Chapter Text
The energy in the bar shifted from polite chatter to a bubbling atmosphere as a bar employee jumped onto the small stage, tapping the microphone loudly.
“Uh, testing… testing. Mic check. 1, 2.” They glanced down at the microphone, checking if all the correct buttons had been switched on. “Hey, can you guys hear me just fine?” The speakers resting at the end of the stage thundered from the base in the person’s tone, vibrating the floor resting under Mel’s heel.
“Loud and clear, buddy!” Vi shouted back from a side booth, flashing a thumbs up. Her arm landed back around Caitlyn, leaning over to kiss her temple.
“Nice, right on! Okay, it’s been an awesome time having the dedicated medical staff from Memorial Hospital here tonight. We just want to give another hearty thanks for the commitment and earnest work you guys do every day, even during Christmas. Y'all really are god’s angels in scrubs.”
Applause echoed throughout the bar from the rest of the employees, pausing their current tasks to show their appreciation. Jayce stood up from a large booth, bowing in different directions as if the praise was only meant for him, earning an eyeroll from Ekko, sitting at the next booth over with Jinx snuggled onto his side.
“But tonight is your guys night. So, party hard because y’all deserve it!” Shouts and applauses followed along with a few whistles, Mel knew were mostly coming from Vander’s table. “Now, who's ready for some karaoke?”
There was an immediate swell of energy as people jumped up from tables and booths, lining up beside the stage and searching through their phones for the perfect song to sing solo or duet. However, the mention of karaoke had the opposite effect on Mel, glancing down at her phone to check the time. 10:30 flashed for a brief second on the glass screen, before disappearing.
Mel audibly groaned. She had barely been there an hour and was already at her limit of social interaction. And the one person who forced her to show up wasn’t even here. She opened her phone, scrolling through the last text messages sent by Shoola.
Shoola: Perfection takes time, sweetie. Please tell me you are not sitting alone somewhere.
Shoola: On my way. Be there soon.
The last message was sent fifteen minutes ago. Mel sighed again, knowing Shoola’s house was not that far away from the bar. The woman had a thing for being fashionably late.
‘A diva always has to make an entrance’.
Shoola’s words echoed in Mel’s head as she clicked her phone shut, tossing it onto the bar counter. There wasn’t much time left before she was going to make her own fabulous exit.
“Good evening, gorgeous ladies and handsome gentlemen.” Lest purred into the microphone, unclipping it from the stand to walk the stage freely. “Tonight, I will be singing as a legendary female icon, the one and only Whitney Houston.”
“Hell yeah!” Vi shouted, roughly raising her beer glass into the air, causing some of the frothy liquid to splash out. Caitlyn calmly brought her arm down, sliding the glass away.
“Hit me, Bryce!” Lest called out, pointing at the DJ station set next to the stage. The middle aged man clicked something on his laptop, giving Lest a thumbs up after. Lest planted herself center stage, holding the microphone close to her chest and closed her eyes. Always a woman of theatrics.
Mel watched having nothing better to do in the moment, but startled when hearing a familiar voice behind her.
“You come here often, beautiful?”
An excited smile spread across Mel’s face, feeling a surge of happiness. “About damn time.” She laughed, standing up to hug her good friend. They rocked side to side for a moment, before separating to fully see each other’s outfits.
“Okay, polka dots!” Shoola complimented, snapping her fingers. “Finally put that old ass dress to use, I see.”
Mel softly laughed. “Not everyone buys new clothes for every party they attend, Shoola.” The dark green evening gown the older woman wore, clung to her hips precisely, tailored to fit her petite figure perfectly.
“And shame on them.”
Shoola slapped her purse down onto the bar counter, settling into a chair next to Mel’s. “Please tell me you weren’t sitting here, alone, the entire time I wasn’t here.”
“I chatted with a few people.” Mel quickly replied, lifting her body back into the bar chair. Her heel latched onto the metal circular ring at the bottom, anchoring herself. “But everyone has their own tight knit friend groups, you know.”
“Oh I do. But you need to start integrating! I can’t be your only friend at the hospital. You’ve been working there for over a year now. It’s time to drop all that shyness and start showing people that Mel Medarda actually has charisma.”
“I’m charismatic… when I want to be.” Mel countered, trying to remember a time when she was a party favorite. College was so long ago.
“If I needed someone to impress a board of medical advisors, I know who to call.” Shoola said, patting Mel’s hand softly.
“AND IIIIIIIIIIIII!” Lest sang, reaching a hand out into the air, as her voice struggled to maintain the high pitch. “Will always… love youuuuuuu!!” She sagged forward, trying to catch a breath during the long note.
Shoola grimaced, staring up at the stage. “That looked like it hurt.”
“I bet it did.” Mel giggled, checking her phone, yet again, to see if any time had passed. 10:47 shined brightly back at her. There was still time to make it home, have a relaxing bath, and binge her new television fixation. The raspberry truffle ice cream sitting in her freezer wasn’t going to eat itself.
“Aht, aht.” Shoola scolded, catching her checking the time. "You are not leaving until after I do karaoke. Also, you should come sin–”
Mel shook her head furiously, interrupting Shoola. “Hell to the no.”
“But–”
“N.O. No.”
