The Bad Batch: Tech and Vel

29. Reactivity

"That's kinda hard," Vel said softly, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder in an attempt to feel reassured. He responded with a light touch to her waist, relief cascading over her. "I don't want to scare you away with some lofty, detailed idea of the future. It feels like it would be too much." 

"Why would it be too much?" Tech inquired, mouth twisting in thought. "One does not begin to build a ship without a clear blueprint of the steps and the desired end product. To do so would lead to inconsistent progress and haphazard results. It seems only natural that one would declare their intentions and desires, so that both partners are united in pursuit of a shared goal."

"I don't know how you make it sound so romantic," Vel laughed, only partly joking. He was so unlike anyone she had ever known, so complex and intelligent, equally curious and knowledgeable, witty and insightful. "You go first," she said sheepishly, still feeling wildly unbalanced by his straightforward admission.

"Well, barring any extraneous variables that are impossible to account for at the present, I would like to pursue further emotional and physical intimacy with you, as well as a deeper level of companionship, all increasing in direct correlation with our solidifying commitment to each other. I understand that there may be unreconcilable differences or events that may change the course of our intentions, but..." he paused, tilting his head. "But as it is impossible to foresee... I would like to enjoy every moment that we have... together."

A light quip was all Vel could access in her hurricane of a brain, swirling with excitement and affection, "Most people just say 'I love you'", she chuckled, still feeling a jolt of tingles through her chest as she said the words. 

"Hmm, perhaps I was unclear," Tech answered with an almost playful tone, lifting a hand to caress her cheek. "I am not yet professing such a thing." Her heart sank, and she wondered how long she could endure this roller coaster of emotions. "However," he continued, gently brushing a thumb across her lips, "With the exception of any recklessly foolish actions on your part, I do not think it will be long before I do."

Vel laughed, a flush of relief and joy and utterly blissful confusion sweeping away all the fears and anxieties. She marveled at her immense affection for him, as well as his own ridiculous way of communicating that was both frustrating and intoxicating, and gazed at him with a slightly dumbfounded expression, simply in awe of where the universe had brought her. The look on her face brought a small smile to his lips, and Tech tilted his head to regard her with a glimmer in his owlish brown eyes.

"Humor," he murmured, "I have it too." 

She laughed again, shaking her head minutely and burying her face in his neck. "You are the most confounding, tantalizing person I have ever met."

His curled fingers gently tipped her chin, bringing her face up to meet his. He leaned in, their mouths so close they were almost touching, but paused with just enough restraint to create a magnetic sense of authority and confidence. Vel's lips parted with expectation, exhaling softly and closing her eyes. He looked at her for a split second, then closed his eyes as well, placing his lips over hers with a soft yet powerful force. She inhaled deeply through her nose, filled with his scent and strength, and felt an electric current surge through her entire body as she brought her hands to his chest.

She could have stayed there forever, but he pulled away, moving his hand to caress her cheek and meet her eyes. He waited a painstakingly long second before slowly coming in for more. He kissed her longer this time, hand roving back up her cheek to nestle on her neck, behind her ear, fingers wrapping around the back.

He was precise, calculated, and completely focused. His other hand snaked around her waist to the small of her back, pulling her up against him. She felt herself melt, reaching her arms up around his neck, but he paused for a moment again. The teasing rhythm was intoxicating.