Chapter Summary: A date in Kaas City after spending months apart.

[Ceasefire with Zakuul. Before the formation of Acina's Dark Council.]


A/N: NSFW. Little to no plot(?) uhh enjoy!


Vestra swept out of the elevator, impatiently waving away the protocol droid that approached with an offer to arrange a taxi. She strode down the pristine, well-lit entrance hall, heels clicking an imperious rhythm that drew fleeting scrutiny from armed guards stationed at the corners, before they averted their eyes with professional detachment. Though they likely had no idea of her status as Councilor, the building they guarded housed some of Kaas City's most important citizens; thus the subtle, ubiquitous deference in their silent execution of duty – something she vastly preferred over open fawning that she often received in Sith robes.

Tugging on the coat draped over her shoulders, Vestra braced herself against the night's chill and marched out of the doors. There was no drizzle tonight – which lightened her dark mood since she'd received a last-minute call from the Empress that had delayed her departure. Vestra clenched her jaw, swiping away the anger that had bubbled up to her chest, and scanned the two-way street to orient herself. She rarely descended to ground level, preferring to use the exclusive speeder pad on the upper levels to travel the city by the skies. But her usual inclinations had been knocked askew since her return to Kaas, which left her feeling as foreign in her own body, as she was standing on the unfamiliar streets around her penthouse.

Setting off at a brisk pace, Vestra strode down the pavement that led her past a row of other lush residential buildings, and eventually fed her into the main plaza of the city's wealthy district.

Rising proudly from the plaza's centre was a fountain – a new installation made of sleek dark marble, with a featureless humanoid statue standing amid clear waters with hands held high, cradling a smooth stone sphere. 'Strength in Unity', it was called – if Vestra remembered Vowrawn's chatter correctly – and she couldn't help but scoff as she drew closer. The identity of its commissioner was plain as day, and spite whispered in her ear to knock off the stupid orb with a Force blast.

But she kept her better sense, and turned her attention away with a quiet snort. Vestra cast her gaze around in search, even as her feet carried her instinctively towards her target. The crowds in the plaza weren't dense tonight, and even without their bond to direct her, Vestra could easily pick out Lana's figure standing by the fountain, staring up at its sculpture. She couldn't quite put a finger on it, how she always found herself drawn in Lana's direction; looking, reaching, and never failing to find Lana waiting for her. Perhaps she was deluding herself, and it was just the Force steering her true; but it was a fantasy she indulged in willingly, that love would always guide her back to the one who was home.

Love. Five years, and it still felt surreal.

As she approached, Lana's gaze left the sculpture to look upon her, a smile on red-painted lips that made her heart skip a beat. Vestra slowed to a stop before Lana, drinking her in; her top was a fluid blend between a robe and dress, which wrapped her sturdy frame nicely and fell to mid-thigh, where black patterned leggings completed the look with a simple, cosmopolitan touch. Her lightsaber was holstered on the belt at her hips – not an uncommon habit for Sith, even when they were off duty. But it was a noticeable change from her past state of comfort, when she'd been content to hide the hilt in her purse. Yet another mark left upon her psyche from the recent harrowing war; something Vestra herself had to combat, making a conscious decision to trust in her own power with the Force and leave her lightsaber behind.

"You look stunning. As always."

Vestra preened visibly at the compliment, tossing her hair over a shoulder, then held still when Lana reached for the dark emerald coat that accented her black dress.

"I like this shade. It's lovely."

"I thought you would," Vestra replied with a smirk, tugging at its lapels. "Planned to wear it for a date, before...everything went to hell."

"Pity."

She didn't miss the way Lana's knuckles brushed against her bare shoulders as she adjusted Vestra's coat. Reaching into an inner pocket, Vestra retrieved the lone item inside and turned her palm up to Lana, who eyed it with interest. On a thin chain was a cradle woven from interlocking strands of obsidian, within which resided a thumb-sized, meticulously cut indigo crystal.

"For you."

Lana cocked her head, glancing at Vestra before taking the necklace. A frown drew her brows together, the longer she held the crystal in hand. "Is this kyber?"

