Language warning: Not
often but yes.
Love and sex warning: This story definitely portrays
a loving relationship between two women.
Violence Warning: A little, unless you also count a
projectile camera and battered door.
Thanks: I would like to thank first of all Garnet for
doing a wonderful job in beta reading this story. To Carolyne, for her constant
support throughout, and giving me the kick up the backside to continue writing
whether she realised or not. And last
but no means least Tammy, for all the invaluable information on horses that
she gave me and for naming the two horsey characters.
Let me know what you think: mj_poet@hotmail.com
10
The
sky was dull and gloomy, snow beginning to fall from its ebony expanse as
Tess and Nikki left the house. The
air was cold, the atmosphere foreboding...signalling the coming of change.
Still
wearing Tess's shirt, Nikki had pulled on her jeans and coat that were still
in the bathroom, and had headed towards the front door, as Tess went to tell
her mother where they were going. Hyacinth
felt cautious as she noticed the strained expression on her daughters' face,
but accepted her request to wait until they got back before explanations could
be given.
Pulling
the thick jacket tightly around her small frame, Nikki stood by the Blazer
as she waited for Tess to unlock the car.
Mixed emotions whirled around in her head, hurt, and anger the most
prominent. However much she didn't
want to believe her mother would stoop to such an act, inside she knew it
was true. Tess watched Nikki's countenance
as she unlocked the car. She showed
nothing, her face blank and expressionless.
Pulling
open the door, she slid into the drivers' seat and started the engine, the
vehicle revved into life, breaking the silence of the empty street. Bracing her hand on Nikki's seat, Tess looked
behind as she backed out of the driveway then headed down the street.
With
only one eye on the road, Tess switched her vision to the quiet blonde by
her side. "Are you sure about
this Nik?"
Nikki
took in a deep breath; "I don't want to be."
Tess
nodded, "Neither do I. But what
if..."
"Look,"
Nikki interrupted, she sighed, "I'm sorry...but I don't really know what
to think. All I know is that man wanted
me, and by what he said, he was after me for a reason. Do you know what I mean, like he had an agenda?"
"Yes
but..."
"But
what? The fact is I know my mother,
and I do believe she would stoop to such a level."
Turning
her attention back to the road, the photographer drummed her fingers on the
steering wheel. She wondered what was
going to happen; never did she think the events of the day would take such
an unexpected turn. There seemed little
doubt in Nikki's mind that she believed her mother had something to do with
what happened in the stairwell, but she just couldn't accept any mother being
so devious and calculating.
*******
Richard
Morris pulled his car into the over size triple garage. He parked beside his wife's run-around and turned
off the engine. Grabbing his briefcase
from the passenger seat, he opened the door, bracing himself for the cold
gusts of winter weather about to besiege him. Making a quick dash from his car, he excited the garaged and activated
the electric doors, closing and sealing the vehicles inside.
When
the Mayor had left work earlier that evening, the snow was just beginning
to fall; now it was really starting to coming down. Thick and heavy flakes fell to the ground, covering it with an inch
of brilliant whiteness. With haste
he made his way to the door, but stopped when a distant light caught his attention.
He turned in its direction, wrapping his free arm around his rapidly
cooling body as he watched the light grow bigger.
Then it came into view as a car appeared in his driveway.
He squinted through the onslaught of flakes before recognising the
rich green Blazer. Waiting by the house,
he watched as the car pulled to a halt and Tess get out the drivers' side. He noticed she wasn't even wearing a coat, and
felt a flutter of concern as to what was going on. Tess jogged round to the
passenger side, and pulled open the door escorting Nikki out into the frigid
air, they walked towards him swiftly.
"This
is an unexpected surprise!" Richard commented as he joined them and walked
towards the front door, the dropping temperature forcing them to move with
swiftness.
Neither
woman said a word as they reached the door, and Richard let them in, taking
refuge in the sudden warmth of the house.
Tess was relieved more than the other two as she had, in her haste,
left the house without even remembering to dress for the weather.
After
the two women entered Richard closed the door and put down his briefcase,
looking into his daughters pale face. "Are
you going to fill me in on this sudden visit...you do realised that your mother
is here don't you sweetheart?"
Nikki
nodded, "Yes that is why I am here I want to speak with her...with both
of you actually."
The
mayor frowned, "Oh..." He looked at Tess, "What's going on?"
The
photographer shrugged, not wanting to disclose the discussion she and Nikki
had on the way over, as to what the blondes plan was. "I think it is
best that Nikki tells you this Mr Morris..."
"Richard
please..."
"Richard..."
Tess amended, "This may concern both you and Mrs Morris."
The
small man nodded, "Ok well let us go and seek out my wife shall we?"
Shrugging
out of his overcoat, he placed it untidily on the banister and walked into
the living room, Nikki behind her father, hand firmly entwined with the brunettes.
Not finding his wife, he turned and headed instead to the library where
Tess had taken the Christmas shots, believing that is where his wife would
be. Tess noticed the light on and sure enough as they entered, they found
Rosalind sitting by a small fireplace reading a leather bound book.
Rosalind
looked up at the sound of footsteps entering the room, and was surprised to
see that accompanying Richard was her daughter and ‘that woman.' Her thoughts turned as to the unexpected arrival of the
two women. "Richard, Nicole..." She looked at Tess but said nothing
in acknowledgement, "I wasn't expecting you this evening Nicole."
Richard
placed a hand on his daughters back and led her further into the room, Tess's
hand firmly encased around the blondes. It
was more than an offer of guidance, as it would outwardly be perceived but
a gesture of support of what they were about to do. Nikki had informed Tess on the way over as to
what her intentions were, but Tess knew she had no time to plan her objective
so would have to improvise.
Putting
the book down, Rosalind rose as they approached her "It is rather late
for unannounced visits." She stated, feeling the need to break a sudden
and uncomfortable silence, a silence that only seemed bothersome to her.
"Shall
we sit?" Richard asked as he reached his chair.
"I
prefer to stand." Nikki stated and moved over to the fireplace, hoping
to warm a chilled Tess, whom still had purchase of her hand. She had no inclination to release her as yet, feeling the need for
the taller woman's unconditional support.
Plus she hoped it would also serve to stand as a centre focal point
for her parents' attention.
Richard
sat down as Rosalind followed suit, both looking at their daughter, one with
apprehension, and the other with puzzlement.
Nikki bit her lip as her grip increased on the brunettes' hand, it
was now or never, she just hoped she knew what she was doing. Taking a deep breath she began, "Mum, dad,
something happened today that I think involves the two of you. I should have gone to the police, but I thought
it best to tell you first and see how you want to act upon this."
Richard
frowned, "Go on."
Nikki
nodded, "Well today while Hyacinth, Tess and myself where out shopping
today, something happened."
Tess
looked down at her black pullover, covertly trying to see Rosalind's reaction.
The woman seemed to shift ever so slightly in her chair.
"Well...Hyacinth
and I were on our way to meet Tess in the car park above Gallowtree Shopping
centre, and we took the back stairs as the others were rather crowded."
Tess
released Nikki's hand and placed her own reassuringly on the blondes back,
a motion not un-noticed by the Mayor.
"We
were attacked by a guy in the stair way, he grabbed me...and threatened to
kill me and Hyacinth if she didn't leave."
Richard
exploded from her chair, "WHAT...what do you mean he threatened to kill
you?" He walked over to his daughter placing his hands firmly on her
arms, "Are you alright, what happened?"
