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In Truth and Lies (Part 2)

By Jennifer Lee

Commander Susan Ivanova woke up as usual at 0528 calling out to turn off the alarm before it went off and she would have to get up. She thought, as she settled back down to go back to sleep, that she really needed to change the wake up time for Delta shift. Laying her head down she snuggled in and as she did so her eyes flew open as an arm squeezed lightly in response to the snuggle. Susan remained still as she remembered what happened the day before. "Oh Shit!" Susan whispered as she realized that she was lying nearly on top of the station’s resident telepath.

Susan was about to move off when she felt Talia’s hand stroking her hair. God that feels good thought Susan, so she just laid there, not moving, enjoying the feel of Talia’s hand in her hair and the way it made Susan felt to be this close to the blonde telepath. Lying there on Talia, Susan began to stoke softly at Talia’s stomach, where Susan’s hand had been most of the night. Feeling the wave of desire flow through her body Susan trembled at the thought of wanting to touch Talia in other places. Just then she felt Talia start to breathe differently and she stopped the movement of her hand and waited to see if Talia was waking up.

Meanwhile, Talia had felt Susan raise her head and turn off the wake up call and she was about to say ‘Good morning’ until she felt Susan lay back down on her chest. Talia kept her breathing deep and even as though she was still asleep. When Susan snuggled into her she squeezed her out of pure reaction but when Susan didn’t bolt up she figured that Susan hadn’t noticed. She felt Susan tense up but then relax and start making small circles with her hand on Talia’s stomach. It felt so good to Talia she didn’t want Susan to stop.

Talia really wanted Susan to do more. She could feel the desire coming from the commander, but then her breathing gave her away and Susan stopped her hand but still laid there. Talia just gave up trying to get back to sleep and decided to go ahead and get up. She needed to get Susan to Medlab and she had clients to see and information she needed to get from the Captain, and well the Commander too, but her first appointment was at 0800 and it’s already 0604 Talia thought as she looked at the time.

"Susan." Talia said quietly. "Hmm?" was Susan’s sleepy response. Susan didn’t want to get up and sure as hell didn’t want to move. "We need to get up." Talia said sadly, but Susan made no move to get up.

Instead Susan said, "Nuh-uh," shaking her head and snuggling closer and saying with sleep still in her voice, "you’re comfy." Talia didn’t know what to say and was sure that the Commander would leap off of her once she realized that she was so close to her. Looking down at the commander she sighed and started stroking Susan’s hair again allowing Susan more time to wake up before trying again.

Feeling Talia settle back down and start to stroke her hair again made Susan start to stroke Talia’s tummy again, while smiling at the feelings she was getting from the telepath. Susan normally would have ignored the feelings as she did most people but being right on top of the person radiating the feelings it was all but impossible to block them out. After last night Susan was no longer afraid that Talia would try and scan her. Talia had all night to do so and with Susan being on top of her now it would take little to no effort at all but she didn’t and Susan didn’t believe she would, so Susan decided to indulge herself until she must get up.

Talia couldn’t believe the feelings she was getting from Susan. She was relaxed and content to be right there. Talia couldn’t feel the strong fear or resentment that often came from being close to her. Talia smiled and turned to see the time, not wanting to break the moment but knew she had to go to work. Sighing, Talia turned back to Susan and said, "Susan we really need to get up; I have to work today and you need to get to Medlab.

Susan sighed, "I know." As she lifted herself off of Talia she stopped and looked down into Talia’s eyes, saying, "has anyone told you how comfortable you are?"

"Not lately." Talia laughed and then Susan straddled her long leg over Talia and onto the floor followed by the other leg. Talia held her breath as she felt Susan move over her body. Letting her breath out as Susan moved to her closet.

"So do you want to shower first or do you want me to." Susan said turning back towards Talia with her uniform in her hands.

"You go ahead," and she swung her legs off the bed onto the floor, got up and walked to the kitchen saying, "I’ll make some coffee."

