Chapter Three
After finish their late meal, Kaja moves from the kitchen table to the couch. The commando takes her shoes off to get more comfortable and so she can put her feet on the foot stool. Kaja's eyes move around looking at the different types of decorations Cassandra has in her apartment. One item in particular looks Prothean. Kaja moves to give the object a closer look. "It that what I think it is? An echo shard?" Kaja remembers when she was a young child meeting the Prothean named Javik. And seeing an object that looks like the one Cass has on display.
Cassandra brings out two glasses and a bottle of brandy and sets them on the coffee table. "Yes, it is. I found it at a dig sight on Eden Prime when I was in college. No museum wanted it, so they allowed me to keep it. Few know I have it and it's priceless to me." She opens the bottle of brandy and pour some in each glass. Cass hands one of the glasses to Kaja.
"Thank you," replies the asari as she takes the glass from the human. After taking a few sips of the brandy, Kaja turns to look at Cass, "I owe you an explanation. I told you I was on leave for a few weeks. I'm on leave for the next two months." She turns away from the human to sit back down on the couch, putting her feet up, keeping the drink in her hand. "I was force on leave. I've asked for a transfer and they refuse to give me one. I need to figure out if I want to continue to do what I don't like doing or get out."
Kaja finishes the glass in one gulp. Enjoying the tingling sensation in the back of her throat. She looks over to the human who is still standing listening to every word Kaja is saying. Patting the spot next to her, Kaja waits for Cass to join her before she continues. The asari wraps her arm around the human's shoulder. "I'm unsure what to do, Cass. I enjoy being in the military. I do not enjoy the job I am doing." She grabs Cass' hand. "And now there's you..." Kaja stops mid-sentence because she doesn't know what else to say.
"Do what ever makes you happy, Kaja T'Soni. I know that is what your mother wants. And I'm willing to bet that is what your father wants from you as well," says Cass as she finishes her glass. Pouring another round for them both. "Let's not worry about two months from now and take this one day at a time. As cheesy as that sounds. Take your own advice. Only difference you're looking to the future."
"We can drink to that." They touch glasses and talk for the rest of the night. Or until Cass fall asleep on the Kaja's lap. The asari picks the human up and puts her to bed. She pulls the covers over Cass then leans in to place a gentle kiss on the forehead and whispers, "Thank you, Cass." Kaja takes one of the pillows from the bed with her to the couch. On the back of the couch is a small blanket. Kaja uses it to cover herself as she sleeps on the couch.
–
The next morning, Cassandra wakes up earlier than normal. She wakes up with a small headache. Cass notices she is still in the same clothes she was wearing yesterday. She isn't sure how she went from falling asleep on Kaja's lap to her bed. Did Kaja put her in the bed then leave? Cass takes a quick shower which helps with her headache. As she gets dressed she starts thinking about last night and how Kaja is as nice as she thought she would be.
Cass walks over by the couch and see Kaja sleeping on in. Kneeling next to the couch, Cass debates to wake the asari or not. She does have to leave for work earlier than normal. There are some artifacts from Earth going on display at the museum soon and she is responsible for going through them to check to make sure they don't have any thing missing or unusable. That has been a problem in the past and Cass wants to make sure everything they are receiving is correct and none are fakes.
She reaches out with her left arm to grab Kaja's shoulder, "Kaja, I have to leave for work soon."
Kaja opens her eyes when she hears her name being called. "Good morning, Cass." The asari yawns while speaking then covers her mouth.
"I can give you a ride home if you want. I have to go to work early today. We're expecting some artifacts from Earth and I need to go through them before they go on display," says Cassandra.
"You can go to work and I can find my way home from there. I'm not ready to go home yet. I still have a lot of thinking to do and I can't seem to do what when I'm home. Maybe I'll go to the diner we tried to go to last night and have breakfast. They do serve breakfast right?" asks Kaja as she gets off the couch and puts the blanket back over the back of the couch. She starts to pick up the pillow when Cass stops her.
"Leave it there. I'll take care of it when I get home and the diner opens at 0600. I think you'll like the food," comments Cass. She gives the huntress a grin. "I should go soon. I hate to rush."
A chuckle escapes Kaja's lips, "I understand. Let me use your bathroom first then we can leave." As she walks towards the bathroom, Kaja gives Cass a wink and a lopsided grin.
Cass watches the asari walk away and wonders how things are going to work out. Is this only a two month fling for her? Or is there something more between us? There's something or I think so. But this isn't about me, it's about us. I never thought I would ever meet you, Kaja. You're far more complex than I ever imagined.
