Last Exile Fan Fiction ❯ Soft Options ❯ Choices ( Chapter 4 )

Soft Options

 

Rating: NC17/X

 

By: AZ

 

Chapter 4: Choices

-

Sophia finished her final course plotting, reviewing it once more before nodding to herself. It will take us a week to get to Walker's at our current speed. The fact that he has to shift to the boundaries of Anatory space isn't helping us any. she thought. With the Silvana busted up and still barely afloat, they were slowly working their way along the edges of the maps, keeping to cover as much as possible. With Disith war fleets slipping through the Grand Stream and Anatory after them, they had to take exceptional precautions.

“Helmsman, here are your course plots.” she said, sweeping the chart that she had translated the directions to and moving over to him. Swiftly clipping it to the helm's small chart holder, she saw the man's eyes sweep over it, intently memorizing the route.

“Aye, Vice Captain.” he confirmed, eyes back on the front bay of the bridge. “Are you going off watch now, Vice Captain?” he asked her a moment later. Blinking, she nodded.

“Yes. Third Mate has the watch.” she said, turning and starting to exit the bridge. Seeing Wina at her post, she paused. “Wina, I need you to concentrate on engine noises from above and in front more than anything else.” she said. “Since we are following this series of deep, narrow canyons, it will limit the areas where they can approach us from.” she pointed out.

“Yes, ma'am.” replied the girl crisply, ear phones on. “I won't let them sneak up on us again!” she promised. Sophia gave her should a gentle squeeze.

“I know you won't, Wina.” she said warmly. “Do not hesitate to wake me if something requires my attention.” she added, stepping into the small stairwell and descending to the first full deck. On auto-pilot, she found herself pausing to look over the activity on the mechanic deck, finding the regular compliment of the ship's mechanical staff to be absent, probably still recovering from the round-the-clock repairs to get the ship working again.

But, she noticed, the steel curtain around Claus and Lavie's personal van ship was raised, and she could see three people working on the ship. Well, two and a helper, she thought, smiling as she realized that Al was once more squatting by the tool kit, eager to hand Claus and Lavie whatever tool they might ask for - even if she didn't know what it was they wanted. Claus and Lavie never said anything about the occasional wrong tool, and watching them work together, Sophia felt that she had never seen something that screamed `family' more than they did.

“Vice Captain!” came the quiet, but surprised, voice of Tatiana. Turning, the older woman looked into the stairwell landing to see her van ship captain standing there, dressed in her exercise outfit. “I wasn't expecting to see you here, Vice Captain.” she said, saluting. Sophia glanced at the three by their ship, but they seemed totally engrossed with their work.

“Yes, I was just about to get ready for bed.” she said, taking Tatiana's arm and guiding the woman down the stairs. “I see that you just completed your workout. How about we clean up together?” she directed. The younger, short-haired blonde blinked.

“Um, ok.” she replied, uncertainty in her tone. This was not how Sophia Forrester normally acted, after all. Swiftly, the two found themselves in the shower room, soaping away the remnants of the day. Sophia waited until she had finished washing herself before starting her conversation with her young subordinate.

“Tatiana, about what you said in the debriefing…” she began, turning to look at the naked girl next to her. “…about you and Claus?” she prompted. Seeing color touch Tatiana's pale skin, she knew that the girl was aware of what she was talking about. “Have you and he continued?” she wondered. Slowly, Tatiana nodded.

“Yes.” she admitted. And Alis, as well. she left unsaid. “Why ask?” she wondered.

“Does Lavie know?” asked Sophia directly. Immediately, Tatiana guessed where this was going.

“Claus said that she asked him, and he told her.” she replied easily. Sophia blinked at her. “He also said that she didn't mind.” added the girl.

“Lavie…she didn't mind that you and Claus…?” wondered the Vice Captain. Tatiana looked her in the eye.

“Not at all.” she confirmed. “In fact, I did what Claus suggested, and talked with her.” Tatiana gave the older woman a wry smile. “Well, apologized, actually, and asked if we could start over. While she still doesn't like me that much, we are beginning to settle our differences.” said the girl.

“If she doesn't like you, then why doesn't she care that you are sleeping with Claus?” asked the confused Sophia. Tatiana pursed her lips.

“It's like neither he nor she sees sex as having anything to do with exclusivity.” said the girl. “In the desert, Claus told me a lot about their childhood and their families. I…think that they had an unusual upbringing.” posited the girl. Sophia frowned.

“What do you mean, exactly?” she requested clarification. Taking a deep breath, Tatiana related her theory to the older woman. To say that Sophia was surprised was an understatement, but Tatiana supported her theory with the same care and attention to detail that she gave to her mission planning and briefings, and the older woman had to admit that it made one hell of a lot of sense, logically.

Lying in bed later that night, she wondered where this new path might lead.

-

Lavie was finishing up her inspection of Claus's military van ship, having just completed repairing the damage done to it when the ship had been sunk. As promised, she was maintaining his ship and watching over al while he flew combat missions. She considered her mechanical work and his flying to be more than enough for their keep and food, so she didn't feel like she was shirking her responsibility any.

“Well, she's ready to go whenever he flies again.” she said to herself, absently running her shop cloth over the dark green metal of the engine covers. Al was in the kitchen, learning to make something or other, and Claus was either sleeping or off with Tatiana somewhere. I think that I'll take a short break, grab a bite to eat and some water, then get to work on our van ship. decided the young woman. Turning, she found herself face to face with Mullin. “Mullin.” she said, frowning. “What were you doing?” she asked, wondering why he was stooped over and tip toeing toward her.

“I…uh…thought I'd try to surprise you.” he offered her. Lavie studied him.

“Surprise me.” she stated, her suspicion evident in her tone. Mullin swallowed with some difficulty.

“Yeah,” he replied sheepishly, “you know…come up behind you and grab you or something?” he prompted. Lavie's expression didn't change.

“Uh huh.” grunted Lavie. “And then?” she pressed. Mullin hadn't really thought that far ahead.

“Ah…hug you?” he guessed. Lavie sighed. Well, I was going to take a break anyway… she thought to herself. Reaching out, she grabbed Mullin's hand.

“We need to talk, Mullin.” she said, leading him off the mechanical deck. Mullin followed her down the stairs to the living quarters deck, then down the hall to her cabin. Entering the cabin, Lavie saw that neither Claus nor Al were there, so she closed the door behind them and turned to look at Mullin, who was already sporting an erection. I've got a ways to go with him. she noted silently, seeing his hands reach for her chest.

Grabbing his hands, she pushed them away from her. “I said we needed to talk, Mullin. So we're gonna talk first.” she said. Mullin didn't reply, his gaze mixed lust and confusion. “Look, Mullin, you don't just go up to a girl and grab her.” began Lavie. “That is the kind of thing you do with a girlfriend.” she paused, then continued. “Or your wife - should you find one.” she added. “Anyway, I don't like it when someone does that to me, so don't, ok?” she directed. Claus does it from time to time, but that's different. she left unsaid.

“Another thing we need to talk about is your over-eagerness.” she continued. Mullin blinked. “Look, Mullin,” sighed Lavie, “just because a girl is helping you, doesn't mean that you can just come up to her and drag her off to bed.” the girl explained. “And even when she takes you somewhere, there is no reason to immediately try to grope her. Got it?” she asked. Mullin nodded. Looking down, she saw that his erection hadn't gone anywhere. Figures. she thought to herself.

