CHAPTER 9

The next morning, Quinn awoke to Amelia stroking his cheek, and running her fingers through his beard. He smiled sleepily, his eyes adjusting to the lamplight.

"Mm," that feels nice," he said. "What time is it?"

"Don't worry," she answered, kissing his temple. "You're not late. It's about 4:30."

"Sounds about right," he said yawning.

"I just couldn't help myself," she said silkily. "You're so cute when you sleep."

"I think you mean ruggedly handsome," he teased gruffly.

"That too," she said and kissed him sweetly.

He started to roll over on top of her, but she pulled away from his lips.

"I should go downstairs and climb in my bunk so Siobhan can find me."

Quinn groaned. "Oh no, you're staying right here." He climbed on top of her pinning her hands onto the pillow staring into her eyes playfully. "What are you gonna do now?" He moved his eyebrows up and down.

"I'd say you need a shower and a swish with some baking soda." She made a face.

Quinn laughed and rolled off sitting on the edge of the bed checking his breath. "Oh, you might be right," he said.

Amelia laughed, and jumped up. She grabbed her clothes, and caught Quinn staring at her. She found she was feeling playful too and turned her back and gave her bum a little side to side shake, then glanced over her shoulder at him. He was not only awake he was up.

"Uh oh," she said.

"Uh oh is right," he said, and grabbed her, pulling her down onto his lap as she giggled like a schoolgirl.

"Woman, you undo me," he said, beginning to kiss her, breath, and showers forgotten by both. She gave in for a while.

"Quinn?" she asked suddenly.

"Mm?" he made a noise as he nuzzled into her neck.

"You were only with one woman once before me, right?"

"This again?" he said looking into her face. "Yeah."

"Then how in the bloody hell are you so skilled in the art of driving me crazy with pleasure?"

He smiled a little shyly. "It's either a gift," he answered, "or because I've had lots of time to think about it." He began to lean her back onto the bed.

"Oh?" she asked a little shocked. "With me?"

He nodded his head.

"For how long?"

He thought a moment. "Since you were seventeen probably."

"Scandalous!" she cried and wrapped her arms firmly around his neck as her head hit the pillow.

Quinn grew serious and pulled away from her lips that were kissing him all over his face. He looked into her eyes. "Move in here with me," he said softly.

"What?" she asked.

"Move your stuff in here with me. I can't imagine not sharing my bed with you now."

She bit her bottom lip for a while. "Are you sure?" she asked apprehensively.

"I wanted to ask you two nights ago. Say yes."

"But it's so sudden. We've only been together a few days. Are we together?"

"Aren't we? Wasn't that your original pitch?"

"I never thought you'd say yes," she chuckled.

"Do it. Move in here." He was still above her, searching her face, his arms in a firm lock around her head.

She sighed. This should have been the happiest moment of her life thus far. The man she wanted for so long, begging her to share his bed with him indefinitely. But she suddenly felt so unsure.

She loved him, oh God she loved him. He was firm but fair, gentle, and silly with children, but he could command a room and hold adults accountable like no other. Did he love her though? He hadn't said the words yet, and it made her a little wary. Maybe he wasn't there. Maybe he would never be.

"Why?" she asked.

"Why?" he looked a little flummoxed. "My bed is cold without you."

"Is that the only reason?"

"No," he said and sat up swinging his legs over the bed edge again. "But I'm confused. This isn't what you want?"

She sat up too and laced her arm through his, holding his bicep. "Oh, no, believe me, I want it," she said firmly. "I guess what I want to know is why you care for me." She was so afraid of asking. Why was she trying to ruin this wonderful thing? She should take it back, and just agree to move in. She did want that. But something inside of her knew this question needed to be answered first.

Quinn was quiet for a long time. "Will it ease your mind to know?" he asked.

She nodded her head.

"I don't really know where to start. I guess the first thing I noticed when I got my head out of my arse was your beauty. Your eyes, your lips, your hair." He looked sideways at her and ran a finger down her cheek. She laughed and blushed staring at him from under her eyelashes.

"Then it was your sweetness. You have this light in you that's different from everyone here. We're all trying to survive, but you just seem to roll with everything. I saw how Emma opened up to you yesterday. People just want to know you. And I was afraid to. But now I want your glow, I want it all the time. You make me feel different."

Tears welled in Amelia's eyes. So far that was most beautiful thing he'd said. It wasn't I love you, but it was enough for now.

"I don't deserve that kind of praise," she said, wiping her eye.

"Yes, you do," he said.

She grabbed his face and kissed him hard. "Yes! Yes, I'll move in here with you!"

His grin went from ear to ear, and he pushed her down on the bed. "Good!" he said meeting her rapidly moving lips. "Now, since you're already starkers, and we have about twenty free minutes on our hands..."

She pulled him down into a kiss.

…

It was back to business as usual that day. Quinn working hard in the tunnels, Amelia doing rounds of laundry in the tubs outside. It was grueling, but she enjoyed shutting her brain off and organizing, sorting and pounding the clothing sometimes.

