Kamilah: [What are you doing?]
[Touching myself]
Kamilah: […]
[In bed. Reading. Thanks for interrupting btw]
Kamilah: [Didn't know you could read.]
[YOU LENT ME THIS BOOK]
[AND I JUST READ YOUR MESSAGE YOU BITCH]
Kamilah: [You could've used the book as paperweight.]
Kamilah: [And phones have text-to-speech software.]
[If you're not gonna start sexting soon I'll turn my phone off]
Kamilah: [Come down to car park.]
[ooh]
Kamilah: [Coming or not?]
[Not without foreplay]
Kamilah: [Just come down.]
Kamilah: [And bring a jacket in case it's cold.]
[What]
[It's Egypt. It's never cold]
Kamilah: [5 mins. Then I'm gone.]
[Okokok]
Ana let her hands fall to her sides, feeling the bed become a hundred times more comfortable at the thought of getting up. Picking up the book splayed across her chest, she slipped the bookmark in and tossed it onto the nightstand. Then she groaned, rolling off the bed to land feet-first on the wooden floor. She stretched her back on the way to the wardrobe, getting a few satisfying pops from her spine before pulling on a maroon fleece jacket. Yawning widely, Ana picked up her phone and key card, dragging her slippers along the floor as she walked out of the room.
She zipped up her jacket in the cool – not cold – night breeze, thinking lovingly about her bed as she plodded down the stairs and towards the car park. Kamilah was already standing beside her motorcycle, scrolling down the phone screen which cast a stark white glow over her face. She looked up at Ana's approach, promptly stuffing the device into her jeans pocket. Jeans.
What.
Kamilah wore a motorcycle jacket made of dark brown leather, along with fitting blue jeans and black boots. Ana halted in front of the biker, glancing down at her own getup: white cotton shorts half-hidden by her fleece jacket, under which was a tank-top, and slippers.
What.
"Are we going out?" Ana asked, getting a nod in reply. "You could've told me to wear something nicer."
"You look just fine."
"No, I don't." She waved a hand at Kamilah's figure. "I look like shit next to you."
"And that's just how I like you," Kamilah cooed, giving her a brief peck on the mouth. "You make me look good."
"Why are you such an asshole," Ana grumbled, arms circling around Kamilah's waist anyway. She was getting better at staying grouchy under the woman's fond gaze. Though not so much with fingers running through her hair, which was still mussed from its affair with her pillow earlier.
"You tell me," she said, resting a hand on Ana's shoulder when she was pulled close, smiling into their next kiss. But they broke apart abruptly when a distant headlight flickered in their direction.
Ana dropped her hands reluctantly from Kamilah, turning her gaze to watch a car drive down the opposite end of the parking lot. The pair shared a glance. Technically, they were not breaking any rules. Written rules. Technically. But they could do without starting rumours and attracting unwanted attention for now.
Kamilah reached for one of the two helmets on the bike's seat and offered it to Ana, whose eyes widened at the dawning – and surprisingly slow – realisation.
"Are we–?"
"Yes."
"Yes!" Ana took the black helmet, bouncing on the balls of her feet. She pulled it over her head, eagerness shining so brightly on her face that Kamilah chuckled at the sight. Ana held still when two hands grasped either side of the helmet.
"Is it loose? Tight?"
"Nope." She tilted her chin up for Kamilah to buckle the strap and adjust its length, so it hugged under her chin snugly.
"Tight?"
"Nope." Ana felt around her helmet, waiting for Kamilah to wear her own – painted a shade of dark blue matching her bike. "Why are we going out all of a sudden?"
"You wanted a ride, didn't you?" Kamilah said, fixing her strap. "I thought we could do it before everyone returns tomorrow."
Ana groaned for the second time that night. "Don't remind me." When their squads returned, it meant less time together, less open affection, and less privacy. Somehow Ana had managed to convince herself that the rest of their days would be like the past two weeks – leisurely and quiet.
