Chapter Text
"What should I wear?"
Bobbie tossed items hurriedly out of her closet. She pulled out every piece of clothing she'd brought and laid various outfits out around her bedroom. Nothing seemed good enough.
"Wear whatever you want," came the nonchalant answer, like her entire future wasn't riding on this dinner.
Panic started setting in. "Wear whatever?" Bobbie repeated the statement in disbelief.
She grabbed a top from over here and a set of slacks from over there and laid them together. It looked terrible. This whole thing was a terrible idea. Bobbie began to convince herself that she wasn't ready for this.
"I can't just wear whatever," she said firmly. She dropped down to sit at the edge of the bed. Shaking her head, her tone grew discouraged. "I don't think I should go."
After a few seconds of staring at the clothing now strewn around, her companion quietly requested, "Look at me."
With a downcast sigh, she looked across the room to the device that was propped up in a chair. Her expression was crestfallen and Chrisjen looked back at her on the screen with a sympathetic close lipped smile.
"Please, come." The Earther's voice was so sincere. "They want to meet you. I want them to meet you."
Dramatically falling back on the bed, Bobbie let out a loud groan of frustration. She heard the other woman chuckle on the video call.
"It's not funny," she said, disheartened.
Chrisjen replied, lighthearted, "Fuck, Bobbie, they're not monsters."
Rolling to her side, the Martian looked at the screen. Her girlfriend's look was soft and it pulled Bobbie in like it always did. She was fairly sure this was a look that Chrisjen used on purpose to get her way. Even knowing so, the young woman couldn't resist it.
"Will Ashanti be there?" She asked the question thinking that Ashanti practically was a monster, though that thought wasn't fair. It was complicated.
Chrisjen gave a single nod. "She will be, but I'll be with you the entire time."
"You promise?"
"I promise," Chrisjen confirmed. "I would never throw you to the wolves, at least not the first time."
Shifting, Bobbie crawled across the bed to plop down on the other side, closest to the chair she had Chrisjen virtually sitting in. She leaned in.
"Fine," she agreed faintly.
With a satisfied smirk, Chrisjen said, "Good. I'll come get you in a half hour."
Bobbie eyes went wide. "A half hour!" Before she could protest and insist she needed more time, the older woman ended the call and the screen went blank.
"Chris-"
She exhaled roughly, trying and failing to stop a smile from forming. That woman, she thought. Bobbie adored her.
Standing, she took a few steps to come to the large window in her bedroom. Taking the curtain, Bobbie swept her arm to the side, swiftly opening the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight. She blinked her eyes closed and waited only a moment before feeling the sun's warmth seep through the glass and melt over her. It felt wonderful.
Opening her lids with a squint, the Martian let her pupils adjust to the brightness. Soon, she was looking out over the massive city of New Delhi. Gaze darting around, Bobbie took it in. It sprawled almost as far as the eye could see, trees speckled around and lush courtyard gardens between the buildings. She'd found that her vision seemed drawn to the natural colors of the plant life, never having been in a place that bloomed like India.
Every other time she'd spent any significant time on Earth, she had been relegated to the urban jungle of New York. Chrisjen had always made sure they took frequent walks to the few available beaches, but nothing had prepared her for this place.
They had arrived two weeks ago in New Delhi, India, landing far outside the city limits at a makeshift landing zone. Bobbie had looked all around, fascinated. Tall, thick trees, rolling green landscape, mountains in the distance with vegetation growing as far up the incline as the oxygen would allow, it was the most beautiful land Bobbie had ever seen. An unending blue sky was above them, not a trace of dust to be seen. Now, she was truly able to see what the rains had yielded. Wild flowers grew on the ground at her feet and it looked as if thick forests lay far off.
Chrisjen had insisted the United Nations get to their newly selected headquarters location as soon as possible, and with a largely unaffected infrastructure, New Delhi had proven to be exactly the jump start they needed. The UN government was coming back together like panels of a quilt that had been prepped and were now finally being sewn together.
The city had graciously given them a high rise tower to operate out of, which was rendered empty when most of the renting corporations had ceased to exist. The building ultimately doubled as quarters for much of the UN personnel that had been living on Luna.
That's where Bobbie was living, on one of the top floors in an apartment that more than met her needs. The Secretary General's suite was just down the hall on the same floor… for security reasons, obviously. Chrisjen had been able to spend a good amount of time with her family since they got here. Bobbie saw the difference it made in Chrisjen for her to be around her family. They seemed to center her, replenish her in a way that Bobbie couldn't, and that she was sure no one else other than her family could.
