matters, spread her legs slightly, which caused Nicky's back to bow and her rear end to be thrust up even more prominently. She wrapped her left arm around her lover firmly and pulled her against her, knowing once she started there would be some struggling involved. Her right hand rested on the back of Nicky's boxer shorts, which caused her hips to twitch in anticipation. "Why are you being punished?" she asked quietly.

Nicky groaned. "Oh, come on, you know why!" she complained. "Just get it over with, Cass."

Cassie's reply was a sharp smack to each of the buttocks beneath her hand.

Nicky gasped. "Hey!" The thin material of her shorts provided very little padding.

"You seem to forget who's administering the punishment," Cassie said mildly. "Since I have done this before, and you have not, please allow me to instruct you in how a spanking is carried out. Now: Why are you being punished?"

"Because I allowed Terry to drive with an expired license," Nicky replied sulkily. She couldn't resist adding, "Even though I didn't know about it!"

"And?"

"And because I didn't tell you about it." She wriggled uncomfortably, feeling Cassie's right thigh pressing firmly against her mons, holding her hips aloft. In another context it might have been erotic. Now it was just humiliating.

"And that was wrong because...?"

"Because it was lying," Nicky managed through gritted teeth. Good grief, now she sounded like Nicky's 3rd grade teacher!

"Right. And you know how I feel about lying." Then she began to demonstrate.

The first swat was right at the crest of Nicky's right buttock, the second came immediately after, crowning the left. Nicky jumped, first at the loud smacking sound that hit the air, then at the stinging sensation that hit HER.

"Oh! Ouch – Cassie, that HURT!"

Cassie bit her lip, nearly tempted to smile at the disbelief and utter outrage in her partner's voice. She was actually administering a pretty mild spanking, knowing that Nicky had never experienced being in this position before. But she was determined to teach her a lesson about dishonesty, and hopefully impress upon her the importance of using better judgment.

"Good," she replied, landing a series of smacks all around the now moving target. "Hopefully it'll stay in your memory longer than our past discussions apparently have."

"Are you kidding? The bruises alone will last for a week! OW, damn it, not so HARD!!" Nicky couldn't believe it was Cassie's hand which was falling with the regularity of a red-hot metronome on her tender cheeks. Was this the same hand that stroked her so gently during love-making? That was so warm and soft to hold in the theater? Now it was sweeping up from below, lifting her buttocks with every blow, and striking where she sat. Nicky hadn't realized that spot was so sensitive!

Nicky's whining and swearing soon turned to yelps and pleas, but Cassie's hand continued its punishment, a slow but steady swat that was building up heat to an unbelievable degree. After a couple dozen swats, Cassie paused. Nicky sighed in relief, but it was short-lived.

"That was for poor judgment. This is for dishonesty."

Cassie's left hand slid Nicky's t-shirt further up her back, while her right reached into the waistband of Nicky's boxer shorts and slid them down to her knees. Nicky's protest was instinctive. "What are you doing?! No!!"

"Oh yes."

"Cassie!" Nicky reached back to try to regain her covering, insubstantial though it was, but found her hand pinned to her side. She couldn't believe she could feel so humiliated, lying across her lover's lap and bared that way. It was worse than being completely naked – knowing the focus on her bottom was for express purpose of punishment left her feeling more exposed than she thought possible. She held her thighs tightly together, not wanting show more than was necessary, regardless of the fact that they'd been lovers for two years and had seen just about everything there was to see regarding each other's bodies.

Then all thoughts flew out the window as Cassie's palm descended in a crack that sounded like thunder and felt like lightning. She'd thought the thin boxer shorts were no protection, but my God! being spanked on the bare bottom was 50 times more painful!

Now her partner was traversing the same areas she had before, covering Nicky's rear end in a pattern that insured no spot of flesh was left untouched.

Nicky forgot her earlier inhibitions, hips bucking and legs scissoring as she squirmed, yelps of protest coming from her mouth. Attempting to escape was futile, but Nicky's body was moving of its own accord, trying anything to ease the onslaught of that punishing palm.

"I'm sorry!....Ouch!....I'm so sorry!....Please, no more!....I'll never do it again, I promise!" Her lover was nowhere near tears when Cassie decided to halt the spanking, but she thought it was enough for a first time. She rested her hand across Nicky's back and observed her handiwork.

Nicky's rear end was brilliantly rosy, from the top of her buttocks to halfway down her thighs. The heat coming from her bottom was palpable, the cheeks still twitching as she lay over her lover's lap. Cassie released her hand and Nicky reached back immediately to rub, but whimpered and desisted when she discovered it was actually too sensitive to touch. She attempted to rise but Cassie held her down.

"One more thing, my darling," Cassie said softly.

"W-what?" Nicky asked, her breath coming in pants. She was certain her butt was glowing enough to light the room.

"If you ever, ever even THINK about driving while intoxicated, I'll give you a spanking that will make this one seem like a walk in the park. Is that clear?"

"Crystal," Nicky said with groan, and Cassie helped her up. Blushing, Nicky immediately pulled up her underwear, surprised they still fit. She would've sworn that her throbbing bottom was at least three sizes bigger, and the previously soft cotton material of her boxers felt like sandpaper against the sensitized skin.

"Come here, baby." Cassie pulled her down to sit in her lap, and Nicky did so reluctantly, wincing as her buttocks came into contact with Cassie's thighs. She buried her face against her lover, still shaken and embarrassed by the experience. Cassie held her gently, rocking her slightly and rubbing her back soothingly. "You okay?"

Nicky didn't answer right away. "You hit hard," she complained, her voice muffled by Cassie's shirt.

Cassie kissed her temple, loving the feel of silky hair against her lips. "Hm, you actually got off pretty lightly, you know."

"Lightly?!" Nicky pulled back and stared at her lover incredulously. "I thought that was never going to end!"

Cassie smiled. "Well, it probably seems longer when you're in that position. But Terry would tell you that was mild compared to some of the paddlings she's endured!"

"Terry deserves them," Nicky muttered under her breath, resentfully thinking she was partially responsible for the current heat in Nicky's hindquarters.

"Come on, let's get to bed."

Nicky was more than happy to agree, though she ended up sleeping on her tummy. Still, it was nice to rest her head on Cassie's shoulder and curl up in her arms, as her partner continued to rub her back in a soothing fashion.

"Can we have strawberry waffles tomorrow?" Nicky asked drowsily, already planning for breakfast.

"Funny, I was just thinking of strawberries myself. I wonder why?" Cassie's hand slid down to pat Nicky's derriere lovingly.

"Cassie! That's NOT funny!"

"Sorry."

Nicky snorted disbelievingly. But the sound of the smile in her partner's husky voice was not a bad thing to fall asleep to. And it was nice to feel forgiven and so well-loved. Maybe she could even forgive Terry for getting her into trouble. After all, Terry had endured many instances of corporal punishment from Cassie in the past. At least in Nicky's case it was just a one-time thing, right?

The End

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