Shoola sighed, waving over the bartender. “The one time I finally get you out of the house past 9 pm. What a tragedy.”
Mel huffed a dry laugh, imagining how ridiculous she would look on the bar stage. Her eyes flickered over toward it, witnessing a tipsy Vi grabbing the microphone from Lest. The pink haired woman swayed dangerously to the side, but gained balance, standing in the middle of the stage
“This one goes out to my loving wife and bestest friend in the whole wide world, Caitlyn.” She kissed the mic, the wet sound amplified by the speakers. “Love you, cupcake.”
A ballad instrumental began to play as Vi sang closely into the mic, ensuring every breath was recorded too.
“You were dancing in your tube socks in our hotel room / Flashing those eyes like highway signs / Light one up and hand it over / Rest your head upon my shoulder / I just want to feel your lips against my skin.”
Half the words came out slurred, as Vi raised a hand into the air, shutting her eyes trying to bring her voice to a higher pitch for the next lyrics.
“You told me this is right where it begins / But your lips hang heavy underneath me.” Vi stepped away from the microphone stand, sniffling and wiping a hand at falling tears. She tried to sing the next lyrics, but it came out as a sob instead.
“And I promised myself I wouldn’t let you complete me.”
A thud echoed through the speakers as Vi placed a hand over the microphone, breaking down. Caitlyn ran onto the stage, putting an arm around Vi’s shaking shoulders, trying to navigate the crying woman off. “But I just love you so much, cupcake.”
“Wow, it just gets worse. But endearing.” Shoola remarked, taking a drink from her cocktail, decorated with a fruit kabob layered in the shape of a Santa Claus hat.
“Speaking of lesbian romance,” Shoola’s voice dropped low. “I saw a very handsome, very much single, trauma surgeon in the parking lot. That truck she drives looks brand spanking new and probably has enough room for some… extracurricular activities.”
“Shoola.” Mel warned, sighing. “You know I don’t get along with that woman. She’s just so cocky and brash and–”
“Fuckable.” Shoola finished, earning a slap on her arm. “What, it's true. She has a whole roster of women practically waiting in line to be next. I’m sure she would put you at the top of it.”
Mel tsked, shaking her head. “Not happening. Never in a million years.”
“Never say never,” Shoola teased, bringing her cocktail up to her lips. “Look who just walked through the door.”
Mel’s head swiveled, her eyes locking onto a tall woman who looked like ice was too cold for her. Mel didn’t even feel the long breath she took, gazing up and down Sevika’s slate grey suit sticking to broad shoulders and long legs. The tie was black, knotted casually over a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled just above strong forearms. The jacket unbuttoned, of course, stretched just slightly across back muscles that were usually hidden under scrubs. A silver wrist watch glinted under the dim light, looking entirely too expensive for a holiday work party.
Sevika stepped into the bar like she didn’t need permission to take up space, only the excuse, brushing a hand through short, cropped hair. The strands fell back into her face, one by one, creating a curtain around her grey eyes. Mel took a sip of her cocktail and told herself she wasn’t staring. But when Sevika’s gaze found hers across the room, entirely too smug, Mel’s pulse kicked up. She rolled her eyes and looked away. ‘Never in a million years’ she tried to convince herself, taking in deep breaths of air to slow her heart.
Shoola slid a napkin over to Mel, wearing a wicked smile. “You are drooling, darling.”
Mel flicked the napkin away, sighing. She tried to push the burning image of Sevika out of her mind, wanting to replace it with the half-drunk cocktail in front of her, but it was a failed attempt as her attention was pulled across the bar.
“Hey, Sevika! Over here!” Vi called out, waving her hand frantically in the air. “I need my drinking buddy to show these light weights how it's done.”
“The only lightweight here is you.” Caitlyn countered, cupping Vi’s flushed cheeks and pulling her into a quick kiss.
Sevika nodded in their direction, making her way over, but the path she took deliberately passed by Mel. A sweeping wind of sandalwood and spice curled over to Mel, lingering like an unspoken promise. The cologne was enticing, too enticing, meant to leave a memorable presence. For who exactly? Mel wasn’t trying to stay long enough to find out. She pressed her phone onto her clutch, starting to rise out of the bar chair, but a hand clasp onto her wrist, yanking her back down.
“You promised two hours. Minimum." Shoola whined, shaking her head. “I know I was late, but you have to stay the full length. Let me get you another cocktail, so maybe you will get drunk enough to stay longer.”
“I drove here, Shoola.” Mel flatly replied, resigning to sit back down. Unfortunately, Shoola had a point. Mel did make a promise, one she wholeheartedly regretted at the moment, but a promise was still a promise.
“And so did I. Girl, just take a taxi.”
Mel sighed, understanding she was utterly doomed.
A good twenty minutes passed before they exhausted all of the juicy hospital gossip and holiday plans. Shoola’s gaze started to drift across the bar to other lively conversations taking place and staring a little too long at Jayce. Mel peeked over at her friend with a smile. The woman had been wanting the other trauma surgeon since she had seen him working out a few weeks ago at the hospital gym.
