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Introduction:

A lost bet and the next step

Here is another chapter. I have been trying to work a way out of the backstory to appease some but then I figured it was my story and I should continue to write it as I wanted. I foresee only two or three more before the flash back is done for a time. Never really thought about how much it would take to write it out. I thought it was better in the past but some of you don't. Have to move it forward anyway, just a few more things needed. Here is something I really hoped never to have to post but seems there are thieves among us. This is my story. I wrote it so don't take it for yours. No one has permission to copy it in whole or in part. It's a crappy story, but it is mine. Please respect that. As always thanks for reading. Comment if you like.
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Cynthia managed to stay on her side a whole ten minutes before she rolled over and laid half on top of him. The nervousness remained even as he rubbed her back. He started drifting and his hand moved down her back and rested just above her butt. He didn’t notice until he felt her skin on his hand. He went to move it but Cynthia moved even closer mumbling how good it felt and not to stop. When he woke in the morning Cynthia was nearly all the way on top of him and his arms around her making his hands rest on her panty covered butt.

“Mmm it’s not exactly second base but nice all the same.” She laughed when he came fully awake and realized the circumstances. His face was red in and instant. “Daniel darling you will need to get over this constant embarrassment over a little intimate contact. I’ve given you permission for crying out loud.” She laughed again as he got even redder. She jumped a little when she realized part of the reason was his hands moving up her bare back his finger pressing slightly along her spine. “OH my, dam that,” she moaned and collapsed on top of him as his fingers worked small circles around up and down her back as far as he could reach. The shirt she was wearing was not much of an obstruction as it was bunched up under her breasts.

“As great as this feels, and it feels really great, we need to get ready for work. We really need to work on your timing.” She smiled and kissed him on the cheek before rolling off. “You shouldn’t be so afraid Daniel, I don’t bite remember. Though, I might start since nothing else seems to get through that thick head of yours,” she said as she pulled clothes from the closet.

“Yeah yeah,” Daniel said with a groan. “I just don’t know when or what or even how,” he added frustrated. She turned and saw it in his face as well. A look he only got when he was trying to figure something out that he didn’t understand.

“Come on, up,” she said as she laid the clothing on the bed. She stood in front of him. “As good as it is to know that you don’t know everything I am going to make it bluntly clear. The when is pretty much when it’s appropriate. If we are in bed, that is a good time. Hell, if we are alone and I’m fully clothed it could be a good time. I’m sure there might even be sometimes when we are not alone that it would be fine by me. As for the how and what, sweetie that is something we will have to figure out as it happens. Just stop thinking about it as a bad thing and do it.”

They spent so much time either in bed or talking that they just had enough time to shower make the bed and get out the door. Through the first two flights, Cynthia’s mind was elsewhere. She had been concerned that they were moving to fast at one time. Now she wasn’t sure they had gone fast enough. Was it possible that they were behind relationship wise? Worse was it possible that he didn’t want to go any farther. She thought about the conversation they had earlier. Every word she replayed in her head. When, what and how stuck out. The words echoed in her head and she tried to figure out why it sounded so familiar. “Dam,” she said out loud as she realized just what it was.
Daniel looked out the windows for something and then looked at her, “What’s the problem?”

“I just realized something is all, sorry it’s not critical at this time,” she said smiling sweetly as he continued to look at her. “It’s nothing really. I just realized we didn’t get any coffee this morning,” she offered. She had just realized it and she hoped it would be enough.

“Your mother was right should never have let you start drinking it,” he groaned. “Just pay attention to the monitors and keep a watch. We are coming up on Mine Site One and I rather not make any mistakes. I don’t want have any incidents with asteroids, let alone be the first to do so. When we get to a station we can get your coffee fix so you can concentrate more.” He said the last part with a little twist of humor. He went back to piloting and watching his own systems. He had that same look on his face that he did that morning, a look of frustration. However, he wasn’t frustrated, he was focused trying to do the job. If nothing else, Daniel hated making mistakes. That’s when she had her second epiphany of the day.

There were no incidents and true to his word, Daniel got up and went out to get coffee for them both. He hadn’t admitted it but he was in need of some himself. They managed to get through the entire day needing only two more cups.

They went shopping after they finished for the day. They both used up their weekly allotment and they bought some extras. As they waited in line, they saw a couple of kids with their parents. They were sampling some new product and it didn’t look like either of the kids was interested. They went back and forth about the other going first. That gave Cynthia her final epiphany in one day.

“I’m going to go to the project room and start getting things set up,” Daniel told her as he put the last item in the cabinet. “I expect the fruit trees to start arriving soon and we should somewhat ready. I was thinking that maybe we could expand your soil garden as well. If we start the composting station this week we should be get enough to add to what we have. We might need to double the amount of worms though.”

The thought sent a chill down Cynthia’s spine. She hated those worms. Daniel slipped behind her and pulled her into his arms. Her back was right against him as he kissed her at the back of the neck and started rubbing his hands up and down. “I know you don’t care for them. But they help make the compost and they help with your garden.”
“Yes I know you told me that a hundred times. Doesn’t make me like them any better.”

“If we can figure out how to manage it without the worms you can feed some of them to the fish. The rest we will have to sell to recoup some cost.”

“Fine, I’ll hold you to that. I guess that puts me on dinner duty.”

With one last lingering kiss, Daniel pulled away and walked over to the stand with his reading tablet on it. He picked it up on his way out the door. She wondered what he needed that for. She shrugged figuring that maybe he would try to find the worm substitute. She would hold off cooking dinner since she was planning something simple. She called Jenna to talk to her about the day.

“I am not surprised that he hasn’t done anything,” Jenna said. “You have to admit Cynthia, Daniel is not the same as other guys. I think your right about his approach to things. He is used to making choices that affect only him. Now he has to take into consideration what you want and how each will affect you as well. I have a feeling that the only thing he never thought through was getting into an actual relationship. He probably never thought it was possible.”

