Eleven
"Possibility", Lykke Li
Sarabi's cheeks were full before she let out a heavy exhale, her dazed expression straight ahead as she stared at nothing.
"Ready for transport."
One of Odo's officers kept their gaze on the trio as they stood within the transporters, "Energize."
At those words her grip on Odo's hand tightened immensely and she squeezed her eyes shut, causing him to give her a lopsided grin while they were taken away to the planet below them.
Before she even opened her eyes she felt the cool natural breeze surround her, filling her lungs with fresh oxygen. Breathing in deep her smile appeared, causing her aura to glow. Realizing she was still squeezing Odo's hand she quickly let go, her face turning red. "Sorry." Sarabi mumbled, "Clearly that isn't my favorite part of traveling."
He smirked at her, "Thankfully I am not human because I would need a new hand."
Dax smiled at their banter, "Luckily it was a smooth ride down."
"You have a major chest wound that could reopen at any moment but you're fearful of transporters?" Odo couldn't help but tease.
Sarabi was too enveloped in the feeling of the crisp air whipping her loose hair around her face, "I'm a complex creature."
"Most women are." Dax chuckled; speaking from her experience of living through many lives and genders. Shooting a wink to Sarabi she added, "It's what keeps the others coming back for more."
The Bajoran village they arrived in was stunning; homes, businesses, and dirt roads lined with vibrant flowers that matched Sarabi's back tattoo. Pinks, yellows, blues, greens; more colors than she could process. The bustle of the villagers making their way around the three effected her differently than the crowds on the station, and she guessed it was because they were outside. Sarabi thrived outdoors. Her eyes scanning everyone around her she obsessed over their loose and modest garments, consisting of nature inspired shades with dashes of vibrant purple.
Odo noticed her stare on a jewelry merchant steps away from them and leaned down to her ear, "I promise you we will return."
Sarabi grinned, "And I promise I will be on my best behavior."
She was pleased to hear him chuckle above her as they made their way to a row of homes.
"No wonder T'Paux chose to settle here." Momentarily Sarabi considered it for herself. It was so lifting to see how Bajor was building themselves to be stronger than ever after the horrors of the Occupation. "This village takes your breath away."
Odo noted to himself that this was the first time he has seen Sarabi on land, noticing her energy was completely different than when she was on the station. It was if she had the room to stretch and fully spread her wings. She always carried herself well, but here on Bajor her energy excelled. It made him anxious to see her in her own territory in three weeks time. Wringing his hands behind his back he frowned, knowing at the end of the day they would be heading back to the cold steel station that contained no fresh breeze, no sunlight to shine on her skin. Trying something new Odo turned that dark thought into a challenge, creating a mental reminder to search for places on land to take Sarabi so they could both recharge.
Though today she was shining brighter than the sun. Wearing a bronze jumpsuit that held her familiar modesty, covering her from under her chin all the way down to her wrists. The attached cape to the garment was slightly confined from her bag draped over her chest, but looked nice with her usual gold jewelry. Sarabi's dark hair was down today, but slicked back and out of her face even though the wind was blowing it every which way. She seemed to be enjoying it.
He wanted to tell her that he appreciated her awareness of wearing appropriate, and subtle, garments on their mission but didn't want to sound moronic.
As they approached T'Paux's home Sarabi caught Odo staring and playfully narrowed her eyes at him.
"Constable." She whispered out of Dax's earshot, "I hope your thirst is quenched."
"It will be when I get you alone." He quipped back, now keeping his eyes ahead.
That made her jaw drop slightly, a sharp sensation shooting up her spine. Suddenly a gnawing feeling appeared in the pit of her stomach as her mind played tricks on her, making Sarabi crave his touch in this forbidden moment. She tore her gaze from her prize and placed them onto the front door; letting out a deep, silent exhale.
Little did the duo know that Dax stood before them with a Cheshire Cat grin plastered on her face as she raised her hand and knocked on the door.
Sarabi took note of how she made such a simple task look so graceful and fed off of it, straightening her back and lifting her chin a few millimeters.
In no time the door swung open to revel the woman of the hour. T'Paux stood before them dressed in a non traditional garment that looked like a maxi dress, the color a striking emerald green that contrasted the rest of the towns. Sarabi tried to remember if she had ever seen the female Vulcan wear something like that before; it caught her off guard but in a pleasant way.
