Awareness

[Moira]

Moira managed to sleep peacefully through the night. Nevermind that it was on a couch. Nevermind that she was in the arms of a man. She had been exhausted and so comfortable. She knew she was in Daniel's arms. This was where she belonged, that much was clear to her.

It still didn't explain why she was awake earlier than normal. Something disturbed her rest, and she was at a loss as to the why. She laid there, though, drawing comfort from Daniel's presence. She didn't want to disturb his rest and she was content to rest in his arms. Though, she couldn't help the way her mind wandered and wondered about things. Though she had to wonder at whether or not Silas was precognitive...

'Getting paid to do something else. You lose it, he loses it. Understood?'

She sighed softly... Family, she loved them some days and some days...

Daniel would have expected to wake with a pain in his neck or some hitch in his back. He didn't often sleep on the couch. His sleeping patterns were quite predictable. How he slept was the real question. Usually he couldn't drift off without the curtain of white noise between his mind and the outside world. Yet somehow he'd not only fallen asleep, he'd sleep good. It wasn't a 'dead to the world' sort of sleep but it was contented and when his eyes opened to the blurry room, he found he was fairly well rested.

He didn't move initially but once he realized that she was awake, a state given away by her soft sigh, he shifted enough to press a kiss to her temple. "Good morning."

She tilted her head and smiled up at him, "Good morning." She was not of any great desire to move. "How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad." He gave a faint smile. "You look rather chipper."

She grinned at him, "While, other than the fact this is a couch, I was very comfortable." She nuzzled into his cheek kissing it softly. "Silas had something come up. Though his message was pretty clear." She showed him the text looking a little crestfallen.

His brow arched slightly. "Interesting. I'd be curious to know how he would plan to follow through on such a threat. He would need definitive data and as he's not of the ... sensitive sort ... I wonder how he would obtain it."

She moved to lean on his chest lightly. "This is Silas we are talking about. The first move he tried pulling was to deck you when he suspected something was up." She shook her head, "The men in my family." She sighed softly.

"And as I recall, he missed." Daniel smiled, his arms wrapping around her gently. "The men in your family are protective. So am I. I guess they forget that part."

She laid her head on his chest and cuddled against him. "Just that they are so over protective, sometimes you wonder of they want me to be happy too." She mused quietly. "Just wish they would ask what I wanted." That was the crux of her lament.

"I doubt they will. I'm not them but I'm an ear to listen. Tell me what you want, Moira." He was serious. And if there was anyway for him to get her what she wanted, he would do it.

She looked up at him, "To be with you." She had access to more than anyone else had. Material things were easy enough to come by. Her request was so simple and yet probably the most complex thing...

"I was hoping you'd say that, Moira." So honest and pure, his tone had turned a little husky with emotion. He wanted her so bad it hurt. She was still recovering and there was the issue of the pesky brother. Daniel liked to think that Mao Ramachi would be a little more inclined in his favor. Daniel knew he was not of the right family line but he had proven himself and he knew Mao Ramachi's reputation. Actions did speak louder than words. "I'll make it happen."

She smiled softly at him. The look in those eyes told him that she believed he could. She leaned up to kiss him softly. She was still healing, but didn't mean she couldn't at least hold him close.

He tipped his head as he leaned in to meet her for that kiss, his lips hungry for her. Daniel's arms wrapped around her and drew her in against him, mindful of her recent surgery.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

She returned the kiss with a soft sound. Desire had other areas reacting. She trusted him though.

He had no mind to stop the kiss. A hand came around to cup her head and hold her as he let himself drown in her scent and flavor. Lips parted so his tongue could flick and dance with hers. His other hand moved over her back and then over to her side, drawing back upward gently. His thumb dared to almost brush the outer curve of her breast.

Oh it was hard to stop his hands and to keep things from getting out of control. He couldn't help but respond to her and suddenly realized she would be unable to avoid noticing. He withdrew, gasping inward.

