Chapter Text
It had been three years since Tally took the oath. Two years since Tally became a biddy then almost immediately was granted another chance at life. One and a half years since tally realized that she loved Sarah, one year since Sarah realized she loved Tally back. And now six months since Tally and her unit graduated War College early.
A summons to the general’s office wasn’t anything new to Tally, she frequently visited each time was filled with longing stares, brief touches, anything Tally could get from General Alder she would. There was something about this summons that seemed different though, namely, it was the first time she was asked to join Alder for a drink. Sure they had occasionally had wine or whiskey when they were speaking other times, but that was something that always naturally developed and not something that was ever mentioned in the invitations to Alder’s office.
Tally could physically feel the racing of her thoughts, they had never addressed the feelings that they had for each other, nor the fact that even after three years Tally could still feel their bond. It hadn’t weakened. The mention of alcohol made this feel too informal. She tried to not get her hopes up, she really did, but there was something in her telling her that this was her chance.
Tally was probably walking too fast to look casual, but she really couldn’t bring herself to care. She was too excited. She finds her destination with ease, she had been here often. Before she can knock on the door she hears a soft, “Come in” from alder.
Taking a deep breath Tally prepares herself for what’s to come. She had hope that this was her chance, but she had spent so long hoping that she hadn’t had the time to consider what would happen if Alder rejected her. Suddenly, that’s the only thought that her brain could focus on. She scoffs to herself, who could, and who would, blame Alder for rejecting Tally? Alder was so powerful, and honest, and, well, hot. She could be with anyone she wanted to. Tally was just… Tally. She was fine to look at, but she wasn’t special. Gathering what little courage she had left, she stepped through the door. The sight that greeted her was breath taking.
Alder’s hair fell in perfect waves, probably from letting her braid down from earlier today. There was a brief moment of shock. Tally hasn’t seen Alder with her hair down before. As far as she knew, no one had. Alder was wearing a fitted white v-neck, and what looked like yoga pants, except there was no way Alder wore yoga pants. She was lounging on a white chaise reading what looked to be a person letter or something on a single page.
Were it not for Alder’s relaxed posture, Tally would have been nervous, but something about the way that Alder smiles at Tally when she looks up made Tally feel at home. Tally sits in the recliner next to Alder and beams when she notices that Alder has already given Tally her full attention.
“Good afternoon, Tally.” Alder turns to Tally and sits up a bit more as she says this.
“Hello General, you wanted to see me?” Tally tries to keep her tone professional, she did. What actually happed though was Tally’s inflection betrayed her. Were she truly only here because she was told she had to, the inflection in her voice would not vary so greatly, she would not sound so…hopeful.
“Tally, I have been telling you for years to call me Sarah. Especially when we're here.” Something about Alder’s, no Sarah’s tone sounded rushed. She seemed thrilled about what news she had. “I felt, that I should deliver this news as a personal friend rather than the general.
Tally was shocked, Sarah was typically so reserved with her emotions and here she was practically bursting at the seams with excitement. “Of course, Sarah. What is it?”
Sarah smiled softly, eyes shining. “You’re being promoted, congratulations, Captain.”
By the time Tally had processed the news, she had long forgotten her original plans on what to talk to Alder about. Her first though was, what about her unit. So she voiced this. “What about Raelle and Abigail? They’ve worked just as hard as I have and have accomplished just as much.”
“Promoting you all would mean splitting you up. If you all have battalions to command, you wouldn’t be together.” Sarah assures Tally.
This seems to appease Tally, and she smiles brightly again. “Thank you Sarah. I will make you proud.” Before she even realizes what she is doing, Tally pulls Sarah into her arms and hugs her.
Sarah stiffens. Tally realizes what she has done to pull away. Milliseconds before she pulls away, Sarah returns the hug. After a few moments they pull away, but before they’re fully separated, their eyes meet, and they both realize just how close to the other they are. For a few seconds the share their breath. Before either of them can act on the tension, Sarah seems to remember something.
“I invited you over for drinks and I’ve yet to pour you a glass. What a bad host I am. A toast! To you, and your accomplishments and many more to come.” As Sarah raises her glass, she fills Tally’s.
Tally chuckles and sips the wine. She isn’t the best with wine, but even she can tell that Sarah bought a very expensive bottle. The wine is rich, and has notes of cocoa. Its a delicious wine, and can’t help a small moan to escape her throat. Sarah just raises and eyebrow at her. “Sorry, this is really good wine, what is it?” Tally explains.
“It is a family recipe, from before my family was even in America. It is said that my family owned a Vineyard in Germany. I must’ve made this bottle 10 or 11 years ago.” Sarah chuckled at the expression Tally made.
“You could be selling this and making so much money. This is an amazing wine, and the fact that it’s The General’s means it would be even more popular.”
Through her laughter the General replies, “I could sell it yes, but I choose to keep it for myself. In fact, you are the first person I’ve let taste the wine.”
Tally was speechless. She responded the only way she knew how, by hugging Sarah again. This time, Sarah hugged back immediately.
When they pulled back, Sarah poured them both another glass. Over the course of the night both women had a few glasses of wine with easy conversation, that is until Tally had her fourth glass of wine.
“Sarah, may I speak candidly.” Tally tried to respect Sarah’s wishes by calling her Sarah, but she was so nervous to speak that she couldn’t help but being a little too formal.
Sarah immediately caught on to the shift in the mood. “Please do so.” Sarah spoke so quietly Tally wasn’t entirely sure she had truly spoken aloud.
“This is probably, no it is, entirely inappropriate, and I apologize for that. But I am in love with you. I want to be with you, in every way.” Her brain briefly flipped through every possible meaning that statement had, and she did not believe she had exaggerated.
Sarah stood still for a moment, and then another. She didn’t look to be processing, just frozen. “You can’t be. You’ve so much life ahead of you. So much to live for. I will not be responsible for you regretting your young adulthood. You could do so well in the army. I can’t take that from you.”
“Please do take it. I don’t want it. Not without you. If being with you means I can’t climb the ladder then fine. If it means being without you I don’t want to be Captain. Give it to Raelle, she’s just as gifted as I am. Give it to Abigail, she’s a better leader than I am. If it means I have to sit on the sidelines to be with you, fine! I’ll teach, or write, or take up desk work. I just want you.” Tally wasn’t entirely sure where the confidence to say that came from. But every word was true.
She didn’t have time to consider further before a pair of soft lips were on her own. It started soft and slow, almost nonmoving. Suddenly Sarah inhaled sharply and placed her hand on Tally’s jaw, her thumb rubbing Tally’s cheeks. From there the kiss built until Sarah pulled away when Tally tried to take Sarah’s shirt off.
“I’m sorry, I got carried away.” Tally looked guilty and like she was going to leave any second.
The last of Sarah’s resolve left in that moment. “Please, stay.” It was said softly, but Tally knew exactly what that meant.
“I love you.” Tally sighed out.
“I love you too.”