The Prophecy 3

Visvium

by Dhamphir

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/dhamphir/prophe03.php
Summary: After Janet is lost on P3X-666, Thor informs SG-1 they must go on a mission through the stargate to fulfill an Ancient prophecy
Info: This is a Janet centric fic that tells the story of how Janet makes a new life for herself after the events of Heroes. Her past relationship with Sam is discussed and they reaffirm their friendship. Thanks to Oxfordshoes2 for the beta!

Kris got up before the sun and silently left the house without disturbing her housemate. She began her four hour trek.

When Janet awoke she didn't want to get up or go to work. But then realized going to work was better than just sitting about the house and brooding. She didn't want to think about what the day represented. She dressed and knocked quietly on her housemate's bedroom door. When there was no answer she opened it and was surprised to see that Kris was apparently already up and had left for the day.

~~~

By lunchtime Janet was convinced she was having one of the worst days of her life. She already had to deliver some bad news to a patient and had to rush another patient into surgery. Of course, it didn't help that she was in a foul mood to begin with. She pinched the bridge of her nose and considered calling it a day. She looked at the pile of folders on her desk and gave up the notion of leaving for the day; however, needing to get out for a while, she did decide to go for a walk during her lunch break.

Janet walked through the village and absentmindedly acknowledged the people who waved at or greeted her. She actually let out a breath of relief when she reached Kris's school. Even though both she and Kris had made other friends on Jidiri, there were things they only discussed with each other. She knew some time talking with Kris would help her feel better.

She opened the door and entered the school. There wasn't a class in session, but there were a few students in the main room practicing on the mats. Janet walked on back to the office since she didn't see Kris anywhere. She jumped as the office door opened just as she about to reach for the knob.

"Dr. Fraiser, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright, Chuzu. And I told you to call me Janet."

"But you are my doctor; it would be impolite to address you so informally."

Janet smiled. She'd tried for some time to get Chuzu to address her by her name, particularly since she almost always saw him in a social setting, either as a guest of Kris in their home, or when she came to the school to see Kris. But Chuzu's race placed a very high value on showing proper respect. Despite the closeness with which he worked with Kris, and their personal friendship, he refused to call her anything but Uzhinn – the Areth equivalent of Sensei, Sifu, or Teacher.

"Is there something I can do for you?" Chuzu asked.

"I'm just here to see Kris."

"Uzhinn is not here. She canceled all her classes for today. I haven't seen her since yesterday."

"Oh. I see." Janet was completely taken by surprise. Not only did Kris not say anything to her, but canceling all of her classes was completely out of character for the woman. Kris was nothing if not dependable. Even when she was not feeling her best Kris never missed a class.

"Is there a message... in case she comes in later?"

"No, no. Thank you, Chuzu." Janet turned and exited the school. Even though she had been looking forward to talking things through with Kris, she was surprised at just how disappointed she was. In fact, as she walked back to the clinic, she actually found herself getting a bit angry.

Back at the clinic, Janet's day got worse.

~~~

It was after dark when Kris returned home. She felt completely wiped out. With a heavy sigh she opened the front door and entered the house. As soon as she walked in the door she could tell something was wrong. Janet was in the kitchen washing up her dinner dishes. Her movements were stiff and even without seeing her face Kris could sense she'd been crying. She moved to stand behind Janet and gently laid her hand on her shoulder.

"Janet, what's wrong?" she asked quietly.

Janet jerked away from her touch. "Like you give a damn!" She turned and stiffly marched into the living room.

The venom in Janet's voice was like a slap across the face and it stung enough to bring tears to Kris's eyes. The day had made her own emotions raw. She entered the living room feeling like a whipped puppy. She desperately wanted to make things right, though she had no idea what she had done to upset Janet. The doctor was staring out the window. Somehow Kris knew she wouldn't turn around and look her.

"Janet?"

Her whole body stiffened. "The K'wen baby died today," she said in a shaky whisper. It was always hard when she lost a patient, but losing a baby was the worst. However, that was not all that was bothering her. After a long pause she continued. "And it was a year ago today that..." She started crying.

Kris took a couple of steps toward her but stopped when Janet turned around. There was still a look of accusation in her brown eyes as tears trailed down her face.

"And where the hell were you? It was like you disappeared. You were gone when I got up; Chuzu said you canceled all your classes today; you weren't here when I came home." The accusatory look in her eyes changed to one of pain and need. "I didn't know where you were... and I needed..."

Kris walked up to her and wrapped her arms around her friend and roommate, tears also trailing down her own cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I never... I didn't mean to abandon you." They clung to each other tighter. "I don't know what I was thinking. Please forgive me. I didn't think... I was so selfish... I wouldn't have made it through this last year without you, Janet. I should have been here for you today. I'm sorry."

She felt Janet's knees start to go, so she slipped her left arm under her legs, picked her up, and carried her to the couch. Kris sat down and cradled Janet as she gave full vent to her anger, pain, and grief.

Janet tucked her face into the crook of Kris's neck and curled into her. She cried like she hadn't really allowed herself to cry in all the time she'd been on Jidiri. After several minutes she calmed a bit, but tears still rolled down her cheeks. "Where did you go?"

"It doesn't matter," Kris whispered. "I should've been here with you. I'm so sorry I wasn't here. But I'm here now; you're not alone."

The two friends talk and cried together for quite a while. Eventually, Janet drifted to sleep. Kris picked her up and carried her into her bedroom. She gently laid her down on her bed and turned to go, but Janet caught her hand.

"Please... I don't want to be alone."

Kris sat on the side of the bed. "Alright. Just let me go to the bathroom and get ready for bed, okay?"

"Thank you."

She gave Janet's hand a squeeze and then left to prepare for bed. When she returned to her bedroom Janet was in the bathroom. She slipped under the sheet and waited for her friend to return. When Janet returned she was in her pajamas as well. She lay down facing Kris.

"Where did you go today?"

She turned onto her side facing Janet. "It doesn't matter."

Janet let out a deep breath before she continued. "You went back there today, didn't you?" she asked softly.

Kris took a slow, deep breath as a couple of tears squeezed past her closed eyelids. "I sat... and cried... and talked to Lena..." She fought to keep back the flood of tears she knew was coming – it was a battle she didn't think she'd win. "I made her a promise... and then I told her goodbye."

"You made a promise to her?"

She nodded. "To fulfill her final request of me..." She opened her eyes and looked at Janet. "I'm sorry I didn't consider how you would be feeling today. Please forgive me."

Janet reached out and wiped away some of her tears. "Oh, Kris, there's nothing to forgive." She shifted and took Kris into her arms and holding her as she cried. "You did exactly what you needed to today, exactly what you should have done."

"But I wasn't here for you."

"You've been here for me every day this past year, including this evening. I was the one being selfish; I didn't even think about what you must be feeling today. I miss my daughter, but you lost your wife."

"It hurts..."

"I know."

