Starspeaker IC (Closed for silvertongue217)

[SinisterSpiders]

"Ha! Good luck containing me!" Vera teased, reluctantly pulling away from him and returning to her breakfast when her stomach gurgled.

"My morning was supposed to be dedicated to meetings about my Uncle's trial, and what terms we would offer his rebels," Vera said with a frown, "So obviously that wont be happening. I am free up until two now. So I am yours to command," she winked at him.

 

[silvertongue217]

"well as much as I would love to command the empress" Jase said winking at her before laughing "I do not think what I would have you do is very dignified"

"Doesnt Ashlyn want to snag you for wedding stuff?" Jase asked in surprise "I thought she would have jumped at the chance to snag your free time"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Well, I haven't told her about my free time," Vera said with a wry smile. "She has the wedding all under control. I don't want to mess with her right now." Vera laughed, "Besides, my attentions are best suited to helping you."

 

[silvertongue217]

"mmm are they now" Jase said leaning back and finishing his breakfast "dont tempt me helping me would mean being on my desk for a few" Jase said with a wink standing up and coming over to kiss the top of his head.

"Though I am sure we can tag team this paperwork if need be" Jase remarked grimacing at it "I went ahead and had the builders in here to see about making this a joint office"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"I would have no problem being on your desk," Vera said with a wink before looking at the plans he showed her. "I think it is good to move both of our offices here. I have my official office near the council quarters, but this one is much more central. Here," Vera leaned over to his screen and looked at it, she flicked some of his work over to a data pad on the table. "I'll deal with this. I have plenty of practice working with the universities and what not. I can also requisition all the equipment." She said, lightening his work load. " Let me help. Gotta make sure you have enough time to get all pretty for our wedding," she teased.

She set to work then, the both of them side by side as they did their thing. It was nice, even if they weren't talking or touching, just to be near each other. The time went quickly like that, and Vera happily stole glances at him when she needed a break from reading.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase tackled the paper work and projects with renewed energy. He always felt better when she was around... more energetic in a way. Soon having them both in the same room and working proved to be a good thing. Even though they didnt touch (though there was a lot of eye fucking from both of them) they were able to talk and share information more easily. Samantha soon joined them and by lunch time they had managed to put a solid dent into both of their case works much more than the pair was able to do separately.

"Thank god" Jase said getting up and stretching rolling his shoulders "Come on lets go-"

"General" Boomer said coming in and bowing his head at the Empress "the scout ship its set to report in"

"Shit your right" Jase said checking his watch "is every one gathered the war council?"

"In the war room even though its half unfinished" Boomer said nodding

"Well time to go see how bad the damage is" Jase murmured coming over and taking her hand "I love you"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera enjoyed sharing an office with Jase. They were both focused enough to get plenty of work done without getting distracted, and even though she loved the comms that linked their minds, there was nothing quite like being in the same room. When one would call on the other for aid there were subtle brushes of hands, or knees pressing together, and the contact was warm and reassuring. Samantha came in about half way through the morning and was able to help a fair bit. It reminded Vera of the early days of hers and Jase's relationship, with the three of them working as a great team. Once more Vera was so grateful for Jase, sure that there was no one better than him to have by her side at that moment.

When Boomer came in Vera looked over at him, heart beating a little faster. She accepted Jase's hand and words with a warm smile, then gave him a soft kiss.

"Let's see what the scouts have for us," She said with a sigh, keeping hold of his hand.

~*~

When Vera and Jase got to the war room the builders opted to vacate it. The table in the centre as well as the console were all up and running, but the walls and the screens were still in shambles, with panels and cables still waiting to be set into place. It was functional though, as all they needed was the console in the middle. The people around the table were the ones they had been discussing their plan of attach with just over twenty four hours ago. Vera could scarcely believe it though, as it felt like a life time's worth of stress ago.

Much to her amusement, and most likely Jase's, the fleet commander was wearing a sheepish look, clearly knowing that they could no longer bide their time.