"Yes."

A soft, incredulous laugh. "You had a kyber crystal made into jewellery? I'd hate to think how much it cost."

"Not much. I just paid for this." Vestra took the necklace, straightening the chain and unclasping its hook. "Woven titanium braid, obsidian bracket – they should withstand a good amount of punishment." She fastened the necklace around Lana's neck, and ran a finger down the chain to touch the crystal. "This was personally harvested and cut by Darth Avriss herself. Too small for a lightsaber, but it can be used as a focus in a pinch."

"Form and function, hm?" Lana smiled up at her. "A precious gift. I must wear this so long as I draw breath, then."

"So you must, as your lord decrees," Vestra purred, a teasing rumble, as she cradled Lana's chin on her fingertips. She savoured the softness in Lana's gaze, which turned to caution when she closed the distance, covering Lana's lips with her own.

A ripple of surprise shook their bond, followed by a touch of concern that vanished when Vestra tilted her head, tip of her tongue teasing Lana's lips before she retreated. The grasp and soft squeeze on her arm in protest made her smile, as she drew back to regard the curious glint in Lana's eyes.

Open affection was not a luxury they could indulge often. Their status within the Sith hierarchy was a prime impediment; one Vestra took well in stride, thanks to a restraint from such displays ingrained to her very bone. In Imperial territory, affection was strictly off-limits, save for when they were alone behind closed doors. While neutral worlds provided a luxury that Lana had little trouble partaking in, Vestra often had to make a conscious effort to reach for her partner, having eliminated her physical tells much too cleanly.

That she had initiated a kiss in public, in Kaas City of all places, was a statement – to those who might be watching them, and more importantly, to Lana of her commitment.

She met Lana's watchful eyes, and was gratified when a tilted smile curved Lana's lips. This sight alone was worth any price Vestra might have to pay in the future. Damn the consequences; she would suffer no barriers between Lana and herself any longer. Not after spending countless nights fearing she would never see Lana again. Not after the sacrifices they'd made to preserve an Empire that had only deterred and exploited their relationship.

She traced the arc of Lana's bottom lip with a thumb, murmuring, "How many agents did we just thrill?"

Lana's brow arched, and she batted away Vestra's hand playfully. "I personally ensured there would be no eyes on us tonight."

"That's what you did. What Her Almighty Majesty does, however, is out of your control."

"Hm. Distressing, but a good point to keep in mind." Lana's voice was still casual, and Vestra felt grateful for her composure after what was, admittedly, a reckless move on Vestra's part.

Lana's fingers brushed against hers, and Vestra didn't hesitate to twine them together as they started to walk.

Dinner in a restaurant, opera in the theatre after; mundane little activities for their date, to reassert a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of galactic upheaval. It took great effort to establish such a state of artificial ignorance; but if that's what it took to be Lana's just for a while, then Vestra would gladly be the galaxy's greatest fool.

Lana drifted closer to her, thumb caressing her knuckles as they strolled shoulder-to-shoulder.

Yes…she would be the happiest fool indeed.


Truth was, Vestra had an agenda for the night; and when she had an agenda, she had a foolproof plan to achieve it, to ensure it would not slip through her fingers. So it was with the off-the-shoulder dress with a generous cut over her bosom, above which dangled a long silver necklace. She didn't bother with subtlety, and neither did Lana, whose eyes were drawn repeatedly to lithe fingers playing with the pendant just above her ample cleavage. They had barely started dinner when their bond turned electric from thinly-veiled desire, smouldering gaze meeting playful smirk as a foot slid tantalisingly up a muscled calf.

It was a miracle borne of sheer will that they made it through dinner without causing a scandal, and reached the theatre after. Vestra barely paid attention to the show, hand occupied with Lana's in the shadowed alcove, biting her lip when a warm touch traveled from her knee to her inner thigh, yet never quite reached where it was needed most.

She'd left the theatre with her mind cloaked in a needy haze, given relief when they finally stumbled into her bedroom, lips hot on bare flesh as they stripped each other down. With each piece of clothing shed, every kiss she received, Vestra regained a modicum of sense and patience. She stopped Lana with a firm hand on the chest, drawing a curious look from her lover, and took the time to fasten a harness around Lana's hips.