Both women soon fell asleep.

~~~

Over the next few months Janet and Kris continued to lean on each other and support each other. As they both continued to heal they started attracting the attention of some of the other residents of Jidiri. Both women were approached and asked out on dates.

Kris was asked out by the mother of one of her students, but declined because she simply wasn't interested. Janet, on the hand, accepted a date with the woman who ran one of the cafés she'd go to lunch at on her work days, Darcy Brogan.

Kris smiled when Janet came out of her bedroom. "You know, clothing isn't a fashion statement here on Jidiri."

"I know."

"Yet that's the third time you've changed clothes this evening."

"Shut up." There was no sting in her words or tone.

Kris chuckled. "Janet, you look fine. And you looked fine before you changed clothes. Relax, have a good time at the concert."

Janet looked at her roommate, "Thank you." She paused and cocked her head a little. "I know Jenna asked you to the concert, why didn't you accept?"

"Jenna's nice, but I'm not interested in her that way." Kris sighed. "I'm not interested in anyone right now," she said softly.

"Why don't you come with us, Kris?"

"Oh, no. Three's a crowd. Go; have a good time."

~~~

About a month later, Kris finally accepted a date with someone. She wasn't particularly interested in a romantic entanglement, but she accepted the notion that it would do her good to get out and socialize.

One night, Kris was sitting on the couch reading when she heard Janet and her date outside the front of the house. She couldn't hear what was being said, but she could sense a growing discomfort in Janet which soon turned to desperation. Kris stood and went to the window to look out. Janet was dealing with a date that was way too handsy and wasn't picking up on the signals Janet was giving to back off.

~~~

Kris decided to help Janet out. She tapped the DAT she was using and looked something up before she opened the front door startling both women. Janet's date gave her a not-so-welcome look, while Janet gave her one of relief.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Janet, but I've been waiting for you to get home. A patient is here to see you."

Janet tensed and immediately slipped into 'doctor mode.' "What's wrong?"

"It seems to be a severe case of acute dysphoria of the splenius capitis."

Janet's eyes lit up when she realized exactly what Kris was saying. She turned to her date, "I'm sorry, I have to go. This is serious."

"Will it take long? I could wait."

"No, you should go. A case like this will take many, many hours. If it becomes critical, it could even require surgery." She looked at Kris. "Now, let's see to my patient," she said as she marched into the house ahead of her roommate.

Kris closed the door behind herself and then peeked out the window to make sure Janet's date had indeed left. Once the coast was clear she turned around.

"The splenius capitis, huh?" Janet said with an amused smirk.

"Okay, I admit it – I had to look it up. But it worked, didn't it?"

Janet smiled, plopped down on the couch, and kicked off her shoes. "Yeah, it did. It took me a second though, I had to stop and remember my basic anatomy."

Kris got them both a cold drink and joined Janet on the couch. "Well, you're the one who thought she was a pain in the neck."

"Actually, I thought she was a pain in a different part of the anatomy," the doctor said with a chuckle. Janet stopped and looked at her roommate. "How did you know?"

Kris took a deep breath and let it out. "Remember, I can be empathic with people I'm close to. I could sense your... shall we say, desperation. I knew you were not eager for the date to continue, so I thought I'd help you out with an easy exit."

"Thanks for your help," Janet said with a smile. She paused in thought before continuing. "So, can you always tell what I'm feeling?"

Kris looked her in the eyes. "No. I probably could tell more often if I were to consciously put effort into it, but I don't. When I do sense something, it's usually when your emotions are particularly strong... like tonight. Your 'discomfort' with your date was just radiating off of you in waves."

Janet took a few moments to absorb what her roommate said. "So why don't you put effort into it?"

The admiral took a slow breath before answering. "It would be considered impolite, an invasion of privacy. The first and foremost principles the Areth hold dear are the privacy of the individual and the sanctity of certain bonds. It's why we don't initiate a mind-touch without permission."

"And it's through the mind-touch that you're able to communicate telepathically?"

Kris nodded. "There are different levels of the mind-touch. Some only brush against another's thoughts, while others are very intimate. The most intimate mind-touch though is the one shared between those that are bonded as mates."

"Like you and Lena," Janet said softly.

She again nodded. "But even a mind-touch not as intimate as the one shared between mates can be a pleasant experience and good way to exchange a lot of information."

They sat in silence for several moments as Janet sipped her drink. It was clear she was thinking. Finally she set her drink down on the coffee table and turned to Kris. "Will you mind-touch with me?"

Kris was completely surprised by her request and didn't know what to say. When she didn't say anything, the doctor spoke again.

"You don't have to, of course. I understand if you don't want to..."

The admiral finally found her voice. "No, no. It's not that. It's just that most people – most Humans – are so apprehensive about the mind-touch, about telepathy in general. It's not a request that's made very frequently. You just took me by surprise."

Janet smiled. "Well, I'm not most people. I worked as the Chief Medical Officer of the SGC and now as a doctor here on Jidiri. I've seen enough to know there's so much we Humans don't know." She took a deep breath and let it out. "And we're friends; I trust you, Kris."

Kris nodded. "Okay." She moved closer to her on the couch. "Try to relax and don't fight it. This will not be an intrusive mind-touch; anything you want to keep private will remain so and you'll be able to end it if you choose to." She held out her hand and Janet trustingly placed her hand in Kris's. "Look into my eyes... and relax," she said with a smile and gave Janet's hand a gentle squeeze.

She found Janet's mind to very open and receptive to hers. Janet shared many thoughts and memories... of Cassandra, Sam, her parents and brothers, and her career. In turn, Kris shared her thoughts and memories of her adoptive mother, her childhood, and Lena. Several minutes passed in what felt like only a few moments. Kris gently backed away from the touch.

Janet opened her eyes, not knowing when she'd closed them, feeling a bit awestruck. "Wow," she softly breathed.

Kris smiled. "That's as good a description as I've ever heard."

Janet took a few slow breaths, trying to fully grasp what she'd just experienced. "And you said that was not a deep mind-touch?"

She nodded. "There are deeper, more intimate, touches. During this one only the thoughts and memories that you consciously chose to bring forward and share were accessible to me. During deeper ones thoughts from the subconscious and even emotions can be shared. It can be very intimate and pleasurable for both parties." She paused for a beat. "There's also a mind-touch that is for interrogation purposes where information is forcibly taken. It's... not a pleasant experience for either party." She was barely able to suppress a shudder.

Janet didn't miss it though. "I take it you've been a party to that kind of mind-touch."

Kris took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Unfortunately... from both sides. It's extremely unpleasant."

The doctor reached out and took Kris's hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Want to talk about it?"

Kris closed her eyes and shook her head. "Maybe some other time." She opened her eyes and looked into the Janet's. "Tonight's been too special to ruin with talk of unpleasant things."

Janet smiled brightly. "It has been a special night – at least the part I've spent with you." She received an answering smile.

Suddenly, both women felt quite tired and decided to call it a night. After Janet was changed into her pajamas she knocked on Kris's bedroom door.

"Come in."

Kris was sitting on her bed, leaning against the headboard. Janet walked over and sat on the side of the bad, facing her. "About tonight... I want to thank you."

"You're welcome. Like you said, we're friends."

"Yes... but I know it was the first time you touched someone's mind since... Lena died."

"How..." She swallowed painfully around the lump that suddenly appeared in her throat.

"You shared your thoughts with me, too... remember?"

She nodded.

"So I know how big of a step it was for you." She placed her hand over Kris's and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you, for trusting me." Janet stood and placed a kiss on her friend's temple before turning to go.

"Janet?"

The doctor turned back. She didn't need to ask what was on her friend's mind; she could see it in her eyes. She simply nodded and slipped into the bed as Kris scooted over to make room.