"I'll have the transmission ready for you in a moment," Boomer said to Jase and Vera as everyone took their seats. Vera thanked him and settled down into her own. She noticed a few of the council members looking over at her, eyes darting down to her swollen tummy, barely concealed by the dress she was wearing. She didn't return their looks, but she did place a hand on her bump beneath the table.

"Right, thank you all for coming," Vera said, voice ringing over the dull chatter. "Yesterday when we left we were all just coming to terms with our decision to make a move on Hive. We thought that we had the benefit of time, that we could strike hard and fast, hit them hard and then be one step closer to winning this war."

Vera looked around, eyeing each of the War Council members seriously.

"Now, everything we know has been turned on its head. I trust that you have all read the reports you were sent about the infection of Garrick Starborn. From the information Starspeaker provided, it is likely that he was infected for a minimum of six months. There are a lot of implication of this timing, some of which were explored in the reports I forwarded to you. The key take-away, however, is that we no longer have any sort of surprise angle. Nor do we know just how deep their network goes. As such, General Crestfield and I are working to organise the equipment and staff to begin testing the blood of the crew on each and every one of our ships. No exceptions."

There was a murmur of surprise at this, at the rapid initiation of invasive medical tests, without consultation of the council. Vera didn't care though. The times were such that she and Jase would need to make tough calls, even if it meant bending some individual rights in order to ensure the safety of the majority.

"Chancellor, feed is up," Boomer said as a holographic projection flared out of the console. They could see the face of the scout ship captain, as well as his intelligence officer. Beyond them were the floating asteroids of the belt.

"Greetings," the Intelligence officer said with a sharp nod, "We are going to have to leave here shortly, but what we have found isn't good. From our intelligence sources within the base, surveillance footage, and our own observations, this place has been turned into a battle field. We have PEACe rebel ships firing upon one another. It has descended into utter chaos-"

There was a buzz of static, and the intelligence officer flicked a few switches in the cockpit. His eyes glazed over for a minute, his hand going to the earpiece. When he looked back up at the camera his face was set, grim.

"We just intercepted a communication between some of the ships. From what we can gather, around the time that Starborn turned, something happened here as well. Some of the officers, we're guessing they are ones that weren't infected, took to the ships and started firing upon the base. They were outnumbered and easily destroyed. That most recent communication was from the Hive infected crew- doing rounds and creating a perimeter."

The news drew gasps and grumbles from the war council.

"Thank you Officer, please have a safe return journey. We will debrief with you upon arrival." Vera said before motioning to Boomer to switch the projection off.

Vera looked over at Jase, wondering if she would see her own utter concern reflected in his eyes.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase watched the feed his eyes and his face giving nothing away. His fingers drummed a beat on his chair as the report was given. The situation was much more dire than even he had been prepared to see. The loss of the rebel PEACe agents, as well as their turn to the enemies was much more of a blow then even he cared to admit.

The transmission ended and he rose, he made a point to ignore the sheepish look of the fleet commander as he cleared his throat.

"There you guys have it" Jase said eyeing the few shots the scout ship had managed to send "the enemy in their full power and these our just OUR guys we have yet to see the aliens or the races they have already assimilated into their army"

"No more talk no more debates and no more arguing with you frackers" Jase growled his eyes narrowing "I have a war to win and im sure as shit not going to do it by playing careful people are dying people are going to die and its my job to ignore all that and safe the fracking universe"

"This asteroid belt is now our first stop" Jase said waving at the pictures "we cant afford to have the enemy so close and so near our colonized planets as of now every one is on a time frame were leaving in two days no more no less as you can see a lot of work still needs to be done" He said waving at the unfinished room.

"More than likely it will NOT be all done before we leave" Jase said "I suggest you all go home prepare your people for war each of your planets each of your species there going to be needed and you will all soon know just what I need and want from you all now isnt the time for politics not when we face genocide work together or after I win the war im coming back for you frackers that delayed and made us lose even more of our men"

Jase turned walking out of the room, he had said his peace and now it was up to Vera to play the part of organizing them. She probably wouldnt like what he had said but having said it he felt better and more importantly he felt more energized.