She wound up kneeling on the edge of her bed, with Lana stroking her hair. Vestra pressed her lips to the carved lines of Lana's stomach, paying homage to firm muscle with kisses and scripture written by the tip of her tongue. She trailed across the expanse of Lana's abdomen, nipping at sensitive spots and new scars, while her hand pumped leisurely along the length between Lana's thighs. Vestra slid her fingers from base to tip, coating dark purple with a glistening sheen, then squeezed a little harder, smiling when abs clenched noticeably beneath her lips.

She looked up, relishing the quiet hunger in Lana's eyes. "How does it feel?"

"More sensitive than I remember," Lana murmured, a rough undertone.

"Want to adjust the sensors?"

"No, it's fine. And that's quite enough, I think."

"You think. So you're not sure." She tugged at the length, and Lana's fingers gripped her hair in warning. "Let's make up your mind, shall we?"

Spreading her knees, Vestra lowered herself to sit on the bed. She tilted the glossy shaft up at an angle, which drew the faintest growl from Lana's throat.

"Ves…" Any protest or warning Lana might've had disappeared when Vestra set her tongue flat against its underside, and dragged it from base to tip with excruciating slowness. She closed her mouth over the head, suckling daintily before she pulled away with a mute pop.

With Lana cradling her jaw in both hands, Vestra swirled her tongue in her mouth, head cocked to one side.

"Hm."

"What is it?"

"Taste's faded."

Lana chuckled, rubbing her cheek gently with a thumb. "All that work for nothing," she sighed airily.

"Well…I wouldn't say for nothing." She flicked her tongue out against the tip. "You're fine with this?"

"Yes."

"More?"

"More."

Vestra purred a low, satisfied note. "You know just how to make me happy."

Lana's fingers slid to the back of her head, combing gently through her hair as she took the length into her mouth. Just a few inches, a teaser to whet their appetites. The mild taste of strawberry coated her tongue, moistened the edges of her mouth. She looked up at Lana, meeting that low-burning gaze which didn't waver as she swirled her tongue around the toy. A faint smile at the corners of her lips, Vestra lowered her eyes, taking more of the length into her mouth.

She bobbed slowly along the shaft, sucking as if it were a treat melting in the heat of day, free hand rising to grasp its base, massaging gently and tilting it for a better angle. She sank further down, then dragged her way back up; fingers dug deeper into her hair, scratching against her scalp as Lana gathered black tresses into her hand – a makeshift rein for control. Vestra felt a thrum against her consciousness – Lana's racing pulse fighting against her natural composure, threatening to spill into Vestra's naked, playful desire. A valiant, yet futile effort that would shatter with a well-placed tap.

Squeezing hard on the base of Lana's shaft, Vestra sank her head as far as she could go, then hollowed her cheeks as she pulled back up. A strangled mix between a moan and grunt escaped through the grit of Lana's teeth, and the grip in her hair turned to iron.

"Stop playing."

Vestra hummed, non-committal, but her intent to pull away in tease stopped against the wall that was Lana's hands. She looked back up, eyes hooded, as Lana held her head in place and delved into her mouth. A steady rhythm, still gentle despite the heat of the bond between them.

"You look good like this," Lana murmured, brushing back the lock of hair that had fallen to her face. "On your knees, mouth full. Right where you belong."

The husky timbre of Lana's voice sent a drop of heat to her core, setting off an ache between her thighs that brought a painful awareness of how wet and empty she was. Vestra struggled to breathe, fingers digging into the sheets to keep from touching herself. Even with a stuffed mouth, her pride was still intact; this was a game, it always was, and would end only with willing submission.

Part of her wondered if the end had already been wrought – she couldn't hide the need threatening to consume her heart, and felt Lana's pleasure at her slow unravelling.

She kept her peace as Lana thrust into her mouth, building in pace, quiet pants turning rough as she lost another ounce of patience. But she never lost her care, her control; no matter how deeply she buried the toy, it only flirted with Vestra's throat, leaving her to swallow empty air in growing frustration.

