Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama
Posted by… suppressed (19) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Alright there is food waitin’!” Ronan yelled, “and drinks! And well, by the looks of it, I think the newlyweds need ta find their own way back. We’ll understand if yer late.” Everyone laughed and pilled into cars and sliders. Leaving a large limo behind. Cara looked up into his green eyes, “I think we were just ordered ta be alone together for as long as we want.”

Cara

“Well, we can’t disobey an order, now can we?” he said. He slowly lifted her off the ground and looked deep in her eyes. “Now the question is… where can we go to break this marriage in properly?” and he kissed her long and slow.

Gravel

She loved being in his arms like that. Her arms went around him, and if it was possible she got even closer. It was a long time before Cara answered him. “Well, there is a sizeable cave behind the falls, but no way ta get ta it without gettin’ in the water. Or we can take the limo back ta the Pods.” Her eyes danced at him, “Either way I’m remindin’ ya ta remind me ta get outta this dress.”

Cara

He considered the cave for a long moment, but then decided against it. Turning around, he carried to the limousine. As the door slid closed behind them, Gravel’s lips were on hers and his hands began find every part of her dress that was loose enough for a hand to slide in. Only once did he stop kissing her, and then just long enough to say “I love you, Cara…” and then the kissing started all over.

Gravel

“I love you too, Grah-VEL,” her lilt danced over his name. By the time they made it back to the Pods, Cara was cursing whomever designed the dress uniforms. They were not supportive to a new wife’s wandering hands. They made it into the Pod in parade of kisses and embraces. Cara paused long enough to order Hall and Oats outside.

She stepped back from him long enough to reach behind her, pull down the zipper and let the dress pool at her feet.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Gravel grinned and said “I will never not enjoy that.” and green hands started to undo the numerous fastenings and closures of the dress uniform. It took only a few seconds for him to say “Screw this…” and the RIIIIPPPPP went the seams of the tunic as he tore the top off and threw it aside, grabbing Cara and lifting her up and pressing her to him; desperate need for her touch obliterating any other thought.

Gravel

“I will never get tired of seeing that.” Cara laughed, it was sultry and delighted as the tunic got ripped. “And I will never get tired of this,” she murmured against his lips as he lifted her. She took advantage of the removed tunic, as desperate for his touch as he was for hers, but she was in no rush. She absolutely was taking advantage of not having to show up to the reception any time in the next few hours.

Cara

The next few hours later…

Gravel held her hand as they stepped out of the limousine near the reception area. Music, laughter, yelling, and the clinking of dishes could be heard around the corner. “Well hell… I think they started without us.” and he looked at her smiled. “Totally worth it, wife.” and he bent down and kissed her softly.

Gravel

“Of course they did,” she laughed, “otherwise they would have been knockin’ the door ta the pod down ta find us.” Her hand not currently occupied by being held by his, cupped his face as she kissed him back. “I love you, Husband from now ta the end of my days.” Now that the Klingon protocols were taken care of, she could smile or laugh all she wanted, and she did, and had no intention of stopping.

As they walked around the corner to the where the tents were and the party was in full swing, Cuyler spotted them first. “Bout time! Now we can crack open the good stuff!” Then he used a massive battle axe to hammer a tap into one of the bigger kegs. There were loud cheers, but all directed at the newlyweds, and well wishers rushed them once again, as they were herded toward the head table, and Moira set huge heaping platters of food in front of them.

Cara

Gravel laughed and looked at Moira. “This looks amazing, but what is my wife gonna eat?” he asked with a grin. For the next hour and a half Cara and Gravel ate, drank, and responded to well-wishers. The music was as loud and boisterous as the guests, and everyone was having a good time.

Suddenly the music stopped and Ronan stepped into the middle of the dance floor. “Quiet! Quiet, damn you all!” he yelled with a smile and people laughed but the noise subsided. He looked at Cara and Gravel and said “Alright you two… we’ve waited long enough! Get your a$$es out here and take your first dance!” and the crowd erupted into cheers. Gravel looked at Cara and said “Dance? What dance?”

Gravel

Cara glared at Ronan, but it was inevitable. The amount of dancing shenanigans that were about to take place were unreal. And as Yoss had told Gravel the day before, they didn’t have time to teach Gravel the dance they made Yoss learn. She waved one of the band members over and whispered to him. He nodded with a grin and ran back to the band. Cara grabbed his hand and stood, “We’re no gettin’ out of it. Come on Malachite. We can swing ta this. And we are soooo good at that tagether.”

