***
The stairwell echoed with a rhythmic beat, and Anik grimaced as she recognised its discordant accompaniment. Trudging up the final flight of stairs to her apartment, she unlocked the door, letting herself in.
Eryn sat on the lounge, her feet tucked under her bottom, flipping through the pages of a book as she sang.
"Have you ever been told what a beautiful singing voice you have?" Anik asked as she entered the room.
Looking up from her book, Eryn smiled. "No, actually I haven't."
"I am not surprised," the blonde woman remarked dryly, throwing her bag at her companion.
Eryn laughed loudly, winning a rare chuckle from her friend. "You seem in a good mood," she commented. "Work went well?"
The slight smile remained on the technician's face as she joined her companion on the worn couch. "Not so well. We spent the entire day working on a new assignment. The team had little success."
"That's a shame." Eryn nodded seriously. "It must be disappointing for the team."
"It's a complex job, but they are hopeful. The doctor seems to be confidant in my abilities to carry out some of the more dangerous procedures alone."
Eryn's brow furrowed at the comment, evidently unsure of her meaning and concerned by the mention of danger. Seeing the worried look, Anik continued.
"As none of the technicians are familiar with the equipment, I believe I will have further opportunity to display my abilities. My hazard clearance makes me the ideal choice for investigative procedures on such an unknown device," Anik clarified, hoping she had not overstepped any boundaries in her explanation.
Knowing there was little they could say with any safety made it difficult to synchronise their efforts. It took a great deal of trust and faith in each other's abilities to carry out their end of the assignment alone.
"I'm glad you're fitting in well with your colleagues. I think maybe today I managed to alienate one or two of mine," Eryn admitted.
Anik watched her face and eyes carefully, following more than just her words. "Not a member of the Minister's staff?"
"No, the head attendants'. I finished my wing early and thought to help them by starting on theirs. The Minister's office is very nice, the view from the hill quite amazing."
"They did not appreciate your help?" the young woman asked.
"No, apparently not. Since I clearly work so much faster than the others, I have been given additional tasks. I start in the sanitation blocks tomorrow."
Anik couldn't help but smile.
***
Fresh from the jets and ready for bed, they ate their evening meal by the window. The orange slime had tasted better than it looked and the two women shared a bottle of water as they watched the city lights fade.
The night was beautiful, the season bringing their planet closer to their neighbours. Two points of light lit the sky, so close they seemed like street lamps. Their system was heavily populated with three of the ten orbiting bodies sustaining sentient life.
Since the first day they made contact, the residents of the three planets had never seen eye to eye. Friendly arguments began over who had the largest population, the most beautiful scenery, the brightest children. Over the centuries, the competition had grown serious; to be the first to leave their system, to build the biggest space ships, the most powerful weapons and ultimately, who deserved to rule their small part of the galaxy.
"It must have been amazing for our ancestors to look up at the night sky and only wonder what was out there," Anik said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"I think maybe we'd still be surprised to learn what existed beyond the range of our vision." Her voice was a whisper, as if she was unsure of the idea or maybe unsure of the wisdom of sharing it.
Some forgotten knowledge tugged at the back of Anik's mind, an uncertain sense of the possibilities that must exist in a universe as large as theirs. Tearing her gaze from the jewelled sky, she looked across at her companion, recognising that same knowledge in the green light of her eyes.
Eryn seemed to accept her scrutiny and Anik was surprised by the obvious longing in the other woman's expression. She wished desperately that she was able to find her own answers to the questions neither one of them could ask. Hearts beating double-time, they held each others gaze, a slow smile working its way across both their features. Finally Anik turned away, torn between embarrassment and pleasure.
"Don't look away, I was teasing," Eryn urged, reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry."
"You tease too much," the young woman replied, refusing to meet her gaze but accepting the fingers that wrapped around her own.
"I know. I don't mean to," she sighed, clearly wanting to say more.
They were silent for countless seconds before Eryn stood, tugging gently on her hand. "Come to bed?"
Meeting her eyes, Anik judged the sincerity of her request. Satisfied, she stood and allowed Eryn to lead her across the room.
Unfolding the couch, they settled themselves amongst the cushions. After arranging the blanket to cover them both, Eryn snuggled into the soft mattress beside her friend. She lay still, as if not wanting to disturb the reluctant truce.
"You know, sometimes, I do enjoy the teasing," a quiet voice admitted in the darkness.
Eryn smiled and propped herself up on her forearm so she could see Anik's face in the dim light.
"Roll over," she said, motioning for her to turn onto her side.