"Ok, great." Said Susan as she went into the ensuite to shower.

When Susan came out drying her hair Talia looked at her and said, "You have real live running hot water?"

Smiling at the surprised look on Talia’s face she nodded and watched as Talia went past her into the ensuite saying, "Ok it’s my turn now."

Laughing lightly at the grown telepath acting like a little girl with a new toy she turned back to the room and gasped as she saw the bed was made and her uniform was laying out on the bed and a cup of hot coffee was sitting on the nightstand. Susan dried her hair put it back in a ponytail and quickly got dressed.

Susan saw that Talia had laid out the clothes she wore yesterday and thought she could at least lend her something to wear since it was her, after all, that Talia was looking after. And, it was her that didn’t let Talia up this morning so she could have had time to go back to her quarters to change. Folding up Talia’s clothes Susan went to her closet and found a pair of nice black slacks and a navy blue blouse that Susan thought would fit Talia nicely.

Taking Talia’s clothes she put them into the cleaning unit and then picked up her coffee and went to sit down on the couch to wait. Talia got out of the shower and dried off, putting on the robe that Susan must have put there for her; she smiled at the thought that Susan was being so kind and gentle this morning.

Walking out into the bedroom Talia looked at the bed but instead of her clothes she saw the blouse and pants. Smiling again she didn’t want Susan’s efforts to go unnoticed, she put on the outfit, it was a little big on the hips and shoulders but it looked and felt wonderful, it even smiled like Susan and she loved that.

Looking at the time, she put on her earrings and her make up and noticed it was getting late it was already 0710. Finished getting ready, she walked out to find Susan sitting on the couch reading some reports and drinking her coffee, Talia couldn’t stop from feeling that this feeling was so…right. It felt as though they have been waking up like this for years now.

Susan looked up to see Talia standing there looking at her with a beautiful smile on her face, she is so beautiful thought Susan as she stood up and walked towards her.

"Good morning" said Talia as Susan got up off the couch.

Susan looked at her thinking and then said, "Yes. It is a good morning. And Good morning to you as well," and Susan handed Talia a cup of tea. "I know you don’t like coffee so I made some tea for you. I hope you like it."

Tasting the tea Talia smiled and said, "It’s wonderful. Thank you."

They both went and sat down on the couch and for the next fifteen minutes they drank and reviewed their respective reports. Done with their drinks they both stretched and then got up to go.

Susan had frowned a little when Talia put on the gloves and the Psi-Corps pin but she nodded that she knew it was the law that made Talia wear it and then smiled as they walked out this morning.

Susan smiled as they walked out the door to head to Medlab. As they got into the lift to take them to Medlab Susan turned to Talia and said, "Thank you for last night. It was really nice."

Talia smiled and said "It was nice for me as well and wasn’t a problem."

They were silent the rest of the way to Medlab. They walked into Medlab and the Doctor came out of his office to meet them. "Well I see you are no worse for wear Miss Winters." The Doctor said staring at Ivanova giving her a look of mock shock then he continued; "Did you have any problems?" Talia smiled "No she behaved like a good little Commander."

With that the Commander turned her gaze to Talia, and though she was trying to look mad the look was far from it. Talia smiled and handed the Medlink back to the Doctor saying, "She’s all yours," turning to leave, "I have to go to work now I’ll see you another time Commander, Doctor." And with that Talia left Susan with the Doctor.

Talia walked back to the lift to get to work. She was feeling really good. Although she knew that it would be harder to block out thoughts in the middle of the day when the station gets really busy, the truth of the matter is that Talia couldn’t block much out if she was touched. She didn’t want Susan to feel bad for not knowing that, but the look on Susan’s face when she saw Talia in her clothes that she laid out for her made it all worth it.

The lift doors opening stopped her train of thought and then there he was "Hello Mr. Garibaldi." Talia said with pure professionalism, hoping he would get the hint this time.