She was responding to him in kind. Her lips parting with her tongue meeting his. She pressed closely to him, feeling the desire. She noticed and was not of a mind to object. She wanted him more than anything but she understood why he withdrew the little bit. She murmured softly, "(vq) I love you."

Tender fingers brushed her hair away from her face. His heart rate was accelerated and things were pulsing here and there. He smiled, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you too, Moira."

She laid her head down on his chest again. She was trying to center herself, but things were pulsing here and there. She drew a ragged breath but was inwardly happy.

He wrapped her up tight in his arms. He didn't even try to still the wild beating of his heart. He wanted her so bad but now was not the time. Daniel wanted more than just a physical closeness. He wanted to make love to her and demonstrate in very real ways how much he cared for her. He would take on her father. He would take on her brother.

All that mattered was her happiness.

Her arms laced around him and held him tight. She was so very happy she could almost forget about everything else. Almost. Still she had sometime before they needed to face the day. She was certainly not of a mood to move.

He smiled at her, enjoying the tight press of her body against him and her arms around him. Daniel wanted nothing more than to enjoy it for the rest of his life. He didn't try to make her move or remind her of morning Reverence or of breakfast. The simple pleasure would see them through for a while yet.

Still they had to take a step back for proprieties’ sake. Moira took the opportunity to slip into the shower and try to reign in those desires. She still did not want to add to the upset once her father learned of the relationship.

He enjoyed just being with Moira, making sure she relaxed and recuperated. But he did have to work and check on his contacts. Daniel found that the mother had been taken into custody. Not by his own people but by a routine station sweep looking for 'unsavory' elements. She was caught in a drug bust. Dunson was watching and waiting but had not yet intervened. Daniel considered his options then decided brash was best. Dunson got orders to bail her out and bring her to Genesis Beta. They would be waiting. Now, to tell Moira.

She was stepping out of the shower at that moment. She had slipped in while he was getting some work done. She was fully dressed, though her hair was caught up in the towel to dry. She hated using blow dryers and stuff. She walked over to Daniel and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Looks like you've been busy, love."

"You could say that." He smiled at her wanting nothing more than to do... things. He'd never been so acutely aware of that missing part of his life until now. Daniel managed to push it aside yet again.

"Our girl ended up in jail. Dunson is going to fetch her out and bring her here. I decided she could do the traveling instead of us."

She smiled at that, "Excellent, should have her off-balance. What would security here say, though?" She was weighing the costs as well.

"I really don't give ... um ... well, we'll deal with that." He almost had a momentary lapse back into 'Eli's Daniel' mode which was the 'Pharos Daniel' mode which meant he got anything he wanted. This was not Pharos. He would have to tread more lightly. "She'll be free on bail and she'll be escorted by Dunson. I'll let security know they're coming and why."

She placed another kiss on his cheek, "Were we home, I wouldn't give a rat's ass either." After all, they both had that same teacher.

Indeed they had. Daniel had the good grace to flush a bit though. He ducked his head and decided it was his turn to make for the shower. He grabbed some clothes and disappeared.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

She shook her head and proceeded to tame her mane. The curls were just a fact of life. Though there was a little imp of mischief that wanted to take a peek while he was showering.

He centered himself in the shower; the beating water against his skin had a soothing effect. It always did. He let it hit his shoulders and back, then turned to take it head on. He turned his head, eyes closed, and let the water pound his chest for a while. There was something so relaxing in it.

And through the door was Moira. He squeezed his eyes closed harder and did his best not to imagine her in the shower with him.

Too late.

She finished arranging her hair while in thought. She wanted to be with Daniel completely but was she honestly ready for this step? She was still uncertain. She didn't want people mad at Daniel. It was what she wanted too. Didn't that count for something?

He took his time in the shower. The longer he was away from her, the better he could steel his will against throwing caution to the wind. It wasn't a casual lust thing. He loved her and he had already been working out how he was going to tell Mao Ramachi. It would be in person and it would be just before evening Reverence. Oh yes. Just before. That would give them both time to think once it was in the open that Daniel intended to marry Moira.

She sent out a light touch to him. It was inquisitive, seeing if he was all right. It was tinged light with concern.

