[[BACKSIM]] Lt JG Tess Evinrude - Vegemite be Falling For You

[Tess Evinrude]

((Poolside, the Farm, Endicronimas V))

She hauled herself out of the water with now-familiar athletic grace, and seemed not to have spotted him yet. His heart pitter-pattered with affection as he was reminded of the moment they first met, almost a full year ago in the 47 Lounge. Though a stranger, the way she had searched the stars had struck him with feelings of unexpected affinity. He found himself smiling, and he was certain it wasn't the daiquiri.

T’Fearne: Tess. ::slightly nervous grin:: Thank you for coming.

He stepped aside so she could reach for her belongings, and realized with a subtle glance at her bikini that he hadn't brought swimwear. He was wearing a breathable shortsleeve button-down, pale blue with a faint houndstooth pattern, and faded mint green shorts that rose above the knee. A pair of sunglasses poked out of his shirt's pocket, vaguely "aviator" style.

Evinrude: Hi, T'Fearne. ::As she lifted the hat out of the way, he joked.:: Expecting trouble? Hiding any batons, phasers, handcuffs...

A grin spread over her face; was it self-deprecating? He hadn't meant to poke at anything personal, he was just fond of her preparedness.

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, showing the clear lack of weaponry hiding in the swimsuit. His face flushed a little more as he met her eyes again.

Evinrude: Thank you for reaching out. I've...missed you.

His voice was earnest, but he was also hit with a small pang of guilt. It seemed so silly, now, that he hadn't asked her to dinner, hadn't prioritized this.

T'Fearne: I’ve missed you too, Tess. ::stepping closer:: Let's talk, my friend.

With a nod, Tess took a sip of his drink and managed to wrestle a small rush of emotion under control.
oO My friend? Maybe...this isn't a date? Ugh, relax! Oo
No matter what it was, T'Fearne was his friend, and if she was seeking some answers then he would do his best to help her find them.

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.

Endicronimas V’s sunset morphed, the colours adopting a violet and gold hue that mixed with violet and indigo. 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. Tess couldn't help but watch for a moment before looking away by sheer force of will. Her hair, normally dark and straight to his eyes, was texturized by the sonic pulse into intriguing spirals. He did notice that T'Fearne had wrapped the soft orange scarf around herself, twisting the fabric into a casual dress. She clipped her combadge into place and managed to turn the distracting ensemble into a uniform.

oO She always looks great in uniform...Oo

They continued towards the restaurant, together. It all felt surreal, and he found his attention drawn towards that perfect sunset one more time. With a relaxed, peaceful smile, he spoke.

Evinrude: This is...I haven't had a break in a while, you know? I know free time is precious, on shoreleave... ::He left that "thank you for sharing your time with me" unspoken, having just expressed the sentiment not more than a minute ago.::

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.

That was direct. He tried to be forthright, always, and of all people he certainly owed her that sentiment. They waited in the short line to be seated by the restaurant's host. Was this the time?

Evinrude: I care about you, too, T'Fearne.

The feelings started to flow more naturally, and they couldn't look away from each other. Her dark eyes reflected the fading sunset, the sparkling torches. Tess opened his mouth to continue, but the restaurant host returned to seat them. The moment was briefly interrupted, but the host led them to the perfect table for the occasion. Alone again after settling in, he opened his mouth to speak, but T'Fearne stopped him. Her body language: 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.

She extended her hand across the table, palm upwards in an open gesture. For a moment he looked down at her outstretched fingers, long and graceful and strong. He realized that T'Fearne knew him, as daft as that thought was. It felt okay, more than okay!

Evinrude: That's...very sweet. ::His voice was quiet, his lungs frustratingly unable to do their one job.:: You--I didn't know you saw that in me.

He reached out, palm faced downwards, and their hands touched. He curled his fingers inward, pulling hers into a similar mirrored shape.

Evinrude: T'Fearne, on Proxima Sigma...when we kissed...the first time was just to blend in. I know you knew that. ::He found his breath, finally, and his voice grew more confident.:: The second time was personal. For me. I was afraid I'd overstepped! ::A little awkward laugh punctuated that last line, but he kept holding her hand.::

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. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Evinrude: The feeling is profoundly mutual. ::He smiled softly.:: And now you have the words to match my undoubtedly runaway emotions...

[End Scene - To be continued another time!]

--

Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

R240111TE1