"Constable," She nodded, "Lieutenant. Thank you-" Freezing mid sentence her eyes laid on the human before her. "Sarabi?" Quicker than lightening she reached out and took her long time friend into a deep hug, "My ears did not deceive me! I knew that was you talking outside of my door!'
A rush of heat flooded Sarabi's face and she was so grateful T'Paux couldn't see it. Silently praying her friend didn't hear her and Odo's exchange word for word she chaffed, "Let's pretend that didn't happen."
Shock went through Odo's shell when he saw the Vulcan softly smile at Sarabi's retort.
Pulling back T'Paux kept her expression and held her head, "You are the only one who can pull it out of me, Sarabi. Of course with the exception of my dear grandfather who had blessed me with these human emotions." She spoke the word the same way she would say 'diseases'.
Sarabi was a good sport, taking the comment in strides, "The Constable made me promise to keep my presence today a surprise."
T'Paux shot her glance over to Odo, "I'll keep that in mind." Tucking a strand of her long, dark hair behind her pointed ear she took a step back, "Please, come inside."
The first thing Sarabi noticed when coming in was the aroma of her friends home, it smelled of rich Vulcan mocha. Closing her eyes for only a moment she was taken back to her families estate, sharing a mug with T'Paux during their studies. The echo of their laughter filling her bones with warmth. "Your home is very inviting, T'Paux."
As the host glided across the room her emerald dress dragged the floor behind her, adding to the ethereal ascetic that she embodied. Handing over a steaming mug of fresh coffee to Sarabi she winked, "It's almost as if I was expecting you."
Odo watched the exchange of the two women with amusement, secretly happy that he brought Sarabi along with them.
"Would anyone else like some?"
Dax gratefully accepted; similar to Sarabi, she was always on board with coffee.
"None for me, thank you." Odo stated before getting straight to the point, "We are grateful for your consistent cooperation since you first contacted the Federation, and am hoping to keep the pattern going today."
His bedside manner almost made Sarabi openly wince, but her body hadn't moved an inch.
"You know as well as I do, Constable Odo, that all depends on what is asked of me." T'Paux jested as she motioned for everyone to sit in the gathering room.
As they took their seats Sarabi drank in the environment; loving her friends designing eye that led her to surround them with many live plants and vibrant colors Earth gypsies would parade. Their rattan chairs were incredibly comfortable, two out of the three in a peacock shape draped with turquoise and tan cushions.
The second thing she submerged in was the silence. She was surrounded by beings who had incredible control of their emotions and stance; it was outer worldly. A Vulcan, a Trill, and a Changeling. Sarabi then felt an overwhelming surge of happiness and gratitude, what had she done to get to this place in her life? All she did was smile, inwardly stuffing her emotions in a Victorian trunk before locking it shut.
"So what information are you searching for?" T'Paux asked the officers. "I have already spoken to your commander and taken calls from both of you. Not that I'm ungrateful for the company." Another wink shot to Sarabi.
Dax took the reigns, her hands surrounding her mug, "Has anyone that you think would be connected to the theft been in contact with you since your return?"
Shaking her head T'Paux answered, "No, its been quiet on my end. Which is disappointing because I was hoping the artifacts would have been found by now, especially since we are running out of time."
Sarabi wasn't sure what she meant by that, and took note that she wasn't informed there was a deadline. That also put her back in her place as a reminder that she wasn't an officer placed on this case, she was only brought as a tag along. Still, she had no complaints.
"That is why we are here, to fill what little gaps we have left." Dax paused when Odo casted her a look, "Also, to ensure everyone's safety."
T'Paux nodded over her coffee as she took a drink, waiting for their next question.
"Since we have last talked is there anyone new you think would want to possess the artifacts?" Odo asked.
Narrowing her eyes T'Paux lowered her cup, "That inquiry doesn't sound like a small gap." Odo stayed silent, not breaking eye contact so she continued with a sigh, "No. But keep in mind what those artifacts are capable of so they are a hot commodity."
"And from what we have learned of them the knowledge of how to handle the material is far and few in between?"
"Within our culture there are only a few remaining families with the knowledge on how to manipulate the artifacts to yield unlimited resources."
"Are you included in that list?"
T'Paux seemed to hesitate to answer, tapping her nails against her glass mug. "Yes."
"The knowledge of them is more widespread?"
"Yes; I would say within our culture as a whole and within the black market."