Nikki
raised her hands, "Yes dad I am fine, thanks to Tess. Please sit down and let me explain what happened because I think
this concerns you both as well."
The
Mayor looked quickly at his wife before returning to his seat, "Concerns
us...how?"
"Like
I said, he said we would both live if Hyacinth left us...so she had no choice...he
had a knife at my throat."
Tess
noticed Rosalind's eyes bulge at this comment. The Mayoress looked briefly
at the photographer and they exchanged uncomfortable looks, the older woman
was the first to look away. Tess then
looked at Richard who seemed to be distraught with what his daughter was telling
him. She would admit that although
she was sure he held no part in Nikki's attack, his sudden outburst and over
concern, proved how surprised he was by this all.
Nikki
continued, "Well obviously Hyacinth did as she was told, not wanting
to cause harm to either of us, so she left."
Nikki paused, and Richard leaned forward in his chair, "She left
you alone! What happened Nicole...please I cannot take this much longer...how
did you escape?"
"I
didn't." Nikki proclaimed, "Tess rescued me before anything happened."
Rosalind
looked between Tess and her daughter, "What do you mean anything happened,
I mean...surely nothing would have happened...I cannot believe that...what
are you trying to say Nicole, are you sure it wasn't just a practical joke,
or a youth out to steal your money?" she sighed, "This is why you
are safer at home dear, you are not equipped to deal with the outside world."
She looked towards Tess, "And why weren't you with my daughter when this
was happening, you claim to care about her, yet you leave her in the hands
of somebody else!"
Tess
ground her teeth, "That somebody else happened to by my mother Mrs Morris
and Nikki was in completely safe hands with her."
Her eyes locked with the older women's in a silent duel.
Richard
who had watched the scene spoke up, "Ladies, now is not the time for
harsh words." Looking back towards Nikki he frowned, "Nicole dear,
explain how you think this has something to do with us."
Nikki
clasped her hands together, "Well he took me into this room, some kind
of storeroom and all the time he was saying things.
He called me easy money, and made vague references to a second person
being involved."
The
Mayor stood suddenly, "What are you saying...that his intention was to
get to you for a specific reason?"
"Yes,
father look. I am daughter to the Mayor
of this city, what if some unscrupulous person wanted to use me as black mail...'easy
money' he said...more than another person involved! I am scared that this will not be the last time
we hear from these people...whoever they are, because it seems that they hired
him to get me. What if somebody knows
about my inheritance, what if they are after the money?"
Pacing
the floor, Richard looked between Tess and his daughter; "You don't think
this was just some random thug then?"
Nikki
shook her head, as the small mans eyes turned to the photographer, "Well
I am very grateful you were around Tess." He shoved cold hands into his
pockets.
"I
wanted to speak to you first, because I was afraid. I know it is silly now but I was really shaken at the time...now
I have had time to think about it...and I think whoever these people are will
strike again."
Richard
nodded, "Well we must not take any chances...we must call the police."
Rosalind
rose suddenly, "Call the police, do we really need to take such drastic
measures. Nicole dear you are probably
just traumatised by this...although possibly a little scary, still inconsequential
event. You should come home and let
me take care of you for a while, until you feel better."
Tess's
arm rose to Nikki's shoulder as Rosalind's reactions began to play out just
as the blonde had anticipated. She looked between the couple noting the confusion
playing across the Mayors face.
"Such
drastic measures...Rosa, there are no such thing as drastic measures when
our daughter has been attacked like this, who knows what would have happened."
"Nothing
happened." The older woman retorted.
Suddenly
Nikki pulled of her coat, revealing her jeans and very oversize shirt. She moved the collar and pulled off the large
band-aid, exposing her neck to her parents. "He did this while holding the knife to my throat mum, that
isn't nothing."
Rosalind's
face dropped as she saw the large gash across her daughters' neck, she moved
her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Richard
walked up to his daughter and examined her neck. He smoothed his fingers around the cut as a look of anguish shadowed
his expression. Moving forward he pulled
Nikki into a hug and kissed the blonde head, "This definitely wasn't
nothing, we call the police right now." Stepping away he pulled a mobile
phone from his grey suit jacket pocket.
"Wait..."
Rosalind shouted then paused, "Um...are we doing the right thing by calling
the police...I mean isn't this a little drastic...what if getting the police
involved just infuriates the situation?"
"Drastic!"
Tess stated, "He tried to hurt Nikki, the police can find this guy and
get him to confess as to who put
him up to this."
The anxious woman shook her head, "As if he will be found now...whatever his intentions were, I am sure he is long gone. And if there were others involved I am sure they got the message."
"It
would take more than that I am afraid." Richard told his wife, "Do
you really think one failed attempt could stop somebody who appears to have
quite nefarious intentions...besides Nicole didn't you say Tess stopped him
in a more forceful kind of way?"
Tess
grinned, "Oh I am sure he will be quite easy to find. Not only do both my mother any myself have a visual description,
but I would say that all the cops have to do is check the local hospitals. Wont be hard to find any guy who'd recently
gone in with a broken nose, broken arm, and the possibility of a couple of
fractured ribs...not hard to miss I'd say."
Richard
nodded, "Right the police it is."
Rosalind
moved forward and pulled the phone from her husbands grasp, "I am sure
you are blowing this all out of proportion...all of you."
"Blowing
this all out of proportion...what do you mean...you can see the mark on Nikki's
neck, he could have killer her." Tess shouted.
"He
would have done no such thing." The Mayoress stated.
Tess
took a step towards the woman, pulling her hand from the comfort of Nikki's
back as she pointed at Rosalind, "How
the hell can you be so sure of that huh?"
"Because
I can."
"That
just isn't possible...you weren't even there." Tess seethed, advancing
on the smaller woman.
"He
would not have killed her."
"You cannot be sure of that."
"Yes I can."
"HOW?"
"Because
he was working for me."
Silence.
Tess's
hand dropped as she took a step away from the woman, she looked at Nikki. Tears were forming in blue eyes and already
spilling down her cheeks. She looked
up at Richard. The Mayor seemed to
be frozen, his face holding a mixture of disbelief and incomprehension. His mouth worked as he tried to speak, but no
words came forth. Tess moved towards
Nikki and swept her into a strong embrace as she witnessed the last of the
blonde strength leave her. Nikki wrapped her arms around the woman, feeling
that without her she would surely fall, silent tears leaked from her eyes. Tess tilted her chin upwards and placed several
kisses on her forehead.
Coming
out of his daze Richard shook his head, "What do you mean working for
you Rosa."
The
blonde woman looked towards her daughter and the photographer, "Exactly
what I said...he was working for me. Just
somebody I came across through a chain of acquaintances. He is...how would
you describe it? An odd job man, and will do anything if the
price is right, so I called upon his services.
He wasn't going to hurt Nicole in the slightest, and that is how I
know you are all overreacting. The
mark on your neck was nothing more than an accident...he had his orders...I
never wanted you to get hurt Nicole" Rosalind looked disgustedly at her
daughter and the photographer. "It was my last resort, I had to do something
and do you know why?"
Richard
looked at his wife shocked, "Why?"
"Because
of that." She pointed to Nikki, still held in Tess's arms, "Look
at them, this is not how we raised our daughter Richard, she has much more
sense than this. I thought if I could
convince her what kind of person she
was...then Nicole would come home to us."
"And
you though you would convince her by hurting her?"
