Me too! Especially being in the body she's in!

Jill

The lighting was low, and the smoke was thick. Why in the world would anyone want to spend a Friday night here? Her ladies night in was looking better and better by the second… especially as she noticed more and more of the ladies here looking at her. Maybe I could go crash the party? Say a quick hello, grab a slice of pizza, then head out. That’d be a Bobby kind of thing to do, right?

Then she saw him. Gabe Haliburton stood two pool tables away, lining up a shot. Suddenly, the smoke didn’t seem so thick, the music wasn’t quite so loud, the sound of pool balls cracking and slamming faded away, as the room seemed to brighten significantly. Here was her chance.

Tara walked up to the pool table and stood beside the handsome agent, who was distracted by the game, still lining up his shot… and conveniently, this gave her a perfectly innocent view of his amazing posterior. She could have fainted right there!

He completed the shot… which was unsuccessful by a mile. One of the balls had skipped off the table, and just barely missed a big, burly biker kind of guy. Tara breathed a sigh of relief. If that monstrous man had turned around, she’d definitely faint! Why am I feeling so weak in the knees all of a sudden? Tara wondered. It’s got to be all the smoke.

It was then that Gabe Haliburton turned around, seeing her for the first time. She tried to fight the grin quickly forming on her lips. Tara, stop! If you start smiling like the Cheshire cat on steroids, what’s he going to think then? Remember, he doesn’t see you as Tara; to him, you’re Bobby.

“Good game,” Tara stammered.

Gabe raised an eyebrow. “I’m horrible. How does that make it a good game?”

“Good for the other player,” Tara corrected. She pointed across the pool table, and he looked just in time to see the woman he’d been playing with win the game.

“You have a point.” He smiled a little bit, then looked confused. “Do I know you or something?”

“I don’t believe so. Special Agent Bobby Manning,” she answered, holding her hand out for him to shake. “I heard about you. The new guy at the FBI. Figured I’d introduce myself.”

He returned the handshake. “Well, then, it’s nice to meet you.” He gestured towards the bar. “Want a drink?”

Tara shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”
*****

Well, it looks like I just may be able to finish this baby up by the deadline! There isn't much of it left to do... I've just got to put it into coherent thought and type it all up!

Anyways, I hope you're enjoying it, and that it isn't tying your brain into too many knots.

Now Tara, don't hit on the guy in Bobby's body, unless you want to give Bobby a whole new reputation

I'll ditto that one, too!!!

Jill

Tara took a sip of her beer, resisting the urge to gag afterwards. She knew Bobby had a cold brew on occasion, and as him, she couldn’t exactly go into a bar and order an apple juice. The best she could do was pretend to drink more than she really was.

“So, how’re you liking DC?” Tara asked Gabe Haliburton, who was now seated beside her.

“It’s great. I’d never actually been here before I took this job. I used to be a police officer.”

“No kidding.”

“Yep. Homicide division.”

“And now you’re in violent crime?”

Gabe nodded, taking a swig of his own beer.

“What was it like, switching to the FBI? Pretty different?”

He shrugged. “I was on a team before with the PD, but the dynamics here are different. It’s kind of like there’s more responsibility, you know? We’ve got wider, arguable jurisdictions here, while back at home we were typically limited to our individual beats. Not to mention I’m dealing with the whole US now,” he explained, stopping to take a drink, “not just my own neighborhood.”

“True.” Tara put her beer to her lips, pretending to drink. She’d never liked the beverage much, preferring a rich red wine to a ‘cold one’ any day. “I think my whole team’s gone a little crazy. It’s like they’re all Valentine-crazy or something.”

“I know what you mean! Sure, all the female attention’s great, but it’s like all they want is to take me home with them, with ‘Valentine’ brandished across my chest. ‘Course, if it wasn’t for the lovey dovey stuff, it’d be more tempting, if ya know what I mean.” Gabe elbowed her in the side with a chuckle.

Tara smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, sure.” She took a quick swig, this time a real one. The beer burned as it went down. She cleared her throat. “So, you meet anyone yet? You know, of the fairer sex?” This is getting so awkward.

“Actually, there was this one woman—Tara something or other—absolutely gorgeous. Well, at least the first time I met her.” He had a new passion in his voice—a strange smile on his lips—almost primitive.

Tara’s eyes narrowed. “Only the first time?”

