Quiet Moments

22 - A Gentle Touch

Octavia paced their quarters, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. Usually, she was the one arriving late, the weight of her duties as Blodreina often keeping her from returning at a reasonable hour. But tonight was different. An emergency in the med bay had kept Jade much later than usual. The room felt emptier without her presence, and Octavia found herself missing the familiar comfort of Jade's company.

Just as she was about to head out to check on her, the door creaked open, and Jade stumbled in, her face drawn with exhaustion. Octavia's worry melted into relief as she crossed the room to greet her.

"Hey," she said softly, reaching up to brush a stray curl from Jade's forehead. "Rough night?"

Jade managed a tired smile, dropping her bag to the floor. "You could say that. We had a series of complications with a patient. Took longer than expected."

Octavia frowned, noting the tightness in Jade's shoulders and the way she winced as she moved. "You look exhausted. Come on, let's get you settled."

Jade allowed herself to be led to the bed, her tall frame nearly dwarfing Octavia as they moved. Octavia sat Jade down, her hands already working to undo the buttons of Jade's shirt. "You need to relax," she murmured, her voice soothing. "Let me help."

Jade sighed, the tension in her muscles evident. "I don't want to be a bother. You've had a long day too."

Octavia shook her head, her fingers deftly massaging the knots in Jade's shoulders. "You're never a bother. Sit on the floor. It'll be easier for me to reach."

Jade chuckled softly but complied, settling on the floor in front of the bed. Octavia climbed onto the bed, her hands immediately returning to Jade's shoulders. The contrast in their heights was almost comical, but it allowed Octavia to reach the tight muscles in Jade's neck and shoulders more effectively.

As her fingers worked their magic, Jade let out a low groan, the sound vibrating through her entire body. "That feels amazing," she mumbled, her eyes fluttering shut.

Octavia smiled, her touch gentle but firm. "You deserve it. You work so hard taking care of everyone else. Let me take care of you for a change."

Jade's shoulders slowly began to relax under Octavia's ministrations. The tension that had been knotted there all day started to melt away, replaced by a growing sense of tranquility. After a while, Octavia leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Why don't you lay down? I can work on your back too."

Jade nodded, her movements slow and deliberate as she shifted to lay face down on the bed. 

Octavia straddled her, her hands gliding over the broad expanse of Jade's back. The rhythmic motion of her fingers kneading the tired muscles seemed to have a calming effect, and Jade's breathing deepened.

"You always know how to make me feel better," Jade murmured, her voice drowsy with contentment.

Octavia chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to the back of Jade's neck. "That's because I love you," she replied simply. "Now just relax and let me take care of you."

Jade's response was a soft, appreciative hum. As Octavia continued her gentle massage, she felt the tension gradually ebbing from Jade's body. It wasn't long before Jade's breathing evened out, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to her.

Octavia smiled fondly, brushing a tender hand through Jade's dark curls. "Fell asleep on me, huh?" she whispered, her voice filled with affection. Carefully, she climbed off the bed, pulling the covers over Jade's sleeping form.

She turned off the lights, the room now bathed in a soft, soothing darkness. Slipping into bed beside Jade, she nestled close, feeling the comforting warmth of Jade's body against hers. She pressed a gentle kiss to Jade's shoulder, murmuring softly, "Sweet dreams, my love."

As Octavia settled in, the events of the day slowly began to fade away, replaced by the simple joy of being close to the person she loved. Jade's presence was a balm to her soul, a reminder of the beauty and tenderness that existed even in the harsh world they lived in.

With a contented sigh, Octavia closed her eyes, letting the rhythmic rise and fall of Jade's breathing lull her into a peaceful slumber. In that quiet moment, all the burdens of leadership, the weight of her responsibilities, and the harsh realities of their lives seemed to melt away, leaving only the love they shared and the promise of another day together.