“I still can’t believe you turned him down. All that muscle needs to be adored by somebody.” Shoola said, disappointment laced in her voice as she watched Jayce, now sitting at Vi’s booth, try to chug down a large glass of beer. He slammed the glass down triumphantly, earning cheers from Vi and a heavy pat on the back from Sevika. She was leaning back on the far side of the round booth, in a space of her own, with an arm resting lazily over the back of the cushioned seat. Mel’s eyes trailed over the muscled arm, landing back on Sevika's face, no longer hearing anything but the sound of her hammering heart.
As if feeling Mel’s weighted stare, grey eyes snapped up, locking onto her from across the bar. The air seemed to tighten in Mel’s lungs, not knowing if she was still breathing or not. The bar around Mel blurred, pulling her into a narrow space only meant for her and Sevika to share. Sevika pushed her hair back, revealing every sharp angle of her face. Mel’s gaze immediately fell to plush dark lips, gripping onto her cocktail glass tightly. She needed to make sure that she was still alive, still seated at this raunchy bar, and not floating off into the atmosphere. Sevika smirked at her, shifting her gaze away to a swaying Vi, who was in the middle of calling over a waiter.
“Wow, and I thought I was thirsty for Jayce.” Shoola teased, bringing Mel back into the present moment. Mel felt a heat creep up her neck, realizing she had been caught by Shoola “I could have been screaming bloody murder and you still wouldn’t have heard me. Never in a million years, huh?”
Mel could only clear her throat, drinking the rest of her cocktail. Sevika was good looking and that was all there was to it. No shame in acknowledging that fact.
Shoola’s heel tapped impatiently against the bar chair, looking over to Jayce yet again. “That’s it. I’ve been staring long enough. Wish me luck.” She said, standing up and smoothing down her gown. “Mama needs a win tonight.”
“And that win is puppy dog, Jayce Talis?” Mel asked, arching a brow.
Shoola glanced down at her wearing a wicked smile. “I’m a really good dog trainer.” And with that, she flipped imaginary long hair over her shoulders, strutting over to the vibrant booth, to be immediately welcomed. Jayce perked up in pleasant surprise, scooting over to make space next to him.
Once again, Mel was alone. Sighing, she opened her phone and scrolled through social media, letting the minutes tick by. It wouldn’t be long before she would be snuggled comfortably in bed, thankfully away from all the noise and rowdiness. A certain post caught her attention, warranting an immediate click to the comments to see others' reactions, not hearing soft approaching footsteps. However, the distinct cologne from earlier wrapped around her like a blanket, inviting her in like a warm embrace.
“Is this seat taken?” Sevika rumbled, placing a hand on the chair next to Mel.
Mel didn’t look up from her phone, pretending to find more interest in the mindless media than the fine woman next to her.
“Obviously not.” She muttered, trying to keep her breath steady as Sevika settled into the tall chair. Mel hadn’t realized how close the bar chairs were until now, stiffening as Sevika’s arm accidently brushed against hers.
“Oh, sorry.” Sevika apologized, chuckling faintly. “These chairs aren’t really built for people who have some bulk to them.”
“Bulk as in muscle?” Mel asked, squeezing her eyes shut at the slip.
Sevika either didn’t notice or call attention to it, adjusting her suit jacket. “Yeah, I have to stay fit for my line of work. No time to be sluggish in the ED.”
Mel stared down at her phone, looking past the video playing in front of her as her mind imagined what a night in the emergency department looked like for Sevika. Mel had chosen to be a specialty surgeon for the challenge and understanding that there was never a wall to stop her from expanding her knowledge about cardiology. There would always be fulfillment to be sought after.
Though Sevika had a different type of fulfillment. It took a strong mind and resilience to work in such a fast paced environment and offer the best care possible during life or death moments. It was a throbbing headache Mel did not have the patience to deal with. Sevika, however, thrived in it, leaning forward to call over a bartender.
“A bourbon on the rocks, please.” Sevika ordered, pulling out a leather wallet. The bartender raised their hand to stop Sevika from taking out a black card, reassuring that the hospital was footing the tab for tonight. “Oh, nice. They’re finally putting their appreciation into something other than pizza in the breakroom.”
“Stale pizza at that.” Mel added, clicking her phone shut. There was only so long she could ignore Sevika’s presence. Something that Mel was way too familiar with after having multiple meetings discussing patients. Frustrating was an understatement. The more Mel tried to distance or pretend Sevika didn’t bother her, the more Sevika stayed present in her mind.
“I can’t imagine you eating junk food. Your office always smells like fruit or something else organic.”
Mel tilted her head, amused. “Is it a bad smell?”
Sevika took a second to answer, running a hand through her hair. “No, I actually like it.” Her tone held a hint of softness Mel hadn’t heard before. “It’s easy to recognize, even in busy hallways.”
A giddyness sprang in Mel’s chest, making her eyes roll. One small admission from Sevika actually paying attention to her beyond work’s needs shouldn’t make her feel like a teenager with a crush. Besides, Mel had received compliments before. What made Sevika so different?
“So, is pizza the only thing you like or…?” Sevika asked.
“I like other things too.” Mel shared, seeing no harm in telling Sevika about her favorite snacks. “Ice cream being one of them.”
Sevika brows lifted in surprise. “What’s your favorite flavor?”