'Deep thoughts, love?'

He smiled, a hand rubbing over his chest as the water coursed over his skin. 'You could say that.' Her mental voice was so rich. Daniel loved hearing it.

She loved hearing that deep baritone in her mind. She always felt as though she was being wrapped in soft velvet. 'Was just wondering. How long before we can expect Dunson?' She was finally satisfied with her hair and left it alone.

'Probably a day. He had some paperwork to do and then transportation to arrange. Can't be too safe.'

He turned off the water and stood for a moment, thinking private thoughts about her. Eventually he stepped from the shower and found a towel. A quick rub over his hair and then fingers through it settled his hair back out of his eyes. Then he turned his attention to scrubbing the water off his skin. He realized he'd come in without his clothes though. He could put his other ones on, sure, but he'd rather have clean.

'You um mind getting me that bag by the end of the couch?' It had some of the clothes in it that she'd ordered. He could find what he needed in there.

She arched a brow with a grin and picked up the bag. She quietly padded to the door and slipped the clothes through the opening. As much as she wanted to peek...

Oh it was so tempting... Gotta behave.

His fingers brushed hers as he took the bag. "Thank you." He'd thought he'd picked up some things to wear but didn't see them. He felt like a fool. Once the door was shut again, he moved a towel he hadn't used. Oh. There. 'Found them.'

Oh well. He quickly got dressed, put everything he didn't wear into the bag and then hung up the two towels. Fingers through his hair again to keep it out of his eyes, he stepped out of the bathroom fully dressed and all in order.

She wanted to pout at not taking the peek, but she also figured there would be time enough for that soon. She was still smiling as he came out. "You are worse than me." There was a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"As bad as you? What do you mean?" He ducked his head and took the bag to the bureau. He found an empty drawer and shoved it inside with everything still in the bag.

She stood there was a grin on her lips and hand on her lips. "You took forever in there." She was having a little bit of fun while they had the down time.

"I did not." He wouldn't admit to having taken a long time. He knew he had but he had to in order to think. "Maybe a little while but not that bad." He gave a little smile, a lock of hair falling over his eye. "Are you hungry?"

She chuckled at that. "Yeah, very hungry." This had to be a record for the normally workaholic Moira not to worry about work.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

"Let's order in." He had no desire to leave the room and expose her to things that might make her think about work. Daniel moved toward her and touched her cheek with a gentle brush of fingertips. "Not exciting but I don't really feel like going out."

She leaned into the touch. She wasn't in much of a mood to go anywhere. "Sounds good." She looked up into his eyes.

He felt her lean in and smiled. It drew him to step toward her, to slide his finger under her chin, to tip her chin up just a touch. And then he kissed her, needing to taste her once more. So much for will power.

She responded to him with a soft sound. His kisses made her feel a lot of things. She moved just a hair closer to him and wrapped her arms about his waist. She didn't want the kiss to end.

It wasn't going to end anytime soon. The touch was initially on the tentative side but it grew quickly although not really rushed. He nuzzled into her, a hand sliding around the back of her neck as the kiss matured. His lips parted, tongue grazing hers as if to beg her to give in to him. His other arm drew her against him. Oh god he loved her too much.

She moved closer to him, her lips parting to him. She was acting on instinct and desire. The kiss made her heart flutter and places lower grow tingly.

Food was forgotten as another hunger presented itself. His eyes closed he feasted on the kiss, enjoying every touch and little sound she made. Letting go would be difficult but he had to let go. He had to put some distance between them. She was his ... just his. He couldn't think of her in any other way.

He murmured, "I love you." His lips brushing hers as he did. And then the kiss took over again, holding tight and vowing to always keep her safe. A hand lowered, sliding gently over her shoulder and down her side, a thumb just barely grazing the delightful outer curve of her breast. Even that slight touch was enough to cause a wave of desire.

She held onto him as his hand explored. The soft words resounding within her. "(vq) Love you too, Daniel." She pressed close and felt the desire course through her. It was so heady. Even her mind was open to him. This was what she wanted and whom she wanted to be with.

Daniel felt the rush of emotions and almost exhaled an audible moan. She did complete him on so many different levels. He somehow managed to slow the kiss, somehow managed to put his hands on her shoulders, somehow managed to draw back. It was clear if she chose to see it: his love, his respect ... his frustration at the timing ... his desire ... his wanting to do right by her and give her everything she deserved ... his weakening will to be able to stop.

She did not want to stop. She looked up and saw all that and more in him and it humbled her. She also felt so many of the things he was feeling; the desire, the respect, even the love and frustration. She felt it all within her. One day they wouldn't be able to stop, but then she hoped there would be no obstacles in their way either. Though it was that respect that had her not pushing him to continue.

"My soul is already yours." He wanted her so desperately it was a tangible thing. He could taste her and he wanted to feel her bare skin against his body.

She looked into those hazel eyes of his. "(vq) Our souls have been one for a long time." She spoke softly, seeing the truth in that simple statement.

"Only my respect for you is keeping me from claiming you as mine right now in that bed." He gave a little smile. "Perhaps I should take a walk and go fetch our food myself. Give me some time to steel myself in order to not dishonor you."

As much as she wanted him to claim her, she nodded instead. "I understand." She did understand even though she wanted him just as much.

He'd never wanted to speak to Eli Ramachi as bad as he did in that moment. Daniel cupped her cheek and then moved to the door, taking up his wallet and jacket as he went. He needed to get far away from her just to keep himself from peeling her down to her skin and feasting on her flesh for hours.

She watched him exit the room and wrapped her arms about herself. Her chocolate gaze looking out one of the many windows to the stars as she considered what was growing between them. She was so confused, torn between being the dutiful daughter and a young woman in love. She just wanted to tie things up out here so she could go home and talk her father into letting her be with Daniel.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

He was back quickly and without the food. "We have to go, Moira." Daniel didn't stop to explain at first. He just moved to pack up the meager things they'd gotten. His eyes swung to her. "Your father's sick."

She wanted to say something, to ask why so sudden when his next words hit her hard. She paled and helped him gather their things including the bag that was stashed in that drawer. Once she had everything gathered and was letting herself be ushered to the ship. Not her father, he's always been so strong.

He ushered her out of the room and down the hall. They were paid up so there were no delays. "I called to ... check in and managed to get someone who would talk to me. Apparently they were under orders not to tell me what happened. He's recovering, Moira. Don't fret too much, alright?" He stepped into the elevator with her and pressed the button to take them down to the main ring of the station. From there they could get through customs and back to their ship.

She looked up at him, "Probably Syn not wanting to worry us unless it was necessary." Though she wished they would let her be an adult too. She stayed close to him though. He was her rock right now.

"With your recent breakdown, you are probably more right than you know. Maotesia Calidori would certainly not want to stress you any more than absolutely necessary. I did find out that Silas is there."

"Paposa wouldn't call him back, and Syn wouldn't know how." It was a bit curious and a bit of a relief. Maybe, the rift would heal some.

Daniel did not smile. "Perhaps. We can only hope." He held very little hope in that regard but he would not share that with Moira. "Here we are." He ushered her out of the elevator and then to the left so they could get back through customs. He'd already called ahead and indicated they had a family emergency. They were not held up as they passed.

She trusted Daniel to expedite things. "I just wish they would have told us sooner." There was equal parts frustration and concern. "He's my father, I should have been there."

"I understand. I would have seen to it you were there. I'll be speaking with a few people upon our return." He carried a dark expression. He did not like being kept in the dark. He got them through customs and to the ship a lot faster than they would normally have gotten through. Once aboard he moved directly to the pilots seat. Within minutes, they were launching.

She settled into the co-pilots seat, just to be close to him. She was subdued as she watched the stars move around them. Her voice was soft, having seen his look, "Mamosa had her reasons."

