AN: Ya know, I can almost feel the collective 'FINALLY!' lol, I am SO sorry this took so long...both College and extreme health issues have kinda tripped me up writing wise...also am dealing with an uber case of writer's cluster fuck...omg the plot bunnies...there are millions of them...
Anywho I appreciate your patience with this, I've been working on it for a while, am still not completely happy with it, so by all means give me some feedback people :)
By the way, the wamazing artist Missi-Moonshine from deviantart drew Brina and Thane for me! ^.^ She is a Goddess people, a true goddess! The link is on my profile if yall are curious, I think it looks gorgeous :D
Brina opened her eyes; slightly disoriented when she didn't see stars…Oh that's right…I'm not on the Normandy, Im-Ohhhh…..
She turned over, nipping a green scaled shoulder, "Morning starshine…the Earth says hello!"
She received a deep, gravelly groan as a response.
"Come on…wake up…"
"No."
"I'm going to hurt you…"
"You are welcome to try Siha…"
She slapped him with her pillow, Thane giving no reaction whatsoever. "Damn it…" She decided to try another tactic…
"Thane…"
"Yes"
Brina cuddled up to his back, sliding her hands around his torso. She could swear she heard him purr…She nipped his shoulder again, her hands sliding over his stomach, if he'd just turn over slightly…
He did; laying a small kiss against her jaw. Brina chose that moment to strike by jabbing her fingers into his sides. Thane gave a small yelp as he leapt out of the bed.
"Siha!"
Brina couldn't stop laughing…the look on his face was priceless; both slightly disoriented and a little betrayed. He stiffened, moving to grab his clothes.
"Aw don't be a bitch, come back here…"
Thane shook his head, he was such a grump in the mornings…it was at these times she saw where Kolyat got his moodiness from. Brina pouted as she watched him pull on his leather pants. When he moved near enough, trying to grab his vest, she hooked her fingers into his waistband and jerked.
Drell were a lot heavier than humans…so she was mildly surprised that he fell back. She laughed at his surprised expression, "I said come back here…" she giggled.
Thane scowled at her amusement, still not fully awake, and not pleased at how he had been awakened. "What is it Siha?"
Brina kissed him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, "Morning…" She murmured as she pulled away. Thane softened under her as he pulled her closer.
"Morning Siha…"
"So did you sleep well?" They had spent yesterday visiting all her old haunts, which Thane had researched to find hadn't really changed since her death. This pleased Brina to no end.
"Yes, and you?" He said softly, his hands trailing up her back as she nuzzled his neck and kissed his shoulder.
"Same…better than on the Normandy actually." She stood, pulling on a robe as she moved towards the door, "So do you want me to make you breakfast in bed? I warn you…I can only make toast…"
Thane chuckled as he pulled the covers over himself, "That would be nice Siha…" He was surprised at how easily she smiled now that she was away from the Normandy; she seemed a lot less stressed…
"Alright, be right back!"He watched her slide her feet back into her cowboy boots before leaving to the kitchen, her outfit causing much amusement on his end of things. He smiled as he turned over, a memory snapping into focus without warning.
Golden scales shine in the early morning light as her body shimmies into her dress. "Are you hungry?" Irikah turns to me, her smile radiant.
"Yes…"
"Alright, be right back" I hear her move down the hall, calling to Kolyat who will be late for school if he doesn't get up soon…
I fall back into bed, exhausted, only having returned from my last contract yesterday.
The smell hits me as I hear her enter the bedroom, smells of fresh bread and spices.
"Wake up Thane…"
Thane jerked back to the present, cringing at the horrid smell coming into the bedroom from the kitchen.
Brina's head poked into the room a moment later, "The toaster is now on fire, sooo…we're going out for breakfast!" Her boots clunked against the floor as she moved down the hall to the main room of the apartment.
Thane sat up, laughing quietly to himself, it is never boring with my Siha…
. . .
