Lt. Silveira: Opening the book.

[btv....@sapo.pt]

((USS Artemis, deck 3, corridor))

Vitor came across Nan as she left the turbolift. She was scared but he wasn’t sure if he should follow her or not. That hesitation allowed Nan to backtrack and catch up with him.

Vitor gestured for Nan to enter and he followed her inside the turbolift.

He began to blush, not sure why but probably remembering what he almost told her…

But then… Then he was thinking of Jo…

With an awkward smile he avoid Nan’s eyes and started talking.

Silveira: How about we go to the Elysium? Not all replictors are working but most of the bottles survived.

Jovenan: That sounds good to me. I, um, don’t know much about the drinks they might have, but I can try if you guide me through. ::to the computer:: Elysium.

He nodded a little too enthusiastically, trying to compose himself.

oO She’s your sister in law… Sort of… Just get a grip you idiot. Oo

Silveira: I… Have… Have you been eating properly?

Mentally he facepalmed himself. What hell of a question was that?

Nan looked straight at him for a few seconds before replying.

Jovenan: Well, um, not really. Not since the previous shoreleave, and not even then with the incident in the cave and all that. Except our cooking date, of course. Have – have you?

Vitor shrugged. He wasn’t sure when was the last time he got a proper meal.

Silveira: Not really. I am surviving on sandwiches and coffee. Likely more coffee than I should.

Jovenan: Let’s see if they have something to eat, then. Maybe we could make this an eating date as well.

Vitor smiled but couldn't hide his surprise. 

oO A date? No… Not that… C’mon take a hold of yourself. Oo

Summoning all self control he nodded. Certainly Nan didn't mean it as that sort of date.

No. He was just a friend to her.

Vitor forced himself to push back into the depths of his mind any other thoughts…

Or feelings.

Silveira: It will be my pleasure.

It didn’t take them long to reach deck 6, and make their way to the Elysium.

Discreetly Vitor glanced at Nan, she somehow looked more peaceful, almost relaxed, and he was happy that he managed to bring her some peace.

((USS Artemis, deck 6, Elysium))

Considering they were on shore leave, the Elysium was quiet. Considering what happened Vitor thought it would be almost empty. They walked to the bar and Nan pointed at some of the bottles.

Jovenan: Do you think one of those would be good?

Vitor looked them over. He winced and didn't actually see something suitable to go with a meal.

Silveira: Maybe after we eat.

He turned to the waiter behind the counter.

Silveira: Can you please get us a cherry tomato salad each. And water.

The waiter smiled and nodded as they walked to an empty table. Nan sat down and sighed.

Vitor tensed slightly worrying about her.

Was she going to say what bothered her?

Was she leaving?

That thought crashed through his mind violently.

Instead her question got him totally off guard.

Jovenan: You have family on Earth, right, in Portugal? Are you going to visit them?

He blinked before bouncing back and nodding.

Silveira: Yes. My paternal grandparents live there. I am taking a week off to see them and the rest of the family. My parents are also coming, with my grandparents from my mother's side. ::He smiled when he mentioned the next name.:: My son Jonathan and his mother will also be joining.

Jovenan: Response

Vitor leaned back, his smile widening.

Silveira: Really? I thought I might have mentioned him. As I say, my life is an open book. He's almost ten now. His mother, Thera, and I met at the Academy. We were eventually stationed together in Ops and were part of the Excalibur’s launch crew. That's why that ship is so… Special to me…

Jovenan: Response

The memories changed his expression and he smiled sadly.

Silveira: No, she left Starfleet after the first mission of the Excalibur. She's Andorian, so as you can guess it wasn't an easy pregnancy. And… ::Vitor shrugged:: Things didn't work out between us, but we have a good friendship now and… Well she's family… ::he leaned back his smile now gone.:: I always screw up my relationships… The only time I didn't… I wish I had…

He looked at Nan. For a second he lost himself in her eyes.

But again Vitor managed to compose himself and leaned forward, faking a smile.

Silveira: Sorry. Enough about me. How about you? Planning on visiting your family? Taking some time out of the ship ?

Jovenan: Response

TAG/TBC

Lt. Vitor S. Silveira

Chief Tactical Officer

USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287

O238907VS0