Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice-Commander, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Safe Harbors

Posted by Civilian Yavia Crockett (Nurse - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Safe Harbors

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Safe Harbors
Posted by… suppressed (45) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
The chime on the door rang and Charles looked up. “Holy s#!+, what time is it?” he asked as he extricate himself from Sharah’s limbs and body. He looked at the chronometer. “DAMMIT. Its 2 already?!” and he hopped out of bed and began throwing on clothes and hopping on one foot to put on his pants. He grinned at Sharah and said “Don’t… don’t move. I wanna savor that look on yer face for a minute.” and he finally managed to get his jeans on. He jumped onto he bed and crawled across and kissed her quickly and said “You sure do know how to make a guy lose track’a time.” and he kissed her again and the began heading to the front door.

Tenkiller

Sharah didn’t move for long minutes. She savored the lingering taste of lips, and his warmth that hadn’t disappated yet. His sudden departure was disappointing but thag was okay. They had lost a lot of time. But with his departure was the loss of that deeper connection. It was always there, just not always ‘on.’ That loss left her feeling like she’d been tossed back into the storm with no warning, and the thoughts and feelings of the team of workers was suddenly very loud. That wasn’t Charles’ fault or her own, just the circumstances. She laid, curled on her side, eyes closed, breathing lazily till it all settled. She let her mind follow as he made his way up the stairs and spoke with the workers. She was quiet, but every so often, he would feel her presence still with him.

After a few minutes she rolled to her back and stared up at the ceiling with a goofy grin on her face. She really should get up, but that man left her exhausted. He teased her and Yavia, but he instigated over half of it. Sharah stretched lazily before getting up, against her better wishes. She dressed, heavy but loose cargo pants, a button down shirt that she had the tails tied over her stomach and she pulled her hair back with a clip. She made her way up stairs with one of the totes and went out the back door. She scanned the yard and moved across the drive to the far side with a small cleared area before the trees that would make a decent garden bed. She set the tote down and knelt on the ground after popping the lid off and started working.

Sharah

There was a jumble of thoughts behind her: measurments, materials, tools, beer, issues with bosses… and then the thoughts stopped and she herself from behind. Specifically one part of her covered by the cargo shorts. The thoughts started to turn racy, but were suddenly interrupted by a sharp and commanding voice.

Major General Charles Tenkiller.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. The work site is here, not in my partner’s shorts. I encourage you to try and stay focused. Because while she can’t read minds… I certainly can. Eyes on the job, or I find someone else to pay. Simple instructions. Follow them.” The thoughts switched from racy to chagrined and slightly embarrassed. One stood dropped a tool box and said “Apologies. Just wasn’t expecting… well… how about we just start on this deck?” Tenkiller said “Good call.” and the crew began to do their best to completely remove Sharah from their minds.

Tenkiller

Those thoughts were never comfortable, not for Sharah. Some telepaths reveled in it, others, like Yavia, would remind her it was natrual as long as it didn’t turn dark or aggressive. Sharah knew this, and though these particular thoughts weren’t threateing they still made her uncomfortable.

And a little irritated. All she wanted to do was get these plants in the ground. They didn’t do well in pots. She should have planted them yesterday when she got home but she hadn’t.

Then Charles’ voice carried (boomed? cracked? echoed? all of the above?) across the yard, and it stopped. Well for the most part anyway. Her presence wrapped around him, gratitude and security. Sharah had never felt so understood and cherished. It moved through her, filling and healing some of the cracked and chipped pieces of her soul. Out in the yard she continued to work as if she had no idea what was going on near the house.

One of the guys elbowed the man worken next to him, “So do you think that is really his partner or is he just watching out for the hot gardener?”

“You really wanna be the one to find out?”

The man glanced back at the woman on the far side of the yard, “If she’s really single, yeah!” Then he glanced toward the Major General to see if he noticed his glance. Was the man really a telepath? “No…nevermind.”

