When I Saw You
Part One
By Aeris Jade Orion
aerisjade@worldnet.att.net

Rating: R to NC-17
Series: Sequel to The Otherside
Pairings: KW/EC, KW/JT, KW/NL
Beta Reader: Scotty Welles

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Warner Bro's. Jasmine and Nicole thought so there.



She'd never really known what being 'bi' meant, or that there was such a thing. For twenty-three years she'd gone through life confused by her attraction to certain women, at first she'd thought it was because she was gay, but there was this other factor...men.

She wasn't turned off by them, she didn't even find sex with them repulsive, or unsatisfying. She'd even had a male lover during her second year of med school and for the month they'd dated, they'd been unable to keep their hands off each other. Ripping each other's clothes off whenever they were alone together. Hormones raging out of control in a flurry of flesh and mouths. Caressing, stroking, and thrusting with an urgency that had nearly driven her insane with need.

Then, a few days after she broke up with Chris, a new med student had transferred in. Nicole Lieman...blonde, curvy, outgoing Nicole.

The reactions had been instantaneous. Every male within five miles started to drool and pant. Their legs pounding against the floor rapidly, like dogs in heat, and Nicole... she would just smile that gorgeous smile.

Never once did she look at any of the men at the med school with anything other than friendship, those expressive, cool baby blues sliding over them with calm disinterest. She had sat back and watched her new blonde roommate get approached by everyone from a professor to the class hunk, and watched them walk away again when Nicole had smiled that amused grin with dejection.

She'd found her new roommate to be highly intelligent, the blonde reading her easily. Her mask soon faded from existence whenever she was around Nicole. There was no point in keeping it up. Nicole had been able to see right through it from the moment they'd meet, striking up one of the strangest and most full feeling friendships that she'd ever had.

It had been the second week of their friendship that it had happened. They'd stayed up talking and studying, trying to prepare for one of Professor Springfield's infamous tests. She'd found herself staring at Nicole, unsure of herself or what she was feeling. The lush full lips just inches away from her, on the ragged old dorm couch, awakening an instinct unlike anything she'd ever felt before.

Nicole's imploring eyes had met hers in question, sensing both the rising interest in her friend and the confusion. Their lips had barely meet at first, Nicole wanting to give her a chance to say no. There was no real resistance on her part, no real thoughts other than the warm moist lips that caressed her in a way that no man had ever been able to.

The hours seemed so brief to her as they moved to her room and made love for the first of many times. Nicole's infinite patience with her had brought tears to her eyes. The love and care behind each kiss, lick, and stroke more tender than the last until she had found what felt like the first real release she'd ever experienced.

The year passed quickly as they had grown inseparable, and one night Nicole had casually suggested they move off campus and live together. She'd been slightly startled, not because she hadn't considered their future together but by the fact that apparently Nicole had also.

Nicole had thrown her head back, her thick bouncy hair flying back, and laughed that deep, rich, full laugh that made her want to drink it in as wine. "I love you, silly..." Nicole's smile had faded just a little, taking in her insecurity. "You still believe that no one can love you...?"

She'd managed a nervous smile as that familiar glint entered Nicole's mischievous eyes.

Nicole had slowly swayed across their small dorm room, curved hips seeming to have a loud drum rhythm in them. Nicole kneeled in front of her and began to suck on that one spot that always drove her insane. "Then I guess I'll just have to prove it to you..."

She'd given in to her lover with little fight. She'd craved this kind of love for so long, and craved to give it back with equal intensity. Nicole had moved quickly, not giving her chance to change her mind, not that she would.

By the end of the next week they had moved into a small lakeside house. It had been paradise. A time when her problems seemed small and in between. They were just too happy to notice how hard their life was, at least until the day that...the day that Nicole started to have the headaches.

Her lover had brushed it off as migraines. Then there was the hearing loss that came and went, the sharp pain, the high pitched whistling. Nicole had just laughed softly, "You worry too much." But in the end she'd managed to get Nicole to relent and see a doctor.

By the second day they knew what the cause was...the tumor was growing rapidly on one of the nerves in her brain, and it couldn't be operated on unless they could shrink it.

Months of drugs and therapy had left her lover too weak to even get out of bed by herself. Nicole didn't seem to notice, though, simply smiling at her and telling her to have faith, that things would work out the way they were meant to.

The doctors were hopeful, the tumor had shrunk enough for surgery. Dr. Monroe had arranged for the surgery to take place the next morning at Nicole's insistence. She'd tried to argue with her lover, to get her to go in that afternoon, but as always Nicole wouldn't have it. "I want one last night with you before they decide to cut me up."

She'd given in under the pressure of those pleading crystal eyes, which had started to laugh silently, knowing that she'd gotten her way.

Nicole had been strangely quiet that night. "I want you to get on with your life."

She'd been dozing when Nicole had spoken, but hearing the solemn tone she snapped awake. "Nikki, what are you talking about? Everything's fine now."