Kaja splashes her face with some warm water trying to finish waking up. She looks at her reflection in the mirror and thinks about what she should do next. What do I want? I just don't know. The asari commando closes her eyes and opens them slowly. There is one thing I am sure on. The growing feelings I have for the human in the other room. I've been offered an early honorable discharge. Nothing negative on my service record, but do I trust them to do that? I don't know. Kaja splashes water on her face one last time before grabbing a towel to dry off. She also wipes the water around the edge of the sink.
Kaja comes out of the bathroom saying, "I'm ready to leave." She gives Cassandra a hug before they leave the apartment together. Both are being quiet on the drive to the museum.
Cass has things she wants to say, but isn't sure if now is the right time to say them. As she parks her car in her assigned parking space, Cass turns to Kaja while taking her hand, "I know you have a lot of things to think about. I don't want to complicate your life, but I must tell you, Kaja. I want you to be happy. For you to enjoy your life. I would like for us to spend more time together while you're home, and I'll understand if you don't. Call me if you want to go out tomorrow or another day. I'll be working a long day today." Cass opens her omni-tool and gives Kaja her contact information.
"Thanks. You're not complicating my life. I don't need to call you, I know I want to see you again. Vid? You pick which one you want to see and when. I'll meet you there," comments Kaja as she smiles at Cass and reaches out with her left hand to caress the human's cheek.
"Hmm..." replies Cassandra. She looks over her omni-tool so she can look over her work schedule for the next few days. "Damn it. I need to get the new artifacts ready for the display by Saturday at 1000. I was thinking the opening was next weekend not this one coming up. I'll contact you when I get home tonight and we at least can talk more. I should get inside."
Nodding and smiling at Cassandra, Kaja says. "Okay, I'll be home before you get off work. I plan on taking a walk to think about what to do about work before going home. Have a good day, Cass." Before Kaja gets out of the car, she leans over and gives Cass a soft kiss on the cheek.
Cass gets out of the car and before she heads inside the museum, she watches Kaja walk away. Her friend, Della, is standing at the side entrance smiling at the scene she is witnessing. As Cassandra opens the door, Della says, "Looks likes Kaja spent the night. So, how was it?"
Cass gives Della a glare that tells Della to mind her own business, but Della isn't taking the meaning of the glare. Dr. Cassandra Mitchell goes into her office and shuts the door. There is a knock on the door and Cass asks as she opens it, "What do you want, Della?"
"Don't be like that, Cassandra," replies Della. She grins at her friend. "I saw your interaction with the asari before she got out of your car. Spill it, Mitchell." She folds her arms across her chest waiting for an answer.
"Out, Della," remarks Cass as she points to the door. "I have a lot of work to do." She picks up a data pad with all the information about the artifacts from Earth Looking at the data pad is the excuse to not answer her friend's question. Cass isn't wanting to tell Della anything. There isn't anything to tell, but if there was, she still wouldn't answer the question.
Della sticks out her lower lip trying to get Cass to tell her about last night. After a few minutes of being ignored, Della finally takes the hint and leaves Dr. Mitchell's office. She turns to face Cass before shutting the door, "You're no fun, Doctor. You'll know where I'll be if you want to talk."
Cass looks up after she hears the office door close. She sits in the chair and sighs with content to herself. The archeologist feels lucky. It seems Kaja T'Soni wants a to explore a relationship and it's something Cass wants more than anything. The more she thinks about it, the more she feels she is very lucky. Cass is sure any one else would have run away from her screaming. Not only did Kaja not shy away, but she seems to have gotten closer. Maybe it is fate. Only time will tell on that though, thinks Dr. Mitchell. Picking up the data pad again, Cass leaves her office to head to the storage area in the basement to start looking over the artifacts.
–
Lieutenant Kaja T'Soni walks down the street with a little bounce to her step. She is certain she should get out of the military. Kaja isn't wanting to play the political games they are making her play. Asari High Command doesn't want to put her into harms way because of her parents. What her commanding officer, Matriarch Jilianea, doesn't know is Kaja was close to making her mind up about her military career before she left Thessia.
As Kaja walks down the street thinking about her career and how it hasn't turned out like she thought it would have. She is a very skilled investigator and maybe she can use that skill with a police department. Which one? Join C-Sec? Illium Police Department? Or what about the local police on Elysium? There is more political red tape on the Citadel, which makes her think C-Sec wouldn't be a good job. Would any police department be a good job? Lots of unwanted political interference in police work. It's one thing she remembers hearing from Garrus Vakarian as a child. Should one turian's experience influence her future?