Thane had always tried to find the beauty in any planet or area he was in, he tried his best not to be judgmental…but he had always viewed his surroundings with a kind of criticism, unconsciously comparing it to Kahje…the extravagance of the ocean views in the Encompassing, the elegance of the structural designs of the domed drell cities…it was very hard to compete with that in his mind.
The glory of North Carolina…was definitely not the Encompassing…but it was the first place Thane came to that he was instantly in love with. He could see why Brina was so happy to be back.
Brina was taking him on a hike; showing him some of her favorite trails. For the first time in ten years…he felt himself actually begin to relax. There was a sense of comfort that seemed to resonate throughout the trees, and when the wind blew through the forest, the light whisper of the rustling leaves made the most pleasant background noise.
They were finding it difficult to stay on the set trail. Seeing as it was fall; the ground was littered with leaves, causing the path and surrounding foliage to be covered in a massive golden carpet. More leaves showered down on them from the slowly vanishing canopy above. Brina informing him that eventually all the leaves would fall, leaving the branches of the trees completely bare. He was happy they had arrived at just the right time to catch the best of the colors before they all withered and decayed on the ground.
Thane was also delighted that though most of North Carolina could be considered a city…it certainly looked like a metropolis…the urban environment had limits. He was thoroughly enjoying the newfound quiet. Occasionally they would hear a stray bird call, but all other sounds of civilization had melted away as they'd continued further through the woods.
"I love it here…" Brina breathed. Thane wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"I'm glad Siha"
A slight rustling, not caused by the wind, shattered the serenity of the moment. "Oh shit…" Brina hissed. Thane turned in the direction she was looking, barely controlling his shock.
He had researched a great deal about Earth and it's creatures…particularly the ones native to Brina's home…he believed this one was called a Mountain Lion…or Cougar, they were extremely rare…
"Stand very…very still…" Brina murmured.
Thane watched the great cat slink through the leaves towards them…as it got closer he marveled at the animal. Its fur was tawny, with mild reddish tones along its back and around its neck. It had big, round ears that pricked forward as it drew near them. Thane warily glanced at the Cougar's huge paws, which sported nasty looking claws that his leather or Brina's jacket would have almost no hopes of protecting them against. He was about to throw himself in between Brina and the Cougar when it turned its gaze on him and he froze.
When Thane had first looked into Irikah's eyes he had thought of sunsets…as he gazed into this creature's dark brown orbs, all he could see…was Brina. The way it moved as it circled them…was just like his Siha in a fight, and its eyes…he had seen the same look in Brina's eyes whenever she had approached an attacker…
"Momma…Momma, KITTY!"
"Damn it!" Brina cried as a tiny human girl broke through the bushes; startling the animal, which was now in between them and the child. The girl seemed to realize her mistake as the creature stalked towards her.
The great cat paused as it sniffed the small human, narrowing its eyes and delivering a soft hiss. The child backed up against a tree, whimpering slightly, calling for her mother.
Thane watched as Brina leapt in front of the cat, throwing her arms up and delivering a frightening shriek as she advanced towards the animal. Thane was once again struck by the similarities…
The Cougar hissed, Brina returning the gesture as she crouched before the child. Thane watched in amazement as the cat glanced back at him, hissing one final time before lumbering back into the forest where it came.
The small child was crying, her keening wails deafening in the newfound quiet. Brina knelt in front of her, cradling her face and murmuring soothing words. The girl seemed to calm at this, smiling slightly as Brina wiped the tears from the girl's cheeks with her thumbs.
"Anya, what on Earth?" Thane watched another human emerge through the trees, this one definitely adult. She had long golden colored hair, her skin wasn't as pale as Brina's but it wasn't tan either. She had bright green eyes and a pleasantly round face. She wore an outfit very similar in style to Brina's only with hiking shoes instead of cowboy boots and the bright blue sweater and jeans were skin tight…
"Momma…there was a kitty! It was mean…" The girl ran to the woman, wrapping her tiny arms around the lady's legs.