“He kissed me first,” Cynthia, grinned. “He had to think something would happen,” she added then looked down at her feet. “We were just about to inside his parent’s place. He was so concerned that afterwards I would be running as far away as possible.

Jenna laughed. “Michael thought the same thing. Still, thinks about it. If he was thinking that then it’s is possible he didn’t think there be any reason to think past that moment. Don’t get me wrong Cynth, he’s cute an all but he has very little social skills. If it weren’t for you he wouldn’t have done all the things he did last session.”

Cynthia sat back and groaned as she covered her face with her hands. “Great I can get him to do things other than want to have a more physical relationship with me.”

Jenna laughed again as she looked at her friend. “He’s a guy, he’s probably wanted to have more from day one.” She shook when she laughed. “Cynthia he’s a good guy, he’s to good maybe. You said he was a little more personal this morning so what you’re telling him is getting through.”

“Maybe, slowly getting through. I thought maybe the bands would have hammered it home faster.”

“What bands?”
Cynthia held up her arm and sighed. “Go on let me have it,” she whimpered.

“Have what, that is awesome. I tried to get Michael to do it but he said it was a stupid fad. Maybe when he sees you with them he will reconsider. Speaking of that, the owner of Quantum asked us to fill in a few shifts. We were hoping you and Daniel would come out and rave about the food. Maybe a night out will help your situation some.”
Cynthia put up a hand and waved of that idea. “We may have a few extra credits but Quantum is still outside our price range. We went shopping tonight and the cost of everything was worse than the last time.”

“Well if you have any of that watermelon wine left we could make a deal and arrange the night for you. The owner gives an incentive to the staff bring. He has them bring in a couple of guests. He said it was to make sure the best food was going out since they knew the people getting it. Even if you don’t have any, I think Michael will agree that you should come. You guys are the closest to family that we have.”

Cynthia sat back and thought. She knew both Michael and Jenna had lost their parents. It was probably one of the few things that had drawn them together. She thought that they had other family. She had issues with her parents as did Daniel, but at least they had them along with a few aunts and uncles. She looked as if she was going to cry.
“Don’t get over sentimental, is just dinner out. From the sounds of things it would be the closest to a date that you have come. You’re sleeping with him and he’s never even taken you out for dinner.”

“Well we did go to Playland a couple weeks ago. We ate in the park that day. We have also gone out to get food. Then there is the fact he can cook dinner and has more than a few times.”

“Yeah I think there are more than a few women out there that would love it if their men would cook at least one meal. Still it’s not the same Cynth. You need to get out. Look at it like this. Quantum is not cheap like you said. When will you get another chance to go for free?”

“Well if you two start working there full time maybe more often than not,” she grinned. “I will talk to Daniel about it.”

“Okay I’ll make the arrangements. It is in two nights at eight and its suit and tie. I hope he has a suit.”

“I didn’t say...,”

“No but he will agree, after all who turns down a meal at a five star and a free one at that. Even if he is crazy enough to say no at the time, he will say yes when you tell him you want to do it. He is crazy about you and will do anything you want, in time. You just need to keep it in your head that he needs time and understanding.”

“I do have it in my head, its other parts that are complaining.”

“Be careful what you wish for. He may get a taste of it and never want to stop.”

“First he has to taste it, at this point I’m not sure he can even find it how the hell is he going to taste it.”

“Cynthia!”

“Well it’s true, but I got to go. I need to make dinner. Thanks for the talk.”

“What else is family for. See you in a couple days, if not sooner. Love you,” Jenna signed off leaving Cynthia to recover from her blushing moment. She was just finishing up diner when Daniel came in.

“Whatever you making smells great,” he said coming over to the kitchen. He set his tablet down on the counter as he leaned in for kiss. Cynthia pushed him away and shook her head.

“Shower first, you are a mess,” she said pointing to the bedroom.

“Wow after all the work I did for you to get your garden going and it doesn’t even rate even a little kiss,” he pouted leaning down and playfully puckering up.

She gave him a quick peck and then a light smack on the cheek. “Now shower or that will be the last you get,” she again pointed to the bedroom.

“Bossy much,” he groused. He turned and started walking.

“Get moving, dinner is ready and I am hungry.”

Daniel laughed as he turned and stalked toward her his dirty hands poised up and ready grab her when he was in reach. She laughed and screamed as got closer. “Daniel don’t you dare,” she warned him holding up a spoon as she pointed at him. Daniel grabbed the spoon and grinned as he put it on the counter. Cynthia backed up more and found herself with not where to go. She laughed at him as he swayed back and forth walking. He finally got close enough his hands went around her neck and he turned them up behind her head. He pulled her closer and kissed her with a deep passion.

“MMM,” he moaned. “Still not right he mumbled, pulling away. “Guess I will have to keep practicing. Hope you don’t mind, might take a lot of time and practice to get it right.”
Cynthia chuckled and pushed him away. “Now seriously go shower, you reek of the cow barn.”

“That would be because the container we had the garden mix in had a buildup of pressure. It sprayed everywhere. Fortunately, that is what was needed so the only harm done was to my pants. I am afraid that these are a write off. That mix you came up with is volatile stuff.” He said getting louder as he walked away and into the bedroom.

“Well you should have been wearing the protection gear if you messing with that stuff. Make sure you put those pants in one of those sealable bags. We don’t want the whole place smelling up. And stop blaming me for it you had as much to do with it as I did.” She yelled back despite that she was sure he was already in the bathroom with the door closed. She went back to the stove to check what she was cooking. She stirred the pot of chili and checked the rice. That’s when she noticed the tablet. Her curiosity quickly got the better of her and she picked it up looking through the most recent read list. As she thought, the last ones were on composting and gardening. The next six were a surprise and she felt a little twinge of guilt. They were all on relationships. More they were on how to make them work. One was even on bringing pleasure to your partner sexually and non-sexually. She closed everything and set it back to where she took it.

