The Only Gift That I Need by Misty Flores

Fandom: All My Children
Pairing/characters: Bianca/Maggie
Rating: Hard R - maybe NC-17Playing card URL (will be supplied): http://invisible-cities.net/images/gsc/femslash/02.jpg

Summary: Bianca's plans for a perfect first Christmas in Paris with Maggie are thwarted a surprise visit home, and the return of some old ghosts.

CHAPTERS

Bianca fell into her, knocking her back unsteadily, as warm hands wrapped around her waist, catching her, righting her balance, and the warm tongue plunged into her mouth willingly, tears smearing against her cheek.

The shudder that filled her with warmth was unavoidable, and helpless against the passionate assault, Maggie slid hands up the shoulders of her lover, over her nape, until her arms were tangled around Bianca's neck, keeping her lips moving hungrily against her own. Fingers dug into dark brown hair, and Maggie ached with feeling, unable to help her physical reaction, suddenly unable to stop.

Bianca's kiss was deep and lingering, as if Bianca couldn't even breathe for not wanting to sever the connection between them. Maggie's pants were harsh and quick, and she felt the press of Bianca's body against hers, firm breasts and warm fabric, tongue tangling with hers, as Bianca's hands widened against the small of her back, murmuring soft unintelligible words against her lips, buried in her mouth.

Almost of their own volition, her fingers began to slide against Bianca's bare shoulders, skimming soft skin and digging underneath, pulling as she broke away with harsh pants, catching the dark brown stare before closing her eyes and pressing her mouth against the exposed shoulder, sucking in a lusty breath and covering the sensitive skin with a series of nibbles and kisses.

A low groan came from her lover, and Maggie reveled in it, as Bianca murmured her name almost painfully, head tilting, hair falling back, and Maggie breathed in the perfumed smell of Bianca, spicy with her own musk, hours of traveling taking their toll.

"Maggie," Bianca began again, and suddenly fingers grabbed hold of her own shoulders, pushed gently, and Bianca's lips covered her own intensely, parting just enough to rasp, "We have to talk. I have things that I have to say to you."

It was then that Maggie realized where they were, as Bianca's eyes slid down to the crib, and Maggie's head dropped, head swimming suddenly.

Taking her hand, Bianca tangled her fingers in her own, and quietly led her out, shutting the door.

Standing there, outside the nursery, the awkwardness came back, as Bianca kept her fingers trapped in her hands, eyes red from crying, mouth open, swollen with her kisses, hair mussed from Maggie's pawing.

Uncomfortable, Maggie's emotion lodged in her throat, as Bianca seemed to hesitate, staring down at her fingers. "Come with me into the living room." When Maggie only stared, Bianca's upper lip trembled. "Please, Maggie."

Heart beating rapidly with excitement, Maggie felt like a puppet, dizzy and unable to think, swimming in the aftermath of her own reaction to Bianca's return. Staring at the apologetic face, the eyes clouded with regret, it was easy to remember the reason for the emotional reunion; and difficult to stand up against the full force of Bianca's beauty.

Bianca didn't let her go, and Maggie followed her, as Bianca weaved around Noel, who gave an excited yip, hopping up and down, racing from his bed against the fire. Giving him a distracted pat, Maggie lowered herself onto the couch, licking her lips when her mouth and throat went dry, unsure how to even begin to have this conversation, what on earth she could try and say.

Bianca looked beautiful, in her tight skirt and black top, her spiked black heels, the very picture of a European sophisticate. Her hair was curled immaculately, and the make up, if Maggie ignored the splotchy color that came from the crying, was spotless.

Bianca, in her perfect world, clutching onto her hand as if she couldn't bear to let it go.

Maggie wondered breathlessly if there was any way she could make love to Bianca, fuck her thoroughly and then worry about having 'the talk'.

"Maggie..." Bianca began, as if she were in the middle of a thought. "I know I owe you... so much."

"No, I need to say this - I mean... God..." Bianca was visibly frustrated, and chewing her lip, she stared off into space, obviously thinking hard. "Things have never been easy for us. And I know that somehow, somewhere, it seems like... with all the damned drama that happens, I forget... I forget to look at things - from your perspective. That's wrong..." Eyes moist with tears, Bianca's mouth remained open, as if she was in the middle of a thought. "And I know I can tell that I love you until I'm blue in the face and it won't mean anything if I don't show you."

Her heart throbbed slightly, and in defense of her own emotion, she tried to jerk her hand out of Bianca's grip.

"No, okay? No. I need you- I want you - I'm asking you, to hear me out. Please. I'm terrified that if I don't explain it to you that I'll lose you, Maggie, and I just... I don't know what I would do if I did."

And then Bianca let her go, sliding her palm from hers, hands in her lap, as if Bianca was a child, staring up at her with frightened, unsure eyes.

