Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice-Commander, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Three Isn’t A Crowd If You Don’t Want It To Be

Posted by Lieutenant Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Three Isn’t A Crowd If You Don’t Want It To Be

Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice-Commander, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Three Isn’t A Crowd If You Don’t Want It To Be
Posted by… suppressed (43) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Tenkiller looked up and said “Run into someone you know?” he asked. He stood and pulled out a chair for each woman and then pushed them in in turn as well. He picked up one of the pretzels, the bacon and cheese one, and then looked at the pair. “So here’s a question that just hit me… what do we do with tha ever popular… um… public displays of affection? Because I tell ya, not kissing you two whenever I want would be a living hell. Hell, I say…” and he grinned and took a bite.

Tenkiller

“It’s lunch near the hospital. Lots of someones.” Yavia said. It wasn’t unusual. The hospital had a wonderful cafe, but getting out in the middle of a long shift was a luxury. Her expression turned mischievous, “They tried to nab Sharah for themselves.”

Sharah rolled her eyes, “Oh stop. They did not. They were being nice because they knew he was waiting for you. You made it quite clear I wasn’t in need of a place to sit.”

Yavia chuckled, “He means it too. The nurses all got a good show our first date. I don’t think he could resist if he tried.” She winked at him, “And if we avoid public displays of affection the other nurses will be so disappointed.”

Yavia

Sharah laughed openly. “Yes....I heard from Shrine, from Jessie, from Ilena, from Elaine, from Jal’na…several times.” She grinned at Yavia, “I don’t know, I mean the thought seems torturous enough. I don’t think I can tell him he can’t kiss me when ever he wants. I mean I would be really disappointed if we went that route.” She took a bite of her pretzel, it wasn’t quite what she was hoping it would be but it was really good anyway. “You know if we do though, that will be more questions asked and answers given or not.”

Sharah

Tenkiller nodded and chewed, then took a drink. “True. And once it happens… there’ll be no goin’ back. And god forbid someone sees me kissn’ V and the next day sees you two making out in a closet at the hospital or sumthin’!” and he grinned at the two of them, knowing that neither would let their personal feelings interfere with their jobs… or at least that they were too smart between them to get caught. “Now THAT would have tongues waggin’ from here to Risa!” and he laughed.

Tenkiller

Sharah choked, and began coughing turning several shades of red, that had nothing to do with the food caught in her throat. She cleared her throat and took a drink. Her reaction got several looks from the tables around them. Luckily for Sharah she had no idea what they were thinking or what they had heard.

Sharah gave Yavia a long look, her gaze traveling over her, and then looked at Charles just as warmly. “Let’s get something straight. My office door locks and I have a very comfortable couch too.”

Sharah

He waited for just the right moment when Sharah was mostly recovered, but still had that slight pink just about to fade away when he said “I’ve been in your office… the desk is pretty sturdy too.” and he smiled and winked at her.

Sharah covered her face with both hands which did nothing to hide how red she turned, not from them and not from the handful of Fleet personnel that walked by and would have said hello but decided not to. That didn’t stop them from listening. Sharah took a deep breath and shook her head and looked at him, “No, you have not. That was the office on the ward. My office is much better.” She actually winked at him.

Sharah

He looked at V and said “And don’t tell me you aren’t thinking about that right now, either.” and then he laughed loudly and didn’t care who heard him.

Tenkiller

Yavia grinned and leaned toward TK. “Oh I am. I most definitely am. I am also thinking that was an invitation to visit her office.” She grinned at Sharah, “How soon do you think we might take her up on that, TK?”

Yavia

He grinned and a foot rubbed Sharah’s leg. “I mean, the hospital is just right there. And none of us have anywhere to be, right? We could definitely go see just how much better Sharah’s office is.” and he laughed. “Although, y’all are the scientific type. If’n we are to do a real comparison, we’d have to try out her office and* the office on the ward. You know… just make sure we have all the right data and such.”

Tenkiller

Yavia chuckled as Sharah shifted in her seat. It was obvious Sharah was trying to decide if she was going to let them call her bluff or go through with it. She pulled off a part of her pretzel and dunked it in the sauce before eating it. “Sure, we can do that.” She looked at him, “You can explain to your boss why all three of us are there on our day off.”