"Hey Miss Winters." He said while he rocked on his heels with his arms crossed across his chest. Talia stepped into the lift, turned and then rolled her eyes as she said her destination. Garibaldi looked at Talia and then asked, "Well since you had a pretty rough night, I imagine, I was wondering if you would like to get some dinner later on tonight?" Garibaldi held his breath waiting wondering what the beautiful blonde telepath would say.

Talia turned to Garibaldi asking, "Why would you think I would have had a rough time last night Mr. Garibaldi." Talia’s look was hard and unwavering.

"Well," said Garibaldi kind of stumbling as he spoke "I mean Commander Ivanova is known for her… her moods… especially in the morning." He laughed.

"Oh" was all Talia said as the lift doors open at her destination she began to walk out.

"What about dinner?" he called. Talia turned a little said "No" and kept walking.

As the lift doors closed again he said, "I think she likes me." Smiling he went back to Medlab to check on Susan. As he walked in the door he heard the yelling match between Steven and Susan getting quite heated. "You are going to take tonight off; don’t make me make it an official order Commander!" Steven said stressing Susan’s rank.

With that said all Susan could do was assume that she was going to be very bored tonight. "Fine!" the Commander said.

"Good then you’re free to go." But before Steven finished his statement Susan was walking past Garibaldi and out the Medlab door. Garibaldi shrugged at the Doctor’s annoyed expression, turned and ran out after Susan.

"Ivanova wait up!" called Michael. "Susan. Stop please!" Susan slowed down and waited for Michael to catch up then kept walking again. "Susan do you think you have time to give me your statement about what happen yesterday?" Garibaldi asked.

Susan sigh and said "Ok, Michael I will be at your office in about two hours. Is that ok?"

"Yeah that will be fine." He told Susan and then put his hand on her shoulder gave a little squeeze and walked back the way he came.

Susan decided to wonder around for a while so she could think. She was thinking about last night and this morning. It was… wonderful. That is the only thing she could think of. It was wonderful how soft and gentle Talia was. She let me sleep almost on top of her the whole night Susan mused. I wonder if she would have dinner with me after our meeting with the Captain tonight? Susan asked herself.

As if on cue she heard Talia’s voice looking up and to a set of tables where she saw Talia talking to her clients about their agreement. Susan sat at a small table and watched as Talia listened carefully to the opening of the two clients and after about 15 minutes Talia started looking really bored. Susan laughed lightly at the thought.

Susan took in the site of Talia in her clothes, she looked great in them, relaxed in a way, then the shouting started and Talia was stuck in the middle concentrating very hard. It looked to Susan that it was becoming hard for Talia to hold her blocks in place against the stronger emotions pouring from the two men.

When one of the men grasped Talia’s arm, her knees began to buckle as her blocks tore from the contact. Susan was out of her seat and at their table in a heartbeat of a second.

"Let her go!" Susan said dangerously to the man that had a hold on Talia. Looking up at The Commander the man did as he was told and moved out of the way.

Talia looked up into Susan’s eyes and then said "Susan" as she began to stand back up and gain control on her blocks again. The Commander walked up behind Talia and helped her keep her balance by taking a hold of her waist and leaning Talia up and against Susan’s chest.

"I’m sorry about that Miss Winters," the client that didn’t attack her said, "Thank you for your help and you will have your fee put into your account." And with that the man walked off.

Talia looked up and back at the slightly taller Commander watching the man go. "I’m all right Susan." Talia said with a smile gaining Susan attention back to her.

Still holding on to Talia Susan asks, "Are you sure Talia?"

Laughing softly Talia nodded and says, "Yes I’m sure I’ll be fine, just a bit of a headache is all."

Susan slowly began to release Talia’s waist and lets her sit down at the table the two men just left. Susan looked at Talia with worried eyes and asked, "What happened to you Talia?" Talia looked down to see Susan’s hand covering her gloved hand and then looked back into the Commander’s beautiful blue eyes.