“Um, Lavie?” asked Mullin. Lavie realized that she had been wool-gathering. Looking up at him, she raised an eyebrow in silent question. “Does that mean we aren't…?” he trailed off, not able to say it.

“I hadn't planned on it.” admitted Lavie. “But,” she went on, seeing Mullin's distressed look, “if you don't do something about that, it can be painful.” she finished. That is something Claus and I learned the hard way! It was one of their first discoveries, and ever since then, they had always made sure that they didn't leave each other in a lurch. Releasing his hands, she efficiently stripped off her work clothes, followed by her top and panties. “I'm not going to have you mess those up.” she muttered, stepping out of her panties. Naked, she glanced at Mullin, seeing him staring at her, mouth open a little, a small bit of drool at the corner of his mouth.

Shaking her head slightly, she reached over and unzipped his Silvana-issue work coveralls, pushing them down as she went, leaving him in his boxers, which were tented at the front. Running her finger over the bulge, she felt his pre-cum dampen the fabric. Mullin's hands landed on her head, the older man gasping as her fingertip slipped over the crown of his hard-on. “Lavie!” he squealed, his dick twitching against her fingertips.

When he started to pull her toward his dick, Lavie pushed her hands against his hips, resisting the man's actions. “Not so fast, Mullin!” she growled. She still hadn't decided rather or not she wanted to suck his dick like she did with Claus, and while she enjoyed doing it with Claus, she was in no rush to make up her mind. Pushing herself back up to her feet, she snagged his boxers with one finger and tugged them down, freeing his member.

Looking up at Mullin, she started to tell him that he should start learning new things, but she didn't get to say anything, since he leaned down and kissed her; sloppily, too. Lavie was reminded of the first couple of times that she and Claus had kissed like that. Working on taking control of the kiss, she found herself wrapped up in his arms, her body held firmly to his, his hard length pressing into her belly.

When she could finally get him to stop kissing her, she pushed his face back from her own. “Mullin, calm down!” she snapped in irritation. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. she reflected. She could feel him panting, and feel the throbbing of his dick against her warm, soft stomach. Mullin began to rub himself against her, and she realized that she was about to be covered in his cum again. Forcefully pushing him away from her, she took charge of the situation. “Lay down on the bed.” she ordered him, shoving him that way. Mullin quickly clambered into the bed, watching her expectantly.

Lavie took a moment to decide what she wanted to do, then swiftly climbed into bed, straddling his hips, his tip touching her semi-aroused slit as she got settled. Mullin instinctively bucked his hips, his hands on her hips as he tried to get in position to enter her. That, however, was not what Lavie had in mind. Twisting her hips, she pinned his dick to his belly with her sex. I'm not nearly wet enough to have him put it in, and this should take care of him for now so I can get back to work on our ship! she thought happily. Getting comfortable, she began to grind herself against his trapped dick, feeling her lower lips part as she rubbed his shaft with her increasingly-wet folds.

“Oh, god!” groaned the man, hands still on her hips. “So good…!” he panted. Lavie smirked at that. If he thinks this is good, wait until he has sex for the first time! she thought smugly. In all fairness, Claus and I found this good until we actually started having sex. she admitted to herself. Her pace quickened, his entire length now covered in her juices and his pre-cum. Sliding over his throbbing dick, she could feel her clit rubbing against his member, adding to her arousal. Leaning forward, she increased the contact, feeling an immediate spike in her stimulation.

Feeling her shift forward, Mullin slid his hands up from her hips, wrapping them around her chest, just under her arms, pulling her tight to his chest, her breasts mashed against his bare chest. Jerking his hips madly, he suddenly felt something hot, wet and tight seize the tip of his dick. What is this?! It feels incredible! he thought, hammering his hips deeper into the sudden, unexpected goodness. It all ended too fast for him, his hips freezing, arched up off the bed, his nut sack tightening and his cum boiling out of his tip.

Lavie's gasp was muffled by his chest. Teetering on the edge of an orgasm, she hadn't noticed when Mullin began to frantically pump his hips against her own, and between them, his tip had slipped past her pubic bone, and well-lubed by her copious juice and his pre-cum, had stabbed into her, instantly popping the thick head into her passage. Lavie had barely had time to try and shift before Mullin's mad pumping had driven him deeper into her passage, the girl grunting as he bulled deeper into her. Suddenly, she felt him freeze, his tip almost to her cervix, and a warm, wet sensation flooded her passage. Lavie managed a modest orgasm, panting quietly as Mullin slowly collapsed back onto the bed.

Lying against his chest, Lavie wasn't sure what she felt. She hadn't wanted to have sex with him; at least, not right then. But, it wasn't that she hadn't thought about the possibility before. I suppose that what I dislike about this is that I didn't deliberately give him permission. she decided. Pushing herself up off him, she felt his limp member slip out of her passage as she moved off the bed. Feeling his cum begin to seep from her pussy, she grimaced. “Come on, Mullin,” she said, “we need to get cleaned up and back to work.” said the girl. Not getting an answer, she turned to see Mullin fast asleep on her and Claus's bed. She groaned.

“Mullin!”

-

Claus gently ran his tongue along the wet lips of Tatiana, his fingers gently spreading her vaginal lips so he had the best access to her soaked sex. The two of them had run into each other in the hallways, and Tatiana mentioned that she still hadn't returned his coveralls to him, so they went to her room to get them. They began to kiss, then to pet, and now, they were well into the foreplay. Tatiana was naked, laying back on her bed, with Claus kneeling at the edge of her bed, intently working on her sex with his mouth.

“Oh, god! Claus, that's so good!” squealed Tatiana, her hands on his head. “I love it when you do that.” she panted, smiling at him lasciviously. Claus paused to smile back.

“I like doing this to you.” he replied before attacking her soaked groin again. Tatiana closed her eyes, feeling an orgasm begin to break over her. A few more licks and a gentle tug on her clit, and she was surfing her orgasm.

As she recovered, Claus stood and pulled off his remaining clothes before joining her on her narrow bed. Repositioning her, he settled next to her, his lips finding her hard, erect nipples and sampling them as she drifted back to him. Tatiana slipped her hand down to capture his hard length. Gently pumping it, she pulled herself together. “Do you want me to return the attention?” she asked him eagerly.

Claus pulled his lips back from her breasts, holding the suction so her nipple eventually popped free with a wet sound, her modest breasts quivering for a moment before regaining its normal shape. “If you want, but I was thinking of moving on right now.” he replied, licking her opposite nipple. Tatiana moaned.

“Sounds good to me.” she purred, shifting to allow him to move on top of her, spreading her legs as he did so. Balancing himself on his knees, Claus took her calved in both hands, lifting and spreading them as he did so, opening her to his hard member. Tatiana watched him get settled, a small, warm smile on her lips. Feeling his tip nudge into her hot, wet sex, he made another small adjustment to his balance, then pressed forward. Tatiana hummed in pleasure as she felt him once more enter her, stretching her to fit his size.

Claus sighed happily as he sank into the cropped-hair blonde. She was comfortable and tight, and almost as willing as Lavie; though in a different way. He and Lavie had had years to develop their skills and preferences, though they were still more than willing to try any ideas the other might come up with. Tatiana reminded him of Lavie a few years ago: she was willing, but not very experienced. Glad that Lavie and I figured a lot of this out earlier. he thought, swiftly finding a good rhythm and settling in for an enjoyable session with his newest lover. Looking down, he smiled as he saw what Tatiana was doing.