His elbows resting on the arms of his seat, Odo looked casual as if they were discussing anything else but a huge phenomena like an unlimited metal source. "May I ask what you have to gain with the artifacts back in your possession?"
The Vulcan's eyes snapped over to his, her expression now like stone. "Besides the fact that they are a family heirlooms? Absolutely nothing. My uncle only clung to them for possible collateral if he placed himself in a tight spot but I have completely detached myself from that kind of life." T'Paux waved her free hand like she was shooing away a heckler. "That is the reason why I am worried we will not find them in time, it has pained me to imagine how disappointed your parents would be." Ending her sentence she had her eyes on her friend.
"My parents?" Sarabi couldn't hide her confusion. "What do my parents have to do with this?"
T'Paux was close to taking a drink but lowered her cup again. Her brows then furrowed, "Since the artifacts were passed into my care after my uncles death I now have control, and also no need for them. I planned on presenting them before your parents auction as a donation to Doctors Without Boarders. I would never auction them off, I am sure they would fall into the wrong hands. But could you imagine them in the possession of the organization? All of the medical tools and machinery we could build to help others!" Studying Sarabi's face she continued, "Did you not know this? I thought that is why you came today, on behalf of the fundraiser."
Understanding flooded Sarabi, but so did slight embarrassment and irritation even though she didn't let it show. Nope, just a tag along. Inwardly she mocked herself. "Sadly I have not been home for quite some time." Motioning to her chest she further explained, "I was attacked during a trip and have taken refuge on Deep Space Nine with Constable Odo and Lieutenant Dax." There was a pause. "So I have not been included in the details like I have been in previous years." Taking a long drink of her hot coffee she let the heat coat her throat as a reminder to relax.
Odo picked up on Sarabi's tight demeanor. He recalled her confiding in him that it bothered her that her parents had left her out of pretty much everything for this years event. She mentioned something about them thinking she couldn't handle it while being so far away.
"I hope nothing too serious." T'Paux copied the chest motion.
"We hope not, but honestly it is too early to tell." Switching gears Sarabi leaned in towards her friend, "Now please be honest with me. Currently, do you feel safe within your own home?"
Instantly her friend hardened, "I do. Do not ask me to leave with you, Sarabi."
"T'Paux, I am-" Sarabi stopped, correcting herself, "we are worried that whoever took these artifacts are going to consider you as their source on how to handle the material." A feeling surged through her veins, and she rode the wave by taking her friends hand. "That may have been their plan all along, but didn't count on you not being home. They might come back for you." Her voice broke, "Please come with us. It is better to be safe than sorry. Trust me," The chest motion with her hand was starting to feel like a usual thing now. "That is my life right now."
Sitting silently, Odo was impressed. Knowing he had not discussed any of this with her, so she must have come to that conclusion on her own. Also how well she was keeping herself together; even he could feel the thickness of the air around them.
"I cannot let that be my life." Tightening her grip T'Paux held nothing back to the room, "When my uncle passed it was almost a sense of release for me. My entire life has been nothing but a world of politics and keeping up a traditional appearance to be the Vulcan's poster child for peace within the galaxy. I had no control of anything in my life." Another squeeze, "And now I do. Papers have been signed, land has been worked out, money has been sorted. I am done with that life, and there is no way I can even remotely go back to that. Sarabi, I even turned down the chance to take my uncles place by your fathers side."
It was Sarabi's turn to tighten her grip, she had no idea T'Paux was offered the position to become her father's advisor. Let alone turned it down. That was almost unheard of. All of those connections lost, all of the money she could have earned, the amount of protection she would have had. The list could have gone on and on; and now Sarabi's mind was racing. As gently as she could she let go of her hand hand, not wanting to overwhelm her with the newfound anxiety.
"T'Paux." Sarabi repeated, a slight tone of agony in her voice. "I do not want you to die, or worse." She felt Odo stir slightly next to her.
Waiting only a moment T'Paux leaned over and placed her forehead against Sarabi's tenderly, "It will not happen." Pulling back she gave her a soft smile for reassurance.
Dax shared a glance with Odo, her expression warm from the exchange.
Odo, on the other hand, was not reassured. He was still worried about leaving the female Vulcan behind.
"So that is why you three came today? To drag me out by my ankles." It almost sounded like an accusation, breaking through the heartfelt moment that just occurred.
"Legally we can do no such thing." The Constable remarked, not moved by her tantrum. "But it would be wise of you to come with us willfully."