Sharah

He grinned at her and said “Hun… I’m just waiting for the right opportunity to send him a picture of the three of us at home in bed. What makes you think I’d shy away from that discussion?” and he laughed again, but he winked at her to let her know he was kidding. “Comparative surface strength testing can wait, I suppose.” he said finally. “But I’m sure there are a few ears around us right now that are perked up a bit more than usual.” He inclined his head to table near them where two nurses from another ward were whispering excitedly and casting glances in their direction. Tenkiller leaned to the side and smiled at them and said “Afternoon, all. Hope we are entertaining ya.” and he shook his head. One of the two blushed brightly and the other said loudly “I told you they were messing with us!” and she looked back at Tenkiller and said “Sorry, General. She just gets so wound up in the gossip.” Tenkiller grinned and said “Well, thats why we were puttin’ on a show.” and he winked at her. She blushed and then the two got up and hurried away.

Yavia just looked at the two women. They both loved gossip and were really bad for making it up when there was none for them to spread. “Really what did they think we were doing? The three people directly responsible for the health, safety, and care of Harris and Holloway.” Yavia watched them hurry away and raised her voice, “We’re allowed a working lunch too.” And as soon as they were out of sight, Yavia burst out laughing.

Tenkiller looked at Sharah and V and said “You might wanna think about telling your crew. If they hear about it form someone else first? tsk tsk tsk You know Shrine will have your hides.” and he laughed, but more softly.

Tenkiller

Yavia snorted, “I am not afraid of Shrine.”

Sharah almost spit out her drink. “Yes you are.”

“Yeah I am. That’s why I’m moving when she’s on duty.” Yavia laughed.

From behind there was a loud clearing of a throat and Sharah thought she might fall off her chair she started laughing so hard. Yavia looked like a very very naughty child that was caught covered in pie filling and mostly empty pie pan. “And where exactly are you moving to Ms Crockett?” Shrine asked in her most stern, upset, grandmotherly voice.

Yavia

Tenkiller looked up and grinned. He hooked a chair with his foot and dragged it over and gestured to the chair. “Madame Shrine, welcome. And don’t worry… if she doesn’t tell you, I will.”

Tenkiller

Shrine looked at the chair, down to his foot, and then at his still sitting self. “Now see, I thought you were a gentleman young man.”

Shrine crossed her arms and tapped her foot glaring at Yavia, making the woman squirm, before taking a seat. “Now you listen here, Yavia Crockett. I don’t care how well you think you can take care of yourself, or how long you’ve been on your own. This is Oed V and you are a nurse. A d@mn good one. With a big heart and a lot of feeling.” Shrine leaned over and poked a finger at Yavia’s chest. “I know all about you, it gets you into trouble. Our building is just fine, your place is more than big enough, it’s an easy walk from the hospital, well light, the police patrol regularly, and security that doesn’t take nonsense from anyone. Except maybe this one.” She jerked a thumb at Tenkiller.

Yavia opened her mouth several times to answer but Shrine just kept going. Sharah couldn’t stop laughing. “Dr Fayth, I don’t find this funny at all.” Sharah put a hand over her mouth and shook her head. Every good doctor knows you don’t anger your nurses. “Where in the world do you think is a better than the apartment you have?” Yavia opened her mouth to answer but Shrine cut her off again. “No where, that’s where.”

Yavia

Tenkiller cleared his throat and said “Madame, if I may… I have gone with Ms. Crockett to look at the place she is considering moving to. It is quite nice. It will give her ample room to conduct her daily health regimens, and it has a beautiful view. And if it is security you are worried about, I can guarantee you that MD. Crockett will be far safer there than she is at her current residence. And that is not a dig on the building, no not at all. It is simply that the place she is considering is that much better.” He smiled his most dazzling smile and said “I doubt I could design better, actually.” He almost added Its so good even Dr. Fayth is planning to relocate., but he wouldn’t put any more pressure on Sharah than she already felt.