Anik did so, turning to face the door. Laying down behind her, Eryn fitted her form against the warmth of the taller woman's back. Snaking her arm over her hip and settling it across the softness of her belly, she tightened her hold. Anik placed a hand on her arm, accepting the contact, and leaned into the embrace.
"Good night, Eryn," she whispered.
A soft kiss tickled below her ear. "Good night, Anik."
***
Eryn woke slowly to the new day, warm skin against her own making her reluctant to move. The gradual knowledge that it was Anik who was pressed against her caused her throat to tighten and her stomach to flutter. Inhaling deeply, she smiled and nuzzled closer to the form in her arms.
Ignoring the insistent voice inside her head that yelled for more, she settled with allowing herself to enjoy the closeness they shared. She closed her eyes, hoping to rest for a few moments more, her fingers tracing idle circles over the material that covered Anik's hip. Responding to the caress, the sleeping woman mumbling softly and rolled onto her back.
Eryn's fingers found naked skin where the soft material of Anik's shirt had lifted during the night. Her thumb moved with a mind of its own, seduced by the smoothness of her pale skin. Her body ached to press against the young woman beside her, to lose herself in a tangle of arms and legs.
Fighting for control, she slid her hand from under Anik's shirt and backed away. The increasing distance between them doing little to lessen her desire. Eryn kicked the blanket away and lay staring at the ceiling, the air uncomfortably cold against her too warm skin.
Closing her eyes, she released the breath she had been holding, ordering her muscles to relax and her heart to slow. Attempting to force the image of Anik from her mind; the way her face softened in sleep, the flutter of her eyelids as she dreamed, the pale cream of her skin, the golden strands that floated by her face, the slight rise and fall of her chest. Sighing, Eryn rubbed her face roughly with her hands.
The unexpected touch of a hand on her stomach made her jump, gentle fingers sliding over the flat of her belly, the incredibly soft touch sending shivers along her spine. The thin material of her shirt moved against sensitive skin, teasing her breasts with a promise of more.
Looking up, bright blue eyes and smiling red lips filled her view and she reached out to tangle her fingers in the blonde hair that tickled against her face.
"Why did you stop?" Anik asked, her voice low.
"I thought you were asleep." Circling her fingers around the back of her neck, Eryn gently urged her closer.
Anik lowered herself onto the smaller woman's chest, closing the distance between them. She paused as their breasts brushed against each other, the unfamiliar sensation causing her to shiver. It became increasingly difficult to breathe and Anik closed her eyes, bringing her forehead to rest against Eryn's.
Finding reassurance in the contact, she trailed the flat of her palm across the gently rounded stomach beneath her. Curving her fingers around the woman's small frame, she ran her fingertips along the smooth skin at her side, deliberately avoiding the impatient breast that arched towards her hand.
Eryn's breathing was laboured, her hands moving urgently over Anik's body, wanting to explore and claim every measure of skin as her own. Her soft moans encouraged Anik and the young woman finally lifted her head, her lips seeking confirmation of the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
She barely touched the soft lips at first, making Eryn lift herself off the mattress to earn each kiss, moving further and further away until the auburn-haired woman moaned in protest at the loss. Eryn's eyes pleaded with her and the young woman complied, slowly deepening the kiss. Her body jolted as their tongues touched and Anik pressed herself forward. Their tongues teasing and dancing against each other, teeth gently nipping at tender lips.
Knowing she was close to losing control, Anik gradually backed away, lessening each kiss and forcing her hands to stop in their explorations.
"You'll be late for work," she whispered, her voice rough.
"Don't," Eryn moaned, desperately tightening her hold.
Anik grinned at the undisguised longing in her voice and lifted herself up slightly. "I'll see you tonight," she said, releasing her grip and moving out of reach.
Eryn growled at her, something between a laugh and a groan, and looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "You have no idea what you do to me."
"Actually, I do," Anik answered.
"Okay," the older woman sighed. "You win." Accepting her defeat, she rolled towards the edge of the lounge.
"Eryn," Anik called, her hand reaching out to tangle in her shirt. Eryn stopped and turned to face her.
"It's not a game," the young woman whispered, her voice rough with emotion.
"I know." Eryn smiled and leaning forward, brushed her lips over the tiny lines beside Anik's left eye. "I know," she repeated. "Go back to sleep, it's still early."
Eryn waited while she straightened the blanket and cushions. "We have an appointment this afternoon, don't forget," she reminded her.
"I have not forgotten, I'll meet you straight after work. Now go, I can't sleep with you sitting there beside me," the younger woman joked, pretending to push her companion off the bed.
Eryn smiled as she crawled out of bed and padded across the cold floor towards the jets. The smile did not leave her face until she passed through the tall gates to the Ministry.