With Claus pumping away in her tight passage, Tatiana had moved her hands up to massage her breasts, her fingers toying with her nipples with the familiarity of frequent practice. “Mmm.” she purred happily, lightly pinching her hard tips. Feeling Claus in her and on her and against her, she found that masturbating was simply no longer an option for her; it could never give her what she craved most, now that she had experienced the real thing with Claus. I hope that Lavie is as permissive as I think she is! I doubt that I could give this up! was her delirious thought on the matter.

Claus shifted, raising himself slightly as he pressed down on her toned calves, allowing him greater depth. The very next stroke, he felt his tip ram her cervix, mating itself to her briefly before he withdrew it to repeat the process. Beneath him, Tatiana's eyes flew open, her mouth dropping open as she felt his tip push hard against the end of her sheath. “Ah!” she gasped. Taking advantage of her surprise, Claus leaned in and down, holding his tip tight to the entrance to her womb as he covered her mouth with his, his tongue slipping into her open oral cavity to tease her own limber member.

Grabbing his head, she hungrily kissed him back, swirling her hips as best as she could, electrical arcs shooting from inside her sex to all parts of her body as his unbendable length pressed against the walls and roof of her passage. Another orgasm washed over her. Dropping her head back, she panted, her eyes unfocused and seeing something that only she could see. Since the position was awkward, Claus had to ease back so he could draw in a full breath. With his ability to breathe restored, he picked up the pace, working toward his own orgasm now.

Minutes later, he was holding her hips with his hands, her legs abandoned in favor of greater leverage, his dick slamming into her relentlessly, his balls slapping wetly against her ass. Both of them were panting and gasping as the approached the big finish. “Yes! Claus, yes!” growled Tatiana.

“Almost there!” warned Claus. Tatiana managed to get her shaky legs to lock around his hips. Summoning the last of her strength, Tatiana lifted herself with her elbows, giving her maximum contact at their joined sex.

“Do it! Fill me up! Cum in my pussy!” she half commanded, half begged. Claus obliged her, holding himself as deeply in her as he could, pumping spurt after spurt into her greedy womb. Slowly, the two settled back onto the bed, Tatiana all but glowing as she savored the orgasms and sex she had just been treated to. Wiggling, she managed to trap Claus between her legs, holding him in place, her inner muscles absently clenching and releasing his softening length. “Is this ok?” she asked him quietly, still catching her breath.

“Uh huh.” confirmed Claus. “Lavie and I usually do this after we have sex, too.” he shared. “Though Lavie prefers to be on top of me, and not me on top of her.” he added. Tatiana felt a small prick of jealous insecurity when she heard Claus share that, but it quickly died off as she felt him get comfortable on top of her. She was actually slightly taller than Claus.

“Lavie is somewhat small.” mused the girl. Strange, how I didn't pick up on that until I helped her back to the cabin that night. she realized. The girl had seemed a lot larger than she actually was they had first encountered each other. Claus chuckled against her chest.

“Only physically.” he playfully replied. She's a lot stronger than me. he thought fondly. He wasn't sure what might happen to him if she wasn't around; and he never wanted to find out, either. Lavie is mine, and I am hers. he recalled her words from years before. I wish that mom and our dads were here to see us now. They always said that we would be partners, and here we are! That thought brought to mind another, tangent, thought. I wonder what mom and dad would think about Tatiana and Alister? he wondered. I think that mom would like them, and I bet that dad would love them - especially Tatiana!

“Claus?” came Tatiana's soft voice, her warm hand caressing his cheek. “What are you thinking about?” she wondered.

“Huh? Oh!” he blinked, coming out of his reverie. “I was just thinking about mom and our dads.” he candidly shared. “I think that they would feel good, knowing that Lavie and I ended up together like they always said we would.” He smiled at her, returning the caress. “I think that mom would like you and Alister, too. You two are like her in a way.” he added. Tatiana nervously licked her lips.

“And your dads?” she asked hesitantly. Claus gave her a relaxed grin.

“I'm almost sure that they would like you.” he said easily. “Dad would be impressed with your piloting skills, and George would enjoy a chance to talk to a professional navigator.” Tatiana almost sagged with relief.

“I'm glad.” she breathed. So, it wasn't being introduced to them, but it still felt like I was being judged by their memory. she thought. It was Claus's turn to interrupt her thoughts.

“Do you think that your parents would like me and Lavie?” he wondered. “Or maybe Alis's parents?” he wondered. Tatiana considered that.

“I…think they would be fine with you.” she managed. You're noble, so they couldn't say that I was having an affair below my station. And mom always said that anyone who couldn't scratch out a living on their own was useless, so I can't imagine her not liking Lavie… Her eyes opened wide at that thought. I wasn't just thinking…?! Was I? she hoped. Claus didn't seem to notice her shock, his mind elsewhere.

“Well, that's a relief, anyway.” he replied. “What about Alister's parents?” he wondered. Tatiana shook her head.

“Alis's parents passed away shortly after she enrolled at the academy. The funeral burned up what small legacy she was left in their will, and after paying back some debts to the Guild, she was pretty much flat broke.” said the girl. “I already told you about my situation, so she and I made a pact. We promised each other that we would team up and make a career of the military, since we had nothing to go back to.” A soft snort came from her. “I used to think that we had it rough.” she murmured. Compared to you and Lavie, we had an easy time of it! she left unsaid. Something occurred to her.

“Um, Claus, I don't know if I should have told you about Alister's situation.” she confessed. “You…might want to ask her yourself sometime, so she doesn't think that I'm spreading rumors about her.” she suggested. Claus nodded.

“I think I will.” he agreed somberly. No wonder she felt like a kindred spirit. he thought. I know that mom and our dads would like them. he amended his earlier assessment. In silence, the two simply enjoyed each other's closeness. Their moment was not long-lived, however.

Hearing the door open, Tatiana flinched, though Claus just turned to look. Al skipped into the room, smiling at the two, who were still naked, lying on top of Tatiana's bed. “Found them!” she chirped to someone outside the door.

“Figures.” came Lavie's voice, the girl stepping inside the door. Tatiana was mortified, her blush going to her chest. She was actually glad that Claus was lying on top of her, but that in and of itself was an embarrassing issue. Lavie looked at the two. “Are you going to lay there all day, Claus?” she asked, sounding a bit impatient. “I need your help with the ship.” she reminded him. Behind her, Alis entered her cabin, blinking at the two, color touching her cheeks. Thoughtfully, she closed the door so no passing crewmen could catch a glimpse.

“Claus, why didn't you tell me you were going to Tatiana's room?” asked Al, frowning cutely. It was no secret that Al didn't like it when she didn't know where Claus and Lavie were. Claus smiled at her, carefully lifting himself off Tatiana, who covered her breasts and groin with her hands as he did so.

“Sorry, Al.” he said, patting her head. “I hadn't planned to be gone long.” he apologized. “Did it take you long to find us?” he asked. Al shook her head.

“Uh uh.” she answered. “I checked your cabin, but Mullin was asleep in your bed, so I went to look for you, but I found Lavie first. She had just taken a shower, and was going to get some fresh clothes. After she got dressed, she woke up Mullin and he left, then we looked for you together.”

“We checked the kitchen and the flight deck and even the bridge, but Sophia said that you hadn't been there, so we went to check the mechanic deck again. Alister found us and said that Tatiana had been looking for you, so we came here, and we found you!” she finished happily. She gave no indication that Claus's current state of nakedness bothered her at all. Lavie certainly seemed to find it unremarkable. Awkwardly, Tatiana sat up beside Claus.

