Love, Against All Odds

IV - Chapter 4

'What about Anna for a name?' Becca asked, handing her lover a drink. She settled into the sofa next to Kal and pulled her legs under her body. She gazed over at the locke and considered the potential name, but Kal's huff was enough of an answer.

Kal cupped the steaming mug, then sniffed it. 'Why do you wish to give a human name to an animal native only to Kander?'

Becca canted her head and asked, 'How sure are you that lockes are only from Kander?' She chuckled when Kal gave her a pointed look. Well she is half god. For a moment, she studied Kal's features and was pleased that the weariness was gone. They had shared a late lunch about an hour ago, then retired to Becca's cabin for the afternoon. Dorlon was expected to return from her mission and would need to meet with Kal.

'As mischievous as lockes are, they are special to Kander.' Kal rumbled and sipped on the kello. 'But a name for the locke isn't what's really on your mind.'

After trying the hot kello, Becca sat in silence for a tick and stared at the dancing fire that warded off the chill in the cabin. She leaned her head against the sofa and whispered, 'Joh.' She rolled her head toward her lover. 'Raine told me that an ambassador from Alpha Prime showed up while I was on my rescue mission to save Starr.'

'Ja.' Kal rested the mug on her knee, then narrowed her eyes at Becca. 'You are displeased that I didn't tell you.'

'Maybe a little sensitive about it.' Becca drummed her fingers on the mug's side, then shook her head and said, 'I shouldn't be, because it's not like this is my home anymore.'

'Was it ever to you?'

Becca glanced at her lover, who was asking for an honest answer. She took a deep breath and whispered, 'Touché.' She cleared her throat, which throbbed a bit from the difficult conversation. 'Some parts of it were. Like Raine and Dorlon or the river between New Earth and Melitt. The field that my adoptive family plowed.' She lowered her head to the sofa again, then gazed over at Kal. 'I guess I thought you would confide in me.' Like we're a couple, she finished in her mind.

Kal leaned forward and placed the mug on the round table between them and the fireplace. She took Becca's steamy mug and set it by the other one, then pulled Becca into her lap. With Becca tucked into her body, she bowed her head and nuzzled her lover's temple. 'I wish to share everything with you.'

Moaning, Becca settled against the strong and warm body that surrounded her. The closeness was unexpected and broke apart her walls. 'Then...?' She nudged Kal back, encouraging her to be open with her.

'I've also wanted to shield you from Kander's problems when you may not be ready to hear about them.' Kal tightened her arms across Becca's chest and stomach. They couldn't stay this close much longer when they still had on clothes, although only Dorlon was expected to see Kal again. 'I didn't want them to drive you away as they've done in the past.'

Shutting her eyes, Becca wanted to hit her own head for her idiotic assumption that her lover had barred her from Kal's duties as a ruler. She groaned and clutched Kal's wrist as her blood heated up in her veins. 'Perka gi,' she apologized. 'I just thought that...'