Talia smiled a little and said, "He touched me when my blocks were already frayed."

"I don’t understand Talia. I mean I have seen people touch you when they are mad but I never saw this happen to you…" then it hit her "Oh… Talia I’m sorry, it’s the clothes right? Your clothes are also designed to keep unwanted thoughts out too like your gloves?" Susan said as she picked up Talia’s hand and squeezed it lightly.

Knowing that Susan was not going to back down from the subject Talia just nodded and said "I loved that you thought about the clothes so I wanted to show you how much it meant to me."

"You could have told me that you needed to wear them and I would have understood." Susan said looking at Talia’s and her hands holding one another.

Taking her free hand Talia took Susan’s chin and raised her head so Talia could look into Susan’s eyes and said, "Don’t worry I knew what I was doing and it’s not your fault. Understand?"

Seeing the look in Talia’s eyes Susan knew that she was right and not to dwell on it so Susan nodded her head and she came back to what she wanted to ask Talia. Susan smiled and leaned over the table so Talia did the same and Susan asked, "Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" There I said it thought Susan.

Talia looked back at Susan now chewing a little on her lower lip (which Talia thought was so adorable) and said "I would love to, as long as you don’t go off and beat someone up. Ok?"

Smiling Susan said, "Now that’s a deal. How about right after the meeting with the Captain?"

"That will be great." Talia said smiling as she stood and they started walking to the lift, still holding hands. It took a few questioning looks from others before they realized that they were holding hands. They both let go of the other’s hand and waited for the lift to come.

"So what did the doctor have to say?" Talia asked as they got on the lift. "He said I have to take tonight off and that I can go back on duty tomorrow night," Susan said dryly.

"I’m sorry," Talia said with smile.

Susan looked at her smiling face giving Talia an expression of mock annoyance. "Where are you heading?" Asked Susan.

"I have to see Mr. Garibaldi and give him my statement about yesterday." Talia said.

"Well why don’t I join you. I have to do the same anyway." Susan shrugged as the lift doors opened.

Talia looked at Susan and said, "Ok." She sighed to herself with relief as they walked together to the security office. Talia was really not looking forward to talking to Garibaldi alone, she was more than sure he was going to use this meeting as a way to ask her to go out on a date again. Both women walked into the security office together.

Garibaldi looked up as he heard the door open. He stood as he watched Talia and Ivanova walked into the office together. He couldn’t help but notice what Talia was wearing. It looked like she is wearing the Commander’s clothes he thought to himself waving his hand to the chairs in front of his desk saying, "Have a seat ladies" with grin on his face directed at Talia.

Talia felt his attention on her once again and resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him. They took a seat and waited for Michael Garibaldi to get everything ready to take their statements down. "Well I know the Commander has the time to do the interview but what about you Miss Winters?" Garibaldi asked looking at them as he sat down.

"My schedule is clear for the rest of the day" Talia stated as much to Garibaldi as to Susan. Susan looked at her briefly catching her meaning and then looked back at Michael to gage his response.

"Well then lets get to it" Michael said with a hint of a smile. Talia looked at Garibaldi and started telling him what she had seen happen. After Talia was finished Garibaldi thanked her and then said she was free to go, but as he turned to speak to the Commander he noticed that Talia had not gotten up to leave. He was about to ask if there was anything else she would like to add when Ivanova started to recall what she remembered.

Garibaldi wondered what was going on here when Ivanova had not waited for the telepath to leave before she began her recollection of yesterday’s events. Garibaldi shrugged inwardly thinking it was nothing and listened to the Commander. When the Commander finished both Talia and Ivanova got up to leave at the same time.

Garibaldi looked at the retreating Telepath and reached over and put his hand on Talia’s shoulder asking "Are you sure about dinner tonight Talia?" Talia got a wave of desire coming from Garibaldi that’s always there but now that he touched her without her Psi-Dampening clothes on it overthrew her blocks temporarily. Shocked by the sudden overpowering feelings she got from Garibaldi, Talia gasped and then pulled away from his grip.