Sharah

Oh, but the Major General had noticed. He walked slowly over to the crew and he stopped by the man who really wanted to know if Sharah was single. “Hey, bud…” he said in a friendly manner as he laid his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You wanna know if she is single? Even after I told you that she was my partner?” His fingers expertly found the nerve bundle at the junction of shoulder and neck and he squeezed. The man’s arm felt like it was filled with lightning for a split second before going numb down to his finger tips. “Leave. Her. Alone. Ok? I’m not asking.. I’m telling. Just be done. Don’t look, don’t talk, don’t glance… don’t even think about her. She does not exist in your world. She is wholly and completely removed from your reality as of right… now.” and he released the pressure and pain shot through the arm again before subsiding to hot tingling. The whole process was calm and quiet. The only one to know that anything was amiss was his ‘friend’s, who had wisely stayed silent. It was a good paying job, and he wasn’t about to blow it because his work-buddy was an idiot.

Tenkillet stood up and said kind of loudly “Yeah, thats a great idea. I like that. Go ahead and go with that. Thanks.” He turned away as the others looked at him and the man rubbing his the feeling back into his hand. “Your guy here suggested staining the wood a dark amber with cherry. I like it. Twll your boss I okay’d the change.” He looked down and patted the man on the shoulder. “Good job.” and he turned and walked back tot he front of the house.

No more thoughts of that nature came Sharah’s way, but there was an elevated level of fear from two of the workers.

Tenkiller

Sharah worked quietly. Everything she needed was in the tote. The ground was good soil, but hard packed and Sharah worked at breaking it up. She reminded herself their thoughts, their emotions were just noise. Part of the static. She needn’t have bothered, their thoughts were effectively turned. Before she had Charles and Yavia she would have retreated inside because she was uncomfortable. Here she felt secure and sure of herself. She stayed until she was finished, enjoying the work.

That was until she headed back inside and was suddenly wrapped in a giant bear hug and lifted off her feet by a very stout and beefy Bajoran man. “Dr. Fayth!” She was set back in her feet very carefully when the work got quiet. “Sorry. I just…well…thank you. Just isn’t enough.”

Sharah stepped back catching her balance from the over exuberant sudden wash of happy but tumultuous emotions. “Karajl,” she smiled, “How are Malvana and Fylaza?”

The man stood a little straighter, “Wonderful. Malvana is better now that Fylaza is home. Her pediatrician said Fylaza is perfectly healthy now and she is starting to roll over.” He looked up, “I have to get back to it, but I had to thank you.” He hurried away and Sharah slipped inside the house.

Sharah

Charles sat inside at the kitchen island and gave her an arched eyebrow look. “There I go spending my time instilling the fear of some god into them, and you come along and undermine it by giving out hugs.” and then he laughed. “Friend ‘a yours?” he asked as he took a drink of water.

Tenkiller

“I did not hug him. He hugged me.” She wasn’t thrilled about the hug either, the invasion of her personal boundries. Given the overwhelming gratitude she couldn’t be angry. “And they aren’t terrified of some god, they are terrified of you.” She walked over to the counter and slipped between him and the counter and into his arms. “Do you remember that surgery Yavia assisted with about a month ago? The baby girl? You took Yavia to the hotel after?” Sharah knew about that, everyone knew about that. “That was Fylaza’s father, Karajl. She got to go home two weeks ago. He wanted to thank me.” Sharah didn’t want thanks, wasn’t comfortable with it. “So maybe, since he wasn’t being vulgar or trying to ask me out, you could not mess with the nerves in his arm? He has a baby to hold when he gets home.” Then she looked at him, seriously, “Thank you,” she waved back toward the door, “for making it better.”

Sharah

He smiled softly and said “Of course. Thats my job. And it is a labor of love, trust me.” He kissed her and then looked around. “Where is V? I haven’t seen or heard from her in hours.”

Tenkiller

Sharah’s gaze turned distant listening for her. “Not here.” She looked around. The last time she had seen her, Yavia was at the table going over the sketches for the greenhouse. Sharah walked over to the table and picked up a piece of paper.

Sharah, TK,
I went to see about some details for the greenhouse. My secret! I will be back later and I’ll bring dinner.
Love,
Yavia/V

She handed him the note and laughed quietly, “I guess we’re all on our own for a bit.”

Sharah

He shrugged and said “So we are. Well… do you need to shower after the planting? I can whip us up something to drink while you do if you like.”

Tenkiller

Sharah looked down at herself and grinned, “I should do that. I brought half the yard in with me.” She kissed his cheek and then headed down the stairs and toward her room. She was going to have to unpack at some point.