~~~

When Kris woke up before dawn, she found herself snuggled up against Janet's back with her arm around her. Her hand was clutched in the doctor's and tucked up against the center of Janet's chest, their fingers interlaced. It was an intimate embrace and felt good, but it was completely platonic. She didn't want to disturb Janet so she simply closed her eyes and started to drift back to sleep. Just before Kris dozed off she felt her hand squeezed by Janet as she snuggled back against her. She squeezed Janet's hand back and drifted back to sleep.

When she woke up later in the morning they were in the same position. She could tell Janet was still sleeping, so Kris carefully eased her hand from the doctor's and her arm from around her. She then silently slipped out of bed. She went into the kitchen and began to fix breakfast.

When Janet woke up she immediately missed the warmth and comfort of being held. She knew her housemate had been feeling particularly vulnerable the night before. When they had shared the mind-touch Janet suspected that Kris had shared more of herself than she realized; however, even without the mind-touch Janet would have known what the woman was feeling – it was evident in her impossibly dark eyes.

Janet had noticed over the past year or so, that Kris's eyes had become more and more expressive, more and more revealing. Her demeanor became less guarded and more open as she acclimated to their new home. Despite the fact that they dropped their ranks from the beginning, she could see a clear a difference between the woman who first arrived on Jidiri – Admiral Kay – and the woman she now shared a house with – Kris. They had been on Jidiri for about a year and half, and they had yet to find anything to indicate it wasn't exactly what it appeared to be... a utopia.

Of course Janet missed her daughter, her family, and her friends on Earth... but life on Jidiri was good. There was no violence, no crime of any kind; no prejudice; no poverty; no discord. If she wanted or needed anything it was available at no cost. There was no 'keeping up with the Joneses' to contend with since there was no materialism or avarice. People, be they Human or alien, would do anything to help another out without a second thought.

There was a peacefulness that had settled in Janet's heart and mind, and evidenced by the almost constant and easy smile she now wore.

Janet drew in a deep breath and her mouth watered at the wonderful aroma wafting through the house. She got up, went to the bathroom, and headed to the kitchen. She found Kris in process of setting breakfast on the table.

"You've got great timing. I was just going to wake you."

"Smells wonderful."

They both sat and started eating.

After breakfast they dressed and parted for the day, going to their respective jobs.

There was an outdoor concert in the park that evening. Janet and Kris both had declined more than one invitation from potential suitors because they had decided that they wanted to just enjoy the evening together as friends.

~~~

During her last class of the day, an advanced class, Kris wrenched her back and tore a couple of muscles. So once she dismissed her class she stretched out on one of the mats and entered into a healing meditation.

Janet got off work earlier than she expected and decided to go by Kris's school instead of going straight home. She entered and saw her roommate lying flat on her back on a mat. She became concerned though when Kris didn't respond when she called her name. Janet rushed to her side, slipping into full 'doctor mode,' and checked her breathing and for a pulse. When she didn't detect either she raised her fist to bring it down on her chest.

Kris caught Janet's fist a couple of inches from her chest. She drew in a deep breath. "That won't be necessary," she said as she opened her eyes and looked up at her.

The doctor jerked back, startled, and turning pale. "You weren't breathing... and you didn't have a pulse."

Kris sensed her shock... and her fear. She sat up and quickly wrapped her arms around her, feeling her tremble slightly. "Hey, it's okay, Janet. I'm fine."

She took a few moments to gather herself. She took a deep breath and pulled back. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "What just happened? I thought..."

"I was in deep meditation."

"I've seen you meditate before; your heart's never stopped before when you've done that."

"My heart wasn't stopped; it was just beating very, very slowly. I was in a much deeper meditation than you've observed before – a healing meditation."

"Why?"

"I wrenched my back today and tore a couple of muscles, so I had to heal them. A healing meditation allows me to heal at an accelerated rate." She reached out and gave Janet's hand a squeeze. "After all, I didn't want to miss out on going to the concert this evening." She reached up and gently cupped Janet's cheek for a moment. "I never meant to scare you. It just took me few moments to come out of it and respond to you."

Having gotten her equilibrium back, Janet let out a deep breath and nodded. After a moment of silence she spoke, "You said you tore a couple of muscles in your back?"

"Yes, but the tears are healed now." Kris stood and then pulled Janet to her feet. "Come on, let's go home and get ready for the concert."

They walked home arm in arm.

~~~

Once they arrived home, Janet and Kris began preparations for the evening. They packed a picnic basket with a tasty meal and then changed clothes. Even though it was still rather early, they headed over to the park hoping to get their pick of choice spots.

They spread their blanket out under a large tree. Other people started arriving as they were enjoying their picnic. They were done eating by the time the concert started. Kris winced as she leaned over to put some stuff back into the picnic basket, and, of course, Janet noticed.

"Are you alright?"

"My back aches."

"I thought you said you'd healed your torn muscles."

"I did, but I came out of the meditation early. The tears are healed, but the muscles are still strained."

"We should go home then, so you can get some rest." Janet started to get up.

Kris grabbed her arm to stop her. "Janet, no. I've been looking forward to this evening all week, and you have been too. We're here, so let's just relax and enjoy the concert.

Janet looked at her in thought for a few moments. "Okay... but only if you agree to lie down."

"Yes, Doctor," she replied with an amused smirk.

"And you let me examine you afterwards."

Kris was going to object, but she could see that 'doctor' glare in her eyes and knew it was a moot argument, so she simply nodded.

Janet put the rest of the picnic things away in the basket and then sat back against the tree. Kris lay down on the blanket next to her, but was finding it difficult to get very comfortable.

"What's the matter?"

"I would have brought a pillow if I'd known I was going to be flat on my back during the concert."

Janet smirked at Kris's grumbling. "Alright," she chuckled, "just slide around this way and put your head here," she said indicating her lap. Kris got situated and found it more comfortable with her head pillowed in her lap. "Now relax and enjoy the music."

