Written for a 'red' prompt.

Title: Aftertaste

Guiding her to the couch, the Commander handed her a glass.

"Red wine?"

"I bought it as an investment about ten years ago."

"Expensive?"

"Probably would've fetched a few thousand cubits at auction."

"You should have saved it for a special occasion."

He checked his watch. "We haven't disagreed on any subject for eighteen minutes. I think that's special, Madam President," he teased, joining her on the couch. "Close your eyes," he quietly ordered.

Her eyes flew to his face instead.

"We should make wine this expensive into an entire experience," he explained, closing his eyes, raising his glass to his nose and inhaling deeply. "Aerilon Oak."

Tentatively, she followed his lead and shut her eyes.

"What can you smell?" he asked.

She could smell the soap he used. It clung to his skin despite the fact she knew he must use it sparingly.

She determinedly lifted the glass closer.

"Wood," she agreed.

"Yes."

Polish, she thought. He'd polished his tunic's buttons recently.

"A spice of some kind…"

His breath held a hint of the spice that had been used on their chicken dinner.

"Anything else?"

"Leather."

How amazing that his belt had a scent.

"That's all?"

She nodded but there was something else. It was the faint tang of his sweat.

"Take a sip without opening your eyes," he suggested.

She licked her lips before she obeyed. In her mind she was running her tongue along his chest.

"Can you taste the wood? The spices? The leather?"

She saw herself eagerly lapping up the salty moisture that made his skin shine.

"You like it?"

"Oh yes," she moaned.

His chuckle made her eyes fly open.

"Tastes like vinegar," he declared.

Finally, once her flush had subsided, she returned to reality, snorting resignedly and checking her watch. "Twenty-two minutes, Commander."

The End