Today, they were having their first large family gathering. Chrisjen's sister and her husband, their children and grandchildren, Ashanti and the boys, and a few others that made it in from neighboring countries to greet their matriarch back to Mother Earth.
Chrisjen had invited Bobbie the day before, insisting there was no expectation, but Bobbie could tell the woman truly wanted her to come. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint her. Truth be told, the situation completely terrified her. But to make Chrisjen happy, she could get through one dinner.
Turning back to the random pile of clothing on the bed, Bobbie sifted through it until she found something that would work. Then, she put a brush to her freshly showered hair.
********************
Exactly thirty minutes later, a knock sounded at Bobbie's door. She took a last look in the mirror. It seemed okay. Anyway, it would have to do. Releasing a slow breath, she lifted her chin and forced a confident expression on her face. She grabbed her things and went to the door. Attempting to appear completely comfortable, Bobbie opened it.
Her gaze fell on Chrisjen and the familiar feeling of air being stolen from her lungs invaded her chest. The woman was stunning. The crazy thing was that she looked less done up than normal. It must've been the sweep of the front of her hair and the way it settled over the edge of her eyebrow at her temple. Maybe it was her eye shadow. Suddenly she realized it was the fact that Chrisjen was wearing the same sari she'd been wearing the day they met for the first time, really met, that day on the beach. The day Chrisjen had convinced her they needed each other. If she'd known then what would happen between them… maybe she'd already started fantasizing about it.
Chrisjen looked her up and down, the approval evident on her face. Bobbie had never been more grateful that her girlfriend had gradually been stocking her closet. The silken kelly green sleeveless blouse was one of Bobbie's favorites, though this was the first time she'd worn it. She liked the color. It reminded her of the beautiful landscape she was slowly falling in love with. She complimented it with cream colored slacks. The most difficult part of her look had been the smooth waves Bobbie had made in her hair.
"My god, is that a handbag?" Chrisjen asked, feigning astonishment.
Bobbie rolled her eyes. "It is." She quickly added, self consciously, "I feel like I look ridiculous so please don't make fun of me."
"You look perfect," she said sweetly. "I like your hair like that."
"Yeah?" Bobbie easily stepped into her space, shifting her bag under her arm and setting her hands at the curve of Chrisjen's hips.
"Mhmm," the Earther hummed, eyes darting down to her lips. "Perfect."
Bobbie leaned in, placing a chaste and soft kiss on her mouth. The second she moved to release Chrisjen's lips, the older woman quickly moved in to capture another kiss. They came apart slowly, eyes on each other until Chrisjen started looking her over again.
Holding up a finger, she said, "One finishing touch."
She turned back down the hall, hurriedly walking back to her suite. Back in just only a minute, Bobbie watched her hold up one of her less ornate necklaces.
"No, Chrisjen, that'll be too much."
"No, it won't," she insisted.
"You already said I look perfect!"
Chrisjen gave her an affectionate look and gently told her, "Turn."
Another roll of her eyes and a sigh and Bobbie begrudgingly turned around. She swept her hair to one side as Chrisjen reached around. She felt the heavy necklace settle on her collarbones, then gentle fingertips grazing over her skin as her girlfriend fastened the clasp.
Adjusting the necklace, Chrisjen whispered a tidy, "There."
Bobbie turned back around and her hands out to her sides, showing off her bling. "Now how do I look?"
Small smile still in place, she replied, "You could be wearing one of those old t shirts of yours with fucking sweat pants and you would look perfect."
The statement surprised Bobbie a little and left her without a comeback. Her response was to place another honest kiss on Chrisjen's cheek, giving her a scent of floral perfume that left her captivated by her companion.
"We should get going," Bobbie said quietly.
Chrisjen nodded and they walked down the hall to her private elevator. Taking it down and out the nearby back door, Bobbie opened the passenger side door of an unmarked UN vehicle. Chrisjen climbed in and the Martian closed the door. Out of habit, she glanced around to check if anyone was watching. All clear. Bobbie walked around and got into the driver's seat.
Now this was new to her. She'd been driving for exactly two weeks. Mars had an elaborate civilian transportation system that mostly every citizen used. Here, people still mostly drove wherever they needed to go. Though cars were certainly nothing like spaceships, Bobbie thought she was getting it down pretty well.
