Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice-Commander, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Every Night is Date Night

Posted by Lieutenant Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Every Night is Date Night

Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice-Commander, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Every Night is Date Night
Posted by… suppressed (36) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Every night was date night. That was what she and TK had agreed. One or both of them would spend Sharah’s off hours with her. They would keep it up until Sharah could maintain on her own. Yavia had thought it was just a matter of a broken heart, at first, but then Sharah had gone to the speak-easy with tem. The severity of her despondency and the shadows clinging cruelly to her soul (Yavia didn’t know how else to describe what she was feeling from Sharah) made Yavia worry. She wasn’t a woman to idly worry. She had asked Ilena about it. Ilena only said that it probably had to do with Sharah’s medical condition. As if Sharah was sick, ill, chronic, and it was just a bad day. Yavia wouldn’t accept that.

Yavia was self-aware enough to know she had strong feelings for Sharah, even in love ith her. It was hard not to be. Especially watching her day after day give her all to everyone else around her and then give more. Then Sharah had stumbled onto her picnic with TK. She had learned more about the dazzling raven haired woman, and so much more ab the man she had fallen so quickly for.

So today was the first evening it would be just her and Sharah, and every night was date night. So Yavia made her way from the security wing up to the fourth loor, at the end of her shift and knocked lightly. She knew Sharah could feel her presence on the other side of the door.

Sharah looked up from her console long before Yavia knocked. Lines of worry and strain eased on her face. The last months had been dark and more lonely than she had ever been. She had experienced, up-close and starkly personal, the very real torment that was said to have driven those before her insane and to desperate decisions. She had almost given in to the need to escape dark sinister monster that chased and tormented her every waking and sleeping moment. She had managed to refuse to give in. Sh ‘woke’ from the torment, staring at a hypo dialed to a dangerous dosage. It ahd frightened her enough to seek help.

Life had only seemed darker and that she no longer had the energy or strength to keep fighting, since. Markus leaving with no word, no explanation had broken her heart, but broken hearts healed. But the chaos left n the wake of the protest was worse. Her control was slipping away. She had done this horrible thing, and she couldn’t control it. Now that the strength of her illness had been tapped, it refused to be locked away again. The noise was worse, the storm battered her, tore pieces of her away. She had een given a beautiful reprieve from the governor in the form of the cave. at first, sharah had thought that the time had helped her regain some balance. For a time it had, and maybe if the visit had been longer it would have made a long term difference. After a couple of days though, Sharah knew she could never manage alone, but she was alone. So Sharah had determined that all she could do was work and help as many people as she could until…well, until the inevitable happened.

Yavia knocked softly on her office door Her presence was a welcome light, fresh air, and warmth. Things had changed. Sharah had known that she shouldn’t be alone in her quarters. The darkness and despondency overwhelmed and each day, each moment she spent there was another moment closer to finality. Work was denied her, and it felt like all she had. She had given her word, though, to Korczak to not work over, to do something else. To let herself try. So she went for walks, anywhere, as long as it wasn’t home. Somehow she had encountered Charles Tenkiller and Yavia, and things changed. He had quite literally dragged her into their lives, right into the middle of it and declared she belonged there. Sharah wasn’t so sure of that, but they didn’t give her time to doubt, to dwell in the darkness. Only to be confused. Confusion wasn’t a bad thing.

Sharah pressed the button to unlock and open the door. Her mind slid warmly against Yavia’s as she entered. The sensation of being hugged made her smile. There was such acceptance in the contact. It was so foreign a feeling it left her flustered. “I still have charts to finish.” It couldn’t be the end of her shift already could it?

The door closed behind Yavia as she stepped into the office. She made her way over to the desk and around to the side. She half sat, half leaned on the edge. “Hey there, Sweetheart.” She reached over and tucked a loose tendril behind Sharah’s ear. The blush that rushed her cheeks made Yavia grin, made her want to kiss Sharah. She didn’t, but she did share that desire with her. “Well, I’ll give you the last 20 minutes of your shift to finish those files. Then,” she let her eyes wander slowly over Sharah, along with her imagination, “you’re all mine.”

She stood and sauntered over o the couch and made quite the show of testing out how comfortable it was. She was out-right teasing Sharah, and calling her bluff about her couch and locking office door.

Sharah was totally distracted, “Yavia, Luv, if you want me to be finished in 20 minutes, stop distracting me.”

“Oh, alright. I’ll behave, for now.” Yavia laid back, closed her eyes and took a nap.

Sharah wasn’t fooled at all, but at least Yavia was exuding a tangible calm. Twenty minutes later, Sharah was still working and showed no signs of stopping. She was engrossed and focused on her work. Determined to not leave any work for the next day.

At exactly twenty minutes, Yavia opened her eyes and looked at Sharah. she still had patient files on her desk, and Yavia could feel the concern and analysis focused on each case. Yavi gave her the time to finis. She knew if Sharah didn’t, her mind would be on them all night. When her feelings became frustrated, Yavia got up and peeked at the PaDD in Sharah’s hand, and then gently took it. “Administrative paperwork can wait until tomorrow. Time to logout and sign off. You were off duty forty-five minutes ago.”