She stood in the doorway of her room for several minutes and just looked. An idea she had had for a long time, even before she came to Oed solidifying into something more tangible. She grinned. That was a project for after. First she needed a shower.

Sharah

Charles watched her and made sure she could feel the joy he got in watching her. Not just the lecherous feelings, either. But the joy he had in just knowing she was there… in the house… and making it her home. He then shook his head as images of her in the shower made sitting a more difficult task, so he stood and walked outside to check on the builders.

Charles was amazing and wonderful and was slowly, along with Yavia, building solid ground beneath her. Sharah didn’t really notice yet, she just knew she felt safe, even from herself, when he was around. His thoughts made her blush, and turn the water just a tad colder.

It may have been the fee he was paying for expedited service… or it may have been the severity of his rebuke to the unwanted gave and attentions of rhe one worker. Either way, the crew was making quick work of the new deck. Forms had been dug and filled with Permanente and the main upright supports were already in and ready. Boards of synthesized wood were stacked and ready to be laid, and the power for the inset lights, hot run, and kitchen were being readied. Tenkiller was impressed. And he did feel a bit bad about the young man and his Sharah fixation. He really couldn’t blame him. She was, after all, one of the most stunningly beautiful women he had ever seen. He chuckled to himself and thought Ha! If V had been here ‘helping’ Sharah, that poor boy’s head woulda just vaporized. and he smiled. “Hey! Y’all are doing great job! Tell ya what… you all get this done and ready by evenin’ time, and I’ll invite ya to stick around and help me break in that there new grill. Burgers and beer for everybody. Sound good?” and the crew all smiled and a fee said “Yes, sir! Thank you!” and the work paced seemed to increase more than a little, even as attention to detail became a bit more focused, too.

Tenkiller

Sharah hoped she was wearing something less enticing when she pulled on loose yoga pants and a soft knit sweater. She didn’t intend to go outside again, but the walls were nothing but windows. She moved the last of the pots and flowers down into her room. She sat at the computer, but the sound of the work outside sent her back to her room as she keyed up the comms. There was no answer though. Sharah hadn’t accounted for the time, and it was middle of the night in Betazed. She disconnected quickly. She would try again later, so she got to work unpacking.

Sharah

It was a couple of hours later when a car, from the service TK paid for, pulled into and around the drive to stop short. Yavia looked out the window and laughed. TK got to work fast. The driver got out and walked around to open the door for her. Her legs appeared first and then she stood, all grace and fluid movement, er perpetual mischievous smile in place and bald head that immediately identified her as Deltan to every person working in the yard. She bent over reaching back into the car and then stood, two boxes of pizza and a case of beer in her hands. The driver wasn’t sure if he should walk with her or not. She turned her head and winked at him, “It’s alright Kylvim. I got this.” He thought the Major General might have his head, as the sound of work suddenly died as Yavia made her way toward the door. Ms Crockett wasn’t even trying, she just caused that reaction. Yavia laughed, “I don’t think I brought enough pizza and beer.”

Yavia

Tenkiller appeared and said “Hun, if you don’t drop that off and go inside, I don’t think they’ll ever finish.” He looked at the crew, and a wicked thought occurred to him. He walked up to Yavia and said “Welcome home.” and kissed her in front of the crew. He then said softly “Sharah was gardening earlier. In shorts. And was bent over her plants. I had to have words with one of them. And told them she was my partner.” and he smiled mischievously.

Tenkiller

She went to move into the house, “Well we can’t have that.” Yavia, unaware of the previous goings on kissed him back with total abandon. The deck got even more quite. She laughed and whispered in his ear. “TK, you are a wicked wicked man. That’s sexy.” Yavia smirked pressing a kiss just below his ear. “Oh no…is she alright? That couldn’t have been comfortable for her.”

“We got it handled.” he said softly.

She slid past him toward the door and looked back and made sure they all saw her wink at him.

Yavia
He looked back at the open mouths and said “Yeah… now you know why we need a whole section just for the hot tub.” and he casually walked back into the house.

Tenkiller

Yavia set the beer and pizza down and then reached into her back pocket and passed him a micro PaDD with a list of names. “Sharah was… hesitating about the green house. So, I took care of it. I figured you needed to run their names first.” Among them were a construction crew, architect, and most notably The Artist Eryn and her security detail.

