Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?
Posted by… suppressed (50) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Bethany led the way to the other side of the establishment. Here the clothes were organized in a similar fashion: Casual, Sport, Leisure, Formal and the like. Bethany started at the first rack and looked through what was there. She pulled a few pieces then moved on to the next set. She really had no idea what she should pick, and tried not to look at the pieces and how practical they would be. That made her amused, even her clothes were going to get a vacation.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel followed her. He watched her browse the racks for a while, then looked through some of them himself, occasionally showing her something he thought was nice. He picked a nice top that would definitely be in style on Betazed, an airy light top with the fabric looking like it was wrapped. What about this?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany took everything he showed her. Especially if it was something she wouldn’t normally pick. Her eyes widened at the shirt. I like the color. She reached out and took it feeling the fabric. It feels like water it’s so smooth. What should I put with it?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Uhm, I don’t know. Aasrel looked at some other things and frowned. I’m really bad with style.

~ Izei, CMO

We’ll find something. You just keep picking things you like, and I’ll try them on. They collected pieces until Bethany was at risk of dropping them. She laughed at the absurdity and then asked for a room to try them on. The first thing she tried on was the wrap shirt in burgundy. She paired it with black slacks that hugged her hips and then flared out gently from the knees. She came out and did a small twirl, What do you think?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel stared for a moment before collecting himself. Bethany could feel how much he liked her in those. Beautiful. Absolutely stunning. He smiled and looked up at her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany could feel the heat in her cheeks. Well, I guess this is a yes. Be right back. The next several outfits were casual. Slacks, sweaters, sleeveless blouse, a heavier pair of cargo pants, shorts, a long calf length sweater over leggings with a wide leather belt, and one long, and one midriff jacket.

Then she came out in a navy blue dress. It was calf length with a full skirt and a split up the left him. The right arm was a half sleeve from the shoulder. The left was off the shoulder and also ended at the elbow. It was gathered at the waist with a off center wrap belt.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel commented on each of the outfits. Most of them looked lovely. Some he said it looked nice on the rack but on, not so much. The dress though… He was verbally and telepathically speechless for several moments. Finally he managed, Bethany, you are GETTING that one.

~ Izei, CMO

She was self conscious about it. Almost shy. She hadn’t even really looked at any of the dresses, but the clerk had suggested it and was so eager to help that Bethany just took it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn anything like it. Really? She looked down at it uncertainly. But where would I wear it?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel gave her a look. For me. He smiled and chuckled, Anytime, just because you can. You’re drop dead gorgeous. Really. Oh, I know! Wear it to my parents’ house!

~ Izei, CMO

Really? At their house? It isn’t too much? It was clear to him that Bethany felt uncertain, even though there was a delicious warmth at his compliment. This can’t be ‘for you’ if I wear it to your parents house! Then it’s not just for you. She grinned and laughed, covering her uncertainty.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It’s certainly very fancy, but they wouldn’t mind. They’d think you’re trying to impress. Aasrel replied, smiling. He laughed, That’s true. Either way, you’re getting that one. You have to.

~ Izei, CMO

Okay… she didn’t sound sure at all. But if I’m wearing something this fancy then so are you. You aren’t making me do this by myself. She gave him a sassy look and then went back into the room to change. Okay while I get this back on a hanger, you go find me something that is just for you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Uh.... Aasrel said, suddenly uncertain himself. He took his cane out of their cart and went off into the store, looking for something for her. He came back with something behind his back and a playful grin. Ready for this?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany opened the door so she could get it. Bring it, Doc. I’m ready for whatever you got. She raised a brow and held out her hand. Hand it over.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He placed into her hand some lacy lingerie. It was a top and bottoms, the top designed with fancy lace but very revealing, the bottom also designed with fancy lace, but she might quickly notice, there was no bottom to the bottoms. He’d picked a colour he thought would look good on her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s widened and then she grinned. Rel! I had no idea! She took it and closed the door. After a long silence, Well it fits, and I like the color, but I am not modeling this here. She came out, back in her original outfit and placed her choices in the buggy. “Well, how about we purchase these and then find some lunch?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

No? Aasrel smiled. Then once we get back to our quarters I want to see it. He waited for her to change back and then went with her as they headed up to purchase their selections. “Sounds good. What’re you thinking for lunch?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned, Deal. She collected the packages, preferring to take them than have them delivered. “I don’t know. Now that the meds have worn off, I’m hungry enough to eat a horse. We can see what smells good and then decide? Unless there is something particular you want. I’m too hungry to decide.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Let’s see what smells good, then decide.” Aasrel said. He eyed the packages, “How are we going to carry all that?”