“But I don’t want to do it tomorrow,” Sharah reached lazily for the PaDD. “I want to chuck it at the wall. Fleet supplies, civilian supplies, who used what and how much. Who cares as long as it helps?”

“You’re frustrated and cranky. Come on, sign out.” Yavia moved behind her char and, once Sharah had logged out, she began to rub and ease the tension from Sharah’s shoulders. “You work too hard every day. You can’t give everything, Sweetheart. Save some for you, or there is nothing left for tomorrow.” She leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her neck. “Now, it’s date night, and I know you keep a change of clothes. So get changed and meet me outside. Chop-chop, the car is waiting. Don’t amek me come back in here after you.” Yavia winked and disappeared out the office door.

Yavia

Sharah let out a soft low moan as Yavia’s hands went to work. Her shoulders were like a brick wall. She hated and loved how Yavia and Charles both sounded like Korczak. Ugh! That reminded her. She needed to work on the assignment he had given her. She wasn’t sure how much she wanted to share with him. She was a dutiful patient though and so she knew she would tell him.

She sighed as Yavia’s affection and playfulness seemed to dance through her. It wasn’t until the door closed that Sharah realized Yavia had already changed into a lovely rich purple peasant blouse over stone washed jeans. Sharah had no doubt that if Yavia decided she had to come back, the nurses would have no end of things to talk about. Sharah looked at what was in her small closet and changed into an ankle length, pale pink dress. She hurried out of her office to the lift and outside. The car was easy to spot. Sharah felt strange using it. She had always walked where she needed to go, but Yavia and Charles insisted. It seemed such a luxury. She nodded to the driver ad slipped into the back seat.

Sharah

The car pulled away from the hospital and moved with the traffic. Yavia put an arm around Sharah and leaned in pressing her lips gently against Sharah’s. The touch was gentle, but the shared sensations were vibrant and moving. They lingered and filled them with warmth. Yavia’s arms settled around her when she slowly pulled back. her smile was soft but playful. “I have wanted to do that all day.” The car pulled to a stop, and she help up a hand. “This isn’t our destination. We could have walked here, but we would still be taking the car. Now, you sit back and relax. Just float for awhile I will be right back.” Yavia gave her a warm squeeze and slipped out of the car.

Sarah’s expression was marked by a small but brilliant smile. Rest, a nap, sounded wonderful, but not out and about, alone in a car. She could sleep later if she could. She watched Yavia slip through the crowd, and and then she put her head back, closed her eyes, and let her mind float and surf about on the noise.

Yavia entered the bistro and waited at the counter for the young man to collect her order. Yavia diligently checked it before ensuring the payment and tip processed. It took longer than it should. The poor young man fumbled with the credit chips and console. Yavia game him a lovely, but distracted smile, “Be at ease. Calm yourself.” The flustered cler licked his lips and nodded, finally finishing her transaction. Yavia shouldered the insulated bag and returned to the car.

The car continued after Yavia slipped back into the car. Sharah looked delicate and pale. Yavia set a hand over hers and gave a squeeze. Reassurance without disturbing her. 20 minutes later (lots of traffic) the car turned into the drive and around to the back of the house. “We’re home, Sweetheart. Come on.” She tugged Sharah’s hand and slid out of the car. The driver left, they wouldn’t need him again today. Yavia grabbed another bag from inside the door and closed it. “The other night, you were…out of sorts. You left. You went into the trees. Where were you going?” Yavia slipped her arm around Sharah’s waist and held her close, and stared into the fathomless depths of her black eyes, “Show me?”

Sharah stared back at Yavia not quite meeting her gaze. “I don’t know, not exactly. I just listen until I find something that feels right. I was just,” Sharah looked past Yavia’s shoulder toward the trees. “I just look for something that might be loud enough.” Yavia’s raised, curious brows drew her attention back. “Loud enough to focus on. To let everything else become background noise.” Sharah hated listening to others. Yavia and Charles said they didn’t care, but Sharah did. They weren’t afraid, Sharah was. Yavia squeezed her around the waist again and then nodded toward the trees. Sharah slipped away heading in the direction Charles had found her. she hadn’t been paying attention with ehr eyes, just her feelings. She paused a little way into the tree line, it didn’t look overly familiar, but then it had been dark. “I…I don’t know.”

Yavia followed her into the tree line. When she paused and said she didn’t know, Yavia had to resist the urge to pull Sharah in for a tight hug. “Why don’t you just listen? Like you said you were doing? What were you listening to…or for?” She wasn’t quite sure to what Sharah had been listening, but her question sent a wave of uncertainty and embarrassment cascading off of Sharah. “Sweetheart,” Yavia reached for her hand, “Don’t be embarrassed or upset, whatever it is. If you don’t want to do this, we can go back to the house. I thought, if we could find your spot, the place you needed to help with the storms.” Yavia shrugged, suddenly a little unsure, ‘then if you needed to go there, TK and I would know where to find you. None of us would have to worry.‘

Yavia

Sharah didn’t look at her, but warmth flooded Yavia, and a tentative happiness. That understanding, her encouragement and acceptance meant everything to Sharah. Sharah closed her eyes and allowed her consciousness to drop to a place of pure feeling ad instinct. She let herself listen to the music. After a few quiet moments, Sharah lace her fingers through Yavia’s and began to walk deeper into the trees. Sharah walked for about twenty minutes, but they didn’t go far. Sharah stopped several time to listen and feel the music, the symphony. Listening to find a spot where the music took her focus. Finally, she stopped. “Here, I like this spot.” Nothing on Oed was old, but the growth here was wilder and extremely varied. The symphony was vibrant.

