PNPC Crewman Jozial Renirs – This story, read only to a few
Jovenan
((Promenade, Cait Spacedock))
The gelato vanished from their cups. As Kliss took their empty cups to a reclaimer, Jozial waited her, worrying the date was going the way of the gelato: It had been good, but now it was over. They resumed their promenade along the Promenade of the Spacedock, their hands now lacking a cup and a spoon to hold, hanging by their sides, unused. Kliss smoothened her skirt.
What could she do to make the date last forever? Nothing, really, but she could always try to prolong it, and make sure it shall happen again. Tomorrow, next week, when they’re in middle of the empty space when blueshirts were doing their space magic rituals. She wanted to meet her again as soon as possible, but lacking telepathic plot-conveniences, she didn’t know if Kliss would want to see her anymore.
Renirs: Kliss, uh, do you have plans for the rest of the shoreleave? Or, a lot of work when we leave the Spacedock?
Kliss’lai: Well for starters, I have to contact your supervisor so you don't get in trouble. Other than that, um ... ::hopefully:: I don't have any solid plans. Do you?
Oh, don’t waste time contacting that scrooge of a person. Actually, please do, otherwise the Supervising Petty Officer would probably warp her butt to a court martial for assaulting a superior as a result of the fight they were going to have over Jozial had deserted her post.
Renirs: I have work, but I can be flexible with it. What I really wanted to ask was, umm, if you and I, we, could go and have food… again, someday. And maybe do something else too. If… If you have the time, and if you want, of course.
Kliss’lai: YES.
Jozial flinched ever so slightly, unexpecting Kliss to respond with such fervour. Did she miss something, had something happened? Yes what? Wait… yes? Did she say YES!?
Kliss'lai: Sorry, what I meant was: I would very much like to spend more time with you, Jozial. This evening has truly been incredible ::blushing slightly as she added:: and that's not even considering the food.
“Incredible”. Not “it was fine” or even “nice”. Incredible. And not just the food either. Sure, it could have meant the locale, the ambiance, the position of stars in the non-existent sky, but she wanted to believe Kliss had meant the company. Her cool exterior cracked again as her smile widened on her blushing face.
Renirs: I loved the not-even-considering-the-food as well!
They continued to walk. Jozial was now certain their heading was towards the umbilical to the Artemis. This evening had been perfect, and it had received a perfect ending, as she now knew Kliss had enjoyed her company as much as she had hers. She felt a warmth emitting from somewhere within her, as if the butterflies had been set in flames by a cluster of dragonflies. She had said yes!
Kliss'lai: Jozial? Would ... would it be ok if I ... can I hold your hand?
She stopped. Jozial’s entire face had turned crimson. The butterflies had eaten the dragonflies and only become stronger. Her mouth opened a little, making effort in signalling whatever her brain was attempting patch through.
Renirs: I – I – I…
She turned her head away and closed her eyes. Yet, not looking, she raised her arm, just a little, towards her and offered her hand. Soon, she felt slight pressure surrounding the extended hand, as five fingers slid between hers, and their palms met. Jozial closed her hand, squeezing lightly. It was so soft, and so warm; Trills had cold hands, and Andorians had effective heat transfer to their extremities. Jozial moved her thumb a little, feeling the back of the palm she held.
Opening her eyes, she turned back to Kliss. The first thing Jozial saw were her mesmerizing grey eyes, looking straight at her, and Jozial stared back. They were close, so close, that not blinking, she could see the little strands on her irises. Quickly, Jozial dropped her eyes to her hand. It was enclosed by Kliss’ delicate yet strong, beautiful blue hand. Jozial raised her eyes back up.
She felt the urge to kiss her.
But she didn’t. It was too much, she couldn’t. Not saying a word, but not letting go either, she turned towards their original direction. They resumed walking, with Kliss’ hand in her grasp, and vice versa.
As they went on, she felt being watched. Not that she had actually caught anyone staring at them, but she was certain they did. As unfamiliar the situation was to her, she didn’t know what to think of getting attention from strangers for it. Was she bashful, ashamed? No, why would she? Proud? Did she want to be seen? No, but…
Ultimately, she decided to ignore them, to not mind the stares of the others. They knew nothing of them, they were not part of this story.
((A bit later))
((Deck 5, USS Artemis))
This is where they had left. It had been only a few hours, but it didn’t feel like that. They had barely been able to talk to one another, yet now, as Kliss’ quarters door was coming to their views, they were still holding hands.
They stopped in front of the door. Turning to face each other, the intertwined hands in the space between them, Jozial felt her breathe slowing. Her heart had been running marathons at warp speeds at times, but, for some reason, she felt calm now. Like a different person.
Kliss’lai: Response
Renirs: ::glances at the door, then back:: Yes, it is. I guess… this is the end, then.
Not letting go, she spoke some more.
Renirs: Umm, Kliss? I – I wanted to tell you that… that I like you.
Kliss’lai: Response
((OOC: The title and some lines in the sim are reference to song Ihmisten edessä, of which the scene reminded me a lot.))
TAG/TBC
----
Crewman Third Class Jozial Renirs
Enlisted technician
USS Artemis-A
E239911J11