The coffee in Sarabi's hand now felt like a 20 pound weight. This conversation had taken a turn she wasn't expecting, thankfully she was prepared. "It will be safe at my parents estate. Or come and stay with me on Deep Space Nine, it's actually lovely." Taking a risk she threw that out there before discussing it with the officers in their presence, but Sarabi knew she would take care of everything financially. Anything to guarantee safety for the ones she loved.
"To a space station?" T'Paux jabbed before casually stating, "Although, another night with you does sound tempting."
Dax choked into her drink with a grin, and Odo then immediately knew what Quarks 'both sides of the fence' comment defined.
Sarabi's wicked smile showed she wasn't shaken by the broadcasted memory. Letting out a chuckle she ran her finger over the rim of her mug, "It would be different this time since I am spoken for."
Raising her eyebrows T'Paux smirked, "Well then it is a definite no. But you will need to fill me in on those details later, miss."
Odo cut in, now leaning forward closer to the women, "An almost guaranteed lead that we are following suggests that you are in danger, T'Paux. We cannot stress enough that it is in your best interest to come with us today. It is not a permanent situation, you will be able to return home once your safety is solidified."
"I thank you for your concern, Constable." Standing abruptly the Vulcan's eyes were now void, "But I think this visit is done. There is nothing more we need to discuss. If I come across any new information you have my word I will contact you."
The other three fell suit, with Dax and Sarabi placing their mugs on the small table before them.
Sarabi could feel the emotion starting to well up inside her as the tears pushed forward. She clenched her fist behind her back and out of sight, willing herself to stay collected. This wasn't good, but there was nothing that came to mind to convince her friend to come with her. Praying silently to God she begged for T'Paux's protection. Then instinctually she started to rub her chest as it ached, fueling off her sorrowful energy.
"Please do not think we are patronizing you; you know I worry." Speaking softly, she had her back to the two officers as she allowed her tears to show.
T'Paux shook her head, "I am not angry or offended. But I will not let my new found life be delayed by fear. I have never been happier."
"How can you be happy if you're dead?" Sarabi retorted bluntly and immediately regretted it. "I'm sorry, T'Paux. But I am also jealous of your bravery, because my fear is very real right now."
Taking her into another deep hug T'Paux held tight, "Then we will keep in frequent contact to ease your fear."
Sarabi nodded against her shoulder, but her words didn't alleviate the dread.
"I am grateful for the Federation and Bajor's aid." Letting go of Sarabi she addressed the room, "I just cannot leave everything I have worked so hard escaping for. Do not hold it against me."
After Dax gave her a silent nod she turned back to Sarabi, "I hope you are at least attending the fundraiser?"
"Rude." Sarabi remarked with a grin, "Of course. The Constable and I are leaving a few days before to help my parents prepare."
"Ahhhh." Matching her expression she caught on quickly, "I will definitely be giving you a call tomorrow."
After saying their goodbyes the trio were left standing on the Vulcans doorstep, all equally frustrated over the snags in the visit.
Not even the fresh Bajoran air could keep the Victorian trunk inside Sarabi locked any longer. She held her head and kept her eyes shut, focusing on her breathing. A hand came to the back of her neck and rubbed gently, causing her to weakly smile.
Keeping her tone hushed between the three Sarabi choked out, "If it turns out that it is the Cardassians who have the artifacts they will be back."
"Do you think they just don't know that they need someone specific to manipulate the material appropriately?" Dax sounded perplexed.
Odo kept rubbing Sarabi's neck, "That or they didn't plan on T'Paux not being here when they stole the heirlooms to begin with, as Sarabi stated inside."
"There is nothing more we can do."
"Except pray." Sarabi added, wiping under her eyes.
As they made their way to the center of town T'Paux watched intently from her window. Seeing Odo rub the back of Sarabi's neck as she was emotional internally struck a cord and the frequent memories flooded back. But she was still grateful for him, even with the fact that she couldn't be the one consoling Sarabi.
oOoOoOo
Back on the roundabout Sarabi stared out into the vast darkness, her heart feeling as hallow as her current view. She had failed. She couldn't convince her oldest friend to come with her to guaranteed safety.