Pushing the button to start the thing, she looked at the small dashboard controls, while Chrisjen entered the address into the sat nav for her. Reverse was something she was still having problems with. Putting the car in gear, she backed out slowly… very slowly. Looking over, she saw Chrisjen's lips pursed together suppressing a smile.
"Stop," Bobbie said flatly.
"It's so fucking cute."
Then it was Bobbie who grinned.
Soon, they were on the highway and Bobbie initiated the self driving mechanism. The two women settled in as Chrisjen began to tell her girlfriend all the important details of the people she was about to meet.
They got closer to their destination and Bobbie's nerves grew more edgy. Chrisjen seemed confident this would go well, but the jitters had her anxious that she would do or say something stupid. She began to look out the window at the passing countryside.
After almost a half hour trip, the car automatically disengaged the self-driving feature as Bobbie pulled into a long driveway. The property was sprawling, though she didn't expect less. They pulled up to a large modern kerala style home. Greenery crawled up in the porch posts and flowers seemed to be blooming all over.
They opened their doors to climb out, Bobbie instinctively moving around to offer Chrisjen a hand that the woman never really needed but always took.
What sounded like a welcome came from the front porch. Bobbie looked to see a woman she quickly identified as Chrisjen's sister, Diya. She made her way up to them, embracing Chrisjen tightly. They spoke to each other in a language Bobbie didn't recognize, but the warmth between them was something she could certainly see.
Diya turned to her with a knowing look. Stepping over, Bobbie was caught off guard when Diya greeted her in the same way she did her sister, arms tightly around her shoulders. Stiff and with wide eyes, the Martian froze. She wasn't accustomed to such easy episodes of touch, but Diya didn't let go until Bobbie lightly placed her hands on the woman's upper back.
Pulling back, Diya grabbed her hand and shook it firmly. "You must be Bobbie Draper."
"Uh," Bobbie stumbled, "... yes, ma'am."
"Please, you don't have to call me ma'am, call me Diya. I'm not the Secretary General of the UN after all." She laughed lightly at her own joke and Bobbie couldn't help but let out a tiny chuckle herself. "Come, girls, come inside."
Linking her arm with Bobbie's, Chrisjen led them into the house. When they entered, the scent of cooking food instantly hit the young woman's nose. It reminded her of the countless times she'd walked into Chrisjen's home to a similar wonderful smell.
She watched as Chrisjen was wrapped up in tight hug after tight hug. It was so different to see her like this. The older woman hadn't smiled this wide for this long in ages. There were about ten people in the house and Bobbie had soon met them all, save for one she already knew.
Ashanti sat in an easy chair in the corner. She made eye contact with Bobbie, holding an expression Bobbie couldn't quite place. Attempting a small smile, it still stung when Ashanti turned away.
Just then, a voice whispered near her ear. "Ignore her." Looking over, Diya was giving her a friendly grin. "She's stubborn, like her mother."
Looking back at her girlfriend's daughter, Bobbie quietly responded, "She hates me."
"She hates everyone, dear." Bobbie glanced at her again, pleasantly surprised by the reply. "At least that's what she wants people to think."
A moment later, a familiar touch came around her torso as Chrisjen slipped an arm around her. Bobbie was grateful she was staying close by. The group made easy conversation, catching up with the ones they hadn't seen in far too long. Bobbie took in every story about Chrisjen that was offered, laughing at most.
They asked Bobbie questions about herself, to which all her answers felt inadequate. She didn't feel cultured enough, and definitely not Earther enough, to be here. As kind as they were, Bobbie wasn't sure she would ever fit in with this family.
When dinner was ready, they all gathered around the large dining room table and began to pile their plates with food. Chrisjen made Bobbie's plate for her and set it in front of her. She was a little confused when everyone, including the Secretary General, began to eat with their fingers.
Just as she was about to whisper something awkward to her girlfriend, she noticed someone slip beside her. Looking up, Ashanti was there. Bobbie's eyebrows lifted, heart leaping into her throat. Then she noticed what the woman had in her hand, several sets of silverware.
She handed Bobbie a knife and fork and quietly said, "It's a custom not all of us embrace."
Lips parting at what seemed like a peace offering, Bobbie took the silverware and watched as Ashanti gave sets to her oldest son and her cousins. Her head shot to Chrisjen, who only raised an eyebrow in response.
"I told you she'd come around."