“I really think we will need to set up the shower in the project room. I have a feeling we will need it. Maybe invest in some coveralls or other work clothes. We can try putting it in as supplies and make the committee pay for them,” Daniel stated as he was walking out of the bedroom. All he had on was a clean pair of pants. “Maybe they got some miracle soap that gets the smell off someone’s skin too. Feels like I had to take off ten layers of skin to feel clean.”

Cynthia made up two bowls of rice with the chili on top then a salad in a separate bowl. “If they don’t, make one. Figure out what you need and make it. If we need to, we grow the stuff to make it. I would think that would be a big seller.” She carried the bowls over on two small trays. Daniel made a grab for one but she skirted to the side. “I got it. It’s not that heavy.”

“Well excuse me,” Daniel stood back.

“You are excused, don’t let it happen again,” she said and then stuck out her tongue.

They ate and watched some movie about a rampaging dinosaur. The movie was so old it was in black and white. Daniel told here about the way he set up the room up to the point of adding a hundred square feet to the garden.

“I was figuring we can reduce the number of fish. We have to take ichthyology anyway. I really don’t want to have to come home to have to care for more fish,” he explained. “Although we might have to reconsider that idea now that I really think about it. We could probably use the extra source of food or income. Even if we grow most of the vegetables we eat, we are going to be hard pressed for meals. We won’t have culinary to fall back on this session.

“Speaking of food, what do you say about us going out for dinner in a couple nights,” Cynthia said curling her arm around his. “I was thinking we could go to Quantum and celebrate.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “Even with the added credits from the committee I don’t think we can afford that. We will need to start putting some of that away anyway. Besides such a short notice they wouldn’t have an open table.”

“What if I could get us a table and the meal would be free?”

“I highly doubt Collier is going to give us a free meal without strings attached. I really am not interested in talking to him about working in the kitchen.”

“That’s not an answer Daniel,” she said getting into his lap and draping her arms around his neck. She always did this when she wanted to get her way. “Let’s bet. If I can get the table and the meal is free, with no need to talk to collier, you need to buy a new suit to go in since it is a suit and tie establishment.”

“First its jacket and tie, not suit and tie. Second what in it for me if you fail to meet those conditions?”

Cynthia came up with a few things and Daniel just looked at her. “You realize everything you said I already can have or have,” he said softly rubbing her outer thigh absently. “The idea behind a bet is I get something I don’t have. I can do anything I want pretty much any night of the week. I choose where I sleep and when I sleep every night of the week. I don’t need you to give me these things because I have them. You can tell me that you don’t want me to sleep with you, and that is your choice. Until you do so, it’s my choice to sleep in the same bed as you, to go to sleep when you do because that’s where I want to be and when I want to be there. Mostly that is because that is where you are at and I enjoy the company. Not because of a bet. I wouldn’t accept a bet where the wage was such. It would be like making them a slave for that time where they had no choice in the matter and could do nothing to prevent it. Now if this is you subtle way of telling me that you want to sleep alone, say so. Doesn’t matter why, just tell me and I will use the other bedroom or sleep out here.”

Cynthia just tightened her hold and held on hugging him. “No it’s not any hint of any kind. I am serious. There is nothing I can offer you when you put things like that. You already can use me or have anything I have, within reason of course. So what do you want?”

He thought about it. As he did, he started moving his hand her leg. This time it was on her inner thigh and the movements were getting dangerously close to the top. She was getting slightly moist, as he was a fraction of an inch from approaching third base.

“Nothing now,” he said suddenly out breaking her trance. ”Taking into consideration the future is long and filled with things to come let’s say you will owe me whatever I ask. It won’t be anything that you can’t do and will be safe and all. It might not be something you would do without incentive. Call it a favor.”

She already won but she continued the charade as she tried to think of any way that it could be a bad thing. She knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt her at least intentionally.
“Fine, a favor it is then. If I get the table, the meal is free and it’s a simple night out with no strings attached to the entire night you will get a new suit and we go enjoy ourselves. If not, you get a within reason favor to be called in whenever you like.”

“Okay, it’s a bet, ” he said looking into her glowing face.

“Yes,” she shouted and nearly knocked him out as she bumped the back of his head in her excitement. “Ohh sweetie I’m soo sorry,” she said kissing him all over as she rubbed the back of his head.

“Umm as much as I like this perhaps we can postpone it for a few. I would love to get to that chili you so lovingly made. I’m sure it will be delicious,” he said caressing her.
She laughed and sighed at the sighed at the same time. “It’s just chili, but it will be better hot,” she said sliding off him. “I have a call to make, be right back.

Shaking his head, he reached over and grabbed the tray nearest him. The chili did smell great. They didn’t get any beef so she must have been using turkey or chicken. He was mildly surprised to taste sausage. He had thought they used what they had or tossed it prior to the move. He turned on the entertainment station and sifted through the channels as he took another bite. It wasn’t fancy but he did like it.

“I win,” Cynthia said smugly as she came out. “Our reservation is made for eight pm in two nights.” She took the controller as she sat next to him. She opened the site for Quantum and then called up the reservations list. Sure enough, there they were near the bottom with the letters comp next to their name. “Since we are off tomorrow I figure we can go by the store early and maybe they can get the suit done by the time we return from your parents tomorrow.”

