Posted by Lieutenant Riley Dekker (CNS & 2O) in Riley’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant David