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What a night. Una could perceive the sensual sound of the artificial raindrops landing gently on the window. As her eyes slowly opened, her blurred vision met the enveloping sensation of the cold caressing her bare shoulders. A deep sigh emerged from the depths of her being as she tried to focus her mind.
In Yorktown, storms were an unusual occurrence, as it was a sprawling planetary-sized space station entirely constructed by the Federation. This base was enveloped by a resilient transparent sphere, and even the very atmosphere was an engineering masterpiece. In this place, nature had given way to the mastery of technology even in the creation of rain.
It was night in the Quasar IV hemisphere, and not even the storm seemed to be able to dent the unleashed energy of the vibrant nightlife on the base. While many citizens lay asleep, others were immersed in work, and there were those who indulged in festivities. She could hear music and laughter in the distance.
In one of the many apartments situated a short distance from the Starfleet Academy headquarters, inside a spacious bedroom with a large window adorned with Venetian blinds, there was a comfy undone bed. On it lay, exhausted, two bodies wrapped only in soft sheets, and one of them was hers.
In an instant, Una was suddenly struck by a bitter awareness that seemed to punch her, seizing her stomach, constricting her throat, taking her breath away, and sending a shiver of terror racing through her entire body.
There, lying beside her, was Lieutenant Christopher Pike. He appeared to be asleep, but one of his hands was delicately resting on her head, as if caressing her hair. In that moment, Una could observe him clearly: his face was peacefully at rest, mere inches from hers, his bare chest and slightly tousled hair. Her cheeks burned so intensely that she had to ensure it was just embarrassment and not her alien immune system.
She had met him that very morning, and now she wondered how they had ended up in bed together. "Damn him and his stupid but devilishly charming speeches about acrobatic flights," she thought to herself.
After a moment of anger directed at Pike, Una was hit by a wave of intense shame. How could she, a model student and one of Starfleet's great promises, fall so naively for his flattery? It was even more embarrassing considering that on that very day, Pike had served as a guest speaker at the academy.
What would people say about her? That she was indulging her superiors to gain favors and advantages? That her success was solely achieved through occasional hookups with instructors?
It was time to leave; she had made a colossal mistake. She didn't even want to consider the risk she had taken of revealing her true Illyrian identity by getting THAT close to a human. She reproached herself bitterly: why had she allowed herself to be so easily drawn in? How had she let her emotions carry her away like this?
With a timid attempt, she tried to free herself from the man's grasp. However, it took only a slight movement on her part to promptly awaken the Lieutenant, whose magnetic, deep blue eyes silently widened.
-What's wrong?
He asked in a hoarse voice, just waking up.
-I should go
She replied after a brief moment of hesitation. He gazed at her in silence, a pained expression etched on his face. Una felt a painful knot in her stomach, and for a moment, she wondered how people could call such an heavy feeling "butterflies."
-Please, stay
His tone oozed a strange sense of urgency, as if his own life was inextricably linked to Una's body, and her departure might take it away with her, like a warm embrace broken by the cold reality.
-I can't, Lieutenant
Una attempted to conceal the emotions simmering within her as she stared at him. Her gaze, though cold, was loaded with meaning. He, despite the situation, couldn't help but offer an affectionate smile. His magnetic eyes locked onto her with an intensity that couldn't escape notice.
-Don't be like this, Number One...
He murmured with a soft, almost caressing voice, as if trying to melt the distance between them.
-What are you afraid of?
His fingers extended slightly, barely grazing Una's arm, in an attempt at reconciliation.
-Number One?
Una raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the impromptu nickname.
-Yes, it's a nickname, given that you're the top of your class. I thought it was cute..
Her response was a clear attempt to ease the tension between them. A meaningful smile danced on the man's lips while his eyes remained locked on hers.
Una stayed silent for a moment, torn. Then, finally, she confessed her fear with a whisper, as if speaking it aloud would make it more real.
-I'm afraid you'll tell others about tonight.
The man raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled.
-What?
Chris asked, trying to better understand the situation.
Una let out a deep breath before responding, her voice filled with tension.
-I said I'm afraid you'll go around telling everyone we fucked, not even 12 hours after meeting.
She almost yelled.
A heavy silence hung between them for a moment.
-No, no, no, Una, wait a minute
Chris tried to explain, attempting to make her understand his perspective, "
-Do you think I had sex with you just to brag?
Despite the confusion, Una held her ground.
-I don't know why you did it, but the fact remains that it's definitely not something normal.
Chris seemed surprised by her reaction.
-Isn't it normal to make love with a woman you like?
He asked, trying to understand Una's perspective better.
-You can't say you like me; you don't know me well enough
Una responded with frustration, as if she had suddenly realized that the desire to make love was shared by both, and that it was irrational to blame Pike for something that had been a mutual decision.
Una sighed deeply, unable to decide if she wanted to cry or simply rest. Chris, noticing her mood, took the opportunity to approach and embrace her.
The silence returned between them, but this time it was almost comforting.
-Number One...
Chris began, trying to address the situation.
-Oh, shut it.
Una interrupted him with a faint voice, not openly admitting it, but she was actually starting to savor that embrace and the peace it brought.
-I'll stay, but we should never talk about what happened again.
She wasn't ready to discuss what had happened, but at least now she felt a bit closer to him.
-Alright, Number One
He said with a chuckle, gently running his fingers through Una's long, loose hair.
-Promise
Una insisted with a slight hesitation, looking into Chris's eyes for reassurance.
-I promise
He replied sincerely, his gaze locked onto hers.
-Now, let's try to get some sleep, what do you say, Number One?
Chris asked, attempting to ease the tension of the moment.
-Okay, but as soon as the alarm goes off, I'll be out of here
Una affirmed with a smile, trying to thaw the tense atmosphere between them.
-What a shame, I wanted to have you try my famous pancakes
He said, trying to make her smile. His words were an attempt to lighten the situation, and the playful tone was a deliberate choice.
-Deal. But only if you cook better than you fly shuttles
Una responded in jest as they both tried to set aside the tensions of the night.
Finally, they lay down on the bed, seeking comfort that only the other could provide. It was as if the outside world faded away, leaving only the two of them and a silent intimacy. Chris pulled Una closer to him, and their gazes met in a way that conveyed how connected they were in that moment.
Slowly, their bodies drew closer, and the warmth of a caress turned into an embracing hug. Their hands intertwined, and their breaths synchronized. Together, they formed a small refuge from the anxiety and confusion of the outside world.
-Una
Chris whispered, his blue eyes shining with affection.
-Yes?
Una smiled tenderly.
-I know I promised not to talk about it, but I meant it when I said I like you
Chris's words were sincere and a promise of love, and Una knew it. Slowly, she leaned closer to his face, and their lips met in a tender and passionate kiss.
The night passed with caresses, whispers, and laughter as they discovered each other in a whirlwind of emotions. And so, in each other's sweet embrace, they drifted off to sleep.