"That's why we're doing this now." Kamilah snapped her visor down and swung a leg over the seat. The motorcycle rumbled when she started the engine, idle purr growing into a faint roar at the slight twist of the throttle. Then she released it, kicking up the side stand. Looking back at Ana, Kamilah reached out to push her visor down, and nodded at the passenger seat.
On the verge of yelling in excitement, Ana took her place behind Kamilah and found herself at a loss. She raised her hands, unsure where to put them. She tried the hips first. The touch was light and Kamilah did not twitch, but she still stiffened a little. Ana started to pull away, when Kamilah let go of the handlebars and grabbed onto her hands. She guided them around so they rested on her front.
Grinning under her helmet, Ana locked her fingers together, palms resting on Kamilah's stomach. She put her feet on the passenger floorboards, sitting slightly forward so she could feel the leather jacket against her chest. The rider's helmet turned back before she twisted the throttle again, motorcycle roaring to life as it slid onto the road. Ana's laugh reverberated through her helmet, adrenaline rushing through her veins when Kamilah turned into the main road and picked up speed.
Winds whipped past them and through Ana's sweater strongly enough to put a slight chill on her skin, but she did not care. Ana parted her hands and wrapped her arms fully around Kamilah, pressing up against her back. She rested her chin on the rider's shoulder, smiling to herself and feeling warmer than she had ever been.
Kamilah took her on a long roundabout path through the city: riding past quiet residential areas, making a lap around the park they visited on their date, taking twisting turns through the cluster of malls in the city centre. As the ride stretched on, Ana's high wore off, allowing her to fully absorb her surroundings. Still keeping her arms around Kamilah, she kept her gaze on the scenery flying by, sounds of nightlife competing with the bike's engine for a place in her ears. They attracted a few occasional glances when they stopped at traffic lights, but ignored them for the most part. Except when a young girl with pigtails skipped up to them and said hi, waving the lollipop in her hand cheerfully. The women waved back with equal fervour, until her parents led her away.
They went to a local drive-thru to pick up a few supper bites, then Kamilah drove off again. This time, she had a destination in mind, pulling away from the busy commercial district into calmer roads. They sped up a man-made hill, heading for the wrought iron gates standing tall in front of a large sprawl of villas. Ana felt a little puzzled – this was a wealthy residential area. Needless to say, not just anyone could enter. But this did not seem to bother Kamilah, who rode straight up to the security booth sitting in the middle of two wide lanes. A middle-aged security guard stepped out of the booth, but his caution faded when Kamilah lifted her visor.
"Kamilah!" he greeted loudly, as his colleague looked on and waved at them from the booth. "It's been such a long time since you dropped by."
"I've been busy, Alim."
"Ah yes, with the war." Alim smacked his forehead. "How could I forget? But I am glad you're safe." He looked at the passenger as though noticing her for the first time, blinking in surprise. "Is this a friend?"
"Yes." Kamilah looked back at Ana as she nodded in greeting.
"You've never brought anyone here before."
"This one's special," Kamilah said simply. Ana wondered if she knew she'd just catapulted the sniper's heart into outer space.
"Ah." Alim winked. "I see. Then I won't hold you up any longer. Let me just…" He didn't bother finishing his sentence, jogging back to retrieve a laminated card from his booth. Holding it up to the gate's sensor, he opened the entrance and handed the card to Kamilah.
"Enjoy!"
Ana gave him a mock-salute, which he returned, before Kamilah drove on. They passed by a few lit villas until eventually, the only lights came from lampposts lining the roads. Then they turned into a large well-kept garden behind a circle of unoccupied houses and came to a stop by the overlook. Kamilah switched off the engine, motioning for Ana to alight.
She complied, letting her feet touch the ground after the better part of an hour. Standing on tip-toes to stretch her legs, Ana took off her helmet and looked out from hilltop where they stood. A lone stretch of tarred road circled around the villas like a moat, and the city spread out from the boundary. North of their position was the commercial hub they'd just left, its bright lights glaringly visible from this distance.
There was a sharp click when Kamilah set down the side stand. Ana spun around to watch her get off the motorcycle, then retrieve the paper bag of food from the top box.