"He
wasn't supposed to hurt her, that wasn't part of the agreement."
Richard
voice dropped as he stalked towards his wife, "I wasn't talking about
whatever you paid that man to do, I was talking about your actions."
Rosalind
shook her head, "ACTIONS, I did what any loving mother would do, tried
to help my own flesh and blood. People
are already beginning to talk. How
bad do you think it will be for our reputations when they find out that not
only has Nicole left home, but she had moved in with her?" She pointed at
the photographer furiously.
Tess
was angry, extremely so, and waves of unreleased rage coursed through her
entire body like an insistent pulse. Still
she kept quiet, and knowing Richard needed to speak she held on to a very
quiet Nikki. Bending slightly she kissed
Nikki's head and moved her lips over to her ear, "I love you." She
whispered, and felt a responding squeeze from Nikki.
"I
love my daughter, and I am happy that she has found somebody that she loves...somebody
that makes her happy. To me that is
all that matters."
"But
Richard you are the Lord Mayor of this city, you have a standard to set you
are a prominent figure in this town."
"Where
my family is concerned, the only standard I set is acceptance, and the only
way I can do that is through unconditional love for my daughters."
Rosalind, shaking her head, looked at her husband in disgust. "My father was right about you, you are spineless. It is your fault he left all his money to Nicole and Lisa, and not to me. If I hadn't have married you that money would have been mine."
Richard
shook his head, "Your father left his money to the girls because he admitted
to me...and not long before he died that he wanted his life's work to go to
somebody who would appreciate what he had laboured for." His voice rose
higher as his anger soared.
Up
until that point Nikki had been quiet, content just to stay in the secure
embrace of her lover, but at those words she suddenly pulled away. Facing her mother she frowned, "That is
it isn't it, this is what it has been about the whole time...the money."
Her voice held a strain of disbelief.
"Don't
be ridiculous Nicole." Rosa scowled.
"NO...that
is the only reason you want me to stay here and not leave his house, because
if I go, the money I inherit goes with me.
The only thing you really care about is having that money, and you
think if you keep me here then your poor, blind, naive daughter will need
her mother to look after if for her."
The older woman stared at her daughter intently before speaking, "And what possible use could you have for it anyway? Start your own business looking after useless horses? Don't be ridiculous, you have no purpose in this world Nicole...and by rights that money is mine."
Unable
to control herself any longer, Tess stepped forward, her green eyes blazing
with rage. "That is not true, and don't you dare speak
to her like that again. Nikki is the
single most remarkable woman I have ever met, and I thank every second that
I am able to spend with her. It is
you who does not deserve a wonderful daughter like her."
Rosalind
looked at Tess her face crimson with rage, "This is all your fault, coming
here and corrupting her with such ludicrous notions, I cannot believe it was
I who requested you... allowed you into my house."
The
photographer stared down at the smaller woman, "Personally I think that
was the best thing you ever did." She looked disbelievingly at Rosa,
"You really have no idea do you, no understanding of how wrong your actions
were and still are?"
Rosalind stepped towards the taller woman until they were inches apart, "I am very aware of what I am doing, and it is you who has no understanding of what you are getting into. What I really want to know is, what is it you want from my daughter...I mean really, what possible use is she to you?"
Tess
reached her hand back, knowing Nikki was not far behind her, and took hold
of the blondes' left hand. "What I want from Nikki she gives freely and
costs nothing...nothing more, nothing less, than I am more than willing to
give to her in return."
"Nothing
in this world is free Miss Alexander."
"My
love for your daughter is Mrs Morris." Tess stated simply.
Nikki
felt a strong wave of loving pride wash over her at Tess's words.
Taking
a step back and looking at her husband, daughter and Tess, Rosalind growled
with frustration. "From now on I wash my hands with you Nicole...I have
no daughter." She headed towards the door, stopping before she exited,
"But you can be sure of this...all of you...this isn't over, not by a
long shot." And with those words Rosalind left the room.
*******
Standing
out in the hallway several feet away from the door, Lisa had been listening
to the events unfold in the Library. She
was scared, and tears fell from her eyes as she heard what her mother had
to say, and when the woman excited the room, she was glad Rosalind had gone
in the other direction and hadn't seen her.
Once the woman had left, she moved further towards the library, needing
the presence of her father and sister.
*******
Stunned
into silence, the three remaining occupants of the room stood in complete
surprise. Nikki stood in between her father and Tess as
she tried to comprehend what had just taken place. She had certainly gotten the results she had aimed for, but now she
felt broken and wondered whether she hadn't in fact made some big mistake
in coming here tonight. Had her anger
as a result at the prospect that Rosalind did have something to do with this,
clouded her better judgement? Was coming
back home with this rather un-formulated plan really such a good idea after
all? She had thought so at the time,
yet now she just felt numb, inside she had so hoped she would be wrong.
Tess
looked at a pale Richard to a quiet Nikki wondering what was to happen now.
She could tell by the distraught look in Nikki's face that the blonde
had secretly hoped she was wrong. The two women were pulled out of their contemplation
when Richard spoke.
"I
really don't know what is to come about now." His voice was void of emotion.
Nikki
nodded and walked towards her father who took her in his arms. Thinking that she wanted to give father and
daughter a little time alone, Tess decided to go and see the figure that she
could just make out lurking through the gap of the library door.
"Um...I'll
be back in a moment." She stated and walked quickly out of the room. There she found Lisa, in her pyjamas standing
timidly by the door.
"Hey!"
Lisa
looked up that the brunette, "Hi."
"You
heard what happened in there?"
There
was a slight nod.
Tess
sucked in her bottom lip, "Are you ok?"
Lisa
shrugged.
"Do
you want to go in there?"
"I
didn't know whether I should."
Tess
put her arm around the teens shoulder, "I think now would be a good time
to go to your father and sister...don't you?"
Lisa
nodded as Tess led her into the library, she found the Mayor sitting on the
sofa next to his daughter. He looked
up when the two entered the room and rose to go to his youngest daughter.
Tess moved over towards the blonde perched on the end of the two-seated settee. She bent down to her knees and look at Nikki,
"What happens now?" She asked quietly.
Nikki
wrung her hands together, "Dad said we should just go home and let him
deal with this now, I think he needs time alone."
"How
are you feeling?"
"As
long as you're with me, I will be fine."
Tess
leaned forward and pulled the blonde into a strong embrace, Nikki wrapped
her arms around the broad back.
"Always."
The photographer whispered, then pulled back slightly. "Nikki, you do
know that all of those things your mother said was complete rubbish don't
you?"
Nikki
didn't respond.
"Nik?"
Tess ducked her head, looking into the Nikki's face.
"I
guess." She sighed, "But why would she say them Tess. I know she wanted to hurt me, and guess what...it worked."
After
a slight shake of her head Tess spoke, "Nikki, I don't think her intention
was to hurt you as such, she was angry...people can say some really nasty
things when they are angry. What you
have to remember is that none of it is true...NONE of it ok."
The blonde nodded.
"Tell
me you believe it." Tess pleaded.
"I
believe you."
Tess
smiled and let her head fall onto the blondes, "I can accept that."
They
were interrupted by a clearing of throat, "Ahem...um Tess, Lisa has a
request."
The
photographer looked up towards the teen that stood by her father timidly,
"What's that Lisa?"
She
shuffled her feet nervously, "Um...well I was wondering, I don't want
to spend Christmas here now...and dad said he would be coming round to yours
Christmas day anyway, so can I go with you now...I don't want to stay here
at the moment."