Tenkiller

Sharah thought she would pull a muscle from suppressed laughter. Shrine turned that wise old gaze on him. “Now that is all fine and good, young man, but hardly reassuring. Computerized Security is all fine and good until it breaks. A young woman doesn’t need someone living with her to be safe, but she should know her neighbors. And Yavia works too hard, the only people she knows is through work, and we are all here, near the hospital. And if it has a view that means nature and lots of it. The girl pines for it. That means near the outskirts of the old dome. She is supposed to walk all the way from there or back, especially on late or early shifts, or gods forbid emergency calls? Alone? I think not.”

Again Yavia tried to interject and finally threw her hands up in resignation. “Yavia, dear, I am not your mother…well grandmother but I simply must desuade you of moving.” Tears were streaming down Sharah’s face. Shrine was so sweet. Shrine shook a finger at her, “Sharah Fayth this is not funny. If I had my way you would live near the hospital too, but you being Fleet and all…stop snickering.”

Sharah took a deep breath and wiped her face. “Mama Shrine…” Sharah pointed between Yavia and Tenkiller, including herself in the gesture but Shrine didn’t notice.

“I’m moving in with him.” Yavia blurted out before Shrine could get going again.

Shrine looked back and forth between them. “Oh, good, that is safer.” She got up kissed Yavia on the forehead like a precious grandchild and turned a ferocious look on Tenkiller, “I don’t have to say do I?”

Sharah

Tenkiller stood up. For once he was perfectly serious. He looked the woman dead in the eyes and said, very softly, “Lady, if you even consider thinking that it is necessary to say whats in your head right now, you and I are gonna have words. And for as formidable as you are, don’t think for one second you’d stand a chance. No one is in better hands. And may the gods help anybody who tries to lay a finger on ‘em. You got me?” and he crossed his arms on his chest and looked at Shrine as if daring her to say it.

Tenkiller

Shrine crossed her arms too and stared at him, leaned in really close, her voice the barest whisper, “Good.” She kissed his cheek. Then she turned, her gaze sliding from Sharah to Yavia, “Don’t you make me say it about him either, understand?” She winked before trundling off, and cackled for a whole block back to the hospital.

Yavia sighed, “That woman is too sharp.” Sharah nodded and reached over and tugged his hand. Yavia was right, he was sexy when he was protective.

Yavia

Charles watched her leave and then took his seat. He looked at both V and Sharah and said “Did I just spill the beans? Oh s#!t! Sharah, I’m sorry.” He was genuinely worried he had put her in an uncomfortable spot. “I can ask her not to say anything. Hang on.” and he stood up to go catch up with Shrine.

Tenkiller

Sharah got up and snagged his arm. “It’s okay. Really. Sit down. I’m not sorry, so don’t you be.” She tugged him back to his seat. She took a deep breath, but was grinning. Her voice was quiet, but out of habit and being a private person than anything. The easy way she spoke proved that. “I love you both, and I’m not ashamed of that.”

Charles looked at her and smiled and said “I love you too, Sharah.” and he looked at V. “I love you too, V.”

Yavia looked at them in turn, “I love you, too.” Then there was that wonderful feeling of affection and love from her that filled them both up.

Yavia squeezed his other hand. “Shrine won’t. She will goof off with us but she doesn’t gossip. She will give us hell in private. It’s okay.”

Sharah laughed slightly, “She will, but it’s okay because she genuinely cares.”

Sharah

He took a deep breath and nodded and said “Well… okay then. I won’t sweat it if you two don’t.” He ate the rest if his pretzel and then looked at the two women opposite him. “I am without a doubt the single luckiest guy in the galaxy.” He looked at V and smiled, then Sharah. “I think we should go get everything you two need to live at the house. So that the only thing left is to bring whatever furniture you need or want. What do you say? Wanna go pack and move?”

Tenkiller

Yavia thought it was great. However, she did not want to take Sharah back to that apartment today. Not after they had finally gotten her out yesterday. And not with Sharah’s telepathy on the fritz. That might help or might make things more intense. Plus she could feel Sharah’s excitement to be with them and the apprehension and anxiety over going back. It was obvious on her face too. “Well we are a block from my place. Let’s start there and see how long it takes.”

“Perfect.” He looked at Sharah and said “And if that’s too much, we can just hire movers to pack everything and bring it to the house. You can sort it there, keep what you want, and store or toss the rest. How does that sound?”

