Lt. Silveira: One, two, three.

[btv....@sapo.pt]

((USS Artemis, deck 2, Holodeck 1))

It took him a few more seconds to realize that they were alone, and still with their hands meeting halfway.

He was afraid to say something stupid, but he took a deep breath as he looked at Nan. He smiled and tipped his head, finding strength in her. Taking another second he finally arranged his thoughts to speak.

Silveira: OK, this escalated rather quickly and… I don’t want to force you… But I would love to have you for dinner… Like the Captain said… But please if you don’t want to…

Jovenan: I don’t think the Captain can actually order us to have dinner together… but if you…

His smile widened and he stepped closer, closing the gap between them. Vitor gently pressed the Mini Sil.

Mini Sil: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

He frowned but kept smiling.

Silveira: Appropriate, although I say “don't look at the teeth of a gift horse.” But the meaning is there. Perhaps we could… Go with the flow?

Nan looked hesitant. Zie’s intervention must have scared her. And with good reason. 

A whirlwind of thoughts crossed his mind. Vitor had tried his best to give Nan enough space. He avoided physical contact as much as possible, in the hope he wasn't imposing. 

Granted he failed to resist the almost magnetic pull he felt. 

Nan took Mini Sil in her hands, stepping away and, in what felt to him like an eternity, raised her eyes. 

Jovenan: 1900 hours?

He smiled, repressing a sigh of relief. 

Silveira: It's perfect to me. 

She waved the doll in the air towards him.

Jovenan: I’ll be there.

Silveira: I'll be waiting. 

She turned abruptly as he stood there smiling.

Vitor took a few minutes before moving. 

He took a deep breath, walked to retrieve Mini Lyara and began to make his way out of the holodeck. 

Silveira: Computer save and close program. 

Computer: Acknowledged. 

oO I have a date to set up. Oo

((Timeskip, later that day, around 1900 hours))

((USS Artemis, deck 3, Silveira’s quarters))

Vitor finished quickly whatever pending matters the Tactical Department had for the day. Postponing what he couldn't solve and went earlier to his quarters.

He clean up and arranged the common area first, having the Computer running centuries old romantic songs as he finished those chores. He put Mini Lyara on his desk, next to his picture of Jonathan, and stashed away the PADDs in the drawer. 

He took a quick bath, saved and changed to a grey pants and a white shirt, opened at the second and collar buttons.

He checked the replicator, setting up a meal of Tagliatelle à la Carbonara, with Profiteroles for dessert. He replicated some fancy dishes and silverware, but was in doubt over the candles. 

Although they would provide a nice romantic mood, that felt a little too much for their first date. He shook his head, taking them out of the table. He was already choosing music to play in the background, for now that would be enough. 

The playlist ended up being quite long, with him carefully picking a good ensemble of songs from several origins. He had chosen the best romantic, up beat songs in English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish, and two were quickly added to his personal playlist. 

He was almost adding another one, but he felt it was a little early for that one.

oO Maybe after… Oo

His thought was cut short by his door chime and he almost stumbled on the couch, as he looked at the set dinner table.

Silvera: Computer save playlist and play it in loop.

Computer: Acknowledged. 

It wasn't overly loud, just enough to set up the mood and they could talk without raising their voices. 

Holding at the door he took a deep breath before opening it. 

Jovenan: Hi. ::attempted smirk:: Reporting as ordered.

He smiled, straightening himself and gesturing for her to enter. Vitor played along.

Silveira: Welcome Commander. Please be welcome into my quarters. ::he couldn’t keep up the fake formality for long though.:: You look stunning Nan.

Jovenan: Response 

Vitor felt his cheeks a little warmer as he followed her inside as the door closed behind them. He looked at Nan again before closing the gap between them.

Slowly he reached for her hands. The warmth of her touch made his smile grow, even if he wanted to be serious. 

Silveira: Nan… I have a few things to say before we… Well you know… First I haven't cooked dinner. The replicator recipe is mine, but I don’t have a proper kitchen here. I hope you don't mind.

And if you want I can turn the music off.

Jovenan: Response 

He smiled and nodded, taking a deep breath, gently squeezing her hands. 

Silveira: OK, thank you. Second… I think we should postpone our… Talk. Things are going a little faster and I am afraid you feel pressured. Let's take out the pressure, let's enjoy ourselves and let things flow naturally, without worrying or overthinking. Let's have dinner, chat and enjoy each other's company.

Jovenan: Response 

Vitor let out a sigh of relief as they appeared to be, as the expression goes, both on the same page.

Silveira: Good.

Slowly he got closer, losing himself in Nan’s green eyes. He drew her close to him and before she said anything else he hugged her.

His heart raced as he felt Nan’s embrace. Her arms around him were like a balm to him.

Vitor felt invigorated, stronger, alive in the time they were there in each other's arms.

Time lost any meaning. He didn't know how long they were there, a second, an hour, a lifetime… But he could stay in Nan’s arms for that long. And more.

He took a deep breath, before opening his eyes. Vitor didn't even know when he closed them. He smiled and kissed Nan’s head before leaning back, but still holding her.

Silveira: And that's the third thing. Forgive me, but I couldn’t resist hugging you.

Jovenan: Response 

TAG/TBC

Lt. Vitor S. Silveira

Chief Tactical Officer

USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287

O238907VS0