Chin lifting, Maggie stared at her lover, astounded at the level of fear that abounded in that beautiful face. "Bianca," she began, throat rough. "You won't lose me. No matter what."

"Then I don't deserve you," Bianca whispered hoarsely. "And I want to be worthy of you, Maggie."

It was a curious, upside down situation, and overwhelmed, Maggie found herself unsure of what to say, as Bianca rose to her feet and strode to her desk, jerking open the dresser and pulling out the picture that caused an immediate knot in her stomach.

Bianca handled it carefully. Maggie watched, frozen as her lover strode to the fire, and dropped it into the hungry flames.

And then Bianca was back in front of her, on her knees on the hard wood, gathering Maggie's hands in hers. She readjusting her hold again and again, staring down at the fingers, thumb massaging against them.

"I never wanted Babe the way I wanted you. And truthfully, Maggie, if I never saw her again, I'd be happy. She's the past. She's going to stay that way. But you..." Licking her lips, Bianca kept her gaze on her hands, as if she was seeing something infinitely precious in her fingertips. "Maggie I dream about a future with you. You are my future. I can't imagine you not in it."

Her face was flaming hot, and Maggie's response was a croak, before she cleared her throat. Bianca's fingers continued to smooth against her own.

"I know," Bianca began, mouth pulling into a regretful, sad smile. "I had it coming, I guess. I wanted the perfect holiday - all I wanted was to show you how much you mean to me and I screwed it up just by being... me. I’m sorry, Maggie."

"This is not how I expected this fight to go," Maggie answered roughly, more to herself than anyone else. Because Bianca knelt before her, contrite and apologetic and everything she had never been. Maggie had no idea how to respond to it. "I should have been more honest with you. With how I felt. You had no idea-"

"I should have had an idea," Bianca interrupted. "I should have, Maggie, and I'm sorry. You've got Erica Kane's daughter for a lover, and I'm afraid it comes out sometimes."

An aching smile pulled on her lips unexpectedly, and Maggie found herself laughing through her tears. "I knew what I was getting into."

"I hope you do..." Bianca's smile was brilliant, shining through her tears. She paused, as if she were about to speak, and suddenly let go. "Hold on-"

Once again rising, she strode to her briefcase, pulling from it a couple things. Maggie stayed put, unsure of what it was, Bianca's back blocking her view.

A small moment, and suddenly Bianca turned, a folder rolled in her hands. A nervous expression painted her features. Taking her time, Bianca returned to her place in front of Maggie, settling on the floor, fumbling with the folder.

"I wanted to give this to you, in a cabin on Christmas Eve. It was going to be symbolic and beautiful and I should have given it you before I left, but I didn't want to leave you after I had-" Bianca stopped herself, smile curling up, self conscious. "I wasn't even sure if you'd take it. I don't know if you will now. But I want you to have these, and whenever - if ever, you're ready... you'll know how I feel about you, and where you stand with me."

The folder unrolled, and Maggie's heart stuttered when a small blue box slid along it. Bianca's smile grew, shaky as it was, and she glanced up to meet her eyes, an intense gaze that touched Maggie deep inside.

"I wanted something monumental and perfect, and of course it all went to hell. But I love you, Maggie. And it's not just on Christmas or New Years Eve, it's every day, every moment, for the rest of my life."

Taking hold of the box, Bianca sucked in an audible breath, and Maggie's heart stuttered in her chest, when the lid creaked open.

Bianca's voice was rough. "There's um... no sharp edges. It's smooth. I figured - you know... when you're a doctor..." Maggie couldn't speak. She simply stared, unable to touch it for the fear it wouldn't be real. "It's elegant and simple, and I thought of you when I saw it." Dragging her eyes from the rock, Maggie looked into Bianca's face, as her girlfriend sucked in another lungful of air. "And - there's something else."

Opening the folder with her free hand, Bianca shakily held up what appeared to be a series of legal documents.

"It's the paperwork to formally start the legal proceedings for you to adopt Miranda." Bianca held both treasures, looking fragile and scared and in love. "I love you, Maggie. I want to be your partner. I want you to be Miranda's other mother. I want us to be a family forever."

Bianca took her breath away. Maggie was at a loss, frozen in time, somehow overwhelmed and nervous and unsure how to reach out and take what Bianca offered to her.

"You don’t have to take them now," Bianca said gruffly. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I needed you to know how I felt. Maggie, I could give you the world and it would never be enough. What I'm asking you for is worth more than all the money in the world."

Her fingers closed over the ring, the documents, leaving Bianca to trail off, mouth falling open.

Clutching onto her place in Bianca's world, Maggie closed her eyes and kissed her lover. Soft and sure, gentle and passionate, holding this permanence between them, sealing their bond.