Daniel continued to eat. He kept his head down as he put a piece of lettuce or tomato in his mouth. He just nodded or mumbled acknowledgements of her plans.
“Mm excellent dinner, in fact if there’s any more I think I’ll go get seconds,” he said getting up. He was half standing when she reached up and pulled him back down.
“Ok my Smart Boy warning system is blaring. You don’t have a thing to say about all this?”

“Not much I can say you won I will pay the wager. Now how about that food?” he sat up and she again pulled him down. This time she pointed at the other tray. “Take that, I’ll get more for myself in a moment, once you tell me what you are keeping from me, something that would let you win our little bet perhaps.”

“I said I would pay the wage, thereby conceding to your victory and acknowledging the win. Now you eat yours and I will get some more.” He didn’t even make it before she cleared her throat and put her hand on his shoulder. “You really not going to let it go are you,” he said slightly frustrated. He slid the tray onto the coffee table. He saw her silently say no. “Two conditions, first” he turned to her as he sat back and opened his arms, “you sit like you were before you made your call.” She hesitated and frowned as she got up and got back in place in his lap.

“I’m not complaining but why?” she asked as she laid her head on his shoulder.

“Not that I need a reason, I told you before I like holding you. There is something about you tonight though. You smell very nice. It’s a nice delicate musky sweet smell. It’s a little entrancing. I just can’t put my finger on it.”

“I’m sure you could if you thought about it,” she said as she figured out what it could be. She kind of talked into his neck.

“What’s that?” Daniel asked.

“I asked what the other condition was,” she replied. She had been trying to move slightly spreading her legs just enough to make his hand fall to her thigh. After all, he did say he wanted her just as she was before she got up to make the call.

“You don’t dwell on it. Take it for what it is, a learning experience.”

“Fine. So what is it?”

“A bet is open to interpretation of the language of the actual bet. You lost by fulfilling your end of the bet” Cynthia leaned back not taking her hands from around him. His look told her he was serious. “The bet was that there would be no strings attached to the entire night. The bet is a string that manipulated the circumstances that would make us go if you won. You made the language of the bet so that you would lose either way. Even the way you said the payout could result in you not getting what you wanted. We would go and have a good time but you never said the new suit was to be for when we were going to Quantum. To pay out on that all I would have to do is one-day buy a new suit. You just need to be careful when betting. Between us, it’s one thing, if you do it with others it could have results that you didn’t intend.”

“So I lost? That means we’re not going,” she said disappointed. She really looked upset. It was then she felt Daniel’s hand again moved up and down her thigh. He was twisting his hand just slightly inwards letting his fingertips brush against her inner thigh.

“I don’t recall saying that. All I said is that you didn’t win. You got the table there is no reason not to use it. I’ll just get the jacket and one of the ties I have at my parents when we go there for dinner.”

“I just thought that,” she closed her eyes and lay against him.

“I know we don’t do a whole lot of things,” Daniel caressed her back. “I hear the same students talking as you do. I know that there are things we can do and go. We can go anywhere and yet we stay in every day. Our outings are to our parents. They try to make it interesting, always wanting to talk about what we have done the entire week. We watch movies or play games, but it is still with our parents. We go to school then to work. Even now, we spend ten hours a day in a shuttle, and it’s only us in that cockpit. We are not like others our age. Most of them are home with their parents right now. We no longer have that option. We are stuck in a contract with flight services. I am sorry.”
“For what?” she asked sniffling as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck and shoulder. She felt him tremble as she did and his hand on her back tensed.

“When I first decided to accept Captain Sims’s offer to train as a pilot I had time to think about it. I only thought about the decision in relation to me. I really didn’t think that there would affect anyone else because at the time there was no one else to be affected by it. I knew that accepting the offer would mean there would be less time for me to do things. I should have at least encouraged you to think longer on the decision before jumping into it. I could have told you what would happen. I didn’t even think about it. I am sorry for that.”

“As I recall you did try to stop me from doing it,” she said softly as she laid there on his shoulder. “I made my choice, maybe I should have thought things through more but I made it and don’t regret it.” She sighed as she pulled away from him and looked into his face putting her hands on both sides. “Let’s face it, everything we have done has just brought us closer together and to the point we are now,” she said. She drew his face to hers and gave him a soft kiss that lingered. “I don’t know about you, but I like where we are.”

“Yes, where we are is very nice,” he grinned as they bumped heads. “Now you should eat your dinner. It’s probably ice cold by now.”
She nodded bumping heads several times before she moved off and sat back on the sofa. She could hear it in his voice that he was still bothered by the whole issue.
Daniel stood up, looking back at her as she grabbed his arm. “Where are you going?”

“To the kitchen, as I said I would like some more, it is very good. It’s also made me think of a few more things to add to our new growing project,” he said as he picked up the tray that had his empty bowls on it.

“Of course it did,” she laughed and sat back.

Daniel came back carrying his tray the bowl was full along with more salad and some kind of bottled drink with two glasses.

“I don’t remember that one in the collection,” she said sitting up.

Daniel poured out a small amount into the glasses. “Because I only had enough to make a few bottles. The supply of fruit is limited but I was able to make a deal with a manager at a farm. If I bought after so many days after harvest, then I could get them cheaper. There was more than usual demand this season so there wasn’t as much as I thought there would have been to get.”

He sat back against the sofa, watching the movie as he ate. He watched from the corner of his eye as Cynthia smelled the glass tentatively. She took a sip and grinned. “Cherries. It’s been a long time since I tasted cherries.” She got wide eyed after a moment and smacked Daniel in the head. “You had cherries and didn’t tell me?”
“Yeah, it wasn’t a great crop and he wasn’t selling them so he made me a deal. Seventy-five credits got me twenty-three pounds of cherries. Would have been more but had to point out the condition they were in. They did taste sweet though.”

“I love cherries, you didn’t even share one,” she scowled. “You know that is the meanest thing to do.”