Sadness, irritation, self doubt, and fear surged through every spectrum of herself which was only nourished when a new thought pushed its way to the front. She had failed Odo. He asked her along in hopes she was the key to getting T'Paux to leave, and all she did was come back empty handed. Sarabi squeezed the arms of her seat until her knuckles were white. What if Odo didn't ask her to accompany him on ground work anymore? What if he didn't confide any more cases to her or ask for her opinion? That broke her heart. It was rather enjoyable discussing everything with him, challenging one another to come up with something new or outside the box.
The sound of her hands clenching caught Odo's attention, bringing his eyes over to where she was beside him. Immediately he frowned, connecting her tense body language to the sadness written on her face.
Reaching out he cupped her cheek, running his hand down and through her hair when she met his gaze. "Talk to me." With Dax laying down in the back and Branson in a separate control room he knew she could speak freely.
Sarabi was torn. She could pour her heart out, not hold back, and come across as an emotional mess. Or she could play it off, stuff it down, and hopefully look slightly collected. Letting out a small sigh she knew it was never the second option.
"I failed you and Dax today."
It was a bold and raw statement. Odo's frown deepened, and he felt a sense of ache for the fact that she even thought that.
Reaching to her again he took her hand this time, using it to pull her chair closer. Looping his arm through hers he was then able to keep both hands on the controls while maintaining their connection.
"Please do not think that way. Your friends stubbornness is not your failure." Odo felt her lay her head against his shoulder, wafting a scent filled with apple blossom and honeysuckle around him. "I was actually quite impressed with you today. Hopefully Sisko approves you accompanying me on ground work often." She stirred against him but Odo couldn't see her expression.
Sarabi tired to position herself so he wouldn't see the goofy smile on her face, she felt like an idiot. Mentally she instructed to give herself credit when due. Then her mind drifted to all the amazing ground work ensembles she had that would make her and Odo look like the power couple of Deep Space Nine.
Shaking her head to refocus she added out loud, "I am also worried for T'Paux. If involved, the Cardassians will not hesitate to return for her. They do not even know the definition of mercy."
Keeping his eyes ahead Odo racked his thoughts for words of encouragement and ease, but none came. Honestly, he shared the same worry she did. T'Paux really should have come with them today, but legally there was nothing more they could do.
He decided to go a different route in the conversation, plucking a nagging question in his mind, "May I ask about her?"
Sarabi sat up, keeping her gaze on him, "Yes."
"I remember you mentioning the relation between your father and her uncle, which makes me assume you two spent a lot of time together. It sounded like you were very close at one point."
A soft smile spread across Sarabi's lips at the mention of her and T'Paux's past. "We were. Closer than she lead on earlier. We were in love."
Odo met her with wide eyes. Even though he had heard of Sarabi's preferences, it was different to hear it confirmed directly from the source. "T'Paux made it sound as if it was a one or two night thing."
She chuckled, shaking her head, "She says things like that for shock value. I do not judge others, but I cannot be with someone on that level on just a whim. Yes, we were intimate, but it was after deep feelings were established."
"I thought Christians were taught not to accept that type of lifestyle." It was more of a statement than a question.
"And I thought that you would have known by now that I'm not like others." That was definitely a statement. Her tone was genuine, "I do not believe in a God who would punish you for being who He created you to be."
"You were created to see past labels."
"I was created to love." Sarabi always knew that was not only her greatest strength, but also her greatest weakness.
The word 'love' struck Odo in the chest like a dagger, but he didn't outwardly react. Was it a good feeling? He wasn't sure... it was definitely something he wasn't usually offered, in every aspect of his life.
"Are you still in love with her?" As soon as the words left his lips he froze, almost regretting it. Did he really want to know that answer?
"Not in that way. I love her dearly as a close friend, but nothing more."
"Can you tell me your story?"
Looking up from their arms Sarabi wasn't sure she had heard him right.
He caught her expression, "With how I was created, where I had spent most of my life, and now being on Deep Space Nine I do not get to hear many love stories."
How he kept surprising her was beyond her grasp. No matter how many times Sarabi tried to prepare herself for their interactions Odo always seemed to exceed any expectations. In that moment it took a lot of energy to hold back from grabbing and kissing him.