Tess
looked at the Mayor, "Are you ok with this."
Richard
nodded, "I think the Christmas spirit has well and truly left the Morris
house hold this year. If it is ok with
you, I think it would be better if I were left alone with my wife while we
sort out a few matters. I will then
come around to you on Saturday...is this alright...I mean I know that all
of a sudden we seem to be taking such liberties, but well...things have suddenly
taken a very unexpected turn and I am unsure as to what to do."
"Honestly
it would be my pleasure to have you over, it has been a long time since I
have had a family Christmas, and I know my mother will be in her element. What do you think Nikki?"
The
smile on Nikki's face was blinding, "It sounds like a good idea to me."
The
Mayor nodded, "Good...ok." He looked at his youngest daughter, "Well
Lisa, you better go and collect together everything you will need...in fact
I shall go with you." He looked
towards the two women, "Be back in a few minutes." And he was gone.
While
they were gone, Tess was a little anxious that Rosalind would re-appear in
the library but she didn't, and ten minutes later father and daughter were
back. Lisa held a packed over night
bag over her shoulder, a smaller plastic carrier by her side.
Once
ready they all walked into the hallway and towards the exit. Richard opened the door, and they walked out
into the snowy night. Hugging both his daughters, he promised to see them
at the weekend as they quickly go into the still warm car.
He
stood in the heavy fall of snow and watched them leave until the vehicles
lights disappeared from view. Then
with a heavy heart, and simmering anger, he re-entered the house.
*******
When
the group got home, Hyacinth was sound asleep.
Tess realised that the spare fold away bed was in her room, so Lisa
opted to stay on the sofa tonight so not to wake the sleeping woman. Once Lisa was settled in, Nikki and Tess headed
of to bed.
They
stood in the bathroom, Tess behind Nikki as they both stood by the sink cleaning
their teeth. Nikki had shed her jeans
and jacket and was once again clad only in the tall woman's shirt.
Tess looked down at the blonde in front of her and pulled the toothbrush
from her mouth "How are you feeling Nik...really?"
"Really...I
don't know, still a little shocked I guess.
How about you...you seem to have been inundated with Morris family
members." She smiled and rinsed her own toothbrush under the tap.
"I
happily accept anything that comes with you...all part and package of one
cute blonde, I can handle...though it does seem that I don't seem to have
any time alone with you at the moment."
Nikki
arched her eyebrows, "And you want time alone with me?"
Tess
finished cleaning her teeth then put her brush back in its holder, "Of
course I want time alone with you...why don't you want to spend some quiet
time with me?"
"You
know we do have time alone together at nights...but you are right it isn't
exactly quiet time...your snoring can break sound barriers and probably be
measured on the Richter scale."
Tess's
mouth dropped, "I do not."
A
light chuckle, "I'm afraid so."
Nikki headed towards the bed, a shocked photographer trailing behind.
"I
don't snore...I have never snored." Tess tried to sound as insulted as
she could, but only just managed to keep the smile from her face.
Pulling
the quilt back, Nikki climbed into bed, a sulking brunette following closely
behind her, "Tess do you remember when you told me that you think that
guy who lives round the corner has a motorbike because he has...on occasions...woke
you up at all hours of the night?"
"Yeah?"
The light suddenly switched on, "Hey...I
am not waking myself up through snoring." She said in a loud whispered,
conscious of the others sleeping in the house. "Cheeky."
Nikki
laughed thankful for the respite from the tension of the evening.
Tess
smiled, "However much I don't think I like being the butt of your jokes,"
She grinned, "I am happy to hear you laugh again." She settled onto
her back as Nikki placed her head on the brunettes shoulder.
"It's
been a pretty wearing day."
Tess
kissed the golden locks, "You know I am always here for you right?"
Nikki
wrapped her arm around the photographer torso, "I couldn't get through
this if you weren't."
Smiling
the brunette closed her eyes, "Then you can trust me when I tell you
that everything will be fine."
There
was a sleepy sigh, "I trust you." Nikki muttered as she drifted
off to a much-needed sleep.
*******
Hyacinth
Alexander left the warmth of her bedroom and headed off down stairs to make
herself a cup of tea. The door was
closed to her daughters' room, so she was glad to see they got home all right,
though she still found it hard to believe she had fallen asleep before they
got home. She had been concerned, lying
in bed for some time, wondering what had happened, but it seemed that at some
point she had just succumbed to slumber, not waking until the morning came.
As
she reached to bottom of the stairs, she heard a shuffling sound coming from
the living room, so decided to go and investigate, thinking Leto had spent
the night down stairs. Walking into the front room, she did indeed spot Leto,
but she was perched upon a blanketed figure on the settee. Not knowing whom it could be, but sure it wasn't
her daughter (the body wasn't long enough for that) she crept into the room
to take a peek.
Leto
wagged her tail as she noticed her masters' mother approaching, but stayed
where she was due mainly to the tummy tickling she was receiving from the
body she was perched upon. Hyacinth
took a step toward the figure and craned her head to see whom it was, Lisa
looked up at her with a smile.
"Lisa
honey...I wasn't expecting to find you here." She paused, "Why...I
mean what happened last night, why did you come back with Tess and Nikki?"
Lisa
moved to sit up, forcing a suddenly unhappy Leto to vacate her position; she
jumped down onto the floor with a huff, and trotted up to the older woman
wagging her tail.
Hyacinth
secured her robe, and bent down to the golden dog, scratching her behind the
ears. Leto moved into the touch with
contentment.
"There
were arguments last night with mum and everyone, I didn't want to stay there,
so Tess said I could come home with her and Nikki." She paused, "I...um
it looks like I am spending Christmas here this year."
Hyacinth
looked at the saddened expression on the teens face and realised that whatever
happened last night, she was going to have to make tomorrow extra special. She knelt down as she continued scratching the
dog, "Are you all alright, what happened?"
Lisa
shrugged, "I only heard some of the conversation but enough to know that
mother has done or said something to hurt Nikki.
She was really angry and I was a bit scared, so I said I wanted to
come home with Nikki and Tess, and dad said I could. He is coming round tomorrow as well."
The
older woman felt a mixture of surprise and concern at the rapid change in
events, "Well don't you worry Lisa, we will have the best Christmas ever...so...want
to help me do something later?"
Lisa
smiled, "What's that?"
Hyacinth
looked around the room, "Do you notice something about this room?"
Lisa
looked around, "Um...it's very minimal in appearance?"
The
woman smiled, "Yeah, I guess so, but I am thinking more in the way of
something being missing."
"Christmas
tree!" The teen stated.
"Exactly...now
we brought one yesterday, and have to get it up before the big day...so do
you want to help me later?"
"Yeah...I
love dressing trees...that would be great."
Hyacinth
nodded and rose to her feet, much to the consternation of the golden dog sprawled
out on her back, "So do you want to help me start some breakfast?"
Lisa
pulled herself up from the chair, "Sure do...I'm right behind you."
*******
The
smell of cooking bacon and fresh coffee roused Tess from a pleasant sleep. Opening one eye, she looked around the bedroom
and noticed the hazy light coming through the curtains. Looking at the clock she realised it was almost
ten o'clock. Not bad she though, realising that she
expected they would have slept longer due to the time they arrived home last
night, but surprisingly enough she wasn't very tired.
Looking
down at the blonde head still firmly attached to her shoulder she smiled and
sifted through the golden locks.