Yavia

TK looked at the list and said “An architect? Really think we need one of those? And whats with the artist? V… where did all this come from? I mean, I want Sharah to have a place to grow and stuff… but can’t we just get the stuff and hire a crew to put it together?”

Tenkiller

“I don’t know,” she laughed, self-consciously. “I mean, I have never built anything. I have no idea what we do or don’t need. I can’t draw worth a crap, and you were working on that,” she waved out the window, “and Sharah…well she…said we shouldn’t go to all the trouble. And I don’t want some crazy sketch of mine to be wrong and the whole thing fall apart on her head.” She grabbed a drink and opened it. “And the artist…is just a surprise for Sharah, from me.” She took a drink, “I have the credits, for all of it, but I don’t know how to do it.”

Yavia

TK laughed and said “Oh, hun… you’d never make it on a farm or a ranch.” and he kissed her cheek. “Listen, your sketch was fine. We can smooth out the rough spots and then I can help you. It would be better if it all came from you, anyway. C’mon. You can take off all yer clothes in the studio and try to distract me with greenhouse drawings.” and he laughed as he took her hand.

Tenkiller

Yavia turned an embarrassed shade of red. “I could learn....I think,” and she laughed. Yavia had never been on a farm, ranch, or whatnot. Not even to visit, but it sounded like a lot of work, but also wonderful. She knew that was how both TK and Sharah grew up. Around those two she felt like she had missed out on some vital life experiences, but she was glad she had that to share. She followed him into the studio. “Are you sure from me? It was your idea originally, and Sharah really likes that she can share that connection to Nature with you.” V didn’t want to take that from them. They all had their own special connections and they were beautiful, and nothing to be jealous of. But even as she asked, she was already stripping her clothes off. “If you get paint on me again, that’s all I am wearing the rest of the day.”

Yavia

TK watched her strip and said “Oh, that would make the crew even less productive. But it would lead to a proper breaking in of the hot tub, though.” He laughed and then said “Whenever you are done being an exhibitionist, show me the drawing. And I swear to all my ancestors… if you start something we will not get this done.”

Tenkiller

Yavia laughed, “Hey now, you are the one that told me to strip. Every once in awhile you deserve to have what you ask for.” Yavia reached down and pulled a piece of paper out of the pants pocket and walked over to him. “I won’t start a thing, but you have to exercise your own self control. Here.” She handed it to him and then grabbed a smock and pulled it on, her eyes dancing.

Yavia

TK looked and smiled. “Hun… this is really good. I like it. Yeah… we just need to smooth some things out. Ok, help me out here.” and he began to point at parts of the sketch and ask questions about what she was trying to do. He erased and made some corrections, but not many, and generally just made the picture more legible… all the while trading between drawing and patting her bare buttocks.

Tenkiller

Yavia laughed every time his hand went places that weren’t the sketch, but she didn’t do a thing to him. She answered his questions. She was mostly trying to make it blend with the tree line, make it look wild and natural. Give Sharah a little of that feel that she was searching for. Inside…the surprise was going to be a metal and glass sculpture that would work as a water feature for the green house, and it would look like a large version of Hope.

Yavia

“I really love this, V. Sharah is gonna pee her pants when she sees it. You did great.” He turned to her and grinned and said “Now you have a choice. Go get ahold of this artist and commission the work… or we can do some work of our own over there on that canvas.”

Tenkiller

V raised those elegant brows at him, her gaze traveling over him to the canvas and back. “Why do you think her name is on the list? I already commissioned the work. I had to make sure it could be done. So there really is no choice to be made.” Then she kissed him in a completely distracting way.

Yavia

It was less than an hour later as they both got dressed, and TK looked at V and said “Oh, hey. I forgot to tell ya this today.” And he looked at her smiled. “I love ya, V. You make me really happy.” and he pulled on his shirt.

Tenkiller

V grinned, a wholly content and happy expression. She shrugged back into her shirt. She rested her hands on his bare chest as he pulled his shirt on, and when his face reappeared she hugged him and kissed him deeply. That Deltan I love you coursing between them. “I love you too. And I mean I thought I was happy before I met you, but then I found out I had no idea what happy was. And then we found Sharah.”