“I'm…going to get a shower, too.” she murmured. Alis was already gathering her things. Claus stood and began to reach for his clothes. “Don't you think you should get a shower as well?” prompted Tatiana, her eyes touching his semi-erect dick meaningfully. Claus started to answer, but Lavie beat him to it.

“Don't bother; we're going to be filthy by the time we're done with the engine re-fit anyway. We'll grab one this evening.” she pre-empted. Tatiana opened her mouth to explain what she had meant, but closed it without saying anything.

“Um…ok.” she capitulated. It's my cum on his dick, so what right do I have to run Lavie's face in it? she wondered. She swiftly stepped out of the cabin, her towel wrapped around her bare form.

“I'll leave you alone for a bit.” murmured Alister, catching Claus's eyes for a moment before she, too, exited her cabin. Alvis made no move to leave them alone, instead sitting beside Claus. Lavie grabbed Claus's hand as he started to reach for his shorts.

“We need to take care of that first.” she said, touching his slick, cum-covered dick with a single fingertip. “You remember happened that time, right?” she reminded him. It had been early in their sexual experimentation, and they had enjoyed a hot, passionate morning fuck, but ran late getting ready to make the message deliveries, so they had skipped the cleanup and run off to see if they could get the highest danger rated messages. It had been an uncomfortable day for Claus, who discovered that having a cum-covered dick in shorts was a lot like gluing his dick to his shorts.

“Yeah, I remember.” he grimaced slightly. For some reason, Lavie had found the incident amusing. “But, what can we do…?” he began, not seeing anything at hand to clean himself up with.

“We'll just do what we usually do.” shrugged Lavie, sinking to her knees and running her pink tongue along his shaft, causing it to twitch. It sure doesn't taste like me, but it's not too bad. decided the girl. Claus was staring at her, eyes wide.

“Um, Lavie, that's not your cum.” he pointed out. Lavie looked up at him and twitched a shoulder.

“It Tatiana's, I know.” she acknowledged. “But we have work to do, so just enjoy it.” she said, engulfing half his length in her warm, wet mouth and working her tongue around it. Claus sighed happily. Lavie is so good at this! he thought fondly, gently stroking her short, soft hair and caressing her neck and cheeks with his fingertips.

Lavie could feel warmth spreading through her body from his touch, her pussy growing itchy with desire. Beginning to bob her head, she began to plan how to get Claus to scratch that itch later that night. With a hand on his hip to steady herself, she was soon taking his entire length into her mouth and throat, sucking and licking it clean. Claus's dick had gotten almost completely aroused by her attentions, but Lavie pulled her lips off his length, absently licking her lips as she stood. “That should do it.” she smiled at him playfully. “Come on; get dressed. We have work to do, Claus.” she repeated.

Claus surprised her by sweeping her into a full-length embrace, his lips sealing to her lips hungrily. A soft sound of pleasure came from her throat as she leaned into the embrace. For maybe a minute, the two were in their own place, nothing but them in their world. Then, Lavie regretfully, gently, broke the kiss, pressing her hand against his chest softly, easing herself back. “Tonight.” she breathed to him in invitation, smiling as she did. Smiling, Claus quickly dressed, though the raging erection made that more difficult than normal. Behind the two, Al was clutching her stuffed ram, intently watching them, her lips set in a warm smile.

-

Sophia dropped her uniform top on the foot of the bed, her skirt soon following it, leaving her in her camisole and panties. Sighing, she took a seat at the small, economical desk in her quarters, setting her journal down and opening it to the next page. Kicking off her boots, she picked up her mechanical pen - a little something that she had bought herself before graduating from the Academy - and began to record her day in crisp, clean, compressed sentences.

When she had transcribed her day, she began to jot down her random thoughts and musings, as well as a few small, but interesting happenings. Before she knew it, she was writing down her musing about the situation with Claus, Lavie, Alis and Tatiana. Admittedly, the ship is far livelier than before they came here. she thought, pausing her writing to briefly re-read what she had written so far.

Starting a new line, she moved to a tangent thought that had been in the back of her mind for a while now. If what Tatiana said is correct, then Claus - as a nobleman of the Valca lineage - is entitled to his vote in the Council. Yeah, his father never voted on the Council, but the Valca family has a hereditary seat as one of the five founding families of Anatory. She pursed her lips. I need to send word to the Prime Minister about this. she decided, a few more lines going into her journal.

Thoughts of Claus brought to mind other issues than his heritage. It also brought to mind his situation with Lavie and their situation with her lead van ship crew, Tatiana Wisla and Alister Agrew. Can it really work with them like Tatiana seems to think it can? she wondered. Reflecting on her own love life - or lack there of, thought the woman - she wondered what Claus had that so many girls wanted. “He's cute, I suppose.” she murmured aloud. And he has no problem showing his affection, unlike Alex. she mused. Thoughts of his `showing affection' led her mind into contemplation of how good he might be in bed. Color on her pale cheeks, she wondered if Tatiana's inadvertent testimonial was accurate.

Sophia herself was a virgin, so she had precious little to judge such things against, but her life in the Anatory navy had given her a lot of insight into judging boasts from honest assessment. Tatiana lost her virginity in the Academy, so she should have some means of assessing Claus's skills… she argued. And while Alister also supposedly lost her cheery in the Academy as well, I don't think that she has anything to go on but Claus in terms of performance. Her eyes turned thoughtful, her chin resting on the back of her wrist, her fingers idly twirling her pen. Lavie Head. she tested the name. Common, according to Tatiana, but what does that really have to do with anything at this point? Alex is common, too, and look where he is. Claus doesn't really care about his nobility; it's just something that he head growing up with Lavie.

Blinking, the woman swiftly wrote two more clipped sentences in her journal. “I think it is time to get to know Lavie better.” she said quietly. Closing her journal, she stretched her back after her long shift on the bridge. Alex had been brooding in his room after the little talk with Claus the day before. She had learned about it from Wina, the girl who's ears were legendary throughout the fleet. Apparently, she could hear conversations in cabins aboard the Silvana as clearly as if they were being held next to her.

That picture of Alex and Euris next to those two men…I would never have believed that they were Claus and Lavie's fathers! It had been a huge topic of whispered speculation at the Academy about rather or not Alex had really attempted the Grand Stream in a van ship alongside those two legends. Nearly all of the cadets had decided that since the legendary team of Hamil and George had died in the attempt, there was no way that Alex could have made it. Alex himself had never said one word about it - either way.

“Guess we know what happened to him now, don't we?” she thought out loud. The war had drug on for nearly a decade, with casualties mounting steadily, and there was really no end in sight. Maybe, if those two van ships had made it through, there would have been peace for both Anatory and Disith, but that didn't happen. she thought. “And now, the children of the two most able to pull the mission off are on the ship of the lone survivor of that attempt, fighting the war that inadvertently claimed their fathers' lives.” she sighed. And I keep wondering about Claus, too! she thought both guiltily and excitedly.

Her musing was interrupted by a tapping from her cabin's porthole. Blinking, she rose and stepped to the window, seeing a small kite there, message tube attached to its leg. Opening the port's glass window, she let the bird in and retrieved the message. Reading the message, she felt a tightness in her chest. So, the failure of Vincent has caused the Prime Minister to act, she thought, sinking back down into her chair. Looking at the message on the table, she slowly pulled off her small half-glasses and set them on top of the thin message paper. Reaching back, she pulled the pins free of her hair, allowing her mid-back length hair to fall free in a rich, chestnut-brown river. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“It's been a while, Princess.” she said to her other self.