Kris closed her eyes and smiled. She felt a hand brush some hair away from her forehead and then fingers absentmindedly card through her hair over and over.

~~~

After the concert it was time to gather their things and head for home. Kris let out a wince as she struggled up off the ground. Janet wouldn't let her carry anything as they left the park. On the way home she tugged on her friend's arm when they came to the turn for the clinic.

When Kris looked at her she arched an eyebrow. "You agreed to let me examine you after the concert." The tone of her voice made it clear she that was going to hold Kris to their agreement.

At the clinic Janet did a quick physical and asked which muscles Kris had torn. She then ran a scan to make sure the tears were indeed mended. With the scan results verifying the absence of any damage they headed home.

Because Kris had already healed the injury, as verified by the scan, she was merely dealing with residual stiffness, so Janet gave her a suggestion when they arrived home. "You should take a long, hot bath; it should help with the soreness and stiffness you feel."

"I do believe that is a good idea."

"Come see me when you're done."

"Okay."

After her bath, Kris put on her pajamas and then knocked on the door to Janet's bedroom.

"Come in." Janet looked up and smiled when her roommate entered. "You feel any better?"

"Yeah, some."

"Good. Come over here; I have something that should help."

"What?" she asked as she approached.

"Lie down – on your stomach." When Kris did as she was told Janet straddled her hips and began massaging her back, starting with her shoulders.

"Ah!"

"Your muscles are in knots."

"You're not kidding," she groaned.

Janet stopped. "Did I hurt you?"

"It's a good hurt."

She leaned over, pulled open the drawer in her nightstand, got something out, and sat back up. "This is an oil that feels warm to the touch and should help your muscles relax. Take your shirt off."

"Okay."

Kris slipped her t-shirt off as Janet poured some of the oil in her hands. The doctor began massaging her shoulders again and worked her way down her entire back, digging in with her fingers and loosening up clusters of knots. Once the knots were gone Janet eased up and her massage become more of a gentle, soothing backrub as she worked her way back up to her shoulders and neck. By the time she was done Kris was asleep.

Janet got up and went into the bathroom to wash her hands. When she returned to her bedroom she simply slipped into bed and turned off the light.

"Mmmm... thanks," Kris murmured.

"How do you feel now?"

"Wonderful... You have amazing hands... definitely the hands of a healer."

"The advantage of being a doctor – knowing where the muscles are and how they connect," she replied with a small smile.

"I don't think I can move."

"Don't. Just close your eyes and go back to sleep."

Kris drifted off to sleep again before Janet reached over and pulled the covers over her.

~~~

As Janet slowly woke in the morning, she found her head was resting on Kris's left shoulder and the other woman's arm around her shoulders. Her left hand was on Kris's right breast, her fingers lightly fondling the nipple. Kris, though still asleep, reacted by nuzzling the top of her head. A quiet moan escaped her throat.

Kris's low moan was enough to suddenly make Janet wide awake. She froze, even holding her breath. Once she determined that Kris was still asleep, Janet very carefully removed her hand from Kris's breast. She quietly slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom... where she took a cold shower.

Kris woke up while Janet was still in the shower. She sat up and retrieved the t-shirt she'd removed the night before. As she was slipping it back on Janet re-entered the bedroom wrapped in a towel.

"Good morning."

"Morning. How did you sleep?" Janet asked.

"Great! How about you?"

"I slept well, too."

"Good."

"How does your back feel?"

Kris moved carefully, tentatively testing the muscles in her back. "Much better – thanks to those wonderful hands of yours."

Janet felt herself blush and turned toward her dresser, opening the top drawer. "You're more than welcome. I'll go ahead and fix something for lunch; it seems we slept in late."

"Okay. I'll be out after a quick shower. I won't be long." Kris left the room.

~~~

When Kris entered the kitchen Janet was already setting out a light meal for them. They sat down and started eating.

"So, what was that oil you used on my back last night?"

Janet smiled. "I don't know exactly. It was given to me by one of the other doctors when I complained about my legs aching after pulling a double shift. He said it's made from some of the plants found up in the mountain ridge. His mother-in-law makes it, but won't tell him what all the ingredients are."

"Well, whatever is in it, it seems to help soothe sore muscles."

"I know. I use it on my calf muscles after extra long days."

"Thanks again for the massage, Janet."

"I'm glad I could help."

"I owe you. The next time your legs hurt after a long day I'll be glad to massage them for you with the oil."

Janet grinned. "You got yourself a deal."

~~~

It was only a week later when Janet came home after a very long and trying day at work. Kris could tell that her roommate was tired and sore, both physically and emotionally.

"Hey," she said as she came through the door.

"Hey. You look beat."

Janet simply nodded.

"Why don't you go take a hot shower and I'll fix you something to eat?"

Again, she just nodded as she headed to her bedroom.

After a bit, Janet came back out, wearing her robe. There was a little more color in her face.

"How do you feel?"

"A little more human."

"Here, you'll feel better if you eat something." Kris set a bowl of hot soup in front of her. She finished making a sandwich and set that on the table for Janet as well.

"Mm, this is good. I didn't realize how hungry I was."

"When was the last time you ate?"

She stopped to think. "Before I went in to work last night."

"Janet, you're a doctor – you of all people should know better."

She sighed. "I know. But things were nonstop from the time I got to the clinic until I left to come home. I didn't even get a chance to sit down, much less take time to eat."

"Why were you at the clinic for so long?"

"Bergan's son and Garant's daughter had their wedding today. So I volunteered to cover at the clinic."

Kris smiled. "Well, at least it was for a good cause." She took a sip of her water. "Well, I guess I get to repay you for that great massage you gave me last week."

"What do you mean?"

"Your legs must be sore."

A look of comprehension, and then anticipation, crossed Janet's features.

"Finish eating. I'll go get the oil."

"It's in my nightstand."

"Okay."

When Kris returned from the bedroom she found Janet washing her dishes. "Hey, I'll take care of that, Janet. You go get comfortable on the couch."

"I'm not an invalid, you know."

"Yeah, I know. You're a stubborn, independent, I-can-take-care-of-myself-and-don't-need-anyone-to-do-anything-for-me-even-if-it-kills-me kind of woman."

The doctor stopped and looked at Kris for a moment. "Sounds a little bit like someone else I know," she said with a smirk and an arched eyebrow.

"I won't tell anyone if you don't," she countered.

A smile lit up Janet's face. "Deal."

"Good. Now go sit down. Get comfortable."

"Yes, Admiral," she quipped and tossed off a mocking salute before turning to leave. She let out a yelp when Kris snapped her with the dishtowel.

When Kris finished in the kitchen she joined Janet on the couch in the living room. She sat sideways, facing Janet, with her right leg tucked up under her left leg and her left foot on the floor. She had the doctor turn so that she was semi-reclined against the arm of the couch and her ankles rested across her left thigh.

"Comfortable?"

"Yes."

"Good." Kris poured some oil into her hand and started on Janet's right calf. She didn't miss the wince the doctor let out.

"You would think I'd be used to it after all these years."

"I'd hate to think about how many miles you actually put on them during a double shift."

Janet let out a groan. "I don't want to know."

Kris continued to massage her calves for several minutes. "Feels like the knots are finally loosening up."