~ Izei, CMO

“We aren’t. Our quarters aren’t that far. You start looking for food and I’ll run them back and catch up.” Bethany winked and headed in the opposite direction with the packages. She dropped them off and was back by the time he had made it to the food. She had to jog to catch up, but it saved him a little back and forth.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel made his way towards food. There were a variety of places, the smell of all of them filling the area. When she came back, Aasrel put his arm around her and looked at her. “Where seems best to you?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany leaned into his arm but carefully not to unbalance him. “How about over there. It smells good and the sizzle from the pan sounds delicious too. What about you?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “I like that idea.” He turned to head towards the place. “I don’t know, all of a sudden I’m excited to get back to the quarters.” He said and smiled at her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed in a way that drew attention. She didn’t care. “Food, Doc. You need to feed your appetite with food. Then we can go back and you can rest.” She winked at him and got in line. She ordered a steak bowl with a rice like startch, vegetables from various places, and a earthy sauce that made her mouth water.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Food won’t fill that appetite.” Aasrel said, grinning, “but okay, I’ll eat first.” He ordered himself a fancy salad sandwich sort of thing, with lots of fruits and veggies and sauce. While they were sitting he rested his leg, stretching it out under the table. “I’m glad we went out today. I’m having fun.”

~ Izei, CMO

Good. Bethany grinned and winked at him. “I am too. It’s nice to be normal for awhile.” She sat across from him eating her food. She seemed relaxed, but her mind was taking in details and making evaluations of the people around them in a paranoid fashion. “The engineering crews are replacing a lot of hull plating and modifications we made the next few days, so no shifts. We have time to see what’s here.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “I know. I’m not really sure what else there is to see though.” He said with a shrug. “I’m just not accustomed to ‘normal’ anymore.”

~ Izei, CMO

“There are always events on stations like this. I’m sure we could access a list through the computer if you wanted.” Bethany ate for a few moments. “I heard that Deck 22 is one giant arboretum. We could probably spend the whole day there if you like the illusion of being outside.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

She felt his hesitation towards the idea of events. Aasrel started to shake his head slightly. Then she mentioned the arboretum and he smiled. “That sounds nice. Why don’t we spend a day doing that?”

~ Izei, CMO

“We can plan on that tomorrow.” They had already spent half the day in stores, and he had a PT appointment later. She didn’t want to rush. “I don’t particularly like socializing either, but not all events require us to socialize. There might be a movie or art display or something.” Her expression was sincere, “Besides, it would be good for me. I told you it takes me awhile to readjust after something like this. I never learned how to just turn it off and on like a switch. At the very least I’ll have to socialize with your family. I’d really rather not accidently slip back and forth in front of them.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel felt uncomfortable, but nodded. “Okay. Maybe we can find something to do.” There had been a time when he wouldn’t be so averse to a social event. But even now, he, as Bethany put it, “didn’t feel like being around people”. He looked at her and reached for her hand with his left. “We’ll find something.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany squeezed his hand. “Don’t feel obligated to go with me. I can go detox, as it were, by myself, okay?” She also knew that going out and moving around where strangers didn’t really know him, would give him practice and more confidence before he saw his family again. She went back to what was left of her meal.

It was sudden, the way she suddenly latched onto him with an intense focus. She didn’t say anything, but she was very still. Bethany hated it. She adored how he was there to support her, but it wasn’t getting better. At least it didn’t feel like it to her. She couldn’t rely on him constantly, it wasn’t fair to him or healthy for either one of them. Plus she couldn’t reach him from across the ship. He’d had her track him around the ship, but it was hard and when she was already overwhelmed…

After a moment she gathered their trash. “Ready to go?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Her momentary overwhelm convinced him it wasn’t a good idea to let her ‘detox’ alone. “No, I’ll go with you. I can… I can do that.” He nodded and stood with her. “Let’s go.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany returned the remnants of their meal to the reclamator and then joined him, lacing her fingers through his. Alright, where to? Do you want to walk some more or rest before your appointment? You’re in charge, Doc.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I want to rest. Everything is feeling pretty sore and tired already. Aasrel responded. He smiled at her. I have to be able to do the PT so I can get better, right?

~ Izei, CMO

That’s right. One of these days, I’m going to make you take me dancing. She winked at him as they headed back toward the residential area. But you can’t fool me. You just want a private modeling show. Aasrel was sore and tired, she could tell, but she could also tell he wasn’t limping as much as when he first started. His stride was smoother. It wasn’t quite back to normal, she knew his leg hurt, but he’d already made progress.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I’d like that. Aasrel said, smiling at her. He grinned then, You’re right, I do. I can’t wait. It was true, too, she could feel it, but she could also feel his tiredness and soreness. Soon they were back to their own quarters and Aasrel opened the door and stepped inside.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany followed him in and Moved over to the replicator. Then she joined him on the couch. Here. She had two hot compresses for him. She set them against his hip and arm. I’ll go take care of those. She nodded to the packages giving him a mischievous grin. She grabbed up the packages and headed into the bedroom.