-

Tatiana puffed as she made another rep on the weight bench. At her head, Alister was spotting for her, though the amount of weight the young pilot pumped was relatively negligible. Mostly, Tatiana worked out to maintain her strength and endurance, not build muscle. Alister followed her lead, the two of them nearly mindlessly repeating the fitness regimen that the Academy had taught them. As was their habit, the two were in their workout clothes, small shorts, tight long-sleeve top and mid-thigh leg warmers for Tatiana, and thin, baggy draw-string pants and a short-sleeve shirt for Alis.

“Do you suppose that Claus and Lavie really don't see relationships like we do, or is it that no none ever explained to them about the whole `dating' thing?” wondered Alister. Tatiana exhaled as she hooked the bar bell over the stand. Sitting up, she snagged her towel from beside the bench and wiped her face before answering.

“Honestly? I don't know, Alis.” she replied candidly. “I've been thinking, though.” she paused, standing so that Alis could take her place on the bench, her hand locking onto the bar as Tatiana moved to where Alis had been. Seeing Tatiana nod to her, Alister undocked the bar and began her own reps. “Maybe they have moved beyond what we consider a relationship.” she posited. I mean, from what I heard in the desert, and from Claus since then, they have been dependant on each other since they were six, and before that, they had been…well, I'm not really sure. she realized, frowning slightly. Below her, Alister, puffing lightly as she steadily worked her reps, caught the look on her partner's face.

“You just realized something.” she noted, her eyes on Tatiana's. “Something about them?” she guessed. Tatiana frowned.

“I guess.” she replied, distracted by her thoughts. “It's more like I realized that I didn't know something, rather than the reverse.” she tried to explain.

“Care to share it, Tatiana?” asked Alister. Tatiana considered that.

“Would you say that Claus and Lavie were raised as siblings, as future partners, or as children?” she asked her partner. Alister frowned.

“What is that? A riddle?” she wondered. I don't know as much about them as she does, so maybe I just don't have enough reference points to figure this one out. considered the young navigator. A sigh from her blonde partner broke her from her reverie.

“I really don't know myself, Alis.” she admitted to her navigator. “Claus said that he and Lavie have been together since they were one year old. Apparently, Claus's mom took over the role as her mom, taking care of her and her dad. But, he also said that their fathers were always talking about the two of them being a team, and on other occasions, he implies that their relationship was like brother and sister.”

Alister completed another cycle. “I have seen them act in all three ways, you know.” she suggested. “Maybe…they are all three? Siblings, lovers, partners?” she hazard. Would that make them…? she shook her head, clearing the half-formed thought.

“Yeah, I've seen it, too.” agreed Tatiana. If they are… she thought uneasily, …are Alis and I going to be outsiders to them forever? A metallic clang made her blink. Looking down, she saw that Alister had docked the bar, having completed her cycle. Sitting up, she draped her towel over her shoulders, patting her sweaty face with the end of the towel. Both girls were silent and still for a few minutes, each wrapped up in their own thoughts.

The ship's whistle roused them, sounding the change of the hour. Looking at her partner, Tatiana tossed her head toward the door to the small, cramped exercise room. “Let's grab a shower, Alis.” she said. Alister nodded.

“Ok.” agreed the other girl. Together, the two moved toward the living deck where their cabin was located. As they passed the stairs that led to the mechanic deck, they both detoured long enough to look into the corner of the large deck, where the much-abused silver ship of Claus and Lavie was healing under the surprisingly-skilled hands of the two. Peeking around the edge of the hatch, they saw that the two were currently taking a break.

Sitting on the hard steel decking, the two were slowly eating some of the sandwiches that Al had made. Lavie was sitting tight to Claus's side, her head nearly on his shoulder, her grey cap draped over one knee, revealing her short, mahogany hair. Claus was leaning back against the wheel cowling, Al on his other side, basket between her knees. Faintly, the two girls could hear bits and pieces of their conversation. Watching them, they saw the two pointing to different places on the ship, and they gathered that they were reminiscing about mishaps that had left various marks on their ship. Both of them were covered in dirt, grease and general filth, but seemed very happy and calm.

Silently, the older girls withdrew, resuming their trek to the showers. As they did, they both reflected on what they had seen. Reaching their cabin, they stepped in long enough to strip off their sweaty workout clothes, grab their towel, bath supplies and shower robes before heading to the showers. Entering the cramped shower area, they saw Wina just finishing up. Giving the bridge officer a casual wave, the two made room so she could head to her cabin for a much-needed rest.

Situating their robes and supplies with the speed of long familiarity, the two stepped to side-by-side shower nozzles and started the water. Minutes passed as they cleaned the sweat from their bodies. As they were finishing up, Tatiana broke the silence. “Alis, do you think we are doing something good, or bad, with Claus?” she asked quietly.

“What do you mean?” asked Alister, looking at the short-haired girl.

“Is it possible that we might drive them apart?” whispered Tatiana. I don't want cause them to drift apart. They seemed so…content with each other.

“I don't think…” Alis paused, re-considering her words before continuing, “Tatiana, I don't think that we could split them up.” she assured her friend. “As for making a mistake being with him, do you think we are?” she asked honestly.

Unbidden, memories of being with Claus rose to the front of her mind, and she could feel her pussy tingle as color touched her cheeks. Silently, she shook her head. Seeing that, Alister reached over and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Well, then. That's decided.” she said. Tatiana managed a smile, mirroring Alister's own.

-

Sophia sat in her cabin, staring blankly at the wall. It hadn't been a surprise to her that the conversation with Alex had ended as it had; after all, Alex was not the sort to change his mind just because his first officer was being recalled. No, Alex is not the kind to change his plans just because I wish he loved me. she brutally admitted - if only to herself. Her blue-green eyes fell to the thin sheet of message paper still lying crumpled on her desk.

Alex's words had bit deep into her. “'Have you become so weak that you need my advice?'” she quoted him. “Maybe I have.” she sighed. With the sinking of those two Urbonis-class ships, Alex has severed his ties to Anatory. He…no, we…are rogue agents now. That initial distinction bothered her, though. I wonder, are any of us with him, or is it him on his own, and the rest of us refusing to see what is happening? she wondered. “If so, who do I owe my loyalty to?” she wondered.

Immediately, two voices began to yell inside her head. One, the voice of her heritage, angrily reminded her of her duty to Anatory, to the traditions of the military and to the family. The duty of an office in the Anatory Navy is to perform their duty for Anatory with absolute honor and integrity! Nothing matters but your loyalty, honor and duty! Sophia knew all too well what that translated to in her current situation. The opposing side, however, had some compelling arguments of its own. Loyalty can take different forms. Alex's goals are in keeping with the ultimate goal of this war: peace with Disith. And if not for him, then do you not have an obligation to protect your crew? Especially Tatiana, Alister, Claus, Lavie and Al. countered the side of reason.

The two sides argued back and forth, neither really getting a clear advantage over the other. In the end, Sophia found herself sprawled out on her narrow bed, legs over the side, feet on the deck, staring at the dark ceiling. Both her sides were argued out, and nothing had been resolved. Gradually, her thoughts turned to Claus, Lavie and Al.

Sophia tried to figure out how they had ended up with a relationship like they enjoyed, but she couldn't quite make the dots line up. And trying to figure out how Al fit into it made her inexplicably nervous. “Of course, I know how Tatiana and Alis fit into it.” she muttered. She and the two younger girls had had more than a few talks about it, after all. That thought drew her onto a tangent line of thought.