There was no explanation to why Mel blushed, feeling as if sharing her favorite ice cream flavor was too vulnerable. “It’s not all that important.”
“I can’t believe you won’t tell me what your favorite flavor of ice cream is.” Sevika scoffed, but there was a faint smile on her lips.
“Its one of my darkest secrets.”
Sevika smirked, participating in the teasing banter. “You know, I may be a surgeon, but I think I had a solid shot at being a detective too.”
“Good thing I don’t leave behind any clues.”
The bartender placed a short glass of bourbon in front of Sevika, stepping away, but stopped to take Sevika’s new order.
“Can I please get a refill for the woman next to me?” Sevika asked, pointing at Mel’s empty coupe glass. She turned to Mel. “I wouldn’t want you to waste a night of free drinks.”
Mel felt the smile play on her lips before she could hide it. “Are you sure that’s your only motive, almost detective?”
Sevika didn’t reply, winking at her as she took a drink of bourbon, letting out a satisfied sigh. “I needed that. Every round sent to Vi’s booth was only beer.”
“From the bar, it seemed like you guys were having a great time regardless.”
Sevika raised a brow, smiling. “You were watching us, Mel?” She then leaned in close, causing Mel to stiffen once again. “Or were you just watching me?”
The bartender set a fresh cocktail down on the counter, providing a distraction from how close Sevika was. Mel took a deep, steadying breath and finally answered. “It would be pretty hard not to look with how loud you guys were.”
“That didn’t stop Shoola from coming over.” Sevika pressed on, maintaining the close distance between them. Mel knew she was doing it on purpose, wanting to catch every reaction Mel let slip. “Why didn’t you come over and join us too?”
Mel kept her eyes straightforward, trying to keep up the casual demeanor. She reached for the cocktail, hoping her voice sounded more composed than her heart. “There didn’t seem enough room for six people.”
Mel felt Sevika’s oxford plant on her chair's metal ring, making the distance between them even more narrow. An electric current shot up Mel’s spine, feeling Sevika’s breath ghost the shell of her ear. “There was plenty of room in my lap.”
A warmth rushed through Mel’s body, while her fingers tightened around the bottom of the chilled coupe glass. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with a witty reply or a way to deflect, but Sevika’s heated breaths tingling the skin of her neck made it damn near impossible to think coherently. Mel sipped from the cocktail, hoping the alcohol would ground her.
As if seeing through Mel’s sloppy act at nonchalance, the cunning woman pushed further, clearly enjoying Mel’s squirming. “I’ve seen the way you look at me, Mel. You think I don’t notice when a woman is attracted to me? But I know that you are too stubborn to acknowledge that fact.”
Mel finally found a breath, composing herself. Sevika’s cockiness harshly reminded her why she loathed the woman. “And what makes you think I’m attracted to someone who obviously stares too long in the mirror at herself?”
Sevika slightly bristled at Mel’s dig, but she didn’t move away. The question seemed to burn Sevika hotter, putting a hand on the back of Mel’s chair and twisting it so her body faced Sevika directly, leaving no room to escape. Mel was fully clothed, but the sudden turn made her feel exposed, almost naked. There was no longer a barrier between her and Sevika, fully aware of the intense stare drifting over her dress.
“You can pretend as much as you want, Mel.” Sevika husked, letting her eyes linger on her hips and legs. “But I like my women to have a strong will. It makes their submission so much sweeter.”
The blunt statement made Mel’s heart blaze with fire, opening her mouth to fire back and take back some sort of power, only to be cut off by the loud tapping of a microphone. She glanced up at the stage to see a tipsy Shoola and probably drunk Jayce, stumbling onto the wooden platform, waving at a non existent crowd.
“Helloooo party people!” Shoola greeted, modulating her voice to grab attention. “Who's ready for some karaoke from yours truly and her hot ass duet partner?” There were a couple of shouts and cheers as Jayce switched his microphone on. “Play it, DJ!”
A familiar tune played through the speakers, one Mel knew by heart.
“I ain’t never had nobody show me / All the things you done showed me / And the special way I feel when you hold me.” Shoola turned to Jayce, singing her heart out. “We gon’ always be together / Baby, that’s what you told me / And I believe it / Cause I ain’t never had nobody do me like you.”
The beat switched up, shifting into a Hip Hop tempo. Jayce rapped into the microphone, speaking directly to Shoola, lost in their own mini world even while on a stage. “Now, I done been with different kind of girls / Like I done seen ‘em all / But ain't none of ‘em at all–”
“Like you.” Shoola harmonized, bobbing her head to the beat. Mel couldn’t help but laugh at the display, never fathoming Jayce actually had rhythm as he continued to rap, not missing a beat. “And I done seen the best of the best / Baby still I ain’t impressed / ‘Cause ain’t none of ‘em at all…”
Shoola seemed to peep it as well, becoming more exaggerated in movement and swaying side to side. “Like you!” She adlibbed, grinning wide enough to show every tooth.
Mel’s focus shifted, hearing Sevika’s open laugh. Another thing that wasn’t typical of the usual grumpy woman. “Those two are having a great time.” She chuckled, draining the rest of her bourbon.
“As they should.”