For better or worse he was ready

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera let Jase take the stage. He was far more blunt than she would have been, but that was why she needed him. He was easily able to cut through all the shit in order to tell these people just what they needed. When he got up and left her eyes trailed after him in admiration, pleased that he was here to keep them on task. She then turned to the remainder of the council and started working with them on the more gritty details of their committments.

"Thank you Jase," She thought through the link.

~*~

Two hours later they were almost through their meeting when Ashlynn waltzed in to interrupt. To the impatient woman's credit, she waited another fifteen minutes so Vera could wrap it up properly before whisking her away.

"I wasn't aware that I would be needed this early," Vera said with a frown. Ashlynn laughed.

"Most brides start getting ready the moment they wake up. You've had it easy thus far."

Vera would hardly define her day as easy, but she was in no mood to argue with the girl.

"I bet you don't have to get ready for another two hours," Vera sent to Jase down the mind link, her tone part amused part annoyed. "Lucky you, you wake up looking that hot."

Over the next two hours Vera was preened and primped to within an inch of her life. The attention and break from her routine was needed though, as it provided her with a chance to get away from all her other worries. Towards the end Avery joined her, already dolled up nicely. They didn't get much of a chance to talk, with all of the people buzzing around them, but it was nice to have her there.

"I'm sorry," Vera said, as Avery say on a seat beside her while her hair was being done.

"I know," Avery replied with a shrug. "Though it is good that you found Starspeaker... Without him.." She trailed off. "And," she added, "I guess it is a good thing you found Crestfield too. He is a pain in the arse, but he is good."

Vera laughed at that, and Avery's eyes twinkled with amusement.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase rolled his eyes sending her a mental snort at her come out of bed hot comment.

"If you say so dear" Jase said turning as the door opened to his office "and I do believe I am not going to be out of the wedding planning either"

Sure enough Boomer came in already pulling at his tux "General Ashlyn has her team out in full force to get us ready"

"Oh joy" Jase murmured standing up and sighing "well come on soldier lets get this over with" he said ignoring Boomers laugh as he walked out and to the area Ashlyn had taken over.

The next two hours was spent bathing and preparing Jase to get married. He was groomed and even though he all but ran out the poor girl who tried to put makeup on him every thing else he accepted with a grumble. His hair was trimmed he was showered and soon the hours began to tick down.

"Were going down to the planet first" Samantha said appearing in a nice sparkling blue dress "Avery and Vera will meet us down"

"Well dont you look pretty" Jase said ignoring the looks the stylist gave at him talking to thin air "you going to walk me down the isle?"

"Ha ha" Samantha said rolling her eyes "I am happy for you two cant I be happy?"

"Im glad you are" Jase said getting up and smoothing out his tux as Boomer came over "you ready?" He asked her offering his elbow.

"Of course" Samantha said beaming as she very carefully linked their arms together. Jase laughed and began watching as Boomer followed looking confused.

"Why are you holding your arm out like that general?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Just when Vera thought the preparations would never end Ashlynn waltzed back into the room holding Vera's wedding dress reverently. The younger woman's eyes raked up and down her, her gaze calculating, but finally she gave a stiff nod.

"Perfect," She said, as though she were assessing their latest battle plans. "Looks like you're ready for this. The shuttle is down there now. Jase should be on his way down this minute."

The hair stylist wished Vera the best of luck and then ducked out of the room. Avery excused herself to retrieve something from her room, and it was just Vera and Ashlynn left in the room. Vera shrugged out of her silk robe then, knowing that Ashlynn had already seen her in all of her glory and she needn't pretend to be modest. Vera didn't miss the way Ashlynn's eyes appreciatively grazed her body, taking in her lingerie, before she walked over with the dress. She helped Vera into it and then turned her around. Ashlynn's fingertips ran over Vera's bare back before she zipped the dress up and allowed her to turn back around. Ashlynn's eyes glowed with pleasure.

"Yes, I think this will do quite nicely."