She answered without opening her eyes, "Mm hmm. You're pretty good with your hands, too."

"Glad to be of service," she replied with a smile. When she finished with Janet's calves she adjusted so her feet were in her lap.

Janet started to move to get up. "That was great, Kris. Thank you so much."

Kris stopped her by holding onto her feet. "I'm not done. Just lie back and relax." She poured some more oil into her hands. She took a foot into her hands and started massaging it.

"Ohhh... that feels so good."

"I figured if your legs were that tense then your feet must be achy as well."

"At least they're not as bad as when I got stuck wearing my Air Force dress shoes. Those heels really got to me at times." She paused. "Of course, they did add a few inches to my height," she said with a smirk.

"There's nothing wrong with your height, Janet."

"Being female and in a position of authority over some very macho soldiers was enough of an obstacle to overcome at the best of times in my century. Being short on top of that just made it harder."

"You obviously handled it well since you were the Chief Medical Officer at the SGC."

Janet opened her eyes as she smiled. "It helps to have very large needles on hand with which to threaten them. And you have to be able to stare down even the most battle hardened soldier and not flinch."

Kris laughed. "I know. I've seen that 'doctor' glare you have. You used it on me the day we met, when I told you I didn't need to sleep."

"It worked, didn't it?"

She nodded. "I almost smiled though, because I realized your 'doctor' glare was the same as Lena's 'command' glare."

"Fortunately, I don't have to use that tactic much here."

"Well, you're off for the next few days. And don't forget, we're getting together with Taran and Delsie tomorrow evening."

"I remember. Taran had an appointment this morning."

"How is she doing?"

"She's fine; her morning sickness has finally stopped."

"That's good. Oh, I almost forgot."

"What?"

Kris nodded at the flowers on the fireplace mantle. "Those flowers were given to me to give to you by one of my students."

"Oh? Who?"

"Do you remember Vesh?"

"I think so. Isn't he the Suenis on the archeology team with Taran?"

She nodded. "Yes, that's him. Anyway, he wanted me to give the flowers to you, and find out if you would go to dinner with him. He's quite taken with you."

Janet closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "Please tell him thanks for the flowers, but that I'm sorry, I can't go to dinner with him. That... that I'm... things are..." She sighed. "I don't know..."

"Hey." Kris waited until Janet opened her eyes and looked at her. She gave her a reassuring look, "It's okay, Janet, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Now forget about everything and just relax."

By the time she finished the foot rub Janet had fallen asleep. After washing her hands she carefully slipped her arms under her and picked her up. Janet roused only enough to tuck her face into Kris's neck. Kris carried her into her bedroom and set her down on the bed.

"Don't go," Janet murmured softly.

"Okay." Kris slipped into bed next to her and Janet nestled up against her, laying her head on her shoulder. Kris reached over and turned off the light on the nightstand.

~~~

Whenever either Janet or Kris went out on a date, one would wait up until the other got home. They would then stay up long into the night, talking, and inevitably falling asleep in the same bed. And they always seemed to wake up the next day holding each other. Neither of them ever commented about it, but neither did they do anything to prevent it. They both started going out on fewer and fewer dates until they eventually stopped dating altogether.

Kris finally recognized her feelings for Janet for what they were, that they had developed into something more than close friendship. After losing Lena she thought she would never be able to feel that way again... However, she had other things to deal with.

Even though Janet had treated and kept Kris alive after Lena died, it didn't mean there weren't consequences. When an Areth bonded with a mate it was for life. Normally, when a mate died, there was a healer, or a family member, present to support and help the surviving mate through the psychic trauma caused by the loss of that bond. It was a ritualized process. The guided meditations and healing mind-touches helped to ensure the survivor not only lived, but did so without psychic damage. This was accomplished by making sure the bond was completely severed and that no remnants of it remained.

Kris didn't have the benefit of that process. Stranded on Jidiri, there had been no healer or family member to take her through the requisite ritual. And just over two years after Lena's death, it was finally catching up with her.

She started feeling quite out of sorts and was finding it harder and harder to concentrate. Her daily meditations were not helping much. She tried working out more at the school to burn off as much energy as possible so that sleep, becoming more and more elusive, would hopefully claim her for a few hours at night. She started staying late at the school, only going home in time to shower and go to bed. She would then rise before the sun and leave, going for a long run before her classes at the school.

It certainly didn't take long for Janet to notice the change in her roommate's routine. After a few days she decided to check up on Kris. Since she had been putting in some extra time at the clinic she was due for some time off. On her first day off she decided to do some basic snooping. She got up early and went to the school.

Janet watched as Kris arrived flushed and sweaty from her run. She waited a couple of minutes outside before she went into the school. She expected to find Kris in the shower, so she was surprised to find the woman working out, hitting and kicking the bags in a seemingly agitated manner. She surreptitiously watched until the students for the first class started arriving. She decided she would come back at lunchtime, take Kris out to lunch, and get her to talk about whatever was causing her to become so driven and reclusive.

~~~

When Janet returned to the school at lunchtime she found Kris sitting alone... meditating. Rather than disturb her she chose to silently observe her. Janet had seen her meditate before, but she could tell something was different, or wrong. She studied her face and posture. Kris's expression was not relaxed and her body was obviously stiff. There was sweat on her forehead and her jaw was clenched.

When Kris finished her meditation she opened her eyes. She held her hands out and looked down at them... they still shook, but not as badly. She quickly balled them into fists, got up, and headed over to the punching bags. She started working out until the next class arrived. She never noticed Janet as she slipped back outside.