"What’s wrong Talia?" asked Garibaldi with a look of concern.

Susan stopped mid step as Garibaldi asked Talia about dinner and then the gasp and the sudden feeling of panic made Susan turn around. She almost stood in between Talia and the Security Chief, stopping herself when she heard that Garibaldi didn’t know what he did to make Talia respond that way.

Talia looked at Garibaldi and then back Susan and said, "I’m sorry Mr. Garibaldi… I didn’t mean to… I mean I’m sorry I startled you."

"It’s ok, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have touched you. I did think-…" Garibaldi stammered trying to figure out what just happened, when he saw Ivanova put her hand on Talia upper arm asking, "Are you alright?" Garibaldi noted that Talia didn’t jump or back away from the Commander’s touch, actually it looked like she was leaning into it, What the hell is going on here? thought Garibaldi.

"I have to go." Talia said and then walked out the door.

Garibaldi looked at Ivanova and met her eyes for a brief moment and then she turned and walked out the door, leaving a very confused looking security chief behind her. "What did I miss?" He asked out loud to no one.

After leaving the chief behind Susan quickly walked to the lift to try and catch up with Talia. She stopped when she rounded the corner and saw Talia leaning her back against the wall with her arms crossed across her chest looking rather pissed off at the moment. Walking up to Talia she asked, "Hey, you okay?" Talia looked up and watched the Commander as she came closer to her.

Talia met Susan’s eyes, seeing all the genuine concern, and a gentleness that she had never seen before. Susan gave a wary smile and asked, "So, are you going answer my question or you just going to stare at me like I’ve just grown two heads?" Talia laughed now with a good hardy laugh that made Susan laugh in kind. "Good, now that I know you’re ok, do you mind telling me what happened?" Susan continued in a calm and gentle voice.

Talia sighed and let her arms unfold and put them at her side and stated "Garibaldi’s feeling are always at the for front of his mind making it hard to block under normal circumstances. I wasn’t expecting him to touch me so I didn’t have my blocks ready for it, so I jumped back to regain my blocks."

"Oh well that is understandable. Hey, since you don’t have anymore appointments today, well until 1600 with the Captain and myself, would you like to have lunch with me?" Susan said looking down at her hands.

"Dinner and lunch? Well how can I refuse that offer?" Talia said softly with a smile dancing on her lips.

Ivanova looked up and into Talia’s bright blue eyes and gave a slightly shy smile and said, "And don’t worry I won’t get into any fights this time." Talia eyed Susan with a doubtful look that told Susan that Talia didn’t really believe that. "I promise! I won’t!" Susan said with a laugh.

Talia’s smile widened at the beautiful sound that came from the Commander. She is so beautiful and so calm right now, thought Talia. Susan and Talia stood in the hall starring at one another.

"Where would you like to go?" asked Susan ending the deafening silence.

Still looking into the Commander’s big beautiful blue eyes that seemed to sparkle unlike anything she has ever seen she said, "How about the Eclipse Café?"

I can’t believe I’m doing this! I’m asking a telepath out on a date NO I asked her out on two dates for the same day! Susan thought to herself. God her eyes are so beautiful, her mouth, her smile, oh my God she just answered me. I can’t speak! Susan responded with a nod of her head suddenly unable to speak.

Talia reached over to the panel to summon the lift to pick them up, never taking her eyes away from Susan’s. She’s a bundle of nerves now. Thought Talia. She gave Susan a small laugh and said to her, "You know, this is the second time in as many days that you have not been able to fine the words to speak."

The look on Ivanova’s face showed a bit of confuson and then a look of defiance and annoyance when she realized what Talia was talking about which made Talia laugh at the sight.

"I was not at a loss for words!" Susan said harshly crossing her arms over her chest.

