Lady in Red (Part Two)

Posted on 24 Aug 2020 @ 5:31am by

Mission: Mission 4 - Race against the machine
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 8 Evening
1943 words - 3.9 OF Standard Post Measure

(And now the continuation)

Natasha took the stage, queuing up the songs she would sing.These two songs were ones that she really wanted to sing, due to the fact that a stray thought or two of her ex-fiancee, was trying to worm its way to the forefront. Natasha wasn't going to have that.The first song was, 'I will survive by Gloria Gaynor' Natasha giving quite the performance.

Michael's mouth gaped open, as he watched Natasha, the woman definitely could sing. Realizing his mouth was open, he closed it, intently watching, as she danced while singing the song.

Natasha just grinned when she saw Michael's reaction, this was turning out to be rather fun. Next song choice was by Jo Dee Messina, 'My Give a Damn is Busted.' she got into this song as well, moving to the beat.

When the song finished, Natasha bowed to the cheering of those gathered, then walked over to Michael.

"That was some choice of songs. I take it... bad relationship?" He gently queried.

"Something like that" was all Natasha said, her demeanor showing that nothing else would be said.

Michael taking that clue from her,just gave nod in acknowledgement. "Shall we continue the fun?" he instead said with a smile."Hope you are in the mood to dance."

"Yes, I am let's boogie." Natasha answered with a delighted smile.

At that moment, a rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy came into play. Michael reached out taking Natasha's hand sweeping her into a lively swing dance, spinning her around. He kept to the basics though, with some variety he wasn't certain if she wanted to fly through the air, or slide on the floor. Especially with the dress she had on. That, he didn't want to ruin.

"Hey! Don't cut us out on this dance." R1 and R2 coming in to be additional dance partners. Several other crew coming over and clapping while they danced. Natasha had never been part of a group dance before, laughing as she was spun around, twisted and turned.

When the song came to an end, Natasha laughed, waving a hand in front of her face, to cool herself off. "You sure have some moves." she stated, to those involved.

"Thanks, and you are rather light on your feet as well." R1 and R2 exclaimed, with the others agreeing. "Say, Michael you ought to recruit her for our theater troupe."

"Sorry boys, I am just visiting." Natasha stated.

"Awww, well if you ever decide to come back, you're welcome to join us." there were nods all around. "Okay, lets get back to practicing!" the other crew moving away.

Natasha turned back to Michael, "Nice bunch of people there. And some fancy footwork I might add."

"There were some other steps I could have done, but I didn't think you'd want to fly through the air." Michael grinning.

"You thought right, I'm not experienced enough to dance so athletically." Natasha said, with an answering grin.

Hearing the next song come on, Michael said, "Now here's something not so fast." 'Dancing Queen' being the music playing.he tilted his head to one side, waggled his eyebrows up and down, "Care to dance?"

"Absolutely" was her response, Natasha finding herself being led into some intricate moves, guided by his touch, and murmured instructions. She was thankful she had some lessons a while back.

Once the song was finished, Michael looked at Natasha, "Care to do a duet?"

"Sure, what shall we sing?"

"I've got an idea, trust me."

What?"

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

Michael nodded, taking her hand and led her to the stage where the song cued up. 'A Whole New World' As they sang, Natasha marvelled at how well they sang together, his voice soothing, melodic, wonderful to hear, harmonizing with her own.

When the song came to an end, Michael asked. "Care to get a breath of fresh air?"

Natasha nodded, not resisting him taking her by the hand and leading her outside through doors to a breathtaking view. Not too far was a beach, with the moon shining upon the sea. A soft gentle breeze, played with their hair, as they made their way down , shoes removed to feel the cool sand. Natasha listened to the waves as it lapped against the land, feeling herself relax. They walked along the shoreline, in companionable silence, each carrying their shoes in one hand. At one point, Michael gently linked his arm with hers, Natasha leaning her head on his shoulder while they walked.

After a time, they came to a pathway, which led back towards the dance area. Natasha lowered herself onto a nearby wooden bench, to brush the sand off her feet,and to put her shoes back on. Michael knelt in front of her, with a smile and did that for her, slipping her shoes upon her feet. Natasha slightly gasped feeling the warmth of his hands upon her skin. Strong but gentle, it caused her heart to race. Michael slipped on his own shoes, then once more took her by the hand. With a soft smile he nodded towards the dance floor, romantic slow dance music playing, wordlessly asking if she wanted to dance.

She nodded, then whispered softly, "Not in there,but... there." Nodding towards the nearby white gazebo, which had a soft glow from the small lights intertwined with the red climbing roses.