Can Claus really be that skilled? she wondered. Tatiana and Alis had had nothing but glowing praise of his skills, but then, they weren't really in a position to compare a broad sample. And you are, little miss virgin? came a taunting voice from her libido. A pained look flickered across her face at that little self-jab. “Suppose not.” murmured the young woman. At nineteen years old, she was still a virgin. By upbringing and inclination, she had managed to keep her virginity in tact throughout the four years she was in the Academy.

While not rare, that was somewhat odd. While the male students - nearly to a man - lost theirs early and viewed it as a kind of `proof of manliness' ritual, the female students tended to lose theirs in their last year or two before deployment, and it was viewed as a good-luck ritual; it was also a fail-safe in case the girl was killed on her first tour. When I saw the Silvana come up as my posting, I wonder why I didn't grab the nearest guy and drag him into the closest closet? she asked herself. A wry smile crossed her lips even as she silently asked herself that question. She knew the answer already.

Groaning, she say up and stepped into her boots. “I need to get out of this cabin.” she muttered, running a hand through her loose hair. Deciding to leave it loose - if for no other reason than that Alex had specifically told her loose hair was in-appropriate on a ship of the line - the Vice Captain swiped the message from her desk and slipped out of her cabin, making her way toward the upper gun casement line, where a small observation area was located. “Some fresh air, then bed.” she decided.

Her destination was an infrequently used observation deck which was more of a niche in the armor casements than an actual deck and used only when the ship was lining up with another ship for a mid-air transfer of supplies or armaments. Thus, it should be completely deserted at this time of night, given the ship's current course and desire to be left unnoticed by other ships of any faction. Reaching the cramped hatchway, she eased it open and slipped through, closing it behind her before moving to the single cable rail at the edge of the deck area.

Taking in a deep breath of the cool night air, she exhaled happily. It's really nice up here, away from the city. she thought, feeling herself relax. I can see why Tatiana, Claus and their navigators are so enthralled with flying van ships. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine what it must be like to fly in a van ship. For some reason, she found herself imagining herself in Claus's sleek, single-engine ship.

“You smell really nice.” came a quiet voice from beside her. Blinking, Sophia turned to see Claus not that far from her, standing motionless at the rail. Was he out here before I came out? Or did he find this place and come out here while I was daydreaming? she wondered, unable to recall if he had been there or not.

“Thank you, Claus. I thought I'd try a little perfume for a change.” she replied. Sophia smothered a frown as she recalled why she had applied a little perfume to her throat. I didn't really expect it to make a difference, after all. she conceded. “What are you doing up here, Claus?” she asked, changing the subject to distract her from her thoughts.

“Lavie and Al went to bed, but I wanted to get some fresh air before I turn in.” he explained softly. “Al told me about this place, and it sounded like a good place to relax.” he added. Sophia smiled, picturing the blonde little girl in her mind.

“I'd be surprised if there is any place on this ship that Al hasn't found by now.” she said, her voice warm and fond. Everyone on the Silvana had fallen in love with the young Hamilton girl, and the only thing she liked more than being with Claus and Lavie was moving around the ship, talking to her friends and exploring. Even the chief engineer, reserved man that he was, had been seen smiling and joking with the young girl in the heart of the engine room.

“Yeah, she gets around.” laughed Claus. “So, what brings you here, Sophia?” he asked curiously.

“The same thing, actually.” she said quietly. Claus nodded.

“I see.” he agreed. Sophia decided to just ask him.

“Claus, I heard about your talk with Alex. Are you…going to stay on the Silvana?” she asked him, turning to face him. Claus slowly nodded.

“Yes. I am.” he confirmed. “I have to protect Al, and right now, Lavie and I have no home, no money and our ship is broken, so I don't see a lot of choice in the matter.” he paused. “But, even if that Guild ship hadn't smashed our house, and even if our ship was in perfect condition, I would still stay to protect Al.” he finished.

“And Lavie?” prompted Sophia. Claus gave her a small smile.

“She doesn't really like the ship, but she knows that we don't have a lot of choice about it. And she wants to protect Al as much as I do.” he added. Sophia slowly reached out and took his hand, pulling him to a small conduit casing that acted as a bench. Sitting down, she tugged on his hand, the young man sinking down next to her.

“You and Lavie are very kind, do you know that?” she nearly whispered to him. I see now what Tatiana and Alis saw in him. she realized. Claus wore a serious look on his face.

“Lavie and I know what she is going through; that's all.” he declined the compliment. Sophia leaned a little closer to him.

“You are a better man than most, Claus.” she whispered, her lips touching his. Surprised at first, Claus swiftly responded to the kiss, bringing one hand to her cheek as he deepened the kiss. In the hand not on Claus's shoulder, Sophia felt the thin paper of the message from the Prime Minister crinkle slightly. What are you doing, Princess? came the question from her responsible side. You can't be serious about this! You're a princess, and have obligation that preclude such behavior as this! protested the voice.

Sophia paid it little heed. She knew - at one level - that part of the reason she was reacting to Claus like this was as a sort of childish revenge on Alex for not reacting to her clear devotion to him. Intellectually, she understood that he may or may not have been aware of her love for him, but that even if had of known, he wouldn't be likely to return it in any measure. Euris. That is who he loved, and still loves. Not me. she admitted. Whenever he thinks no one notices, he touches that old picture of him and Euris, standing next to Claus and Lavie's dads.

Claus turned to bring his other hand to her side, just below her armpit, gently rubbing her side as he ran his tongue along her tongue. Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine, though it had nothing to do with the cool breeze flowing past them. Indeed, in the semi-sheltered area where they were now, it was beginning to feel hot to her. Her pulse had kicked up, but she didn't notice. Impulsively, Sophia unclenched her hand, the crumpled paper whipping away from them, into the ship's slipstream, vanishing forever. With her other hand now free, she leaned into Claus, wrapping her arm around his chest and drawing him into her.

When the two were chest to chest, they were forced to break their kiss, both of them panting lightly. “Sophia.” breathed Claus, getting a nose-full of her perfume. In his pants, his dick was hard as steel. Impulsively, he slowly combed his fingers through her hair, feeling the rich, chestnut-colored mane slip between his fingers, the strands soft and cool to the touch. So different from Lavie's and Tatiana's short hair, and Alister's thicker hair. thought the young man.

Claus had always gotten a good vibe from Sophia; and the fact that Al liked her a lot and trusted her counted for much in his opinion as well. Lavie had no issues with the Vice Captain either - another good mark in her favor. Now, here she was, kissing him. To be sure, he had not thought that she would have any interest in him in this way, but when she suddenly kissed him, he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity. Pressing his lips to hers, he stole another brief kiss before easing back slightly. Looking at Sophia in the cool light of the stars, he noticed that with her hair loose and her glasses gone, she looked a lot younger and a hell of a lot prettier than she did with her hair tightly braided and her half-glasses on.

“You're a lot prettier like this, Sophia.” he shared with her, smiling at her blush. “Do you really need to wear glasses?” he thought to ask, recalling a brief conversation about that topic he had had with Lavie while they were taking a break from working on their van ship together. Sophia shook her head.

“No. I only wear them for reading maps. If I don't wear them, I have to squint to read the fine print on the maps, and if I do that for long, I get a headache.” she confessed. Claus smiled.