It sounded good, but wasn’t feasible. She would still have to go. Security wasn’t going to let movers in, unless it was Ops officers, and there were things she just didn’t want others to see. Not to mention for practicality. “No, I’ll have to go. I have locked files I will have to get, and I’m not letting anyone touch my plants. It will be an all day thing to dig them up and pot them to move.” That at least would ket her put off going back till her next day off.

Yavia stood and cleared away the remnants of their meal, and then led the way down the block toward the apartment building.

Yavia

Tenkiller looked at V and said “Hey hun? Will it all fit in the car? Or do we need a truck or a mobile transporter? I can get us either.”

Tenkiller

“Well let’s get up stairs and talk about that.” Yavia stopped to speak to the guard at the desk and then took the lift up to her floor.

Sharah followed them into the lift and into the apartment. Sharah looked around and wondered if Yavia had any totes to pack in.

Sharah

Yavia sat down on one end of the couch, “Come here.” She turned so she could see both of them. “So here is my thoughts. I don’t need the furniture, and there is no reason to store it. Same for the things in the kitchen and stuff. So there are three options. The first is I clear the space and turn in my keys. And I am fine with that. If either of the other two options make either of you feel I am holding back or not serious or unsure then I get rid of this space.” She reached over and took both their hands, “Because I am absolutely certain and I don’t want either of you to doubt that.”

“The option 2 is I keep it. Shifts can be long and breaks between short and exhausting. Something close to the hospital might be good. Especially when we are on call.” She looked right at Sharah, “And I don’t like the idea of you spending more nights on the couch in your office because you’re over taxed and can’t make it home. You can come here and we can come get you. Option 3, I’ll donate it. We have a lot of families like Fylaza’s that need a place to stay. They could stay here.”

“Either way, it should fit in the car.”

Yavia

Tenkiller shugged and said “Well, getting home isn’t an issue. You both will have a car when you want it. And no, that isn’t me abusing my power at the CCDA. I pay for a private car service. I don’t want the Agency knowing everywhere I go, after all… even though they can track me if they want. So if you are exhausted, you just comm and a car will come pick you up and take you wherever. But I do like the idea of you both having a place to crash outside of the hospital if you only have an hour or so between whatever is going on. I’m also a big fan of the donation idea. I can tell you from first-hand knowledge- we have a ton of refugees coming in now looking for work and shelter. And as the terraforming kicks off and jobs are plentiful, we will have a lot more. I think what we should do, if that is the route we decide on, is fins someone the hospital is hiring from that demographic and give them the apartment. I mean hell… I just finished a background audit on ‘a Cardassian doctor that showed up on a frieghter with nothing. He’d been hiding from the Obsidian Order and the the Cardassian Intelligence Bureau. There are folks I’m sure would fit the bill.”

Tenkiller

Sharah tipped her head and looked at Yavia, then leaned in and kissed her softly. “It’s okay, Luv. If we only have an hour or two my office or the staff bunk rooms are better. If I am that tired I am better off in my office till the car or one of you comes than wandering. Besides I like the idea of you donating the space, and so do you, I can see it on your face. So where do we start?”

Sharah

Yavia touched Sharah’s face briefly, “I just have to make sure you’re okay.” She looked around, slapped her hands to her thighs and stood up. “I think I have some empty duffels in the spare bedroom. If you two will take the bedroom and hall I’ll get what is actually going with me from out here.”

Yavia

Charles smiled wickedly at Sharah and the n looked at V and said “I dunno… last time you sent the two of us to a bedroom, we didn’t come out for a while.” and he laughed. “Come on, hun.” and he took Sharah’s hands and pulled her to her feet. “I promise to keep my hands to myself… for as long as possible, that is.” and he led her to the bedroom by her hand.

Yavia laughed, “I’ll take that chance,” and watched as they left the room together. She started going through the cabinets and drawers pulling out things that were personal and had sentimental value and she wanted to keep them. She wrapped them as necessary and placed them in totes.

Sharah raised her brows and glared at him as he pulled her along, “That is not a promise I want from you.” Then she laughed and then headed for the closet and started folding and packing clothes.