At that moment the doors to the lift opened and Talia moved in to the lift saying over her shoulder with a grin, "If you say so."

Susan could see Talia’s shoulders shake lightly from the unheard laugher. Ivanova just glared at the blond telepath as she herself walked into the lift.

The two women stood side by side, the Commander glaring at the telepath as Talia just looked at the annoyed Commander smiling at her. Just as the as the doors slid shut Ivanova suddenly turns pointing at Talia and opens her mouth to speak.

Inside the lift Talia looked shocked at the sudden movement of the commander. Talia turned and faced Susan just as Ivanova started to take a step towards the surprised telepath making Talia step back in to the wall of the lift. Ivanova looked directly into the telepaths eyes and said, "Take it back." In a calm smooth tone and a mischievous smile playing about her lips.

Seeing that Susan wasn’t truly angry with her Talia just stood with her back against the wall and crossed her arms across her chest and said in a calm somewhat regal manor "Take what back?"

Susan put both of her hands on her hips and grounded her feet, she leaned into the beautiful blond telepath and quietly said, "You will take it back or you will pay the price."

Talia’s lips began trembling slightly at how close Susan’s face was to hers. I can’t breathe! Talia screamed to herself in her head, but out loud Talia while not taking her eyes away from the Commander’s intense deep blue orbs whispered in a low husky tone "And what price might that be?"

Susan’s eyebrow raised in amusement at Talia’s obvious arousal and challenge. Susan leaned forward more until her lips were mer inches away from Talia’s ear.

Talia could feel the heat coming from Susan’s face against cheek and her breath on her ear. Talia could smell Susan’s hair and body. Closing her eyes Talia thought to herself ‘Oh God! She smells so good!’ When Susan began to speak Talia took a sharp breath and bit down on her lower lip.

Susan whispered into Talia’s ear saying, "If you don’t I… will…" Susan paused to make sure Talia was hanging on every word. Seeing the blond telepath chest heaving up and down satisfied that she had Talia’s complete and udder attention… she finished, "Tickle you until you do."

At that Talia’s eyes flew open and gasped as she pulled back to look at the Commander, not going very far do to the fact Talia was already leaning against the lift wall anyway. She did meet Susan’s intense blue eyes with narrowing eyes of her own she hissed, "You wouldn’t dare!"

Susan just smiled wickedly and quarked an eyebrow.

Waiting at the lift Captain Sheridan and Ambassador Delenn stood and talked about the up coming meeting with the league. When the doors to the lift opened to reveal Commander Susan Ivanova, his XO, standing proudly over the whimpering Station’s Resident Telepath, Talia Winters, sitting on the floor breathing very hard and mumbling something that sounded like, "I take it back." Repeating herself three more times before the Commander reached down and pulled the still whimpering telepath to her feet. Susan pulled her close and said in a matter-of-fact tone, "I thought you would see it my way Miss Winters."

With that the Commander released Talia’s hand and did an about face and said "Good afternoon Captain." And then nodded to Delenn saying, "Delenn have a good day." As if nothing had just transpired there in the transport lift. Delenn looked at Captain Sheridan and he looked back at her. He shrugged shaking his head with a confused look on his face as he turned his attention back to the lift and the blond telepath that still stood there staring as Susan walked away.

Talia snapped out of her daze and looked at the Ambassador and the Captain nodded and then said "Captain, Ambassador." And then stormed pasted head in the direction Commander Susan Ivanova had just gone. As she passed the very confused pair she muttered under her breath "Bitch." And then was gone.

Both stared in the direction of the fleeing telepath and then looked back at each other. The Captain shrugged and then said, "this is one interesting Station. Yes indeed." They both stepped into the lift and Sheridan looked down at Delenn and she looked back at him and then asked, "What is this ‘Bitch’?" The Captain took a deep breath to answer her question then totally deflated at the thought of what he was going to say. As the doors close her said, "Well… Oh Hell…."