Sevika dropped the empty glass onto the counter with a heavy hand, sighing and brushing a hand through her hair like she had finally made a decision. Her gaze landed back on Mel with a new found intenseness that made her stomach twist.
“Tell me something, Mel,” She rumbled, letting her eyes trail once again down her figure as if undressing her slowly. “Do you always look this beautiful outside of work?”
Mel couldn't find her voice to respond, fighting the desire coiling in her stomach from Sevika’s blatant hunger. Sevika locked onto her eyes, seeing more of a response reflected in them than from her actual mouth.
“Because if so, I’m a dumbass for not asking you out on a date sooner.” Sevika planted a foot on the floor, halfway standing up, to then move her chair closer to Mel’s, ensuring her leg caged Mel in against the bar once sitting back down. Sevika’s other leg pushed between Mel’s thighs, getting closer to something beginning to throb. Mel’s dress bunched up from the closeness, exposing smooth, melanin skin. If Mel felt naked before, she definitely felt even more naked now, watching Sevika look down at her thighs like they were her next meal.
“But that’s okay,” Sevika continued, bringing her eyes back up to Mel whose breaths were coming out shorter. “We can just have our first date right now.”
“I ain’t never had nobody show me, all the things that you done showed me, and the special way I feel when you hold me…”
Jayce and Shoola’s singing filled into Mel’s ears, just for a second, as her brain tried to keep up pace with the events unfolding right in front of her. Sevika seemed to pay no mind to the spicy karaoke, finding greater interest in teasing Mel.
Sevika’s hand fell onto Mel’s thigh, causing Mel to tense from the sudden contact. Thick fingers brushed against her skin, slightly caressing it as Sevika’s hand slowly slid up her thigh. Before she could think about the decision, Mel’s hand shot down to grip onto Sevika's, stopping her from moving up any further. The knee jerk reaction raised a brow from Sevika, who stared into Mel’s face questioning.
“Tell me you want this, Mel.” Sevika whispered, letting her eyes drift down to her lips.
Mel opened her mouth to speak, but inhaled sharply instead, feeling Sevika squeeze her thigh. A smirk spread across her face, hearing Mel’s breath hitch, not letting her hand budge, despite Mel’s tightened grip on top of it. “Good. I like it when you're honest.”
Every bit of reality that didn’t involve Sevika faded into a moving backdrop. The space narrowed, only having enough room for them to share. As much as she wanted to knock Sevika’s hand away and tell her that she didn’t want any of this, Mel knew it was futile. Her heart hammered from the touch, leaving her with a burning desire to crave for more, to drown in Sevika’s attention and embrace desire that she had been suppressing for far too long.
Mel’s hand dropped away from Sevika’s, admitting a silent defeat. The feeling of letting someone else take control pissed Mel off, but the way Sevika gazed at her after gaining a small ounce of submission, triumphed over that frustration.
“Now that we have that established,” Sevika continued, keeping her eyes locked onto Mel’s like an invisible tether to make sure Mel stayed focused solely on her. “What are your hobbies?”
Mel blinked, taking a second to process the simple question during such a loaded moment. She cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice even. “Well, I like to…” Mel didn’t finish the sentence, gasping, as Sevika’s hand slid up her thigh, pausing to brush a thumb over sensitive skin.
“You like to do what, Mel?” Sevika innocently asked, not dropping her gaze. A ravenous hunger reflected in her grey eyes, despite the rest of her face not carrying any sign of expression. “I don’t think I heard the rest.”
Mel shut her eyes, taking a steadying breath, understanding exactly what Sevika was doing. “Sevika–”
Sevika grunted, pushing her body closer to Mel. “No. I asked you a question, Mel. Answer it.”
There was no way out of this. Sevika had strategically put her into a spot that only had one option of getting out of. One that Mel was fast approaching, feeling Sevika’s fingers tug on the hem of her panties. Mel clutched the edge of the bar, needing something, anything to hold onto to keep from falling out of the chair. She cleared her throat, starting again to answer Sevika’s question and hoping to finish this time.
“I like to p–” A moan escaped out of her mouth as two of Sevika’s fingers rubbed against her wet folds. Her head fell forward, clenching her legs around Sevika’s arm.
“Keep your head up.” Sevika growled. “And keep your voice down. Unless you want everyone here to know Mel Medarda gets off from being fingered in public.”
Mel’s eyes watered, feeling her legs tremble. The pleasure was overwhelming, her body welcoming it like a plant needed to be watered after months of thirst.
“What are your hobbies, Mel?” Sevika persisted, smiling devilishly from Mel’s visible reaction to her thumb pressing against her clit. She leaned forward, as if wanting to catch her as Mel’s body sagged forward again.
“Stay with me, Mel.” She whispered, tipping her face back up with her other hand. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
The honest compliment sent a fresh wave of arousal to her core, biting down on her lip to stop another moan from spilling out. Mel let out a shaky breath, focusing back on bright grey eyes.
“I like to paint and –” Mel’s hand shot down again, this time with lightning speed, digging her nails into Sevika’s forearm, as her walls clenched around thick fingers pressing inside. There was no way she would be able to be quiet, moaning loudly from the blissful pressure.
