Chapter 17
After breakfast had concluded, Kate, feeling bad for not having helped her father with farmwork in a long time, announced that she'd be helping him out for a few hours.
Nastya felt a pang of disappointment hearing the younger girl state that, but quickly decided to head back to the camp to talk to her own father and discuss Kate's plans of joining the Voyager family on their tour through Ireland.
Dee along with Natascha and Phoebe soon agreed to accompany the blonde back to the camp.
Phoebe snorted. “I honestly don't get why Katie didn't wanna accompany us right away.”
Nastya looked at her sternly, stating matter-of-factly. “Your sister is required to assist your father on the farm, Phoebe.”
The small girl rolled her eyes in a manner that reminded her of Kate, a fact that made the blonde feel warm and fuzzy inside. “She said that, but pa would've most likely allowed her to accompany us if she'd asked him.
"You two didn't argue by any chance. Did ya, Nastya?”
The tall girl blinked hard, wondering how the youngest Janeway had reached that conclusion.
She shook her head. “No, we did not 'argue', Phoebe Janeway. I believe Kate might have experienced what is commonly referred to as 'guilt' due to having neglected her labor these past few days and hence she felt obligated to assist your father today.”
To both girls' surprise, Dee chimed in. “Never underestimate guilt. It is a very strong emotion, albeit a very negative, even unhealthy one.”
Nastya felt her cheeks grow hot, as the young woman had to notice to her own dismay, at Dee's glance that spoke volumes meeting hers.
The blonde huffed. “How am I not to experience this emotion after all that has occurred in the past, Dee?
"I am aware that it is a most unpleasant, even damaging emotion, but I simply cannot and will not stop feeling it simply because you, an expert on the matter, who just so happens to also be a close friend of mine, advises me to do so.”
Dee's eyes had turned wide, shocked at the younger woman's outburst. “Sweetie, I never said that I wanted you to stop feeling guilty. I'm simply concerned for your health and well-being, but I know that you have your reasons to feel this emotion and I respect that.”
Nastya nodded slowly, biting her bottom lip.
'Fool. You should know better than accusing Dee of all people to have ulterior motives.'
Nastya told the brunette in an uncharacteristically small voice. “I apologize, Dee. It was wrong to accuse you of having ulterior motives. I should know you better by now.”
The older woman smiled softly. “It's fine, sweetie. I know that it's a touchy topic for you.”
Nastya nodded, sighing. “You are correct, Dee. It indeed is a 'touchy' topic for me. Regardless, it was wrong of me to have lashed out at you like that.
"It appears that my patience is wearing a little 'thin' today.”
Dee leaned closer to her friend, whispering conspiratorially. “Did a certain redhead leave you hanging, sweetie? She seems to be quite the tease from what I've observed.”
Nastya's cheeks in spite of herself turned crimson at her older friend's words, her voice sounding suspiciously hoarse when she stated. “D-Dee, this is a matter that should only concern Kate and me. I wish for you to respect my privacy.
"Unless you wish to elaborate on just what it was exactly that has transpired between Kate's aunt Beverly and your person the previous night.”
Dee, who had not at all been prepared for the younger woman's retort, blushed profusely, a fact that greatly satisfied Nastya who smirked to herself.
'Oh, Dee. She truly is no child of sorrow and the same seems to go for Kate's aunt. I guess I will not have to play 'cupid' for those two, after all. They seem to have already found each other.'
The quartet had arrived at the camp, Nastya walked up to Natascha, kneeling down to be on eye-level with the young girl, telling her gently. “I will go to my trailer for a moment and take care of a few personal matters then I am going to talk to papa.
"Feel free to come by if you shall require anything. Alright?”
The strawberry blonde girl beamed brightly, nodding softly. “I will comply.”
The blonde chuckled softly, touched at the younger girl's use of one of her own personal go-to phrases.
The two girls nuzzled their noses, a display of affection they'd adapted to use as a parting gesture over the years the younger girl had been under Nastya's loving care.
Dee watching this wiped at her eyes in which tears had gathered, so touched was she at the rare display of affection from Nastya's side.
Had the blonde not told her the story of how she'd first met and saved Natascha, Dee would've never once doubted the two girls to indeed be sisters, both their strong emotional bond and striking similarity in appearance could fool even experts like her.
“My daughters, you're back at last. I missed you!” Nastya and Natascha turned around upon hearing their father's voice, the little girl turning giddy, dashing over to the man, tackling him down which made him laugh out happily. “There, there.”
Nastya chuckled at the sight, amused at Natascha's antics. She stood uncertainly at the side, watching the two talk and embrace.
Pjotr eventually turned to her, smiling softly. “Nastya, have you been well? I haven't seen you around in quite some time.”
The blonde instantly felt guilty, nodding slowly. “I have been very well, papa. Please, excuse my absence. I had meant to keep you updated on my status, but I was caught up in some urgent matters.
"By the way, there is something I wish to discuss with you at your earliest convenience.”
Nastya and Pjotr had soon agreed to meet half an hour from now at the blonde's trailer.
The young woman once inside her trailer brewed herself some herbal tea, sitting on her bed, retrieving her brown leather journal from its hiding spot, desperate to finally write a new entry, needing an outlet for the emotional and physical turmoil going on inside her.