Daniel sighed. “I know I’m sorry. Must have slipped my mind that you liked them. After sorting through them all and tossing out a pound of bad ones I had to think about how use them quick before any more spoiled. The best thing I could do was make some brandy. Maybe should have made wine would have had more bottles. However, I think the brandy is better. It brings the flavor out. Hard to believe after eighteen pounds of cherries a few bottles of liquor is all you get.”

“It is good, I’ll give you that. It’s not overly strong. Still I should make you sleep on the couch for not telling me we had them and at least sharing a few.”

Daniel groaned. “I suppose, I deserve that. I could just use the other bedroom,” he said glumly. He finished the rest of his salad before getting up. He picked up his glass and the bottle.

“Hey, I didn’t say I was, just that I should,” she said seeing how he looked so depressed.

“No you're right it was mean and selfish and I totally deserve it. Out of twenty-two pounds I could have at least saved a few for you, considering their rarity.” He walked over to the kitchen and sat at the table getting his tablet up and running. He took a sip as he started looking for the supplies he wanted.

Cynthia just looked at him. He was taking this really hard. She knew he didn’t like to do anything wrong to her. This was over the top. Yeah she was a little upset, but he used them in something they could have more often. It tasted like cherries. It wasn’t the same but it was a close second. She got up and walked over to the table.

“It must have been little harder to get through all those cherries by yourself. Pitting them, cleaning them, sterilizing and processing them. Twenty three pounds is a lot of..”
Daniel saw the wheels spinning as she started doing the math. He pushed back his chair and set the tablet down.

“Daniel dear, what happen to the other four pounds?”

“I told you they tasted sweet,” he tried to keep the smirk hidden.

“Yeah I’m sure they did,” she said as she started coming around the table. Daniel got up and slid to the other side away from her. “Where are they?”

Daniel stood up straight grabbed his glass and down the contents. “I have no idea what you are talking about,” he grinned and the chase was on. Cynthia ran around the table as he went the other way. He managed three turns around the table before running into the living room and around the sofa. “Daniel Miller tell me what you did with those cherries or so help me when I catch you I’m going to smack the hell out of you.”

Daniel laughed. “I guess then I better not get caught,” he said turning and running backwards. He wasn’t paying attention and stumbled onto the sofa, falling over the back of it. He laid there laughing as she looked over the sofa at him. He groaned when he got up a second before she vaulted over next to where he was. He was to his feet and ran towards the bedroom jumping the two stairs that led to the door.

“Dumb move smart boy,” she cackled, hitting the control for the door as she walked in catching her breath. “Nowhere to go now. You’re caught. Now tell me where they are.”
Daniel shook his head and dove on the bed. Cynthia just dove in on top of him. She had him pinned under her and all he could do was roll over on his back as she grabbed his arms pinning them to the bed. He could have easily picked her up and tossed her to the side but he sat there struggling beneath her.

“Tell me where they are,” she growled a she got face to face with him.

“I ate them every last one. Got a big belly ache and it was worth it,” he grinned continuing to get some leverage on her grip then loose it.

“You can’t keep them hidden forever, I will find them and I will eat them all,” she proclaimed as she pushed down on his wrists. She was inches from his face breathing hard.
“Wow, maybe you did eat them all your breath does smell like cherries,” he moaned.

“Give them to me and I will give you true cherry breath,” she exhaled and blew right into his face.

“I see it now. You just wanted me for my cherries. It’s all been a scam to get them all this time,” he struggled more and she gave him a playful knee in the ribs.

She slid herself down over his stomach until she was lying flat on top of him. She started kissing him softly on the neck then the cheek. “I wanted and still want you for you tenderness, your kindness, your generosity, your humanity and everything that makes you, you.”

“Oh now you playing unfair, such cruelty,” he gasped. “You win no more please. I can’t take the mushy stuff no more.”

“I always win,” she whispered as she kissed his lips.

It was several minutes before they caught their breath and got up. Daniel went back to his tablet and set about doing what he was doing before.
“So where are they? I know they are not here.”

“In spirit they are,” he said as he poured another glass.

“You’re not playing fair Daniel. You gave up now spill.”

“Fine, thought it should be obvious where they are.”

“Obviously they are not here, I would have found them by now,” she said growing slightly mad.

“They are in the project room. I kind of converted the small closet into a small workroom, with a freezer. I was going to try to store other stuff in there but never actually got to it. Anyway, I flash froze them so they should thaw out and taste almost as fresh as they were that day. I was going to save them and break them out for your birthday.”
“That’s nearly six months away,” she exclaimed.

“Yes I know, to bad could have been a nice surprise even better treat.”

“What’s that mean? Could have been? Are you not going to let me have some?”

Daniel laid the tablet down as she came around the table and stood beside him. He was done ordering the items he had thought of. “Well not for your birthday, and I was really looking forward to seeing your expression.”

“So what you’re saying is that I can have them now,” she cooed as she thought about it. Her mouth watered.

“Yep, can’t stop you,” he said looking at her with a grin and taking a sip from his glass.

“Why do I have a feeling that’s not entirely true? Let me guess there’s a security system. I had wondered about that panel.”

Daniel nodded and set his glass at arm’s length on the table. He reached for her and dragged her across the table edge to him. He put his arms around her, placed his head on her stomach and looked straight up her body at her face. “I installed it shortly before we ended the session. I didn’t want any of the movers or techs going in. Sometimes things go missing when no one is watching them. Access code is your birthday.”

“Uhm my birthday, huh,” she felt his hands sliding over her back. “Couldn’t think of anything more original?” she started breathing a little heavier as he rubbed against her with his face. She was in a perfect position. His hands slipped under her shirt and worked her bare skin. She felt a tingle as his fingertips pressed in. She tried to see if he gave any sign of knowing what it was he was doing. Was it intentional or accidental? He just laid there looking off to the side towards the kitchen.