"So." Ana tossed her helmet towards Kamilah, who placed it on the bike. "Now you're going to tell me you're actually filthy rich and one of these villas is yours."
Kamilah rapped her knuckles on Ana's forehead. "If I were this rich, why would I have joined the army?"
"I don't know," Ana hummed. "Patriotism? A calling? Hot soldier women?"
"None of which I have," Kamilah said drily.
"Except…?"
"I said 'none'."
Ana pouted, following Kamilah's lead and sitting down by the side of the garden path, facing the city. The green hill sloped gently downwards from where they sat, practically asking to be rolled across. But Ana was in no mood to dirty her clothes with grass stains, and settled instead for the cup of mango juice Kamilah handed her. She took a long draught through the straw, waiting for Kamilah to finish sipping on her iced karkade and bring out the food. Her feet started tapping on the grass when the box of falafel balls was opened, and she leaned in.
"Why can you never feed yourself?" Kamilah sighed, delivering a falafel into Ana's mouth.
"Why feed myself when you're more than willing to do it for me?"
"Don't make me stick this up your nose," the medic warned, waving the disposable fork.
Ana smiled and swallowed her food. She reached across Kamilah's back, holding onto that safe spot between her waist and hip. Despite taking a deep breath, her partner rested against her.
"So," Ana continued. "Do you own a villa here?"
"No," Kamilah said through a falafel. "I just know the guard. He used to work at our base. But he got a job here because it's closer to his home."
"And…he just lets his friends in?"
"I may also have been there when his son got into a car crash. Kept him stable until the ambulance arrived." She speared another fried ball on the fork and put it into Ana's waiting mouth. "I guess that entitles me to a free pass to this area."
"Kamilah Shadid, making friends through pain and suffering. How cute."
"And effective," Kamilah added, raising her brows pointedly at her partner.
"Because it's hard to think straight when half your blood's on the floor," Ana explained, nearing her ear. "You plied me with your wiles and took advantage of me."
Kamilah turned her head, letting Ana's lips drift across her cheek towards the corner of her mouth. "Will you file a complaint?"
"Yes." Ana tilted her head, breathing tantalisingly against Kamilah's lips, then resumed her path along the other cheek. Reaching her partner's ear, she whispered, "You should be brought to justice for not taking full advantage of me yet."
A hand landed on Ana's collarbone and wandered slowly up to her nape. She took a steadying breath at the touch, keeping a calm that threatened to crumble at Kamilah's low, silky purr, "Beware what you wish for, Ana."
"Do you know what I wish, Kamilah?" Ana pulled their bodies flush together, free hand reaching over.
"Hm?"
"I wish…" Ana's hand moved past Kamilah's body to grab the paper bag beside her. "To eat the baklava now."
She pulled away abruptly and opened the bag as though nothing had happened. Tossing a piece of pastry into her mouth, Ana met Kamilah's narrowed eyes with a gleeful smile. She took another piece of baklava, holding it in front of Kamilah.
"Say 'ah'," Ana said. When Kamilah defied instructions, she starting poking one end of the treat at her lips. "Come on, don't be a wet blanket." Then she paused, brows dancing higher. "Are you a…wet blanket?"
The medic groaned in agony caused by the double entendre, snagging the baklava away with her teeth. She chewed with a comical scowl, still glaring at the sniper.
"Don't frown, habibti," Ana imitated her mother's tone, and rubbed at Kamilah's creased brows with a palm. "Or you'll get wrinkles on your face."
"Like you haven't put them there already," she said, pushing Ana's hand away with a finger.
"That just means you care."
"Do not accuse me of such a thing." Kamilah tossed the box in her lap aside, circling her arms around Ana's middle and resting her head on a broad shoulder.
Ana snickered, pressing her lips on top of her head. She rested a cheek against Kamilah and sighed, "I wish the week wouldn't end."
"Me too," Kamilah muttered.
"Ah well. At least I'll have you."
"Aren't you a lucky one?"
"Damned lucky."
