Work Text:
The office was pretty agitated today; things had been that way since Rand had been in charge. Amid all that commotion, Reagan was standing in one of the break rooms. She didn't have time to lose, but she needed another cup of coffee or else she was going to collapse.
As she ran the coffee machine she thought about the sh*tload of stuff she had to do. Repairs, more than anything. Her father seemed to have a special talent for smashing whatever she created. Hopefully, his tantrum would pass soon.
Reagan stood there, waiting in front of the machine, almost watching it. She'd been sitting for so many hours that she had no desire to do it again. She was about to pull out her cell phone to check Facebook when she felt a firm hand land on her waist.
For a moment she couldn't help but stiffen. She hated when any man felt entitled to touch her. It might be easy to think that a woman as unattractive as she was didn't go through such things, but she did. She lifted her gaze to face the creep only to meet Brett's blue eyes. He looked quite relaxed despite everything.
"Excuse me, Reagan. I just wanted to pass," Brett said in a soft voice, not releasing her.
Well... Since it was Brett, things were different. It hadn't been easy to get used to his displays of affection. She even hit the poor man a couple of times. She was now beginning to enjoy those casual touches he had with her.
"It's okay, you may pass," she said, allowing herself to enjoy the warmth of his touch.
"I need to clear my head a bit, Rand has this place more chaotic than usual."
While he spoke, Brett started tracing soft circles with his thumb. Reagan could feel her skin bristling under the layers of clothing.
“I know. I always have to clean up his fuck-ups."
"Well, at least you don't have to worry about him yelling outside the White House."
Good old Brett, trying to find something positive even in this crap.
"Now I've to worry about him starting a third world war. He almost succeeded at the beginning of 2020."
"Relax, the Robes will keep him in check."
"I still think we should overthrow him," Reagan said bitterly.
"There isn't much to do, but at least we still have these moments together."
"Yeah, it's worth something."
Brett settled next to her, released her, and pulled out what he needed to make himself some tea. The break room was quiet except for the sounds of boiling water. Reagan couldn't help but feel a little bit disappointed. It was odd for her to long for another person's touch.
"Did I scare you? I mean, when I entered here" Brett said as he poured hot water into a cup.
"No. Why do you ask?"
Brett shrugged.
"You got tense, more tense than normal."
"Ah, that... You already know I don't enjoy being touched without asking permission, but it's different with you."
The machine beeped indicating coffee was ready. She poured herself a cup, not sweetening it. Brett grabbed the two cups and carried them over to a table before she could do so. The two sat down, him staying very near her. Usually, break areas were always full of employees coming and going; under Rand's strict surveillance policies, things had changed.
The smooth scent of both drinks hung in the air. As they took sips of their beverages, Reagan's mind wandered back to what she was supposed to do.
"Oh, what's different Reags?" Brett said, smiling.
Reagan blinked a couple of times, snapping back to the current moment.
He leaned toward her and placed his right hand on her thigh. Reagan could smell a delightful lotion scent wafting from him. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. He was looking at her expectantly, but also lovingly. She raised her eyebrows as she thought of a response.
"I feel as if we've known each other all our lives. I'm safe with you," she admitted.
Then she remembered that considering he had taken her to her prom ball, they actually had known each other all their lives. It was one of the few pleasant memories of her childhood. Brett seemed to be thinking about it too and squeezed her thigh gently. A shudder went up and down her back.
"So, you like it when I touch you?"
"Yes, I do. It's soothing."
Brett let out a laugh.
"I'm glad to make you feel like that, as your personal safety net."
She thought about his words, their relationship was a bit like that. He was there to give her backup when no one else did, Reagan was going to always thank him for it. At first, Brett had been a nuisance, someone she wanted out of her way. And now she couldn't imagine a life without him.
"You're special Brett, I'll prove it to you."
She reached up with both hands and gently caressed Brett's face, and he squeezed his eyes shut. His features, while somewhat generic individually, combined were a work of art. She noticed his breathing quicken. Reagan traced the line of his chin with a finger. She lingered, staring at his lips, feeling a rush of sudden urgency.
“May I kiss you?”
He knew Brett was often touched without his consent too, and she didn't want to be a part of that group.
"Please, Reagan..."
There was something in the way Brett said her name that made her knees wobble. Thank goodness they were seated. Reagan looked into Brett's eyes one more time only to confirm that he wanted it too.
She captured Brett's lips into a tender kiss, taking her time to savor it. Brett tasted like his extremely sweet peppermint tea, which was in contrast to her own bitter mouth. Much like themselves.
Reagan cupped Brett's cheeks with her hands. His skin was a little scratchy from shaving, causing a pleasant tingle in her palms. She sucked Brett's lower lip between her own, seeking to deepen the kiss.
Brett responded almost docilely but reflected his desire for her. His tongue was responsive to Reagan's provocations. And his hands stroked her hair, giving a gentle tug, making her shiver.
Before breaking the kiss, Reagan playfully bites on Brett's tongue. They were both out of breath and Brett's cheeks were slightly tinged with red. Reagan wanted to keep his image forever in her memory.
She couldn't believe what had just happened. She had kissed her best friend! Reagan suddenly began to feel panic sweep over her. Many thoughts about the do's and don'ts of a friendly relationship came rushing back to her. Reagan's heart, already racing from the kiss, went into overdrive. Brett reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.
The gentle touch had helped her relax. She was fucked up, wasn't she? She would calm down as soon as Brett laid a hand on her.
"That bite showed how special you think I am," he said.
Reagan laughed, not quite certain how to proceed now.
"I'm sorry, I'm a little clumsy when it comes to showing affection. Not every day I kiss someone like you."
"I like you like this, Reagan," he took her hand and kissed it, "and I want to kiss you every day."
"Brett, that was too cheesy."
"You'll get used to it."
Without letting go of each other's hands, both continued to enjoy being with each other while finishing their drinks. Deep down, Reagan knew they had a lot to discuss after the step they had just taken. There would be time to do that later.
The hush of the moment was interrupted by the beeping of Reagan's phone. She didn't even need to check it to know who it was.
"It seems Rand really doesn't want us to have peaceful times," Reagan commented with a wry smile.
Brett nodded, sharing her frustration. Her father being in charge was a pain in the ass.
"But we're not gonna let him ruin our bond, are we?"
They stood up and left their cups soaking to wash them later. On their way out when Brett approached her intending to kiss again. However, Reagan's phone rang a second time.
"I really have to go," said Reagan, feeling a little annoyed by the disruption.
"So do I," he scratched his neck, uncomfortably, "but can I walk you back to your lab?"
The sweetness of his words made Reagan melt on the inside. It surprised her how those little details filled her with so much joy.
"Sure, why not?"
And so, they walked together towards her lab. Certainly wasn't the first time they had done this, but this time things were different. Brett laid a hand against her lower back and Reagan felt a pleasant warmth spreading throughout her entire being.
Brett's touches were the only ones Reagan enjoyed. And she was starting to love them too.