Chapter 18
Kate had spontaneously decided to help her father out in the fields that day. The young girl had been in dire need of a distraction and she'd hoped physical labor could achieve that.
Edward Janeway was reluctant to agree to his eldest daughter's request at first, but one look at the young girl's face had spoken volumes, and the loving father he was, he'd eventually given in to which Kate had been very grateful.
The sun had glared mercilessly down on the duo as they'd went about their work, sweat trickling down the redhead's forehead and back.
She was beyond glad her father had advised her to wear her straw hat to protect her face from the aggressive sun rays, knowing his daughter much like himself due to their fair complexion were highly sensitive and prone to getting sunburns and heatstrokes.
They'd taken turns going on breaks in between working, sitting down in the shade, and taking a few sips from the water Gretchen had packed for them.
Kate had felt annoyed when she found out her mother hadn't packed a can of coffee for them this time, but her father had stated that in weather like that water was more advisable to drink than coffee since the latter was a diuretic.
The redhead had a hard time believing that nonsense, sincerely missing her beloved coffee, but grudgingly drank the water regardless which to her tasted very bland.
'Hopefully ma, at least, cooked proper food for lunch. Heavens forbid, she suddenly goes all healthy in terms of that too! After working in the fields all mornin', I've worked up quite the appetite.
'Nastya usually doesn't eat much, at all. That must be the reason she's got such a slim build, but those curves though...'
Kate shook her head, her cheeks flushed, heart drumming wildly against her ribcage, a not entirely unfamiliar heat pooling between her legs.
'Gods, how is it that even after hours of hard physical labor my thoughts still keep on drifting back to her? I must have a heatstroke, after all.
'The sun was awfully aggressive today indeed and that heat. To think it's merely late May. I dread for summer to come if spring's already that hot this year...'
Kate snapped out of her inner musings by her father's voice. “Everythin' alright, pumpkin? Your face looks mighty flushed, despite the hat. I hope ya didn't get a sunburn, after all.”
Kate waved it off dismissively. “It's fine, pa. I doubt I've got a sunburn. My face is just flushed due to the exertion and the heat. I'm sweatin' awfully much today. I was just thinkin', if spring's already that hot this year, I dread for summer to come.”
Edward Janeway had to agree with his eldest daughter. He too dreaded this upcoming summer, especially knowing Kate wouldn't be around to help him out with farm work, as usual, but he knew his beloved daughter needed a change of scenery and some excitement in her life. He was loath not to grant her that.
So he simply smiled kindly at his daughter. “It'll be fine. We'll survive it, pumpkin, as we always do. Us Janeways are made of tough stuff.
"That little bit of heat won't get us down. We've been through worse and also more sun gives us more sun kisses. Always look on the bright side, Katie.”
Kate inwardly groaned at her father's last remark that was topped off by one of the handsome man's good-natured chuckles.
She didn't share Edward's love for their freckles, but refrained from telling him so, not wanting to hurt his feelings.
The redhead simply smiled softly and nodded in agreement. “You're right, pa. There's something good in everything and we Janeways are tough.
"Will you be fine workin' here on your own while I'll be touring the country with the Voyager theater though?”
Edward gently ruffled Kate's hair to which the redhead gave an adorable whine, claiming her hair was already far too messy as it was. “I'll manage, pumpkin. Also, your ma's still here too. We've already discussed this and she agreed to help out as best she can while you'll be on the road.
"Don't ya worry none. You go see the world and have some fun for once. I know how much you've waited for an opportunity like this to come and you shall have it.
"Our daughters' happiness is what's most important to your mother and me, Katie.”
Kate suppressed a sob, taking her father into a fierce hug, telling him sincerely. “Thanks, pa. You're the best. I love you.”
Edward had tears in his eyes himself, whispering. “Anything for my pumpkin. I love you too, to the moon and back. Send a card from Dublin while you'll be there if you can.
"We've extended family residing there from my side of the family, so if ya'll come across another Janeway there, you'll know it's family.”
Kate gasped. “Pa, you never told me we have family livin' in the capital! I'll make sure to write a postcard to you while we're there and I'll be on the lookout for fellow Janeways now that I know they might be family.
"Do you have any idea what ma wanted to cook for lunch today, by the way?”
Edward shrugged. “She wouldn't tell me either, but I'm mighty hungry. Let's hope she's cooked plenty.”
Kate couldn't agree more and she hoped it was plenty of typical Irish food, not some modern low-calory dish.
The redhead's eyes grew wide when they entered the kitchen and the sight of an all too familiar tall blonde greeted her who seemingly helped Gretchen preparing the food while the two women were engaged in conversation.
When Edward announced their presence to the two, their talk ceased, both quickly turning around to greet them.
'Suspicious. What is it that they were talking about and what's Nastya doing here anyway?
'Gods, she looks so gorgeous in that apron and her hair up in that bun.
'Wait a minute... Is she wearing pa's shirt? Those shorts look like pa's old shorts as well.'
