The Dance Begins

Posted on 11 Aug 2021 @ 7:04pm by Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov

Mission: Picking up the pieces
Location: Various
Timeline: Before current mission
3085 words - 6.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Ensign Porthos was dog tired, he had to do some repairs on some of the equipment. Never a good thing to let that slide due to someone being negligent, especially since he used the equipment himself. Yawning, he stretched out his arms as he did so then stopped in mid yawn.

"What's this?!" Porthos exclaimed have noticed a vase with two roses in a crystal vase just outside his quarters. He crouched down to inspect it, then reached out to check the note on it. His eyebrows raised "Holy smoke! She found me!" a huge smile appeared. He quickly looked around, picked up the vase with the two roses and took them inside. When he read the note once more, Porthos knew she did do her research. He was impressed. He knew she had skills, and knew that she'd be able to put things together. And Rose wanted to see him.

Porthos looked at the time and gasped, he had only a half an hour to get ready. Any sign of fatigue was gone. A half an hour later he was at the arboretum. Feeling nervous, and carrying the vase with the two roses in it. The dark haired engineer was wearing a nice pair of slacks and a blue dress shirt, with slip on shoes. Hopefully this wasn't a set up.

As Porthos entered the Arboretum, he saw the lights had been dimmed with the exception of a single spotlight over a small table in the middle of the room. On the table stood the vase He had left for Rose with the flower still inside, the light causing the crystal of the vase to glimmer as he stepped inside.

Standing at the other end of the room, Rose was nervously waiting to see what he would do. Perhaps she was being a little over the top with what she was doing, but she'd never courted someone before. Waiting for him to make a move, she would take a step forward for ever step he took. to say she felt uncomfortable would be an understatement, not only did she not like uncertain situations but she wasn't use to wearing a dress. She'd gone to the effort to get all dressed up, maybe a little to dressed up for this kind of meeting.

Porthos sucked in his breath seeing what lay before him. And her taking a step towards him as he moved towards her. It seemed like a dance, a scene straight out of a movie. He didn't falter his eyes drinking in eagerly her breathtaking beauty. He had always wondered just what it would be like to actually have a chance with Rose. Could this be really happening? He knew he was awake and this was certainly feeling rather real. When they meet face to face, Porthos looked into her eyes.

"if I am dreaming let me stay asleep. If I am awake do not let me sleep. Before me now I see a lady most fair, and I dare not breathe in case she should vanish." his voice filled with wonder.

Rose smiled, “then let me put your mind at ease. You are not dreaming. This is all really happening” she said, feeling how nervous yet enamoured he was. “So, May I ask how long you have been admiring me? I took the liberty of looking up your service record and it seems we have a few assignments in common”

Desmond, for that was his first name, blushed. "It's been a long while.. Rose. Is it alright if I call you that? I first saw you back at the Marine Academy, and yes our paths have crossed a few times. And it wasn't my doing okay? Just to let you know." his cheeks cooling off now. He was worried that she might think that he was stalking her.

Rose laughed at Desmond’s awkwardness, “don’t worry Desmond, I know you weren’t stalking me for years. It was simple luck that we were assigned to the same postings. And yes it’s fine to call me Rose, this is as informal as it can be for now. Normally I don’t wear dresses, I find them too uncomfortable and besides, have you ever tried to run in a dress? It’s not easy” she said as she started to feel more relaxed around him. It helped that she could feel he was as nervous as she was right now.

“Though, before we go any further I just want you to know I do have a daughter” Rose said, wanting to be as clear and upfront as possible from the start.

Desmond smiled, "I do know that you have a sweet baby. I've seen her from time to time when I've had to go work on something in the childcare facility." his smile drooped as well. "I also know you've lost your husband. He was a good man. My condolences." and definitely he was sorrowful about that loss.

Rose gave a slight head nod, “thank you. He was a good man, but I didn’t invite you here to hear about my previous relationships. While I’m glad you don’t have any issues with me already having a child, I want to give you as good a chance as anyone should have, and having all the information before we jump into things would give you that chance” she said, stopping herself from mumbling on to much.

Desmond smiled gently, "I appreciate that, Rose." he nodded towards the vase with the rose that started this. "I didn't know what you would think when I put this together. I hoped that you would be intrigued enough to find out whom left that. I didn't know if you were or not. I decided to take a chance." he stopped, feeling like he was starting to babble. Then he smiled. "Sorry, I am feeling like an awkward teenager, meeting the girl of his dreams for the very first time. "

Rose smiled, “well, if I’m your dream girl, I feel very sorry for you” she said, before taking in a deep breath and giving a sigh, “I’m willing to see where this leads. While I don’t think it’ll be easy, I’m sure a pair of jarheads like us can handle it. Though it looks like you’ve been a little lax in your PT lately”

"Oh?" Desmond looking at himself. He'd not been gaining any weight. Then paused to look at her. "I have kept in shape but, I've not been able to do the full training for awhile." giving a bit of a smile. "What do you suggest, Rose?"