They walked onto the dance floor and people went a little nuts, whistling wildly, and calling encouragement. Cara set her flexed hands on his and locked her eyes on his as the music started to a very fun and upbeat rhythm.

Gravel looked at her as the music started and said “Really?” and then shook his head. This was really not his kind of music… but hey, he was married now. You have to make concessions. He took her hands in his and they started to move.

Cara shrugged, “Next time ya can pick the song at spur of the moment. Now shut up and dance, Luv,” and she laughed at her own horrible pun.

“Oh, don’t you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.”
I said, “You’re holding back.”
She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”
This woman is my destiny
She said, “Ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance with me.”

We were victims of the night
The chemical, physical, kryptonite
Helpless to the bass and the fading light
Oh, we were bound to get together
Bound to get together

She took my arm
I don’t know how it happened
We took the floor and she said

“Oh, don’t you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.”
I said, “You’re holding back.”
She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”
This woman is my destiny
She said, “Ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance with me.”

A backless dress and some beat-up sneaks
My discothèque Juliet, teenage dream
I felt it in my chest as she looked at me
I knew we were bound to be together
Bound to be together

She took my arm
I don’t know how it happened
We took the floor and she said

“Oh, don’t you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.”
I said, “You’re holding back.”
She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”
This woman is my destiny
She said, “Ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance with me.”

Oh, come on girl

Deep in her eyes
I think I see the future
I realize this is my last chance

She took my arm
I don’t know how it happened
We took the floor and she said

“Oh, don’t you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.”
I said, “You’re holding back.”
She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”
This woman is my destiny
She said, “Ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance!”

“Don’t you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.”
I said, “You’re holding back.”
She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”
This woman is my destiny
She said, “Ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance with me.”

Ooh-ooh-hoo, shut up and dance with me
Ooh-ooh-hoo, shut up and dance with me

Cara (with thanks to Walk the Moon )

No one had ever accused Gravel of being a great dancer; but what he had that most didn’t realize (except for Cara, she was very familiar with his physical attributes) was a great deal of coordination and rhythm. So as the music played, he started to swing Cara around. It was kind of like swing dancing; but because of the vast difference in their sizes, it was like swing dancing in zero g for Cara. He lifted her high, swung her in broad circles, tossed her up in the air and caught her… all in time with the music and with a huge grin on his face.

Gravel

He might not think so, but it was a great song, with a great rhythm. She spun, turned, dipped, flew on occasion, all to Gravel’s rhythm and lead. Cara’s eyes never left his, her smile matched his own.

People had seen Cara dance, but this was something else entirely. It was quite obvious the pair was unaware of anyone else around them. After a moment everyone watched silently as they moved across the floor together. When they finished there was silence and then the crowd erupted in cheers.

Cara

Gravel smiled at her and then looked around. “Alright! Show’s over… for now! Get your asses out here and dance!” and the floor became full in a few moments as the music started up. Gravel held onto Cara and smiled. “Happy zero anniversary, Red.” he said.

Gravel

“Happy zero anniversary, Malachite.” She stretched up to kiss him. “Just so ya know, I adore dancin’ with ya.” They stayed on the dance floor for a little while longer before Dominik walked over and tapped Gravel on the shoulder and smiled with a nod at Cara. “I’m goin’ ta step in so I can dance with my daughter.”

Gravel looked at him and said “Since you asked so nicely.” and grinned. He gave Cara a kiss and then looked back at Dominik and said “None for you.” and he walked towards the mead and bloodwine barrels.

Oddvar looked up from filling a tankard. “That’s a special lady you have there. Congratulations.” He picked up a empty tankard, “What will you have?”

“Yes!” Gravel said and rubbed his hands together. He filled three tankards and then looked at his bride.

Dominik took her hand and they walked to the edge of the dance floor. William picked up his fiddle and began to play a quick lively tune. Dominik and Cara held hands up together between them and began a traditional Irish dance. Eventually, Emilia and Ronan joined them to finish out the dance. William continued to play and others took to the floor showing off their skills.

Example

Cara

Gravel

There were applause all around as the music faded. The rest of the band began to play again, and Cara stepped away from the dance floor. She made her way over toward Gravel and the drinks. She grabbed an empty cup and filled it from one of the many kegs available.

Cara

Gravel held out a cup to her and said “So is now when I try to get you drunk so your inhibitions are compromised?” and he grinned.

