Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in XO’s Quarters - Sleepover? Slumber Party? No Idea What To Call It

Posted by Commander Dr. Royal Sinclair (Executive Officer) in XO’s Quarters - Sleepover? Slumber Party? No Idea What To Call It

Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in XO’s Quarters - Sleepover? Slumber Party? No Idea What To Call It

(snip)

Cori did eventually roll away from him, but only so far as to create some space between them. His hand still rested on her body for as long as he was facing in her direction.

When morning came, Cori was half on her side, half on her stomach, with one knee bent and and the opposite arm above her head. Like many mornings she awoke with a small start. Her heart raced a little faster, as it did ever since that first morning she awoke after the transference. It took her an extra moment to realize that this was not her space and where she was. She rolled over onto her back to see if Royal was still in bed.

~Corinne Dalton

Royal was laying on his side facing her. His eyes were closed and his breathing steady. But his hand was on hers, his fingers interlaced in hers.

Royal

She watched him, taking in the shape of his face and how his features looked at rest. The warmth of his hand steadied her, calming her heart rate as she also took deep breaths. Cori debated whether to say anything or just let him sleep- a debate that lasted a couple minutes before she squeezed his hand, letting him know she was there.

~Corinne Dalton

Blue eyes snapped open and his pupils constricted as they adjusted quickly to the light. He didn’t twitch, start, or give any indication that he had woken up. Even his breathing remained the same. But then he grinned. “Good morning. How did you sleep?” he asked as if they had simply paused their conversation form the previous night.

Royal

“Pretty well, actually,” she said with a soft smile. “I wasn’t sure how it would be having someone else here, but either I’m not as picky as I expected to be, or I just like you enough.” Even in the soft light her eyes were lit up with amusement.”

“Well I hope it’s the latter. I’m pullin’ out all the stops here.” he said with a grin.

“The data is looking favourably towards you.”

“How about you? How did you sleep?” She realized her hand was still in his and she was okay with this fact.

~Corinne Dalton

“Good. Really well, actually. Best night I’ve had in… well… two years and some change.” and he grinned and gave her a wink.

Royal

Cori flushed through her grin and finally (and reluctantly) pulled her hand out of his and pushed herself to a sitting position. “When do you have to be on shift?” She was still shadowing people and though she typically tried to be in the various labs by 0900, he other appointments made this time float. Besides, she wasn’t on duty yet.

~Corinne Dalton

Royal laid back and groaned. “Do I have to go to work today?” he said and smiled. “0800 I have a comm with Command. Then I’ll be on the bridge until 1600 when I come off duty. What does your day look like? And yes, I am asking because I want to see you again tonight.” he added with a chuckle.

Royal

Heat touched her cheeks and for a moment Cori was simultaneously amused and baffled by her reaction. She could flirt with the best of them, but something about his sincere attention made her stomach twist in the best possible way. “I’m shadowing in the labs while I’m waiting to be cleared for duty. Lieutenant Petrakos is happy to have me in the department and so I’m dipping my toes back in and learning what everyone is working on around here.”

“What did you have in mind for tonight? Or is it my turn to plan something?”

~Corinne Dalton

bump

Royal looked at her for a moment and then said “Well… if we are taking turns… then that means you are up.” with a smile. “But I’m warning you… I’m not a cheap date. You gotta really work at it for all ‘a this.” and he waved his hand in front of his face and chest. He then laughed and said “But I trust you. Date number two is up to you.”

Royal

Her stomach twisted for a moment but Cori breathed through it. A little nerves was understandable, after all. “Okay,” she said with a no, gazing at him intently. “Anything you won’t do? Any phobias I should know of, or the like?”

~Corinne Dalton

“I hate snakes.” Royal said flatly. “Other than that, I’m open to anything.” He grinned at her a moment and then said “Why… what did you have in mind? Or is it a surprise?”

Royal

She pressed her lips together, trying to suppress the smile, unsuccessfully. “Well, I think I have a good track record for surprising you on this ship, so I feel compelled to keep it up.” Cori leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Which means I’m going to have to look up the holodeck schedule and see what is free. I will admit that it does suck not to have instant access anymore. That was one perk.”

~Corinne Dalton

“Well, welcome back to the land of having to look shit up.” He then leaned in and kissed her back on the cheek. “And I have to say… I am very happy to have you with us.” and he grinned at her in a way that said he was far more than happy. “So that is future Cori problems. What does present Cori want to do right now?”

Royal

She grinned at him. “Well, you have somewhere to be and so do I. So I think breakfast is in order and then I need to go back to my quarters and change for the day.” She blinked. “My quarters. How easily that slipped out again. Huh.”

~Corinne Dalton

Royal smiled at her and took her hand in his. “You are flesh and blood, Cori… stands to reason you will have to live somewhere, right?” he asked with a smile. “Now. What do you want for breakfast? You name it and it’s yours.”

Royal