***
The stairwell echoed with a rhythmic beat, and Anik grimaced as she recognised its discordant accompaniment. Trudging up the final flight of stairs to her apartment, she unlocked the door, letting herself in.
Eryn sat on the lounge, her feet tucked under her bottom, flipping through the pages of a book as she sang.
"Have you ever been told what a beautiful singing voice you have?" Anik asked as she entered the room.
Looking up from her book, Eryn smiled. "No, actually I haven't."
"I am not surprised," the blonde woman remarked dryly, throwing her bag at her companion.
Eryn laughed loudly, winning a rare chuckle from her friend. "You seem in a good mood," she commented. "Work went well?"
The slight smile remained on the technician's face as she joined her companion on the worn couch. "Not so well. We spent the entire day working on a new assignment. The team had little success."
"That's a shame." Eryn nodded seriously. "It must be disappointing for the team."
"It's a complex job, but they are hopeful. The doctor seems to be confidant in my abilities to carry out some of the more dangerous procedures alone."
Eryn's brow furrowed at the comment, evidently unsure of her meaning and concerned by the mention of danger. Seeing the worried look, Anik continued.
"As none of the technicians are familiar with the equipment, I believe I will have further opportunity to display my abilities. My hazard clearance makes me the ideal choice for investigative procedures on such an unknown device," Anik clarified, hoping she had not overstepped any boundaries in her explanation.
Knowing there was little they could say with any safety made it difficult to synchronise their efforts. It took a great deal of trust and faith in each other's abilities to carry out their end of the assignment alone.
"I'm glad you're fitting in well with your colleagues. I think maybe today I managed to alienate one or two of mine," Eryn admitted.
Anik watched her face and eyes carefully, following more than just her words. "Not a member of the Minister's staff?"
"No, the head attendants'. I finished my wing early and thought to help them by starting on theirs. The Minister's office is very nice, the view from the hill quite amazing."
"They did not appreciate your help?" the young woman asked.
"No, apparently not. Since I clearly work so much faster than the others, I have been given additional tasks. I start in the sanitation blocks tomorrow."
Anik couldn't help but smile.
***
Fresh from the jets and ready for bed, they ate their evening meal by the window. The orange slime had tasted better than it looked and the two women shared a bottle of water as they watched the city lights fade.
The night was beautiful, the season bringing their planet closer to their neighbours. Two points of light lit the sky, so close they seemed like street lamps. Their system was heavily populated with three of the ten orbiting bodies sustaining sentient life.
Since the first day they made contact, the residents of the three planets had never seen eye to eye. Friendly arguments began over who had the largest population, the most beautiful scenery, the brightest children. Over the centuries, the competition had grown serious; to be the first to leave their system, to build the biggest space ships, the most powerful weapons and ultimately, who deserved to rule their small part of the galaxy.
"It must have been amazing for our ancestors to look up at the night sky and only wonder what was out there," Anik said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"I think maybe we'd still be surprised to learn what existed beyond the range of our vision." Her voice was a whisper, as if she was unsure of the idea or maybe unsure of the wisdom of sharing it.
Some forgotten knowledge tugged at the back of Anik's mind, an uncertain sense of the possibilities that must exist in a universe as large as theirs. Tearing her gaze from the jewelled sky, she looked across at her companion, recognising that same knowledge in the green light of her eyes.
Eryn seemed to accept her scrutiny and Anik was surprised by the obvious longing in the other woman's expression. She wished desperately that she was able to find her own answers to the questions neither one of them could ask. Hearts beating double-time, they held each others gaze, a slow smile working its way across both their features. Finally Anik turned away, torn between embarrassment and pleasure.
"Don't look away, I was teasing," Eryn urged, reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry."
"You tease too much," the young woman replied, refusing to meet her gaze but accepting the fingers that wrapped around her own.
"I know. I don't mean to," she sighed, clearly wanting to say more.
They were silent for countless seconds before Eryn stood, tugging gently on her hand. "Come to bed?"
Meeting her eyes, Anik judged the sincerity of her request. Satisfied, she stood and allowed Eryn to lead her across the room.
Unfolding the couch, they settled themselves amongst the cushions. After arranging the blanket to cover them both, Eryn snuggled into the soft mattress beside her friend. She lay still, as if not wanting to disturb the reluctant truce.
"You know, sometimes, I do enjoy the teasing," a quiet voice admitted in the darkness.
Eryn smiled and propped herself up on her forearm so she could see Anik's face in the dim light.
"Roll over," she said, motioning for her to turn onto her side.
