Dust settling

Posted on 10 Jul 2020 @ 10:41pm by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant Commander True Keading

Mission: Mission 4 - Race against the machine
Location: Trues quarters
Timeline: MD3 22:00
1111 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon had figured that after that dinner and him answering Vern’s questions he needed to speak with True. She wasn’t home when he dared to go seek her out. So he figured he best wait.

“Hey buddy,” he directed at Atlas. “Made a fool of myself I think. Bet your going to love this. Well if her theory that your jealous is right.” He took a seat and watched the cat thoughtfully. “You know if I do convince her to marry me one day we are going to have to address this animosity.”

True trudged back into her quarters just exhausted. She'd gotten the answers she wanted but all of that emotion had drained her. She nearly ran into Jon because she'd closed her eyes upon entering. Letting out a squeak she jumped back and put a hand over her heart. True sucked back a few choice phrases and looked at him. "Are you okay? What are you doing just standing there?"

"I'm fine. I was just conversing with Atlas. I thought after ... well after .. yeah I better check we were okay. But first ... Are you okay? And Vern?" he asked sensing she was emotionally exhausted.

True took a deep breath, "Yeah," she said rubbing some hair out of her face. "He lost someone, you were right. Why he didn't tell me . . . not that I could have really done anything about it being so far away but still. I'm his sister. He has this stupid idea that he always has to be strong for me. Anyway," True sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry I kind of freaked out about the idea of marriage. I just feel like we're in a really good spot and there's no need to rush things." She scooped up Atlas who came trotting over to see her.

"We are," Jon admitted. "I just thought for a minute that there was a great big looming planet killer out there and if we didn't stop it and got destroyed I didn't want to die with any regrets. And not getting to marry you would be high up there on that list. Also your brother needed to know I was serious. I could sense just how much, as well as how much he was grieving."

"Hmm," True said sitting down and patting the couch next to her. "See, the way I look at it we would have nothing to regret if we died, which we won't because I'm an eternal optimist most of the time. We both love each other and have told each other that. Whether we are married or not makes no difference to me. It's just two signatures on a document after all."

"If its just two signatures on a document, why so freaked out?" Jon asked. His eyes crinkled up though so she knew he was just teasing.

True thought about that. "I guess because I don't know what that brings. Not with you, but with your family. And I feel like there are some issues that need sorting through first before we say I do." She shrugged. "But where I am right now is safe."

"I meant what I said anyway. I'll do it properly. One knee, ring. One day. So don't worry you're safe. Besides if you move in, you might get fed up of me. Lets see how that goes shall we?" he suggested.

"Oh I doubt that. And I really don't mind moving in with you, I'm happy to do it if it makes you happy." True said honestly.

Jon kissed her and pulled back keeping their noses touching. "I can't imagine anything more wonderful. But you need to be happy too. Don't do something just to make me happy."

"I am happy," she assured him, moving to settle in his lap and wrap her arms around him. Atlas made a disgusted noise and padded off leaving the two love birds alone. "Maybe he's decided to finally give up?"

Jon watched the cat skulk off. "Nah I believe he's just going to plan his next move. And he will get plenty of opportunities. He's moving in too." Jon wondered just when he had come round to being a cat person and how long he could hold off Eddie getting a pet of his own now he had opened his life up to Atlas full time.

"Gotta get your head round it buddy," Jon called after the cat.

True grinned. "You two are hilarious. Do you want to stay here tonight? Can you? Is Eddie with his mom?" She was too tired at the moment to remember what nights Jon had him and what nights Charlotte had him.

"Yes," he nodded. "Eddie headed out to Charlottes as soon as the tidying up was done. Likely he wanted a second dinner too as he muttered about still being hungry on his way out. I have no clue where he puts it. But yes, I would love to stay. I would also love to see my favourite penguin PJs again," he grinned.

True rolled her eyes but smiled at the corners of her mouth. "Why is it that men never grow up?" She teased. "They think they're all tough but all they really want is to cuddle with their girlfriend while she's wearing her penguin pajamas."

"You can be tough and still appreciate penguins," Jon shrugged. "And I always want a cuddle if your involved," he quipped.

"Penguin pajamas and cuddling it is." True said moving toward the bedroom to change. She took the clip off and let her hair down but was still thinking about the day that had just happened. As bad as she felt for her brother, it bothered her a great deal that he didn't feel he could confide in her and get the support he so desperately needed. She knew that wasn't the way he thought about it but she couldn't help but worry that somehow she had disappointed him.

Jon followed her into the bedroom and pulled off his shirt. "Are you okay sweetheart. Your brothers really under your skin ehh?" he asked. "Can I help with anything? Is it worth me trying to talk to him?"

"No," True turned and wrapped her arms around Jon knowing that he would never pull away from her. "I think we've worked it out. It's just a lot to think about is all. Come on, we need some sleep. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring."

OFF:

●● Lieutenant True Keading
Chief Counselor
USS Andromeda


●●●● Captain Jonathan Reynolds
Captain
USS Andromeda