Vera looked at herself in the mirror then, feeling happiness well up within her. Her black hair had been styled in long, loose waves. On top of it sat a simple yet beautiful diamond tiara (and very expensive if the size of the main diamond was anything to go by). Vera hadn't wanted it, not liking projecting herself as royalty, but Ashlynn had insisted. She had to give the woman credit, it was beautiful. Her gown was a simple, empire waisted one. Made out of fine ivory fabric with some delicate beading under the bust it had two sashes that came from the centre of the bodice and up over her shoulders. They trailed back onto the ground in a delicate train of lace and chiffon. The dress skimmed her pregnant belly, the cut of it leaving no doubts at all that she was pregnant. Vera placed a hand on her belly then, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Ashlynn was a genius. The whole ensemble was simple, elegant, yet it still allowed her to look powerful, to look as though she was the leader of PEACe.

"Thank you," Vera said, voice breakling slightly.

"All in a day's work," Ashlynn said, shrugging it off even though Vera could see the satisfaction in her eyes. "Let's get you down to this shuttle."

Vera, AShlynn and Avery walked together then. When they made it down to the shuttle she was told that Jase and Boomer were already on board. The thought of seeing Jase again made her heart leap, but when she stepped on board she sighed heavily.

"Really Ashlynn? A curtain?" Vera sighed.

Indeed, there had been a heavy curtain set up down the length of the passenger cabin, separating the space neatly in half.

"Where I come from it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding," Ashlynn said with a mischevious grin. She went over to the edge of the curtain and peeled it back just a bit, she hummed in approval. "You are one lucky lady Chancellor, the groom scrubs up well." Ashlynn teased.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Dont tease the bride on her wedding day Ashlyn" Jase called his voice coming through easily over the curtain "especially when said bride is the head of the largest government in the galaxy"

"Why I would never" Ashlyn purred coming back down and sitting across from Vera.

The shuttle lifted off the engines whinning as the ship undocked from the massive capital ship. Within seconds they were speeding down into orbit and on their way to the small cliff side villa that would host their wedding.

"Samantha how close is Vera to the curtain?" Jase thought through their mental link.

"close enough but im not going to help you to peak at each other" Samantha warned

"I dont want to ruin the surprise either" Jase grumbled scooting over to the curtain. He pushed his hand through the curtain and with Samanthas prompting found Veras hand and interlinked their fingers.

"I am sure you look lovely" Jase thought to her smirking "I cant wait to see admire and then undress the full product later my darling"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera was sitting down and silently cursing the damn curtain when she saw Jase's hand slip under the edge. She smiled and then placed her hand in his, her fingers holding him tight even as she wished she could touch him properly.

She smiled at his comment, thought of letting him undress her sending wild urges through her body.

"Do you know how long I spent preparing to get into this dress?" She teased mentally, "There is no way you are getting it off me tonight!"

The shuttle continued on its path and the mood in the cabin was quiet yet excited. Without being able to see the guys, Vera and Avery didn't chat aloud to them, and the threw ladies had little to discuss.

"Almost ready?" Ashlynn asked when the shuttle made it's warning landing. "General, you go first. There will be a car waiting for you. We will be a minute or two behind."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Is that so then" Jase shot back sending her a sexy mental smirk "well I always did want to bend the blushing bride over the bed and take her dress and all"

Jase sent her a mental image just to drive the point home a mental image of said thought. He shifted in his seat ignoring the strange looks Boomer was giving him.

"General, you go first. There will be a car waiting for you. We will be a minute or two behind."

"Aye Aye boss" Jase said snorting and getting up. He gave his bride to be hands a small squeeze and stepped out and onto the landing pad. The car was waiting for Boomer and he and as soon as they climbed in they were off and a new car replaced it.

"How are you General?" Boomer asked raising an eyebrow "getting married is-"

"A big step and all that jazz" Jase said with a wave of his hand "you dont have to tell me twice I'm getting married and becoming a father in the span of nine months"

Boomer laughed and together they toasted to married life and fatherhood as they reached the hotel. They were moved quickly to a room to prep and to make sure he did not see the Empress before she walked down the isle.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera grinned at the image Jase sent, thinking that it would do very nicely for their first bedding as husband and wife.

