Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in Resort- Finding Our Own Paradise

Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in Resort- Finding Our Own Paradise

Posted by Commander Dr. Royal Sinclair (Executive Officer) in Resort- Finding Our Own Paradise
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

She didn’t see it as wasting time, not per say. In her mind, she needed to understand the evolution of those last years and how much had happened so that she could set it aside. In many ways, she had, but there were old things that they hadn’t touched, that Royal hadn’t been around for. It was easy to focus on the newness that was now and just pretend to forget about that old stuff. What Cori didn’t want was for that old stuff to bubble up and trigger her in ways she felt she could prevent. But this was hardly her area of expertise, so Cori shrugged and looked over her shoulder at him, giving him a smile. “You may be right,” she said, before turning her gaze back on the expanse of water their boat was cutting though.

~Corinne Dalton

Royal silent for a few minutes as they just sailed on the waves. After those minutes passed, he set her on the tiller and started taking down the sails. It took some time, but eventually they were sitting still on the water. He moved to the bow and opened a hatch in the deck. From underneath he pulled out a blanket and a basket. He looked back at her and said “C’mon. Help me set this up.” and he set the basket aside and started spreading out the blanket.

Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, XO

She grinned and carefully moved over. “A picnic and a fancy dinner later. I really am going to have to work to make my date plans really special, aren’t I?” she teased as she grabbed on edge and pulled the blanket out flat.

~Corinne Dalton

He stopped with the set up and just looked at her. There was no amusement or sarcasm when he spoke; just a surity of fact and sincerity that seemed as deep as the water they floated on. “Every date with you is special, Cori. Every moment. And don’t ever forget that… I know I never will.” and then he smiled and went back to setting up their meal break.

Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, XO

She had heard lovely words that she wanted to hear before, and more than once she had been taken in by them. Even if they were sincere, there had been too much baggage behind them. Now though, here with Royal? His words weren’t just different, they set her at ease. Kneeling on the blanket, she gave him a soft smile. “So, what are we having?”

~Corinne Dalton

“Sandwiches and wine.” Royal said. “The concierge at the resort was kind enough to recommend a bakery, and they recommended a quaint little neighborhood market. So we have fresh baked bread, local vegetables, and few different choices for protein. Cured meats, smoked fish, some kind of fruit that I have no idea how to say the name of, and a crushed nut and berry puree that they said would make for a nice dessert spread.”

Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, XO

Cori grinned. “I mean, who can say no to such wonderful sounding food!”

For a moment she just tipped her face up to the sun and let the warm seep into her skin. It was such a novel sensation and one she never wanted to take for granted again. When she looked back at Royal, she watched intently as he pulled everything out of the basket and laid out it for them. Now and then, she found herself focused on his face just long enough that it might be considered staring. She was, in a way, but more than anything, she was studying him our of love and curiosity. Cori wanted to understand him more on a deeper level than she already did.

“Shall I pour us some wine?” she said.

~Corinne Dalton

“Wouldn’t be a picnic without it, love ” Royal said with a chuckle. He finished setting up their meal and then stretched out his bulk on the deck. “So. Care to to tell me why ya were staring at me right there? I mean, I am a looker, no doubt. But ya seen me before, hun.” he asked with a grin.

Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, XO

Cori had uncorked the wine and poured the first glass of wine, handing it to Royal as she pondered how best to answer his question. Pouring her own glass gave her time to gather her thoughts. Glass in hand, she drew in a deep breath and gazed at him. “When you first came to the Saracen I was going through a lot. And you helped me slowly work through it all, even if there was a lot of it I couldn’t do much about. And I appreciate that help. And I guess as we are getting to know each other better now, I just want you to know that I’m here for you too. That the support is not one-sided.” She took a sip of the wine.

~Corinne Dalton

Royal smiled and took a sip of wine. “Well, I certainly do appreciate that. And I know you are being sincere. And honestly, I know that I can talk to you about anything. And I’m comfortable doing that. I think that’s one of the reasons I feel about your the way I do. Because I am so comfortable with you.”

Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, XO