Leaving the military is the easy part for Kaja, what to do next is what she is most concerned about. She doesn't know what to do next. Maybe she could do consultant type work? The huntress doesn't know. Kaja thinks she can do some security work for some corporation either on Illium or Noveria. Then she thinks where does that leave Cassandra? Would Cass be willing to move if I take a job off planet? Is that even what I want?
T'Soni walks across the street to a small park that only has a few swings and other objects for children to play on. The park is empty, so Kaja decides to go and sit on a swing. Even if the swing is too small for her or how silly she looks. Besides making her decision on leaving the asari military, Kaja knows she wants Cass in her life. Even if they are only friends. She does think anyone else would have left and not looked back after finding out about the crush. Kaja is actually flattered by it.
"Goddess, I've never felt these types of feelings before. It started out as a curiosity last night that after being with Cass for a couple of hours and talking with her something ignited. Maybe that is why I kissed her without thinking?" mumbles Kaja to herself as she swings back n forth. "Maybe this is what love feels like. I don't know maybe I should ask mom. She might be able to tell me."
Kaja leaves the park and slowly walks back towards the diner Cassandra wanted to eat at last night. As she approaches the diner, she sees it is filling up and getting crowded. Perfect, a place she can get lost in the crowd and eat in peace without someone thinking she is Gaia. Or Kaja hopes happens. She sits at the only empty spot left at the counter. The waitress takes her order and within ten minutes, Kaja has her breakfast.
She takes her time eating while she continues to think about her future. She is still unsure what type of job to do when she gets out of the military. Most asari once they join stay for centuries. Maybe talking with Cass about it will help. Kaja isn't sure. One thing Kaja does know, she doesn't need to make this decision today or even this month. She has two months to figure it out or longer. In two months, she'll be a civilian again. Or the huntress hopes Matriarch Jilianea keeps her word. She has twenty more years on her enlistment. Kaja doubts Cass will wait that long for her.
Finishing up the last bite of her breakfast, Kaja pays her bill and starts to leave when Cassandra and her friend Della come into the diner. Kaja sits back on the stool and waves the waitress over. She points out the two humans sitting at a table at the far end of the diner. Kaja says as she hands the server a credit chit worth one hundred credits. "You see those two humans that are sitting at that table?"
The server knows them both and replies to Kaja, "They are regulars and work across the street at the museum. One is Dr. Mitchell and the other is head of the museum's security. I do believe her name is Della, but I don't know her last name."
"I want to pay for their meal with the credit chit I gave you. It should cover what they are going to order and the tip," replies Kaja. She gives the server a grin then leaves the diner.
"I'm sure they would appreciate it. Want me to let them know?" asks the waitress. When she turns around to get an answer from the asari, Kaja is already gone. The waitress walks over to the two humans from the museum to take their order. "Dr. Mitchell, there was an asari that just left that gave me a credit chit to pay for your meal. I have never seen this asari before. Do you have a stalker, doctor?"
Della looks behind her and doesn't see the asari, but she does think it is Kaja T'Soni that is paying for their meal, "Well, Cass, looks like she really likes you. Who else would pay for your meal and leave without talking to you?"
"Thank you, Debbie. I'll have a cup of today's soup and a chicken sandwich," replies Cass. She sees Kaja walking away from the diner and leaves the table to try to catch up with her. "I'll be right back, Della. And do me a favor if you really are my friend. Stop staring and butting your nose into my relationship with her."
Della rolls her eyes at Cass as she replies, "Okay. Geez, calm down, Cass. It's like you're..." Della stops talking when she sees the look Cass is giving her. The same glare from earlier. "Go then."
Kaja stops walking to turn back to the diner to get a glimpse of Cass before heading home. Cass is walking out the diner's door and heading in her direction. Kaja now wishes she turned her cloak on, so Cass wouldn't have seen her. It's too late now. The asari with a smile on her face waits for the human to approach. "How has your morning been so far, Dr. Mitchell?"
"Della is being a pain in my ass today about you. Other than that, everything is fine. Are you alright? You could have stopped by the table and said hi instead of giving Debbie a credit chit to pay for my food," answers Cass as she holds both of Kaja's hands.
"Your friend is staring at us from the window. If I have put you in a bad spot with your friend, I am sorry." remarks Kaja. She debates with herself for a few seconds then thinks screw it and leans to kiss Cass fully on the lips. Their kiss lingers for several seconds before Kaja breaks it to say, "I'm fine. I think I have one thing decided, well two things. We can talk about it later, Cass. Enjoy your food. I'm headed home. I have a couple of things I now need to talk with my mother about."
Cass turns around and sees Della staring at them, "Damn it. I asked her not to do that. Urgh. I swear she is the worse friend in the galaxy. I'm sorry, Kaja. My friends suck. But they are still my friends. Come and join us, please. I would like that very much, Lieutenant."