"You
finally awake then."
Tess
froze then chuckled, "Tell me Nik, do you lie in waiting for me to awake
so you can scare the life out of me?"
"Not
my fault if I seem to have acquired a human alarm clock."
"Don't
start with the snoring again woman." Tess warned with a grin, then her
face turned serious, "How are you this morning?"
Nikki
rolled over until she was atop the brunette, balancing on both elbows. "Ok...I
mean better then last night, but in a way not wholly surprised. Like I said last night, I had a feeling, and
although it was a shock to discover it was true, it wasn't so much a shock
to believe...do you know what I mean?"
"You
figured as much but hoped you were wrong?" Tess asked simply.
"Yeah...I
guess."
"So
what happens now?"
"All
that can happen, we go on as before..." She paused, "I mean, this
err...this hasn't changed anything between us has it, it just seems like all
of a sudden I come attached with extra baggage, and it is something that you
don't really have to take on." She lowered her head.
There
was a slight shake of the head, "Nikki did I remember right in thinking
that you said you loved me?"
"Uh
huh."
"And
what did I say to you?"
A
slight smile, "That you loved me too."
Tess
wrapped both arms around the blondes back and pulled her close, "Exactly...and
it doesn't matter what happens because that isn't going to change anything
ok?"
Nikki
nodded and moved her body up slightly until she was face to face with the
brunette, one hand moved to trace the outlines of the photographers features,
"Ok." Searching fingers found waiting lips, and guided her own to
the welcome softness.
Strong,
yet bruised hands wound themselves into soft strands of golden hair, as Tess
deepened the kiss, holding Nikki close. They
kissed for some minutes, both luxuriating in the close proximity of their
bodies, a slow desire for each other building like an increasing fire.
Nikki
pulled away first, her lips trailing across the woman's jaw. Tess gasped as a hot tongue enveloped her ear
lobe, encasing it in a furnace of wet heat. Her hands moved down Nikki's body cupping the blonde's backside and
pulling her into intimate contact.
Tess
cupped flushed cheeks, "Do you have any idea how much I want to make
love to you?"
A
surge of heat surrounded the blondes' body at the photographers' words, "God
yes." She whispered.
"TESS...NIKKI...BREAKFAST!"
Nikki
closed her eyes as her head fell to the woman's tee shirt covered chest, "God
no." She chuckled.
Tess
smiled as she rubbed the blonde's back; "Do you think some higher force
is against us?"
"No...just
my sisters incredibly bad timing." Came the muffled response.
"Want
something to eat then, by the smell of things I would say they have bacon
and god knows what else cooking down there.
I know how my mother can be when she is cooking for more than two people,
she gets carried away, and that usually means LOTS of food!"
Nikki
lifted her head, "Lots of food huh? Well
being as though we hardly ate at all yesterday, lots of food sounds wonderful."
Looking
up at the smaller woman Tess grinned, "Let's get down there then."
*******
Lisa
looked up from her place at the kitchen table that was covered with a variety
of foods. She took in the sight of
the Nikki, wearing nothing but an over sized shirt, and Tess in black boxers
and a red tee shirt. "Morning."
She greeted with a smile.
Tess
smirked at the teen as she guided Nikki to a seat, "Lisa...are you always
so bright and breezy this early in the morning?"
"When
I get to have a crack at cooking yes...I was never allowed to do it at home,
but your mum let me help her." She looked down at the variety of foods
on offer; "Do you think we over did it?"
Tess
looked down at the mass of cereals, toast, homemade croissants, bacon and
scrambled eggs. "Well to be honest
there does seem to be a lot here, but never fear, whatever gets left behind
I am sure will get consumed at some point of the day."
Just
then Hyacinth appeared in the kitchen, "Tess I hope you don't mind, I
set the boiler for constant hot water all day, I figured we would all appreciate
a nice hot bath, and you know how I love your bath tub."
Tess
shrugged, "Sure."
Lisa
frowned, "Why what's with the bath tub?"
"Oh
it's wonderful." Hyacinth's eyes lit up, "It came with the house
when Tessa brought it, only missy here claims never to have used it."
"I'm
more a shower kind of woman."
"Well
anyway, it is about two and a half times the size of a normal bath and oval
in shape. For her birthday I brought
Tess one of those Jacuzzi things that you put in the tub...is very relaxing,
but she has never even used it."
"It
isn't like it hasn't ever been used." Tess look at her mother, "Makes
me wonder who you brought if for anyway."
"It
was supposed to be for you dear of course, but I will not let a thing like
that go to waste." She shrugged "Anyway what are the plans for today?"
The
photographer sat beside Nikki; "Well I was going to take Leto outside
into the forest after breakfast."
Leto
looked up at the mention of her name and the word ‘outside', her eyes looked
beseechingly at the brunette.
"Do
you mind if Lisa and I put the tree up?" Tess's mother asked.
Picking
up a slice of toast Tess bit off the corner, "Be my guest, save me a
job." She muttered and looked at Nikki, "So what do you want to
do Nik, come out with me or help put the tree up?"
"Go
out with you, I love it out there in the forest."
"Great
you two can put up the tree and Nik and I will take Leto out for her walk."
At
the mention of her favourite word, second only to ‘park', Leto jumped up from
her reclined position beside her bowl, (where she hoped somebody would take
notice of an eternally hungry pooch) and trotted over to her masters' feet.
She barked twice vying for attention.
Tess looked down at the hound and told her to get back, telling her
she would go out later, so the golden dog trudged back to
her bowl and continued the vigil.
Tess
started to list of the assortment of foods on the table, "...so what
would you like then Nik?"
The
blonde thought quickly, "One of everything please...I am feeling experimental."
Hyacinth
smiled amused at Nikki's enthusiasm, but the smile soon faded as a though
entered her mind, "So...can I ask what happened last night?"
It
was Nikki that spoke first, "Sure, you do have a right to know...and
Lisa should know the whole story I guess."
They
started their breakfast as Nikki and Tess filled the others in about what
had happened the night before.
*******
The
sight was beautiful, picturesque and similar to a Christmas card Tess had
seen earlier that month. The forests skeletal trees were white, covered with
a thick layer of recently fallen snow. The
air was brisk, a chilling wind rustling though the branches intensifying the
cold atmosphere. Perched on a low near by branch, the brunette spotted a small
Robin, sitting on its tip seemingly oblivious to all around. Lifting the camera that hung around her neck,
Tess captured the scene with a smile, then watched as the colourful bird flew
away, startled by the sudden sound.
She
looked over to Nikki who was walking with Leto up ahead, in one hand she help
her cane, in the other a stick that had the golden dog attached to the other
end. Tess though it strange that if
she were the one holding the stick, Leto would be doing her best to pull it
out of her hand, but with Nikki she was not.
It was almost as though the dog knew Nikki was sightless and did nothing
to hinder her. In fact Tess realised
that on many separate occasions Leto had been much more considerate with the
blonde. She then watched fascinated as Leto saw a large fallen tree trunk
up a head and began to gently steer her to the left, out of its path. Finding the sight endearing, Tess lifted her
camera and took a picture of Nikki with the dog.
"What
you taking pictures of?" The blonde asked, stopping and turning to face
Tess.
"Oh
you know this and that...the trees, birds in the trees...you."
"Me!
What could you possibly find interesting about my back?"
"I
find everything about you interesting." She smiled, "But apart from
that, I was just taking shots of things that captured me."