Gabe shook his head. “I don’t know what it was. The first time I saw her, man! I just about fell over.” He finished his beer with one last swig. “She was so sexy! Seriously, I hadn’t seen anybody like her before. She isn’t supermodel gorgeous, more like that girl next door—wild woman sort of gorgeous. Today, though… no makeup, no nothing. She was almost sort of frumpy.” His voice went flat.

“Frumpy?” Tara could feel her jaw clenching, and fire burn behind her eyes.

“Yeah. But Bobby, my friend, that first time—whoo wee! She was one foxy lady!” He leaned in close, dropping his voice low. “If my wife knew what went through my mind when I looked at Tara, I wouldn’t be sleeping on the couch; I’d be out of the house.” He chuckled deviously. “It’d almost be worth it, though, if Tara and I—you know, got it on. That is, the wild, sexy Tara.”

“Is that so?” she practically roared with anger. She stood to her feet. Grabbing the rest of her beer, she upended it over Gabe’s head, drenching him in the disgusting drink.

“Goodbye, Gabe.” She dropped the empty glass bottle on the countertop, where it shattered. “Woops.” She walked straight out of the bar, not even bothering to look back.
*****

Oh boy ! Tough choice ... wife or sexy Tara ... or both !!!


I'm sure Gabe never saw the beer coming down ... "

“Come on, Tara!” Lucy cajoled, waving the offending article of clothing back and forth, by its hanger. “We did it; now it’s your turn.”

“I said no!” Bobby insisted, crossing his hands across his chest, instantly realizing his mistake. As a man, he couldn’t allow his arms that luxury… it was far too… distracting.

Bobby shook his head, coming back to the present, as he brought his arms down to his sides. “I am not wearing that!” He shook his head, as he looked at the garment, recoiling as though it were a venomous snake ready to bite.

“Tara, is something wrong? You haven’t been yourself all day,” Sue questioned, genuinely concerned.

“Forget this morning! You haven’t been yourself ever since you walked into the bullpen yesterday with your ‘romance here I come’ attitude. What’s the deal?” Lucy interjected.

“Is it so strange for me to not want to wear a hot pink negligee with pompons for accents?! I do not want to look like I have gigantic cotton balls for breasts! It’s… it’s degrading to women.” He nodded, as if trying to solidify his words, mentally reeling from such a feministic speech coming out of his own brain.

Sue and Lucy looked at each other, then back at Tara, appearing utterly bewildered. “Tara, you started this whole thing,” Sue pointed out.

“You’ve always been the goofball of the group! You had to practically twist Sue’s arm to get her into a negligee the first time.” Lucy grabbed a photo album off of the coffee table. “Maybe you had a brain lapse or something.” She opened the large book.

Bobby tried to hold back his surprise. The first photo was of the three women, dressed as elves, only having foregone the felt tipped shoes, pointy ears, and green outfits, they’d gone straight for the lingerie. Clad in red babydolls with jingle bells, spaghetti straps, and matching santa hats, they were Christmas visions to behold. They all looked fun, flirty, and gorgeous, but it was the shorter of the three that caught his eye… there was an extra sparkle in her eyes, and her lips were curled into a mischievous smirk; she was breathtaking. Tara.

As he turned the pages of the album, each one revealed a similar photograph of the three ladies, all dressed in some form of babydoll negligee, whether it be a different style, color, or both. And in each photograph, they all looked amazing, but it was Tara that sought his attention, as though she were calling to him. I’ll never be able to think of her the same way again… or any of them, for that matter. He chuckled to himself, imagining how wild Tara would be at her bachelorette party if she was this wild now. He resisted the Bobby-like urge to smack himself in the forehead, knowing that it wouldn’t help this little ruse. Why in the world was I thinking about Tara’s bachelorette party? She’s not even dating anybody! He sighed. Bobby Manning, you are hopeless.

He looked from the book to Sue, then Lucy. “Alright, let’s do this!”
*****

Trying on lingerie with Lucy and Sue....ok this could seriously lead to something bad! Tara time to interrupt the fun!!!

WHOO-HOO you go girl...boy...girl....whatever!!!

Jill

Only a few more posts to go! Let's see Lizzy make the deadline!!


Tara pressed the tissue to her bleary eyes once again, trying in vain to stop the flowing tears. Crumpling up the used kleenex with her right hand, she reached for another with her left. She blew her runny nose, wishing she had a reason to smile. Somehow, the image of Gabe Haliburton’s beer-drenched hair just wasn’t enough. She cried even harder.