"We were young when her uncle took the position to be my fathers head political advisor, a public and in house relations expert as well. It is a live in job, so T'Paux and her uncle had rooms at my parents estate. Her and I gravitated to one another almost instantly, with similar interests along the lines of books, fashion, beauty, and activism. The biggest thing was that we balanced each other out. I had known and used my gifts since I was in grade school. T'Paux was a Vulcan who's grandfather was human, so she had a little more wiggle room with emotions than a traditional Vulcan family would. Through every event a young adult experienced we were there for one another; talking for hours until the sun came up, spending the night in one another's rooms, doing school work out in my family barn." Sarabi could almost smell the Vulcan mocha they always drank together, pouring themselves over academy textbooks or fashion articles. The soft blankets they would wrap up in to keep warm, the softness of T'Paux's skin gliding against hers. Feeling her throat close, it took Sarabi a few seconds to continue on, "While going through that there are times where you are vulnerable and stripped, and the other being has to choose whether they are going to be the ones to help build you up or let you fall. T'Paux and I never let the other fall." She had to pause again as the tears suddenly appeared, I let her fall today.
Sadness washed over Odo, but he knew it wasn't his doing. "That is not what happened today, Sarabi." Reading her mind he kept his tone gentle, also giving her hand a kiss before going back to the ships controls.
"Over time that brought us closer together than we planned, but sometimes the best things are not planned." Odo hoped he hadn't imagined her squeezing his arm at that statement. "It was fun. It was passionate, loving, and telling. Until her uncle found out. T'Paux's uncle was ashamed of his father, and his human heritage that he said 'tainted' his family. So not only was he against his daughter being with a woman, she was with a human woman. He separated us, kept us apart." The endless lonely nights of crying herself to sleep came rushing back. "After that T'Paux was so close but yet so far away it was agonizing. His actions and prejudice are what led to our downfall. Her uncle even blessed her on his death bed for staying away from me." Saying that out loud sent a pain through Sarabi's chest.
"Your parents couldn't have stepped in and said anything?" Odo asked, genuinely curious. She seemed close to her mother and father, so why wouldn't they intervene?
"Sometimes, with specific circumstances..." Sarabi spoke slowly, "You put the ones you love first because of what they have already been through. T'Paux's parents were murdered during the Occupation, and her uncle was a POW at one point. I had done enough with my hand in Ballian's disappearance; and my father actually really favored T'Paux's uncle. We were not about to throw our families into a spiral over young love, no matter how painful it was at the time." Another pause. "That was eight years ago."
Taking all of her words in Odo kept his stare ahead, out into space. "That is incredibly selfless of you and T'Paux."
"All we can hope is that it contributed to the strength we carry today, so that it was not all in vain."
"I believe so." He stated firmly. Strength was definitely a characteristic he would link Sarabi to.
Odo then thought about a scenario where he would have to give her up like that, instantly clenching his hands around the controls. A natural wave of defense shot through his shell, causing him to sit a bit straighter.
Observing the sudden shift in his body language Sarabi took a page out of his book; leaning forward and running her fingers delicately through his hair. "Talk to me."
"What if your parents do not approve of me? I am very different from humans." Odo's voice almost broke, "I may not be able to provide for you the things a human male could."
The words sent fire through Sarabi's soul, causing a heaviness to swell in her chest. She was afraid to read too much into it for the fact of getting her hopes up, but was Odo referencing to having children with her?
Without his permission she leaned over and dashed her fingers across the monitors, placing the ship into a temporary pilot mode.
What she didn't plan on was laughing as hard as she did at his expression, "I don't know if I should be offended or remain amused at your reaction to me knowing my way around a ship."
"In my defense this is a Federation ship." He gave her a wide grin.
Spinning Odo's chair to face her Sarabi took both of his hands and kept his gaze to display her honesty, "My parents are going to adore you, just as I adore you unconditionally." She cursed herself inwardly as she felt her eyes water. "Having to let go of T'Paux was very difficult, but she had too many deep rooted connections to my family. There are no such connections with you. Besides you leaving on your own there would be no reason for me to not be by your side." He watched her wipe under her eyes as she admitted softly, "It is actually becoming more painful by the day imagining my life without you, Odo."
Before the last of the words left her lips he was on them, cradling her face. "You don't have to. You don't have to." Repeating the words over and over again in between kisses his voice was husky and laced with intensity. Odo felt as if he had no sense of control over himself, especially with her receptive reaction. All he knew is that he wanted to be as close to her as possible.
"It's a shame Dax is laying down next door." Sarabi giggled when he was in her neck.
"But that doesn't mean we need to turn off the auto pilot just yet."
The duo laughed against one another as they pushed their chairs away from the monitors, never separating a second.