The family ate, continuing their talking. Chrisjen would occasionally reach over and seamlessly take Bobbie's fork for a few seconds and then hand it back once she'd gotten a bite of what she wanted and went on with her fingers. Bobbie found it domestic and couldn't deny she liked it. She also liked Chrisjen's hand on her thigh under the table.
The Martian had to admit she wasn't used to this much talking. It was difficult to keep up with and the volume began to wear on her brain. Dinner was finished, but she felt herself growing antsy. Looking beyond the kitchen, Bobbie could see the garden through the windows, that green color that seemed to pull her these days.
She leaned over and whispered to Chrisjen. "Do you think it would be alright if I went outside for a minute?"
With a worried look, the older woman asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah." Bobbie tried to sound casual. "Just… uh…"
"Need a break?" Chrisjen finished. Bobbie nodded apologetically. "Of course, go." Chrisjen made a shooing motion with her hand.
Quietly rising from her chair, Bobbie made her way through the kitchen and out the back door. Coming onto the back porch, her shoulders finally relaxed and she took a deep breath in through her nose, releasing it through open lips. Her mind began to clear and heart rate decreased.
Stepping off the porch, she walked through the garden. Beds and boxes of foliage were all around. It reminded her so much of all the future models of Mariner Valley she'd seen since she was a kid. As a Marine Bobbie had been willing to fight and die for the chance to make Mars like this - a breathable atmosphere, a beautiful thriving planet, and now she was living on it. Mars seemed to be leaving that dream behind, but Bobbie wasn't. A place like this was still her dream. It seemed more and more every day as if she'd found it.
After she had been wandering for a while, lost in her thoughts, Bobbie caught sight of someone on the porch. It was Diya. The woman made her way up to Bobbie.
Looking at her warmly, Diya observed, "We can be a little overwhelming."
"No," Bobbie insisted. "I'm just not used to big families."
"Understood." She watched Bobbie for a second before asking, "May I walk with you?"
"Sure."
Bobbie grinned a little when her girlfriend's sister locked arms with her. They began to walk the edge of the garden and Diya proceeded to tell her about every plant around them. Her voice was quiet, soothing and it relaxed Bobbie. It was clear she didn't expect any response from the Martian and it was a relief.
After a few moments of quiet, Diya commented, "My sister loves you."
She released Bobbie's arm as the Martian turned to face her. "I love her too," Bobbie admitted easily.
"What are your intentions with her?"
Another easy answer. "To be with her as long as she'll have me, keep her safe for the rest of her life."
"And you'll stay on Earth?" Diya emphasized the inquiry. "Give up your home world?"
"Mars isn't my home anymore," Bobbie said sadly. "I've spent enough time on Earth to acclimate to the gravity three times… three times." She held up her index finger. "Once when Chrisjen took me in after I defected from the MMC." Another finger. "Two, when I came back from the Ring Gates and she tried everything to keep me from being court martialed." A third finger. "Three, right now."
"All for her?"
"To be with her for every day, every minute that I could be." Bobbie sighed. "Adjusting to this without meds is… very taxing." It was an understatement. "But I'll do it as many times as I have to if it means staying with her."
Diya gave a half smile, seeming satisfied with the answer. "You know she's significantly older than you?"
Bobbie chuckled under her breath. "I do know that, and if I hadn't known it already, everyone has pointed it out to me, yes."
"It doesn't bother you?"
Thinking, Bobbie answered quietly. "Chrisjen is beyond me in every way, and she is the most remarkable person on this planet." She looked at Diya. "She understands me like no one ever has, and she still loves me for some reason. She believed in me when no one else did, took a chance on me, protected me, fought for me. If you had a chance to be with someone like that, would their age matter to you?"
Lifting her chin with another smile, Diya said, "No, I don't think it would."
Suddenly, realization dawned on Bobbie. Her eyes widened a bit. "Oh my god, is this the talk where you warn me you'll kill me if I hurt her?"
Diya laughed at that. "Very perceptive."
"Diya, I adore your sister," Bobbie said sincerely.
The older woman nodded. "Good."
Just then, a voice Bobbie was more accustomed to sounded from the porch. "Tea is ready."
Diya and Bobbie turned to Chrisjen and began to walk back toward the house. Diya went up the steps and inside while Bobbie stayed on the bottom step, looking up at Chrisjen. Taking two steps up, she was close enough to wrap her arms around the woman's waist. She liked this perspective, her girlfriend slightly taller on the step above.
