Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek: A Look Back
Lael Rosek
((Observation Lounge, Deck 6, USS Chin’toka))
{{Time Index: New Year’s Eve, Evening}}
The absentees had seemingly been saved for last and that concluded the ceremony.
Mei’konda: Thank you all again, and I’m honored to be your Captain. We haave some time until New Year’s. Please, have some champagne if you liike, and we will soon riing in the new year.
Any: Responses
She turned to Serala to continue their conversation, but out of the corner of her eye, noted Chythar stepping toward Mei. She arched an eyebrow as Chythar smiled at her.
Skyfire: With your permission, Mei’konda, I wish to address the crew.
Mei’konda: Of course, Doctor. Be my guest.
Her Chythar sense was tingling and she knew for absolute certain that he was up to something. He’d never liked being the center of attention. In fact, he often had and still at times did, struggle with being in large crowds. She recalled times early in their friendship where she’d had to cajole him into attending parties and awards ceremonies even with people they knew.
Skyfire: Thank you, sir.
She was focused raptly on her partner, not wanting to miss a moment of this. Chances were she’d never live to see him so brazenly address a room full of people again.
Skyfire: You all have performed admirably in the face of adversity, and it is that which we choose to embrace when we joined Starfleet. That spirit, the trials we choose to face together, and the shared adventure into the unknown is what makes us family.
She saw his hand go into his pocket and come out in a fist. Her heart missed a beat and she heard T’Saara squeal in protest when she relaxed her grip a little too much. Shaking her surprise, she shifted T’Saara so that the little girl sat propped on one of her knees, facing toward Chythar.
He focused on her and closed the distance between them as he continued speaking. But she the words barely registered, her attention focused raptly on whatever he had concealed in his hand.
Skyfire: Family is another aspect of life, of which procreation or adoption of children is possible. This last year has been rough for all of us, and I freely admit this. However, in all of this, I choose to embrace the moment and realize that fatherhood needs one other essential element to make this completion of mine possible.
Before she could fully process what was happening, he was on one knee in front of her, opening a box containing a silver band. Her breath caught in her throat.
Rosek: oO Oh blessed heavens. This is really happening. He’s really going to-- Oo
The familiar Scots burr slipped into his voice and a watery smile appeared before she chewed anxiously on her lower lip.
Skyfire: Ah cannae imagine livin’ the rest of my life nor takin’ on the responsibilities of fatherhood alone. Lael Elizabeth Rosek, will ye marry me?
How many times had she pictured this moment? How many times had she wished and hoped? Nearly six long years of back and forth between them. An attraction and a connection that neither of them had been able to act on or admit out loud until a blessed day last year when they’d made the decision to adopt the little girl that had brought them closer than either of them could have ever imagined.
Being responsible together for another life had changed them both for the better. She’d seen another side of him and had been given yet another reason to want forever with him. Even with all of the chaos and uncertainty they’d endured, they’d become stronger together for it.
Rosek: ::murmurs:: Yes. A thousand times, yes.
She offered her left hand and felt his warm, strong hand steady hers. Surgeon’s fingers, slipping the ring onto her finger with exacting precision. Turning to Serala, she returned T’Saara to her mother as she rose to accept Chythar’s embrace and the kiss that followed.
Pulling away from the kiss to catch her breath, she leaned her forehead against his.
Skyfire: :: quietly :: I love you, Lael.
Rosek: ::murmurs:: I love you, too, an duine agam a bhith (my husband to be).
Any: Response
T’Saara: :: happily :: baa phftt mmaa ma pffthh gaaah. Eeeee
The little one’s excited squeals and noises drew a soft chuckle, Lael’s gaze returning to Chythar. She brushed her lips against his, certain she had a permanent stupid grin on her face to match his. They likely looked utterly ridiculous. But she didn’t care. Just when she’d thought things couldn’t get any better between them, they had.
Serala :: an emerald flush staining her cheeks :: shhh. You’re ruining the moment, Bean. :: looking at the happy couple and silently mouthing her next word. :: Sorry.
Rosek: ::shaking her head:: Don’t be. She’s just happy. ::grins:: Makes this moment even more perfect.
Lephi: Congratulations, sir!
Any: Response
Snow: Congratulations to you both!
The sound of clapping drew her attention.
Levinson: Congratulations.
Raga’brani: Agreed. Congratulations to you both. ::They said emphatically:: I thank you for letting me experience the forming of such a union. ::He bowed his head slightly::
Mei’konda: Yes, and congraatulations from me as well, Commander, Doctor. It has been a long tiime coming.
Rosek: ::smiles:: Thank you. ::turns to Chythar:: I’m a blessed woman.
Mei’konda: Let me know if there’s anythiing I can do to help before the ceremony, hm? Or duriing it.
She grinned as she picked up the hint. Her mother would likely push for a grandiose wedding back home. After all, Lael had deprived Adelynn of the pomp and circumstance the first time around when she’d eloped with Jensar. But a big, fancy affair had never really been Lael’s dream.
Starfleet defined her and Chythar both as well as their relationship. After all, Starfleet was what had brought them together. It only made sense that they have their ceremony and the reception here among their colleagues and friends.
Rosek: ::grins:: Absolutely, sir.
Skyfire / Any: Responses
As the group dispersed, she turned her attention back to her fiancé, wrapping her arms around his neck and brushing her lips against his.
Rosek: ~ You sneak. Is this what you were up to all this time? ~
Skyfire: ~ Aye. Dinnae want you to find out about it too early. Was it worth it?~
A smile turned up the corners of her lips. It had been so Chythar. How could it not have been? The fact that he’d stepped outside of his comfort zone to make it memorable for her was more than a little romantic. It had put his affections on full display in a way that words themselves couldn’t.
Rosek: ::murmurs:: ~ It was perfect. And you’re perfect for me. ~
Skyfire: ~ I am glad.~
Rosek: ~ Dance with me? ~
Skyfire: ~ Of course.~
Music began in the background, Chythar pulling her against him, the two of them moving through a slow waltz, one of the first dances she’d taught him years ago to impress Alex Blair. How fortunate for her that she was now benefiting from Chythar’s steadfast dedication to their early social lessons.
She allowed him to lead, her heart beating rapidly against the walls of her chest, the tender look in his eyes stealing her breath more than the movements themselves. To think...this man was hers. Irrevocably, unquestionably hers.
OOC: For those curious about the dance lessons Lael is referencing, please see Dancing Lessons, Part I, and Dancing Lessons, Part II.