"That is undoubtedly true." He plotted a course that was a bit riskier at a speed that was on the upward borders of dangerous but within the realm of doable. It would take them a few hours, possibly six, to get home. But they would be there soon. He glanced at her and murmured, "Perhaps you should try to rest. You may not get another chance once we arrive."

She shook her head, "I'll be fine. I couldn't rest now if I wanted to." She watched him handle the ship. She trusted him implicitly. She knew her father had Syn, but she was still daddy's little girl.

"I won't force it but you will rest later if I ask." It was not a question.

She arched a brow at him at that point. "If necessary." Why did it hurt though with the way he said that? Almost like her father.

Maybe he'd been around her father a bit too much. He apparently did not notice the hurt. He'd stated it out of worry for her; perhaps he should work on his delivery.

Watching the stars move past had an almost hypnotic effect. She curled up in that chair rather than be away from him. There's where she dozed. It wasn't the most comfortable of places.

He didn't stay there for too long. He glanced at her and smiled when he realized she was dozing. He hated to see her curled up and uncomfortable. After making sure everything was set, he unlatched his restraints and moved to her side. He carefully undid her restraints and murmured, "Moira-sweet? Let's go in the commons." He ever so carefully helped her up and moved with her to a more comfortable place to curl up. He considered the couch then realized that wasn't the best place either.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

So he took her bed. He got her comfortable and then lay down next to her, holding her close and letting his own eyes drift shut.

She was half-asleep when he guided her into the bedroom. She curled up against him with contented sigh and murmured sleepily. "(vq) Love you."

He smiled at those precious words. "Love you too." Daniel rested his cheek against her hair and let himself drift off to sleep.

She slept for a couple of hours before waking in her quarters on the ship. She vaguely remembered Daniel bringing her in and curling up beside her.

And that's where he remained. His glasses were on the nightstand and his arm was still around her. She would learn that he was a fan of getting sleep while one could. He napped more than slept. In sleep he lost years from his already young looking face. Her waking did not disturb him. He slept on, breathing easy and rhythmic.

She didn't move any. She was just taking in the quiet moments with him. Yeah, she worried about a lot of things, but he was her rock, her strength. She just hoped her father would approve. She studied that face as he slept. He was so peaceful looking and relaxed.

Several minutes later, maybe up to ten or so, he finally shifted. His eyes opened blinking sleepily. A faint smile shaded his expression. "You okay?"

She leaned up and placed a light kiss on his chin, "I'm fine, just laying here enjoying the view."

The sleepy smile grew. "Mmm... me too." In those moments between sleep and awake, inhibitions sometimes were forgotten. He wrapped his arms around her tighter and curled into her. "What time is it?"

She cuddled against him for a moment before looking for the clock. She read the time off to him. They would be home very soon and she wanted to freeze time to stay in his arms.

He could stay like this for a little while longer before he had to go deal with Pharos. He kissed her temple, then nuzzled in tight. "Mmm, you smell so nice." His hands drifted of their own free will, almost exploring but somehow managing to stay out of major trouble. One day ... one day...

She was glowing with the attention. Yet, she also wished for that day to arrive. Still she was concerned about her father's health.

Eventually he pushed himself up, kissed her again and then went to the cockpit so he could land them. Customs would not be a bother this time. He had made his special arrangements. Ahh yes, it was good to be home.

She made sure to pack up her more important things into a carry on bag. Her father’s staff would see to the rest. She emerged from the quarters and ducked to the cockpit. "Dunson re-routing her here?" Moira did not see the need to disrupt that quest. She was determined to reunite Chas and his daughter.

He nodded as they cleared the outer bay doors. "Yes. I got him the information and he's diverting here. You'll be able to chat with her tomorrow afternoon." He gave a smile. "Depending on how your father is."

She nodded, "It is very important. I know Paposa would understand. I know it's a fear he lives with every time I'm not close by." She murmured softly. "That's why you've been my shadow." She smiled at him. "And Chas and Didi are my friends. I can't let them down."

He nodded and ushered her out of the private docking bay. On the way he murmured, "He's been moved to his home. We'll go straight there."

She allowed him to guide her home.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four