Lieutenant JG Meris: A Very Normal Conversation
Meris/Brian
((Everfree Tidal Halls - Anteroom, Seda))
Meris had waited until the anteroom emptied, then pulled Vharo aside beneath the watchful indifference of drifting sea life, their nerves masked with humor and far too much enthusiasm. Learning about Vharo’s new role stirred a mix of pride and excitement for their friend, and Meris could not quite stop themselves from turning admiration into playful rivalry. When it became clear that Vharo would now be reporting to Naledi, Meris’ playful banter cracked just enough to reveal something more vulnerable. In asking for a hypothetical favor, Meris was really testing whether hope still felt reasonable, and whether trust could exist in a moment that mattered more than they were ready to admit.
Vharo: I'll gloss over you abandoning that hypothetical almost instantly but yes I don't see the harm in it from an interpersonal standpoint though if you had already had a date planned I don't see the need for me to put in a good word when it appears you are doing just fine.
Vharo let out a soft exhale as she considered the pilot's request. Her soft exhale then morphed into a bemused sigh.
Vharo: That said I question your choice in asking me of all people but I do appreciate the trust. This has to be a new development right, though I suppose I don't believe I've seen you or Naledi be anything less than upfront in terms of interactions but I'm also as adept with emotions as a rock so I would've likely missed it unless you told me anyway.
The J’naii officer batted lightly at Vharo’s arm like a kitten playing with a ball of string. Despite themself, they grinned wickedly.
Meris: You know Naledi. They can be pretty inscrutable. I have tried to suggest we spend some time together, to get to know one another more, but I am not sure they are looking at me in quite the way I want them to. Do not get me wrong, I am not looking for romance. But as the humans say, a girl’s got to eat.
Their fencing partner, Senior Cadet Annika Parker, had told them that once when speaking lustfully about one of their fellow male cadets. As disappointing as the expression had been then, it seemed rather apt now.
oO That woman really knew how to thrust and parry... Oo
Meris leaned in towards Vharo, lowering their voice with theatrical seriousness.
Meris: Imagine being held in those strong forelimbs. And it is sooo tall. And those big compound eyes are just... dreamy. Imagine what the world must look like to them?
oO I am being extremely normal about this. Oo
Vharo looked at them sympathetically.
Vharo: At the risk of sounding like a Matron I'll caution you to approach whatever you want to call it carefully, physical and emotional connections create a mess in environments like this regardless of how much you try to avoid it. I don't think the risk is very high given the pair of you but for the sake of the conversation I felt it was worth mentioning.
Meris nodded solemnly, as if absorbing wisdom rather than plotting.
Meris: That is fair. Sensible. Mature.
oO I will immediately ignore all of that. Oo
Meris brightened.
Meris: So... does that mean you will help me out?
As they asked, they hooked their arm through the Orion’s.
Vharo dipped her head at Meris.
Vharo: Okay. I'll hold the rest of the lecture for the moment, it's not the same without the powerpoint anyway. Just for my sanity, is there anything in particular you'd like me to mention to Naledi when I go and talk with them about you or would you just like me to use my innate charm.
Meris: Yay!
Meris fairly bounced on the balls of their feet beside the intelligence officer. Once they settled, they began guiding Vharo toward the beam-out point, still arm in arm.
Meris: You could mention how brave I was during the mission. Or that you think I might make a good partner if they were ever looking for one.
They paused, thoughtful.
Meris: Also that I am very respectful about boundaries and expectations. That I communicate clearly. That I am curious and enthusiastic and not weird about the fact that they are insectoid. ::a pause:: I mean, not weird in a bad way. More in an appreciative way. Like respectful awe. And I'm very open-minded. But, you know, be casual about it.
oO Please do not say chitin out loud. Oo
Vharo: Response.
As Vharo spoke, the duo reached the beam-out point. Meris tapped their combadge.
Meris: =/\= Meris to Thor. ::a wink:: Intelligence Officer Vharo and I to beam up. =/\=
They looked back to Vharo as the familiar whine of the transporter field began to build around them.
Meris: Is there really a powerpoint?
Vharo: Response.
((Tags/End scene for Meris))
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14