“So what’s up with the workers? Do I need to get more pizza? Because for some reason I am starving and can probably eat both by myself.”

Yavia

TK laughed and said “Let’s go grab Sharah and go check on ‘em. I said I’d grill burgers and get some beers if they did a good job and knocked it out today. The pizza we can save for later.” and he gave her a wink.

Tenkiller

The door to Sharah’s room was open. The light from the solar tubes was starting to dim. Sharah had three empty totes stacked inside each other beside the door. There were potted plants everywhere and a familiar painting propped against the far wall out of the way. She was sitting in the middle of the bed with a PaDD propped up against the pillows. An older woman, with long curly black hair, now turned to grey was on the screen. “Are you sure you want us to stay with you? It sounds a bit crowded already.”

Sharah shook her head, “It’s fine, really. There is plenty of room. But if you’d rather…” Sharah paused and turned to look, seeing them in the hall way, and smiled. No need to give her privacy. She turned back. “We can get you a room, it’s up to you and dad.”

“Okay, well, I mean we will probably stay awhile. We haven’t seen you in far too long, Sharah. Maybe we can play it by ear.”

“I love you mom. Tell dad I love him too.”

“I will. I can’t wait to meet them. Love you.” And the screen went dark and Sharah reached over to turn the PaDD off.

Sharah

Charles leaned against the doorway and said “Well well well… first moving in fully and then bringin’ the folks out for a visit. Careful, hun… we might start thinkin’ ya like it here.” and he grinned.

Tenkiller

Sharah blushed a really delicate shade of pink. “You told me to. We made a deal, so you two better get on it.” She slipped off the bed, moving toward them and paused, almost as if she stumbled. Yavia reached a hand out. Sharah glanced up at the ceiling and toward the back yard, rubbing her temple. “I’m fine, someone dropped board on their foot. They are cussing rather forcefully.” Sharah shrugged. It was harder to ignore when it was in such close proximity.

She took Yavia’s hand and squeezed it and then hugged Charles and kissed him. “I do like it here. I love being with you both. Everything is....easier with you.” She looked at Yavia again and then Charles, “You give me wonderful gifts, every day. You don’t need to build a green house, for me. If me going out into the woods bothers you, makes you worry, I just won’t do it.” She would miss it, that connection to nature, but there were other ways.

Sharah

Charles smiled and said “We know we don’t have to, hun… we want to.” His words were genuine and his smile infectious. “Think of it as our thank you to you for coming with us on the crazy ride we have put ourselves on.” and he chuckled softly before taking her in his arms and kissing her. “Besides, we can get inta all kinds of mischief in a greenhouse I ain’t never got inta before.”

Tenkiller

It was impossible not to smile when Charles looked like that, and felt like that. It was infectious and wonderful. “You don’t need to tha…” and it turned into mumbled nonsense against his lips as he kissed her. She was still in his arms, head against his chest, and she laughed, tugging Yavia into the hug with them. She kissed her too. “He’s insatiable, did you know that? He complains about us, but he puts all those thoughts out there, and he knows I can hear them. We’re really in trouble, you know that right?”

Sharah

Yavia chuckled and kissed her. “Oh I’ve known all along I was in trouble. Glad you finally caught on to that.” She winked at TK, “I like your kind of trouble though. Of course, you two seem to like to get into mischief in the woods…we may have to see about that too.” She laughed and slipped her arms around them both, completing that connection, TK’s circle. Her head rested on his other shoulder and let it encompass them. “I will never get tired of that feeling.”

Yavia

“Gods above. You run naked in the woods one time and you are branded for life. I swear…” he said with a grin. He held them both tight to him and closed ihis eyes for a moment. The vibrations and energy coming off of the three of them was palpable… and wonderful.

“So y’all wanna go see how that back porch is coming on? Or do we go eat V’s pizza thats prolly cold by now.” and he laughed softly.

Tenkiller

“You act like you don’t like that brand. But Sharah loves it.” Yavia laughed softly at the flush the memory brought to Sharah’s cheeks. That could have been a hard sad memory for Sharah. Instead it was much better and special for her. Yavia kissed TK and then Sharah. “Hey cold pizza is good, but I can warm it back up, but hey, the beer is cold. I got that put away when I got back. Come on. Might as well let them see us all together.”