Talia rounded the corner mumbling and looking rather ticked, "I can’t believe she did that! She tickled me. I can’t believe she tickled me!’ Talia thought to herself but smiled coyly thinking that she really liked it, but she as sure as hell not going to tell Susan that. Just then she was grabbed from behind by her waist with a "Yelp" she whirled around to look at her would be attacker dropping to a defensive stance. She was about to throw a high kick when she saw it was no more than the person that she would happily let torment her for the rest of her days. Wide-eyed she yelled, "Susan you just scared the Shit out of me!"

Susan stood there looking at her and said, "I never guessed you had such a fowl mouth on you ‘Miss Winters’." Then walked up to the beautiful woman that was now standing with her arms folded across her chest and was following her movement with her eyes. Susan walked behind Talia with a wide grin on her face and stopped with the front of her body pressing lightly against Talia’s. She pulled back Talia’s hair so that her ear was exposed and leaned in and said in a very low husky voice, "Are you ready to eat Miss Winters?"

Talia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her heart started pounding in her chest and then in her temples. She started to flush as she felt the tightening between her legs when she felt Susan so close to her; and then when she spoke in her ear it took all her will power not to turn and kiss her right then and there. When Talia opened her eyes she found Susan was no longer there so she turned to find Susan walking slowly for the café. Talia walked over to Susan’s side and then said to Susan in a hushed tone, "You are evil, truly evil!"

Susan laughed a good hardy laugh and Talia laughed in turn. Their lunch was uneventful this time around. They chatted about the things that were happening here and there and generally enjoyed one another’s company. The meeting with the Captain didn’t take long and Susan was very grateful that he didn’t bring up what had happened in the lift earlier today, but then again thought Ivanova, he just might wait to corner me later, but otherwise the meeting went well.

Walking out of the Captain’s office Talia turned and smiled up at the Commander and said, "Thank you far all your help. This information will put my client’s mind at ease. Are we off for dinner now or is it later?"

The Commander looked at Talia and said, "Later, you need to go back to your quarters and change."

"Change? I just changed. Remember you dropped me off at my quarters after lunch? I changed for our meeting with the Captain and you said you had an earn to run." Talia said as they were walking to the lift.

"That’s quite right but now you need to change again." Susan said with a coy grin on her face.

"Into what?" Talia asked as she stepped off the lift to walk to her quarters.

Susan smiled and said as the lift doors were closing behind Talia, "Into something gorgeous!"

Talia looked stunned for a moment then turned and walked to her quarters. "Something gorgeous? Wait! I don’t even know when to be ready." Talia was frustrated at the lack of information she was getting from her lovely Commander, but she smiled as she walked into her quarters and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight. The door hissed shut behind her and she took off her gloves not taking her eyes off the coffee table.

Sitting on the coffee table was a pure white rose next to a scarlet red rose in a thin crystal vase. Leaning next to the vase was a small white envelope with the letters TW hand written on it. Talia walked over and put her gloves on the arm of the couch and sat down still staring at the sight before her. "How the…" she trailed off as she picked up the envelope. It was rough paper like old style printing paper old and thick. She lifted the flap of the envelope and pulled out the paper inside, opening it thinking this type of paper is not made anymore. It was old and made from a tree. She knew because paper now felt different, even the thick paper that looked a like this didn’t have the same feel. She read the contents of the note then read it a gain out aloud.

Talia,

I laid out what I would like you to wear tonight, it’s lying on you bed. Don’t ask how I got in here, just know that I did it with loving intentions. There is more I wish to say to you but it will have to wait till I see your beautiful face again. I will pick you up at your door at 1930.

Truly Yours,

Susan

P.S. I hope you like roses and yes they are real.

Talia’s eyes started to water while she read the note over and over again. She then looked at the time and realized she only had an hour to get ready. She stood and then picked up the vase with the roses and then took them into her bedroom with her and smelling the wonderful sent as she walked.

