Disclaimer: I own nothing.

A/N: I thought maybe ignoring the idea would make it go away but…set after Lights Camera and Homicidio. I think that was the name of the episode.

As Carlton lay there in the dark he came to the realization that he could still smell her on him after a long day spent together. The smell of peaches filled his nostrils and made him smile.

That night sleep seemed particular hard to grasp, especially when all he could think about was Juliet. The image of her that his mind conjured up was one that left him full of desire. He closed his eyes and all he could see was Juliet, her warm body so close to his. A groan escaped his lips and he opened his eyes hoping to push away the image. And then he thought of the mysteriously seductive Juliet he knew so well and he grinned.

The doorbell rang and Carlton slipped out of bed and walked toward the front door, not bothering to put on pants. He turned on a few lights then opened the door. Wordlessly she stepped inside and looked up at him.

“O’Hara, are you okay?” Carlton asked her. She was not the bright and cheery Juliet he was used to, instead she looked like there was something seriously bothering, something that was tearing her apart.

“We’re friends, right?” Juliet whispered. She lifted her head up and met his eyes, revealing the hurt in them.

“Yes, of course. Are you still torn up about the harassment claim?” Carlton asked her. Juliet shook her head and then ventured further into the house. She headed toward the living room but stopped halfway there.

“Maybe it was nothing and I should just let it go,” Juliet whispered. Carlton shut the front door and then walked up to where she was standing. He pulled her body closer to his, then wrapped his arms tightly around her. Juliet melted into his arms, burying her face in his chest and closing her eyes. He buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply, savoring her sweet scent.

“Juliet,” Carlton said, “something is bothering you, tell me what it is.” Juliet looked up at him. The use of her first name had caught her attention and for a moment all she could do was look at him. She then sat down on the couch, waiting for him to sit down next to her. He did, but he left a large amount of space between them.

“No. It’s nothing,” Juliet insisted. Juliet leaned back into the couch cushions and closed her eyes, wishing that she had not come over to see him. It had been a bad idea but she had still acted on it. She opened her eyes and then moved closer to him. He pulled her body against his and tangled his fingers in her hair. He wondered if she was also finding it difficult to think. All he could think about was her closeness, and how sweet she smelled.

“I’m gonna go,” Juliet whispered trying to untangle her body from his. He wasn’t letting her ago and he could tell this was frustrating her.

“No you’re not. Juliet, it’s two in the morning. Do you really think I’m going to let you drive home?” Carlton asked her. She pulled away from him and cast her eyes to the ground. Eventually she looked back at him, a troubled look in her eyes. She obviously thought that she was some sort of burden for him, but she wasn’t really. He would rather she stayed and not chance her driving home.

Juliet was struggling to keep her eyes open but eventually she stopped fighting the need to stay awake. Juliet laid her head on his chest and then closed her eyes. He smiled, knowing she was asleep. Carlton scooped her up and then carried her back to his bedroom. He slipped her shoes off then pulled the blankets up to her shoulders. He was almost out the door when she whispered his name.

“Carlton, will you stay with me?” Juliet whispered. He nodded and then laid down next to her. He was not sure why she was acting like she was—so weak and needy—but he was not going to say anything to her about it.

Juliet fell asleep almost instantly after winding her arms and legs around him. It was shocking she could even sleep when she looked so…uncomfortable. But Carlton just smiled and closed his eyes. He too was soon asleep. He slept great that night.

END

A/N: So…what do you think?