It was over an hour later, but all of V’s clothes and things were out of the bedrooms and packed in various duffle, totes, and some packing crates Tenkiller ‘liberated’ from the basement of the building. He had stacked them in the entry way and few outside in the hallway, generating some looks and questions from V’s soon-to-not-be neighbors.

Tenkiller

The entryway was small so the overflow was necessary. There was a knock on the door and Yavia slipped out the door. It took longer than she expected.

They were finished and Sharah zipped the last duffel of clothes. Looking up as Yavia stepped out the door. She glanced around, and it hit her very suddenly, the return of thoughts and feelings that weren’t hers. It wasn’t anything like normal, quite minimal actually. With no way to block it she was suddenly light headed. “Charles?”

Sharah

He was next to her almost immediately. Truth be told, he had waiting for her to regain her ability. “Hey, love. I’m here.” he said and gently took her arm. ” What can I do?”

Her other hand reached out and wrapped around his other arm. Her head turned slightly like she was listening to something and her gaze was unfocused for a slight moment. “Umm..I…I don’t know.” What could he do tell everyone to stop thinking? That thought was slightly amusing. She closed herbeyes to stop her vision swimming. “I’m…a little…dizzy…um…sit down.” Then maybe she could work on reorienting herself.

Sharah

He led her to the couch and helped her sit, taking a seat on the edge of the cushion next to her. “Came back, huh? You in any pain? Do you need some water?” He was worried, but not worried. They both knew this was coming, and he just gave her the space she needed to adjust. “Ya know, if you just a little on and off switch installed in your head, this problem would be super easy to fix.” he said with a smile. He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Just relax, hun. I’m right here, and V is just outside if you want me to call her.”

Sharah opted to keep her head still. “No…no pain, just dizzy.” The pain would be later. She knew that and there wasn’t a thing she could do about it. Water wouldn’t help, it didn’t hurt either, but she just wanted him to stay there, he felt solid, he seemed to make it easier. Of course she wanted both of them, but she didn’t think it was that bad. Not yet. “She’ll be back.” She sighed, “There is a switch, but it would kill me.”

“Then there isn’t a switch. ‘Cause we ain’t gonna let that happen.” Charles said softly with a gentle hug.

She came back in with a smirk. Curious neighbors but no one she was close to. She looked at Sharah, “I can always get it a little at a time if needs be. Nothing is pressing.”

Yavia

Tenkiller

Tenkiller

Yavia walked over and sat on her other side and gently rubbed her back. She looked at TK, “Let’s get her home.”

Sharah

“A fine idea. ‘Sides, I think you are gonna get swarmed if we stay here much longer. I think the word has gotten out you’re takin’ off.” Tenkiller said with a grin. “You take her down, I’ll start bringin’ down stuff.” He gave Sharah a gentle kiss and then stood up and started getting things ready to move, including calling down to the front for a cargo sled and access to the freight lift.

Tenkiller

Yavia helded her stand and then slipping an arm around Sharah, they went down the lift to the car that was waiting. Sharah thought it was rediculous. There was no good reason she couldn’t help. She felt fine now. Yavia opened the back door and slipped in beside her for a moment. “There is every reason. More importantly you have us now, you don’t have to do this alone. Just take it easy and find your rhythm, yeah? You will be bossing us all around tomorrow. Today, just let us.”

She gave Sharah a squeeze before slippingbout of the car to help load everything into the trunk. Things were much worse as soon as Sharah was alone.

Yavia

It took some time, maybe a half an hour, but the car was finally loaded and Tenkiller only smashed his fingers once. He opened the door for V and then followed her in after. The car began moving, taking the three of them home.

He looked at Sharah and said “How are ya feelin’, hun? What can we do to help, anything?”

Tenkiller

Once they were moving for a few minutes Sharah felt better. She thought it was because she was getting used to it. Plus they were away from those directly thinking about them. So it was more like background noise, and her Range seemed diminished still. A part of her wondered (maybe hoped) that there was some damage to herself that caused any part of this curse…talent…to be diminished.

Sharah had her head on Yavia’s shoulder. “I don’t know. I wish I had something I could tell you.” She really wished she did. Rightvthen all she could feel was them, and that was easier. “I feel okay now.”