"A kitty?" She suddenly noticed she wasn't alone with her daughter, "What the hell is she talking about?"
Brina smiled, "It was a Mountain Lion…don't worry no harm was done physically, I scared it off." Thane gave a small smile, proud of his Siha.
"Oh my Gawd!" Thane noticed this woman's accent was slightly thicker than Brina's…and as Brina continued to converse with her, her own accent became more noticeable. The other woman clutched the child to her.
"Yes…but like I said no real harm done, it's gone now…"
"Thank God for that…Anya, what did I tell you about running from the trails?" The small girl looked suitably chastened.
Thane had seen a few human children on the Citadel…this one was even smaller than most duct rats…
She had a small oval face, with wide blue eyes that seemed to change shades depending on what angle she held her head. Long brown hair swung about her shoulders, most of it a jumbled and tangled mess. She wore a small blue dress that exposed her pale, bony arms and legs; Thane was surprised to find she wore no shoes…
"But Momma…I saw the green man and wanted to say hi." Brina gave Thane a small smile.
"Anya…" The woman sighed before turning back to them, "I apologize for her intrusion, thank you for saving my daughter, it is a debt I wish I could repay with more than words…we'll leave you to your day."
"No worries, I was glad I was here to help," Brina extended her hand, "Brina Shepard…"
The other woman paused…her eyes widening as she stared at Brina. "B-Brina?"
"Yes…?"
Brina gave a startled yelp as the other woman threw her arms around her, "The last time I saw you you were showing off your new Alliance uniform with all its flashy buttons and badges like you was the queen of England…God it's been ages, how the hell are you girl?"
When Brina only continued to stare at the woman she gave a startled laugh, "It's me, Orla, remember?"
Thane watched his Siha's face change from confused to ecstatic, once again amazed by how expressive human faces were.
"Orla!" She practically tackled her, kissing her cheek before stepping back. "Gosh, I didn't even recognize you…"
"I didn't recognize you either…what happened to your hair?"
Brina laughed as she ran her fingers through it, "Long hair is a tactical risk ya know…"
"In my line of work it's a requirement." Brina did a double take.
"You mean you still work for…"
Orla nodded, a small smile playing across her full lips, "Yep, but it's under new management…" She turned towards the trail, "our house is nearby, why don't yall come along and we can catch up? Unless…" She glanced towards Thane.
Brina turned to him, the question in her eyes. Thane himself was quite curious about the two…Brina had barely spoken of her time in the Reds.
"Whatever Siha wishes is fine with me."
The woman named Orla giggled before leaning in conspiratorially towards Brina, "Well…you certainly can pick 'em….such manners!" Brina laughed, grabbing Thane's hand and squeezing it affectionately as they began to follow Orla.
. . .
"Hey lover boy…your girl's picture is over there if you're curious…" Orla tossed over her shoulder as she carried a fussing Anya into a back room.
Thane nodded as he moved towards the framed holo…stunned by what he saw.
It was definitely Brina…but you wouldn't have been able to tell without really knowing the woman. He glanced back at her as she too examined the holo frames, feeling sadness tighten in his chest as he realized just how much Lazarus had erased.
The holo showed a very young red head, her skin was cream and roses while her bronze eyes seemed to glow. A delicate veil of freckles laced across her nose and cheeks while her crimson curls cascaded down her shoulders. She looked radiant, and for once he was happy to have an eidetic memory.
"Gah I look like such a dork!" Brina crowed over his shoulder. Thane glanced towards Orla, who was preoccupied with her daughter. He then grabbed Brina, pulling her close and pressing his forehead against hers.
"Really? You look like an angel to me…" Brina kissed his chin.
"Yet again you prove to be quite the sap..." She murmured as she snuggled into his chest.
"Oh wow…that's an old one…" She breathed as she moved out of his embrace, "I think I was seventeen…"
Thane looked towards the picture she was examining, his breath catching slightly.