Yavia

Charles chuckled and said “May as well.” and he led them out of the room and up the stairs. As they started to walk around the house to the back yard, he stepped between them and put an arm around each of the women’s waists and chuckled. They came into view and he whistled. “Wow. That’s… that’s great.”

Sharah really didn’t want to go back outside, she didn’t like large groups. The irony of her being CMO of such a large assignment wasn’t lost on her. But she went with them without hesitation. Sharah leaned into him, her arm wrapping around the small of his back, her hand holding Yavia’s forearm that was wrapped around him from the other side.

The porch was as he had drawn it. Three levels separated by wide wooden steps. The lower, central level had four long, wide couches around a recessed fire pit filled with black, volcanic glass. The second level to the left (facing the house) was a cooking area complete with grill, sink, chiller, and prep area. And on the last, the upper most level on the right; a hot tub capable of holding at least eight adults, if not more. Around each deck was a wooden railing that had cup-holders set into them every few feet.

Some of the crew was finishing wiring in the power to the kitchen and hot tub, and others were cleaning up and removing scraps for recycling. The one that had hugged Sharah looked out on the three and smiled and waved. “Hey, Doctor Fayth! What do you think? Like it?”

Tenkiller

The ladies looked up at the work that had taken place. It was impressive, the work and the design. Sharah looked up and over, “Karajl, it looks amazing. I’m impressed you all got it done in just a few hours. I really like how you made sure it won’t block the light from getting in the windows.”

Yavia turned at the name and the voice and waved with a huge grin. “Karajl! How are Malvana and Fylaza?” She shared a grin with TK and Sharah, “You have to go get them and bring them back for burgers. I want to see that baby girl of yours.”

Sharah

Charles let go of his girlfriends and went and looked over the deck. It was solid and really well done. Even the stain was set. He smiled and said “Well… a deal’s a deal. Beer and burgers it is, as soon as y’all get that power hooked up.” just as the lights on the kitchen came on and the pump began to fill the hot tub and heat the water. He chuckled and said “I’ll go on in and get the fix’ins sent over. Why don’t y’all finish up, go home, clean up, and then head on back here. And feel friend to a plus one, if ya like.” He shook his head and then looked at the girls. “Guess we’re havin’ a party. Wanna invite the nurses?”

Tenkiller

Yavia’s eyes sparkled. “Yes!” She dragged Sharah back inside with her as she pulled her comm out. Yavia tapped Sharah’s combadge and made a “get going” motion at her. Sharah grinned. She really didn’t want to hang out at a party, she already could feel thebstress building.
It was one thing to be herself, out here in the seclusionof the house where only Charles and Yavia saw her. It wouldn’t be as bad as the speakeasy though…right? Either way she wouldn’t let Ilena and temple be left out.

Yavia’s call was animated and sassy. Soon they were all on their way. “You know it is going to be awkward and a lot? But we’re here okay.” She hugged Sharah and pulled her down to sit on the couch.

Yavia

The crew spent another hour and a half finishing up. In that time, Charles made arrangements to have all the ingredients needed for a proper cookout delivered: food, drink, more food, patio furniture, more food and drink, and the pièce de résistance… a game of horseshoes. While the crew left to clean themselves up and grab their plus ones, Charles set up the back porch. The recessed lighting came on as the sun set, and looking wonderful. The had done a truly amazing job. As he walked in the house, he looked around and then said “Outside is ready.” and made his way down to the bedroom to change as well.

Tenkiller

Yavia was driving Sharah crazy, on purpose. Yavia’s logic was if she spent all that time teasing and messing with her, Sharah didn’t have time to worry about all the people who were about to invade their home. Sharah dealt with large crowds every day. She couldn’t get away from them. So, the way Yavia saw it, there was no reason for her to be worried at home. It was either deive her crazy or kiss her. As much as Yavia would enjoy kissing Sharah that much, that would end in antics that would make them, and Charles, miss the party.

“Hold still and let me finish this braid,” Yavia tugged on one of the curls gently. All those curls made braiding Sharah’s hair an Olympic sport. They were both wearing black, stone washed jeans and dark brown cowboy boots. Yavia had picked a royal blue cami with a Heather gray sweater for Sharah. The sweater was crossed in front and belted with a wide brown leather belt. When she was done she set an ivory, with a brown embroidered floral pattern cowboy hat on Sharah’s head.

