***Author's Note***
Sorry for the delay guys. "Work done blowed up!" Is the best way I can describe life right now. With poor grammar intended for a change. Four states in as many weeks and that looks like it may continue for a bit. This was written on a cross-country flight and finished while running on about 2 hours of sleep on the last 24. So what I am saying is, I really hope it doesn't suck...I wanted to post though as I can't promise regular updates. I will do my best though. Thanks for all of the feedback and support, you guys make the effort worthwhile!
Aubrey awoke with a start – she had turned in her sleep and was now facing Stacie. Stacie's dark green eyes were open and blinking sleepily at her. The two women stared at each other for a few moments, Aubrey felt Stacie tense where her arm was loosely wrapped around the brunette's waist. Ignoring the voice in her head screaming at her to run out of the room, Aubrey listened to the one telling her she was tired of being lonely and moved her hand to Stacie's chest, pushing the tall woman onto her back. Stacie arched an eyebrow slightly but remained still, waiting and watching closely as the blonde hovered over her. After another long look Aubrey closed the distance and pressed her lips against Stacie's. The brunette's eyes widened, not expecting the blonde to be so bold before she gave herself over to the kiss.
Stacie's hands hovered near Aubrey's hips, fingers itching to latch on to the Aubrey's hips and pull her closer but she stayed passive, allowing Aubrey to lead this dance. Aubrey swept her tongue along Stacie's bottom lip and the Stacie eagerly parted her lips allowing Aubrey to deepen the kiss. Stacie couldn't resist the desire coursing through her any longer and grasped Aubrey's hips pulling her closer. The blonde ground down and Stacie arched up into her groaning lowly in her throat at the contact. Aubrey broke the kiss, rising up and keeping her hand on Stacie's chest, breathing heavily. She stared down at the brunette beneath her for a moment with lust darkened eyes before glancing around worriedly. The rest of the women were still zonked out and she sighed in relief before turning back to Stacie. Frowning slightly she pushed up into a sitting position, Stacie linked their hands stopping Aubrey before she could leave.
Aubrey smiled sadly at Stacie, running her thumb over the brunette's long fingers. She was reluctant to leave, but didn't know how to stay. Aubrey jumped a little when the comm unit on her wrist beeped feeling guilty even though no one was watching. Across the room Chloe's com unit beeped and the redhead groaned theatrically before Jessica elbowed her lightly and shushed her.
Aubrey read the text, apparently the CO and XO had news. With one last glance at Stacie she stood up letting her fingers trail out of the brunette's grasp before walking over to encourage Chloe to get up. Stacie just watched Aubrey push a mumbling Chloe out of the room before burying her head in her pillow and screaming causing the others to wake with a start.
After making themselves presentable Aubrey and Chloe entered the passageway on the way to the meeting. Aubrey had deflected Chloe's not so subtle attempts to get her to talk about her cuddle session with Stacie. The redhead was tired enough to leave it alone for a moment, for which the blonde was thankful for. Aubrey vowed to swear Stacie to secrecy later about their impromptu make out session or Chloe would never leave her in peace having relentlessly encouraged them both to stop dancing around each other.
The two women met up with Donald and Bumper at a corner the other two Captains fell into step with them.
"So much for a day off," Bumper griped. The others ignored him as they made their way down the passageway towards the CO's cabin. Aubrey tried to erase the awkwardness she was feeling at what happened between her and Stacie earlier but her mind kept replaying it in detail. Chloe for her part seemed to not have the same issue despite having to untangle herself from Jessica. Not for the first time Aubrey envied Chloe's uncomplicated outlook on boundaries and friendships.
Donald looked at Aubrey, "You think they're sending us out again?"
Aubrey for her part uncharacteristically shrugged in reply while Chloe voiced what they were all thinking and said, "God, I hope not," in a tired voice.
When they reached the Lt. Col. Smith's door Aubrey paused and fixed each of her fellow Captains with a glare until they straightened up a bit. Chloe exchanged a mildly exasperated look with her before straightening up and shaking off the last of her lethargy. The group was still exhausted from yesterday's training run in the Gravity Gym but that was no excuse to slouch in the blonde's book. Satisfied that they were as presentable as they would get Aubrey knocked on the door announcing their presence.
