Laila
The Zataras docked efficiently when it finally reached the space station orbiting Taurus. Laila was discharged from the medical centre and made her way to her quarters. Domik had followed her, carrying her gear into the small space, as Dr. O’Malley had cautioned Laila about exerting herself too soon.
“Where do you want this, boss?”
Laila gestured to the bed and Domik put down her few bags, the Taurean huge in the small room.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. Are you going to join us for a drink on the station?” All non-essential crew of the Zataras had been given 48 hours of leave, and the team was itching to reacquaint themselves with the various bars and restaurants.
“Not this time, Domik. Thanks though.” She smiled at him. “I have something I need to do.”
With a curt nod, he turned and left the room, heading off to meet CJ, T’arq, and Oren. Laila had even overheard Oren asking Amelia if she would join them. She smiled, thinking of the red-haired doctor and the rough-looking warrior together. They made quite a pair.
Laila quickly changed out of her uniform and now, clad in her favorite jeans, boots and jacket, she left the Zataras and headed towards the transporter rooms on the space station.
She had never been transported before. The technology that pulled people apart atom-by-atom and reassembled them at their destination frankly terrified her. But it was the fastest way to get to Taurus and, if she wanted to see Zac, it was what she needed to do. She pushed aside her fear; her need to see Zac overcoming her terror.
She said a silent thanks to Tomas for being so forthcoming about Zac’s location, and organizing the transporter pass so she could follow him. She would tell him she had feelings for him—that she loved him—and, no matter what, she wanted… no, sheneededhim to know. She figured she should start with the truth and the rest would sort itself out.
Laila was so distracted with practising her little speech that she wasn't paying attention to where she was going and, rounding a corner, collided with a solid wall of muscle.
“Oof!” The air slammed out of her, big, warm hands reaching out to catch her as she stumbled backwards and almost fell to the ground. Then she was hit by a scent that was completely familiar.
Zac.
Nobody else smelled like that, and her knees wobbled in relief.
“Steady there, Iriska,” the familiar, deep voice washed over her.
His hands gripped her waist, holding her upright as she tilted her head back and took in his familiar features. His green eyes sparkled, the fine lines at the edges crinkling as he smiled at her. A lock of his hair fell over his forehead, and she reached up to smooth it back into place before dropping her hands to steady herself against his chest.
The formal uniform he wore was unfamiliar, the stiff fabric of the jacket and trousers rough under her fingers, evidence of his rank and military accolades embroidered across the chest.
Huh, just like on Earth.
She ran a finger across one symbol, unable to stop touching him now that he was near. He bent his head to watch her as she explored.
She lifted her eyes to meet his and smiled. “I was on my way to find you, you know?”
“Were you now?” he chuckled, obviously pleased.
“Yes, I needed to see you. I needed to do this.” Rising on her toes, she slid a hand behind his neck, pulling him towards her as she brushed her lips against his. He gathered her into his arms and groaned as she opened her mouth, her tongue teasing him. He lifted her up against him, her toes almost leaving the ground. His hand slid slowly down her back, pressing her against him. His hard length pushed into her belly, making his arousal known.
Zac growled and pulled his lips from hers, breathing hard. Laila made a noise of protest, and Zac chuckled. “I am glad you're so happy to see me,” he smiled at her, kissing the tip of her nose, “but how about we get away from all these people.”
Eyes wide, Laila looked around and grimaced, finally realizing the corridor outside the station’s transporter room was crowded, and they were attracting curious looks. She nodded as he took her hand and led her away.
A short while later, she found herself in his quarters, sitting on the large sofa with her head resting on his shoulder while he stroked her hair, the tender gesture making her melt against him. She hadn't come here to fall in love, but here they were.
“Why did you want to see me?” He asked softly, his deep voice rumbling through his chest.
Laila turned to face him, one leg tucked underneath her. “I have something important to tell you.”
Her heart beat so fast she was afraid it was going to burst from her chest. The words she had practiced froze in her throat. If she told him how she felt and he didn't return her feelings, how would she cope? But what was worse? She remembered the feeling of thinking she had lost him, the overwhelming sense of loss when she woke in medical and he wasn't there.
Zac raised an eyebrow, “Well?”