Brina was posing with a group of other young girls…she was scantily clad, her skin glowing against the dark garments. Something was off about her skin though…her arms looked as if they had scales…but upon closer inspection he saw it was a design painted into her skin…
"I miss my tattoos…" Brina whispered as she traced the intricate designs, "Those Celtic knot designs were not easy to get…very painful." Thane didn't doubt it, the knot work wrapped around her arms, trailing across her collar bone and dipping between her breasts.
"What do they mean?"
"A number of things…mainly I just liked how they were a link to my heritage…plus the symbolism in Celtic knot work is beautiful…see here," She pointed towards a figure eight design close to her wrist, right below her inner elbow in the holo, "Those were snakes intertwining, the snake is a Celtic sign of renewal, I took it as meaning a fresh start…"
"The one I miss the most is the one you can't see…" She gestured to her back, "It was across my shoulder blades…I had the Celtic trinity symbol…"
"And what did that one mean to you Siha?"
Brina sighed, "Oh…many things…" Thane noticed her tracing a design into her palm, "My favorite was Maiden, Mother, and Crone…which symbolizes the stages of life…kinda like the Asari? It's very difficult to explain the Celtic Trinity…there are so many meanings and explanations of the lore…"
There was a scuffle from behind them as Orla entered the room, "Hi guys, sorry about that…Anya needed to be put down for her nap."
Thane smiled at Brina, who moved to embrace her friend again.
"I missed you Orla…how've you been?"
The other woman sighed as she fell into an arm chair, "Oh pretty much the same…still dancing till my toes break."
"Yes, I saw the pole…" Both women looked towards the pole in the corner of the room, Thane recognizing it from his time on Omega, "I can't believe you have one in your house…" Brina laughed.
"Well, why the hell not? Its great exercise…I mean we all can't get slammin bodies by slaying Geth…plus it keeps me in practice for work…"
Brina stepped closer to the pole, examining it, "I wonder…" She murmured.
Orla laughed. "Go for it girl! How long has it been? I doubt you'd remember the steps…"
Brina didn't like the way Orla was laughing at her. Gritting her teeth, determined, she approached the pole. "I remember damn it."
Thane's eyes widened as he watched his Siha spin around the pole, eventually pulling herself up it and twisting around. He recalled the Asari dancers of Omega performing similar moves…only he didn't get as excited when they danced…Goddess of Oceans…get a hold of yourself! He mentally yelled at himself…
"So…you used to pole dance as well Siha?"
Brina, hanging upside down by her feet, smiled up at him, "Yup…I used to do these exact moves…only difference is I was naked…" She flipped, spinning around the pole once more...
Orla's laughter was almost contagious as she punched Thane in the shoulder, "Oh my God…Brina, you should see his face…oh this is priceless!"
Thane could almost feel the red ribbing of his throat darken to almost burgundy.
Brina quickly jumped down to the floor, her face flushed as she smiled at Thane. "Whew! I'd forgotten how much of a workout that is…damn…" She flopped onto the nearby couch.
It was definitely easier to deal with the pain and emotional trauma they had both endured in the Reds by being nonchalant and joking about it…Brina didn't like remembering what it had been like to be a dancer…how dangerous it was…how if you were ever taken to the back rooms you were dead…
But instead of focusing on that, Brina and Orla had both decided to put on happy faces and pretend the bad stuff hadn't happened.
"Wait…Orla, why are you even still working? I mean…don't you want to get out of that?"
Orla crossed her arms, "Yea I thought about finding another job…but the truth is I make a ton of money with this…and that allows me to provide for Anya…and provide well, I don't want to risk that."
Brina nodded, "So you still work at the club?" she asked Orla.
"I own the club."
Brina gave a shocked gasp as she took a seat across from Orla, "No way! I thought that building was owned by the Reds…how'd you swing that?"
Orla had been a dancer at the same club Brina worked at before she signed up for the Alliance. Always pleasant and extremely talented, Orla had been a favorite among the gang's kingpins because she refused to let the place crush her spirit.