“No, I actually just wanted something worth remembering,” he answered and started swaying back and forth . She slid her legs wider apart then back and around his body, locking them together. She wished she had changed into something a little looser fitting.

Daniel felt the warmth of her skin. He wanted to pull back but for some reason his hands wouldn’t move away. He felt her lock her legs around and it encouraged him to keep doing what he was. He was about to pick her up and carry her to the bedroom when her stomach gurgled, loudly. He tried to continue but another gurgle and he couldn’t keep from laughing and Cynthia groaned.

“It seems that you got a little side tracked and forgot to eat,” he said as he stood picking her up. She slid into his arms and wrapped her arms around him as he carried her to the living room. “I’ll heat that up for you,” he said setting her down, kissing her neck before releasing her. He picked up the bowl of chili and handed her the one with the salad. “Eat before you forget again.”

He could have easily put it in the ultrawave but he put it in a pot and started it on the stove. “I was thinking we should go register the classes we want. Right now, the only one we have is the extracurricular one you want to take. I’m sure we still have to register for it. Of course if you’ve changed your mind we can find something else.”

“We could, but we haven’t even thought about what else to take. And no, I haven’t changed my mind, I think it will be hard but fun too. I kind of like the idea that it’s a little exclusive.”

“Yes, well I’m actually surprised that they are teaching it at all. I am curious as to what benefit it will offer. Anyway, chemistry is a level class as is biology. We have to take the next class to get to the next one. We have at least three we need to take. So we should take the next one. Of course, there are the math classes and the business classes. There are also the veterinary sciences that we need. We also have a class the fishery and the recreation parks. I believe you told your parents that we were going to the fishery in the coming session.”

“I don’t think I was that specific, but yeah I told them we had to go to another station.”

Daniel walked back over and handed her bowl to her. “Well we better take one of the classes that are held elsewhere. I wouldn’t want your parents thinking we deceived them or anything.” He sat down and keyed the station network up. He brought up the class requirements and they started looking at the classes they needed. As they talked about what ones to take Daniel sat back, frowning a little.

“Something wrong?” she asked. She had been talking about something and stopped mid sentence when he started staring at her.

“I don’t really know,” he said softly but seriously. “I think there has been an oversight. It just seems that this training program is limited in options. We don’t have many choices in what we will do when this is all over. Yet I don’t know where I am going. I didn’t pick anything specific because it felt wrong somehow. That was my choice but I never asked what it was you wanted out of all this.”

“It doesn’t matter Daniel, we are taking the same classes. We will do whatever it is that we choose to do when we make that choice. For now we are on the same path.”
“Yes but you realize that if we select a particular career we may be able to cut our time here shorter than expected.”

Cynthia frowned. “Is there some reason that you are in a hurry to finish?”

“I am not in a hurry,” he said quietly thinking about what he should say next. “I just don’t want to hold you back. If you had a particular direction you wanted to go, we can do that.”

“What about you? We can do what you want,” she said with matter of fact tone. “It’s not always about me you know.”

Daniel started to say something then shook his head. “I know where I want to go from here. I think I have for a while now.” Daniel stood up. “I think I will take a shower,” he added totally forgetting he already took one earlier.

“Daniel!” Cynthia jumped up shouting. You can’t just say something like that and then decide to take a shower. How am I supposed to know if you don’t tell me?”

Daniel hesitated then turned around and came back to her. “In this case, I rather not say. I don’t want you picking the same thing and not being happy because you wanted something else. I would like it if we were going the same way. If it ends where I think it will, it would be easier and more fun. However, if what you dream of doing is something else then that is fine. We will do what we can to fill that dream. Once that is done then I can work on where I want to go.” He kissed her cheek and turned to go back towards the extra bedroom and its shower.

“What about your dreams?” she asked making him stop before he got through he doorway.

Daniel gave her a tired smile. “Until a few months ago, I didn’t dream of doing much of anything. Then something happened that did give me a reoccurring dream. I thought about it a lot. I thought it was crazy and impossible. Then one day it wasn’t a dream, but reality. The best part is that it has come true every day I wake up or in some cases just open my eyes. As long as that keeps happening whatever else comes along is just extra.”

“You are babbling, and making no sense.”

“Yeah that happens. Maybe the shower will help clear my head,” he said as he head in and closed the door behind him. He wasn’t sure if he was glad or sad that she didn’t understand what he was saying. He thought it was clear enough in his head. Maybe it was all in his head. He let the water cascade down over him as he tried to get that image out of his thoughts.

When he finished he dried off and walked out into the bedroom wrapped in nothing but the towel. He had few changes of clothes still in the closet. He looked around the room and at the boxes of supplies that finally came in. There was another project waiting to be started.

“I think we will need to set up in here in the next few days,” he said as he came out of the bedroom. He looked around and couldn’t see Cynthia anywhere. He checked the bedroom and saw the bathroom closed. It didn’t take a degree to figure she was in there.

There were a lot of things spinning around in his mind. So much, he couldn’t process it all. He closed his eyes and shook his head as if it would put the chaos in place. Finally, something clicked.

He was sitting up in the bed when she came out. She was in her usual nighttime wear, one of his shirts that covered her to her thighs. He couldn’t see if she wore panties but he kind of hoped she was considering what he was about to suggest. She was about to crawl in when he held up his hand.

“Something is wrong with this picture,” he said as she moved his head sides to side a few times looking at her at different angles.

“Daniel I am tired, I don’t have the energy for this tonight,” she said moving again and was on the edge of the bed on her knees when he again held up his hand.

“No, this is a simple thing and I am sorry I didn’t catch it earlier, it didn’t register until now,” he said somewhat serious.