Chrisjen leaned in and placed an easy kiss on Bobbie's lips, hands resting lightly at the crook of her neck. Never satisfied with one, Bobbie took another slow kiss, then one more.
"She likes you," Chrisjen said.
"I thought it was going well, but I appreciate the confirmation." A little sarcastic, she added, "And Ashanti gave me a fork. It's a stellar evening."
Chrisjen laughed and it sounded beautiful. "Get through tea and we'll go home." She pulled Bobbie into a hug. "I love you for being here."
********************
It was coming together. Almost eight months after the attack, it was finally beginning to come together. There was still a decades long road ahead of them, but at least Earth was finally on the journey back to itself. For all the bad still out there today, tangible steps were being taken toward a better tomorrow.
Since the sky broke and the rains came, much of the planet was healing itself. Ecosystems were coming back to life, farmlands across the globe were fertile again, and waters flowed freely into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Evacuations had all been completed, finishing the difficult process of closing off large regions of unstable land. In some instances, entire small countries had to be abandoned. Historical cities lay in ruins and, though the decision to leave those places to decay had been agonizing, letting go helped them all move forward.
Massive salvage efforts had been underway for a time now in stable cities. Building materials were stripped and recycled, allowing repairs to infrastructure to take place as well as establishing new towns. It was actually quite uplifting to see.
The work to do on Earth was overwhelming, but the time had come for the Mother planet to turn one eye toward the expanse again. After all, a new conflict waged in deep space and the UN still had a military capable of assisting. It was a delicate balance, however, and one Chrisjen wasn't quite ready to try. Earth couldn't take anymore loss, nor could they let Mars and the Belt defend the system on their own. Two battlefronts - home and space. It would take the right people in the right places to make it all work.
Earth, Mars, and the Belt, united. It had been Chrisjen's dream for years now. Cynically, she wasn't surprised it took a war to make it happen. With her cabinet finally solidified, she was free to begin setting some new goals. Their best bet at making the biggest contribution to the war effort would be to align with Mars, inject some UN force into the already substantial Martian fleet.
The Prime Minister was certainly an ally. He would welcome Earth's help, but there was no way Chrisjen was leaving the surface after the fight it took to get here. She couldn't go to Mars herself, someone would have to go in her stead to coordinate. Of course, there was only one logical choice, though she hated it, and she knew the other party would hate it as well.
Suddenly, the Secretary General was pulled from her thoughts when her handheld chimed an alert. A reflexive tiny half smile came to her lips upon seeing Bobbie's name on the screen with the simple message 'Lunch today?'
Chrisjen was stacked with meetings and only alone now as she'd kicked everyone the fuck out for five minutes of peace. She was getting too old for this.
Quickly, she typed back, 'Can you bring something to the office?'
Standing from the comfy chair behind her desk, Chrisjen walked to the large floor to ceiling windows at the outside wall of her office. The building they'd been gifted was tall enough to see all around, from the heart of New Delhi to the mountains that lay far north. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine all her plans and ambitions bringing her back to this place. Chrisjen was beyond grateful to be home.
The device in her hand chimed again. She looked. 'Absolutely. See you soon.'
She was even more grateful that she hadn't come home alone.
A second later there was a knock on her door. Chrisjen sighed. One more long meeting and then some time with her love. "Come," she said firmly, stepping back to her desk.
*********************
A couple of tired hours later, the scent of sustenance wafted to Chrisjen's nose as Bobbie began to unpack the boxes of food. Sitting on the small sofa in her office, the older woman stared out the windows, thankful when Bobbie brought her something to eat. The Martian settled near her and began to eat.
Several minutes later, Bobbie quietly observed, "You're quiet." Chrisjen glanced at her. "And you haven't eaten a thing."
Blinking, Chrisjen realized she'd completely zoned out in a mix of distraction and exhaustion. "I'm sorry." She turned her attention to her lunch and took a bite.
"It's okay." The soft timbre of Bobbie's accent was a balm on Chrisjen's overworked brain. "Everything alright?"
Sighing deeply, the Earther set her food on the coffee table. Looking at Bobbie, Chrisjen faintly asked, "I want to talk to you about something."
Taking another quick bite, Bobbie chewed and swallowed and set her lunch down next to Chrisjen's. She sat up straight and said, "Okay. What is it?"
Gaze flitting over the younger woman's flawless features, Chrisjen tried to think of how to begin. "You know General Darcey has been appointed Secretary of the Military."
"A perfect choice," Bobbie confirmed.