Kaja gets a mischievous look in her eyes and a smirk on her face. "Do you trust me, Cass? I have an idea."
"Plan on doing something to Della, Kaja?" asks Cass. She thinks Kaja is going to do something to Della, what she isn't sure on what. Kaja has a look in her eyes that screams prank is coming. The human kisses the asari commando. "Yes, I trust you. Don't hurt her is all I ask."
"Oh, I was only going to be over the top flirty with her. Unless that makes you uncomfortable then I won't. I am going to say a few things that might make you wonder about how I feel about you, Cass. I am only kidding with your friend." smiles Kaja. "Let's join Della." The asari whispers into Cass' ear, "Cass, all I ask is please trust me. And don't take anything I say to her seriously. I am only joking."
Cass chuckles a little, "I think she deserves a little teasing. Have fun with it. I think I will enjoy watching her squirm too." They walk back into the diner together. Cassandra's food is already waiting for her. Also on the table it the credit chit Kaja gave the waitress to pay for their meal. Cass sits in the chair she was sitting in before going outside to talk to Kaja. Kaja sits in a chair next to Della.
The asari huntress places her arm around Della's shoulder then uses her hand to caress Della's arm. She whispers into the human's ear, "You seem like you might be a tiger in bed." Kaja continues to caress on Della's arm.
Della starts to squirm, "Hey, what are you doing?" The head of the museum's security looks at her friend, Dr. Cassandra Mitchell to see her grinning from ear to ear. "Please stop."
Kaja removes her arm from Della's shoulder but not before running her fingers across Della's back in a sensual manner that causes Della to squirm more. "Okay, tiger, I'll stop. I see how you are, tiger. You're a looker and a mouse. Not tiger who acts. Your loss. We could have had some fun."
Cass is about to lose her composure and start laughing at the look Della has on her face. She wishes she had her omni-tool set up for pictures because the look Della is giving is priceless. Kaja really did make her squirm and it also seems to have shut Della up. Which is what Cass wanted all along from Della.
Della is speechless. She isn't sure if the asari next to her is being serious or not. Cass is very close to laughing at her, which makes Della think this is all a joke. But at the same time, Kaja is being very sensual and Della is actually enjoying the attention. She scoots away from the asari then looks at her. "Are you being serious?"
T'Soni moves to the empty chair next to Cass and wraps her arm around Cass's shoulder then kisses her cheek. "No, I'm not being serious. Every time I see you, you're staring at me or at us. So, I thought getting flirty with you would be fun. And from the look on your face, I got the reaction I was looking for."
"You knew she was going to do this, Cass?" asks Della. She is now getting a little annoyed, but she also deserves it.
Cassandra takes another bite of her sandwich. She nods to her friend that she did know before hand. "Yes, Della, I knew about it. I also asked you not to stare and you did anyway. Can't you for once not be a pain in my ass about my relationships?"
Della quickly finishes her food and leaves the diner without saying another word. Kaja starts to go after her when Cass grabs her arm, "Let her go. If she is mad at me, let her be mad. I've been annoyed with her all morning and that was fun to watch. You do have a sense of humor, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. I don't want to come between you and your friends. Even if your friends like to stare at me. I suppose I can get use to it. That was fun. Thanks for trusting me." Kaja rubs Cass's back with her hand. She grins at the human next to her.
Cass picks up the credit chit and hands it back to Kaja, "Keep it. You've done enough for me today. I'm making Della pay for this meal even if she doesn't want to." Dr. Mitchell finishes her meal then leave one of her credit chits on the table.
The couple leaves the diner holding hands. Kaja escorts Cass across the street to the museum. "Call me when you get home tonight, Cass. I want to talk to you about a few things. Tell your friend, I was only joking." In a hushed tone, Kaja says as she places both of her hand on Cass' shoulders, "I care about you, Cassandra. I have feelings for you. I still don't know what those feelings mean, but I want to be with you."
"Good, Kaja T'Soni. I know how I feel about you. I'll call you when I get home. It will be after the museum closes at 1800. See you soon." replies Cass as she gives Kaja a quick kiss on the lips and walks inside the building.
The asari watches the human walk into the building and she sees Della watching them. Seeing Della watching makes Kaja think Cass' friend either is very protective of Cass or is in love with her and Cass doesn't know it. The look Della is giving makes Kaja think it is the latter. Which might cause problems down the road. For now, Kaja's only concern is Cass and her feelings for the human archeologist. Kaja leaves to head home to have a talk with her mother about a couple of things.
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A/N: I don't have much for a note this week. Hope you enjoy this week's chapter. And see you next week.