Sharah

“Okay.” Yavia reached into the second bag and pulled out an outdoor picnic blanket. It would protect Sharah from the damp and cold on the ground. Yavia shook it out and laid it on the ground. “There, sit, relax.” She settled on the blanket next to her and opened the other bag. “Are you hungry?”

Sharah sat on the blanket, her fingers found the dirt past the edge. There were trees here. They had been helped to grow, so they could provide cover and shade. They were still young, as trees went, but strong and happy. There were bushes and vines, moss and some hearty flowers attempting to grow amongst the roots. Sharah studied them all. They came from planets all over the quadrant. Under natural circumstances they would never grow and survive together. They did here, on OED. Just like the people. Just like her and Yavia and Charles. That thought made her smile. She turned her attention to Yavia and all the stuff she was pulling out. sharah wasn’t overly hungry. She wasn’t much these days. She understood it was her emotional state, and she also knew it concerned Yavia. Sharah knew if she was her own patient she would be concerned. She recognized and accepted that saying she would stay, meant allowing them both to care for and help her. Even, or especially when she found it hard to let them. She did not resent them for wanting to help her, she did not resent their efforts even if it was hard to accept. She raised her brows at the comical amount of food Yavia set out. “I can eat, but Yavia, I can’t eat that much. Are you trying to compete with Charles’ ma?”

Yavia laughed quietly as she looked at the amount of food. “Maybe. I wasn’t sure what all you would be in the mood for.” She opened containers of fruit, pasta salads, soup, toasted sandwiches, and more. She had water and juice as well. She piled several things on a plate for herself after handing Sharah her own plate to choose what she wanted. Yavia ate for a momen. Sharah coul feel her curiosity and hear the questions jostling around in her head. She didn’t want to push sharah before she was ready. She also wanted to understand, to know more about Sharah’s condition and, well, everything, so she could help her. Even in small ways. She smiled sharing warmth when she felt Sharah’s mind brush against hers. “What do you do when come out here? What are you listening to? How does it help?”

Sharah put down the sandwich she had chosen and looked around. It was not a clearing, so much as a large burrow. It was hidden, and secluded, and small. Her gaze returned to Yavia, her eyes locking on her. Trust, no secretes, no hiding. “Did you know that plants have feelings? That they communicate, form emotional and social connections?” She watched Yavia contemplate the idea, trying to wrap her head around the idea, and feeling guilty for wondering if Sharah was hallucinating. “Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s true. There are very old studies that observed that plants communicate through releasing chemicals into the soil. Carnivorous plants have been studied for their hunting instincts and personalities. For centuries it was been observed and science fair projects conducted on how talking to plants help them grow. Not just for species that breathe out CO2. Playing music even seems to affect them. Betazed has a vine that the owner can communicate with. These are not flukes. They are just evolved differently. Plants feel on a much more primal level than we do.”

Sharah reached out and placed her hand over an exposed section of root. “We often equate primal with violence and lack of control, and it’s not. it is basic and instinctual, and strong, but not necessarily violen.t Thought it can be. Deltans have a hundred words for different types of love. Plants have one level of love, on for fear, one for sadness, one for happiness. It is simple, but it is powerful. They don’t have thoughts like we do. I feel it, I hear it as music. If I allow myself to let go of the complications of our emotions and thoughts I can listen to them.”

Yavia listened and it made sense. There were species of plants that were considered sentient, that had evolved much like humanoid species. Why not? Animals that were non-sentient had instincts and basic emotions and even the ability to problem solve. Plants were alive, so why not. “How? How did you learn to hear it? Or…when did you realize?” With everything Sharah could feel and hear, how had she learned to recognize them? There was an intensity to Shara as she spoke, tried to explain, to convince Yavia she wasn’t delusional. Yavia got the impressio that this was one of Sharah’s most valuable secrets. This meant a lot to her.

Sharah picked at her bread, eating small bites. “I believe that I must have always heard them. Their voices were just lost in the millions of minds of Betazed.” She picked a piece of fruti from her plate and ate it. “When I was 8 my parents took me to Vulcan to study. They thought the masters could help me where our own experts could not. Iwas a very confused and reactionary child. I was afraid and didn’t want to go. the ship left orbit and went to warp immediately. Iran away. They had sent a security guard to escort, in case I got out of hand. Now I believe it was moving away from the noise of the planet that allowed me to notice the music and once noticed, Ihad to listen.”