She opened an empty page, pen seeming to fly over the paper in inhuman speed.
May 24th, 1847, Carbury, Ireland
A lot has happened within the past few days. Kate and my bond is growing ever-stronger. I have confided in her regarding my past the other day and, she, to my surprise, has reacted with compassion and kindness I did not deem possible.
She truly is a remarkable young woman who possesses an intellect and understanding of the world I did not expect to find in someone this young and seemingly inexperienced.
It is true that she is an avid reader who frequents the local library of this town like no other.
However, the knowledge and intelligence she possesses seem to stem from more than just books. I believe it is what Dee has referred to as 'emotional intelligence' before, something which I due to my past at the Doctor's facility find myself lacking still.
Last night, Kate and I have spent our first night together. I had a hard time maintaining my composure being this close to her, sharing one bed.
At least, I did not sleep in the nude as I normally do.
Kate allowed me to wear what she called a 'nightgown', a kind of dress made of a thin fabric that almost felt as if I was wearing nothing at all, so light was it.
I had never once deemed Kate to be a 'tease', but I seem to have been mistaken and the worst part of it all is that she 'left me hanging' in this most unpleasant state afterward.
Papa is going to come over for a talk soon and I have yet to find a way to regain my composure.
My usual means of doing so is not an option at this hour.
Despite my own desperation, I do not wish to rush things and ruin Kate and my rather delicate bond, overwhelm her, force her to do something she is not ready for at this point in time.
I will patiently wait for as long as she requires. All that matters is that we are together, lovers, the rest will fall into place eventually.
This girl means the world to me and I know that it will be worth the wait, no matter how long it might take.
целую и обнимаю анастасия Kisses and hugs, Anastasia
Nastya closed her journal, quickly putting it back into its usual spot. She scrunched up her nose in distaste when she noticed that her tea had by now grown cold. If there was one thing she couldn't stand it was cold tea.
The young woman had half a nerve to get up and brew herself a fresh mug when a knock resounded from her door.
Dismissing her plan, for the time being, she called out. “Enter!”
The door opened, her father walked inside.
Nastya smiled softly at him, gesturing towards the chair by the window. “Please, take a seat, papa. I was about to brew myself some tea. Would you like some as well? Your favorite, Earl Grey tea, perhaps?”
The bald man smiled and inclined his head. “Thank you, Nastya. Earl Grey tea sounds perfect. You know me too well.
"There is something you wanted to discuss with me? Am I right thinking that it stands in relation to your absence these past few days, moya lyubov?”
Nastya's eyes widened for a split second at her father's question, feeling caught.
She quickly regained her composure and while preparing the water for their tea told him truthfully. “You are correct, papa. I have encountered a girl here, Kate Janeway, whose parents own a farm in this town.
"The two of us have grown quite close over the past few days and she wishes to accompany the family on our tour through Ireland along with her younger sister, Phoebe, who has befriended Natascha.”
The blonde handed the weathered man the cup of Earl Grey tea she'd brewed for him who nodded in thanks.
Nastya sat down, nipping at her own herbal tea.
She had a hard time not spitting out the still-hot tea at her father's question. “Who is this Kate Janeway to you, Nastya?”
Nastya swallowed, having dreaded that question the most, knowing the older man was very protective of her.
Pjotr, who felt the reluctance from his daughter's side told her gently. “It's alright, Nastya. You don't have to be afraid to tell me the truth. I know you are an adult and as such you are able to make your own decisions.”
She bit her lip, telling him truthfully. “We are lovers, papa. Despite us merely having met not that long ago, my feelings for her are growing stronger every single day.
"I love her with every fiber of my being. She means the world to me.”
Pjotr gently squeezed his daughter's hand, smiling genuinely, tears brimming in his eyes. “I can see that your love for this girl is genuine, Nastya. If she makes you happy, that's all I need to know.
"Kate is very welcome to join us on our tour and her little sister as well, of course. The more, the merrier, as I always say!
"Now go, konfetka. I am sure Kate is waiting for you.”
Nastya was about to protest and tell her father that Kate was busy doing farm work, but she knew better than to do so.
The blonde smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her father's cheek, a fact that stunned the old man and melted his heart, telling him. “Thank you, papa, for everything. I am going to leave now and inform Kate of your approval.”
He smiled softly. “I'm looking forward to meeting the girl who has captured my Nastya's heart.”
Nastya felt her cheeks heat up, smiling shyly. “I am certain you are going to like her, papa. She is a remarkable person.”
He nodded, declaring earnestly. “She must be. I can already see the effect she is having on you, moya lyubov and it is nothing but positive.”
Nastya left the trailer in a rush, suddenly feeling even more eager to see Kate again. Taking the time into consideration, chances were high that she would arrive on time for lunch at the Janeway farm.
'That would be perfect. She should be having a break during that hour.'
Nastya felt her heart flutter in anticipation at the prospect of seeing Kate in her working attire which she found quite appealing, her body covered in sweat and dirt from working in the fields and the exposure to the surprisingly hot late May sun.
Nastya swallowed. 'On further thought. It might not be the best idea meeting her like this. How will I be able to resist her in that most alluring state?'
The blonde felt doom headed her way, fearing to be unable to maintain her composure around the redhead, her enhanced senses merely worsening her predicament...