[[Backsim]] Lt. JG T’Fearne - Mustard the Courage
Teayl Thorn
((Poolside, the Farm, Endicronimus V))
She had taken several steady laps of the pool, cutting smoothly through the water as the sunset shifted to a hot fuchsia and the poolside mood lighting activated—soft amber bands beneath the surface, no doubt calibrated to “Promote recovery and relaxation”. The water held warmth like a blanket on a cold night, keeping her beneath the surface. So very different from the subsurface streams she had been swept up in under B’Hala. She was glad that Sybil had, in her own quiet way, helped her overcome the fear associated with that memory. The swim she had tonight had been exhilarating.
She kept half an eye on the path leading down from the bar.
Tess appeared at the edge of her vision in lightweight garments of blue and green, practical and textured fabrics chosen for ease of movement and style. She paused at the far side of the pool, pressing her shoulder blades against the tile to steady her breathing—and herself—while she observed him.
The security-trained portion of her mind assessed first. oO Practical cut. No impediments to motion. Approved. Oo
Then, annoyingly, a distinctly Betazoid dilettante corner chimed in to note that the colours were flattering on him, according to Betazed aesthetic trends, and the textiles were suitable for warm evenings and outdoor dining. A third, more rational voice dismissed both lines of thought as entirely irrelevant.
When she realised she was holding a three-way internal debate, she pushed off the wall decisively.
oO Enough! Oo
She surfaced and drew herself from the temperate water, the warm breeze instantly cooling her skin and causing a faint shiver. As she went for her belongings, she found Tess standing squarely in her path.
The look on his face—almost wistful—caught her breath.
There it was again. That spark. That quiet thrill she had never quite been able to name. It had begun as a simple appreciation the day they met. Then affinity. Then something deeper—interest, attraction—each day layering upon the last. She had ignored it at first, then doubted herself, convinced she was being foolish to imagine their connection as anything more than collegial warmth.
Proxima Sigma IV had changed that.
It had forced her to see what she had been carefully not seeing.
Still, she needed to be sure that the pull was mutual. That it wasn’t confusion, misinterpretation, or wishful projection. Aliens were confusing at times, humans especially, and she didn’t want to offend him if she had made a mistake.
And here he was.
Standing in front of her.
Time to reveal once and for all how she felt about Tess Evinrude.
T’Fearne: Tess. ::slightly nervous grin:: Thank you for coming.
She gestured toward her belongings. He stepped aside as she gathered the large orange silk scarf, wide-brimmed hat, and sandals.
Evinrude: Hi, T'Fearne. ::As she lifted the hat out of the way, he joked.:: Expecting trouble? Hiding any batons, phasers, handcuffs…
She blinked, slightly surprised at the guess. But then shrugged, and the self-deprecating grin spread over her face.
T'Fearne: After the PSIV investigation, I suppose I can’t pretend I don’t usually have a weapon on me. ::shrugs lightly:: But not tonight, no weapons needed. ::earnestly:: My shields are down, Tess. No red alerts on the horizon.
She lifted her arms slightly away from her body in a wordless see?—though the bikini set made it abundantly clear there was nowhere to conceal anything on her person. His smile deepened, colour rising faintly in his cheeks as he met her eyes.
Evinrude: Thank you for reaching out. I've...missed you.
She felt the briefest pang of guilt and set it aside. Humans shifted emotions quickly, sometimes without warning—but his words mattered. And beneath them, she sensed happiness. Even eagerness.
Her heart raced, a little unsteadily now that he was before her.
T'Fearne: I’ve missed you too, Tess. ::stepping closer:: Let's talk, my friend.
He nodded, lifting his drink for a small sip, his posture betraying a hint of nerves.
Evinrude: Oh, of course. Did you...want to talk here, or over dinner? ::He shrugged agreeably.:: I don't mind either way, as long as we stay outside...the sky is incredible right now.
She glanced over her shoulder as Endicronimas V’s sunset shifted, the colours deepening toward violet and gold. Dusk would soon follow.
T'Fearne: I did promise you dinner and drinks. There’s a table over there ::gesturing with a tilt of her chin::—we’ll keep this view. Let’s talk there. I’ll just dry off first.
She passed beneath a metal arch and waved her hand, triggering a controlled sonic pulse that shook the water from her skin and hair. Ninety per cent dry, but with hair still hanging in heavy, damp spirals. T’Fearne wrapped the orange silk scarf around herself, twisting it into a casual dress, clipped her combadge back into place, and slipped on her sandals.
Appropriate for dining now, and matching Tess’s level of dress, they continued to the dining spot together.
T’Fearne leaned back slightly, letting the last warmth of the sunset wash over her skin, but mostly watching Tess as he enjoyed the sunset as it slipped into indigo’s. He seemed to watch the horizon for a moment longer, as if memorising it, before turning back to her.
Evinrude: Response
T'Fearne: I appreciate that, and if you had reached out first, I would have welcomed it. ::gentle smile:: It seems we were both being cautious. Things were complicated—are complicated. ::matter-of-factly:: I dislike leaving things uncertain. Especially with people I care about.
Evinrude: Response
She met his emerald gaze and held it, the fading fire of the sky reflected in her dark eyes. Gesturing to herself—please, let me go first.
T'Fearne: I admire you, Tess. I have for quite some time—possibly since the day we met, and you dragged me to Sickbay with blue lips and that ridiculous allergic reaction. ::wry grin:: I remember thinking an ensign with that much initiative would make a good captain someday. :: expression softening:: Then we became friends. And I saw your diligence in your profession, your sense of empathy and your humour. Your friendship means a great deal to me.
With soft butterflies fluttering in her ribcage, T’Fearne extended her hand, palm up, open and unguarded, and waited to see what he would do.
Evinrude: Response
She drew in a deep breath, steadying herself.
T'Fearne: I appreciate that. You didn’t overstep. I—::quiet exhale:: There isn’t quite the right word in Federation Standard for how I feel for you, Tess. ::small shake of her head:: I’m attracted to you—beyond what’s appropriate for casual friends or colleagues. ::not looking away:: It’s no secret I’m half Betazoid. I only sense emotions sometimes, not thoughts. And what I feel from you makes me believe the feeling might be mutual. If I’m mistaken—if you don’t feel the same—I will never mention this again.
The space between them felt suddenly charged, alive, as though the evening itself had paused to listen.
Evinrude: Response
[Tags / TBC]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14