“Good.” Charles said as they continued on their way home.

Twenty or so minutes later (lots of traffic), they pulled into the drive and headed down the hill to the door. Charles got out and said “Love, go on inside. I’ll get this stuff in. We need to figure out what we want to do for dinner tonight, too.”

She stubbornly insisted she could help unload the car when they were home. Yavia stubbornly insisted she go sit down.

Sharah

Yavia grinned and gave Sharah a gentle hug. “See he agrees. Go on inside, Sweetheart.”

Sharah glared at Yavia in a very unconvincing way. She moved into the house and plopped down on the couch, but not before she snagged Hope off the table by the window. She sat cross legged on the couch with the pot on her lap and closed her eyes. She let her consciousness drop a few layers…it was harder. She hadn’t considered that maybe she couldn’t do this without the overload. Her senses wouldn’t be sensitive enough. That was okay though, she wouldn’t force it. She knew Hope’s song and began to hum it quietly anyway.

Charles brought in all the bags and crates and put them in Yavia’s private bedroom. Once the car was unloaded, he yelled up the stairs and said “I’m really sweaty, so I’m gonna take a shower. Not an invitation, but also not not an invitation!” He didn’t want Sharah to be overwhelmed any more than she was as she tried to get her equilibrium back.

Tenkiller

Sharah looked up laughed. She stood and returned Hope to the table. She shooed Yavia down the stairs. “Go.”

“Come with me. Or I can stay with you.” Yavia offered.

“Really, Go. You two have done nothing but fuss over me all day. I love you for it, but go give each other some attention. And I will take care of dinner.”

Yavia put her arms around her, watching her eyes. She was worried.

She looked into her bright blue eyes, “I know you’re worried, but we’re home, right? Nothing will happen. Go. And if you two aren’t up here when I’m finished, I will come find you. Go.” And she gave her a gentle shove toward the stairs.

Sharah made her way into the kitchen and began to pull out various items.

Sharah

Sharah turned on the stove to medium low heat and dropped the butter into the pan. She swirled until the pan was coated and placed the first in the pan. She checked and flipped and watched carefully.

Her telepathy had returned enough that Sharah could feel their presences in the house with her, was aware of them, their thoughts, and how they were feeling. Mostly worry and exhaustion.

She removed the first and placed the second. Repeating the process and then rummaging through the kitchen adding snacks to the tray to go along with. Glasses were filled and set on the tray as well.

Sharah was aware of the neighborhood around them, she had been when they drove through and now alone in the house she was acutely aware. It was between removing the second and dropping the third into the pan the noise became significantly louder as her awareness expanded. She had expected it and was working carefully, but again there was that light headedness. She reached out a hand to steady herself and hit hot stove instead of counter.

Sharah ground her teeth to keep from crying, and stuck her hand under the water. After long moments where the last burned in the pan, and some of the lightheadedness subsided, Sharah made her way to her room and her med kit, fixing the burn herself. Returning to the kitchen she threw out the burned food and started the last one again.

Yavia slipped into their bedroom and into the bathroom, slipping her hands around him from behind and placing kisses on his shoulder and neck.

Yavia

A low moan escaped Tenkiller as he let the hot water cascade down on him. He knew it was V from the sound of her footsteps, and he knew that there was only one set of footsteps. He took her hands in his and held her close to him and said “Hey you… she doing ok?”

“She insisted we take time for us instead of worrying about her all day. Said she would take care of dinner.” Yavia sighed, her breath feathering over his skin. “She’s scared, and the anticipation of it is worse. She’s not in pain right now, so that’s good.”

He let the water fall on them in silence for a long time, her arms around him and him holding her hands to his chest. “You make me really happy, V. I wouldn’t change this for all the latinum in the universe.” and he turned in her arms and took her in his. “I love you, V.” and he kissed her.

Tenkiller

Yavia tightened her arms around him, pressed close against his back, warm mental caresses soothed over him, calming and cherishing. He turned and she looked up at him. She kissed him back while the water poured over them. “TK you are the most incredible man I have ever known. I want to always make you happy. I am not sure how we got here so fast but I wouldn’t change it.” Then she kissed him again. “I love you too. Now turn around.” She grabbed the soap and lathered her hands and began to work at his shoulders and neck and then slowly down his back working at soothing tired muscles.