Janet went back home, retrieved some of the DATs they'd brought with them from the ship, and began her research. After a few hours she put down the DAT she'd been using after she found what she'd been looking for, closed her eyes, and let out a heavy sigh. Oh, Kris, why didn't you say anything? Knowing it would be late before Kris got home, she decided to take a nap.

~~~

Kris was surprised to find Janet up and waiting for her when she got home.

"Hey, stranger," Janet said pleasantly.

"Hey." She headed back to her bedroom without stopping to talk.

After a few moments Janet got up and followed. She didn't let the closed bedroom door stop her either. She entered without knocking and found Kris sitting on the side of her bed with her head down and her eyes closed. Her hands were in her lap and Janet could see them trembling. She approached and crouched in front of her, placing a hand on her knee.

"Kris, tell me what's going on. What's wrong?" she said, concern clearly evident in her voice.

She took a slow, deep breath and let it out, but didn't say anything.

"Please, talk to me." When Janet put her hand over the shaking ones in her lap Kris couldn't keep from wincing and jerked her right hand away. Janet recognized pain when she saw it and immediately went into 'doctor mode.' "You're hurt. Let me see your hand."

She brought her hand back so the doctor could see it. Janet very gently cupped it in one hand and carefully examined it with the other.

"I broke it," Kris said softly.

"In more than one place. I'll be right back." She left the bedroom to retrieve the medkit and then returned. She scanned it with the medical scanner to get an accurate picture of which bones were broken. She started using the osteo stimulator to heal the breaks. "How did you break it?"

Kris shrugged. "During my workout."

A dark brow arched. "Hit something a little harder than the bags?"

Her blush gave her away. "Yeah."

Janet finished with the osteo stimulator and put it back in the medkit. She then used the stimulator that healed soft tissue and vascular damage. Finished with treating her hand, she picked up the medical scanner again and ran a complete scan before closing up the medkit and setting it on the night stand. She took hold of Kris's hands, taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out before speaking.

"Kris, I know there's something going on with you, more than a broken hand. I really don't need the medical scanner to tell me that. I can see it in your trembling hands, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and I can feel it in the fever you're running."

Kris finally opened her eyes and looked down into Janet's.

"Please, Kris, tell me. I'm your doctor, but even more importantly, I'm your friend and I'm here for you – no matter what." She reached up and gently cupped her cheek.

She took a deep breath and swallowed. Janet's touch was actually making things worse instead of better. But then there was no getting better without addressing the root of the problem. Her voice was shaky when she finally spoke. "Visvium..." she said quietly and closed her eyes again.

"I thought that might be it," Janet said just as quietly. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's not something... discussed... with outsiders."

Janet lowered her hand from her cheek. "Is that what I am to you? An outsider?"

Kris's eyes flew open, tears filling them as she sought out Janet's. "No." Her trembling was getting worse.

"Then let me help you through this."

She was having trouble concentrating. Coherent thought was becoming more and more difficult. She could no longer hold back the visvium. "You don't understand."

Janet stood and took Kris's face into her hands raising it so she could look into those impossibly dark eyes. "I understand that when Lena died your bond was severed... at a cost. I understand the damage has brought on the visvium which is affecting your higher brain functions and you'll die if nothing is done." Using her thumbs she tenderly wiped away a few tears that trailed down Kris's cheeks. "Let me help you... because I love you." She lowered her head and gently brushed her lips against Kris's.

Kris was at the point of no return. She could not hold off the effects of the visvium any longer. In truth, this moment had been inescapable; it had only been a matter of time. She'd been surprised it had taken over two years. She had a choice to make... succumb to the visvium... or inflict herself on Janet. And the longer she took to decide, the less control she had over her mind... or body. She looked up at Janet, begging her to understand. "Too far along... no control... I could hurt... you..." Tears streamed down her face and her whole body began to shake.

Janet, standing between her knees, pulled Kris to her, cradling her head against her chest. She kissed the top of her head. "Shhh... don't fight it anymore. Just let it happen."

~~~

It was a long time later when Kris came to her senses. She found herself cradled in Janet's arms, the beat of her friend's heart beneath her ear... resonating through her body and mind. As Janet slept soundly, Kris took a couple of slow, deep breaths and tried to clear her mind. She knew she had made it through the worst of the effects of visvium, but the way her mind still burned from the scent of the other woman it was clear that she was not entirely over it. She opened her eyes... and her heart froze.

She recoiled when she saw Janet's arm draped across her own; Kris felt like she'd been dumped into a tub of ice. She carefully slipped out of Janet's embrace and sat up. Tears welled in her eyes as she saw bruises littering other places on Janet besides her arm. She retrieved the stimulator from the medkit on the nightstand and began running it over the bruises. Kris moved the covers to heal the bruises on the lower half of Janet's body causing her to wake up.

Janet opened her eyes and smiled. "Hey. You're awake," she said sweetly.

She simply nodded and continued to work on the bruises. Unable to look Janet in the eyes, Kris concentrated on the task at hand. Finally she asked Janet to turn over onto her stomach so she could get at the rest of the bruises. When she placed the stimulator on the nightstand Janet turned back over again and looked at Kris as she ran the medical scanner over her for a final check.

"All done?"

She nodded and returned the scanner and the stimulator to the medkit. "Feel better?"

Janet sat up. "Yes." She paused as she reached out to put her hand on Kris's arm to stop her as she started to get out of bed. "And how are you? Is the visvium over?"

She didn't look at her, but simply shook her head. "Not completely... but the worst has passed... I... I'm in control of myself now..." She took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm going to take a shower." She abruptly rose from the bed and went into the bathroom.

Once under the cascading water of the shower she let her tears finally fall. She was so upset about the bruises she'd found on Janet's body – knowing she'd been the cause of them. After several minutes she got out of the shower, slipped on her robe, and walked back into her bedroom. She still couldn't look Janet in the eye.

"Hungry?"

"Yeah, I am."

"I'll fix something to eat while you take your shower."

"Actually, I think I'll take a bath," Janet replied.

"Probably a good idea. It'll help ease your sore muscles. Take your time." Kris quickly left the bedroom.

Janet was a confused by Kris's behavior, her distance. She frowned as she got out of bed and went into the bathroom. She drew a bath and eased herself down into the hot water, letting the heat leach the soreness from her body. She laid her head back and placed a folded washcloth over her eyes.

As she soaked she thought about the last two years and everything that had happened. She'd been killed while tending a wounded soldier in the field; woken up in a crashed spaceship on an unknown planet, her fatal wounds healed; sat by helplessly as the woman who'd saved her life watched as her own wife died; been integrated into a community made up of several alien races; and... fell in love with her roommate.

She let out a sigh. She didn't know if Kris felt the same way, but she knew that she couldn't sit back and do nothing. Not when she realized what was going on with Kris... regardless of what it might mean for their friendship. She'd rather lose their friendship than allow Kris to die.

At first, she'd been a little shocked when she'd read the DAT entry on visvium: its cause, its 'treatment,' and the outcome – if it were to be left untreated. Visvium was caused when the bond between mates was severed, but a remnant remained behind. Inevitably it led to the survivor's death, after a decline of his/her mental faculties, if an Areth mind-healer was not able to treat the survivor. The only other thing that could save the survivor was to establish a new bond... with a mate.

