Claudia extends her stay in Eureka to give Fargo a proper send-off. Rated M for suggestive themes, though I am prepared to do a follow-up of the very mature variety if I get good feedback. So please review. Your comments and criticisms are appreciated. ^_^ So without further ado.

Private Goodbyes

The reflection in the mirror was one of ecstatic disappointment. Douglas Fargo was unsure which of the emotions best described his current state of mind. He tugged at his tie, loosing another button, and sighed. Setting his glasses on the glossy countertop, he bent over the bathroom sink. His hands tripped the sensor in the faucet. Perfectly eighty-five degree water ran through his fingers and splashed generously over his face. His eyes met his reflection again inches from his face, blinking away the water. Another minor sigh. Damn.

He just couldn't get her out of his head.

It seemed impossible the events of the week that had transported him from Eureka to Univille and back again. To a place he hadn't known really existed, even as head of GD now. Events that had thrown him into the lap of the most incredible woman in existence, and then so soon she into his. Literally.

Fargo replaced his glasses and stopped by the bedroom to discard his shoes on the way back to the kitchen. He popped the tab on a Fanta and quickly gulped down half the can. The tingle of carbonation on his tongue instantly flashed him back to the last kiss that afternoon before she left again for South Dakota. Who knew if he would even get a chance to return to the Warehouse? Or if that scary Frederic woman would ever call on him again. Could he possibly connive a way to get himself out there, and if so, on what premise?

God, she had smelled so good, lying on top of him in that minefield. Like adrenaline and sweat and whatever shampoo she used…fruity but not too sweet. The way that rainbow lock kept falling over her face. The comfortable weight of her on his chest and hips, shifting each time she leaned forward for a kiss. She can't have been surprised at his physical response, not with that look of embarrassment at Carter's choice of words. Just the memories had him affected again. Great. Another night alone with his best bud Leftie. At least the images were fresh on his mind. It wouldn't take long to clear his head and shake off this mild depression setting in. He wouldn't even need the episode of Buffy he had slated for tonight. He just had to think of those skinny jeans hugging every perfect inch of leg and her warm, velvet mouth…. He could just imagine what might have happened if Carter hadn't shown up right then. Well, besides the Boom. Shudder.

Fargo took another drink from his soda, readjusted the front of his trousers, and absentmindedly headed toward the living room, trying to decide meanwhile whether he enjoyed more being beneath or on top of Claudia Donovan.

"Is that a light saber in your pocket, or are just happy to see me?"

Fargo stopped dead in his tracks. "Claudia?"

She was sprawled in his wing-back chair, one leg hanging over a scrolled armrest. Looking down, Fargo cringed, "Oh God, God, oh God."

In an attempt to cover himself, Fargo spun back toward the kitchen, pulling his untucked button-down over his groin. Claudia was suddenly intercepting him, a hand on his arm. "Chill out, Dougie. I haven't even touched you yet." That crooked smile and almond eyes beamed up at him coyly, and Fargo's sudden tension eased a little. Claudia snatched the forgotten aluminum can from Fargo's hand and took a long drink.

"You're…How did you…?"

"Get past your security system? Slice of pie." She took a step closer.

"Wha—what about the Warehouse?"

Claudia waved away the concern. "Called Artie and told him I needed another day. The Einstein Bridge is already en route. Pete and Myka will nab it at the airport." Another inch closer.

"Are you sure they won't miss you?"

"Artie wouldn't use so many words. Said something about 'Bismark' under his breath, though. Still seems a little bitter if you ask me." She covered the space between them. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah. Surprised, that's all…. Pleasantly," he added after a pause that felt much longer that it was.

"Douglas, when was the last time you had a girl at your place?"

In this timeline? Who knows? "Well-uh, Julia and I pretty much just fooled around in the lab at GD but…." What was he doing talking about another woman with this flawless nymph standing right in front of him? Open mouth, insert foot. "Let's just say 'Never.'"

Claudia smiled at the frazzled expression he wore. Something about boy-insecurity was so adorable. "Aw, I'm honored," she crooned, straightening his collar. But she didn't let go; instead she pulled her lips up to his abruptly, kissing him firmly.

When they broke for breath, the stunned look on his face remained and her coquettish expression had deepened. "I know it's not exactly a swanky hotel at ComiCon…."

"Fine by me," he replied as realization dawned. A few steps backward and the two tipped over the low arm of the sofa, Fargo back underneath his geek dream, head swimming with euphoria.