Vera heard rather than saw Jase leaving the shuttle, wanting nothing more than to reach out and hold onto him. The past twenty four hours had been so chaotic that she craved some quiet alone time with him more than anything in the universe.

"The whole bride-walking-down-the-aisle tradition is antiquated," Vera said, turning to Ashlynn. Ashlynn raised her eyebrows, amused.

"Well, you're lucky your father isn't here or I would have had him walk you down the aisle," Ashlynn retorted. Both Avery and Vera laughed at that.

"You clearly don't know Vera well enough if you thought you would ever get away with that," Avery said as she rolled her eyes. Vera nodded in agreement. Ashlynn looked between the two of them, a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

"How did you two meet?" She asked, going into her investigative journalist mode.

"Long, boring story," Avery said with a shrug, appearing completely nonchalant about it. She got up and walked over to the window of the shuttle before Ashlynn could lay eyes on her again.

"Wouldn't want to distract you from your work here today," Vera added.

"Yes, speaking of which, your car is waiting,"

~*~

Half an hour later Vera arrived at the cliff top venue. The weather had held and Ashlynn explained that they had the ceremony set up by the edge of the cliff, overlooking the pristine sapphire ocean and the pink and purple horizon beyond. The sun would hold up for long enough to cast their wedding in ethereal, otherworldy colours before they retreated into the universe-famous restaurant for a low key dinner.

The make up artist and hair dresser must have come down on a different shuttle as they were in the car, waiting to touch up Vera's appearance before she reunited with Jase.

Vera could scarcely believe it as everything came to a head. She stood at the end of the aisle as the music started, her face set in a smile of pure pleasure as her feet started to move of their own accord. The few officials they had invited (those who were on the mothership at the time) and her council did not hide the look of suprise as they took in her appearance, her dress doing nothing to hide the growing babies within her.

But then Vera saw Jase and everything else was chased from her mind. Brave, strong, clever Jase who loved her despite all of the reasons there were for him to hate her. Jase, who stood by her on her quest, who stuck with her when she revealed her true identity, who protected her and her people as news of war broke out. Jase, the man she loved with all of her heart, who would soon raise and nurture their children with her.

In that moment Vera couldn't have been happier.

 

[silvertongue217]

The feeling was more than mutual

"your a lucky man General" Boomer murmured standing right next to Jase as Vera began to walk down the isle.

"Dont I know it" Jase said his voice thick with emotion as he took her in.

There she was striding toward him in all her glory. The dress. the hair, and the belly it all sent him back on his feet. How could he be so lucky? In a galaxy at war how could he be so lucky as to be with this woman? This goddess in her own right.

They had gone through an impossible journey together. From Rivals to friends to fuck budys to sworn enemies to being in love. It seemed crazy to think they had not been together all their lives now yet it truly had only been half a year.

And he couldnt wait to make it a life time

He reached out taking her hand as she reached him. His eyes shone with pleasure and love as well as a deep burning attraction. He helped her up leaning in to kiss her hand softly.

"I couldnt be any happier" He told her softly letting go of her hand and straightening his suit jacket "Are you ready for this?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

One look into Jase's eyes was enough to tell Vera that he felt the same way about her. The walk down the aisle felt torturously long, even though she knew it was only seconds. All she wanted was Jase.

So when Jase reached for Vera's hand and planted a soft kiss on it she smiled at him. It took all of her restraint not to kiss him there and then.

"Couldn't be readier," Vera replied in a soft voice, watching as he straightened his jacket. "You do scrub up alright, space cowboy," she teased with a wink, bringing back a nicname from when they first met.

Vera turned then, facing the officiator with Jase. In truth, Vera hardly heard any of the words that the officiator was saying in her slow, serious voice. Vera's attention was spent in stolen glances at the man by her side, in awareness of the children growing within her. The sound of the ocean whooshing beneath them and the pinks and oranges of the setting sun made everything seem so surreal. Vera said everything she needed to, all the while wondering at her luck.