Gravel

Cara took the cup and took a large drink of it. “Oh, that sounds dangerously fun. Ya can certainly try if ya like.” She looked around at the amount of adult beverages available. “There might be enough here,” and she laughed.

Cara

He looked at the vast array of barrels, kegs, crates of bottles, and the sheer number of flasks being passed back and forth and said “We could give everyone on Atlantis alcohol poisoning with this. And yes, I’m including the children.” and he laughed. He took a drink and then looked at Cara. “I’m starting to think our family and friends all have one thing in common.” and he laughed again.

Gravel

Cara looked around, “Yeah, they like a good party. Dadai told me about last night. How in the he!! did any of them wake up ta come ta the weddin’?” She shook her head, “I don’a envy the clean up crews.” She took a drink as she watched and then shook her head, “I don’a think they would have noticed if we never showed up.” Then she laughed and pointed. Her father was trying to get Serchena to dance with him.

Cara

“They made it because none of ‘em have slept yet.” Gravel said with a laugh, although for some that was absolute truth. He looked when she pointed and he said “Oh no… your dad is gonna regret that if she says yes.” and he grinned at Cara. “I mean, Admiral yeah… but she is still an Orion woman.” and he shook his head.

Cara shook her head, “Oh I am certain he knows what he is in for. Dadai, obviously, has a wild streak.”

Across the reception, Serchena laughed where she sat as she looked up at Dominik. “Oh, I’m not sure Dominik. I’m an Admiral after all, and there are Star Fleet officers here.” she said with a smile, but there was a wicked gleam in her eyes that Dominik may or may not have been too drunk to see.

Gravel

Dominik however was not drunk, wellllll, not that much. He was also very astute. “Not that many, and all friends of your son and my daughter. They both have excellent judgement of people. They wouldn’a have anyone that would judge ya on your position nor yer background. No one in Comaragh will either.” He stood and politely dropped his hand. “It is yer son’s weddin’. If ya would like ta dance, and simply be mother of the groom, than I’d be honored. Besides, unlike some of these sods, I will be a perfect gentleman.” He winked at her in a friendly way. Like two childhood friends about to get up to antics.

Cara

Serchena crossed her arms on her chest and smiled a wicked smile. “As of a few hours ago, he is your son as well. And I’m not worried about people judging me, Dominik. I’m just not wanting to make you look like you are wearing clown shoes when we dance.” and she reached forward languidly and took his hand and stood up. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” and she let him lead her to the dance floor.

“Oh I think I can handle it looking like a clown,” Dominik said.

Gravel nudged Cara and jerked his chin at the two parents walking onto the floor. “Oh, this is gonna be a riot…” he said under his breath.

The music being played was happy and had a decent rhythm. As Dominik turned to face Serchena, she grinned and took hold of him… and then she started to dance.

Dominik was no slouch. Archeologist by trade and training, but he obviously had other training and not just as a ‘bachelorette entertainer’. He led her through turns, spins, lifts, and intricate coordinated footwork.

Gravel laughed and looked at Cara. “I ever tell ya my mom was a professional dancer before Star Fleet? Like Radio City Music Hall and Broadway and ballerina kinda professional?” and he grinned.

Gravel

Cara laughed, “No, ya didn’a. Did I ever tell ya that my dadai has professional dance trainin’? Never an occupation, but a deep passion o’ his.” Dominik didn’t have the experience of a professional performing dancer, but he had passion and skill and training. While it was quite obvious that he was no match for Serchena, he did manage to not look quite like a clown. He also knew how to make his partner look good. He’d always said that was the man’s role, to make the woman look and feel incredible while they danced. He grinned, not that Serchena needed the help. Dominik enjoyed every step of it.

Cara

Serchena enjoyed the dance, and was polite enough to not really put Dominik through the paces. When they finished, she laughed and said “Mr. O’Farrell, I do believe you were holding out on us! And for that, you deserve to be punished… publicly.” and she grinned and turned to Sophie. “Come here. You and I are gonna dance with him.” Serchena knew about Sophie’s health, so she stood behind her and used her strength to help Sophie through the movements so she didn’t have to exert herself. “Wouldn’t be a proper wedding if the parents of the bride didn’t have a dance. Traditions and all, dear.” she said softly to Cara’s mother.

Gravel watched and drank, trading glances from his mother and his new in-laws to his new wife. He shook his head and grinned. Never in a million years would he had thought this would be the result of a fiery red-head getting lost on his ship.

Gravel / Serchena