Michael nodded, leading her there, the same music from the dance floor being heard through small speakers. The beginning soft refrains of a song, which Michael recognized immediately, making him smile. 'She's like the Wind' He drew Natasha close to him,once again catching the subtle lovely scent, something that he recognized as Chanel #5. He initially started with her hand in his against his chest, slowly dancing in a circle, tapping into the music and letting it guide him into his next dance steps.

Natasha followed his lead, feeling goosebumps develop. He guided her arms to go around his neck, while he slowly swept her up into his arms, turning in a gradual circle. It felt wonderful being in his arms, Natasha mused, hearing his heartbeating as she nestled her head against his well-toned chest. He lowered her to where her feet could touch the floor, His arm about her waist, her hand in his as he moved them about the gazebo. When the end of the song came, he lowered her into a graceful dip, gazing into her eyes. She matched his gaze, a wishful expression there, glancing down towards his lips, then back into his dark grey eyes. Her heart was beating so loudly, she thought he coud hear it, her cheeks turning pink.

Michael raised her up, giving her a slight smile, his eyes then turning concerned seeing her face having a slight pink color. He was worried at first, then realized that she was blushing, it making her even more attractive. He thought to say something,but felt he was treading on some dangerous ground, considering the romantic ambience they were in. From the songs she had sung, and the subject she didn't wish to speak of, in his query, this was something she probably needed.

He was attracted to her, what redblooded man wouldn't be, but it wasn't going to lead to them spending the night together. As he was musing over this, a song started playing, interrupting his thoughts and turning his gaze back to her. It was fitting, and a perfect way to finish the evening, he crooning the song to her while they danced. 'Lady in Red' by Criss De Burgh.

Natasha felt tingles go across her body, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, she could scarce believe this was happening. Her own little slice of a movie moment, feeling like a movie star. She felt desired, respected, feeling like there were good decent men out there. A lone tear escaped down her cheek, followed by another. She couldn't help herself, wrapping her arms about him.

Michael felt moisture against his cheek, glancing at her, noting she was softly crying. He wrapped her in his warm embrace, rocking gently side to side, while she wept. He kissed the top of her head, murmuring softly, words of comfort.Her tears faded away, the song having long ended. She sought to wipe away her tears with the back of her hand, the one with the charm bracelet of tiny bells. She looked inside her clutch purse, only to find to her dismay, she forgotten her handkerchief. From the corner of her eye, she noticed that Michael was holding out a clean handkerchief, the color of his shirt.

"Here, you can use this." smiling at her.

Taking it, she nodded, dabbing at her eyes, and her nose. "Thank you." when she was finished with it, Natasha moved to hand it back.

"You can keep it, just to make certain you have something on hand." Michael once again smiling, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Will you be all right?"

"I will be now." Natasha responded, feeling ever so much better. A chirp sounded from her clutch purse, causing her to look down. "I guess it is time for me to go."

"I guess so." Michael running the back of his fingers along her cheek. "I had a great time, tonight."

"So did I." holding his hand against her cheek then releasing it after a moment or two. She so wanted a kiss, from this man!

Michael turned to give Natasha a kiss on her cheek, but found himself kissing her lips instead. His eyes widened,then closed as her arms snaked around his neck stroking his hair. He reciprocating, arching her backwards into a dip, deepening his kiss feeling the silky softness of her hair against his hands and his face.

Natasha could feel her toes curl at his kiss, erasing any memory of her ex's kisses. Michael raised Natasha back to where she was standing upright, holding her steady to make certain she didn't lose her balance, with a bemused smile.
Natasha felt giddy, thankful that he was keeping her from falling leaning against him. Once she felt she could walk without stumbling, Natasha stepped away turned back to Michael, "Well, um... goodbye thank you." she said with a whimsical smile, turned and walked away brushing a hand through her hair not realizing she had knocked loose one of her barrettes, it falling to the ground.

Michael watched her leave, pursing his lips in a silent whistle, with one hand rubbing the back of his neck. "That was certainly unexpected." he quietly said, then set to return to the rest of his troupe where they were dancing and singing. Something caught his eye, shining in the light. He investigated, and picked up the object. When he realized what it was, a barrette that Natasha was wearing in her hair, he chuckled placing it in his pocket, he will make certain that it would be returned to its owner. He knew of one person who may help him in its return, Lieutenant Bumble.

USS Europa

Back in her quarters, Natasha gave a bit of a squeal, as she twirled about, hugging herself. It was such a wonderful evening, she was glad she visited the USS Andromeda. She felt revitalized, and very hopeful. She readied herself for bed, her red dress put away as well as her dancing shoes. She only would have a few hours of sleep before her shift started but she didn't care. She fell asleep, a smile stretching from ear to ear, with the memory of the song 'Lady in Red'