Reaching up, Vestra grabbed Lana's muscled thighs, slowing her down. Lana complied immediately, allowing her to bob her head along the length at her own pace, before thrusting into her mouth in tandem. Vestra swallowed more, and more of her length, losing her care for the slickness pooling at the sides of her mouth, controlled breaths growing hot and heavy as she sank her head down Lana's shaft with reckless abandon.

"Ves." Lana breathed, barely keeping a moan from her voice. "Ves–"

Fingers tightened in her hair again – an attempt to slow her down. But it mattered little; Vestra lowered her head, so deeply that her throat contracted around the tip that finally pushed through–

"Wait–, stop!"

Vestra's eyes flew open as Lana jerked back, withdrawing her length completely. A long line of spittle stretched between its tip and Vestra's mouth, then broke under its own weight. Vestra wiped it from her chin unthinking, staring up at Lana's flushed face.

"What's wrong?" Vestra asked.

Lana took a moment to catch her breath, then shook her head. "Not tonight."

A pause, then it clicked. "Why not tonight?"

"I'm not letting you take all of this without prep."

Vestra stared at her longer, eyes darting down to the slick, inviting shaft. It was thick, but hardly comparable to what they'd used before. Her yearning throat worked in silence to find her voice. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to do my warm-ups. Let me just…"

Lana rolled her eyes, a dry smile arching her lips, as she snatched the hand Vestra had raised to massage her own throat for 'warm-ups'. "You know what I mean."

"I'll be fine, Lana."

"No. Not what I had in mind."

Lana's steely expression was unyielding. Vestra toyed with the idea of arguing – she always did – but eventually relented with a long sigh.

She sat back, leaning on her hands. "Oh, very well… As my lord wishes."

"Must you always be such a brat?"

Vestra smirked as Lana reached forward, cupping her chin in one hand. "Only to give you an excuse to spank me."

"I don't need an excuse." Lana leaned down, kissing her deeply. She slipped through Vestra's lips, playing across her tongue with a lascivious swipe. "Hm. It does taste faded."

"Why would I lie about that?"

"You would lie about anything so long as it brings you pleasure, love." Lana smiled. "Lie down."

"Is that a command?" She grinned at Lana's arched brow. "Fine, fine…"

She lay on her back as instructed, taking the folded towel set beside them beforehand. Wiping off remnant lubricant and spit from her hands, she dabbed at her mouth, then cleaned the residue on Lana's lips when her lover bent down. When she tossed the towel aside, satisfied, Vestra swung both arms around Lana's neck, and was gifted with another kiss. The toy at Lana's hips rested on her stomach, before trailing further down as Lana kissed and nibbled down her neck and chest.

A hum left her lips as calloused hands fondled her breasts, and open-mouthed kisses trailed down the expanse of her toned stomach. Lana's length traced its path down her body as well, and finally left her when Lana knelt before her, kissing just above her clit.

"Lana, sweetheart," Vestra sighed, as Lana pulled her thighs farther apart. "You're killing me."

Lana chuckled, kissing her damp slit. "Will you die to grant me a wish I have dreamt for months?"

Vestra groaned as a warm, wet tongue slid up between her folds. "Yes. A thousand times over, yes."

"I thought so."

Lana tasted her, savoured her. Every drop of desire from her heated core, Lana lapped up with a patience and diligence that drew ever more warmth from Vestra, a neverending ambrosia. Her mouth was hot against Vestra's entrance, her tongue nestled deep between slick folds as if it was made for this purpose alone, drawing moans from Vestra's throat that rose in pitch the harder and deeper she dived.

Vestra rolled her hips against Lana's mouth, seeking relief in the swipes of her tongue, then bucked involuntarily when Lana's lips closed over her clit. Her head fell back, a gasped moan torn from her throat when twin digits slipped smoothly into her. She reached down blindly, finding purchase in blonde hair as Lana worked her to maddening bliss; Vestra could barely form a coherent phrase, let alone control her writhing as Lana's fingers pumped and curled within her, tongue lashing against her clit mercilessly.