Chrisjen nodded. "He believes the UN military is more than capable of assisting with this new conflict at the Ring Gates."
She watched as Bobbie narrowed her eyes slightly, apprehension coming to her expression. "This sect of Martian separatists may be small, but they are incredibly formidable," she said cautiously.
"They're fanatics," Chrisjen corrected. "And Earth cannot sit by while they try to take over the entire system."
Bobbie breathed out, slowly, considering the words. "It sounds like you already have a plan."
Nodding, the Earther continued. "Align with Mars, give them the boost their military needs to make a real stand."
The young woman watched her for a second and Chrisjen could see her mind processing something. Blinking, Bobbie stood and took thoughtful steps to the window. Rising, she followed, noticing the Martian seemed unsure for some reason. She observed Bobbie's face while she looked out the window, gaze intent on the view. Finally, she glanced back at Chrisjen.
"You already have a part for me to play in this, don't you?"
Her tone was discouraged and Chrisjen knit her brow. "I wanted to ask something of you, yes," she said. "But you can say no."
Bobbie chuckled a bit ruefully at that. Looking back out the window, she quietly replied, "No, I've never been able to say no to you." Inhaling, she squared her shoulders. Turning to Chrisjen, hands clasped behind her back, she asked, "What do you want me to do?"
Chrisjen looked her over, still not understanding her demeanor. She told Bobbie, "I want you to be my ambassador to Mars, a liaison to speak for the UN military during all this."
Lips parting, Bobbie was clearly surprised. Her shoulders slumped and her mouth opened. "Ambassador?"
Confused, Chrisjen confirmed, "Yes, ambassador."
"You don't want me to fight?"
Eyes closing, shaking her head in realization, Chrisjen quickly answered with a short, "No."
Bobbie's relief was palpable. She reached out, practically yanking Chrisjen against her and holding her tightly. The older woman wrapped her arms around her love's solid torso. Bobbie pressed her lips to Chrisjen's hair, squeezing her body close.
"I thought you wanted me to fight."
"You are a gifted strategist," Chrisjen told her. "You are more useful on a larger scale."
"I don't want to leave you," Bobbie said quietly, against her hair.
Chrisjen easily replied, "I don't want you to go."
They pulled back to look at each other. The shorter woman reached up to smooth a few errant strands on Bobbie's perfect bun. She'd been surprised to conclude months ago that she actually preferred it messy. Her hand floated to rest on Bobbie's cheek.
Softly, Chrisjen explained, "Neither one of us are the type to sit by when we could be of use. You are the best person for this job."
Thinking, Bobbie asked, "Would this be a permanent post? I would no longer work your security?"
"Yes."
Bobbie slowly released her tight hold. She nodded slowly. "How often would I have to leave?"
"A handful of times a year." Chrisjen knew Bobbie would have a lot of questions.
"For how long?"
"A few weeks, maybe a month."
The Martian meandered back to the sofa. Sitting, she asked, "Potentially half a year, every year." Her tone was hesitant.
One side of Chrisjen's lips curled into a small smile. She liked that the main component of Bobbie's line of thought was how long they would be apart. She hated the idea, too, but how could she send someone else in such a critical capacity when Bobbie Draper was clearly the best choice?
"It won't be that long," Chrisjen assured.
"Why me?"
Coming back to the sofa, Chrisjen sat lightly on the edge of the seat. She rested a hand on Bobbie's knee. "There is no one more qualified to unite the military operations of Earth and Mars," she said. "You already have a rapport with the Prime Minister, you know how the Martians operate, you know their culture, no one would have to get you up to speed." She softened her voice and finished, "I don't trust anyone else to do this."
Bobbie sighed. She looked at Chrisjen and firmly stated. "But my permanent station is here, on Earth in New Delhi."
"Of course," the Secretary-General agreed. "You only leave for a scheduled conclave. You set the schedule, and you get your gorgeous round ass back here the second said schedule is complete."
Bobbie grinned and quietly acquiesced. "Yes, ma'am."
Chrisjen scooted to sit close to her. "Thank you." She leaned over to place an easy kiss on Bobbie's soft lips. "I know this will be a transition."
"As long as you're waiting for me when I come back."
Another kiss to that perfect bottom lip. "Always."
Never one to be distracted from food, Bobbie found her lunch again and started eating while Chrisjen watched her with a grin.