She had had a knack for pole dancing…becoming an expert at the turning tricks in a few months, whereas the dancers that had been there for years could barely haul themselves up the pole let alone do fancy moves. It had earned her some jealous enemies, but Brina had admired how Orla seemed to always bounce back with a smile and a kind word. Not to say that her friend never fought…you crossed Orla and you soon got knocked on your ass…she'd just be real sweet about it afterward.
"It's a long story…but basically the Reds have moved further down the mountain…they're over in Charlotte now, though you won't see them. They're fixen to start to expand…"
"Wow…well damn…so they just gave you the club?" It was then Brina noticed Thane was still standing, watching them.
Thane smiled as Brina motioned for him to sit next to her, laughing softly when she yelped as he pulled her into his lap.
Orla grinned at the two, "Pretty much, though I did use some extremely useful blackmail…" Brina didn't doubt it…Orla had an aura about her that made you feel safe…made you feel comfortable around her; it wasn't a shock that she knew a few secrets.
"Now enough about me…what's this all about?" She smiled as she gestured at the couple.
Brina smiled at her friend as Thane nuzzled her neck affectionately, "There isn't much to tell really…Thane kinda just swept me off my feet."
Orla's smile widened, "Now you know Thane Krios…I've heard of you…I know your line of work, hell I even considered hiring you once…"
"That's…intriguing…" Thane raised one eye ridge.
"Ended up doing the job myself, but that's beside the point, this girl you've snagged here…" She gestured towards Brina, "She's very important to me, and she's been through absolute hell…you break her heart…and I'll break your face."
Brina had to laugh at the situation, Orla had just threatened the best assassin in the galaxy, but he took it in stride.
Thane bowed his head in acknowledgment, "I swear to watch over my Siha, and protect her from harm until my dying breath." He spoke almost reverently and Brina smiled down at him as his hands briefly tightened their hold around her.
"Well hot damn Brina!" Orla crowed as she leaned back in her chair, "Hang on to this one…don't let him out of your sight do you hear me?"
Brina laughed kissing the dark pentagonal mark on Thane's forehead, "I'll try my best…" She whispered.
"Momma!"
"Ah hell…" Orla groaned before a small being launched itself into her lap.
"What are you doing outta bed?"
Little Anya eyed Brina and Thane critically, "I wanted to meet your friends…"
Brina smiled and moved out of Thane's lap, opting to sit right beside him, "Hi there Anya…my name is Brina." She extended her hand.
Anya wasn't having it though, instead bypassing the hand shake all together and crawling into the Commander's lap.
It was difficult for Thane to suppress his laughter as the little girl leaned in close, her and Brina's noses practically touching. They sat like that for several minutes before the girl spoke.
"I am Anya, pleased to meet you." She then extended her hand for Brina to shake; once that was done she turned towards Thane, who seemed to stiffen under her scrutiny.
It was Brina's turn to laugh as Anya crawled into the drell's lap, leaning in just as close as she had with Brina.
"And who are you?" She asked.
"Thane Krios"
"You talk funny…"
"Most humans seem to share your opinion."
"I'm Anya, pleased to meet you." She and Thane shook hands.
"And I you." Thane replied, smiling. The little girl smiled back before curling up in his lap and promptly falling asleep.
Brina felt her heart constrict as she watched Thane reposition the child to a more comfortable position on his lap, he lightly began to stroke the girl's hair, a small smile stretching his lips.
For the first time Brina allowed herself to think of that particular 'what if'…the what if that had her marrying Thane…having his children…where she would have an actual family…
The 'what if' was quickly banished from her mind. It was a foolish desire, one that would only cause massive pain and heart ache if she continued to host those thoughts any longer. Thane was dying…and she had a galaxy to save. To want to bring a vulnerable life into that was an extremely selfish thought and Brina instantly hated herself for the few seconds she allowed herself to daydream.
"You alright Brina?"