“Daniel, please,” she looked tiredly at him and waited a moment for him to say something.

“No, I insist. It is something you wanted. I believe you said to act normal, but you’re not acting normal for you. There is something you’re doing that is not normal for you to do,” he said as she tried to move again.

“Daniel,” she groaned. “It’s time for bed.”

“That is it precisely. Now this way is great for me, I love the way those shirts smell after you wear them. However, I believe you said you don’t usually wear a shirt to bed. Now I know you did this for my benefit and I appreciate it. I just thought I would say that I am okay with it if you wanted to go back to what you normally wore. I’ll get the lights.”
Daniel smiled and rolled over pressing the light controls. Everything went pitch dark. “Dam it, where the hell is that button,” he cursed under his breath as he struggled to find it. “I’m sorry not use to these controls, I know you like a little light, I’ll get it.”

“Daniel,” Cynthia laid behind him, her hand slid up his back and over his arm pulling him back towards her, “its ok, the lights will come on again in the morning when the auto setting time comes. I can deal with it for the night.” She wrapped her arm around him and pressed right up close to him. He could feel her bare arms on his as she held tight her breast pressed against his back. She caressed his chest and kissed the back of his neck. “It’s ok,” she whispered.

“I’m fine with it, I just know you don’t like total darkness,” he said turning onto his back taking a deep breath as her breasts rubbed his back as he did so. “I just ..” he stopped. “Well the best laid plans of mice and men.” He shifted just enough to try and give her a kiss but ended up kissing her nose instead of her lips. It made him groan and her laugh.

“Daniel, what are you doing?”

“Thinking, seems to be the only thing I am good at,” he groaned.

“You think to much, sometimes you just need to act, or maybe react,” she said as she laid closer to him. “What are you thinking about what?” she asked after a minute of nothing.

He snorted with half of a laugh. “I am thinking that I might be better off on the sofa. It would be less dangerous.”

“Maybe, depends on what the danger was. Now I think it would only be me coming out to beat you senseless. We agreed that we sleep in the same bed, you wouldn’t want to break that agreement now would you?”

He was silent and she reached over jabbed him. “Would you?”

“Shh I’m thinking,” he said stifling a laugh.

“Really? You have to think about that?” she laughed a she rolled over on top of him and started jabbing him in the ribs.

“Yes I think about a lot of things, some things that might have consequences if not thought out” he chuckled.

“Like what? What kind of things go through that smart boy brain of yours?”

“Oh stuff like fuel consumption ratios and fertilizer mixes. Also, think about the day or week and think about what I did or didn’t do. Then there are always the ‘what if’ scenarios. Same as you I’m sure.”

“Daniel darling I hate to repeat myself, but you do think to much about things that don’t need to be thought about. As I said sometimes you think where you should just react. You miss some opportunities that you may not have considered in all that thinking.”

She felt his chest heave as he sighed. “I know. I actually was trying to finish one particular line of thinking tonight, but it didn’t go exactly how I wanted it to. It took some time to find all the materials for my research and put it all together but it had some interesting possibilities. In fact, I thought it would need repeating since the results can vary so greatly. I would actually need your help to do it. Anyway I know you’re tired so just relax and go to sleep.” He wrapped around her and pulled tight. “I’m ok with you sleep right there if you want,” he started slowly moving his hands upwards rubbing her back and then up along the back of her neck. He cupped her head in his hands as she tried to feel his way he pulled her down towards him and with a little effort found her lips as he gave them a kiss. He continued as he slid his hands back down the path they took up. They rested just on her back where her bra strap was as if it had snagged them. “Good night,” he said sleepily.

She was quiet for several minutes. “Okay Daniel what is it you wanted to do? You have me wide awake and I can’t relax enough.”

“Shhh its okay,” he rubbed her back. “Just some simple questions and what ifs, it is nothing to lose sleep over.”

Daniel let his fingers mover along her back searching for anything for any sensitive spot he could find. She groaned when he found a knot in a muscle and started working it.
“Sorry it’s not easy from this angle,” he whispered giving her back a caress and rubbing from the top to the bottom.

“Not fair,” she grunted as he hit another spot right along her side and she felt his fingers moving lightly across it. “Dam it Daniel I’m ticklish there,” she jumped as he found one spot that he was really looking for. He had an idea it was somewhere there but the curves of her body made it harder to pinpoint.

“Mmm I know. And that means that you are ticklish right about here,” he move one hand to her other side and guessed. He missed but he moved a few times and quickly got her to jump again.

“Daniel you’re supposed to ask questions,” she tried to sound angry but she was close to breaking out into a fit of laughter.

“I don’t recall saying I was asking them all out loud,” he gave her a playful poke in those spots. She stifled the laughter but squirmed on top of him. “I suppose I could ask a few. But it requires a change and a promise answer each one accurately.”

“Okay, what kind of change?” she asked. She had that cautious tone she used when she was just a little wary of something.

He silently chuckled and she felt it as his chest rose and fell. “Daniel?”

As quick as he could Daniel wrapped her tightly and rolled over so he was on top of her eliciting a small startled scream from her. “A change of position. Regrettable since I really did enjoy the last one.”

She laughed and jabbed him in the ribs as he leaned up his knees straddling her on either side. “Ask so we can get to sleep.”

“Patience, can’t rush science, now say stop at any time to end the experiment. First question is,” he leaned down closer. As they were about the same height, he knew about where he was and slowly found his way to her ear. “ how would Cynthia react if I,” he whispered softly in her ear and felt her shiver as he brushed his lips over the lobe and started kissing behind her ear and down her neck. He felt her shoulders shift just as he got closer and trailed several kisses over her shoulder. He repeated it going backwards and started kissing her neck and slipping his hands behind her as he came around and kissed under her chin and then up to her lips. “Well you’re not screaming stop so we can mark that as a good thing to do. You’ll have to speak since I can’t hear you nodding.”