********************
Mars was cold. It made sense that it would be. After all, it was over two hundred million miles farther from the sun than Earth. Not to mention that living underground increased the chill tenfold. Often it seemed impossible to get warm. A Martian might crank up their heating unit only to quickly drain their power ration and be left in the cold again.
It happened to Bobbie often. She liked being warm. Alone in her apartment in Mariner Valley, she would turn the heat up until she was almost sweating, hoping the warmth would radiate through the space. It stayed turned up until the power would suddenly go out. The young woman hadn't minded nights with no power. It was worth it for the few hours of cozy temperature.
Constant warmth was one of the things she loved most about Earth. The way the sunlight felt on her skin was intoxicating, second only to a breeze blowing her hair. It was easy to get warm on this planet.
Like right now, wrapped in soft sheets that retained the body heat of herself and her lover. A line of sunshine stretched from the window of Chrisjen's bedroom along the floor, making its way up the bed, radiating at the foot. The Earther was still asleep, undisturbed by the Martian next to her.
Bobbie watched the steady rise and fall of Chrisjen's chest, keeping still lest she wake her. It was late in the morning, a rare weekend day with only a few afternoon meetings and a wide open morning. She knew Chrisjen would scold her when she woke, insisting they not waste the time sleeping. Truth be told, this kind of time never felt like a waste to Bobbie. There was so much to be treasured in these uncommon moments.
A motionless Chrisjen Avasarala was always a sight to behold. It seemed the woman never stopped moving in her waking hours. The chance to be lazy was something Bobbie embraced for herself. Life as a Marine sergeant had given little time for respite and working for the UN Secretary-General allowed for even less. Then there was the warmth. She would keep these blankets wound around her for as long as she could and soak in the temperature.
Her lips quirked slightly as she observed Chrisjen stirring. The woman breathed in deeply and rolled to her side, facing Bobbie. When a lock of hair fell over Chrisjen's cheekbone, she fought the urge to brush it back. Gaze flitting over every inch of Chrisjen, her heart swelled. She was beautiful, and perfect, and all Bobbie's.
Unable to resist further, the young woman slipped a small distance closer. The scent of yesterday's perfume on the pillowcase drifted over, faint but still enough to draw her. Bobbie nuzzled the tip of her nose at Chrisjen's forehead before pressing her lips ever so softly to the spot. The sleeping woman breathed in and knit her brow. It was cute and Bobbie was urged to kiss the spot again. This time Chrisjen shifted to her back to Bobbie's delight.
Reaching over her, the Martian began to sprinkle light kisses over her companion's exposed body. Brushing her lips across Chrisjen's collarbone, down to her chest, Bobbie woke her carefully. As she moved to press her mouth to the soft skin of Chrisjen's neck, the older woman let out a small, contented moan. Bobbie grinned against the hinge of her jaw.
She whispered in Chrisjen's ear, "Morning, baby."
The young woman was never sure about that particular pet name. It always seemed to sound juvenile and much too immature for someone as regal as Chrisjen Avasarala. Still, she always caught Chrisjen trying to hide a tiny smile when she used it, like she was right now, stirring from her sleep. She didn't use it on purpose. It just started slipping out on occasion. Now it had become only her second affectionate term for her lover, right behind 'Ma'am.' One seemed to fit more during lazy evenings and mornings and the other during busy days when Bobbie wanted to speak volumes with a single word. A well placed 'Ma'am' in a gentle or teasing tone could hold an entire conversation between the two women when they were surrounded by people. But times like this when it was quiet and languid and they weren't concerned with how long it took the minutes to pass, a whispered 'baby' appeared to make Chrisjen feel as special as Bobbie knew she was.
Sleepy arms drew around Bobbie's shoulders as Chrisjen came out of her slumber. Continuing her attention to the woman's body, Bobbie kissed along her jawline and dipped down to her sternum.
Chrisjen happily hummed in response, voice thick with sleep when she quietly replied, "My love."
The Earther had far more than just two pet names. She had closer to a dozen. Whether it was 'love, Martian, darling, soldier, dear, sweetheart, lady,' or 'guardian angel,' Chrisjen always said it in a possessive form, like Bobbie belonged to her and the young woman loved it.
Finally, Bobbie placed a soft kiss at the corner of Chrisjen's lips and pulled back to look at her. Eyes slowly blinking open, a chocolate gaze met Bobbie's hazelnut one. They exchanged a small close-lipped smile, enjoying the moment together.
Wrapping her arms more firmly around Bobbie, Chrisjen drew her down into an embrace against her body. "What time is it?"