Aasrel, what did you pick? He could hear laughter from the other room, but feel a thrill of shyness. Okay yeah, this is only for you, she thought at him from the doorway.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel settled in, letting the compresses work on his sore joints and muscles. He looked up at her in the doorway and grinned. Oh yeah it is. You’re modelling it for me, right?

~ Izei, CMO

No, I’m modeling it for the invisible cat next to you, she replied sassily. She walked into the room before she could hesitate. She slipped her robe off so he could see what he picked and did a little turn in place with all the feigned arrogance of a runway model.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

She could quickly feel the effect of it on him. Aasrel watched her carefully, grinning. Definitely a good find. You look amazing, Bethany. He watched her do her little turn in place and smiled again, We’ll definitely be using that in the future.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed. He said that about everything she got, but it was a heavenly feeling, knowing he really meant it. “Thank you. I can’t take the credit. My boyfriend picked it out. He has great taste.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Does he? Sounds nice.” Aasrel said and grinned. Then he patted the bed next to him. “I don’t care if it’s in that or something else but I want you over here by me.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany picked up her robe and headed back toward the other room, “Oh he’s very nice. Smart too, and selfless, and a wicked streak that makes my heart race,” she winked at him. He patted the bed, “Be right there.” She put something more comfortable on (aka: warmer) and then joined him, curling up on his left side.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel curled into her and put his arm around her, careful to let his other side rest. “I can’t think of a better end to a long day like that.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Hmmm? Maybe in a hottub? We should do that after your appointment. Unless you think it will help before?” Bethany was careful not to jostle him or accidently bump his arm or his leg. It really wasn’t an adjustment on her part. She’d already been careful because he was so upset by his implants. It was instinctual to continue to be careful.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“No, after is good. But I’m glad you reminded me of that.” Aasrel smiled at her. “We’re definitely using the hot tub after my appointment.” He rested his head against her. “I think this is a good way to wait for my appointment time. It’ll help, but I’ll still be ready when it’s time.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Well, we’ll just wait here until he arrives then. At least you don’t have to go all the way to medical for it now.” Bethany was quiet for awhile before she spoke again. This morning was… nice. She wasn’t sure how to describe how she was feeling. It had just been peaceful and fun to be normal for awhile. Thanks, Rel.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. I would have every day be like that if I could. he replied. He kissed her gently. And like this. Just the two of us.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany kissed him back, Let’s run away. Then we can have as many days like this as we want.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Or retire. No need for running. Aasrel looked at her and grinned. Live someplace peaceful, doing whatever we want.

~ Izei, CMO

Hmmm… peaceful? I wonder what that’s like? Where would we go? She lifted her head to look into his eyes. He could feel the instant way his gaze soothed her. Whatever we want? Her eyes danced, We may be old before we ever leave the house.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Somewhere on Betazed if you asked Aasrel. But he didn’t want to say that, Bethany was raised on Earth after all. He kept her gaze and smiled. Would that be a bad thing?

~ Izei, CMO

No it wouldn’t be. It would at least make sure I stayed out of trouble. She grinned and then rolled on her back with a heavy sigh. I can’t go back Aasrel. My uncles always know when I’m hiding things, and not just about my work. They loved their father, how do I face them knowing he is alive and a monster?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I would want to know. Aasrel said after a moment. If it were my parent, or sibling… I think I’d want to know. he smiled at her, And I want to meet them. The people who loved you as a child.

~ Izei, CMO

I would too, but… She couldn’t say ‘grandfather’, Elias said not to tell them. It would be dangerous for them to know. He has done horrible things, but he has never lied, Aasrel. At least not with me. If he says it would be dangerous for them, then I believe him. Even though I don’t want to. I can’t lie to them, even but omission, they are all I had. I can’t go back to Earth. To be so close and not see them would be impossible.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

You can’t abandon them, Bethany, Aasrel said, aware of how hypocritical that was for him to say. There are already things you can’t tell them, right? Classified things? How is this different?

~ Izei, CMO

Because those things aren’t directly related to them. This is about their family. Their…their Bethany shuddered, their father. What if someone finds out they are Balthazar’s children and go after them? They have no warning. But ignorance can be great protection… She didn’t want to abandon them, she didn’t feel she had much of a choice. Why couldn’t Elias just leave her in the dark too?
Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS