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"Alright. That completes the final analysis for today."
Glancing around the lab, only two navigators remained during the late night hours. Palette and the others had retired for the evening to recharge in their capsules or rooms.
Layer and Alia stayed behind to finish since they were close to completing their project.
One that they both had spent a great deal of time working on...together.
"Yeah...I believe that's everything. I-It's hard to believe that we've been working on this for quite..a-a long time.."
The soft spoken navigator responded, finding her cheeks rosy in color. Not daring to look over at the blonde navigator. Her bangs clearly concealing her eyes that tried not to stare.
"Correct. I couldn't have finished this without you, Layer."
Alia admits, having noticed the way Layer tended to become shy and flustered. A quality she became to like about the other....amongst other aspects.
"What...no. I..yes...w-we both umm put our research and analysis to our best abilities...A-Alia."
Suddenly, purple bangs shifted to reveal the other's emerald eyes. They sparkled with a sense of earnest desire. Words poured out with honest truth.
"Of course. I'm always happy to help. Please don't ever hesitate to ask anything from me, Layer."
This time, the pink armored navigator gave the other a warm, heartfelt smile. So genuine and sincere...and something else blossoming as both their eyes gazed into each other. Blazing with a heated desire to speak of uncovered feelings.
As much as Alia wanted to tell her, it was best not to disrupt the friendship between co-workers. Which was a mutual ache that was beating in Layer's artificial heart. Some would say full of untold and many layers of soft whispers and encouragement she wanted to say so badly to her mentor.
"Wait..I.."
Layer shook her head, getting up from her seat slowly as she brushed a strand of long purple hair behind her shoulder.
"C-Can you stay a bit longer...?" Emerald eyes turned back up shyly at Alia. Her voice earnest and longing for an answer.
They had both been stepping over each other. Avoiding what was truly there between them. Even Zero..and Palette..and even Axl had suggested for the two to talk privately at some point.
Tonight happened to be that opportunity.
"Yes. I don't have anything else planned besides recharging for the evening."
The blonde was happy to provide, even getting up to take a short stride over to Layer. The closer she walked, the more the other's heart kept beating...temperature rising with every step. It was as if they were both frozen in time. Azure and emerald eyes locked onto each other for longer than needed.
The distance was no longer an issue as the navigators were only an inch or so from physical touch.
"Is there anything on your mind, Layer?"
Alia was the first to break the silence. Words are soft and gentle. Enough to cause a brief self circuit to the purple navigator.
What had she wanted to tell her?
The purple haired navigator struggled, finding her mouth dry and brain dazed.
"You can tell me, Layer."
There was that soft, almost whisper coming from the blonde navigator in front of her. Was it just her or did Alia step even closer? It made it a struggle to speak with her so close.
"I-I...do you ever..umm..see me...as..more than..umm...me?"
Layer stammered, her face even redder as she shyly glanced up at Alia. Someone she held so dear who inspired and pushed her to limits far superior than on her own. What was this...feeling?
"I see you as a navigator who has gone to great lengths to excel at everything you do. A brave reploid who has confidence in your skills to navigate your trusted maverick hunters back safely to and from their missions. But I also see you as my friend, teammate, and trusted navigator."
Alia doesn't hesitate to admit as she gives her another tender, reassuring smile.
"I-I do too..t..thank you, A-Alia."
The purple navigator nearly melts from the other's compliments. Knees almost buckling underneath her.
There's another awkward wave of silence between them.
"...can you umm...no..nevermind. I should let you go to recharge..."
Layer's the first to break the silence, her tone wishing to say more than what she was trying to imply. It was infuriating that she couldn't outright tell her mentor what was on her mind. How much she needed her...wanted her even.
"Are you sure? I am perfectly fine with waiting. Always, Layer."
The pink reploid keeps insisting while trying to build Layer's confidence back. She knows the other is holding back.
This time her words are full of unwavering warmth, letting her know that she can rely on her.
With a gulp and shy nod, Layer glances around before closing the gap to wrap her arms around her friend.
"I..I have feelings for you...your always so confiding...and...inspiring..and I don't think I can hold back nor hide anything from you anymore, Alia..."
She says this before stepping back to look at the blonde's beautiful face. Surprisingly not a single shred of discomfort on Alia's face. Always with reassurance.
"I do find you quite inspiring as well...always so caring and intelligent...brave too, Layer."
Alia openly admits, never gazing away as she brushes a hand up to cradle the other's cheek. Letting her lean into that warm touch.
"T-then...c-can..I...umm..."
Layer finds herself flustered again, shyly glancing at her before leaning down to kiss Alia on the lips. In which is returned with a soft, warm hearted fever. The heat spreads as they close the gap, pressing their bodies together. Exploring as hands from both sides trace curves curiously. Breasts harden under armor that becomes irritating.
"Let me."
The blonde navigator takes her time to wrap her arms around Layer's shoulders, finding balance as her own hips contort and tilt in a way that presses their suits together. Hot breaths gasp as Layer holds Alia's ass, pressing them tenderly as they continue making love with each other. Both knowing well that next time they would disrobe from their armor to truly explore their 'skins'.