Dance For Her (Intersex GxG)

Chapter 15: Independence vs. Security

Gabi sat at the kitchen table, her laptop open in front of her as she scrolled through emails and retreat planning documents. It was late evening, and the house was quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner. She glanced at her phone, waiting for the familiar FaceTime ringtone. Daniel had been working overtime at the hospital, barely home, but he never missed their nightly check-ins.

Finally, the screen lit up with an incoming call, and Gabi answered with a smile. Daniel's tired but cheerful face appeared, a stark contrast to the sterile hospital background behind him.

"Hey, sis," Daniel greeted her, his voice warm despite the exhaustion evident in his eyes. "How's everything going?"

"Hey, Danny," Gabi replied, her smile widening. "It's going well. Just working on some retreat stuff."

Daniel nodded approvingly. "That's great to hear. How are you feeling? Did you remember to feed yourself today?"

Gabi sighed, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yes, Doctor Mendez, I remembered. The feeding tube is working fine."

Daniel chuckled, the sound a comforting reminder of their bond. "Good. I just worry about you, Gabi. After what happened, I don't want to take any chances."

"I know, and I appreciate it," Gabi said, her tone softening. "But I'm doing better. Really."

Their conversation continued, touching on Daniel's hectic schedule and the latest developments at the hospital. Despite the distance and his demanding job, Daniel remained a constant source of support and love for Gabi. As they wrapped up the call, Gabi felt a pang of longing for the days when they were inseparable, facing the world together.

After hanging up, Gabi leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting to Velvet Dreams. The club had been her escape, a place where she could express herself freely and lose herself in the music and the thrill of performing. She missed the stage, the lights, and even the audience. The idea of returning to dance nagged at her, a persistent itch she couldn't ignore.

Daya, who had been lounging on the couch reading a book, looked up and noticed the pensive expression on Gabi's face. Setting the book aside, she walked over and wrapped her arms around Gabi from behind, planting a kiss on her neck.

"What's on your mind, love?" Daya asked, her voice a soothing balm to Gabi's troubled thoughts.

Gabi sighed, leaning into Daya's embrace. "I've been thinking about going back to Velvet Dreams. I miss dancing, Daya. It was such a big part of my life."

Daya's hold tightened slightly, her protective instincts flaring. "You have the retreat now, Gabi. You're doing amazing things. Do you really need to go back to stripping?"

Gabi turned in her chair to face Daya, her eyes earnest. "The retreat is fulfilling, but it's not the same. Dancing is in my blood. I miss the thrill, the freedom. I want to do both."

Daya's jaw clenched, a flicker of frustration crossing her features. "I understand that, Gabi. But you know how I feel about you dancing in front of strangers, half-naked. I don't want other people looking at you like that. I want to be the only one who sees you like that."

Gabi felt a surge of annoyance at Daya's possessiveness. "Daya, I appreciate your concern, but this is about me and what I need. I can't just give up something I love because it makes you uncomfortable."

Daya stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's not just about my comfort, Gabi. It's about your safety. The club isn't exactly a safe place. You know that as well as I do."

Gabi stood up, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I know the risks, Daya. But I've been dancing for years. I can take care of myself. And besides, I need to work for what I have. I don't want to rely on you or anyone else to support me."