Yavia

His muscles were knotted together, a result of the exerertion of moving and the stress of worrying about Sharah. He put his hands on the wall to keep himself steady as V’s fingers aworked knot after knot. It was as if all of the emotional turmoil of the past two days finally caught up with him, and he suddenly became absolutely exhausted.

“V… you gotta stop or I’m gonna pass out.” he said softly and stood up and turned around. It was clearly visible on his face… he was spent. He smiled a tired smile at her and said “I feel like ten miles ‘a bad road all of a sudden.”

Tenkiller

Yavia stilled her hands and looked up at him. She kissed him softly, “Let me…let me show you how Deltans say ‘I love you.’” She placed both hands over his heart and stared up into his eyes, holding his gaze.

Mere words cannot do justice for the feeling that spread through him. It was warmth and happiness and the pleasure of being where one belongs the feeling of being yourself and knowing the other person is only themselves and the way those in love can wrap and twine about each other. Unique alone but uniquely greater together. It filled and spread to not just him but filled and spread through her as well. There were no words, just the feeling.

Tenkiller closed his eyes and lost himself in the feeling… in her. It was as if he had come after a long trip. It was as if everything simply became the way it was supposed to be.

Then she kissed him softly. “Come on. You need food and sleep.”

Yavia

“I… ya know, I don’t even have a sarcastic retort ta that. I must be tired.” he said and then grinned. “C’mon, let’s go find Sharah.” and he turned off the water and pulled two thick and luxurious towels from the shelves opposite the shower. They were warm. He looked at her and grinned. “If you’re good, I’ll tell you how to turn on the towel warmer.” and he laughed.

Tenkiller

Sharah set the tray on the bedside table and stared at the door. She could feel them in there, and what she felt didn’t bring happiness. They were worried, soul deep tired, spent, haggard even…because of her, for her. Sharah stood perfectly still as it hit her, she let it wash over her. What else could she do. It chipped and stole tiny pieces of her soul. This wasn’t right. They were so easy together, so bright, they were just peace. It was beautiful. They were amazing and she loved them deeply. She was hurting them, and it wasn’t right.

She took a breath and tried to hide it, put it away where they wouldn’t notice and not try to convince her it was okay. So they wouldn’t worry more because it was getting worse. She knew she wouldn’t sleep much, there was no reason for them not to.

There was a slight pressure on her right shoulder. Fleeting… caring… supportive… feminine. Like a hand laid gently on her shoulder telling her You will be okay. Trust them as they trust you. And then it was gone.

Sharah turned quickly looking over her shoulder, the contact had been quite real. There was no one there. At first she thought it might have been Yavia, but then who was the them? Plus Yavia needed line of sight. Sharah listened but the only people in the house were the three of them. Sharah thought maybe is she was just tired. Any other possibilities were unnerving.

Sharah put down three plates with grilled cheese sandwiches on them. Perfectly melted and toasted with the right amount of butter on crsipy bread. And that perfect amount of pull apart melty goodness. Sharah shrugged. “It’s all I know how to make.”

Sharah

With towel wrapped around his waist, Charles came into the room. He looked tired, but the smile on his face was genuine when he saw the tray. “Hell yeah! I love me some grilled cheese!” He walked up to Sharah and put an arm around her waist, pulling her to him and grinning. “But not as much as I love me some you.” and gave her a kiss that rivaled those in the trashy romance novels.

He pulled her in so fast and so tight her breath left her in a rush, and Sharah had absolutely no chance to catch it. All she could do was hold onto him and enjoy it.

Pulling back, he said “If there weren’t fresh grilled cheese, I’d probably be losing this towel right about now.” with a cheeky grin. He sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up a drink and took a healthy sip.

Tenkiller

Sharah blinked at him as her brain started to work again. She was surprised he still had the towel.

Yavia chuckled knowingly at the look on Sharah’s face. “I think she likes it.” She sat down on the bed, tucking her legs under her and took a bite of the sandwich. She closed her eyes with a happy sigh. It was decadent.