"Lana!" Vestra cried, hand flung out to dig into the sheets instead of hurting her lover with a vice grip. "Lana–, I'm gonna–"

"Come to me, love," Lana breathed hot against her. "Let me see you come."

"Ah–, fuck!"

Her muscles locked up, lone hand clamping Lana's head between her thighs, feeling a low hum against her clit as she reached the peak on Lana's fingers. Her eyes slammed shut, pleasure breathed out on a long, shaky sigh, as she came down from her high with Lana's gentle guidance.

"Are you alright?"

Lana's voice startled her awake, and Vestra realised belatedly that she had started to drift off. Chest still heaving with pants, she looked down, catching a glimpse of Lana's smirk smeared with her own wetness, before it was hidden by the towel Vestra had thrown aside earlier.

Taking deep breaths, Vestra struggled to find her voice, and managed a low, "Fuck…"

A quiet laugh reached her ears. "That must be the quickest you've ever–"

"Shut up." Vestra groaned, and Lana's laugh grew louder. "That's not true. Take it back."

"I will not."

Vestra shot a glare at the woman between her legs – an ineffectual reaction that only served to polish Lana's ego. "I hate you."

"You do, don't you?" Lana replied, rising to her feet…and bringing the dark purple phallus back into view. "Then you'd hate it if we continue, no?"

Vestra's throat went dry as she stared up at Lana, legs still spread in wanton display. Even an idiot could tell who was in control now – and the stark truth of her reality sent another rush of warmth between her thighs.

"Tell me." Lana set a hand on her inner thigh, gliding up slowly, straightening her leg in the process. She set Vestra's ankle on her shoulder, and rested a knee on the bed, leaning down as if to give Vestra's leg a stretch. "Do you want to stop?"

Lana's silky smooth tone belied her threat – something she was capable of carrying through. Vestra stared back into that burning, self-assured gaze, and felt the last threads of her pride break.

"No," she whispered.

Lana cocked her head, a close-lipped smile spreading across her face. She turned to plant a soft kiss above Vestra's ankle. "Then what do you want, my love?"

Vestra's petulant whine only served to part her lips into a grin.

"Tell me, darling."

Vestra propped herself up on her elbows, salvaging a modicum of dignity. "I want you to fuck me."

"There are plenty of ways to fuck you, my dear Vestra."

Vestra growled. "I want you to fuck me with your cock. I want you to fuck me senseless, fuck me so hard I cannot remember my own name, only yours."

"Good girl," Lana crooned, stroking the length of her leg, before setting it down from her own shoulder. She bent down, claiming Vestra with a kiss, swallowing her lover's groan when she slid her shaft between slick folds.

"Lana…" Vestra whined, when Lana made another teasing pass without sinking in.

"Patience, my love." Lana nipped at her bottom lip, then straightened herself. "On your front."

Vestra obeyed, rolling onto her front.

"On your knees."

She took a breath, but bit her tongue as she rose to her hands and knees. Lana's hands slid down the curve of her ass to caress her thighs, before rising to grasp her hips.

"Move in."

Following the grip on her hips, Vestra crawled further into the bed, giving Lana space to settle comfortably behind her. She kept still, feeling Lana shift on the spot, then the hands at her hips tugged her backwards and down. Anticipation leapt to her throat when a slick tip teased her folds and didn't move away, as she was guided ever so slowly downwards. An inch filled her, then two, then a quiet whimper left her throat as the length stretched her beyond anything she had experienced in a long while.

"You're doing so well, sweetheart."

"Don't…patronise me." Vestra could barely squeeze the words out as she took another inch, feeling a huff of laughter on her shoulder.

"Bark if you must, but the bite is mine." Lana's grip turned bruising on her hips, and yanked Vestra down the rest of the way.

Vestra cried to the ceiling, back arched, body trembling in strong arms that wrapped around her in a steadying embrace. Curses left her lips in pants as she adjusted to Lana's full girth, sheathed completely in her silken warmth.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes," Vestra whispered, receiving a kiss on the curve of her neck.

