Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in side-sim: New Rhythms

(snip)

Aasrel ran his fingers through her hair absentmindedly. Being with her made him happy. Reminded him of what it was like to just be before the Borg. To him it felt as though some kind of fate had brought them together. As if, if the Gods were real, they had guided them to this ship, at this time. After a long while just sitting with her curled up on his lap, he yawned and looked down at her. “I don’t know about you, but I think I’d rather lay down.”

~ Aasrel

The movement of his hand in her hair was unfamiliar, but at the same time it was as if he had always done that. Bethany laid her head against his shoulder. Even if this between them didn’t last, she believed they were both here for a reason. She was sick so she could donate what he needed so he could heal. He had done extensive research on the paracortex for himself, but she believed that research would help her. That had to be why they were both here. Why they had met under these circumstances.

His comment made her smile sleepily. “Do you want me to stay?”

Bethany

“Of course I do,” Aasrel said. He was almost reluctant to get up and make her move, but he did want to go to bed, so slowly he did get up, giving her time to move. Then he undressed, tossing his shirt and his pants at a laundry hamper, and then he laid down, moving over to leave space for her.

~ Aasrel

Bethany moved, she didn’t want to, but sleep sounded like a good thing. Jacket, shirt, and pants were set carefully across a chair. She chuckled softly, realizing she didn’t have a change of clothes. “We really need to plan better if we’re making this a habit.” She stretched out beside him, enjoying his warmth. It was a rare night, and she was able to fall asleep easily.

Until a few hours later. Bethany was restless in her sleep and uncharacteristically talking in her sleep. “Kyn! Bezi Kyn! Quinyi! (No! Daddy No! I’m sorry!)”

Bethany

Aasrel was a deep sleeper and woke slowly to the sound of her voice. “Bethany..?” He leaned up with his elbows under him, then shifted so he could shake her gently. “Bethany. Wake up.”

~ Aasrel

Although gentle, when he shook her, Bethany’s hands came up between them. It would be hard to determine if it was a by product of whatever she was dreaming or intense necessary training. She came awake instantly, even as she was moving to push him off. The gaze that looked down at her, one all black and one black and silver prosthetic, was instantly recognized. Bethany stopped. “Aasrel?”

Bethany