Sevika, apparently, didn’t like her disobedience, sighing heavily as she withdrew her fingers. The sudden emptiness caused a visceral reaction in Mel, clutching onto Sevika’s wrist with a death-like grip.
“What are you doing?” She hissed, surprised at the amount of anger laced in her tone.
Sevika, however, shrugged, pulling her wrist out of Mel’s grip with ease. “Nothing. Until you can tell me what you want.”
A rage surged through Mel. She shut her eyes for a moment, searching for the source of anger blazing under her skin. Was it the audacity, the arrogance, or the obvious power play that pissed her off the most? Mel opened her eyes to see a smirking Sevika, licking her fore and middle finger.
“I don’t have all night, Mel.” She pulled her finger out of her mouth with a wet sucking noise.
It was definitely Sevika’s arrogance. Mel didn’t answer, wondering if the rapid dissipating pleasure was worth the silence. She moved slightly in her seat, trying to balance herself better in the chair, but a wave of need fell over her. The aching feeling left by Sevika’s fingers doubled, almost tripled in the moment, making Mel grip onto the bar counter to steady herself. Though her mind was against letting Sevika have any type of power over her, Mel’s body screamed for release.
“Was that your plan all along?” Mel asked, reaching to take a sip of cocktail. The chilled alcohol gave her just enough edge to appear composed. “To have a small victory over me?”
The smirk on Sevika’s face shifted into a more sinister expression. She leaned back forward, closing the distance. “No, I just wanted to give you what you have been craving ever since we first met. I already won before I put my fingers inside of you.”
Mel bristled as Sevika continued on. “Every look you have given me tonight has been practically begging for my attention. The same looks I see at work, in the hallways, or even in meetings. You want to maintain this illusion that you are too poised, too proper to give in to something we both know you want.”
Sevika’s hand found its way back onto her thigh. There was no caressing or pressure from the heated fingers resting against her skin. It was a reminder of the pleasure Mel could have if she just were honest.
“Admit it, Mel. Right here and right now.”
Mel didn’t need to look at Sevika’s face to see the smile plastered across it, waiting patiently for the inevitable. Her eyes flickered over to the stage, tuning in to the new karaoke track Jayce and Shoola were singing, practically falling over each other.
“You do something to me that I can’t explain / Hold me closer and I feel no pain / Every beat of my heart / We got something going on.” They sang together, holding hands.
The lyrics were corny, but it held some truth to what was happening right in front of her. Mel landed her eyes back on Sevika, staring at her with the same arrogance, but there was something softer reflecting in those grey eyes. Sevika’s fingers flexed along her thigh, bringing every part of her senses to become focused on that one spot. Her panties were still wet and Mel would be lying if she said that her desire for more had gone away.
“Okay, Sevika. I’ll tell you what I want.” Mel asserted, watching the smile on Sevika’s face spread even wider. “I want–” Mel’s breath hitched, feeling Sevika’s fingers begin to slide up her thigh.
Sevika hummed, leaning back in close. “Say it, Mel.”
“I want…” Mel’s hand clutched the bar counter, needing every bit of grounding to continue speaking, before she couldn’t anymore. Sevika’s finger left a trail of fire, creeping up closer back to the spot where Mel needed her the most.
“I want you!” She breathed, biting hard down on her bottom lip as Sevika teased her entrance.
Sevika growled low in her chest, pushing her body in to make sure there was no space left between them. “And?”
“And I want… you inside of me.” Mel quickly whispered, hoping it would be enough, but Sevika was far from satisfied with the quiet admission.
“I didn’t catch that, Mel,” She rumbled, her voice like gravel, dragging fingers along the length of Mel’s folds. “Say it again.”
Mel pressed her lips together to keep the moan from spilling out, feeling a wet finger press against her clit.
“Say it.” Sevika demanded, her voice no longer a tease, pushing Mel over a precipice to submission.
Mel fixed her eyes on gleaming grey ones, halfway hidden behind a curtain of cropped hair.
“I want you inside of me and I want you to fuck me.”
Mel internally cringed, bracing herself against the flood of embarrassment from saying her desires outloud, but found a feeling of freedom instead mixed with a bit of happiness. It was actually terrifying. Where did this version of herself come from?
Sevika smiled, bringing her fingers back down to Mel’s entrance. She breathed too calmly for someone in complete control. “Good girl.” She whispered, shifting her legs to make sure her arm was hidden from anyone who decided to look at them. From afar, it would look like they were having a very close conversation, but nothing more.
“Are you going to be quiet this time?” Sevika asked, slowly pushing inside of Mel.
“Yes.” Mel choked out, bringing a hand up to cover her mouth as Sevika’s fingers curled.
“Are you going to answer my questions this time?”
Mel's legs quivered, while her walls clenched around practiced fingers pumping slowly. “Yes.”
“Good.”
The world around Mel ceased to exist, her vision becoming blurred from the sudden height of pleasure.
“Hey, hey. Keep your eyes on me.” Sevika cooed, lifting her face up to look back into hers. Mel hadn’t realized she had fallen forward.
“Are you ready to answer my questions?”
“Yes.” Mel hissed, locking onto Sevika’s eyes, darkening with hunger.
“Good. What’s your favorite color?”