Sharah proceeded to tell Yavia about that very first time she had met Olly. “So he taught me how to take care of his plants and how to use those impressions and notes to take better care of them.”

Yavia was silent for a long time. She had long since set her plate down. There was so much that made sense to her now. The story pulled to the forefront Sharah’s emotions, and perceptions from her childhood. The confusion, pain, loneliness, and fear. Her intense attachment to her brother. “That plant…that Olly gave you. That’s Hope. That’s why she’s so important to you.” Yavia stared at her. Love and heartache washed over them both. Yavia moved over beside her, taking her love into her arms, letting Sharah rest against her. “He is also why you love natural medicine. You…you were trying to find a cure, weren’t you?” Yavia lifted Sharah’s chin so she could look into her eyes. “Sharah…listen to me. I need you to really listen to me. You. Are. Not. Sick. You haven’t found a cure because there is nothing to cure. The effect on you is rough, but I have to agree with Olly. Betazed and everyone there is wrong. The symptoms are like someone with super sensitive hearing. IT is painful and confusing, but can be managed d eased if we are careful and pay attention. There is nothing wrong with you.” Yavia’s fingers tunneled gently into her curls, leaned forward brushing her lips softly, warmly against Sharah’s lips. She tasted tears and pulled the petite woman tighter, more fully to her.

She held Sharah for a long time, letting that scared, lonely little girl remember what it was like to have someone who didn’t care, who wasn’t afraid. “You believed Olly. Why can’t you believe us?” She kissed her again, gently, pouring Love, Acceptance, and Understanding into it. Not giving Sharah a chance to feel anything else.

Sharah was so tired of crying, but Yavia was so incredibly gentle, purely sincere, and blazingly protective. Sharah held onto her, cling to the life line she offered. She took a soft breath, sniffing softly. “Because it’s scary, and what if I hurt you? What if I hurt Charles? It’s not so simple as believing and trusting you. I don’t trust me.” She placed a gentle hand over Yavia’s lips, but her thoughts came through clearly to Sharah. “And if you change your minds?” Sharah sighed and pulled away, but Yavia wasn’t having it. “Yes, it is a selfish thought. You can’t tell me you won’t ever change your mind. We don’t know the future…”

That was enough of that train of thought. Yavia kissed her. All encompassing, total, a feast for the senses. She let her hands roam as she drank Sharah in. Any dark thoughts were chased away by Yavia’s own feelings. She kissed her until Sharah was confused and quieted. “Be scared, Sweetheart, it’s okay. Just so you know, TK and I are more stubborn than your fear. And there is no where more safe than with him, and no where more accepting than with both of us.” She kissed the top of her head. “And you know it. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here with us. So we will just have to keep reminding you. And before you think it, no we won’t get tired of reminding you. We will never get tired of reminding you of how much we love you.” She held her tightly, gently rubbing her hand up and down Sharah’s back. “Now, listen to the music. Let it drown the noise for awhile. I will be right here.”

Sharah curled against Yavia, catching her breath and tryin to get her brain to start working again. Except things were easier when shee didn’t think too much. Talking about Olly made her sad. she hadn’t heard from him in a long time. That wasn’t unusual. He got caught up in his projects ad studies, forgot to write. Seh always wrote to him anyway. She missed Andrew and her parents. She sat up a little and kissed her. Then she leaned back against the trunk of the tree and closed her eyes. Her fingers dug into the dirt, down to where it was moist, like hr fingers were her won roots. The music was chaotic. None of them fit together, or so it seemed at first. Sharah listened to each melody, each feeling. She followed each until she knew which song went with which plant and she hummed along with each. Until she blended with each one and knew their moods. Then slowly, she heard how they fit together in their chaos. She laughed suddenly, and went quiet and still, letting the wild and wonderful chaos tell her their story, how they fit and survived together.

Yavia watched the light dapple across Sharah’s face and hair. She was stunning. The lines o strain that had returned with her gifts, eased and made her look younger. She watched as Sharah’s expression flitted and changed. Yavi almost panicked as Sharah’s presence almost disappeared from her senses. She put a hand on her arm, the connection between them making it easier, and Yavia let out a breath. Sharah had said the plants were more instinctual, baser, primal. With the touch, Yavia could fee it, within Sharah, and it was very clear. She was happy and peaceful. Every so often, Sharah would begin humming. Each time a different tune.

Yavia sat back and ate her food eventually laying back on the blanket, watching the light and shadow dance, listening to the wind and life around them. And feeling Sharah and now that Yavia knew what to listen for, the utter peace flowing off of Sharah. Yaia didn’t rush her. She left her to her meditations. She laid on her side and simply watched her. She had never herd of anyone being able to do what Sharah was doing. She would not trade it for anything, she didn’t have to understand or be able o share. The peaceful look on her girlfriend’s face was all that mattered.