The fact that Kris's condition had improved indicated that their 'coupling' had been successful, but Janet didn't feel any... she didn't feel anything that indicated a bond had formed between them. And that brought her back to Kris's behavior, and the distinct distance she seemed to be putting between them. Maybe she resents that it was me. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed her. She felt the backs of her eyes sting.

~~~

When Janet entered the living room she found Kris sitting on the floor in front of the couch, staring into the fire she'd lit in the fireplace. Janet didn't know what to say to the woman. After a couple of moments she went into the kitchen and found some cut up fruit and a sandwich sitting on the table waiting for her. She sat down and started eating.

"Mm, this is good. Have you eaten?"

"Yes," Kris fibbed – she didn't have an appetite.

When Janet was done eating she cleaned up and put everything away. She was still confused by Kris's aloofness. Not knowing what else to do she decided to take the bull by the horns. She walked over and sat on the couch next to Kris's shoulder. She took a deep breath and let it out. "Kris, did I do something wrong?"

"Oh, God. No!" Tears ran down her face as she looked up at Janet. "I did." She broke down sobbing.

Janet immediately slid off the couch and enveloped Kris in her arms, holding her tight as she cried. "Oh, honey, what's wrong?" She rocked her and kissed her temple, trying to comfort her.

"I never wanted to hurt you."

"Shhh... you didn't hurt me."

Kris pulled back and looked at Janet in disbelief. She then turned back to stare into the fire. "I think those bruises proved otherwise."

Janet sensed she really needed to convince Kris that everything was alright, to get her past this stumbling block. She moved to straddle Kris's lap and lifted her chin so she could make eye contact.

"Listen to me, and don't say anything until I'm done. You did not hurt me. So I got a few bruises; I've experienced much worse at the hands of others. I made a choice, a choice I would happily make again. Losing you was not, and is not, an option. I love you. Neither of us were born yesterday or were virgins. I endured much rougher sex with my ex-husband. I chose to be with you out of love. So quite frankly, even though you were not yourself and it was all about biology, I didn't notice any of the bruising at the time." She cupped Kris's face in both her hands, gazing intently into her impossibly dark eyes. "I have no regrets." She paused for a couple of beats. "Do you?"

Kris was stunned. Even while in the grip of the visvium she had not actively sought contact with Janet's mind. She didn't feel she had that right since Janet had acted out of friendship... or so she had believed. So to hear that Janet loved her and to see the sincerity in her eyes left her feeling bewildered. How could she be so incredibly fortunate for a second time in her life?

"No," she whispered. "I love you," she added.

Janet lowered her head and tenderly kissed Kris. Kris wrapped her arms around the doctor and held her close. After a couple of minutes they parted due to a lack of oxygen. They rested their foreheads together as they both tried to catch their breath.

"Not exactly how I imagined our first time together."

After a moment Janet pulled back and looked down into Kris's eyes. "You imagined us together?" she asked with a pleased, and teasing, smile.

Kris blushed. "When I realized I'd fallen in love with you... well, of course I did..." she couldn't keep from smiling, "... frequently."

The doctor's smile widened. "And just when were you going to make your feelings known to me?"

"In time. Actually, I had planned on courting you." She took a deep breath and let it out. "But then this all started and... well..." She hung her head.

Janet kissed Kris's forehead and ran fingers through silky hair, then wrapped her arms around Kris's head and shoulders, pulling her close. Kris closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath as she tucked her face into the crook of the doctor's neck. After her bath Janet must have reapplied her perfume – it's scent tickled Kris's senses as she inhaled slowly and smiled with pleasure. When she exhaled it was almost a sigh.

"What is that perfume you're wearing?"

"It's the vanilla scented one."

Kris smiled. "I love the way it smells on you. It's my favorite."

"I know. That's why it's the only one I wear anymore."

Kris started nuzzling her throat. Janet's breathing changed when Kris's lips found a particularly sensitive spot at the base of her throat. Janet pulled back and claimed those lips in a hungry kiss. When they parted Kris gazed up into soft, brown eyes. She reached up and caressed Janet's cheek.

"I want to share something with you."

"What?"

"I want you to know exactly how I feel about you." Through the bond that had been established during their coupling, Kris touched Janet's mind and shared her feelings directly with her newfound lover.

Janet's eyes widened and she let out a quiet gasp as her mind was filled with the love Kris felt for her. Her heart skipped a beat as she actually felt Kris's feelings. It was unbelievably exhilarating.

[Never doubt my love for you, my beloved.]

Her eyes closed and she basked in the absolute truth and purity of being utterly loved. Then it dawned on her that she had heard Kris's words in her mind, but it was different from the mind-touch they'd shared before. She took a breath, opened her eyes, and looked at her.

[This isn't is a mind-touch, is it?]

[No.]

[Then...]

Kris nodded. [Yes, we are bonded.]

[Then you can feel my love for you as well.]

She smiled. [Yes, I can. With time and practice you'll learn to control the level of connection we share through our bond. Your private thoughts will remain private unless you wish it otherwise. But there will always be an awareness of each other.]

[So I am your...]

[My beloved... my Janet... my mate.] Tears of joy filled her eyes and she let all the love and joy she felt flow through their bond... and felt it returned in full. [And by the traditions and laws of my homeworld – my wife.]

They both smiled and shed a few joyful tears as they started kissing. Kris untied Janet's robe, slid her hands inside, resting them on Janet's hips, and pulled her closer. She ran her hands up Janet's sides as she rained her neck and throat with kisses, focusing on the sensitive pulse point she'd found earlier. Kris's hands cupped her breasts, thumbs lightly teasing her erect nipples.

"Mmmm... I still need you."

"I'm right here, my love."

Kris kissed her way down to Janet's breasts and took a nipple in the moist heat of her mouth. Janet let out a pleasurable moan as she suckled. After a couple of minutes they kissed again, deeply. When they had to part due to a lack of oxygen Kris laid her head back on the couch for a few moments as she panted.

"Let's get a little more comfortable."

In a matter of seconds they had all the couch cushions and pillows on the floor in front of the fireplace. Added to that was the fleece blanket always kept on the couch and they were quite comfortably stretched out. Janet was on her back and Kris was lying on top of her. They had already shed their robes. Kris kissed, licked, and nipped her way down to her breasts and latched onto one of her nipples again. Janet moaned and her hips began to rock of their own volition. After a couple of minutes Kris kissed her way back up as her hand trailed down and along a shapely thigh.

She lifted her head and gazed down into Janet's eyes. "I won't lose control this time... I'm beyond that point now."

"It's alright if–" Janet's voice hitched as questing fingers discovered how wet she was, "you do." Her eyes closed in pleasure as fingertips lightly ran up and down wet folds a few times then circled her clit. Her eyes opened when Kris withdrew her hand. "Please... don't stop..."

"Shhh... don't worry. We're just starting, my love." She kissed Janet tenderly. "There's more to the visvium than..." Her eyes closed as her voice trailed off, shame at her earlier behavior filling her.

Janet reached up and took Kris's face in both her hands. "Shhh... it's okay." She pulled Kris down into a kiss.

"There are benefits to the bonding." [A true blending: physically, emotionally, psychically. To be as one...]

The connection they shared was once again expanded as they began to slowly explore each other's bodies and discover what made them moan and whimper with want and need. The pleasure experienced was intensified by the fact that these sensations now were shared through their bond... touching and being touched, kissing and being kissed, licking and being licked, penetrating and being penetrated... physically and mentally all melded into an exquisitely mind-blowing experience.

Eventually, they drifted to sleep in an exhausted and sweaty tangle of limbs.

~~~

It was morning when they woke. After some languid lovemaking and a joint shower – which turned into some more lovemaking – they finally got dressed. Kris contacted Chuzu at the school and arranged for him to take over all her classes for a few days. Janet, of course, was already scheduled off for a few days. Since it was a beautiful day out, a day that matched the way they felt on the inside, they decided to go out for lunch.

After lunch they went to the central building to the registrar's office. They filled out the paperwork and then got into line. Fortunately the line wasn't very long and it was soon their turn. They handed over their paperwork.