“Well, I'm glad you can go without them.” he replied, fingertips gently tracing her cheekbone on their way to her throat. Finding her uniform blouse loose on her, he caressed her collarbone where it bet at the base of her neck before pausing, Claus's eyes finding Sophia's eyes before his fingers delicately dipped lower, only hesitating long enough to brush the button loose. Sophia was beginning to pant as she felt his fingertips tease her skin, moving slowly down her chest toward her breasts.

As his fingers easily slipped the buttons free to allow him to progress lower, Claus found himself eager to see Sophia's body. Older than any of his lovers, he was curious to see how much of a difference a few years could make. Reaching her breasts, he paused, finding them unhindered by any kind of top. Well, she did say that she had planned to get some air and then turn in for the night. he remembered. Easing a hand toward each womanly mound, he used his wrists to push her blouse from her shoulders, the material catching at her upper arms, but allowing her breasts to emerge into the pale moonlight.

“Claus,” whined Sophia, feeling her nipples harden fully as the cool air flowed over them. “please…” she begged, though she was not that sure exactly what she wanted him to do. His hands slowly cupped her breasts, feeling their fullness and exploring their shape. Reaching her hard nipples, he treated them like he treated Lavie's nipples. It caused a reaction in Sophia exactly like the reaction it caused in Lavie, the woman trembling, her legs rubbing together unconsciously.

Dipping his head to her exposed breasts, Claus reverently trapped a nipple between his lips, sucking, licking and lightly - carefully - biting the hard tip, his fingers mirroring his attentions on her free breast as closely as he could manage. A soft, long sigh came from her throat as she closed her arms around his head, pulling him to her. Claus let her hold him to her breasts, enjoying the taste of her skin and her puffy nipples.

Still, there was more to be done, and he reluctantly removed his hand from her breast, causing her to moan in distress at the loss of contact on one of her breasts. That moan turned into a surprised gasp as she felt his hands attack her remaining buttons on her blouse, the release of which caused her uniform top to hang loose on her arms. Releasing one arm at a time, she dropped the top to the decking by the bench-like conduit covering. To her surprise, Claus's hand began to circle the waistband of her skirt, seeking a way to remove that from her as well.

“Here.” she breathed, grabbing one of his hands and guiding it to the small button and zipper. Dexterous fingers swiftly had it loose and drew down the zipper, her skirt going slack on her waist. Impatiently, Sophia carefully pushed Claus's head back from her chest, swiftly standing and pushing the shirt to the decking, leaving her in the small, dark panties that Tatiana and Alis wore under their uniforms. Claus swallowed a mouthful of drool at the sight of her naked body.

“Beautiful.” he said softly, standing to embrace her. Or, that was the plan; the tent in his pants made him freeze half-way up, wincing as his pants caught his dick, putting it in a bind. Grabbing his pants, he struggled to get his dick into a comfortable position. “Damn!” he muttered, struggling with the cloth and a dick so hard he could probably bend steel with it. His hands were suddenly joined by another pair of pale, soft, feminine hands.

“Let me help, Claus.” offered Sophia, squatting to get a better view of the situation. Seeing the bulge in his pants, she blinked, suddenly realizing what was causing the problem. Is that all his…dick?! wondered the woman, getting the military-issue pants undone and beginning to work on the zipper. I wonder if Claus is below average, average or above average size? she asked herself before dismissing the thought as irrelative. Tatiana swears he is good in the sack, so what does it matter what size his dick is? she rationalized. Between the two of them, they got his pants and boxers out of the way, his dick springing free and nearly hitting Sophia's face, the tip already slippery with pre-cum.

Claus saw Sophia staring in awe at his hard length. What's with the awed look? It's just my dick. he thought to himself. Lavie was long past the staring stage, thought Tatiana and Alister both occasionally took a few moments to just look at it. He had no clue what all the excitement was about, but whatever the girls felt like was fine with him; after all, there was plenty of things for him to stare at. Feeling Sophia's hand close on his hard length, he sighed happily. “That feels good, Sophia.” he said.

Sophia glanced up at him from where she was nearly face-to-crotch with him. Remembering some of what she had heard in the Academy and from Tatiana, she slowly moved her fist back and fourth on the hard shaft, keeping her grip snug, but not overly tight. Looking back to the tip, she saw more of the shiny fluid come from the tip as she pumped his shaft. As the fluid coated her fingers and his shaft, it made her strokes easier, the slickness aiding the process.

Between her own legs, she could feel herself growing wet, her groin tingling. Moving her free hand down between her legs, she lightly stroked herself through the front of her panties, surprised at how wet she was. She had masturbated before many times, but had never gotten anywhere near this wet. Her thoughts were interrupted by Claus's hands on her head, gently but firmly pulling her up and guiding her to the surface of the conduit cover. Letting him guide her onto her back, she let him take the lead.

Once she was lying back, Claus swiftly skinned her panties off, dropping them to the deck near her blouse and skirt, before guiding her legs apart as he moved between them. A single touch told him how wet she was. Unable to resist, he paused long enough to sample her taste, finding her to be rich and flavorful, much to his approval. As he quickly snacked on her bare sex, he discovered that she had a neat, dense, trimmed patch of hair just above her sex. Tracing it with his fingers as his lips and tongue worked on her drooling snatch, he discovered that it was a small, sharp triangle shaped patch.

Sophia's entire body trembled as a moderate orgasm swept through her at Claus's oral attention on her pussy. Panting, she rode it out, surprised that he could do that to her without actually having sex with her. God, it should feel incredible when he enters me, if this is just from his mouth! she thought, drunk on euphoria. The only thoughts in her mind were of her need to have sex; no more debate and no more delay. God, I want it so bad!! screamed her hormones and instincts in perfect harmony.

Claus realized from the sudden increase in her juice that she had just had one orgasm, and the knowledge made his balls begin to ache with the need to find release in what his mouth was currently hogging. Withdrawing his mouth from her soaked groin, he moved up between her legs, feeling her spread her legs wider as her arms guided him into position above him. Catching both of them by surprise, he felt his tip meet her wet entrance. “Ready, Sophia?” he husked to her. She nodded, tightening her grip on him.

“Do it, Claus.” she begged, feeling him shift forward, pushing his tip against her entrance. As his fat tip split her virgin passage, stretching her to allow him entrance, she had a moment to be glad that the physical exercise in the Academy had broken her maidenhood and her self-pleasuring had rid her of the last of the proof of her virginity. Still, it felt like she was being stuffed with a roast ham from the feeling. Although, this is more satisfying that ham! she thought lustfully. Deeper and deeper his member sank into her, the two panting and beginning to sweat slightly in the small alcove.

Am I ever going to reach the bottom of her pussy?! worried Claus, nearly entirely inside her, and still not feeling the end of her passage. His worry was premature, it turned out, as the next stroke brought him to her cervix. “Ah!” they gasped together, sharing the moment. Pausing, Claus savored the feeling her before beginning to slowly thrust in her passage, gaining speed and power as he went.

“Oh, god!” wheezed Sophia, lunging up and locking her lips to his, finding an unfamiliar taste on them. It took her a moment to realize that the taste must be her own juice, but her hormone-addled mind disregarded that as completely irrelevant. Slipping her tongue into his mouth, she enthusiastically began to wrestle with his oral muscle. Before either of them knew it, they were at the brink, Claus hammering into her slick, hot sex with great speed and force, Sophia raising her hips to meet his frenzied thrusts.