The soft flutter of the lips against hers was a precious gift, and Bianca dared not move, ignoring the ache of the wood on her knees to tilt her head slowly, wrinkling the documents as she pressed tighter against the slender digits. Tilting her head, her eyes closed, blood pounding in her ears, reveling in simply the taste of Maggie.

A whisper of breath against her lips and the kiss deepened, tongue sweeping in to dance against hers.

The touch of Maggie, so fleeting, caused an unconscious shudder, and Bianca's gasp broke the embrace. Breathing heavily, she kept her eyes shut tight, leaning forward suddenly, curving her forehead against her girlfriends.

It was hard to explain, the overwhelming feeling that enveloped her now, the relief that caused a near breakdown, heart slamming against her chest, as she felt the warm touch of Maggie's fingertips against her cheek, smoothing against a curious wetness.

She tried to speak, and came out with a rough grunt that was hardly feminine. "I... I just..." But how could Bianca explain the fear that flooded from her now? How she was weakened with overwhelming relief, how these seconds had taken her soul and her body and held her captive, waiting with nothing but hope and love? How her lover's sweet kiss had brought with it life itself? How just now Bianca finally realized just how frightened she'd been, that Maggie would leave her, when Bianca would do nothing but love her for the rest of her life?

Opening her eyes, she encountered a loving expression, a beautiful face. "I love you," she whispered again, fragile, tender.

Maggie stared at her, with this amazing expression that Bianca didn't quite know how to place. But her eyes were soft and liquid, and Maggie's small, trembling smile stuck her more than any other.

"I love you," Maggie whispered back, thumb moving along her lips, a tender caress. Bianca's heart soared inside of her. Lips gently collided again, a soft exploration, until a soft whine broke the intimate moment, and Bianca turned her head breathlessly to discover their poodle, one paw on Maggie's leg.

Wagging his tail, Noel gamely pushed his head underneath Maggie's arm. The look Maggie gave was almost comical. "I think someone's jealous."

"Are you serious?" Bianca whispered, halfway exasperated and amused. "First Lena, now I have to compete with the dog?"

Maggie laughed lightly, but her hand remained against her cheek, and she said simply, "Bianca, you don't have to compete with anyone."

But when their heads drifted together yet again, the dog yipped, squishing his body in between them. Bianca let out a frustrated groan, shoulders shaking with mirth.

"Seriously, what was I thinking, getting you this guy?" she asked flatly. Paws on her shoulders, Noel proceeded to try and lick all over her mouth. "Ick."

After another five minutes of trying to endure the dog's affections, Maggie finally put an end to Bianca's suffering and placed him in his doggie pen in for the night, swinging the little gate closed distractedly.

Her girlfriend... fian... girlfriend looked exhausted, and her large brown eyes were wide and nervous, making an actual effort not to look at the ring and the folder, for the moment placed on the dresser.

Now, Bianca was in the bathroom, and Maggie, weakened with the momentous events of the night, felt oddly winded, as she held the tiny tiffany's box in her palm.

Biting her bottom lip, Maggie stared at the rock that Bianca had chosen so thoughtfully, and considered the lost holiday, her promise of 'one more present'.

It was amazing, how in the face of the havoc this holiday season had created, Bianca had conjured up the one gift that frightened her above all else, and yet, simply needed.

Putting the box down hastily, she turned, breathlessly wiping down her palms against her jeans. "Yeah, baby?"

The door creaked open, and Maggie smiled at the sight. Beautiful Bianca, hair still styled with her curls, wore a big fluffy robe, bare feet tilting on the carpeted floor. A nervous smile flashed across her face. "I'm not going to have to fight the dog for the bed, am I?"

"Not tonight." Maggie's smile was private, and Bianca flushed slightly, an almost silly expression, glancing down. "But I can't vouch for the rest of the week."

"You're not sleeping with the dog," Maggie said simply, hands on her hips, coming forward with a simple, saucy grin. "You're sleeping with me."

Bianca's mouth opened slightly, and that beautiful flush tinged her lips, as Maggie reached forward, taking the palms in hers and pulling in, until she could reach up, press her lips firmly against Bianca's.

The passionate kiss was insistent, and Maggie groaned softly, flicking her tongue against that full lower lip, smoothing hands down the collar the robe to smooth against the sides of Bianca's breasts, lingering there. Pushing into the rough fabric, she felt Bianca respond, a soft sound in her throat as her kiss became wetter, kneading at Maggie's shoulders, bringing her in closer.

When Maggie's hand snuck to the waistline, pulling at the tie that held it together, Bianca suddenly broke away.

Startled, Maggie blinked, unsure of what that meant, until Bianca grinned hesitantly, catching her palms in hers, tangling their fingers. "I um... I have something for you."