"I told you not to choose such a big one after so long."

"I don't care," Vestra laughed weakly. "It feels good."

"Stubborn child."

"Arsehole."

"I suppose I deserve that," Lana chuckled. Her hands roamed Vestra's bare body, rising up to cup her breasts, tweaking her nipples between fingers. She kissed Vestra's shoulder, the side of her neck, the corner of her jaw. "I love you, Ves."

"You're still an arsehole." Vestra turned her head, catching Lana in a kiss. "But I love you too."

Lana's smile was sweet, melting Vestra's defences more surely than any power play she could pull in bed. She tipped her head back, baring her throat for Lana's mouth, eyes fluttering shut as more kisses peppered her neck. In the lull, she collected herself, most of her mind occupied by the length within her.

She couldn't help but smile wryly, remembering their last time together. A rushed, heated tryst on the desk in her flagship's office to relieve tension and be reacquainted before they were forced to part once more. That had been months ago, and nothing she had done with herself since could rival Lana's attentions.

Out of practice, she thought, shimmying her hips on Lana's lap, feeling the toy move against her walls.

"Ready?" Lana murmured against her skin, laying kisses between Vestra's shoulder blades.

Vestra tensed when her lips brushed over a new scar on her back, but forced herself to relax, as Lana found more nicks on her skin to caress.

"Yes."

Lana didn't reply, occupying herself with Vestra's back. Her hand slipped between Vestra's parted thighs, casually massaging her bundle of nerves, waking it once more to pleasure.

A sigh fell from her lips, carrying a confession, "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Lana's mouth left her back, and she rested her chin on Vestra's shoulder. "Every day away from you was torture."

"It was hell," Vestra agreed. "And here you are, prolonging it."

"It's not my fault that you're an impatient little brat."

"No, but you are an incredibly frustrating lover in bed."

Lana clicked her tongue. "Is that any way to talk to someone eight inches deep in you?"

"If it makes you remember your promise to fuck me, yes."

Another click of the tongue. "I did not promise to do anything, my dear. But…" She placed a kiss on the shell of Vestra's ear and whispered, "I do like to pamper you."

"Talk, talk, talk."

"Brat." She pinched Vestra's nipples, then lowered both hands to her hips.

Lana guided Vestra's hips to move, slow and deliberate, rocking against her lap. In Lana's firm hold, Vestra was given little room to maneuver, forced to use every millimetre of space to create friction with the toy buried deep in her. She bit her lip, trying to ignore Lana's obvious game by focusing on the shaft moving within her, thrusting what little lengths she could muster. Sensing her impatience, Lana gradually picked up speed, allowing shallow thrusts – but not enough to sate her need, close to bursting at the seams should Lana choose to leave it untended.

"Lana…" Vestra growled, grinding hard against her. When Lana showed no sign of relenting, she reached up blindly, grabbing at blonde hair. "More, Beniko."

"So demanding, Lenshe."

The low roil in Lana's voice sent a thrill down her spine, and her heart leapt when Lana shoved her roughly onto her hands, the toy sliding out of her. A ringing slap on her ass, and Lana gripped her hips again, tugging her back forcefully.

"How lucky for you that I like you this way."

A retort flew to Vestra's tongue, but Lana had poised the shaft at Vestra's wet slit, and sheathed its entire length with a single, hard thrust. A moan burst from Vestra's throat, mingling with Lana's groan in the sex-tinged air. She arched back into Lana, desperate for more, and received another slap on her ass.

"You like this, hm?" Her question was punctuated with another thrust, tearing another moan from Vestra.

"Yes! Yes…" Vestra whined, half out of her mind as her desire dripped helplessly around Lana's girth.

She could feel her lover's ego rear its head through their bond, and with hands fisted in the sheets, she surrendered to its intensity, burning willingly in Lana's fierce possession.

"More?"

"More."

"Magic word."

"Lana…" Vestra half-sobbed, drunk on desperation and helplessness. When Lana didn't move, she squeezed out, "Please."