Rose gave a playful grin, “well, we could test your reach and my flexibility”

"Hmnn... sounds to me like an invitation to dance." Desmond reaching out and taking her hand in his, pulling her close into a dance position. His movements graceful. "Or are you meaning something else." looking deep into her eyes.

“This will do for now. Don’t want to move things too quickly now do we” Rose replied, having meant something a little more physical, but now that she thought about it, perhaps a couple of dates would be a good idea before they got to that level of familiarity.

Desmond slowly shook his head, "This is our first official meeting, Rose, and we need to see if we like each other sitting across a table from each other or, if we like to walk along the beach beneath a silvery moon. Or even, do some practicing with our blades." grinning.

Rose was surprised, “you know how to wield a blade? What’s your preference?” She asked, not expecting him to suggest such an activity. Though as her brain caught up, a walk along a beach did also sound like a pleasant evening.

"The Bat'leth, the katana and longswords. I do like the Bat'leth it can be incorporated into a dance. Rather graceful. It will be your choice Rose. Dinner, a romantic walk along the beach?" Desmond giving a smile. Still having his arms around her and thinking it to be rather nice having her there.

Rose smiled, “why not both? I’m sure we could find a holodeck program that would suit our needs for such an occasion” she said as she tried to relax a little before she would end up crushing his hand in hers out of nervousness. “Would you prefer a beach on Earth or did you have somewhere else in mind? Bajor, Trill, Andoria?”

"I was thinking a beach on Earth, Waimanalo Beach – Oʻahu. It is quite beautiful." releasing her from the close dance position and leading her by the hand towards the small table, where the two chairs sat beside. With his free hand he pulled one of the chairs closer to the other, and motioned for Rose to sit, reluctantly letting go of her hand. "When would you like to have dinner with me?"

Rose shrugged, “we could give it a go tonight if you feel up for it. Otherwise I’m open to suggestions. You’re often kept more busy with work than I am”

Desmond gave a nod, "Rose to be quite honest, I'm going to let you take the lead. Dinner tonight, walk along the beach, have two dates before we get intimate or if you'd like it tonight, I'm willing too. Both of us being marines, we know time can be real short. Just as long as it feels right and natural. " reaching out and running his fingers along her cheek. "I am looking forward to when I can wake up next to you, and seeing your beautiful face." him leaning in for a kiss.

Rose took a deep breath as she thought, “marines also need to know what they’re getting into before deployment. For now I say we should take things slow, perhaps a nice dinner for tonight then see where things go.”

Desmond pulled back and smiled, "As you wish, Rose." releasing her from his embrace and offering his elbow to her, "Shall we go take a walk on a moon lit beach and have some dinner?"

Rose smiled, “while that does sound nice, I think a meal in 10 forward would be better for now”

"The Medusa Head Lounge sounds good to me." Desmond offered his elbow " Shall we? And we can also do some catching up as well. And I'd like to hear about your baby as well. "

Taking the offered arm, Rose took a breath to keep herself calm, “so, where do you want to start? I believe our last assignment in common was that Starbase near the Romulan Neutral Zone”

"Yes it was, you and your squad had taken quite the beating, but were able to com out on top. I have a lot of respect for how well you handled it. " Desmond replied as they got to the turbo lift.

Rose laughed, “yea, those were the days. Running around the Neutral Zone keeping an eye on the Empire” she said, as the two of them stepped into the turbolift, “ten forward” Rose ordered before turning her attention back to Desmond, “well after that I transferred to the Cardassian DMZ where I had less fun to say the least. My squad ran across an old Dominion base overrun with crazy Jem’Hadar. Fortunately I didn’t loose anyone but I think that was the moment I started to reconsider my career path because about a year after that I went back to Earth to re-attend the academy to become a security officer”

As the turbolift came to a stop, Rose allowed Desmond to lead her out of the lift and into the Medusa’s head lounge. Quickly finding an empty table, they sat down and continued to talk.

"I was with the corps of engineers for some time but I wanted more. I loved the marines, loved the corps of engineers but, it just wasn't seeming to go where I wanted to go. Besides I wanted to get more education. That's when I decided I wanted to go to the Academy. I got my rank of Ensign. I really have enjoyed being here on this ship. I do know you were here before I was, however, I didn't know you were here until I caught a glimpse of you and I could scarce believe my eyes. I thought I was hallucinating." Desmond laughed.