The XO opened the door and ushered them inside. The CO's cabin was spacious, containing a formal seating area with a couple small couches, chairs and low table. There was also a desk situated towards the rear of the room and a sleeping area separated by a door. The CO was already sitting in one of the plush armchairs. The XO motioned for the Captains to take a seat. Gail sat on the other side of the CO who was waiting for them to get settled, not even bothering to hide his smirk at how stiffly they were moving
Once they were seated and he had their full attention he grinned stretching out the awkward silence. Aubrey had her hands folded primly in her lap, while Chloe fidgeted under the CO's gaze next to her. Finally the XO broke the silence and Aubrey had to stop herself from sighing in relief.
"We have good news team. We are pulling into Waypoint Station in a little over forty-eight standard hours." She smiled and waited while the news registered with her Captains smiling back at their answering grins. We arranged for the squadron to have three days on the station, the Admiral even sent a round of drink chits for the squadron. Bumper pumped his fist and hissed out an excited "Yesssss!"
Aubrey frowned, "No duty sections?" The other three Captains shot her incredulous looks. The XO smirked at the blonde's comment. "Commander Taylor's squadron will be covering the duty rotation since they lost the last three Squadron Field Day Competitions."
Donald high fived Chloe, "That's 'cause Rider here has some mad skills!"
Chloe smiled brightly back at him and then sobered, turning to the XO, "Any word on the pilots we rescued Ma'am?"
The XO nodded. "Yes, that is the other reason the CO and I called you in. Admiral Washington informed us that they will be returned to us today for permanent assignment." Gail paused a moment letting the news sink in and did a silent countdown in her head waiting for Aubrey to voice her concerns, she was surprised when it was Donald who spoke up.
"Isn't it a little soon for them to be back on duty ma'am?" He stopped but looked like he wanted to say more. Aubrey was next.
"Are they even medically cleared? They were in pretty bad shape." Aubrey locked eyes with the XO unwilling to see how Chloe was reacting to all of this. She swore she could feel Chloe vibrating with excitement and forced herself to concentrate on what the XO was saying.
The XO waved her hand, "The CO and I understand your concerns, but we cannot turn away good pilots especially now. We know that this is going to require everyone to adapt to having new faces after so long." She locked eyes with each of them in turn before continuing, "I expect them to be welcomed into the squadron. We aren't the only ones who have lost good people.
The CO broke in, "Medical has assured us that they are well on their way to recovery. They have to regain some conditioning obviously, and the added time on the station will no doubt help with that. But they are cleared to return."
The XO smiled back at him, deciding to tweak her Captains a little more, "You know John, we could schedule another session in the Gravity Gym to see where the conditioning status of everyone is at."
The CO out his hand on his chin and considered it as the four junior officers had enough sense to look worried.
Chloe was the first to break, "Wouldn't it be better to ease them back into things ma'am?" The others chimed in their agreement.
Gail grinned at them, "You're probably right. At any rate, I expect them to be integrated. No turf battles, am I clear?"
The Captains nodded their acceptance. The CO took over, "For the time being we are going to have them move in to our existing staterooms. After a month or two we will look at shuffling everyone around if necessary."
Gail continued looking at Aubrey and Chloe, "Lt Mitchell and Captain Daniels will move in with you two and Lt Swanson will room with Benji and Kolio while Captain Grey will room with you and Bumper, Donald."
The CO nodded, "Frankly we have been stretched thin for months. Getting two experienced Captains is going to help lighten the workload for everyone." Noticing that Aubrey and Donald appeared concerned he clarified, "Don't worry, they won't be taking over, but all four of them have impressive service records and they will make a good addition to our team."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Posen, the piece of Alien material you brought back has the scientists all excited. They asked us to be on the lookout for more next time, but the CO and I would appreciate you not bringing it back embedded in a body part this time."
Aubrey smiled slightly, "Yes ma'am."
The CO stood up, everyone immediately rising to their feet. "Okay then, we've taken up enough of your time. Enjoy the rest of your day." He stared at Aubrey and Donald, "Which means no work. I don't want to see anyone near the hangar today. Now go tell everyone the good news."
The Captains exited the room and when they were safely around the corner, let out a raucous cheer and ran to break the news that they were getting R&R on a Space Station for the first time in over a year. The news spread through the ship like wildfire and the next few hours were spent making plans and talking about all the things they were going to do. Aubrey had left the mini party that had broken out in their ready room and headed for the peace and quiet of her stateroom.