"Please, who?" Lana pressed even tighter against her cunt, impossibly burying another last fraction of the toy in her. Vestra shivered when its head rested deep in a spot she'd long forgotten.

"Please, Lana. Please fuck me."

"Good girl."

Lana drew herself out to the tip with a faint, obscene squelch, then rammed back in without ceremony. Vestra cried into the sheets, given no reprieve this time when Lana pounded into her without rest, without care, flesh slapping against flesh. Her world narrowed to the building heat between them, their pleasure feeding into each other, blending into a potent mix that set their bond aflame.

Fingers slipped into her hair, found a handhold, and tugged her head up as Lana plunged into her again, ripping another cry from her raw throat.

"Louder," Lana rumbled. "I don't think the whole city has heard you yet."

Vestra's throat worked mutely, as she struggled to find her voice between pants. "Sound–, proof–"

"Is that logic I hear? Tsk. We can't have that, can we?"

Lana plunged the length deep inside her again, coming to an excruciating stop even as Vestra's ass ground back into her hips. Grabbing the base of her nape, Lana shoved Vestra down so that she lay flush against the mattress, with her ass propped in the air by the knees. Heat surged up between her thighs, knowing what was to come, and was fulfilled when Lana slammed back into her at an angle, thick head colliding into her sweet spot.

Vestra screamed, muffled into the sheets, feet lifting from the bed, toes curled. "Lana!"

"Ves," Lana moaned, rough and breathless as she thrust tirelessly into tight, silken warmth. "Touch yourself. Let me hear you."

Obeying without thought, Vestra reached down, rubbing herself with a furious, erratic rhythm broken each time Lana pounded against her deepest, sweetest spot. The sheets beneath her mouth turned damp with each cry of Lana's name, the heat between her legs so slick it coated their thighs. Her body shook as Lana fucked her to the point of unmaking.

"Ves–, I'm close." Lana's voice came close to her ear, as Lana rested more weight on top of her, hips working against Vestra's.

"Show me," Vestra panted. "Show me."

Lana's rhythm was less regular, driven by ardour and pure need to seek completion in Vestra's aching wetness. Her needy breaths were shot through with moans, Vestra's name falling from her tongue as she scaled the heights of pleasure, pulling Vestra's racing heart with her.

"Ves, I–" With her face buried in Vestra's neck, Lana's hips abandoned all semblance of civility, ramming into her lover. "Ves!"

Her climax flooded through their thrumming bond, drowning Vestra in her intoxication as she battered that sweet spot with unthinking ferocity, triggering Vestra's release as well.

Vestra cried into the mattress, feeling Lana's teeth clamp onto her shoulder to muffle a ragged cry of pleasure. They rode the peak together, mutual ecstasy prolonging their moment of bliss, before they came slowly back to themselves. Vestra's body started to tremble under Lana's weight, and her lover pushed her gently down to the bed, lying comfortably over her.

Lana's long, heavy breaths tickled the skin of her shoulder, and when she made to pull away, Vestra caught her by the hand, twining their fingers over her pounding heart. Wish made clear, Lana stayed with her, pushing their legs up into a half-curled fetal position.

Placing a kiss on Vestra's jaw, she asked, "You alright, love?"

Vestra laughed weakly at Lana's concern. She, of all people, knew very well the kind of punishment Vestra could take, and they hadn't even gone half that far. "I feel alive."

"Sex does that for many people."

"I was going to say 'because of you', but that too."

Vestra took a moment to catch her breath, and turned around. Lana pulled back to give her room, the soaked length slipping out of Vestra, trailing slick over their skin. They undid the harness together, Lana tossing it carelessly to the floor, before returning to their embrace. Their lips found each other in slow, unhurried kisses, Vestra's scalp tingling as Lana combed her mussed hair back.

"I love you," Vestra breathed, unbidden.

Lana chuckled, eyes shining with a different, gentler passion. "First you hate me, now you love me?"

"Don't start."

"Fine." Lana smiled, and kissed her again. "I love you too, my little brat."


