Chapter 3: No Sweeter Innocence

Marcus blinked in the sunlight. The only indication of the hangover he sported was that he couldn't quite open his eyes all the way. It was only then that he was grateful for the fact that he wasn't scheduled for guard duty until that afternoon. He had yet to see Abby that morning. Which was odd in and of itself, but he suspected that her hangover was just a bit (if not a lot) more prominent than his own. So he cut her some slack.

He had two cups of coffee under his belt at this point, and he already felt better. He moved to take a clean mug and filled it for her. Instead of waiting for her to come to him, he decided to go to her. He moved toward her sleeping quarters, knowing it was unlikely that she was still in her tent, but it didn't hurt to try.

Abby (never one to waste time and sleep in) had rolled out of bed at almost sunrise. She was instantly met with pain and nausea. The perfect punishment for the drinks that she and Marcus had shared the night before (and one she was adamant that she deserved). She grimaced, breathing in deeply through her nose and out through her mouth. It helped fight the nausea, but it did nothing for the pounding of her head.

And somehow, she found that fitting as well. She would think twice before getting drunk with Marcus again, or at the very least, she wouldn't attempt to keep up with him. Lessons usually learned the hard way. She wasn't looking forward to stepping outside her tent into the sunlight, but it had to be done. She had some work in medical that couldn't be put off any more.

She shielded her eyes with her hand and faced the inevitable. It was only too little too late that she realized she had stepped straight into a hard body.

"Woah. It's hot," Marcus managed to say all the while keeping the contents of the mug in the mug. One look at her, and he knew she was in far worse shape than he'd been in.

He managed to steady her, hand on her hip, and keep them both completely upright. "That bad, huh?" He gently placed the mug into her hand. "This will help. Trust me." Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, and he vowed to take better care of her if they ever decided to get drinks together again.

Her lips twisted into a frown. "I couldn't possibly keep anything down right now," she spoke as a groan left her throat, but she clung almost helplessly to the warmth of the mug.

"Sip it," he coaxed. He turned them slightly and headed them in the direction of medical. "It's not a quick fix, but it definitely helps with the pounding head."

She blinked up at him, squinting slightly. "I wasn't aware of your degree in medicine, Marcus."

He chuckled softly. "It's called experience, Doctor Griffin." He didn't bother to drop his hand from the small of her back as he guided her toward her sanctuary.

She shook her head, instantly regretting the motion. A groan fell from her mouth. "That's Chancellor to you, Marcus Kane." She pushed slightly at his arm.

He gave a mock scowl. "Oh, Abby. Cut it out. We're way past formalities. Always have been." His arm slipped securely around her back, pulling her against him. To his delight, her shirt and jacket had ridden up to reveal a soft patch of her skin to which his thumb had made contact with. He couldn't resist stroking it slowly back and forth.

Her breath caught in her throat at his touch. Her eyelids grew heavy under the impications that something was definitely shifting between them. It has been for some time now. She brought her hand to her mouth as she remembered the soft feel of his lips in the very spot. She turned her head toward him, meeting his eyes.

She dared to be bold, dared to do what her heart wanted. Her arm that wasn't holding the mug of coffee slipped around his waist, mimicking his hold on her. She leaned into him, remembering the feel of his body as she had clung to him on the way to her tent last night. She spoke softly, "Always have been."

They were at the door of the medical bay now. He turned slightly, pulling her to stand in front of him. His hands rested on her hips as he looked down at her. "I'd like to see you again tonight."

She frowned up at him. "It's likely you'll see me some time today." She narrowed her eyes as her head tilted to the side in question of his intentions. "I don't see why we have to wait until tonight."

He leaned down, lips pressing against her cheek before he moved his mouth to her ear. He whispered, "I want to see you tonight in a non-work or camp related way, Abby. Think of it as a date of sorts. We can take a walk outside the camp. There's a place I'd like to show you." And then he pulled away, taking his warmth as he went.

She couldn't move. Her skin tingled where his lips had touched her cheek. The shiver that skated up her spine at the feel of his breath against her ear as he spoke had awoken a place deep inside her that she had long since forgotten. Her eyes followed his back, surprised when he turned and spoke again.

"Sip the coffee, Abby. I promise it will help with your head. Experience remember." He gave her a wink and a quick wave before he disappeared around the side of Alpha station and to get on with his work duties for the day. He whistled a soft tune of a song long ago forgotten. Today was a beautiful day, and he could only hope it would get better as it went along. Especially when night fell, and he was alone with her.