“Yes it was nice, and repetition with some variations would be acceptable,” she giggled.

“Well that is where the next question combines with the following one. Second question is what she would do if I..” he shifted and pulled a hand up from behind her and gently settled it between her breasts. He finally got her to react as she tensed and started breathing harder. She must have felt his finger hook around the small bridge of fabric between the bra cups. He pulled slightly and the sound of the Velcro fastener echoed as it pulled apart. It continued popping open as he pulled up and she pressed her back down on the bed. “I like that answer,” he said and got a gasp in response. He continued opening the Velcro latch using his fingers to speed things along. Cynthia moaned when the two pieces of fabric finally separated. “Now that’s an even better sound. And to continue. Next questions, how far and which one?” he asked as she returned to the spot just under her neck and lightly brushed his lips. He didn’t press into her skin this time as he moved sliding down her body as he slipped his tongue out and started leaving a thin trail he was just above her breasts as she took a breath. He didn’t go straight to either breast, instead he moved straight down and between them. He slipped more of his tongue out as he did and she shivered as the wetness caressed both of her breasts. He playfully kissed the small sot just below then moved a few times left and then right in indecision. Once Cynthia growled and pushed up her chest at him he moved to the right and started moving along the sides of the breast moving in a corkscrew pattern as he finally came up onto the nipple and let it fall between his lips. The tip of his tongue slid around it as he sucked on it. Judging from how she was breathing Daniel guessed she was a little more sensitive than he expected. He grinned knowing that she was unable to see it. He continued sucking a moment more then moved down and across to her left and started the process all over. This time he slipped a hand over on top the other die and rolled the nipple between his fingers as he sucked the other. He slid off her breast and a started a trail down her stomach, getting a few hits on the recently found tickle spots. He was just about to her navel when she started squirming around and breathing even harder.

“Daniel, I umm” she muttered as he slid the tip of his tongue into her navel. Her stomach jumped and his tongue impaled even deeper.

“It’s okay to say it,” he said kissing her stomach and down just above her pantie line.

“No not that. Definitely not that. I was going to say let me take these off,” she quickly added as she reached down and slid her hands down inside her panties. She pushed them up just enough to rub them on his chin. He moaned as he caught the smell.

Daniel reached down and helped lifting her but off the bed as she pushed the last piece of her clothing down her legs. Daniel helped after she had them past her knees and he caressed her legs as he pulled them the rest of the way off. He rubbed her feet as her legs parted and then slid his hands up and down her legs and thighs. She was quiet until he reach up and rubbed her stomach to resume his trail downward.

“Daniel, remember I never umm” her concentration failed as he kissed the bald pubic mound. He was just above where she wanted, where she needed him to be when he moved to the left and kissed along her inner thigh. He put his hands back behind her and on her butt cheeks cupping both and giving them a squeeze as he lifted her off the bed slightly. She squealed and laughed as he kissed again and again in areas all around where she wanted him. She was just about to reach down and put him there when she felt his tongue glide over it. Daniel then went down slowly pulling at the outer lips.

“Careful there I’m intact Daniel. I don’t think you want to break through and honestly I’d rather not break my hymen tonight.”

“MM that I would love to see in the light,” he whispered as he tongued the slit between the lips, again dancing over top of her clit. Finally, it emerged and he latched onto it. He pulled gently and sucked it a few minutes rubbing her legs and thighs as he did. He moved back and forth between her clit and the outer lips. He was carefully not to part the inner lips so she wouldn’t be worried of breaking her hymen. He would rub her clit as he sucked the lips and vice versa. Somewhere along the way, she put her hands on his head and ran her fingers through his hair. She was close when she pushed up and into his mouth. She was panting and groaning as she reached her high and held her breath, she came hard. Daniel stayed where he was holding her and sucking her clit as she rolled with the waves through her body. She could feel his tongue as he slithered it up and down between the outer lips of her woman hood licking at the juices she was releasing. She moaned as he shifted sucking on her clit to sucking the lips and back again. Each time he pushed his tongue inside, she could feel her body tremble. She shook knowing that he would again suck on her clit, which was highly stimulated now. She also trembled, involuntarily, as she was anticipating the pain that comes from breaking the hymen. She didn’t have much time to worry about it as Daniel’s attentions brought her up to a new wave of orgasmic pleasure.

Daniel managed to slide up and down her body several times. He would suck on one or the other of her breasts and rubbed her clit or he would stay between her legs and lick or suck until she came again. She had several big orgasms and she lost count of the smaller ones before she finally reached down to cover herself and keep him from continuing. Daniel chuckled softly and kissed her hand. He kissed all the way up her arm before settling in beside her and wrapping his arms around her.
“Daniel I umm,” she tried to talk as her mind cleared the orgasmic fog away. “That was.. I can’t”

Daniel cupped her breast and gave it a squeeze . He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek as if he knew right where it was. “Shh. Sleep,” she said drawing her head to his chest.
“But I…” she said a little drowsy.

“I said shh and go to sleep,” he whispered in her ear. “We have a lot to do tomorrow. You need rest.”

“Thank you,” she whispered as she nestled into him and let the need to sleep overtake her.


Daniel put a hand on her chest just to feel her chest rise and fall as she breathed. “Experiment finished and is inconclusive and in need or a revisited with modifications,” he said softly but with a laugh.

“Repeatedly,” Cynthia responded in a sleep mumble.

Daniel pushed in closer and held her tight. He laid listening to her, taking deep breaths as the room was perfumed with her scent. All around it was a pleasant evening. He fought with sleep, but it won out in a short time. His last thought before it overcame him, what would tomorrow bring?

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