"Does it matter?" Bobbie stalled, eyes closed, cheek against Chrisjen's chest.
The Earther chuckled softly. "So it's late."
"A little after ten," Bobbie answered.
A little exasperated, Chrisjen questioned, "Ten?"
Anticipating her popping up instantly, Bobbie encouraged, "Stay in bed."
Indeed, she began to wiggle from underneath Bobbie and the Martian missed the laziness already.
"But I had plans," Chrisjen said. "I want to cook for you."
Chrisjen sat up and reclined against the headboard, tugging the sheets around her naked form. Bobbie stared, caught in the beauty of it. The natural light played off Chrisjen, wrapped in a white sheet that contrasted the tan tone of her skin. Her naturally curly hair was always a mess in the morning, raven locks falling every which way, and it was gorgeous. Bobbie tilted her head slightly, taking a mental photo.
She said faintly, "Love you."
Chrisjen smiled and let her head lightly fall back against the tall bed. "I love you, too."
God, Bobbie loved that accent, rich and deep, saying those words to her. Realizing she was at risk of being too sappy, the Martian lightly cleared her throat.
"I'd better duck down the hall and get dressed."
Sudden longing passed over Chrisjen's face. "Stay." Then she quickly amended. "Go down the hall and get your things and stay the night with me."
Bobbie chuckled, considering the morning hour. "I stayed last night," she quietly observed.
Chrisjen quickly countered, expression serious. "Stay every night."
Bobbie looked at her, not quite understanding. "What?"
"Stay every night," she repeated. "Wake up with me every morning." Reaching out, she touched Bobbie's face. "I'm tired of being together but separate."
"What are you saying?" Bobbie's heart rate ticked up with a rush of hopefulness.
Chrisjen gave a small shrug with one shoulder. "The house will be finished soon. Let's move into it together."
Lips parting, Bobbie stared at her surprised. She'd already thought about it, of course, but it was the Secretary-General's home. She certainly wasn't going to invite herself. She hoped Chrisjen would ask, but convinced herself not to expect it. It seemed too good to be true.
"Are you sure?" She asked quietly.
The older woman only nodded slowly. Taking a deep breath, Bobbie crawled to her hands and knees and leaned into her companion. They kissed deeply, and Bobbie's heart soared. Every day with this woman seemed to bring a new happiness.
Chrisjen pulled back. There was a twinkle in her eyes.
"Let's tell everyone," she said.
Bobbie opened her mouth to reflexively protest, then stopped. Thinking again, she cautiously replied, "Okay."
"Okay?" Chrisjen repeated.
"I mean, you keep saying everyone already knows, right."
"Right." The Earther smiled widely and Bobbie loved it. "We'll have a press conference."
The grin on Bobbie's face faded. "What?"
Chrisjen was already out of bed, walking out and to the kitchen. "Today," she said.
"Today?"
"No more rumors, no more questions." Chrisjen looked at her. "I want to tell everyone how much I love you."
"There'll be backlash," Bobbie told her. "People will disapprove.
"Fuck them."
Bobbie smiled at that. She reached her arms around the woman's slender waist and pulled her in. "Fuck them, huh?"
Chrisjen nodded, kissing her lightly. "Now, let me make you breakfast."
Bobbie released her and watched as she began moving easily about the space, getting everything she needed. "After breakfast?" Bobbie came beside her, using what little knowledge she'd actually gained about cooking to help prep.
"We'll schedule the press conference," Chrisjen answered. Stopping her movements, she turned to Bobbie. She looked at her for a second, then slipped her arms around the Martian's shoulders, face to face, close, and said, "Then we'll get back to work, rebuild the world. After that it's me and you, for as long as we have."
Bobbie's hands settled in their customary place at the curve of Chrisjen's hips. It sounded wonderful. Hard times were certainly ahead, and the two women would argue about how to get through them, no doubt. Somehow, though, Bobbie knew any conflict, any disagreement, would bring them right back here to each other's arms. Bobbie was confident in them, finally, as confident as Chrisjen always had been.
When she closed the tiny gap between their lips, the kiss was soft and still solid. Bobbie listened to the quiet sound of lips and tongues caressing, bodies brushing against one another. Thoughts that had been galvanizing in her mind came together. The idea of home she'd always been chasing, this was it. If this Earther could make Bobbie family, then Bobbie would make Earth her home. She and Chrisjen, rebuilding the world… rebuilding their home.