Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders

(snip)

Cara glanced up at him a blush racing across her features. “And ya said I was the queen of leadin’ statements. Tha’ would make ya the king, then.” When the lift arrived Cara stepped in moving all the way in giving him plenty of room. While he gave their destination she leaned back against the side of the lift and gazed at him. “I’m in trouble aren’t I?” She didn’t seem to care, in fact she was grinning at the idea.

O’Farrell

For a moment Gravel didn’t move. It was like his brain was reeling, processing something over and over and over again. Finally he looked at her with a look that was part deep affection and part determination. “Yeah… you are. We both are. And that’s a pretty good thing, I think.” and the doors slid open and he extended and arm to allow her to leave the lift first.

Mardusk

Cara watched his face as he thought and was grinning at him. “Oh yeah, it’s an amazin’ thing.” And just like the other night when they left his quarters, she grabbed his hand, tucking hers into his, stepped off the lift and waited for him. She had absolutely no doubt that after that little show in the counseling suite that the entire ship knew. She tugged his hand just a bit as they walked, “Come on, then. We need ta eat. I wanna know what ya consider magical.”

O’Farrell

He squeezed her hand and then said “Oh… you have no clue yet… but you will.” and he smiled as they walked into the Lounge. “You grab a table. What would you like? I’ll play waitress and you can try to pick me up.” and he chuckled and winked at her.

Mardusk

Cara looked looked him up and down, once, “Promises Promises, Grah-VEL,” and then, “Well then if you’re gonna be my waiter, I’ll have Fiesta lime chicken with rice pilaf with a Cidona to drink.” She laid her hand on his arm, “I’ll be over there,” and she waved toward a empty table at the far end of the windows. She smiled at him over her shoulder as she walked off, her fingers trailing slowly down the length of his arm as she stepped away.

Cara made her way over toward the table and sat taking one side of two sides of the table angled to face the windows.

O’Farrell

A few minutes later, Gravel approached the table with two large trays. “Welcome to the Atlantis Lounge, Miss. My name is Jacob, but I do prefer when beautiful women call me ‘Grah-VEL’, so feel free. You’ll be having the Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Pilaf, yes? Excellent choice. And a Cidona… you truly have exquisite taste.” and he set the tray in front of her with a flourish.

Facing the window at an angle Cara could still see part of the room if she turned slightly, and she was able to watch Gravel approach the table. She grinned, eyes dancing, laughter precariously held in check. “Why thank you, Jacob. This looks lovely,” Cara took the bottle of Cidona, twisted the cap and sipped from the frosted mouth of the bottle. “Well I can certainly call you Grah-VEL if ya prefer, but only if ya join me for lunch.”

“I have another order here as well. Are you expecting company?” and he glanced at the tray and scowled. “Perhaps several companies?” and he looked back at her and winked.

Mardusk

Cara looked at the other tray and then had to look away before she started laughing. “I always welcome company, but that’s all for me. If ya gonna join me you’ll have ta go get yerself somethin’.” She pushed the adjacent chair out with her foot. “But, Grah-VEL, for the right person, I’m pleased ta share.”

O’Farrell

Mardusk sat and smiled at her. “Why thank you. I hope I’m not intruding on anyone’s time with you. Are you waiting for someone?” and he leaned a bit closer, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Maybe… a boyfriend?”

Mardusk

Cara set the bottle on the table and leaned forward, right elbow on the table, chin on palm, fingers curled, and she stared at him. She was smiling, but gone was the ever present mischief, but her green eyes never left his, even as they widened slightly, and her breath caught…she was nervous. “I donna know, but cards on the table, Grah-VEL. I’d really like him ta be.” And there was something subtly different about the ring she wore on her right hand.

O’Farrell

Mardusk stared at her for a long moment and then said “Cards on the table? I know him… and he’d really like that.” His eyes danced over her face and then settled back on her eyes.

Cara stared at him for a long quiet moment, “If tha’s the case I was waitin’ for my boyfriend ta arrive, but he’s here now.”

“You turned your ring over.” he said and tilted his head slightly to the side.

Mardusk

Cara looked at her hand and nodded. Then with a mysterious smile, “Was there a question there?” She picked up her fork, pulled her plate over and took a bite.

O’Farrell

Mardusk smiled. “I looked it up, you know. The ring. I wanted to know what was important to you. I read what each way means… you think I’m that into you, do you?” and he reached out and took her hand and ran his thumb over the ring.

Mardusk