Yavia’s outfit was finished with a tied off blue plaid flannel button down and a black with copper embroidery cowboy hat. She grinned at their reflection in the mirror. She had been waiting to use these outfits since their dinner date. “We don’t have to wear the hats outside, but I can’t wait to see his face when we get up stairs. If he likes you in this hat as much as you like him, I may be hosting alone.” She winked at Sharah in the mirror making the other woman both blush and laugh. “Come on.” She dragged Sharah by the hand out of her room. She slipped a hand around her waist and they made their way up the stairs.

Yavia

“Man but I hate ta see you two leave… but I just love ta watch ya go. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm!” a voice from behind them said. Tenkiller was walking out of the bedroom ad they climbed the stairs. He was wearing faded blue jeans and worn, square-toed brown cowboy boots. A pale blue light denim shirt with pearl snaps, sleeves cuffed up wide just above his elbows… and a brown felt cowboy hat with turquoise beaded band and a small feather on the right side sat on his head. His long, black hair was hanging loose down his back as his dark brown eyes peered at them- ok, parts of them- from under the brim. He grinned and said “You gals dress up for me? Or are you tryin’ta make every man here tonight seriously regret all their life choices that led them to not being the one with ya?” and he grinned as he caught up to them on the stairs.

Tenkiller

They turned on the stairs and watched him make his way to them. Sharah was blushing and had that same intense, hungry, entranced look from the last time he wore his hat. Except this time she wasn’t afraid (hesitant but not afraid) to share how she felt about him, with him.

He should be labeled a health hazard for looking that good. Or maybe it was the way he looked at her from under the brim of his hat. Sharah shook her head, “For you.” But it came out all breathless and distracted. Sharah was suddenly so hot she thought she might melt right there on the stairs.

Sharah

He got close and said softly “You just keep those coals hot fer me, hun… I promise ya after this get-together I will help ya make good use of ‘em.” and he kissed the side of her neck and then grinned at her.

Yavia tightened her arm around Sharah and grinned. She thought TK was the hottest man alive - hat or no hat. But that hat seemed to have some magical effect on their delicate third. The feelings, sensations coming off Sharah was so much more than attraction and desire. She was definitely looking like she might spontaneously combust again.

Yavia leaned in, fitting into the curve of one of his arms. “Oh this is all for you and only for you.” Her free arm wrapped around him and slipped teasingly into his back pocket and squeezed. “But if they wonder and wish they were you, I’ll take the compliment.”

Yavia

He smiled at V and said “Anyone who sees you tonight is gonna wish they were me… or Sharah… or both of us. You look positively edible.” and he kissed her for a long moment, squeezing Sharah to him. After he released them both, he said “Ok, let’s go see if the food and such has arrived and start gettin’ ready.”

The food and drink had arrived, and after they got everything situated for the evening, the sounds of sliders on the road above could be heard as people started arriving.

Tenkiller

The first to arrive were, as they were affectionately named, the nurses. Temple had picked them up and they all piled out. Yavia thought it looked like circus clowns with the number of people getting out of the car. Sharah heard the thought and started laughing. She quickly stifled it before anyone could ask why.

They arrived with all the noise and antics of a gaggle of geese. Jessie and Elaine were the first. Jessie looked around with open nosey curiosity and saw Sharah slip out of Charles arms where she had obviously just been kissing him. She elbowed Elaine hard, “It’s true!” Elaine rolled her eyes and shushed the younger woman.

Shrine and Temple glanced from Yavia to Sharah to Tenkiller and back. Temple giggled. “Don’t they make a pretty picture.” Shrine smiled, “MmmHmmm one happy little family.”

Ilena and Jal’na made their way over toward the drinks. Jal’na leaned down and lifted Yavia in a massive bear hug. “I knew he was the Warrior for you.” Yavia cackled. “Then why did you keep trying to steal him.” Jal’na gave her a smile - all fangs, “Sometimes the heart needs a challenge to know what it wants.” Ilena paused and looked at Jal’na, “No one had any doubt that Yavia knew what she wanted.” Jal’na shrugged, “Still makes the pursuit sweeter.”

Yavia and the nurses