Kate swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat, exclaiming. “I'm gonna freshen up and change real fast. Don't ya dare start lunch without me!”
She rushed up the stairs, the blood rushing in her ears, her mind seemingly thousands of lightyears away, her body acting as if she'd just ran a marathon.
A sigh left the redhead's lips once she was inside the bathroom, her small frame leaning against the door for support.
'Heavens, that girl will surely be the death of me. There's no doubt in my mind about that.
'How did ma allow her to wear pa's clothes just like that anyway? She's already acting like Nastya's part of the family, almost like she's my... husband.
'No, what are you thinking there, silly? Nastya's a girl like you. Sure, she might enjoy wearing men's clothing and she poses as a male for the theater, but at the end of the day, she's female.
So, if you'd ever be able to get married the correct term would be... wife.
'Oh, my Gods! Nastya being my w-wife? This is...'
A growl she was unable to suppress left the young girl, the animalistic nature of it, stunning Kate, raw desire clearly audible in that one sound.
The mental image of Nastya in a suit, carrying her over the threshold like the perfect groom almost causing the poor smitten young girl to get a heart attack, her private area throbbing in ways it never had before, deeply humiliating the still very much inexperienced, rather innocent Kate.
She had half a nerve taking a bath but ultimately decided against it, knowing she'd most likely already wasted far too much time procrastinating in the bathroom as it was and hence simply washed her face and hands before heading down to join the others again.
Nastya looked up when Kate entered the room again, immediately getting up to pull out the chair next to hers for the younger girl.
Kate's cheeks to her chagrin and Nastya's silent delight turned a pretty rose, her voice low. “Thanks, Nastya.”
The blonde nodded curtly, sitting down next to the redhead. Their hands were lacing obstructed from Edward and Gretchen's view thanks to the table, their fingers once more communicating with each other.
Once they were finished with lunch, the blonde leaned closer to Kate, asking her gently. “How was work, my love? You must be tired from being out in the heat for so long. You shall go up to your room and rest.”
Kate blinked, about to protest when a traitorous yawn escaped her causing her to blush. “I guess you're right. Work was particularly exhausting today due to the heat and the aggressive sun.
"How was your day so far, my love?”
Nastya smiled softly. “My day has been 'fine' so far. I have talked to my father and he agreed to you and Phoebe accompanying us on our tour. He is looking forward to meeting you.
"I have been meaning to inform you of that news right away, that is why I came over.”
Kate nodded, smiling softly.
She was about to feel disappointed that this was the sole reason the older girl had come over when Nastya added in an uncharacteristically shy tone. “Also... I missed you and I wanted to see you and check up on you, Kate.”
Kate's heart fluttered at Nastya's words.
She bit her bottom lip, telling the blonde sincerely. “Same here, Nastya. I missed you the moment we parted this morning, but I... had my reasons for going into the fields earlier. I hope you understand.”
The blonde smiled softly. “I believe that I do. It is alright, Kate. Hearing that you missed me as well makes up for having been parted this morning.
"I shall head back to the camp for the time being so you can get some rest. I am going to come back in a few hours-”
To Nastya's surprise, Kate uttered. “Please stay, my love. I was hoping we could rest together. Sleep comes much easier in the comfort of your presence with your arms wrapped around me, your body pressed against mine.”
Nastya had a hard time maintaining her composure at the double-sense of Kate's words, forcing herself not to shuffle in her seat due to the uncomfortable wetness pooling between her legs.
'Pervert. Your behavior is most unfitting and to think you are wearing someone else's clothes.
'You should be ashamed of yourself. Kate was, by no means, referring to the filth you are thinking of, but sweet, innocent actions.
'You must compose yourself. You can not risk losing her. She is not merely a plaything. This is serious.'
Kate frowned, asking the blonde hesitantly. “Nastya? Are you gonna accompany me, or would you rather go back to the camp?”
The addressed girl snapped out of her funk at Kate's words, getting up from her chair. “I am going to accompany you, Kate. I apologize for the delay.
"I was... lost in thought.”
Kate chuckled softly. “I could see that.”
She leaned over to the older girl, whispering playfully. “You look cute when you're spacing out like that, my love.”
Nastya felt the blood rush to her cheeks and a place farther down south, mentally cursing herself for her strong physical reaction.
She muttered embarrassingly. “I am not... 'cute', Kate. You know that I do not enjoy being addressed in such a manner...”
Kate smiled, saying lightly. “I know, but that kinda makes you even cuter.”
The duo excused for Kate's bedroom, Edward and Gretchen watching on as they ascended the stairs wearing huge smiles.
Gretchen smiled and sighed. “Oh, young love. This sure brings back memories.”
Edward placed an affectionate kiss on his wife's cheek, nodding. “It does. Our Katie sure has grown up a lot ever since she's met Nastya.”
Gretchen hummed, asking her husband carefully. “Eddie, are ya afraid the lil birdie's gonna leave the nest for good?”