“Well I’m glad you did. Notice me that is, I’m pretty sure I’m not a hallucination, but if I am why do t you come leave a Rose at my door again when you wake up” Rose said, giving him a gentle smile, “and maybe leave a few more details in the note, that way I don’t have to use Starfleet resources to find you”

"You are a woman whom I know does like puzzles so I made one just for you. However I'd be glad to leave a rose at your door with more details if you wish."
Desmond grinning.

A server came over to take their order for dinner. Desmond asked for a simple bowl of stew with bread and a drink along with a salad. The server turned to look at Rose for her order.

Rose ordered a bowl of tomato soup with a glass of red wine. She didn’t really want to think too much about what she was eating right now and the wine was sure to help keep her nerves in check.

“So why engineering?” Rose asked, trying to think of what that could talk about rather then sitting there in silence.

"When I was a small lad, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together. And it continued on to adulthood. I just like fixing things. It's fun, enjoyable, even exciting." Desmond replied with a grin. "I like solving puzzles too, so being an engineer, a person can go look for the puzzle of, what is going wrong on this ship. Let's fix it."

Rose smiled, "I guess it's just a hell of a change of careers, going from blowing things up to putting them back together" she said, thinking over her own reasons for changing careers. "how long ago did you go back to the academy?"

"I went back about the same time as you did, Rose. I had caught a glimpse of you it was from afar. I tried to catch up to you but, well you disappeared into a crowd. And that was the last time I saw you, until here." Desmond replied.

“Yea, I kind of turned into a wallflower at the academy. It took me a while to get used to the Fleetie life, and I was still dealing with what happened to my unit so I didn’t really want to talk to anyone. Sorry I didn’t notice you when we were there”

"Nah don't worry about it. I think we have met at a good time. When probably the Universe has deemed that it was the right time. Well when I decided to make a move. I am sorry I didn't try to connect with you until now." Desmond reaching out and taking Rose's hand. "Can't worry about the past, we've got the here and now to explore and move forward. Sound good?" Desmond giving her a smile.

Rose smiled as she gave a slight shake of her head, “you’re such an optimist aren’t you” she asked rhetorically, “but again you’re not wrong”

Desmond had to laugh, "It better to try to look at the possible bright point and I firmly believe that the timing may not have been right, until now."

“Well if anything you managed to grab my attention so that’s as good a place to start as any” Rose said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, “so, are you the one I get to call from now on when I need something mechanical fixed?”

"Well, if you'd like you may?" Desmond replied, returning the hand squeeze. " I'd be more than happy to personally take care of the mechanical difficulties. And also be around when there aren't any difficulties. As in going on dates that sort of thing." smiling softly.

"oh of course, I didn't mean that I wanted to just use you like some tool." Rose said, hoping she wasn't tripping over her words, "I'll try not to call while you're on duty"

"Rose, just breathe, if you want to send me a message it will be alright. And I won't consider you, using me either. Don't worry, I didn't take what you said wrong." Desmond giving a smile.

Taking a couple of deep breaths, Rose gave a nervous smile, "I'm sorry, I'm not usually like this. I guess it's just been a while"

He moved to where he was seated next to her, "Rose, you are going to be all right." Sliding an arm about her waist, and pulling her close in a gentle embrace.

Feeling her heart beat quicken, Rose's cheeks turned a slight shade of green. Swallowing her nerves, she wrapped her own arm around Desmond's shoulder, "if you get any closer, we might as well move this conversation to somewhere more private"

"Well this is a far as I will go unless you wish to quicken our dance." Desmond replied with a wink. "However there is still the matter of a date or two before we jump in with both feet." giving a tender smile.

"Well how about dinner, then lunch and dinner, then a weekend together?" Rose suggested

"Okay that is doable, and also sounds wonderful." Desmond giving Rose a kiss on the cheek. "Now lets finish dinner and I'll walk you to where you can get Zeva and call it an evening. Sound good?" smiling at Rose as he pulled away to get back to his supper.

Rose nodded, “that sounds good. Ziva is with the daycare center"

Dinner finished, and Desmond held out his hand towards Rose, help her out of the seat. "Shall we? And it certainly has been quite the enchanted evening, for me." smiling and offering his arm to her.

Taking Desmond's arm, Rose placed a hand onto his and gave him a warm smile, "thank you for tonight"

"You are welcome, Rose." and left Medusa's Head with Rose, to collect Zeva.

OFF:

Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov
Chief of Intelligence

Ensign Desmond Porthos
Engineer:Npc Lieutenant Michael Hawkins