Yavia

Sharah had never spent that much time lost to the music. When she surfaced it was much darker under the trees. The temperature had begun to cool as well. She took in a deep sigh, her obsidian gaze meeting Yavia’s sapphire one. She flushed softly and started to apologize when Yavia’s finger tips touched her lips. Hours of conversation passed between them in minutes. Yavia pulled her down nest to her and pulled another blanket over them. Sharah smiled hearing the questions in Yavia’s mind. “I do like this spot. I do feel better. Thank you…for doing this with me. Most people think it’s strange.” The truth was sharah even thought it was weird. She didn’t know anyone else that could do what she did.

Sharah laid on her back staring up at the darkening sky. Yavia was a soothing balm that let the peace she felt from fading. Sharah’s hand searched and found Yavia’s hand under the blanket. They were content to stay there like that. Sharah’s mind brushed against Yavia’s intimately, lovingly, passionately until it grew dark under the trees and they moved their date inside here it was warmer.

Sharah

Yavia set one bag down next to the door, out of the way. She set the insulated ag on the kitchen counter and turned. She snagged Sharah’s hand and pulled her in close. She held Sharah tight about her waist and rested her forehead against hers and inhaled the scent of soil and wind and growing things that clung to the other woman. “Any time you need to go, you take that bag by the door with you. It has the blanket and a sweater, water, food, flashlight, an extra communicator incase you forget yours. Okay? That way you can stay as long as you need to.” There was a flutter of something intangible but strong from Sharah. Yavia kissed her cheek gently in understanding. Sharah was moved beyond words and clung tightly to Yavia. She was chilled, and Sharah’s hands resting on her arms were cold. Yavia rubbed her free hand up and down Sharah’s arm and back. “Sweetheart, you’re col. Go put on something warm. I’ll put this away, and then we can decide what’s next.” Yavia was warmly pleased when Sharah kissed her, pressing close for a long moment before she disappeared down the stairs.

Yavia put the food away and then, with Sharah still downstairs, made her way to her own room. She could hear the water running in Sharah’s shower. Yavia took her own advice and went into her room and changed into something warmer and comfortable. Sharah’s door was slightly cracked when Yavia came out and she knocked crisply. “Sharah? Sweetheart? May I come in?” There was a warm, happy, intimate brush of contact. Yavia entered and sat on the bed, waiting for Sharah to come out.

Sharah came out of the bathroom, wearing the same soft yoga pants from their first night, but a long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder, midriff sweater. Her hair was damp, and she was trying to work the brush though the wet tangled curls. “Do you think we could wat a vid in the den?” It was asked shyly, quietly. There were bittersweet memories attached to the request, but it was a quiet activity that Sharah enjoyed.

“Come on. I’ll brush your hair for you. We’ll watch a move while we do. I know what I think you will like.” She took Sharah’s hand, and led her back to the den. She sat Sharah on the ottoman and sat on the couch behind her. She started the move, The Secret Garden. Slowly, carefully, Yavia worked the knots out of Sharah’s locks. Every so often she would lean forward and place a soft kiss on Sharah’s shoulder, neck, or cheek. “Do you want me to braid it?”

Yavia

Sharah sat on the ottoman, letting Yavia brush and play with her hair. It was a soothing and comforting backdrop while she watched the movie. She had never seen it or read the book and Yavia was very quiet, giving her attention to Sharah’s hair, and so her thoughts and anticipation didn’t give the plot away. “No, just leave it down.” She kept it tightly braided or twisted into a bun every day for work. Leaving it down was a relief on her scalp and headache. When Yavia finished, Sharah turned and kissed her long and slowly. Then she moved on to the couch, curled into Yavia’s side, head resting on her shoulder. She snagged the blanket, he one Charles had covered her with that first night. She was a little attached to it and covered herself with it. Eventually, Sharah was stretched out on the couch next to Yavia. Content and comforted by the other woman’s presence and affection. They were still there, asleep, when Charles returned home.

Sharah

He walked into house and listened before anything else. It was going to take some time, getting used to having them living there… and they deserved privacy together as much as he did with them. He was new to the whole idea of multiple partners, and still wasn’t sure how his folks would take it when he told them, but he knew that one thing was most important: respect. It had to be constant, consistent, and mutual. So when he heard the vid playing in the den, he moved the opposite way and went to the stairs and down to the main bedroom.

Sharah was a restless and light sleeper (though that hadn’t quite been the case when she was with both Yavia and Charles). It wasn’t always quite clear what woke her. Strange dreams, changes in the noise, her persistent headache, or just years of unconscious habit. This time it was the closeness of Charles’ presence when he had been far away. Sharah stirred a little and opened her eyes. Yavia’s arm tightened around her and she smiled. She felt rather than heard him move down the stairs. She quietly slipped off the couch, covering Yavia with the blanket.

He had had a very long day, and so he stripped off his uniform and made his way into the bathroom. He turned on the water in the soaking tub and began to unbraid the mid-back length black hair that he wore in a perfect braid every day for work. As he waited for the water to fill, he began humming softly and then began singing quietly to himself.

Tenkiller

She knew it was their room, but she knocked softly any. He felt tired to her, but they all had demanding jobs. He had listened for them, but not come into the den. She felt…she needed to comfort him, help him relax, care for him. Not because something was wrong or out of obligation, but out of love. He might prefer time to himself to unwind though, and that was why she knocked.