"Promise me..."

She'd struggled against the tears in her eyes at the desperate voice that pleaded with her. "I promise, but..."

She was stopped by a single, shaking finger against her lips, quickly replaced by the only lips she could ever imagine tasting.

"Goodnight, my heart." Nicole had laid her head against her bare shoulder with a gesture that seemed so final, but she'd passed it off as nerves. She'd passively held the weak, shivering body and fallen into a restless sleep.

That had been 13 years ago, and looking back now, she still wasn't sure what had caused her to wake up suddenly at three in the morning. All she'd known was the cold feeling that had seeped into her heart, and the loud silence that boomed through out their house.

"Nikki, did you hear anything?" Her lover had been a light sleeper, even ill. Waking at the slightest movement or noise, but all she got from her was silence. "Nikki..." She'd turned to the lover spooned against her body, a numbness flooding her soul.

She couldn't remember much about the rest of that night, or the week that followed. It was all a dream to her, even now. The coroner coming to claim Nicky, the funeral.

The funeral had been the hardest on her, watching Nicole's parents stride purposefully into the small church, eyes blazing at her with accusation.They'd taken the news of her involvement with their daughter hard. The deep-seeded bigotry against same-sex relationships being thrown at them with fury.

She'd been too numb to really care about them or their shortcomings, instead staring at the front of the procession with barely registered attention.

The speeches, the prayers, the line of mourners had passed by without her notice. All she knew was Nicole. Nicole had been the only person who'd gotten past her defenses, the only person who'd tried. She'd loved her with every ounce of her being, only to end up losing her. Losing her to death, and not life.

Kerry stared at the photo album, letting the tips of her fingers brush the picture of her dead lover. The year after her death had been the toughest. The little reminders, the scent of her lover that seemed permanently attached to the sheets. It had been hard at first, but she'd survived, just like she always did.

There had even been other lovers, but it would always come to a grinding halt. Mainly because even after all this time she was afraid... Kerry grinned wryly through the steady stream of tears. The cold hearted bitch of the ER, who could stand up to any bastard that crossed his eyes, was scared.

There was a fear lurking in the back of her mind, questioning every lover she took to her bed. Mlungisi, Ellis, Jasmine, and now Elizabeth. Every question had turned up unpleasant answers, leaving her with a broken heart that was left in need of repair time and time again.

Kerry listened to the doorbell, not making any move to answer it. The bell became more insistent as Kerry stiffly stood up, and managed to make it to the door. It occurred to her as she opened the door that it could be Elizabeth but she seriously doubted it.

The surgeon had been in a shocked state the rest of her shift. Elizabeth had barely spoken to anyone, begging off Mark with an excuse of having a headache. There'd been a doubt and confusion in Elizabeth's eyes that had brought back all her memories of her first female lover, Nicole.

She could understand the surgeon being confused, who wouldn't be? A 35-year-old woman who'd spent her entire life straight, and she suddenly finds herself in the arms of a woman. Kerry knew in the end that Elizabeth would stay with Mark, and put any idea about same-sex relationships away.

"Kerry?" Jasmine stared at her. "Can I come in?"

Kerry felt relief sweep through her body, taking in the sight of her ex-lover. She'd forgotten that Jasmine was coming over, and right now she didn't want to face an empty bed while struggling with her emotions.

She reached out and pulled Jasmine to her in a desperate kiss, searching for some sort of comfort, comfort that would get allow her to put her mask back into place.

Jasmine pushed her carefully back inside, slamming the door closed in haste behind them. Her arms held Kerry against her as they started up the stairs. She was going to reclaim her property, and this time she had no intention of letting it go again.



Elizabeth rubbed the back of her neck wearily. She'd been up all night thinking, trying to sort through the turmoil of emotions. She'd never been one to deny any attraction or romantic interest she had, but until three days ago she'd never taken a female lover.

Then there was Mark. She hated to hurt anybody but recently she'd been having doubts about their relationship. Even before this thing with Kerry. Before, she'd never have considered Weaver as a lover, but after the two days they'd spent together, that's all she'd been able to think about.

She was at an impasse in her life, and she had two choices. Either Mark or Kerry. She stared at the petite redhead yelling at Malucci with that civilized voice that sent people running. With grim resolution she knew that she'd already made her choice.

She slowly walked up toward Kerry with a nervous energy. This was it.

Kerry turned to her and smiled brightly. "I was just thinking about you..."

Elizabeth felt relief flood her soul. Kerry wasn't going to have to be convinced of her serenity after all.

"I was, too..."

Elizabeth stopped walking as the familiar voice came from behind her. The raven- haired woman brushed past her and embraced Kerry intimately. Kerry pulled away stiffly, clearly not liking the public display of emotion on Jasmine's part.

"I thought you were on duty," Kerry said with a nervous glance at the front desk to make sure that the others hadn't seen the hug.