Sharah took a small bottle off the tray and then sat down, legs crossed, behind Yavia. She opened it and poured a small amount of fragrant earthy scented oil into her palm and set the bottle aside. Sharah began at the base of her skull where there was a slight headache. Her thumbs gently worked the sore spots and her fingers trailed lazily over the back of Yavia’s scalp. Sharah closed her eyes, feeling where V hurt, where she was tired and exhausted. The oil heated under her hands and soaked deep into the tissue. She worked her way down to Yavia’s left shoulder and using her Empathy and Yavia’s response Sharah knew exactly what touch helped and brought relief and what brought pleasure. Sharah wasn’t interested in the later, not then. She was focused on easing the strain she had caused.

“You didn’t cause anything of the sort. Its been an emotional and intense coupel ‘a days, is all.” Charles said as if Sharah had told him what she was thinking and feeling.

Sharah paused for half a heart beat, her eyes snapping up and watching him for a long moment as she resumed working on Yavia’s shoulders. She’d been thinking it and she was certain she hadn’t spoken into his mind. After that morning she’d promised herself she would do nothing of the sort. “I didn’t say anything.”

Around a bite of sandwich he said “Sure you did. I heard you, love. Plain as day. You said you think that you caused me and V to feel strained. And thats not true. Its all of this. Its… emotional. And I think we all are smart enough ta know that that can take a toll. It just is. Itss not you, hun.”

Yavia sat up a bit and looked at him. Sharah hadn’t said anything. She turned her head to look at Sharah. Sharah shook her head and kept working. She stared at him a long moment, not sure what to say or do. Yavia laughed, “TK she didn’t say anything. We both know she’s thinking it and she’s wrong, and you’re right. But she didn’t say it.”

Yavia moaned quietly as Sharah chased the tension out of her muscles. Sharah seemed to know exactly where she hurt and what felt the best to work it out. Yavia was in awe of the use and skill of Sharah’s gift. She didn’t know many Deltans that were that intense.

Sharah worked her way down between her shoulders, and pushing the towel out of the way she moved down her spine and the tension there. After long moments, Sharah lifted the towel back over and around Yavia’s shoulders to keep the warmth in. Yavia leaned back against her with a deep relaxed sigh. Sharah hugged her lightly. “Eat, luv. Then you can lay down and sleep.”

Yavia sighed and sat up. If the food wasn’t so good she would just fall onto the pillows and sleep.

Yavia

Then taking the bottle she moved over and sat behind Charles, intending to do the same for him.

Sharah

As she reached for him, Charles caught sight of her hand. The burn was gone of course, but the redness from the dermal regenerator remained. He caught her wrist gently and looked at her hand, now covered in oil. He looked up at her and smiled softly. He then leaned in and whispered “No secrets. Remember.” and kissed her cheek softly before turning back to his sandwich.

Tenkiller

He grabbed her wrist and she almost told him she wasn’t going to hurt him, but it wasn’t himself he was worried about. He was staring at her hand where she’d burned it. She started to tell him she wasn’t keeping secrets, but that wasn’t true. It was a minor burn, and she was able to take care of it herself. Nothing to get worried about. It wasn’t the burn, by why she’d gotten burned that she didn’t’ want to tell them. It was like he knew. It was official, Charles was unnerving her. Sharah was really still and her voice, if possible, quieter than his, “I remember.”

He let go of her wrist, but not before kissing the red skin very softly. “When you’re ready…”

She stared at his back a long moment and then picked up the bottle, poured more oil into her palms. Unlike Yavia who was working towards a general overall sense of relaxation, Sharah was precise. Each touch was exactly what was needed for each spot where he held tension, and despite or because of her touch was loving and comforting. She worked slowly and completely, her whole focus on him. When finally the last of the tension left him, she ran the palms of her hands gently over his back. She kissed his shoulder before getting up.

Sharah

“Thats it. Its official. Sharah is the house masseuse.” Charles said as he stretched and then finished his sandwich and laid down on the bed. “This time it is an invitation. Let’s all go to bed.”

Tenkiller

Having finished her food, Yavia had laid back against the pillows and fallen asleep in nothing but her towel.

Yavia