Nikki
released the stick allowing Leto to run off deeper into the forest, "How
do things capture you?"
Tess
thought for a while as Nikki approached her, "Well I guess it's the way
it comes across to me, sometimes when you look at something for long enough
you start to see things that you never noticed before...why don't you have
a go?"
Reaching
the brunette with a frown Nikki placed a free hand on her hip, "How do
you propose I do that?"
Looking
around the mass of trees the photographer thought, "Well go and inspect
the trees, find one that you think feels interesting...that captures you."
Nikki
pursed her lips, "Ok." She turned around and headed off into the
trees, stopping when she reached a trunk, and stared feeling the textured
wood. Tess walked idly behind her, diverting her attention
between the blonde and the golden dog that was in the middle of a mad dash
around the wooded area. In the distance
she could just make out the boundary of the woods and noticed a row of coniferous
trees, idly she wondered how Lisa and her mother were getting on dressing
the one at home. She was glad she had
brought a fake tree though; finding pine needles in strange places was not
how she planned on spending the New Year.
"Found
one." The voice echoed around the woodland.
Tess
turned towards Nikki to see her standing by a wide tree trunk, she approached,
the blonde. "So what have you found then?"
Nikki
turned to face the tree, moving around its trunk, "Here...this, come
and see this. It feels really interesting,
lots of swirls and oval shapes in connecting patterns, I bet this tree is
very old; it feels kind of...um...distinguished.
Tess
moved around to look at the blondes find.
Nikki moved her hands away, and Tess cocked her head to one side, looking
at the knot. She realised it really
was an interesting looking pattern. "Does this capture you?" She
asked.
Sensitive
fingers returned to the trunk, "Yes."
"I
can see why." Tess stepped back two spaces and took a shot of the trunk,
"There you have more or less just captured your first picture."
Nikki
beamed, "Hmm, guess so...does this mean, you will frame it and stick
it on the wall." She joked.
"If
that's what you want then sure."
Standing
silently the blonde wandered in thought, Tess frowned wondering why the sudden
silence. "Nikki?"
"Yes?"
"Are
you ok...I thought you zoned out on me for a moment."
"I
was just thinking." She leaned back against the trunk.
"About?"
"About...how
you have opened up a whole new world for me.
You make me see things the way you do, and I never thought that would
ever be possible, but in a way it is. Before,
when I wanted to know what something looked like, I would use my fingers to
get a perception...you make me feel it too, the way a vision moves you emotionally...does
that make any sense?"
Tess
stepped forward, "Yes, I think so."
Nikki
reached out her hand and Tess met her half way, entwining their fingers together,
she pulled the photographer closer and smiled, "You make me feel a lot
of things."
"Really!
Well care to show me what you are feeling?"
A
dainty hand released the sinewy fingers and travelled up Tess's arm, until
she reached her neck. Pulling the dark
head forward she smiled, "My pleasure."
With
nobody around, and her mobile phone left safely back at the house, Tess sunk
into the kiss, taking her time with the prospect that there would be no interruptions
this time.
*******
They arrived back at the house half an hour later, cheeks flushed from the cold, and full of exhilaration. Opening the back door, Nikki was first to hear the sound of strange Christmas carols coming from the front of the house. With a frown she asked Tess what it was.
The
photographer blushed, "Well it's um...my old Disney Christmas album. My dad brought it me when I was really young
and every year, we would play it while putting up the tree." She laughed,
"Seems mum found it...damn, and I had stuck it right at the back of my
album collection as well...she must have really searched for it."
They
walked though the house to the sound of squeaky voice mice singing ‘Oh come
all ye faithful.' And Nikki giggled to herself at the thought of Tess owning
this album.
They
entered the front room to find the tree standing, but only half decorated. Lights were on but the decorations had yet to
be placed on the fake branches. Instead
Tess found Lisa and her mother going through her collection of old LP's.
Hyacinth
looked up at Nikki and her daughter, "Ah Tessa honey there you are, I
was wondering...where's that ‘Fairy Tale Christmas' Album we used to own,
I know you took it with you when you left?"
The
photographer tried to stop her blushed, didn't she had a reputation to uphold
here so something? "Oh I don't
know mum, it is not like I have played it since I was a kid, it could be anywhere."
Hyacinth
continued her perusal; "I know you must have it here somewhere. You know I cannot put up Christmas decorations
without the proper background ambiance."
Nikki
pulled off her coat smiling, "What were the songs on it?" she enquired,
"I bet if we ask real nice, Tess will sing one for us." The photographers' eyes bulged, "Or we all could sing one."
Tess
looked at Nikki, "Err Nik, that isn't such a good idea."
"Yeah."
Lisa added, "Nikki's singing voice is on par with Leto's howling."
"Is
not!"
Tess
laughed, "Oh I am sure you have a lovely voice Nik."
Nikki
grinned sheepishly, "Well I wouldn't go that far, but it isn't as bad
as Leto's howling that's for damn sure."
Tess
took Nikki's jacket as she left the room, taking off her own in the process
and hanging them both up on the coat hooks near the front door. Sudden laughing caught her attention, so she
jogged back to see what all the commotion was about. Leto sat stock-still in the centre of the room, as Hyacinth draped
tinsel around her neck and golden stars from her ears; the golden mutt did
not look impressed.
The
photographer smiled, "Leto come here." The dog trotted over relieved.
"What are you trying to do...she has a reputation to uphold you know,
Leto here is a savage killer guard dog." Tess told her mother.
Hyacinth
put her hands on hips, "Honey I have seen snails with more bite in them
than that doggie."
With
a pout Tess removed the glistening objects, "Don't you listen to them
‘tow tow' we both know you are trained in lethal doggie martial arts...with
one look alone you could stop an intruder on sight."
Eyes
round with innocence, Leto fell to the floor and rolled onto her back, legs
hanging limply in the air. Hyacinth
arched an eyebrow and looked sceptically at her daughter.
Tess
rose to her feet. "It's a clever manipulative disguise...designed to
fool the sorts of people with criminal intent." She stated simply.
"Uh
huh." Hyacinth moved back over to the decorations, where Nikki was inspecting
each one with curiosity.
"Oh
by the way I shall be going to see Ida tonight."
Tess
nodded. "Ok." Ida was a friend of her mothers, and they had known
each other for many years. Whenever
Hyacinth would come back up to visit her daughter, she would go and see Ida.
"I'm
going too." Lisa stated.
Nikki
turned to her sister, "Why are you going?"
"Because
it is Ida Simms, as in Sally's grandmother...I can't believe it, small world
huh? Anyway Sally told me she was spending Christmas at her grand mothers
this year, so I though I would go and see her.
I did ring first...while you were out, and it's ok for me to go as
well, Cinthy doesn't mind either."
"Oh...ok."
Nikki replied.
A
secret smile etched its way onto the photographers face as a sudden idea formulated
in her mind.
*******
The
bathroom was unusually large, mainly due to the fact that the last occupants
of the house had used the adjacent storeroom to increase its size. The two rooms had been knocked into one, making
it almost as big as Tess's kitchen. The
walls were tiled a light aqua green, broken only by a blue Celtic knot going
around the middle. The tiling however
was Tess's idea, as when she had first brought the house the walls were painted
a ‘sickening' yellow that she had to get rid of immediately.
The
large tub was by the far wall, and very similar to the Celtic design in colour.
The floor was also tiled, but a simple cream colour that Tess thought
complemented the blue and greens of the room. On the opposite wall to the
bathtub was an overly large rectangle window.