Stacie hadn't approached her but the brunette had kept trying to catch her eye. Aubrey was at a loss for what to do so she elected to retreat rather than deal with the mess she had made. Chloe had watched worriedly from the sidelines guessing that more had transpired than Aubrey was letting on. The two women had been friends since they were kids and Chloe knew she would never be able to get Aubrey to talk before the blonde was ready.
Aubrey closed the door to the stateroom and leaned over her desk, trying to clearer head. After a moment she heard the door open behind her. She turned, ready to tell Chloe that she didn't want to talk only to stop in her tracks at the site of Stacie leaning up against the door. Both women stood quietly, unsure of how to start the conversation. Stacie reached some internal decision and advanced stopping in front of the blonde. Aubrey stood rooted to her spot watching the lanky brunette advance. She placed her hand on Stacie's chest stopping from closing the distance and mirroring her actions earlier that morning.
"We're talking about this." Stacie's voice was gentle, but Aubrey still felt like each word was a slap. How could she talk about something she didn't understand herself? She tried to back up and put some distance between them but Stacie moved with her. The brunette placed her hand on top of the one Aubrey had on her chest, rubbing her thumb over it soothingly. Stacie had told herself on the way over that she wouldn't beg, but standing here now she couldn't remember the reasons she had against begging.
"Aubrey, I know this isn't easy for you, but we could be good together if you would just give me a chance." Aubrey looked slightly alarmed and opened her mouth to protest but Stacie cut her off, desperate to say her piece now that she started.
"Hear me out. I get it Aubrey, I really do. You think we can't keep it professional, that I'm not serious enough for this. But dammit Posen, I understand you. You don't have to hide with me and I think that is what really fucking scares you." The brunette paused realizing that maybe she wasn't making her best case. Aubrey for her part was standing there with her brows pursed. Stacie decided to go with her strengths.
"Fuck it, I was never good with words." With that Stacie pushed forward trapping their joined hands between them and kissed Aubrey hard. The blonde took a step back in surprise but opened herself to the kiss reflexively. Stacie backed Aubrey up until her back thudded onto the locker by her desk, dropping her hands to Aubrey's hips and pulling the blonde flush against her. Aubrey didn't resist, her blood already thrumming in her veins. Instead she relaxed into Stacie bringing her hands up to frame the other woman's face. The blonde moved her hand and grabbed Stacie's hair and pulled her forcefully out of the kiss bending slightly to latch onto the brunette's pulse point sucking and nipping lightly. Stacie groaned at the contact feeling the pressure building in her core and ground her hips forcefully into Aubrey's eliciting a sexy moan from the blonde.
Aubrey was already panting with need and Stacie had barely touched her. She pushed a hand up under the brunette's t-shirt kneading Stacie's breast through her bra smiling into the kiss when Stacie moaned her name. The blonde's touch was driving her insane and Stacie crashed their mouths back together pushing her leg between Aubrey's and ground down again needing the friction on her center.
A wolf whistle trilled through the room and Aubrey pushed Stacie away from her panting only to find Beca and Sophia standing in the doorway holding bedding and duffel bags.
Beca spoke first, eyes wide, "Holy shit." Sophia dropped her duffel bag and smacked her. The older dark haired woman turned with sympathetic eyes back to the two women who were trying to straighten their clothing. She smiled and attempted to ease the tension.
"Really sorry to interrupt ladies. The XO told us to drop her stuff and that she would be by to check on how we're getting settled in." Sophia didn't look all that sorry, instead she was grinning at their disheveled state.
Aubrey self-consciously ran her hand through her hair still trying to get her breathing to even out. Stacie recovered first and went over to Beca grabbing her bedding.
"Uh yeah, let me help you with that shorty." Stacie grinned gaining back some of her equilibrium. Beca rolled her eyes in response falling back into the easy banter the two had shared at the Academy.
"Whatever Conrad, go ahead act like you didn't have your tongue halfway down Posen's throat just a second ago." Beca smirked at Stacie, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Stacie merely shrugged and replied easily, "Leave Posen out of this or I'll force your tiny self to climb up and make this bunk up alone."
Aubrey finally shook off her embarrassment enough to help Sophia get her things squared away. After the women had stowed their newly issued flight suits and work out gear the awkward silence came back. Stacie realizing that Aubrey wouldn't even look at her let out a frustrated sigh and glared at Beca before hugging her tightly.
