JP: Lieutenant Aitas & Lt. Commander Flynn - We're going to need more pillows (NT)

[Aitas]

((Starbase 118 - Flynn’s beachhouse in Little Risa))

((Shortly after 'Timing'))

::Aitas had been pacing back and forth for hours. First through the Vulcan district of the station, then she’d left a pattern of footprints traced outside Flynn’s home until she finally forced herself to step inside.

None of which had given her any further insight into what to tell Flynn, and her brief foray into meditation had only resulted in one shattered candle and a lingering smell of smoke.

Delaying wasn’t making this any easier. So she pushed the door open and stepped inside, then immediately threw her arms around Flynn once she caught sight of him. Pressed her head against his shoulder.::

::With some time to actually rest and recuperate, the Risian finally had the energy to get out there and enjoy the remainder of his leave. First on the list, lounge on his beach side hammock and strum at his ukulele. After that? Perhaps find someone to waste away the mid day on the deck with, maybe light a small fire in the pit. There would be no plan to conclude the day however, for planning only meant restricting the natural flow of a carefree mindset.

Wearing board shorts, a loose linen shirt, and no shoes (naturally), he carried his ukulele toward the front door as it swung open and shot an Aitas right into his welcoming arms.::

Flynn: ::An amused tone.:: Well hello there, I missed you too. Everything ok?

Aitas: Had my doctor visit early today. I’m...mostly fine?

Flynn: Mostly…? ::His look of amusement was quickly replaced with one of concern.:: was there a problem…?

Aitas: ::frowning:: No, nothing went wrong. I just don’t know if I’d describe pregnant as ‘fine’.

::There, she’d said it.::

Flynn: I uh…::did she just say..?:: I think I misheard you. ::A nervous laugh:: It sounded like you just said you were…::He couldn't even say it, the word was there but refused to pass his lips. He let the sentence hang.::

Aitas: Pregnant

::For a long moment he just stared blankly, the weight of the statement attempting to take hold.::

Flynn: How did...is it…?

::She’d expected surprise, but this was more akin to shock. As if he could barely acknowledge such a thing happening, let alone accept it.::

Aitas: Yours? Yes.

::Somehow she seemed to know the question that he was stumbling to ask.  He nodded slowly, the recent depth of their connection and her tightening grip made him all too aware of her own trepidation.

He wanted to comfort her, to sooth her apprehension and ease her fears. But he couldn't. It was like he was paralyzed, his head becoming numb and light, a pressure forming slowly in his chest.::

Flynn: ::He let out a deep breath:: You're going to have a….::He couldn't believe this was real.:: You’re going to have my..::He was definitely feeling a little dizzy::..B-baby?

Aitas: ::nodding.:: Yes. I think you should sit down though. ::Flynn seemed just a little wobbly.::

::Nodding slowly at the acknowledgement of her sound advice, he moved slowly to the couch and sat with a flop.::

Aitas: I don’t want you to feel worried- oO Rather late for that Oo - or obligated, but I...I’d like it very much if you wanted to be involved.

::That was when he realized what an idiot he was being.::

Flynn: Aitas I’m so sorry. I’m reacting like a total jerk. ::He put his face in his hands just long enough to let out a little groan and attempt to gather his wits before sitting back up and taking her hands.:: This is a lot to absorb, and I won't pretend I'm not scared ::How futile it would be:: but please know that I am completely in this with you.

Aitas: ::squeezing his hands:: Mirra recommended screaming into a pillow. I think we might both need to try that.

Flynn: ::a weak smile:: Is that how you seem so put together?

Aitas: I’m pretty terrified myself...but at least you have a lot of pillows?

Flynn: Let's hope it's enough...

---------------------------------------

Lt. Cmdr. Antero Flynn

Chief Helm Officer

Starbase 118 Ops

C239205AF0

&

Lieutenant Aitas

Chief Intelligence Officer

Starbase 118 Ops

O239307A10