“Sophia!” grunted Claus, feeling his balls tighten. Holding himself in her as deeply as he could, he flooded her with his cum. Flooded with his hot, thick cum, Sophia lost control herself, discovering the difference between a good orgasm, and a great orgasm. Claus rested against her chest as he caught his breath. Beneath him, Sophia slowly regained her senses.

“Mmm. That was incredible, Claus.” she purred happily, feeling his softening member slowly moving in her tender sex. The younger man managed a smile for her, lifting his head from where it had rested next to her throat.

“It was my pleasure, Sophia.” he assured her. “If you don't mind my asking, what made you want to sleep with me?” he wondered. Sophia pursed her lips, her rational mind back in control.

“Claus, I…” she paused to gather her thoughts. I can't believe I slept with Claus! one part of her mind screamed in shock. But I don't regret it, either! countered a more emotional side. Alex will never love me, and even if he did, I don't know if he is the man that Claus is in certain circumstances. Another thought occurred to her. I'm leaving the ship tomorrow, so what does it matter, really? she asked herself. “Claus, I have to tell you some things.” she said, feeling him shift slightly. Sophia instinctively tightened her embrace, holding his warm, naked body to her own naked body.

“Sure, Sophia.” he agreed, smothering a yawn. Wonder if Lavie and Al have turned in yet? he absently wondered. “What is it?” he asked the woman currently holding him to her chest. Speaking softly, Sophia told him.

-

Lavie awoke to find herself curled up on Claus. She had come back to the cabin for some sleep, only to find their shared bed empty. Shrugging at Al's question about where Claus was, she assured the girl that he would be back, and now, here he was. Laying her head back down, she took a deep breath, drawing comfort from the familiar presence of Claus. Her nose caught something else, though.

He smells like perfume. she realized, Lavie carefully sniffing his chest again. Definitely perfume. she decided. Her lips frowned slightly. I can't recall Alis or Tatiana wearing any, so who was he with last night? wondered the girl, curious, but not particularly upset. After all, it was their bed that he returned to, was it not? Minutes passed, and Lavie slowly - reluctantly - got out of bed, unsurprised to find that her moving didn't awaken Claus. “Sleepyhead.” she said fondly, leaning over to kiss him.

“Morning, Lavie.” came the high, clear voice of Al. Turning, Lavie saw Al sitting up in her bed. The two naked girls shared a smile.

“Morning, Al.” responded Lavie, the two speaking a bit softer than normal; though Lavie knew that they wouldn't awaken Claus even if they were holding a party in there. Sleepyhead loves his rest, after all. she thought, another smile teasing her lips. A lifetime together had fitted them to each other perfectly. “Hungry?” she asked the younger girl. Al nodded, hopping out of bed and beginning to dress as Lavie did likewise. Pulling on her panties, she felt the worn undergarment tear.

“Damn.” she muttered, studying the damage. “Well, these have had it.” she decided, tossing them into the small waste bin. What am I going to do about panties now? she wondered. A knock on her door drew her from her reverie. If that's Mullin again, I'll kick him in the nuts. she thought, irritated at the persistence of the young Musketeer in wanting to practice with her. Moving to the door, she opened it a bit, seeing Alister and Tatiana standing outside the door.

“Alister. Tatiana.” said Lavie, stepping back, leaving the door open slightly. “What brings you here this early?” asked the girl as the two stepped into the cabin. Seeing a nearly-naked Lavie frowning at her worn-out panties, Tatiana and Alis traded looks.

“Early? It's nearly mid-morning, Lavie.” said Alister. “Is something wrong?” she asked. Lavie shook her head.

“Not really. I was up late working on our ship, so I slept in a bit.” she explained. “And now, I don't have any panties.” she muttered, feeling annoyed at the situation.

“I can get you some so you won't have to go without.” offered Tatiana neutrally. After all, she and Lavie were still not really friends; though they were working on it.

“I don't know…” began Lavie skeptically.

“Honestly, Lavie, they're pretty nice and very comfortable.” assured Alister. “The military issues more than we need, so it isn't a problem.”

Lavie considered the situation. She didn't like going without panties, and with Mullin's clumsiness, it was a wonder that her panties had lasted this long. “If you're sure…” she began.

“We're sure.” interrupted Alister, stepping to the door. “Be back in just a moment, Lavie.” she said before exiting the room. Lavie sat on the side of the bed, her hand absently resting on Claus's chest. Tatiana wanted to do the same thing, but she felt that doing so would needless stress their tenuous friendship. Racking her brain for something to say, she settled on the only thing she felt reasonably safe saying to the temperamental red-head.

“Did you hear? The Vice Captain has been recalled to the capital.” she offered.

“Sophia?” wondered Lavie, frowning. “Why would they call her to the capital? Didn't they just try and sink this ship?” she wondered. Tatiana bit her lip for a moment.

“They were actually wanting to capture it, since the Captain refused an order to transfer Al to the custody of the King of Anatory.” she shared, glancing at Al.

“Sophia is leaving the ship?” asked the girl, uninterested in politics. Tatiana nodded.

“I'm afraid so, Al.” she said. “Matter of fact, she's supposed to be taking a heavy transport to the capital within the hour.” she said. Al glanced at Lavie.

“I want to tell Sophia bye.” she said. Lavie nodded.

“Ok, Al.” said the older girl, fondly patting the girl's pale wheat blonde hair. “I'll come find you when I get some panties, ok?” she said. Al nodded.

“Ok, Lavie!” she chirped before nearly dashing from the room. Tatiana made her way to Al's bed and sat on the edge. Silently, the two girls absently watched Claus's slumbering form. It surprised them both when Alister returned, holding four pairs of the thin, black panties that they both wore.

“Here, Lavie. They should fit pretty good.” Alister handed the small garments to the girl. Briefly looking them over, Lavie stepped into a pair, settling them on her hips. They were a bit looser than she had thought they would be, and were cut drastically different from her old panties. Stepping past Alister, she looked at her reflection in the small mirror.

“They look good on you, Lavie.” assured Alister.

“Once you get used to them, I think you'll like them more than your old ones.” seconded Tatiana. Lavie said nothing, reaching for her grey uniform pants.

“Guess so.” she shrugged. “Let's go find Al and get some breakfast.” she suggested to the other two girls.

“What about Claus?” wondered Alister. Lavie snorted indelicately.

“Sleepyhead won't be up any time soon.” she said, thought her gaze was soft. Silently, the two followed the smaller girl out of the cabin and in search of Al and the Vice Captain. The trio found them in Sophia's cabin.

“Lavie. I was hoping to see you before I left.” said the woman, seeing the short red-headed girl. “Claus asleep?” she guessed. Lavie nodded.

“Yeah. He'll be out for a while. I'll wake him up before you leave, though.” she offered. Sophia shook her head.

“Let him get his rest, ok?” she asked. Lavie shrugged.

“If you want.” she dismissed the subject. “So, what did you want to see me about, anyway?” she wondered. Sophia stepped up to the girl and took her shoulders in her hands.

“I wanted to thank you for staying with Claus, even though I know you didn't want to stay on this ship.” she said quietly. “Knowing that you and Claus are looking out for Al is a great comfort for me.” she said. Leaning into the girl, she hugged the surprised Lavie. “Keep an eye on them for me?” whispered the older girl to Lavie.

“Always do.” murmured Lavie, finding herself remembering all the hugs that Justine had given her when she was little. Sucking in a deep breath, she pushed back the memories. In doing so, she caught a familiar scent. Blinking against Sophia's shoulder, she realized what she was smelling. Claus was with Sophia last night?!