In the middle of such a storm, with the whole universe at grave risk, she was lucky enough to have found Jase and to have conceived his children.

Finally, after all of the words and vows and promises the officiator got to the part she had been waiting for.

"You may now have your first kiss as husband and wife," the officiator said, a smile tugging at her otherwise serious expression. The words sent a thrill of pleasure through Vera, making her cheeks flush.

Vera turned to face Jase, relieved to be looking at him properly again. She took a step closer to him, so that her swollen belly was pressing against his firm one.

"I love you," She said, voice thick with emotion as she wrapped her arms around him and leaned up for a kiss.

 

[silvertongue217]

It was the happiest moment in Jase's life

Even in a life full of adventure, even in all the things he had seen and done in his life there had always been an emptiness there. Samantha had been a good mother figure to him but she was not his mother and even though they were a family it had never been quite the same.

He had been alone for so long

Sure he tried his best to make do filling it with adventure, money, drinks, and woman but they never quite did the trick.

Not like it did with Vera

Maybe it was simply that they were genetically made for each other or whatever shit you would call that. However Jase suspected it was more than that, with her the emptiness that had followed after his parents death seemed to disappear. He felt whole again with her whole in a way that he needed, that he wanted.

And he would do any thing to protect that

The ceremony seemed to go quickly and before he knew it they were husband and wife. Jase turned catching her I love you before they were kissing and the fireworks were going off above them.

He heard the cheering and reluctantly broke apart. His hands snaked down to the small of her back turning her with him as every one stood and cheered.

"So does that make me Mr. Empress or you Mrs. General" JAse asked her teasing even as his eyes shone with true happiness.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Sure does Mr Empress," Vera teased, still somewhat breathless from their kiss.

From there Vera and Jase were quickly shuffled past a small receiving line. They only had about fourty people in attendance from the mothership so it was easily handled. There were eager congratulations wished to them both, with more than a few knowing or curious glances going down to Vera's belly. After that Vera and Jase were whisked off by Ashlynn to get some photos while the guests were settled in the restaurant.

It was funny, Vera thought, that in this moment there were so many expectations, but in reality all she wanted was to tear away with Jase and spend hours - days- alone in each other's embrace.

When the photos were done Vera and Jase were finally allowed into the reception venue where they were introduced for the first time as husband and wife. As they stepped into the room, a familiar song started up, and Vera caught Avery's eyes. Her doppelganger winked and grinned at her and nodded towards the dancefloor.

"The song from the ball," Vera said, turning to Jase as the music started to roll through the room. Memories of that mission fled back and she grinned at him, remembering a much different time between them "Shall we dance?"

Then Vera felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. She grimaced, dismissing her nerves as ridiculous when Samantha appeared beside her. A bright smile was on the hologram's face.

"That wasn't nerves," Samantha told Vera with a knowing grin, "That, Vera, is the feeling of your babies moving."

 

[silvertongue217]

"It would seem our babies our celebrating as well" Jase said his eyes shining with happiness and a few stray tears as he took her hand.

And so they began to dance

As they danced the media around the galaxy lit up with their wedding. It had all been taped of course and soon every eye able was glued to the sight of those two dancings. For most of the galaxy it was a truimpth a call to arms for the love story they were all avidly following. Of course there were some that looked on in jealousy like the owner of a current rogue station, there were others that looked at them as enemies like the bounty hunter of a space ship currently moving to the front lines and the captain of a viscous fleet of ships moving back to the previously mentioned rogue station.

But for the most part every one celebrated with them

"I wish it was every going to get easier for us" Jase said softly leaning down to touch their foreheads together "but I dont suppose it will"

"But you have each other know" Samantha said following as they danced unseen by any one else "and me"

"And soon the children" Jase said spinning her expertly before bringing her back into his arms "do you think they will applaud us for how we handle whats to come? Or will they have to deal with our mess?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

In that moment Vera felt so damn lucky. Sam was right; not only had she gained a wonderful husband, but she had also gained a fantastic mother-in-law (even if she was an AI, and Jase didn't really know her identity). She would never admit that to Sam either, but she knew she didn't need to.