Bobby knocked on his door, waiting for an answer. He chuckled at the irony of his situation. For once in his life, he was locked out of his own apartment.

“Go away,” he heard come from inside. He knew it was Tara from the sound of his voice. Though muffled, it was clear enough for him to realize she had been crying. Pulling a bobby pin out of his hair, he stretched it out and stuck it into the locked doorknob. Within a matter of seconds, the door gave way.

“Tara?” he called into the apartment. He shut the door behind him.


Tara scrunched down deeper into the sofa, hugging her knees to her chest, at the sound of his arrival. She didn’t want to see anyone right now, and she didn’t want anyone to see her in her miserable state. Unfortunately, it looked at though Bobby would burst through that bubble she longed to wallow in—alone.

“I thought I told you to go away,” she told him angrily.

Bobby sat down beside her. “I don’t take direction too easily.” He smiled.

Tara frowned. “Obviously not.”

“What happened?”

“He’s married.” Tara pressed into the couch cushions even farther, arching her back into the pillows, wishing she could just disappear.

“Who’s married?” Bobby asked, confused, but in a strangely soothing tone. Tara never expected to find her own voice so comforting.

Tara tucked her fisted hands underneath her chin. “Gabe Haliburton.” She spat the words out, finally letting her anger be directed at the man who’d shattered her dreams, as easily as she’d shattered that beer bottle.

“You’re sure?”

Tara nodded.

“I never liked him,” Bobby grumbled. “Now I know why.”

“But he was so perfect.”

“Except for being married?” Bobby raised an eyebrow at her.

Tara nodded again, sniffling.

Bobby took her hand. She didn’t fight it. “How’d you learn about Gabe’s wife?”

“At Sammy’s Bar.”

“You went there, alone?” His voice rose, concern motivating his words.

“I was trying to patch things up— to see if I could get him interested again.”

“Oh no.” He looked up to the heavens, then back at Tara. “You didn’t make a move on him, did you? Tara, you do realize how that would…”

“Bobby, I’m not that stupid. I talked to him as you, and no, I didn’t make a pass at him.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good to know.”

Tara huffed a bit, her frustration and disappointment clearly showing. “He told me, thinking I was you, that his wife would kick him out if she knew what he was thinking when he looked at me.”

Bobby pulled Tara closer, holding her to his chest. “I’m sorry.” It was awkward, holding her when she was so much taller than he. And yet, it felt strangely right.

“I guess it’s for the best.” Tara sniffled. “I mean, if he’s that kind of a guy, I don’t need him anyways, right?”

Bobby nodded. “Exactly.” He tightened his arms around her. “You know, it isn’t so easy for me, being you, either.”

“Oh, right, how’d it go with Sue and Lucy?” Tara heartily embraced the chance to change the subject. Wrapped in Bobby’s arms, it was far too easy to lose herself in the comfort he provided, and talking about her love life didn’t help any.

“Well, the pizza was good,” Bobby answered carefully. “But, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to think of any of you the same way ever again.”

Tara shot up, bursting out of his hold, then turned around to face him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Bobby tried unsuccessfully to hide his grin. “I had no idea you three were aspiring lingerie models.”

Tara froze, then flushed a brilliant shade of red. “Oh no.” She leaned forward, letting her head fall against his shoulder, realizing his chest would be a very inconvenient landing point. “I forgot all about that,” she whispered.

Bobby tipped up her chin, smiling. “It’s okay. You looked fantastic.”

Tara sat there—just sat there, watching him… her, whoever Bobby was.

Suddenly, she pulled away again, this time leaving the couch altogether. She stood in the middle of the living room floor, pacing.

“This is just too weird, Bobby,” Tara rattled on. “What you’re saying is great, but coming from you, I mean me, I mean whoever you are…. it’s driving me crazy! I don’t know how much longer I can take this, and I don’t know how you can!” She turned, staring at him. “We’ve got to figure out how to end this.” She stared down at the floor. “Then maybe… maybe I can make sense of how I feel.”

Bobby stood slowly, then made his way over to Tara at an easy pace. “It’s hard for me, too,” he whispered. “To know you want something, and be trapped—literally—in a place where you can’t have what you want… what you need.” He took her hand. “I don’t know what caused this; maybe we never will. I just know that being you today has made me realize how much I didn’t understand you… and how much I want to.”