Bianca's face was flushed, cheeks tinting pink, breath sucking in audibly. "Well, I did say there was more than one present..."

"Honey, I think I can safely say you've given me more than enough." Glancing at the items on the dresser, Bianca once again chuckled nervously. Maggie's curiosity grew. "What is it?"

Bianca bit her lip, staring down at her, and suddenly she was swept up in a passionate kiss. Eyes closing, Maggie followed, until her breaths were pants, and Bianca once again let the kiss die away. As Maggie's gaze became focused on her lover, she discovered swollen lips, an intense stare. Deliberately, Bianca took hold of her palms and placed them on her waist, against the tie.

Maggie's heart began to pound, and fingers trembling, she followed Bianca's lead, tugging at the straps, loosening the rope enough to slide it out of the loopholes, flinging it away.

Another moment of intense scrutiny, and she pushed at the robe, peeling it away from Bianca's body.

Her eyes stayed locked on Bianca, somehow steeling herself, as if she knew what was ahead. She felt the whisper soft gush of air as the robe pulled around Bianca, and then, as Bianca's mouth parted slightly, did she look down at what was presented before her.

She had never seen anything so unspeakably sexy in her life. Afraid to touch, Maggie simply stared at the sheer lingerie that pressed against Bianca's chest, nipples dark and straining against the fabric. It covered nothing and everything, so tantalizing and tempting. Her beautiful Bianca: her dark goddess.

"Shhh." Maggie's eyes flickered up momentarily, mouth quirking, before she pressed hands against Bianca's waist, sliding fingers against the bare skin that peeled away, moving over hips to the firm thighs, enraptured with the delicate thong.

"I'm admiring here," Maggie snapped breathlessly. "And this is for me, isn't it?"

Her girlfriend rolled her eyes, pouting like a spoiled little girl. "I can't believe you 'shhed' me."

"I'll 'shh' you again," Maggie said, fingers tracing circles around the skin that was exposed, along Bianca's ribs. "Shh. See that?"

Maggie narrowed her eyes, annoyance growing, hands smoothing through the fabric to slide over Bianca's ass. "I'm serious. Be quiet and be pretty. SHHH."

Bianca's eyes widened, and her hands captured Maggie's holding them in place. "Just pretty? All this and I'm 'pretty'?"

"How about 'beautiful'? Or 'exotic'? Or... I don't know... 'breathtaking'?! I mean this isn't exactly comfortable, Maggie-"

Maggie sighed, trying to jerk her hands away, but unable, Bianca obviously in the middle of a tantrum.

"Do you have any idea- I had to call ahead and make them open the damned store!"

Maggie's brow rose, jerking her hands out of Bianca's grip to cross her arms. "Do I look like I'm kidding? Get on the bed."

Her taller girlfriend looked down at her, mouth falling open, completely confused. "Are you trying to - what are you doing?!"

"Bianca, I swear to God if you don't get on that damned bed right now, you will not have sex, ever."

Bianca stared, completely confused, like some spoiled prima donna denied their candy. There was a stubborn spirit inside of her, and Maggie, at the moment riled up enough to teach her girlfriend a lesson, found it completely sexy.

"Do you want to have sex or not? Bianca on the bed now, or the dog comes in and I sleep with him tonight instead."

It was a battle of wills, and Bianca looked ready to argue, in that hauntingly amazingly sheer fabric, lower lip jutting out, huffing.

But when Bianca moved finally, Maggie allowed herself a small, victorious smile, before turning stiffly. "Spread eagle, please."

"You won't. Because deep down you're aware that you acted like an ass and you're going to do what I say because you owe me."

Plopping back on the bed, Bianca lifted her head furiously. "Are you seriously guilting me into this?"

Bianca gave her one more steamed glance, before laying her head back and letting out a muffled angry scream.

Leaning down, she gathered the forgotten tie, wrapping it around her palms and jerking it tight, testing it's weight.

Maggie smiled prettily, climbing onto the bed, watching Bianca bob with the weight. Deliberately, she slid her thigh over Bianca, tenting her legs over her own, trapping her lower body. "Give me your hands."

"I can be. I love you, Bianca, but God help me, you're a brat. You need to be taught a lesson. You cannot control everything, and for once, I'm not going to let you."

"No." Jerking the rope tight between her hands, she arched an eyebrow. "I'm waiting." Bianca still only stared her, glancing around the room fretfully.

An audible breath fell out, as Bianca looked at her. Ever so slightly, she nodded.

Maggie couldn't help herself, leaning forward to slant her lips hotly against her partner's, passionately manipulating the full mouth under her own, controlling and possessive and unlike any kiss she had given before.

The body underneath her began to shift restlessly, breasts painted with sheer fabric strained up to try and meet hers, and when Maggie pulled away slightly with a soft moan, Bianca's eyes were bright, her breath heavy.