Later, she heard the chime at the door and knew that it was Susan. She rushed into the living area and said, "Come in." The door opened and Susan stepped in. Talia froze at the sight before her. Susan was dressed in a pair of black pressed slacks and a white dress shirt with a black stud buttoning the top of the shirt at her neck. Her hair was cascading down and around her shoulders and holding a single red rose in her right hand with her left hand in her pocket. Talia finally found her voice and said, "You look… look stunning."

Stepping through the door Susan saw the most beautiful sight in all the worlds! Talia was wearing the black dress that settled just above her knees and sleeveless with an open back down to the middle of her back. Her white blond hair was down and curled up and around her neck slightly. Susan’s eyes sparkled at the sight and then she blushed at the comment that Talia made about her. Susan held out the rose saying, "You! Are the most beautiful woman in all worlds! Are you ready do go?"

Talia just nodded as she stepped forward taking the rose in her hand and bringing it up to her nose to take in the wonderful scent. That’s when she noticed that Susan had not let go of the flower and so was holding her hand along with the rose. Susan’s thumb was caressing Talia’s bare hand bringing it up to her lips rose and all Susan kissed Talia’s hand and started to move towards the door.

Just as the door hissed open Talia stopped and pulled her hand out of Susan’s warm embrace and whispered, "I forgot my gloves." She looked into Susan’s eyes and saw the disappointment that she had to wear the gloves but Susan knew the laws just like Talia did and didn’t say anything as she waited for Talia to pick up her gloves from the couch and put them on. Talia walked back and Susan took her now gloved hand and put it around her arm and walked out the door.

When they got to the entrance of Fresh Air, the best restaurant on the station, they walked right past the line of people waiting to catch a canceled seat and went to the front of the line. Talia stared at Susan as if she had just grown three heads as Susan told the host her name. Talia could feel the fear coming from the young man and she knew that he was afraid of Susan. "This way Commander Ivanova. As requested the best seat in the house. Enjoy Commander." The young man sputtered out before he hurried away looking over his shoulders a few times.

As Susan pushed Talia and her chair into place Talia said, "He’s scared of you." Looking at Susan as she sat down she continued, "and so is the rest of the waiting staff. Would you like to tell me why that is?" Talia asked Susan with a knowing smile on her lips.

"What can I say? My reputation precedes me." Susan said with a smirk on her face.

"So how did you get a table on such short notice or did you have this planned out for the months that it takes to get a reservation for this place?" Talia said coyly as she sipped on her white wine.

"Let’s just say I used my diplomatic skills and low and behold they had the table I wanted free for this very night." Susan teased as the waiter came by to take their order.

Talia just laughed as the young waiter stumbled slightly when he was starting to recite the specials of the day at Susan’s description on how she got the table at the most prestigious restaurant on Babylon 5.

The rest of dinner was pleasant and filled with light topics of conversations and just enjoying each other’s company. When the night had finally come to an end Susan walked Talia back to her quarters

Standing in front of Talia’s quarters Talia stopped and took out her card key and turned and looked into Susan’s eyes. They were deep blue with a sparkle that Talia would never get tired of seeing, she said "I had the most wonderful time tonight Susan."

Susan was looking at Talia with barely contained desire. She didn’t care anymore about what her mother had told her, in her heart she new Talia Winters would never hurt her, never. She could see it in Talia’s eyes those piercing sky blue eyes. She leaned down and placed her hand on Talia’s cheek and ran her thumb across Talia’s wine red bottom lip, which opened with a gasp at the touch.

Talia gasped as she realized Susan was going to kiss her. She couldn’t control her breathing it came in short gasps and then she wasn’t breathing at all. Then their lips met.

To Be Continued…. (Very soon) :o) (Yes I know I’m evil) ß --Funny Way to Leave the Reader Hanging :p.. Going to take a cold shower now ;>-Jazmine