"Hmm, Romano decided to push my shift back an hour, so I thought we could have lunch together," Jasmine answered softly.

"Just let me get my coat..." Kerry walked away, carefully avoiding Elizabeth's eyes.

"Romano? Are you the new surgeon?" Elizabeth cut in briskly, unable to hide the flaring jealousy. She recognized this...woman from that video. Kerry had said that they had been over for a couple of months, but from the look of things, they'd made up recently.

"That's right, I'm Dr. Jasmine Tain." The Asian took her hand in a vise grip that let Elizabeth know that she could smell competition. "And you are?"

"Elizabeth Corday." Elizabeth squeezed the hand tightly, forcing a tight smile on her face.

"Oh, so you're Corday." Jasmine flickered her eyes over Corday with obvious disgust. "Kerry told me all about you last night..." She smiled suddenly. "...or should I say early this morning."

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at the woman in front of her, her smile thinning. "Oh? You two have late night out or something?" Elizabeth felt grim pride at how cheerful she'd managed to make her voice.

"Or something..." Jasmine stepped in closer to Elizabeth until their noses touched, and smirked. "It's amazing how...enthusiastic Kerry can be when she's heartbroken."

Elizabeth heard her heart pounding in her ears and tightened her clenched hand around Jasmine's until the sound of her knuckles cracking filled the air.

Jasmine stepped away, letting go of Elizabeth's hand with sudden friendliness. "It's nice to meet you too. County seems like such a friendly place."

"I'm glad to see that you two are getting to know each other." Kerry grinned at Jasmine with approval. "You ready?"

"Always." Jasmine waited until Kerry had her back turned, then shot a deadly look at Elizabeth as she followed Kerry out of the ER.

Elizabeth stared after Jasmine with a quiet rage. They'd made up...but Jasmine had said Kerry had been heartbroken which meant Kerry did want her.

A quiet thrill shot through her as she realized how Kerry must have really felt about her. And how good that made her feel, in turn. Now, if she could just get rid of that annoying bitc--

"Hey, you feeling any better?" Mark's unwelcome voice cut into her thoughts. His concerned smile seeming more strained than normal.

Elizabeth's heart sank again as she turned to him, dreading this conversation. Even though her deepest feelings lay elsewhere, she was still very fond of Mark Greene, and didn't want to hurt him any more than she absolutely had to.

Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Actually, no. We need to talk."



He had been eyeing the new surgeon ever since she'd first walked into the ER, trying to figure out what to do. He was sure he'd seen her someplace before, but he couldn't place where. Then there was her voice, it was so familiar. The only thing was every time he heard it, he could imagine it higher and louder.

"Checking out the new surgeon?"

Malucci jumped slightly at the new voice. "Oh, hey, Dr. Kovac..." Malucci eyed him with sudden inspiration. "What do you know about the new surgeon?"

"Only that she transferred over from Mercy."

"Malucci, if you don't want to leave, you can always work a second shift."

Malucci glanced over at Kerry, seeing that she didn't like how he'd been eyeing up her girlfriend. "I was just going..." He backed away hurriedly, figuring he could always figure out where he knew Jasmine from later.

"I think he likes me," Jasmine commented dryly.

"He likes anything with two legs and a..."

"Kerry..." Jasmine smiled in spite her warning tone. That was one of the things she liked Kerry for, her ability to be blunt and harsh about the truth. "Listen, I'm going have to pass on dinner tonight."

"Why?"

"The reason Jeff let me out of my contract early was because I agreed to pull some shifts over there for the next month." Jasmine stared at the chart in her hand. If Kerry saw her eyes, she'd know right away that she was lying.

"Oh. Well, when do you get off?"

"One." She glanced up at Kerry and smiled. "If you give me your spare key, I can just let myself in."

Kerry smiled warmly. "Only if you promise to wake me up."

Jasmine leaned into her back and whispered something that made Kerry shiver slightly. Kissing the side of her lover's neck, Jasmine glanced up and stared right at a solemn Elizabeth. She had a feeling that the other surgeon would pose a problem, and wanted to make sure she knew exactly who Kerry belonged to.



Dave cracked his blurred eye open angrily. This was the tenth time in two weeks that his next-door neighbor had woken him up. He rolled over and buried his head under a pillow, trying to muffle the sounds of the squeaking mattress and loud moans.

The deep voice was soon joined by another voice that caused Dave's head to pop up, wide awake, his blood turning cold. The mellow voice screaming out in what could only be lust. 'Oh no...'

Dave closed his eyes and reached blinding for the phone. This was serious, and he needed help...



Aeris Jade Orion
AIM: Aeris Jade
ICQ: 51496263
AT&T/Pow-Wow: Jade
Pow-Wow Community: Orion
" This act hasn't been seen in 20 years, and if i'm any judge of talent it will never be seen again."
- Theres no business, like show business