Ana spent the whole of Sunday hiding in Kamilah's room, reading her squad's lazy grumbles on the phone as they arrived in base one by one. She declined the late dinner with them, sharing a pot of canned goulash soup that Kamilah kept in her cabinet. The medic had grumbled a little because Ana kicked her out of the room to cook it in the pantry herself, the sniper mumbling something about not wanting to be seen yet. Ana washed the utensils up though, so they were square.
The first week back was uneventful and quite frankly, boring. Ana's squad was assigned run-of-the-mill patrol routes around the base, during which Ana would put her storytelling skills to the test, making up things she did during the week. She told Khalid she spent the entire leave barhopping, exploring the city, hitting the gym and shooting range. All that, and annoying the crap out of Kamilah instead of being glued to her lips like an alcoholic to the spout of a beer keg.
And Kamilah. Oh, all the bleeding fucking hells. Ana never realised how tactile they had been during the past week, until she was forced to stay in the same room with Kamilah and not touch her. The sniper alternated between two modes. One involved trying to ignore Kamilah's presence in the mess hall and shovel her food into her mouth, pretending the medic's eyes were not burning holes through her fatigues. The other had her staring across a crowded break room, locked in a smouldering gaze that cut through the commotion from their squad mates, as if no one existed but them. Two different tactics that yielded the same result: a needy, heated moment in a corner of either woman's bedroom, weary bodies somehow finding more energy for the private indulgence after work.
They did not spend a moment alone together in public until Friday. There had been a company-wide promotion ceremony, during which Ana and Kamilah, along with Khalid and a few others, were promoted to First Lieutenant for exemplary performance during the war. Of course, with Ana's squad, this meant a celebratory night-out at a nearby club. They managed to convince Kamilah's squad to wreak havoc as well, but Ana was surprised when Kamilah herself agreed to show up for once. It was rare enough to see the woman hang out with her squad in the barracks' break room, much less off base with her fellow soldiers who were getting shit-faced.
"I just feel like it," was all she told Ana when asked why.
So the next time they met each other in the car park, was when Ana arrived before the rest of their squads. Kamilah glanced over at her, mouth quirking at the grin already plastered on Ana's face. She raised a hand when the sniper came within range, tugging at the stray fringe that always hung near her right eye.
"What are you doing?" Ana asked when Kamilah frowned, running the fringe through her fingers.
"There's no gel," Kamilah commented.
"Why would there be gel?"
"I always thought you gelled that fringe on purpose," she replied, drawing her hand away.
"It's natural!" Ana ran a hand through her hair, pushing the fringe back only for it to fall back into place. "See? What douchebag wants their hair blocking an eye all the time?"
Kamilah shrugged. "One like you?"
"Oh really? Well, guess what? The joke's on you. Because that means you like a douchebag."
"So?" Kamilah hooked a finger onto her V-neck collar, tugging her closer. "Do you hear me complaining?"
"No," Ana muttered, attention drifting as she wondered where Kamilah got her lip gloss from. It always looked so damned enticing on her, she could just…
The pull on her top turned into a push when Ana leaned in. She glanced up in confusion, to find Kamilah looking over her shoulder. Ana spun around, facing Khalid and Ebo and a few others who were making their way over, rowdy voices already audible at this distance. Sighing, Ana tossed a glance at her partner, who wore a coy smile and crossed her arms.
Tonight's going to be difficult.
"Ana!" Khalid dragged out the last vowel of her name as he clamped his muscle-bound arms around her, lifting her off the ground in a crushing hug.
"Let me down," Ana imitated the vowel dragging, albeit much more lazily. Her request might as well have gone unsaid when Ebo slung his arms around the pair and lifted them both.
"Whoa, fucking stop, you fuck!" Ana yelled involuntarily when her weight went dangerously off-centre, Ebo tipping backwards a little. Thankfully, the man listened to sense for once and let them go. Ana stumbled backwards, stopped by a steadying hand between her shoulder blades.
"And you people are not even drunk yet," Kamilah muttered beside her.
"Come on, Ana! Let's go to your car!" Ebo boomed, snatching Ana's attention.