She spent the whole day with Jessica and Rachel peppering her with questions about Quinn, and washing, rinsing and drying. Mostly Jessica asking, as Rachel could be a bit taciturn, and thought laundry was beneath her, but they'd needed the help and she was willing albeit begrudgingly.

Word had spread fast about Amelia and Quinn, even that she was planning on moving her things into his room, which must have been speculation as she hadn't said anything, and she was sure there was no way Quinn would have either.

"So," asked Jessica. "Have you tested the equipment so to speak?" Her Scottish brogue heavy with innuendo.

"Jessica!" exclaimed Amelia blushing.

"That means yes!" she said laughing. "How was it lass? I'll bet he's a big one. I've always wondered what the man might be packin' in his trousers. Go on, give us a clue."

"You're awful, you know that Jess?" said Amelia, trying to be serious, but smiling in spite of herself. Jessica didn't know how on the mark she was.

"He'd be too serious for me," said Rachel. "Too high and mighty and holier than thou. I don't appreciate his Lording over us all the time."

Amelia shot her a look of surprise.

"Careful lass," warned Jessica. "You're talking about Amelia's mate now. Mind your P's and Q's or it'll get back to 'im."

Rachel rolled her eyes and continued to fold.

"I don't always agree with him," said Amelia, "but I respect the hell out of him. I think he does the best with the resources available. But you're entitled to your opinion, I won't tell him what you said. It's not my place to go tattling to him like a child."

Rachel scoffed a little. "I don't care if you do or not," she said sardonically. "I'll tell him myself that I think he's letting us starve."

"Then do, and quit complaining to me," said Amelia annoyed, ringing out a shirt and twisting it hard.

Jessica sucked in her breath at the sudden tension that had arisen and changed the subject. But Amelia was already in a foul mood now. She didn't like to snap that way, but sometimes Rachel could push her buttons just so. She didn't take any breaks and worked all the way to supper.

Before heading to the mess hall, she stopped into the infirmary to check on the sisters.

"Hi girls," she said more brightly than she felt.

"Hi Amelia!" said Emma. She looked happy to see her, but also tragically sad like a young Madonna painting. Olivia didn't smile, only grunted and poked at Emma's arm. "Not now dear," said Emma. Both girls were cleaned up, Emma's hair in a neat ponytail. Olivia looked quite nice too, in her new blue tunic the kids wore. She kept pulling at her hair though, and it was coming out from her ribbon in little tufts around her face. Aggie was fast asleep on the table, now with padding and a pillow breathing softly.

"How are you all adjusting?" asked Amelia.

Emma grunted as she picked Olivia up, and sat her on her lap. "Olivia needs routine, and she's so confused about where we are and what's going on. She's doing better than I thought she would, but she's still agitated."

Amelia nodded. "Well, you all can start school soon, that might help with the routine. And just let me know if you ever need a hand." That was all she could really offer, right now. She felt for these girls, but soon they'd find their way.

Emma smiled hugely. "School?!" she practically shouted. "I've never been to school!"

"They didn't have anything like that at Edinburgh?" asked Amelia stunned.

"No, I only got to do Kindergarten before we had to flee, and I don't really remember it."

Amelia's heart broke again. "Well, I'll let Lin know, and we'll help you with whatever you need." She placed her hand on Emma's shoulder.

"Thanks Amelia," she said grinning.

"Don't mention it. How's Aggie?" She looked at the sleeping child. She was wearing fresh bandages and sweat covered her brow.

"She's a little better today. Julia will be right back. She's so nice, but I can tell she's worried," said Emma growing sober in an instant.

All that Amelia could think of was a platitude, so she offered it, even if she wasn't sure it would help. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Julia was an ER nurse, so Aggie's in good hands."

Emma looked confused, and Amelia realized she probably didn't know what that meant.

"Erm, has Jared been by yet?" asked Amelia, changing the subject.

"Yes, he came by with some breakfast," she looked shyly away, and a blush bloomed on her cheeks.

Amelia breathed an inward sigh of relief. It looked like something was happening and thank goodness it didn't involve her. "He's a good man," she said.

Emma nodded, still red faced.

"I'm sure someone will be by with some dinner, and I heard Mary is going to stop by with Freddy to meet Olivia."

"Thank you, Amelia," said Emma gratefully.

"You're welcome. I'll see you in a little while." Amelia left and ran into Julia outside.

"How's the baby?" Amelia asked her.

"She's doing alright," said Julia. "It looks like only second-degree burns, thank the Lord. I can't perform a skin graft, and we don't have enough morphine for the healing process for that anyway." She wiped her brow, as if exhausted. "That honey worked nicely. I spread some generously to help the burn breathe but it's also antibacterial, so it keeps the moisture from creating gangrene."

Amelia nodded like she knew what Julia was talking about. "Well, that's a relief!" she said.