Sharah

Charles heard the knock and turned to the door and smiled. “Hey you. Hope I didn’t wake you. I figured y’all were asleep, so I’d let ya have some privacy.” He was standing in front of the sink with just his underwear on, brushing his hair as the steam from the tub began to finally make its appearance.

Tenkiller

Sharah shrugged, “You didn’t. I don’t really sleep well, not normally.” She glanced toward the door. “Yavia’s still out.” Sharah leaned against the door frame. “You know…I can’t speak for Yavia, but pretty sure she’d agree, you can always come see us when you get home, or any time.” She walked over and hugged him. “I’m glad you’re home.”

Sharah

Charles wrapped his arms around her and said “You two are a couple like you and I are. And V and me. Those couples deserve privacy sometimes. I appreciate the invitation, but I’m guessing there’ll be times when you two want to be alone. At least… I hope there is. I’ve been readin’ about the whole ‘polyamory’ thing so as to get a better grip on what V’s people and your people already know… that multiple romantic partners is both manageable and healthy as long as everyone respects each other’s boundaries and we don’t get jealous of each other.”

Tenkiller

Sharah nodded, “We are a couple, and there are times we will want privacy, and times you and Yavia will too. Boundaries and respect is important. Couples and individually. But so is our…what did you call it? Throuple.” Sharah leaned back slightly, “I don’t know much about it. It is not uncommon in Betazed, but if I had stayed there I wouldn’t know much about being part of a couple either.” She gave one of those self deprecating shrugs. She smiled at him though, “We need a house rule, then. Something simple like if we want privacy, individually or as a couple, we close the door. If the door is open, then everyone is welcome. Like you said that first day. We all three are entitled to our own space as long as we aren’t shutting each other out.” She smiled at him, “I can’t imagine ever being jealous of the two if you. You two are so bright and perfect together. You feel right, like harmony.”

Sharah

His brow furrowed slightly and he said “Not just me and V. You and V, too. I see how you two look at each other. I may not be an empath, but I know a thing or two about folks.” and he grinned. “You two are good together. And you love one another. Don’t be afraid to give into that, Sharah.”

“You are more empathic than you give yourself credit for.” She did love Yavia, it showed on her face. She loved her as deeply as she did Charles, in similar, but unique and different ways. She would really like to say she wasn’t afraid, but she was. But it was getting easier, a little, bit by bit, every day. It helped they kept reminding her. “Yavia is a beautiful force of nature. How could anyone not love her?”

His hands then dropped low on her hips and he pulled her tight against him. “And you an’ me… we’re a couple, too. And ya don’t have to be scared about that, either.” He smiled and walked her backwards to the door and closed it, smiling. “She had ya all night… I’d like some quality Sharah time, too. Just you and me.” He pushed her gently against the closed door and then kissed her, his hand slowly moving over her and his fingers finding the top of her yoga pants . He pulled back just far enough so that his lips brushed hers as he asked in a whisper “Think either you or her will mind?” and he loosened the yoga pants so they fell to the floor.

Tenkiller

Charles made it easy, his presence made her feel safe, secure, gave her solid ground. Her hands rested against his upper arms as he walked her backward, stepping smoothly in rhythm. Oh they would be amazing dancing together. She grinned, “You can have all the time you want.” Her hands met behind his neck, her back pressed ro the door, as she pulled him closer and kissed him. Warm and passionate, but also tender and welcoming. When he pulled back a breathy laugh left her. “I have no objections, and Yavia would be quite disappointed if we didn’t.” She kissed him again, longer, deeper, letting her hands roam and caress.

Sharah

The water shut off and Charles lifted the top off of Sharah and stripped himself bare as well. He lifted her up, cradling her to his chest, and turned and walked them into the soaking tub. The water was hot, and it took a moment for his body to adjust, but once it had he could feel the heat seeping into his muscles. He let go of Sharah and let her drift slowly off of him as he settled into the water. He looked at her and said “You are with a doubt the most beautiful woman in this tub.” and he grinned.

Tenkiller

Sharah trailed kisses down his neck and over his shoulder as he carried her. The water made her hiss softly as they sank into it, but the heat was welcome. She drifted away a few inches, and let her head tip back into the water and semi floated for a moment.

She laughed at his words as she lifted her head and let her eyes drink him in. “Fierce competition with only one.” She moved around, pushing him forward until she was settled behind him, legs wrapped around him. She slowly pulled his hair to the side and brushed it over his shoulder. Her hands pulled him back against her, and she slowly began to work the soreness out of his shoulders. Her breath whispered over his ear. “You are without a doubt the sexiest man on this planet. And yeah,” she kissed his neck, “I’m biased, but I’m still right.”

Sharah

He grinned at her words and then moaned as her fingers found the knots on his shoulders where he tended to carry his tension. “You keep that up and I may never let ya leave…” he said as his eyes closed and leaned into her slightly. He let her hands work, but his hands dropped under the water and rested on her thighs. As she massaged him, he ran his fingers across her skin slightly. He let this go on for several long minutes before he opened his eyes and slowly turned around inside of her legs and leaned his chest against hers. “You know Doctor Fayth, if one didn’t know better, they may take you being here like this a sign that you might be sweet on them.” and he smiled and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “And I don’t wanna be too forward, but I think that might be the case here.”