"Oh no, no! We're not taking my car. I'm not letting you drunkards stink it up." She stretched a hand towards him. "Give me your keys."
"But you're the designated driver," Ebo argued.
"Yeah, but we didn't designate my car, did we? Hand it over. Now."
"I don't have it."
"We all know you keep it in your wallet with your other keys. Now hand it over."
Ebo groaned loudly, fishing out his key and tossing it into Ana's hand without looking. "Fuck you, Amari."
"Not a chance in hell, meathead." She nodded at his jeep. "Let's go."
Ana stole a glance at Kamilah when her squad had their backs turned, receiving a wink in response to her long-suffering exhale. Her eyes lingered on the medic a little longer, watching as she entered the backseat of her squad's car. Then she went to climb into Ebo's jeep, the car already alight with boisterous chatting.
"One more thing," Ana raised her voice over the din. "I'm not making a return trip to pick you up after you're done fucking."
The jeep almost exploded from the force of the uproar.
"Too bad," she continued, stepping on the accelerator. "Blame the asshole who made me cab back the last time."
"Hakim, you fucking bastard!"
By a stroke of good luck, they managed to secure a corner booth along with a few tables right beside the bar. It was a very nice dark spot for Ana to sip her club soda peacefully, and think about breaking the arm of whoever volunteered her as designated driver. It wasn't even her turn yet, but their original driver had been assigned extra duty shifts. So here she was, staring at the crowded club without a buzz to keep her sane through the noise.
Biting at the tip of her straw, she turned her gaze to the table where Kamilah's squad sat. Her own squad had long dispersed to look for their own fun, leaving her to wait alone and fend off a barrage of sloppy come-ons. It felt so…unnatural turning down so many with only the barest of flirts. And yet, it still felt right.
The newly-promoted medic seemed to be getting along well with her squad. Much better than her previous one. They behaved as though they had been together for more than just a few months, their synergy rivalling that of Ana's squad. And Kamilah, for once, was letting her guard down in front of them.
She blew at her stubborn fringe and swirled her straw idly, barely hearing the clink of ice on glass through the music. It was too dark to see clearly, but she suspected Kamilah was getting at least slightly drunk. She was on her fourth glass of…whatever that was. Maybe more. Not that Ana had been watching.
Dark eyes turned towards her, and she paused in the middle of lifting her cup, straw poking at her chin.
Okay. Maybe a little.
Through rhythmic flashes of light from the dance floor, Ana caught the curve of a knowing smile.
Okay.
Never breaking eye contact, Kamilah brought her glass to her lips, downing almost half of it in one go.
Uh.
Kamilah's gaze was diverted for a brief second when her squad set their glasses down, heads bent as they shouted something at one another. Then they got up, striding over to the dance floor with a swagger nowhere to be found in the sober. Like Ana. Whose eyes were glued to the woman who broke away from the group and slid into the booth next to her. Ana finally caught the straw between her teeth, taking solace in the icy coolness running down her throat when a hand landed on her thigh.
Her companion leaned close, until she could feel lips on her ear, hot breath sending a shiver down the side of her neck. "Lonely, Ana?"
"Not anymore."
Ana felt rather than heard the low chuckle. "How," Kamilah murmured. "Do you always know what to say?"
She could swear she had an answer ready, but her mind drew a blank at the kiss on her ear and the hand sliding farther up her thigh. Not trusting herself to speak just yet, Ana lifted the glass from Kamilah's hand and took a sip for herself.
"Vodka?" Ana asked unnecessarily, feeling the thin burn down to her stomach, where Kamilah's arm now rested across. The woman hummed, hand trailing slowly up Ana's side as her lips moved down her neck.
Yup. Definitely drunk.
"I think that's enough for tonight, hm?" She set the glass aside, stiffening at the nip on her skin.
"No," Kamilah muttered. She brought her lips back to Ana's ear, hand reaching up to caress her jaw. "That's not enough."