Mel squeezed her eyes shut, trying to think about something so insignificant compared to Sevika’s slow thrusts, that stretched into places making her body shiver.
“Red. I mean– fuck! Gold, no… purple!”
“Are you sure?” Sevika scooted closer, to make sure her fingers went further inside, thrusting against a spot that brought out a deep moan. Mel quickly put a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle it.
“Yes.” She breathed out through her fingers.
Sevika continued on, clearly enjoying Mel’s fight to keep quiet. “Why become a heart surgeon?”
Irritation shot through Mel, what the fuck were these questions? But her mind suddenly went blank, feeling Sevika pick up pace.
“Answer me.” Sevika growled.
“Be– Because,” Mel sputtered, as her hips started to grind into the new rhythm. “It’s com-complex and– mmphh!”
Sevika curled her fingers just so, earning another throaty moan. Mel didn’t care if the whole bar knew she was about to come. The wet sounds coming from between her legs as she coated Sevika’s hand in slick were loud enough to tell anyone who came close to them everything.
“And?” Sevika’s voice coming out ragged from the unrelenting rhythm.
Mel needed a moment, a fucking second, to think. Her body chased towards release, succumbing to deep thrusts sending her higher and higher.
“Because I fucking love it!” She blurted out, saying words that were meant for something else and not her life passion.
“You fucking love it, huh?” Sevika husked, losing all decorum too, leaning in so close that their short breaths intermingled.
“Y-Yes.”
“Fuck.” Sevika shut her eyes for a second, inhaling deeply like she was at the limit of her own restraint.
The music from the speakers swelled, reaching the final chorus of the song, with Jayce and Shoola harmonizing over the guitars and drums.
“Islands in the stream / That is what we are / No one in between / How can we be wrong.”
Sevika’s fingers slammed inside Mel, causing her to grab Sevika’s free hand and letting their fingers interlock.
“Sail away with me / To another world.”
Mel’s grip tightened around Sevika’s, trembling. She gasped, bucking forward as the first wave of release racked through her body.
“And we rely on each other, ah-ah.”
Mel moaned through the last part of the lyric, happy the notes blended well with her cries. Sevika watched her intently, fucking her through it and not missing a moment of the sweet orgasm.
“From one lover to another, ah-ah.”
The last wave rocked through her body with a violent force, making Mel clasp another hand on Sevika’s arm to hold her up. Her body trembled with aftershocks, as exhaustion crashed over her.
A resounding applause and cheers reverberated in her ears, signaling the end of the karaoke performance, that Mel could care less about. Her eyes remained shut, still bent forward, trying to recover. A warmth ghosted the shell of her ear as Sevika whispered into it. “Got plans after this?”
“Thank you, thank you!” Shoola’s voice pulled Mel back into the present moment like an anchor. A reminder that she was still at the bar and very much so still in public with a woman she needed more of. Immediately. “You guys have been a wonderful audience. Enjoy the rest of your evenings.”
Sevika gently withdrew her fingers, chuckling. “You doing alright there, Mel?”
Mel took a deep breath, finding the strength to straighten, swivel her chair back towards the bar, and readjust her dress.
“I’m fine.” She curtly replied, pretending she wasn’t a whimpering mess just seconds ago.
Sevika looked over at her, wearing a smug expression. “Sure, Mel.” She licked her fingers, humming from the taste, to then wipe them dry on a nearby napkin. Mel couldn’t tell if she was appalled or turned on from the erotic display, needing to use the restroom and clean up another mess.
The sound of approaching heeled footsteps pulled both of their attention. Mel glanced up to see Shoola, waving excitedly.
“Did you catch my phenomenal singing? Oh my gosh! I haven't had that much fun since I went to that one drag bar down in the Lanes. Also, Jayce is such a delight and–” Shoola’s voice faltered, realizing Sevika was sitting right next to her.
Mel could see the workings of Shoola’s brain from here, her eyes darting between them. She spoke after a pause of assessing. “Excuse my rudeness, I didn’t know Mel had made a new…friend. Hello again, Sevika.”
Sevika gave her a two finger salute, smiling casually. “You and Jayce were amazing up there. Mel loved that last song you two sang. She couldn’t help, but to sing along at the end. What’s it called again, Mel?”
Mel gave her the meanest side eye she could muster, hoping it conveyed the amount of irritation she felt in that moment. “Islands in the stream.” She answered flatly.
Sevika snapped her fingers. “Oh yeah!” She looked back at Shoola, forming a circle with her thumb and index finger into an ‘Ok’ sign. “Great song choice.”
“Thank you.” Shoola politely replied, but her eyes stayed on Mel, looking over her curiously. “Um Sevika, do you mind if I just have a quick chat with my friend. I promise it won’t take more than a minute.”
Sevika nodded her head, standing up from her chair and adjusted her suit jacket. Before she stepped away, she glanced back at Mel, speaking confidently. “I’ll be waiting by my truck.”
A heat crept up Mel’s neck, not having to look up to know surprise was spread across Shoola’s face, hearing the older woman loudly gasp. Sevika smirked, satisfied with the chaos she had just caused and turned to head out of the bar.
Shoola immediately dropped down next to her.
“So are you going to explain what just happened or…?” She questioned, staring at Mel expectantly. Mel sighed, reaching to grab her belongings.