"What name do wish to have on the marriage certificate?"

"Janet Fraiser."

The man nodded and entered the information. He then looked at Kris. "And what name do you want on the certificate?"

"Kris Fraiser."

Janet's head snapped around in shock. "Kris, are you sure?"

Kris smiled at her. "Yes." She reached up and tenderly caressed Janet's cheek. "I'm very sure."

The clerk finished. "Sign here," he instructed.

They signed their names and were sent on their way with their certified copy of their marriage certificate.

~~~

They walked through the park, hand in hand and with wide smiles, stopping frequently to kiss.

Janet chuckled after they came up for air. "I feel as giddy as a teenager."

"So do I, and it's been a lot longer for me since I was a teenager than it's been for you."

As she carded her fingers through short, dark hair Janet gazed into Kris's eyes, smiled and then pulled her in for another kiss. "Mmmm... Kris?" she murmured around their kiss.

"Hmm?"

"Take me home... and make love to me."

"Mmmm... okay."

~~~

Sometime the next morning they were cuddling on the couch, naked with just the fleece blanket tossed over them. Kris was leaning back into the corner of the couch with Janet's body curled into hers. She kissed the top of the head that was tucked under her chin and continued to run her fingers through the soft, brown hair.

"I know everything has happened so quickly–"

"Not so quickly."

"Huh?"

"I've been in love with you for a while."

"And just when were you going to make your feelings known to me?" Kris asked.

Janet chuckled at having her own question turned back on herself. "It just took me a while to get up the courage to say anything."

Kris gave her a squeeze.

"I was afraid you didn't feel the same way, and I was afraid of hurting our friendship."

"I know exactly what you mean. I'm glad you were braver than I was."

Janet tilted her head back so she could look up into Kris's eyes, she brought her hand up to caress her wife's cheek before their lips met in a kiss. She readjusted back into place after the kiss.

"Anyway... what I was going to say was, with everything happening the way it did, because of the visvium, we kind of skipped the whole dating and courtship and wedding bit. We basically went from 'I love you' to married all in one fell swoop." Kris could feel Janet's concern growing as she talked. She shifted a little so she could look down into her soft, brown eyes. "And no, I have no doubts or regrets. I love you, Janet, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much." [Don't ever forget this,] she added through their bond with all the emotional force behind it.

Janet nodded.

"I just don't want you to ever feel like you've missed out on anything."

"Like what?" she asked, confused.

Kris smiled. "Like a wedding."

Janet still looked a little confused.

"You know, an event you plan, invite friends to, have a reception afterwards, and celebrate."

She swatted Kris's arm. "I know what a wedding is, smart ass." She paused. "Honey, I don't require some ceremony to make me feel any more married to you than I already do. I had all that when I married my ex-husband. But I realize we come from different worlds. I want to give you whatever your customs or heritage would call for."

Kris let out a soft chuff of amusement. "I have such a mixed heritage," she said with a smile. "But we've already bonded, and as is the custom on my homeworld, such things are always done in private. However, there is one tradition from our common heritage that I wouldn't mind though."

"What?"

"Rings."

Janet smiled widely and nodded. "I'd like that, too."

"We can go looking after lunch at the café."

"But that means getting up and getting dressed," Janet said as she snuggled up tighter against Kris.

Kris chuckled and kissed Janet's forehead. "True, but then I'll get to undress you all over again."

Janet didn't move... or rather she didn't move to get up. She cupped Kris's breast, lightly teasing the nipple. "I like having you already undressed," she said with mischievousness in her tone of voice.

"Don't you need some fresh air and something to eat?"

She looked up into ebony eyes. "I have everything I need right here," she said softly, before their lips met in another deep kiss.

They finally got up from the couch. Once they were dressed they headed out to the nearby café and enjoyed a nice lunch. They then went shopping for their wedding rings. Since there were so many different cultures and races represented on Jidiri, there was a wide selection of types and styles of wedding rings, and their equivalents, available in the local jewelry shops. Janet and Kris had looked in two of the three closest shops and were both feeling a bit overwhelmed by some of the garishness of some of the selections.

They were both relieved to find the third shop catered to the less flamboyant population of the planet. The gentleman who waited on them, Teshen, was very nice and patient as they took their time. A lot of the rings contained gem stones set in different metals. While they were all quite beautiful, none of them seemed to be quite right. Teshen sensed they could use a few moments alone and stepped away.

"What do you think, Janet?"

"They're all quite beautiful."

"Is there one that you particularly like?"

Janet hesitated. "What about you? Which one do you like?"

"I agree, they are all quite beautiful."

"But?"

"But, I don't think our rings are among them."

Janet gave her a smile. "I don't think so either."

"I was thinking perhaps something more–"

"Simple?"

Kris smiled and nodded.

"Just a simple band; something that I wouldn't have to remove for any reason, even at work," Janet said.

"Yeah."

Teshen, seeing both women nod, assumed they'd come to a decision and again approached. "So, have you two decided on which rings you would like?"

"Actually, these are all beautiful, but what we're looking for isn't here," Kris said. "But we're hoping you can still help us."

"Go on."

"What we want is something very basic, with no stones or fancy carvings. You see, Janet is a doctor and she needs something that won't catch on anything or scratch anyone, so she won't have to remove it while at work. And I teach over at the martial arts school."

Teshen smiled. "I understand. Do you have a preference in the metal they're made out of?"

"Something strong, to represent our bond," Janet answered.

Kris and Teshen both smiled at her answer.

"We can make the bands out of any metal, but the strongest metal available would ventinium. It is available in both a silver and a gold tone."

"How about both?" Kris asked.

"That would be perfect!" Janet agreed.

"Alright. All we need to do is get your sizes, and have you pick out the width and style of band you want. It's early and we don't have any other special orders, so we should have them done for you tomorrow," Teshen informed them with a smile.

~~~

The next day Janet and Kris excitedly made their way to the jewelry story to pick up their rings. Teshen smiled as they entered the store.

"Good afternoon, ladies." He reached under the counter and pulled out a small velvet box. "I have your rings right here." He opened the box and showed them the two rings sitting side by side within. They were perfect.

Teshen took them out of the velvet box and gently laid one in each of their palms. He had knowingly placed Janet's ring in Kris's palm and Kris's ring in Janet's palm. They smiled as they slipped the rings on each other's finger. They gazed into each other's eyes and then kissed.

They couldn't stop smiling all the way home. When they got back to the house, Kris stopped Janet from going inside.

"What?" Janet asked.

"I should have done this before."

"What?"

Kris scooped her up in her arms and carried her inside. "Carried you over the threshold," she said with a grin."

They both chuckled as Kris sat down on the couch with Janet still in her arms.

Janet held up her left hand and admired her new wedding ring.

"So you like it?" Kris asked.

"I love it; it's perfect." She cupped Kris's cheek. "I've never been happier," she said before kissing her.

Next: Time And Worlds Collide