Jase's words sent concern trickling through her, threatening to stain at her happiness.

"No, they won't have to deal with our mess," Vera whispered, voice thick with promise, "My parents left enough of that for me to do. I will not do that to our babies. We will win this war, if for no other reason then to ensure their safety."

The next time Jase spun Vera out, she turned back in so that her back was against him. His hand would naturally have fallen to our hip, but she used her own to guide it to her stomach and rest it there, swaying against him as she turned her head to kiss his cheek.

"Us against the universe, handsome. We can do it," Vera whispered before spinning back out and then back into a proper hold.

Unfortunately the song ended. Vera could have gone on forever like that; in Jase's arms with no other cares in the world. But life moved on, and so did they. When they finally made it to their table they found that there were two seats for them between Avery and Boomer. Vera managed to get into her seat with as much decorum as her position demanded, but she was unable to hold back a sigh of relief at being off her feet for the first time in hours.

"Thought you two might like a chance to carve up the dance floor again," Avery said, turning to Vera with a grin. Vera laughed.

"Thank you," Vera said, genuinely appreciative of the thoughtful touch. "I'm sorry everything has been so busy. I swear we will catch up properly soon-"

"Uh-uh!" Avery said, waving her hand dismissively. "No, don't do this now. Tonight is you and Crestfield. You two have earned that much. I do have to say that you're going to have to come clean about your condition soon. I don't know if it was intentional, but you are every bit the radiant pregnant lady right now."

Vera and Avery laughed together then. A moment later the food was brought out and the room was filled with a low buzz of chatter punctuated by the clattering and scraping of forks and knives. Avery, Boomer, Jase and Vera talked about a number of rather mundance things, taking every second to make sure they enjoyed the break from the raging chaos that was their real lives. Between courses, Vera's hand automatically sought Jase's, relishing the warm skin-to-skin contact when she could.

 

[silvertongue217]

"I hope for both of our sakes and the children your right" Jase murmured looking up at the stars as they finished their dance.

Before he knew it they were whisked to the table where Boomer and Avery were sitting. Jase shot them both a smile as they sat down his eyes never straying far from Veras.

"I think Avery is right" Jase said smiling as they threaded their fingers together "My darling wife you are the very definition of alluring pregnant woman"

He nodded as the food came thanking the waiter. They all began to eat and small talk broke out between the pair of them as they all enjoyed themselves. Jase tried his best to join in but the war was not as easy for him to push to the side. He relied instead on Vera for support keeping their hands knitted together

The night soon began to wind down with the few guests attending coming over to praise the two one more time. Ashlyn had also disappeared stating some thing about checking feeds and approval ratings. Soon the newlyweds were alone with Avery and Boomer leading the final dance of the night.

"Are you happy?" Jase asked turning to her and smiling "as happy as I am?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera's heart fluttered at Jase's words, the look of bliss kn his face as he took her in. She reached out, cupping his cheek and pressing a tender kiss against his lips.

"Of course I am," she whispered when she pulled away. "I can honestly say that my life has had more happy moments in the past six months than it has jn the thirty years before then put together. It's you Jase, it's all because of you."

She kissed him again then, putting in a touch more passion and suggestion than the last time.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase groaned leaning back and reaching out to gently cup her cheek

"I feel the same way" He said rising up and taking her hand

"Lets dance one more time?" Jase asked her giving her his patented smile and helping her up. He kissed her hand leading her onto the stage and spinning her around before they began to dance together once more.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera couldn't resist Jase's invitation to dance. She allowed him to sweep her over to the dance floor, under the adoring gaze of the guests, and she fell into a world of their own. It was just their bodies and the moves, their love swirling between them almost tangibly. When a slower tune came on Vera took a moment to rest her head against Jase's chest.

"I wish this would never end Jase, I could think of nothing better than being in you arms for eternity."