Tenkiller

He wasn’t looking at her face, and she didn’t know if he could still feel it or not, but his words brought a brief ache to her heart. She didn’t want to leave. “I’ll have to do this every night, then.” Her words were teasing, but the tone conveyed a soul deep seriousness. She closed her eyes, her whole focus on him and what he was feeling. She worked slowly working each muscle with care until the knots had no choice but to release. Her shoulders twitched in response to what he was feeling. It was quiet, the steam rising around them, the velvet movement of the water against them. There was no expectation of anything other than care of him. Her cheek rested against his head a moment as he ran his hands over her thighs. Her arms rested lightly around his shoulders as he turned. She stared into his gaze quietly for a long infinite moment, and a warm gentle shudder chased through her at such a soft, simple touch. “Oh, it is very much the case,” an uneasy breath left her. Her gaze searched back and forth in his eyes. No secrets, no hiding…”And that’s really scary.”

Sharah

His hands squeezed her gently and he looked in her eyes. “It’s okay to be scared. Hell, if none of us were scared, I’d think we had a problem.” He kissed her softly and then pulled back and smiled. “But don’t let the fear dictate to ya, sweetheart. Because you will be okay. You are safe with us. And we are safe with you. No matter what your head tells ya… we are okay. So maybe… juuuuust maybe… you can let your guard down for the next, say… hour? Just you and me, and nothing between us but the steam.”

Tenkiller

Sharah looked resigned, in a sad way, her hands holding onto him. Could she let her guard down with him? Absolutely, without hesitation. Even if she didn’t trust herself, she trusted him. “I wish…it was that simple.” This wasn’t like the first two days, with just her and them in her head. “It’s not just you and me. It’s you, me, and the millions of minds in my head.” She closed her eyes resting her forehead against his. “I have learned over the years to hide my reaction to what I hear, but it doesn’t stop me from reacting or hearing it. No matter how much I wish it was different.” A preemptive apology. Then she kissed him, pouring all of it - trust, love, surrender, passion, regret, hope, resignation.

Sharah

It was a couple of hours later when Charles stretched and his eyes opened. They had long since left the bath and now were laying in a tangle of sheet on the bed. Charles ran his fingers lazily across Sharah’s side as she lay draped across him. He looked down at her smiled.

A deep inhalation and a long sigh out. If possible, Sharah pressed closer as she lay against him. Her arms tightened around him. She was floating on a boundary between where he was and where the storms waited to snatch her away. It was inevitable that it would snatch her away again, and no amount of wishing, of fear would change that.

She had opened up, more so than any time before. That connection had been made, and it was a strong one. He had felt her letting him feel all the raging emotions inside her. When she said ‘storm’, she was spot-on. But it also felt almost like the storm was raging outside of them. As if she was somehow separated from it. Not by much… but enough. He wondered if V had experienced the same with Sharah. He hoped so, or at least hoped that now Sharah could let her. He kissed Sharah’s head and then laid his head back, content to simply feel her warmth on his skin.

Charles

His thoughts brushed across her mind and away. It was his presence, his feelings, his peace that kept her there, let her hold onto him and the moment for awhile longer. Her head rested on his shoulder and she pressed a content kiss to his chest. Sharah didn’t know how to describe it, could only allow herself to feel. She was raw and emotional, she felt more sensitive than usual. She kept touching on that connection, not so much a testing of it, but to make sure it was still there, that it hadn’t disappeared.

It wasn’t quite the same with Yavia. It was more like the storm saw her and watched, like a predator trying to decide if it was watching prey or another predator and how best to go after it. Yavia just stared back, shrugged, and went about what she was doing, like it didn’t matter.

Sharah

Charles pulled her closer and kissed her. “Many more nights like this and I may need to see a doctor.” and then took in a sharp breath in mock-surprise. “Oh wait… you are a doctor! Praise to the ancestors, I thought I’d have to have a very descriptive talk with a stranger about how I became so weak.” and he laughed.

Charles

Gods she loved the way he kissed her, and it was never quite long enough. She curled back into him and giggled quietly, then patted his chest. “Oh you’re fine. Increase your calloric intake every day, and switch out some of that extra cardio for some endurance weight training and you’ll be fine. Oh and a break day in your routine might help too.” She lifted her head and looked up at him. “Unless of course you were hoping for something a little more hands on?”

Sharah

He laughed softly and said “Oh, I’m terrible at following orders on my own. You will definitely need to pay extra-close hands on attention. Think you vould recommend somebody?” His hand started to slowly explore some of the more sensitive parts of her as he spoke, and he grinned.

