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 Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama
Posted by… suppressed (28) 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.

Dominik laughed, bowed over her hand, and kissed the back of it. “It was my pleasure Serchena.” Sophie walked over and just gushed. “Oh that was wonderful. Serchena, thank ya,” she hugged the other woman. “I’m just a bumpkin compared ta Dominik and he loves ta dance. Though he’s never complained that I can’a keep up.” Dominik shook his head and took his wife in his arms, “You always have been, are, and always will be the only dance partner I want.” He kissed her gently, but long enough to get cat calls from the crowd. Dominik stepped back and yelled over his shoulder, “Yeah well yer all just jealous!” He stepped back and took Sophie’s hands and began to lead the two women around the dance floor. He gave Serchena a speaking glance of his gratitude as she supported Sophie.

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

Cara was also watching and laughing quietly. Tugm decided if drinks were to be served he was going to do it because no one else knew how to serve a proper drink. Ronan took exception to that, and it started an argument and a competition. The large nordic man, Oddvar she think was his name, waded in and decided he would be judge.
The man was going to be sloshed soon. The Klingons were trying not to eye the fully cooked meat with disgust. Moira was trying to convince them to eat it, and that they might just enjoy it. Food and drink was being consumed in large amounts and the effects were clearly seen on the dance floor. Cara happened to look up at him as he smiled, “What has ya smilin’ like that, Husband?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Gravel looked down and said “If somebody had told me when you wondered off that first day that I’d be marryin’ ya, I’d have laughed them off the ship.” and he laughed. “But I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” he added softly and then leaned down and kissed her. He then smiled and said “Be right back.” He turned and walked over to the roasted pig and cut off two large shoulders. He carried them to the Klingons and said “If you don’t eat, I will consider it a personal insult on my wedding day.” and he held them out to them. The two warriors glowered at him and muttered something vulgar and vaguely threatening under their breath, but they took the meat and both took large bites, their eyes not leaving Mardusk. Mardusk grinned and said “Wait for it…” as he watched them chew. Slowly their eyebrows rose in surprise. Gravel laughed. “Targ meat it ain’t. Now eat. Drink. Get rowdy. But before you do that last one…” and he pointed at Moira and added “… go apologize to my friend. She is an amazing cook, and the Empire would be wise to learn from her.” He clapped them both hard on the shoulders and then walked back to Cara. “There. At least nopw they’ll eat and it will take at least twenty minutes longer before they start a fight.” and he chuckled.

Gravel

Cara laughed, “Well, from the looks of it, Grethe, she came with Helka, is eyein’ one of yer friends there. He may not get ta eat. She kept goin’ on last night about how she thought the rumors about Klingon warriors was all hype. She wanted ta find out if it was true. I am all for vigorous challenges,” Cara gave him a lecherous look, “but I have somethin’ much more private in mind.” Cara laughed again, “I bet Grethe does too.”

“There is NO’ enough kissin’ goin’ on for a weddin’!” Someone, it might have been Shannon, yelled. Then about 50 bells appeared out of nowhere and were rang loudly and wildly. Cara shook her head, stretched up on on her toes and thoroughly kissed him. The bells kept ringing and she kept kissing him. Somewhere among all the bells a very loud gong reverberated through the space.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Gravel lifted her off the ground and held her to him while they kissed, but he grinned when the gong sounded. Breaking the kiss, he looked in the direction of the sound and saw Helka standing there with the mallet, laughing. Gravel’s eyes narrowed and he bellowed “You should probably ask my brothers there what it means for that gong to sound during a wedding!” and he laughed loudly.

Gravel

Helka paused, considering, but laughed more. “I am simply following the orders of my chief. Revna said if the Klingons sent a gong, to hit it loudly! Take it up with her.” She grinned and was swept away, laughing, from the gong by Cuyler before she could hit it again.

Cara looked at him and nibbled his lower lip slightly. Cara wasn’t exactly savvy about all the particulars of Klingon wedding customs. She was up for anything, but when it came to Klingon customs, it was better to be forewarned, “Malachite, what does the gong mean?” She asked around kisses.

Cara

“Everytime the gong sounds is a signal to the gods that the couple is ready to gift another great warrior to the Empire…” and he grinned and she nibbled, “… and that it is time to create that warrior.” and he chuckled and kissed her neck.

Gravel

Cara didn’t stop kissing him, but being held off the ground as she was, Gravel could tell his explanation registered immediately. “Grah-VEL,” she whispered in his ear followed by a soft kiss to the sensitive spot on his neck. “Please tell me no one told my mam, sister, hell, anyone in this village about that.”

Cara

“Well I sure as hell didn’t, thats for sure.” he said as her kiss made him shiver slightly. “But if you keep doing that, we will have to educate every person in here.” He kissed her back once very firmly, the kind of kiss that always made her stammer and stutter and blush all over her entire body and then he set her down. He picked up a tankard and yelled over the crowd as the music trailed off between songs. “I do believe it is time for the Father of the Bride and the Bride to dance!” and he looked at Cara and said “Next song is mine, though.”

Gravel

Cara just stood there, leaning closely against him, a full blush on her cheeks, tongue-tied, and staring at him like he was her whole universe. Which he was. “Uh…Mmhmm,” that was better than stuttering over an answer. He could have whatever he wanted.

Dominik chuckled and gave Sophie a gentle kiss on the lips, “Ah my love, I am being called away.” He kissed Serchena’s cheek as well. He smiled his thanks, “And by yer son no less. I sense a plot,” he laughed and led Sophie and Serchena to seats and then walked over to his daughter and her husband. He took one look at Cara and then raised a brow at Gravel, “I’m no sure she is fit ta dance.”

Dominik led Cara out onto the floor and spun her around in a gentle twirl. He held her hand and set one hand on her back, and as the music started, he led her around the floor in graceful turns, spins, and twirls.

Momma’s looks, momma’s eyes
Her old man’s fightin’ side
Stubborn heart, gypsy soul
Tell me where does the time go?
Gonna dance with my daughter
Spin her around under the lights
‘Cause I’m just a father
Making the most of this moment in time
Before she lets me go, I’ll hold her close
Caught in this race against time
Right now all I want is to dance with my daughter tonight
Greatest gift in the world
Is a new baby girl
Feels like God took a chance
Placing her here in my hands
Gonna dance with my daughter
Spin her around under the lights
‘Cause I’m just a father
Making the most of this moment in time
Before she lets me go, I’ll hold her close
Caught in this race against time
Right now all I want is to dance with my daughter tonight
Whoa
And dance with my daughter
Spin her around under the lights
‘Cause I’m just a father
Making the most of this moment in time
Before she lets me go, I’ll hold her close (she lets me go, hold her close)
Caught in this race against time (race against time)
Right now all I want is to dance with my daughter
Sent straight from heaven, came down, and I caught her
For now all I want is to dance with my daughter tonight
Whoa
Dance with my daughter tonight
Whoa

The pair didn’t say a word while they danced, but they didn’t need to. When the music ended, Cara’s eyes were shiny with tears, she kissed his cheek and hugged him, “I love ya. Dadai.”

Dominik kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly, “I love ya, too, Cara. Ya look just like yer mam on our weddin’ day. I know ya two are goin’ ta be as happy as we are.”

(With Special thanks: Dance With My Daughter by Jason Blaine https://youtu.be/7q-stqFU5RA )
Lt. Mardusk, counselor