"Lousy timing Bec, but I'm still glad we got your skinny ass back. Come by and see us later?" Beca nodded after awkwardly extricating herself from Stacie's arms. Stacie looked at Aubrey who was standing stiffly next to her desk avoiding looking at anyone. Sighing the lanky brunette excused herself and left the room with one last backward glance at Aubrey.
"Look Beca, I know what you must be thinking." Aubrey started trying to do damage control unwilling to let it go, Beca just smirked back at her.
"Pretty sure, you don't there Posen." Beca realized that Aubrey was off kilter and embarrassed but after all of the grief that Aubrey had put her through at Barden Station, she couldn't resist tweaking her a bit.
Aubrey huffed in exasperation. "Look we have to –" just then Chloe sauntered into the room singing and swaying slightly interrupting whatever the blonde was about to say. Apparently Lily's stash of illegal alcohol was going to be a little less now. Beca froze before turning to busy herself organizing her locker. Chloe for her part looked confusedly between the three women in the room. Aubrey groaned to herself. They were setting a great example for their newest members, she was fraternizing in her room and even from where she was standing Aubrey could smell the scent of alcohol rolling off of the redhead.
Sophia quirked an eyebrow, "So, this is how the famous Banshees roll? I'm impressed Posen, I always had you pegged as a hard ass."
Aubrey frowned drawing breath to begin defending their squadron, but Beca cut her off snarking, "Don't worry Sophia, the rumors are true, she's never met a rule she didn't love."
Chloe finally shook off her paralysis, "Hey, that's not fair."
Beca looked chastised at the redhead's admonishment before covering it with her usual air of indifference.
Sophia looked at Aubrey who was turning an impressive shade of red with anger at the slim woman's words. Realizing that the teasing wasn't going over well she backtracked a bit. "Relax guys, I'm just busting your chops Aubrey. Nice to know everything isn't always doom and gloom around here."
Sensing that Aubrey was still ready to continue the fight with Beca, Chloe stepped further into the room and placed her hand warmly on Sophia's arm, "We're so glad you guys are okay." Chloe looked at Beca, but the brunette kept her back to everyone.
Sophia smiled at Chloe, "So, I heard a rumor that after Posen and I went down you kicked some ass?"
Chloe rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, even Beca turned slightly unable to fully hide her interest.
"Well, I couldn't let you have all the fun now could I?" Chloe joked back lightly.
Beca frowned, not liking the easy banter between Sophia and Chloe. She shook her head, refusing to analyze it any further and then caught Aubrey staring at her thoughtfully. Not liking the sudden feeling of being exposed, she mumbled an excuse and slipped out of the room leaving the other there women to share a confused look.
Chloe started to go after her, but Aubrey's hand at her elbow stopped her. Chloe knitted her brow, Aubrey spoke softly, reluctant to start an argument in front of Sophia, "Let her go Chloe, not a good idea to be wandering the hall smelling like a brewery."
Seeing that Chloe was ready to protest, Sophia jumped in wanting to diffuse the sudden tension, "Yeah, the XO was walking around Red. Probably safer just to go to bed."
Chloe took a moment, looking between Aubrey and Sophia before nodding in defeat. She waved her hand dismissively, then climbed in her rack.
Sophia watched her get settled and decided a change of subject couldn't hurt. The pretty woman made eye contact with Aubrey, her raspy voice adding gravity to her words. "Hey, I do appreciate what you guys did. Thanks for coming to get us." Unable to hold Aubrey's gaze, afraid of seeing pity or sadness reflected there, Sophia looked away and continued, "We thought no one was coming." After a moment the dark haired woman straightened shaking off her melancholy and smiled, "Seeing Red there kick some ass, was definitely a bright spot though."
Chloe snorted from her bunk, blue eyes catching and holding Sophia's gaze before the redhead rolled over to sleep off her bender.
Aubrey spent the rest of the evening laying in her bunk replaying the events with Stacie on a loop in her brain that refused to shut off. Sometime around midnight Beca slunk back in and quietly got ready for bed. Seeing Aubrey's gaze in the low light the slim woman held it for a moment, an unreadable expression crossing her angled features before turning and climbing into her rack.
Aubrey rolled over still trying to figure out how to deal with Stacie, hoping that the visit to Waypoint wouldn't be a disaster. Her last thought before sleep claimed her was of Stacie's sad eyes.