The kind man shook his head. “Nah, Greta. Our Katie's gonna come back here when the time's right.
"It's true she loves adventure, seeing the world, meeting new people and the likes, but in the end, she's first and foremost a Janeway, and as such home and family are most important to her.
"She won't abandon us, or the farm.”
Gretchen nodded, smiling softly. “You're right. Also, Nastya made a promise and I know she's gonna keep it.”
Edward frowned. “Is that why ya'll were acting all secretive when Katie and I came back from the fields earlier, talkin' in hushed tones and such?”
Gretchen smiled, stating mysteriously. “Well, who knows, Ed?”
Kate went straight over to her bed and was about to undress from her work clothes when her eyes met the alluring sapphires of Nastya's own pair.
The petite girl gulped audibly, whispering. “I would like to take off my work clothes. C-could you maybe turn around for a moment while I'm undressing?”
Nastya suppressed a sigh and nodded slowly. “Yes, of course.”
Kate called out. “No peeking!”
The blonde nodded, but against her better judgment sneakily glanced over while the younger girl didn't look, her mouth going dry at the sight.
'This is... perfection! Those spots on her skin have increased in number since the last time I saw her body which was merely last night. It must be due to the exposure to the sun while working in the fields this morning.
How am I to compose myself, to rest next to her, knowing how divine her body is? This is most frustrating!'
Nastya herself had decided to stay in the shirt, merely having taken off the shorts, laying down next to Kate who was dressed down to her undergarments.
The redhead rested her head against the older girl's chest, a fact that only further egged on the already struggling Nastya, suddenly blurting out. “By the way, is that my father's shirt you're wearing, Nastya? And the shorts you wore earlier were his too, right?”
The taller girl blinked at the unexpected question, nodding slowly. “Your mother allowed me to wear those garments since I had arrived here in rather warm attire earlier and walked here from the camp.
"I am usually not prone to perspiring, but even I was feeling rather hot in long sleeves and pants.
"Gretchen stated that your father does not wear those garments as much anymore and I am allowed to keep them if I wish to. However, I am uncertain as to how to act as of now.”
Nastya's decision was made when Kate stated shyly. “You look very handsome in that outfit, my love. I personally love seeing you in it.”
The blonde placed a soft kiss on the younger girl's forehead. “Then I shall keep them, Kate. I enjoy wearing this 'shirt' and those 'shorts' myself. Although, I have to be careful because my implants are exposed in this attire.
Thankfully, Dee has invented the potion which covers them to the naked eye.”
Kate huffed and stated firmly. “I don't mind the fact that your implants are visible when you're wearing this outfit, Nastya. They're a part of you and I don't think that they're unappealing.
"In fact, they only add to your charms, your unique, exotic appearance. An intriguing person with a story requires a fitting appearance and with you, that's clearly the case.
"I love you just the way you are, my love, scars, implants, and everything included.”
Nastya sniffled and Kate tightened her hold on the taller girl. “And I love you, Kate. You're the epitome of perfection to me, the most beautiful person I have ever met from the inside out.
"I vow to always be there for you, protect you, love you, and care for you, come what may.”
Kate blushed, tears rolling down her own cheeks.
Despite that she smiled widely, melting Nastya's heart, remarking playfully. “Already exchanging vows before even proposing to me? I must've completely missed out on the engagement ring.”
Nastya's eyes widened in panic, unable to detect the teasing tone of Kate's.
Her voice sounded suspiciously high-pitched as she stumbled out an apology. “I... I apologize, K-Kate. I was not aware you wished to become engaged at this stage in our relationship.
"As you are aware I am, by no means, rich, but I will spend all my money to buy you a ring if necessary...
"We are two females, however, so getting married is... at this point not pos-”
The blonde's rambling was cut short by a familiar pair of warm, sweet lips pressing against her own with quite some force. Nastya gave off a groan, cupping the redhead's cheeks with her hands, pulling her even closer to her.
Their limbs tangled, bodies pressed as closely together as possible, both desperately craving this form of physical contact. Nastya tentatively brushed the younger girl's lips with her tongue to which Kate gave off a precious little moan, parting her lips.
Their minds turned hazy once their tongues came in contact with each other, an explosion of flavors greeting each girl's tastebuds. Nastya was astonished to not find a single trace of the redhead's beloved coffee in the flavor that was uniquely hers.
Instead, she tasted both sweet and spicy. Nastya herself as Kate noticed had a clean, almost sterile taste, there were hints of mint and other herbs, however, which reminded her of the blonde's fondness of herbal tea which she must've been drinking some time earlier.
Nastya, thanks to her enhanced senses, was able to detect something else as well, a smell that caused her nostrils to flare. It was not entirely new to her as she had detected it in the younger girl's presence before.
Their foreheads were pressed against each other, both breathing heavily after their intense lip-locking.
Nastya felt a shiver go down her spine once she realized what that smell was, her eyes widening.
'She is... aroused. It is the smell of her... sexual desire. This... this is bad. How am I to resist her like that?'