She turned to Orla, forcing a strained smile, "I'm fine…so I wish to know more about how you're now a club owner…"
. . .
"Brina…" Orla whispered as she pulled her aside. It was time for good-byes…and Brina's heart was already breaking.
"Yes?" She yelped as Orla pulled her into a hug.
"I do manage to watch the news you know…" She whispered fiercely, "I know you are up against something big. No matter what the brass claims, I hear you are on a suicide mission…" Orla's words seemed to choke off, Brina gripping her friend closer before Orla stepped back.
"You come back damn it." Orla wasn't crying, but her eyes had become slightly red, "You make damn sure you come back, you hear me?" Brina nodded, holding back tears of her own.
"Momma!" Both women turned to Anya, who was currently sitting atop Thane's shoulders, "Does Mr. Krios have to leave now? Make him stay!"
Thane gave a small laugh before setting the child down on the ground, "I apologize Anya, but the Commander and I have to leave…we have important things to do." He kneeled down to her level.
Brina was enjoying the fatherly side of Thane…it was a shame they had to leave…
"Will you come back?" The question was innocent enough…but as Thane locked eyes with Brina she felt her stomach clench. Even if they survived the Omega 4…Thane was still sick.
He grabbed the little girl's tiny hands, smiling as she fiddled with his fused fingers, "I cannot promise anything Anya, but I assure you I will try my best to see you again."
The girl sighed heavily, "Okay…goodbye Mr. Krios, I'll miss you!" She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
Brina watched as Thane's eye lids began to flutter rapidly, his jaw clenching slightly as he hugged her back.
"Goodbye Anya, I'll miss you too."
"Hey now, why is the drell getting all the attention little one? Don't I get a hug too?" Brina smirked as the little girl stepped away from Thane to leap into the Commander's arms.
"Bye Ms. Shepard…I'll miss you too!" Brina squeezed Anya, smiling at Orla as she let her go.
"Oh I forgot to tell you, happy birthday Brina." Orla kissed her cheek and patted her shoulder.
"Thanks Orla, message me okay? I'll be sure to keep in touch." She gave Orla her new Omni Tool info, Miranda had no idea Brina was able to accept messages through that channel, Brina had only given the info out to a few people…hopefully the Cerberus Officer would never find out.
"I will Brina…and Thane!" Thane turned to Orla, "Take care of her okay?"
Thane wrapped an arm around Brina's waist, "I will."
Brina leaned into Thane's side as they walked back to the shuttle, "I hate leavin…" She whispered.
"I wish you could stay Siha…" Thane pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.
"Yea…" She murmured, "Me too."
. . .
Brina sighed as she sought comfort in the shower. She was glad to be back on the Normandy…but she mourned North Carolina. For two days she had been able to forget her troubles and just enjoy life…and being with Thane.
It was difficult to fall back into her responsibilities…she just wanted so desperately to cling to her vacation still…she wanted more of a break.
Her 'what if' thoughts were still haunting her…as much as she tried to shake them they refused to go away.
She had never had a family…she didn't even know her parents. The Reds had found her in a dumpster…half dead.
There was no such thing as warmth and affection in her childhood. Maggots had to prove themselves useful before they were even put through the gauntlet to try out for the Reds…Brina had had to scrape and claw her way through life until she was strong enough to stand on her own.
It had been nice to be with Orla and Anya…for a few seconds Brina had been able to pretend she was part of a family and that had been heaven.
She shut off the water, stepping out and drying herself off. Gardner had made her a birthday cake and Kasumi had managed to get her hands on some genuine ice cream while they'd been docked. The whole squad and most of the crew were gonna be meeting in the mess hall soon, and she was going to be late if she didn't hurry.
She slipped back into her Cerberus uniform, frowning at her reflection as she combed her hair. She hated having to put on a happy mask, but this party was more for the crew than for her, they didn't have many occasions to celebrate…
She stepped out of the bathroom, poking the side of her space hamster's cage; she still hadn't bothered to name the little critter.