Tara stared up at him. “Really?”

“Really.” He took a deep breath. “Tara, it’s made me realize how I really care for you—it’s different than I thought I did. I thought you were a great friend, a coworker, a chum. But, as the day’s gone on, I’ve realized that I want more, and I feel so much more.

They locked fingers. “Uh huh,” Tara breathed.

“I watched you go after Gabe Haliburton, and while I didn’t know he was married, I could tell he was bad news. Then you and I, we’d fight, and my pride was hurt…”

“Mine too,” Tara added, smiling a bit.

“I guess we’ve both learned quite a bit today.”

“We have.”

They stared at each other for a long, silent moment.

“So, where do we go from here?” Tara asked, mid-yawn.

“Well, sheila, I suggest you get some sleep, then when you wake up, I can tell you all about how much I love you, seeing as how I’d hate to have you fall asleep while I’m…”

“Love me?” Tara echoed, startled.

Bobby reached up to stroke her cheek. “Yes, I love you. I really, really do.”

Before he could continue, Tara tugged him into an embrace, finding it very simple to do, with his small frame easily fitting against hers. “As weird as this is,” she told him from where her lips rested against the top of his head, “it’s right.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”
*****

I couldn't agree more, either!!

Jill

Okay, only one more post after this. You all are fortunate! I can't afford to leave you in suspense tonight. haha! Enjoy!

And do keep in mind, this is all off the top of my head.


A/N: I really don’t know Bobby’s eye color, so I’m making it up!

The sun rose upon a sleeping couple, crowded together on an average-sized sofa. Arms and legs were tangled together, resembling more of a wild grape vine than two human bodies. Slowly they awoke, one before the other, squinting at the brightness of the sun.

It took a moment for their situation to register with Bobby, as he stretched his arms—long, muscular arms. His arms!

“Tara!” he whispered fiercely. “Tara!”

She rolled onto her side, gripping him tighter in the process.

Bobby grinned. “Wake up, love,” he whispered in her ear.

Tara smiled, swatting at Bobby’s cheek. As her fingers made contact with the rough stubble on his chin, she froze. “It’s you.” She opened her eyes, looking up into his handsome, hazel ones.

“And you’re you,” Bobby replied.

Tara stretched luxuriously, looking up at him, grinning the whole time. “It’s good to be me.” She laughed melodiously, her voice slightly raspy.

“I feel the same way!” He slipped a strong hand underneath her, and gently lifted her up into a seated position. Tara stole her arms around him, then buried her face in his neck. “I love you, Bobby.”

He stroked her cheek. “You, too, luv,” he returned, gazing at her.

Tara looked up at him, brushing his chin with her forefinger, then dared to follow its trail with her lips. She laughed a little. “You’re adorable in the morning, you know.”

“Of course I am,” he retorted cheekily. He dropped a gentle kiss on her nose. “I’m adorable, and you’re cute.” He kissed her forehead.

Tara pulled away. “Cute?” She wrinkled her nose. “You make me sound like a second grader.”

“Well, you’re a very sexy, gorgeous, lovable, breathtaking second grader.” He brushed her lips with his own, teasing her.

“I can live with that,” she replied, breathlessly.

He couldn’t take it anymore. He’d meant to tease her, but succeeded in torturing himself, too. Leaning down, he kissed her, with all that was in him. He tried to remain gentle, but couldn’t help himself. He longed to ravish her, to plunder her mouth, to take her as his own, to show her all that he felt about her, without going beyond this simple show of affection. He wanted it all, and was surprised when Tara met him at his pace, never lagging, never racing. It was a perfect match.

Gently, he caressed her mouth, then suddenly, he took it with force. Passion, love, excitement, lust, anticipation, satisfaction: they were all there. He loved her; that was certain. And she loved him. They loved each other in every way--mind, heart, body, and soul.

It was destined; it was ordained; it was meant to be. With each caress, each touch, each brush and each skim, they knew it with more and more certainty. No one else could ever be better.
*****

Epilogue

Tara and Bobby quietly entered the hospital room. It’d been a week since Patrick McDuff had been found with a gunshot wound to his neck. He was awake now, and he was ready to talk.

“Hi,” Bobby said to the young man, announcing their arrival.

Patrick turned his head so he could see the agents. Tears immediately welled up in his eyes. “I shouldn’t be here.”

Tara and Bobby exchanged a look. “What do you mean, Patrick?” she inquired.