It was lower than most common windows, and provided an excellent view
of the forest, that was now bathed in a soft moonlit hue, outlining the snow
covered trees.
Standing
by the large tub, Tess turned on the water filling it quickly, and then pulled
her long dark hair into a roll, keeping it out of the way. Hyacinth and Lisa had left not ten minutes before,
leaving Nikki and herself alone, and while Nikki was in the living room, playing
with Leto, she had disappeared up stairs.
Moving
over to a small cupboard, Tess pulled out a large bottle of unopened, lavender
bubble bath and poured a generous amount into the rapidly filling tub. Hyacinth was right, she had never used this
room before, but now with the blondes' presence, she could think of no better
reason to start.
*******
Nikki
sat on the floor; legs out-stretched with Leto flopped out over her thighs.
Idly her hands stroked the golden dog, as her mind wandered.
So much had changed, and in such a short space of time. It was Christmas Eve already, and a few weeks ago she would have
expected the day to be so much different to how things had actually turned
out.
Tomorrow
was Christmas, and not just that but her twenty forth birthday as well. It was the day she was looking forward to and
dreading just as much, for a long time. Her life was about to make a huge
change, and she was unsure how ready she was for this.
Sighing,
she let her head fall back on the sofa behind, and closed her eyes, Tess had
disappeared some minutes ago and she was beginning to wonder where the photographer
was. She smiled thinking of the woman whom had so unexpectedly stolen her
heart...or was it unexpectedly? From
the first moment she had met the mysterious woman, she had felt an irresistible
pull, but even so she would have never expected things to turn out the way
they did. Still Tess had been there for her...and had stood by her one hundred
percent. Deep down inside, Nikki knew
that support was unwavering.
The
blonde listened as she heard footsteps pad their way down the carpeted staircase.
Moments later, she was aware of Tess's presence in the room, the brunette
standing by the doorway.
"I
thought you had up and left me."
Tess
smiled, "Nope just sorting a few things out."
"Oh...so
what were you up to?"
"Hopefully
a surprise for you."
Nikki
gently eased a protesting Leto off her legs and stood up, "Really, care
to share?"
Walking
into the front room, Tess took Nikki by the hand and led her to the stairs,
"If ma'am would follow me, all will be revealed." She walked just
in front of Nikki, as they made their way up the stairs and stopped just out
side the bathroom. Tess bit her lip
as she pushed the door open and allowed Nikki into the steam filled room.
The
first thing to hit the blonde was the smell; it was lavender, faint but very
relaxing. It was hot as well, suddenly
her clothes felt heavy as a mist of steam caressed her face. "What is this?" She asked, not wanting
to jump to any conclusions but hoping to god it was what she thought it was.
Tess
sucked on her bottom lip, a usual gesture of nervousness as she shuffled from
one foot to another. "Um...well you know...being as though we have the
place to ourselves, I thought it was time for a little indulgence."
"Uh
huh?"
"So...I
thought we could um...soak in the tub together while drinking Champaign...well
it is not actually Champaign, more a sparkling wine but you get what I mean...and
don't smirk like that when you know damn well I am nervous as hell here."
Tess whined.
Nikki's
shook her head, "I am not smirking at you.
It is just that I find you so endearing, do you think people would
be shocked if they saw this side of you?"
"Only
you get to see this side of me."
"Well
I think I like it." She took a step closer reaching out her hand, and
found purchase of one cotton-covered arm. "I also like the surprise as
well...very much."
Grinning,
Tess pulled Nikki into her body, "I hoped you would." Leaning down
she captured soft lips in a gentle kiss, which finished far too quickly for
Nikki. "Of course it does mean loosing a few...well
all of these!" she tugged at the smaller woman's clothes.
"I
think that can be arranged."
Tess
lent forward and re-captured the inviting lips, keeping the kiss light as
she un-tucked Nikki's shirt from her jeans and pulled it over her head. Hot, steamy air caressed pale skin, and not
being able to resist, Tess looked down at the body in front of her. "You really are beautiful!" She stated.
Nikki
smiled shyly, "I will take your word for that."
"You
can." The photographer pulled Nikki close, "As long as you know
it is true."
Nikki
pushed up on her toes, finding Tess's lips instantly and claimed them in a
deep penetrating kiss. Lips parting
and hungry tongues connected, stoking a slow burning fire within them both.
Smaller
hands moved gracefully up the taller woman's torso, delicately looking for
access to the unfamiliar garment Tess was wearing. A belt was found, tied in a loose knot, and Nikki easily pulled it
apart, allowing the fabric of the photographers robe to fall open. Hesitantly her hands moved under the garment
and connected with an expanse of naked flesh, she gasped slightly, and pushed
her hands to the taller woman's shoulders, moving the robe off her body, and
leaving Tess naked in the humid room.
Breaking
the kiss Tess pulled away, and gently turned the blonde around. Placing soft
kisses on her shoulders, she moved her hands around to the front of the body
and undid her jeans, snapping each button as a kiss was placed across Nikki's
back. Once all were unclasped, she
pushed her hands into waist of the rough fabric, feeling her fingers burn
on contact with the desired skin as she pushed the jeans down. She took all
other garments with her, pulling off shoes and socks when she reached small
feet. Tess could hear Nikki's breathing,
deep and ragged; yet she stopped herself from looking up at the body in front
of her. Her desire was high already
and she wanted this night to last. Pushing
up quickly, Tess undid Nikki's final item of clothing, her bra, then led her
over to the bathtub. Nikki felt the
increase in heat as she approached the steaming tub.
"You
first." Tess said, and held Nikki's hand as the blonde climbed into the
bath, getting a feel of her surroundings.
Hyacinth was right, it was large and she realised that she could probably
sit down in any direction and be able to stretch her legs out straight.
Tess
climbed in behind her and moved to the side of the tub, leaning against the
back as she too stretched out her legs. Naturally
they came together, and Nikki moved in between the long legs, leaning back
against the body behind. She felt soft
breasts and hardened nipples flush against her back, and sighed at the increasingly
arousing contact.
They
lay together for some minutes, Tess behind the blonde, her hands around the
slim waist, fingers clasped firmly together.
She was holding off her desire to explore the body stretched out before
her, already feeling liquid heat surge through her. She looked down at the smaller body, willing her fingers to keep
still for the time being.
Nikki
was first to break the silence, "Did you say something about sparkling
wine?"
Tess
blinked out of her haze, "Oh yeah." She twisted slightly to the
bottle and two already half filled glasses on the side.
Picking one up she held it in front of the blonde and guided her hand
towards the flute. "I know it
is a little clichÈ but I guess I was just trying for romantic."
Nikki
accepted the glass and smiled, taking a sip of the sweet, fizzy liquid, "Well
you are succeeding."
Picking
up her own glass, she took a drink, "Thank you...you don't watch enough
sappy romantic films as a child without learning a thing or two."
"You
watched romantic movies?" Nikki asked with an amused frown.
"No
my mum did, and I used to get lumbered with watching them as well."
"Ah
yeah, just like I used to get lumbered with watching history documentaries
with my dad...he said it would benefit me.
Personally I think he just wanted some company...but I tell you this,
you name any event in history and I bet I can tell you when it happened. For some reasons I seemed to have a memory for
dates and things, probably due to over exposing to the history channel."
Tess
chuckled, "The history channel would have been more entertaining than
all that romantic rubbish I am sure."