Kamilah caught her in a brief kiss, before Ana pieced some sense together and pulled away. Setting a hand on Kamilah's shoulder when she tried to pursue, Ana glanced over at the dance floor. Their friends were nowhere to be found – probably assimilated by the sea of grinding bodies. Hopefully no one had seen anything. Ana pushed the medic against the backrest with some difficulty. The woman kept stroking her face and the other hand was – oh fuck, okay – trying to breach the waistband of her jeans.
"Ana…" Kamilah whined, arms locking around her nape and back. Ana set both hands against the seat to brace herself, tilting her head up and away from Kamilah's face as she tried to yank the sniper in for another kiss. She pushed the medic back by the shoulder and pried the clingy arms from her body.
"I'll get you some water, alright? Stay here," Ana intoned, staring at the intoxicated woman. Taking the petulant whine as a 'yes', she dashed over to the crowded bar. Upon her return, however, she found Kamilah knocking back the last of her vodka.
"No, no!" Ana peeled the now-empty glass away from her hand, watching helplessly as Kamilah gulped the alcohol down. She dropped the glass on the table and took Kamilah's hand, guiding the cup of water into it, and brought the rim to her lips. Kamilah drank obediently – that was, until her face scrunched up after two mouthfuls.
"S'water," she said accusingly.
"Yes, water. No, hold on to it," Ana ordered when Kamilah tried to push it back. "You're getting no more alcohol tonight."
The medic grumbled incoherently, but held the cup in her hands nevertheless. She finished the drink slowly at Ana's urging, then let it fall from her grasp. Kamilah drew her legs up onto the seat, resting her knees against Ana's lap as she nuzzled into the crook of the sniper's neck. It did not take long for her hands to start wandering about Ana's body again.
Ana sighed, leaning back into the seat and accepting her fate, as lips were pressed onto her neck and face repeatedly. She kept an arm around Kamilah's shoulders, holding the woman close. Was it a blessing or curse that she was sober, Ana wondered.
Only Layla and Mesi could be found on Ana's sweep through the club. Khalid and Ebo were nowhere to be found, presumably getting their dicks wet and missing out on the ride home. Just as well. She always hated having to drive a car packed beyond its capacity.
Ana emerged from the club with Kamilah still hooked around her middle, and her two remaining squad mates in tow. As she loaded the drunk and tired women into the car, she spotted Deyab doing the same for his own squad. He caught her eye just after she settled Kamilah into the passenger seat, raising a brow at her.
"Trying to steal my medic, Amari?" he called from across the road, wearing a grin that practically screamed 'I know'.
"What do you mean 'try'?" Ana answered.
Deyab just shook his head and finger at her like a disapproving teacher. "Don't get cocky."
The two drove back to the barracks together, parking their cars side by side. Deyab had to carry one of his charges over his shoulders, and Ana gave thanks that her ducklings could still waddle their way back to their rooms. Layla and Mesi walked towards the west wing while leaning heavily against each other, because two drunks made a pair that could walk straight at best. Ana returned their farewells, holding onto Kamilah's arm as they made their way to the east wing.
Kamilah had mellowed out somewhat during the drive back. Her hand, which kept moving towards Ana while she was driving, stayed in place after a few reproving slaps. Several moments passed when she fixed Ana with the most distracting gaze, until her eyelids fell shut in a quick nap. The short rest made her look more energetic, at least.
"It's so warm," Kamilah complained, speech still slow but less slurred than before.
"You're in Egypt with a few glasses of vodka in you. Of course it's warm," Ana said. She did not get the repartee that would have come had Kamilah been sober, but just as well. She would take a victory where she could get it.
Ana wrapped an arm around Kamilah's shoulders when she shifted uncertainly on her feet. They slowly ate up the distance to the barracks, finally climbing the stairs. But before Ana could start up the second flight, she was surprised by a sudden shove on her front. She stumbled back with a hand on the wall to steady herself.