“I mean I broke my promise to Amelia.” He swallowed heavily as he cried. “We made a pact. We both knew it was over, whether we lived or died. There was nothing left for us here. She had no way out: the drugs, the sex, the exploitation. She didn’t want any of it; she was trapped. It was the only way out.” He took a long, steadying breath. “But she was scared. I told her I’d do it, too. There wasn’t anything left for me here: nothing. Nobody liked my music, my father had all the fame; there was nothing left for me. I had nowhere left to go.”

“Why didn’t you jump with Amelia, then?” Bobby asked carefully.

“She made me promise to wait long enough to see her through it, and then to make sure her parents would be alright. You might think it was selfish for her to take her life, but she was doing herself a favor; and I would be here to look after her family, until it was time for me to go, too.”

“And that’s why you tried to shoot yourself?” Tara double checked.

Patrick nodded. “I knew that Amelia’s family would make it. I felt empty; I knew it was time. I needed her; I still do. And I’m still here, alive. I’m not supposed to be here. I need to be with her.” Fresh tears made their way down his cheeks.

“Are you willing to make a statement to this effect?” Bobby questioned. Patrick nodded again, letting the tears fall unchecked.

“It’s the truth.”

“We know,” Tara assured him. “Patrick, you’re not alone.”

“We’ll give you some time to yourself before we come back,” Bobby added.

Patrick didn’t respond—only turned his head back towards the window. He stared out into the outdoor expanse, lifeless in an living body.

The agents knew the course that would follow: medicinal drug rehabilitation, heavy counseling and psychoanalysis, the works. Someday, there would be a point when Patrick would have to decide if life was worth the effort, as everyone has to decide. Some people’s decisions are more difficult than others; some are more dramatic. But they are all significant, whether the choice decided upon is to live life to the fullest, trying to understand one another; to love, and live life through that new venture; or merely to survive.
*****





Okay, I know it got a little preachy at the end, but I wasn’t sure how to tie this thing off, and I needed to because it’s getting very close to the deadline. I hope you enjoyed it, and found it more amusing than confusing. Thanks for reading it and supporting me!

Liz

P.S.- Happy Valentine's Day!

I am glad, Bobby and Tara exchanged their bodies back and I am so happy they realised they love each other

People can do very strange things because of love... and sometimes is good to have friend who helps you to understand what is rational and what not...

Thank you for sharing this story with us! No confusing parts, don't worry!


Restie

I adored playing catch up this morning, the posts were brilliant. I loved the way Tara found out about Gabe. The lingerie party was hilarious! The way Tara and Bobby exchanged bodies at the end was perfect. I've thoroughly enjoyed this ride, Lizzie, the mix of humour as well as the tense and emotional back story was excellent.

for sharing.

Sairs

Yeah, Lizzy! You did it!!! Wonderful job, girl.

Loved the fuzzies between Bobby and Tara. What a wake up scene! No pun intended!

Glad you pulled it all together in the end, too!

Jill

wonderful!! they finally understand eachother and so they could switch back again!!
I loved the lingerie's photos!!
brilliant story!

That was perfect Lizzy.


Bobby and Tara were a perfect match!


Thanks for the wild adventure!

Reading it from start to finish, I don't think I ever stopped laughing!! The message at the end was so true. I loved the whole story!!

I caught up and I loved it. The whole storyline was so novel. And Tara/Bobby going into the bar and eyeing Gabe! I could see Bobby doing that -- constantly correcting the feminine gestures -- and then to end the evening by pouring a beer over Gabe's head -- that is such a female thing to do!!! Loved it. You are tres brilliant, girl!
Write more soon (plllleeeeaaaaasssseeeee)
kav

Lizzy, I just caught up on your story again!! What a tale!!! I love it!!!

As confusing as it was every once in a while, it was quite a romp!! I love the way they switched back after figuring out that they loved each other! And, you can't say that going forward they don't know each other better than most people!!!

And Gabe was a jerk anyway, so I'm glad that didn't work out!!

And the story of Patrick and Amelia was very touching and sad!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

Hey, Lizzy! Took me two days of mad reading but I made it through the mayhim and mayher of the not so freaky Friday switch...man, I thought keeping my details was stressful. Keeping track of who is who in bodies? You go, girl. It was funny and heartwarming, as both learned about different things from male and female perspectives...whew! The mind was boggled and now...you did dang good. Me likey.