"Sometimes the old ways work. I'm taking her off morphine today. Wish I didn't have to, but she's a tough little thing. I think It'll be ok."

"She seems to be," said Amelia.

"Speaking of tough..." said Julia growing suddenly sly. "Your Quinn was here earlier."

Amelia's ears grew pink. "Oh?"

"I've been watching that unfold for a long time. Happy for you Love," she said, squeezing Amelia's hand.

"Thanks Julia," she said grinning. "I'm off to get some supper. Need anything?"

"Already had mine. Go sit with your man." She winked and went back inside.

All the way down the great hall, people were stopping her on the stairs, saying they knew about her and Quinn, hugging her, winking and all manner in between. She knew it would get around fast, but by the time she got to the bottome, she was thoroughly overwhelmed.

She grabbed her bread and a little tomato jam and some beans and looked around the hall spotting Quinn and Creedy at a table talking conspiratorially. "Boys," she said setting her plate down and sitting next to Quinn.

Quinn didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. His face washed with admiration and what looked like relief. He leaned over and kissed her temple and turned back to Creedy.

Creedy nodded at Amelia and continued his train of thought. "Anyway, I know we can make it. I know there's been some griping but we're all in this together. There's no way this is one person's fault."

"What's going on?" asked Amelia.

Both men sighed. "We took a look in our storehouses. We're running lower than we thought on a lot of things, and we'll need to ration food even more before harvest." said Quinn.

Amelia felt a stab in her gut. "Lord," she said. She suddenly felt guilty about the meager meal in front of her.

"I'm telling you Quinn; we've got enough to make it. Just no extra rations."

It was these conversations that Amelia was never privy to before. She felt the weight of this decision heavy on Quinn. It was radiating from him. She suddenly thought maybe it would be better if Quinn and Creedy finished talking alone.

"I can go, if you need me to," she said getting up.

Both men looked up at her. "Why?" they asked in unison.

"You're having a serious discussion. I don't want to interrupt."

Quinn grabbed her hand and gently pulled her back down. "Hey," he said. "You're not interrupting anything. We were waiting for you."

"Me?" she asked confused.

"This is what you wanted right? To help? To be my other half?" Quinn gave her a small smile.

Amelia was speechless. Yes, this is what she wanted; she just didn't think she'd get it.

She nodded her head slowly. Quinn squeezed her hand and turned back to Creedy.

"We're the dream team," said Creedy getting excited. "It's just like Star Trek."

Quinn groaned. "Oi, no more with the Star Trek analogy you Blighter," said Quinn putting his face into his hands.

"Star Trek?" asked Amelia. It sounded vaguely familiar.

"Don't encourage him," said Quinn groaning again. But it was too late.

"You don't remember Star Trek?" exclaimed Creedy incredulously.

"Barely," answered Amelia giggling.

"Now you've done it," said Quinn turning around in his seat.

"A crew from Earth, traveling around space, exploring and keeping peace in the galaxy. Helmed by three best friends."

"Oh God," said Quinn.

"I'm Spock, obviously. The brains of the operation. Methodical, logical, and women love me." Creedy winked at Amelia and clicked his tongue.

Quinn rolled his eyes at Amelia and she chuckled.

Creedy continued. "Quinn's Captain Kirk. Intrepid leader, goes with his gut, and has acute instincts, but he can be kind of a dunderhead."

Quinn turned around to glare at him.

"And you're obviously Bones. All heart, healing powers and a witty repartee. Plus, you don't take shit from anyone. Brains, gut and heart; a complete set!" Creedy banged his hand on the table to emphasize his speech.

"I'll give you a complete thrashing if you don't stop," muttered Quinn.

"Don't be jealous of Spock, Kirk was alright."

"Are you finished yet?" asked Quinn thoroughly annoyed.

"Aye, I think I've made my point. Good to have you aboard Bones," said Creedy holding out his hand for Amelia to shake.

"Thanks, you green blooded Volcano," she said taking it, remembering bits and pieces about the show.

"Ha! She remembers!" shouted Creedy excitedly. "It's Vulcan, but I'll overlook it this time."

"Christ," said Quinn, putting his face in his hands again.

The conversation turned finally to the food shortage. Amelia was at a loss, but she felt the only thing to do was agree with Creedy and Quinn. They could make it. Quinn showed her his calculations, and they had a quick peek in the storehouse.

"Council meeting?" asked Quinn. "Tomorrow night, we'll decide together."

"Aye," said Creedy. "I can find everyone and let them know. They'll expect it."

"I'd like it if you were there," said Quinn turning to Amelia.

"Alright," she said swallowing hard. She wanted to be there for Quinn, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to be part of the council. She hadn't really earned it yet, and she didn't think shagging Quinn were the qualifications necessary.

"Ok," said Creedy. "Part two of Beauty and the Beast?"

Amelia felt some sort of relief at not having to think about food rationing anymore, and they went to rehearse and grab their costumes.