Charles

Sharah lifted her head and smirked, “Major General Tenkiller is horrible at following orders? I guess I should be surprised, you’re quite good at giving them.” That was…a recent happy memory. The first truly delightful and carefree moment she’d had after weeks of darkness - him telling her to go but ordering her to come back to the picnic in 10 minutes. “I’m not too good at following them either.” Then she laughed, “Oh let’s see, I supposed Jal’na would be more than happy to take on making you follow orders.” Her face lost all it’s humor as his hands moved over her. “Mmmm other than myself? I don’t think I can trust anyone else except Yavia to make sure,” she moved so she was staring down at him, her hair falling past her shoulders to brush against his skin. She began to trail warm kisses across his skin, “you…kiss…are…kiss…well…kiss…taken…kiss…of…kiss…”

Sharah

He closed his eyes and moaned softly as he said “Oh… don’t I know it…” and he took her in his arms.

It was again an hour or so later. Curled up behind her with his arms wrapped around her, Charles kissed the back of Sharah’s neck and held her close. “I’m afraid you are stuck here, Doc. I’m never gonna let ya go. Hope you’re comfortable, ‘cause I sure am.”

Tenkiller

Sharah’s arms were resting over his arms, holding him close to her. Her fingers tracing random patterns along his skin. Her chest rose and fell deeply and she pressed back against his chest, as little sparks raced across her skin where he kissed her neck. “I’m not stuck,” a yawn interrupted her. “I choose to be here, so I’m not stuck.” She yawned again, drifting in the warmth and peacefulness. “Totally comfortable. Good luck getting me out of here.” Her head turned slightly, “I may get a formal reprimand for going AWOL.”

Sharah

“I’ll write ya a note. CCDA business. Really hush-hush stuff.” His eyes closed for a moment and he could feel the physicality of the evening catching up to him, so he forced his eyes open. “You wanna call V down to sleep with us? Or is this a you-me moment?”

Tenkiller

Oh that was a hard question. Sharah was enjoying their moment, their couple, their closeness. She was also, already, thoroughly attached to falling asleep and waking up to both of them. How did he feel about it? “I can try and call her down if you want me to. This feels good, just us, but something is missing without her, too.”

Sharah

“Your call, love. I am enjoying just you and me; but you’re right. Somthin’ is missing.” he said with a yawn. “I’m good with either.” and he settled in as close to her as he could.

Tenkiller

Sharah could tell with very little effort, Yavia was still asleep, and there was no reason to wake her. Sharah, too, liked this moment of just them and wanted to hold on just a bit longer. “Me too.” She closed her eyes, settling back into his warmth and his stillness, and allowing herself to drift toward toward sleep.

Sharah

He didn’t know when they fell asleep, but he knew when they woke because his alarm went off. He groaned and shut it off. He had three meetings, a formal inspection of the new CCDA recruit class, and a luncheon with a representative of House Duroc about them having that gigantic warship parked in orbit for all to see. “Damn… it.” he said and rubbed his face with both hands. “Why can’t today be tomorrow? I’m off tomorrow.” and he looked at Sharah and smiled. “Hey you. Mornin’.”

Tenkiller

Sharah stretched, decided she wasn’t ready for that much movement and rolled into him as he rolled to turn the alarm off. Her face pressed into his neck, her lips lingering over his skin. “Five more minutes.” Her voice was muffled but clear enough to know she was fully awake. Finally she rolled her to back and looked at him with a quiet happy smile on her face. “Good morning.” She stared at him like she couldn’t quite fathom how she ended up there, but grateful for it. Then she laughed, “Because if today was tomorrow, that means we slept over 24 hours and we’re in a lot of trouble.”

Sharah

“I’d rather be in trouble than do this damn inspection.” he said irritable. A morning person he was not, but he took a breath and then looked at her and smiled. “Ya know… seeing you here like this is a better jump start to my day than a cup of coffee.” His fingers danced down her arms and onto his hip, slowly working their way down towards less platonic areas. “Wanna be a little late today?” he asked with a wink.

Tenkiller

Sharah’s arms twinned around him and she pulled him closer, whispering against his lips, “I’d rather be a whole lot late, but a little works too.” She started kissing him, letting her hands move and wander over his skin, as if they had the whole week off.

Sharah

---

Late was subjective, but in this case applicable. Tenkiller was finishing getting dressed when his comms chirped. =/\= Sir, your first meeting is starting in 5. =/\= Tenkuller looked at Sharah and winked. =/\= Give me ten. I got hung up this morning and I’m running a bit behind. Push my 1200 meeting back fifteen minutes and let’s start the inspection as soon as this meeting is done. =/\= Yes, sir. =/\= was the response. Charles looked at Sharah and said “I gotta run.” and he kissed her swirlftly and moved out of the room. “See you tonight! Love you! Tell V I said bye and I love her, too!” and he was gone from the hallway.

Tenkiller, VC-CCDA

Sharah kissed him back, “I love you too,” and grinned as he hurried out into the hallway. Sharah made her way upstairs and into the den, where Yavia was still asleep. She sat down on the ottoman and grinned. That woman could sleep through a comet strike. She leaned over and kissed her awake. “Hey, we’re late. Come on, we gotta get going. Charles says bye and he loves you.”

They were 45 minutes late when they walked through the front door of the hospital together. The medical staff made all day use of that fact.

Fayth, SFCMO