Vestra lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling lit by the warm, orange glow of bedside lamps. Her body was free of tension, skin washed and fragrant with the floral scent of soap, bed soft and warm under her bare flesh. Lana lay beside her peacefully, breaths slow and regular in slumber. The siren song of sleep hummed in the back of her mind, yet it had not deigned to take her into its embrace as night turned to early morning. Not an uncommon occurrence, but she was content to lounge in peace and comfort – a rare luxury.

Vestra heard a deep inhale to the side, as Lana roused with a low hum. She fidgeted in place and went still, then rolled over, draping herself across Vestra. Drawing another deep breath, she exhaled slowly against the curve of Vestra's neck, warming it once more. Vestra smiled, pulling the covers from Lana's waist up to her chest, and gently combed her fingertips through ruffled blonde hair.

"Can't sleep?"

"Mm."

Seconds passed, and Lana spoke again, sleepiness falling from her voice. "Something on your mind?"

"It's nothing, sweetheart. Don't let me keep you up."

"Too late."

"Honestly, Lana…" Vestra drawled, knowing it was futile to dissuade her.

Lana took another moment, before propping herself up on an elbow, gazing down at Vestra. "There is nothing honest about you," she said with a quirk in her mouth, stroking Vestra's hair.

Vestra rolled her eyes, but accepted the soft kiss Lana placed on her lips. "You're missing out on sleep for nothing."

"You're not nothing, love. Perhaps I want to spend more time with you." Lana ran her knuckles down Vestra's side, raising tiny goosebumps as she slid over gentle curves.

"Really? I couldn't tell, the way you knocked out in bed after our bath." Vestra grinned, getting a pinch on her ass.

Lana mirrored her smile, lone hand retracing its path up Vestra's body. "You've lost so much weight," she murmured, fingers trailing over her ribs.

"So have you, but you don't see me getting on your arse about it."

Her smile turned lopsided. "You've got it worse. You eat horribly when you're distracted."

"Feed me, then."

"Brat." Lana quelled her laughter with a kiss, and another, then sealed their lips together in a deep kiss that left Vestra humming in approval.

She sighed when they parted, turning soft under Lana's gentle exploration, affection suffused in the simple warmth of her hand. With her cheek cradled in Lana's palm, there was nothing she would not do for this woman.

Thumb brushing over Vestra's cheek, Lana smiled wanly at her lover's captive gaze. "During the war…I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"Oh?"

"Mm. I'd think of you, and I'll fear that you're out there, picking battles you can't walk away from."

"Do I inspire so little confidence in you?"

"On the contrary. But my concern eclipses any confidence I have in you." Her gaze drifted, faraway in thought. "I hate every moment when I'm not with you, when I should lend my strength to your battles. Yet all I can do is wait, hope, and kiss your scars after."

A sentiment Vestra shared, sparking a twinge in her chest. It was an inevitability they had to live that she, even with all the power she wielded, was unable to stop. So she sought distraction instead, to turn her love's thoughts from darker places.

"I do like the kissing," Vestra purred, drawing a wry smile from Lana.

"You've been doing it on purpose, haven't you? Sending me away, tormenting me with the fact that you could summon me back to your side whenever you wished?"

"Had I only the strength," she sighed. "All I want is to keep you with me, to ensure nothing could harm you. But it would be a terrible waste of your talents."

"Oh, I hate it when you're logical."

"So do I." Vestra smiled, soft, stroking Lana's cheek with the back of her fingers. "But we could be done with all of this, Lana. We could run, shed every obligation, break away from everyone we know. We could live by ourselves, for ourselves. Just you, me, and all the secrets of the Force this galaxy has hidden away."

"Don't tempt me with something we could never commit to, my dear." Lana pinched her chin. "Could you run? Away from this? Away from everything?"

Her breath caught under Lana's waiting gaze. "If you asked, I will."

Lana raised a brow. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"Hm." Lana regarded her longer, gaze growing soft once more. "I will keep that in mind."

Vestra smiled into Lana's kiss, lacing their fingers together. "I would follow you to the ends of the galaxy, Lana. I swear it."


A/N: ...this is just the milder half of what I had planned for the strap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