Nikki
arched her brows, "Oh so now it is rubbish!"
The
photographer took another drink, and then put down her glass, "Watching
that crap yes...being here with you...absolutely not."
"Uh
hmm." Nikki sighed deeply, sinking into the taller woman's embrace. Draining the last of her glass, she passed it
back to Tess who placed it by her own.
There
was a sudden and comfortable silence, broken only by the rustling of branches
as they moved about in the wind outside. Looking
out the window, Tess could make out snow falling once again, the white flakes
shining in the moonlight, and gentle beam of a distant security light.
Laying
her head back onto the rim of the tub, Tess closed her eyes and concentrated
on only thought and feelings. Almost
independently her fingers began to move, making small lazy circles on the
blondes stomach. She felt her body
temperature rise, making her feel light headed but still fully conscious of
her surroundings.
Sensing
the sudden increase in the brunettes' desire, Nikki right hand came up and
lay onto of Tess's, as her left travelled down the firm thigh against her
own. She explored the soft flesh, slowly running
up and down the contours of Tess's leg, delighting in the sinewy mouldings.
Her other hand, lying limply on top of the larger one, followed Tess's uncertain
movements. The hand moved over hot
skin, up along ribs but stopping before reaching the breasts and moving back
down again and over her stomach.
"Tess?"
Nikki asked desperately, her voice an octave deeper.
The
photographer opened her eyes and looked down along the body in front, taking
in the soft pink flush of aroused flesh. "Hmm?"
Feeling
self-conscious about voicing her desires but needing a more intimate touch,
Nikki hesitated only briefly before pulling the hand underneath her own, up
to cover her breast. She sighed as
the hand cupped the soft mound, then gasped as her nipple was captured between
finger and thumb. Tess groaned as the
nipple hardened under her touch, and the aching desire within her increased.
Nikki's
head fell back, moving to the side and tilting so she was facing the brunette.
Tess looked down into glazed blue eyes, and bent her head, capturing
the blondes' lips with her own. The kiss was long and deep, increasingly passionate
and broken only by sporadic gasps as Tess's other hand covered the smaller
woman's neglected breast. Moving slowly against each other their kisses
persisted for some minutes, hands gently exploring exposed warm flesh.
Feeling
an intense need for air Tess pulled away, her breathing ragged and shallow.
Mounting desire burned within, and the need to feel more of Nikki overpowered
her senses. She pushed herself to a sitting position; forcing
the blonde to do the same, "Turn around." She stated in a breathless
whisper.
With
slight trepidation Nikki did as requested, lifting herself slightly in order
to face the brunette; she wrapped her shorter legs around Tess's waist.
The
larger woman looked down, "Are you ok?" She asked, running her hands
over soaked skin.
"Yeah,
but...I'm a little unsure of...well I want to...you know ...please you, but
what if I..."
"Shh."
Tess placed her finger on swollen lips, "Nikki I love you, you make me
feel wonderful just by holding my hand; do you understand what I am getting
at?"
She
nodded, "I think so."
Tess
took both hands and placed them on her sides, "I am yours; all you have
to do is touch me." She smiled at the sudden surge of confidence in the
blondes' features. Lips merged again
in escalating arousal, and Nikki moved her hands over Tess, investigating,
perceiving and memorising every nuance of the larger body. Finding pliant breasts, the blonde couldn't
resist the craving to taste the soft flesh, and she pulled away from the kiss,
capturing a rapidly swelling nipple in her mouth and moaning in delight.
Tess
groaned and placed her hand on the back of Nikki's head, assuring the contact,
as her other hand moved down to pull them both into an intimate touch. They both gasped at the feel of hot, silken
and swollen flesh connecting for the first time.
Nikki
pulled away, wrapping her arms around Tess's neck and leaning her forehead
against the brunettes. An aching need
was rapidly building inside of her, one so unfamiliar in its intensity.
They
moved together, building speed as the water moved in waves around them, occasionally
spilling over the side of the tub, onto the tiled floor below.
Tess gripped the blonde firmly, moving her harder, feeling their swollen
desires rub deliciously against one another.
She was close.
Gripping
firm shoulders Nikki sucked hard on the photographers' neck, and then gasped
pulling away as feelings of electricity, throbbing in intensity coiled within
her. "Tess?" She groaned into the woman's neck.
Tess
whimpered, "Just...let go." She growled, every nerve alive and beginning
to spiral out of control.
Nikki
cried out as it began, her orgasm shooting through her, limbs taught, and
body trembling with release.
"Oh...God."
Tess shouted as her body succumbed to its ultimate pleasure, overpowering
her senses and leaving her helpless in its onslaught.
They
rode out the waves together, milking their release and prolonging the sensations
for as long as possible, until both women went limp in each other's arms.
They sat leaning against each other, after shocks still rolling through
both bodies; heavy breathing filled the air.
It was minutes before either woman moved away, both too content to
stay in the comfort of each other's arms.
Tess pulled away slightly, placing tiny kisses on Nikki's forehead,
eyes, nose, chin, and then finally her lips. "You ok?" She asked
still breathless.
Nikki
nodded.
"I
take it that was a yes?"
She
nodded again, still breathing heavily.
Tess
smirked, "You not talking to me now?"
The
blonde grinned before clearing her throat, "I wasn't sure I still had
my...voice."
"Sounds
fine to me...beautiful in fact."
"Good."
Nikki blushed, "I um...I have never...um...wow." She whispered.
Tess
chuckled and pushed her hands through the blonde hair, noticing how it appeared
more golden when wet. "Uh huh."
"When
can we do that again?" She asked shyly.
A
toothy smile spread across the photographers face, as desire reasserted its
self. Looking down and seeing Nikki's
legs still firmly wrapped around her waist, she pushed herself up to a standing
position. Water cascaded down both
bodies, splashing into the tub below. "How
long will it take us to get dried?"
Nikki
leaned forward, pressing her lips against Tess's collarbone and swiping her
tongue along the protrusion, "The bed sheets are pretty absorbent."
She mumbled into the succulent neck.
Tess
stepped out the bath, careful not to stand in the wet puddles they had created
earlier, "I agree." With
Nikki firmly encased in her arms, Tess carried her to the bedroom, leaving
a soppy wet trail of footprints along the hallway carpet as she did so. Entering the room, Tess kicked the door firmly shut after ordering
one golden mutt out of the room. Nikki
smiled as she heard the answering huff from the dog.
Placing
her precious cargo on the bed, Tess lay beside the woman, "Strange that
I don't feel cold." She stated absentmindedly, "I mean considering
we are pretty much still wet."
"Maybe
we are keeping each other warm." Nikki remarked, her fingers finding
Tess as they sunk into dark silken locks.
"And you are right, because I for one know that I'm still very
wet." Shocked at her unexpected admission, Nikki fell
silent, a coy grin on her lips.
Tess
couldn't help but chuckle silently at the remark, "Well far be it from
me not to take care of my lovers needs." She growled and rolled on top
of Nikki attaching her lips to a succulent neck...much to the blondes delight.
"And
what are you planning on doing?" She asked breathlessly.
"I
plan on spending the rest of this evening fulfilling your every whim and desire."
Nikki
gasped as a nipple was captured in the brunettes' mouth, "I have...a
lot of whims that need...Oh...satisfying."
Tess
pulled away, "I hope so." She replied and then returned to her pleasurable
task.
End
of chapter 10
continued in Chapter 11