"Are you ready to go Siha?" Brina, unprepared as always, stumbled; banging her hip against the side of her desk as she narrowly avoided knocking Thane over.
"Damn it Thane!" His smirk was far too smug.
"I apologize Siha…"
"Sure you do…bastard."
She moved to exit the room, but a green scaled hand clamped around her wrist, pulling her back. She placed her hands on his chest as she looked up at him expectantly.
"Are you sure you are alright? I sense that something is wrong…" She gave a small smile at his concern.
"Don't worry; I'll be okay…just thinking about stuff…I'll be fine." She kissed him tenderly, smiling against his lips as one of his hands snaked into her hair.
She pulled away slowly, "Now I want some ice cream damn it. It better not be gone or they're gonna have one pissed off birthday girl…" She continued to grumble as she exited the room, Thane smiling and shaking his head as he followed after her.
. . .
Brina stared at the blazing inferno that was her birthday cake, "Exactly how old do you think I am guys?"
"Gardner only told us to put candles on the cake Battle master…he didn't specify as to how many." The young Krogan shifted from foot to foot, uncertain.
"That's okay Grunt…but usually the number is supposed to match the person's age…judging by this I'm over fifty years old…"
"Oh damn, my mistake…we should have added more…" Garrus teased.
"I'd punch you if I knew it wouldn't hurt me more than you…ya bastard."
As the group laughed Brina examined her crew… She realized she was being an idiot…she had a family already. She looked at their faces, each one smiling down at her. For once petty squabbles and foolish prejudices had been put aside for later; everyone was just enjoying themselves…enjoying one last peaceful moment before the storm…before the mission continued.
She smiled at everyone, laughing as Jack bitched about wanting ice cream…her eyes landed on Thane, who sat across from her, the light from the candles illuminating his bright green irises. He was the most precious gift of all…she realized she would choose him over any chance for family any day. He had helped her so much, helped her believe that she was a good person…being with Thane made her feel as if she actually could succeed and defeat the collectors…bring everyone home safe. He smiled at her, giving her her favorite crooked grin.
"Make a wish Siha…" Brina winked at him as she inhaled, puffing up her cheeks before blowing out her candles.
. . .
"Siha?" Thane called as he entered the Loft.
"I'll be out in a minute!" Brina sang from the bathroom. Thane smiled, pressing the button that fed the fish as he walked down the stairs toward the living area. What he saw caused him to stop dead in his tracks…
An identical pole to the one in Orla's house had been set up…Thane's breath hitched in his throat…
He turned as he heard the bathroom door slide open, his eye lids immediately beginning to flutter rapidly as he took in Brina's appearance. He didn't know what the lingerie she was wearing was called…all he knew was that it had lace…and leather…and the sight of it did funny things to his insides.
"Sooo…" She purred, "Orla gave me some new clothing…though I'm not sure if this outfit works…I mean I already have a lot of clothes…"
Thane cleared his throat a few times before speaking, Brina noticing when he did that his voice was deeper…and definitely raspier, "I see no reason to exclude it Siha…"
She stepped forward, posing at the top of the stairs, "I wanted to say thank you for taking me back to Earth…that was the best gift you could possibly give me."
Thane smiled slightly as she approached him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"You are very welcome Siha…" She kissed him hungrily, before stepping back.
"Would you like to see my full routine on this thing?" She cooed as she trailed a finger down the pole.
Thane once again had to clear his throat before replying, "I am mildly curious Siha…"
AN2: Two things, first Orla is loosely based around a very dear friend, her name is Bethany and she kicks complete and total ass :D I've known this girl for around 13 years, and she is just awesome :)
Secondly, the character of Anya is a tribute to my friend Sever-Black's fanfic 'Hello Fascination' Who's little character Elissa made me smile, she's fuckin adorable folks! Yall need to go and read that fic, actually ya know what? Read all of Sever-Black's fics for they are wamazing, particularly Take Me To Infinity :D