“There’s nothing to explain. We just talked and–”
Shoola laughed, putting a hand over hers to stop her from picking up her phone. “Bullshit. You are a terrible liar Mel. And besides,” She reached up to Mel’s temple, brushing a finger over a thin layer of sweat. “That must have been a pretty heated conversation.”
Mel flicked her hand away, knowing deflection incriminated her more. Shoola looked offended for a second, but her expression changed into a slow discovery, as her eyes widened, realizing what took place in her absence. “Oh my fucking god, did you and Sevika just–”
“Shoola!” Mel warned, hoping the woman would not say the next words out loud. The memory was embarrassing enough, still replaying in Mel’s head and especially in her body, now simmering for another release. One that needed to be at the hands of the woman waiting for her in the parking lot. Mel quickly gathered up her belongings, rising out of the bar chair.
“In a rush?” Shoola teased, wearing a knowing smirk.
Mel sighed, understanding her efforts were futile. “Am I crazy for doing this, Shoola?”
“No, darling. I would be running, no– I would be sprinting out the door too, if given the chance.”
Shoola grabbed onto Mel’s wrist, speaking sincerely. “Go and have fun Mel. You deserve it.”
Mel smiled, patting her friend's hand. “Make sure Jayce gets home safe.” She turned, walking towards the bar exit.
“Be sure to text me when you get home!” Shoola called out after her. “And make sure to wear a condom!”
Mel laughed, waving goodbye over her shoulder, exiting out of the bar to be immediately greeted by a winter breeze. She scanned the brightly lit parking lot finally landing on a polished, grey truck a short distance away. A trail of smoke swirled above the driver's side as the engine idly hummed.
The same giddiness from earlier spread through her chest, briskly walking over to the truck, wanting to get out of the cold temperatures but wanting something more. Something she wasn’t ready to admit. Mel crossed along the back side of the pick up truck, turning down the slim gap to see Sevika standing against the truck's door, patiently waiting. Just for her. Mel took a deep breath, feeling a warmth replace the giddy emotions.
Sevika glanced up, noticing her, as she exhaled a plume of smoke, the remnants curling around her face. A smile formed on her dark lips, flicking the cigarette down onto the black pavement and stubbing it out.
“A quick chat, huh?” Sevika teased, walking over to her.
Mel’s heart kicked up, realizing how tall Sevika truly was, craning her neck up to keep her eyes trained on Sevika’s face. Sevika stopped in front of her, leaving only a short space between them, one Sevika easily gapped by leaning down. Mel faltered, putting her back against the side of the truck, letting Sevika pin her against it.
Grey eyes stared down onto her, searching for any resistance or challenge. Mel couldn’t find a reason for there to be one, frozen from how close their faces were. Sevika’s gaze dropped to Mel’s parted lips and back up to her eyes, reflecting a question neither knew needed to be said out loud. Mel swallowed, slowly nodding her head, agreeing to it with no feeling of regret.
The space between them narrowed as Mel tilted her chin and Sevika leaned in closer, their foreheads touching as their lips collided. The kiss was slow, a gentle pressure, like a test of something new, something terrifyingly right. It was softer than Mel imagined, wanting to explore, etch Sevika’s warmth, and the electrifying taste of smoke mixed with bourbon into her mind. Mel tried to break away and catch a breath, but Sevika immediately pulled her into a second kiss. This time deeper, more passionate, hinting at a deeper hunger they both desperately chased with their mouths.
Mel’s back pressed into the truck, feeling the engine's vibration thrum through her as Sevika’s hands dropped down to her waist, pulling their bodies closer. The fiery heat they shared at the bar returned between them, their next kisses becoming more frantic as Mel could only take short breaths before Sevika pulled her into another one.
“Mmph - Sevika!” Mel cried out, breaking out of the kiss as Sevika’s hands found their way under her thighs, lifting her up with ease. Her hands shot around broad shoulders, needing something to hold onto, while wrapping her legs around Sevika’s waist. Sevika chuckled, the laugh rumbling through her chest, and walked them over to the passenger side of the truck.
Sevika pressed a steady hand into the curve of her back, opening up the truck door. A strong wind carrying warmth and the scent of sandalwood, curled over Mel, inviting her to snuggle in deeper. Sevika placed her into the large seat, unwrapping herself from Mel’s grasp. She leaned back in the car doorway, gazing at her adoringly.
“Did I already say that you look beautiful tonight?”
Mel couldn’t help but smile, enjoying every single one Sevika’s compliments. “Too many times, darling.”
“Good. Then let me say it one more time.” Sevika stepped back close, cupping Mel’s face and pulling her into another bruising kiss. Elation washed over Mel, floating higher from a ravenous desire, tugging on the lapel Sevika’s suit jacket and pressing the woman in closer. After a moment, they broke apart, the air between them sizzling for a continuation, but Sevika gripped the door handle, starting to close it.
Mel wasn’t sure what came over her, spranging into action from a sudden yearning for Sevika to not leave her side. Her hand cupped Sevika’s face, caressing the soft skin. Sevika froze in the doorway, staring at her with an affection that was beyond casual. Mel’s honeyed voice cut through the silence.
“Take me home.”