[[BACKSIM]] Lt. JG T’Fearne - Quis es, Tess?
Teayl Thorn
((Poolside Dining, The Farm, Endicronimas V))
She lifted her glass and tapped it lightly with a soft chime against Tess’s offered one in an old human gesture she’d learned at the Academy. Something about sharing poison together, she remembered someone explaining once.
T'Fearne: What shall we declare these libations to?
Evinrude: To…making time.
That sounded like a very good sentiment. The grin slipped freely onto her lips, no need to suppress her feelings here, not with Tess.
T'Fearne: ::adding to his sentiment, in Betazoid:: Talora imzaa veshara, shai’lin shalara eneth virem1.
She sipped her drink as the glow bloomed and began to fade. It was an excellent Betazoid Sunset, with a subtle twist she suspected was local to the Farm—something she couldn’t quite identify. The sparkling rose-nectar wine, the blood-orange essence, and a drop of glowing starlime came together in a euphoric harmony of flavour, colour, and scent as the liquid slipped across her tastebuds.
She was not yet affected by the beverage’s alcohol content, but she was affected by the night…and by Tess. Feeling the occasional currents of emotion drifting from him was like being pleasantly intoxicated by proxy.
Evinrude: ::With a small, playful smile, his eyebrows raised.:: And what does that translate to?
T’Fearne: Roughly… “To open hearts, and to whatever path they choose to walk together.” ::slight shrug:: Betazoid meaning is nuanced when emotions are involved.
His expression softened, and he nodded slowly.
Evinrude: I like that. A lot.
He took another sip.
Evinrude: So much of me is expecting an interruption. ::He chuckled, rolled his eyes, and relaxed his shoulders.:: Some emergency, some evolving predicament. Not tonight, I think. ::Another sip of the mule.:: “Open hearts.” ::he said, quoting back to her.:: Is there…anything you want to talk about? To ask me? My heart’s open.
That subtle green shimmer of nervousness glowed from him briefly. She felt it too coming from herself sparking as something new was forming between them. Warmth spread through her chest.
T’Fearne: I’m glad that is how you feel. I was also hoping this evening could be just about us.
She paused, momentarily caught by the depth of those green eyes. It took a moment to remember he had actually asked her a question.
T’Fearne: I can ask you…anything? ::warning smirk:: You know how to get a security officer's interest.
oO You know how to get this security officer's interest. Oo
Evinrude: I know, I know…it’s a very standard “first date” thing to ask. But it occurred to me that, even though I feel as if I know you…from working in close quarters, through life-or-death situations… ::He smiled, realizing the unusual romantic circumstance they found themselves in, trying to have a relationship in Starfleet.:: …there are many things I don’t know about you.
She felt a brief moment of uncertainty. Perhaps she had been too forward earlier—too Betazoid in her openness. Maybe she should have waited until after dinner to reveal her feelings. But the Ronin already had a reputation with the Department of Temporal Investigations for their incidental temporal meddling. She couldn’t…wouldn’t wish to go back in time and do it again.
She took another sip, the drink's glow now almost faded, the last shimmer reflecting faintly in her eyes as she tipped up the glass.
T’Fearne: What moment in your career so far has changed you the most?
Evinrude: Oh. That’s a great one. ::Another sip.:: Let me think on that…
While he considered his answer, T’Fearne shifted slightly closer without entirely intending to. Her hand found his again, fingers curling gently through his as she waited.
And with the skin to skin contact came the clearer current of his emotions brushing across her senses, subtle at first, then layering. Excitement. A little uncertainty. A steady warmth of his pulse radiated against her palm. It wasn’t overwhelming, not yet, but it was enough to blur the edges of her own emotional centre if she lingered too long.
She resisted the instinct to withdraw.
This was why she rarely maintained prolonged physical contact. Not because she always disliked it, but because it required stern mental control and focus to remain separate. To keep others emotional currents from overwhelming her. From bombarding her nervous system and distracting her, becoming emotionally compromised. She needed to find a teacher, a Vulcan or a Betazoid, to guide her through strengthening her mental boundaries, especially with her mental abilities seeming to be growing and her relationships changing.
Evinrude: Response
T’Fearne: ::tilting her head slightly:: I remember that mission. ::deep breath:: I was worried for you, and Alyndra and Sybil. Things turned out as well as they could, but that does sound like a moment that clarified things for you.
She studied his expression, then allowed a small smile.
T’Fearne: Did it?
Evinrude: Response
T’Fearne: From the moment we met, I’ve seen you fixing things, stepping up, taking the initiative, jumping into action when others need you. You act decisively and before anyone thinks to ask. I can see why you’re a starfleet officer. Why you might have been drawn to this life of duty. I’ve come to know you as a fiercely competent operations officer…someone who sings & plays guitar, makes drinks for everyone at the bar…someone who will walk into strange and dangerous places without hesitation to help a friend. I admire that about you. But that isn’t all you are. When you're not being the person others rely on…who are you, Tess?
Her dark liquid eyes watched him intently. Curious as to what he would answer.
Evinrude: Response
[Tags / TBC]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14