"What the hell, Kam–," was all Ana could say before two hands pushed her roughly by the shoulders into the corner of the stairwell. "Wh–"
Kamilah's lips crashed into hers, teeth clicking together in the clumsy open-mouthed kiss. Ana could barely straighten her thoughts when a searching tongue dove in, wrenching a deep moan as it swiped across her own. Despite the solid wall behind her, Ana clutched onto Kamilah's hips for support. The woman was pressed fully against her, one hand running down the side of her breast, mouth dictating a ruthless pace that Ana could barely follow, her overloaded senses torn apart at a thrust of Kamilah's hips.
Her next moan broke through cool air suffused with needy pants, Kamilah's teeth biting on her bottom lip, sting flaring at the sharp tug. Liquid heat started pooling between her legs as Kamilah kissed along her jawline, nipping and sucking her way to Ana's ear. Her body shivered at the nibble on her earlobe, half-aware of fingers sneaking under the hem of her top.
"I've been thinking about you, Ana," Kamilah breathed into her ear, a languid grind against her groin showing exactly what those thoughts were. "So much." Teeth grazed across the edge of her jaw as Kamilah traced the defined lines of her abdomen, fingers moving ever higher as a flush burnt across her cheeks.
Her grip tightened on Kamilah's hips when she moved down Ana's neck again, alternating between lips and teeth and tongue, to suck on a patch of skin just above her clavicle. Through sheer force of will, Ana cracked her eyes open, looking at the unlit stairwell and corridors. Growing aware of how loud their breathing was, the sniper gritted her teeth and forced Kamilah away by the hips. Kamilah took two unwilling steps backwards, lips parting when she could reach Ana no longer. She gazed at Ana in confusion, hands coming to rest on sturdy arms.
"You're drunk," Ana managed to say, her newfound will wavering under the smirk.
"Yes, I am," Kamilah murmured. Sliding her hands slowly up Ana's arms, she stepped in to kiss her again. Less wild, more calculated, seductive. Ana's eyes fluttered shut as she learnt the rules of her game, and put forth a countermove. She cupped the medic's cheek, stroking lightly before pulling back.
"We can't," she said softly.
"Don't you want to…?"
"No." A trace of hurt flitted through Kamilah's features, prompting a gentle reassurance on her lips. "I want you, Kamilah. Very much. But not like this."
A heartbeat. Two. Three. Then a close-lipped smile. Kamilah stepped back and Ana followed, placing an arm around her waist as she guided the woman back to her room. She looked on, feeling amused when Kamilah missed the door's sensor lock a few times before the card found its target. Following the tug on her hand, she walked in with the medic. She shed her shoes on the new mat, and held Kamilah steady as she walked in a not-so-straight line towards the bed.
"So…how do you usually–?"
Whoahelloyeahokay
Ana's gaze snapped up to the ceiling when Kamilah removed her top without ceremony. Modesty was not much of a problem in the army, really. It was a luxury at best. But she was unsure what rules applied here. So she kept her eyes away from the dip of shadow between her shoulder blades, the definition of toned back muscles, the indent of her spine leading down to a firm behind that moved out of sight when Kamilah turned around. Her smirk set Ana's cheeks aflame.
Caught staring. Again.
Kamilah walked – no, sauntered – over to her, setting one hand on Ana's chest and looking so damned confident while clad in only her underwear.
Isn't she supposed to be drunk?
"There's still time for you to change your mind," she said, fingertips teasing through thin cotton.
"Tempting, but no." Ana grasped her hand and pulled it away reluctantly. Then she held onto Kamilah's shoulders, steering her towards the bed and setting her down. The medic followed obediently, lying still as the blanket was pulled up to her chest.
"Well, good night." She smoothed the top of Kamilah's hair, when the medic grabbed onto her wrist with surprising speed.
"Stay here."
"I don't think…"
Kamilah released her grip, flinging an arm behind her and pulling the blanket down. She patted on the mattress in silent request. Ana shrugged – more to herself than anything – and climbed over Kamilah's body, wriggling under the covers. The medic scooted backwards until her back met with Ana's front. Smiling, Ana wrapped an arm around her, placing a soft kiss on her temple.
"No wonder you don't drink," Ana whispered.
A/N: Have a longer chapter because there may not be a new chapter next week. We'll see.