Anik did so, turning to face the door. Laying down behind her, Eryn fitted her form against the warmth of the taller woman's back. Snaking her arm over her hip and settling it across the softness of her belly, she tightened her hold. Anik placed a hand on her arm, accepting the contact, and leaned into the embrace.
"Good night, Eryn," she whispered.
A soft kiss tickled below her ear. "Good night, Anik."
***
Eryn woke slowly to the new day, warm skin against her own making her reluctant to move. The gradual knowledge that it was Anik who was pressed against her caused her throat to tighten and her stomach to flutter. Inhaling deeply, she smiled and nuzzled closer to the form in her arms.
Ignoring the insistent voice inside her head that yelled for more, she settled with allowing herself to enjoy the closeness they shared. She closed her eyes, hoping to rest for a few moments more, her fingers tracing idle circles over the material that covered Anik's hip. Responding to the caress, the sleeping woman mumbling softly and rolled onto her back.
Eryn's fingers found naked skin where the soft material of Anik's shirt had lifted during the night. Her thumb moved with a mind of its own, seduced by the smoothness of her pale skin. Her body ached to press against the young woman beside her, to lose herself in a tangle of arms and legs.
Fighting for control, she slid her hand from under Anik's shirt and backed away. The increasing distance between them doing little to lessen her desire. Eryn kicked the blanket away and lay staring at the ceiling, the air uncomfortably cold against her too warm skin.
Closing her eyes, she released the breath she had been holding, ordering her muscles to relax and her heart to slow. Attempting to force the image of Anik from her mind; the way her face softened in sleep, the flutter of her eyelids as she dreamed, the pale cream of her skin, the golden strands that floated by her face, the slight rise and fall of her chest. Sighing, Eryn rubbed her face roughly with her hands.
The unexpected touch of a hand on her stomach made her jump, gentle fingers sliding over the flat of her belly, the incredibly soft touch sending shivers along her spine. The thin material of her shirt moved against sensitive skin, teasing her breasts with a promise of more.
Looking up, bright blue eyes and smiling red lips filled her view and she reached out to tangle her fingers in the blonde hair that tickled against her face.
"Why did you stop?" Anik asked, her voice low.
"I thought you were asleep." Circling her fingers around the back of her neck, Eryn gently urged her closer.
Anik lowered herself onto the smaller woman's chest, closing the distance between them. She paused as their breasts brushed against each other, the unfamiliar sensation causing her to shiver. It became increasingly difficult to breathe and Anik closed her eyes, bringing her forehead to rest against Eryn's.
Finding reassurance in the contact, she trailed the flat of her palm across the gently rounded stomach beneath her. Curving her fingers around the woman's small frame, she ran her fingertips along the smooth skin at her side, deliberately avoiding the impatient breast that arched towards her hand.
Eryn's breathing was laboured, her hands moving urgently over Anik's body, wanting to explore and claim every measure of skin as her own. Her soft moans encouraged Anik and the young woman finally lifted her head, her lips seeking confirmation of the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
She barely touched the soft lips at first, making Eryn lift herself off the mattress to earn each kiss, moving further and further away until the auburn-haired woman moaned in protest at the loss. Eryn's eyes pleaded with her and the young woman complied, slowly deepening the kiss. Her body jolted as their tongues touched and Anik pressed herself forward. Their tongues teasing and dancing against each other, teeth gently nipping at tender lips.
Knowing she was close to losing control, Anik gradually backed away, lessening each kiss and forcing her hands to stop in their explorations.
"You'll be late for work," she whispered, her voice rough.
"Don't," Eryn moaned, desperately tightening her hold.
Anik grinned at the undisguised longing in her voice and lifted herself up slightly. "I'll see you tonight," she said, releasing her grip and moving out of reach.
Eryn growled at her, something between a laugh and a groan, and looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "You have no idea what you do to me."
"Actually, I do," Anik answered.
"Okay," the older woman sighed. "You win." Accepting her defeat, she rolled towards the edge of the lounge.
"Eryn," Anik called, her hand reaching out to tangle in her shirt. Eryn stopped and turned to face her.
"It's not a game," the young woman whispered, her voice rough with emotion.
"I know." Eryn smiled and leaning forward, brushed her lips over the tiny lines beside Anik's left eye. "I know," she repeated. "Go back to sleep, it's still early."
Eryn waited while she straightened the blanket and cushions. "We have an appointment this afternoon, don't forget," she reminded her.
"I have not forgotten, I'll meet you straight after work. Now go, I can't sleep with you sitting there beside me," the younger woman joked, pretending to push her companion off the bed.
Eryn smiled as she crawled out of bed and padded across the cold floor towards the jets. The smile did not leave her face until she passed through the tall gates to the Ministry.
***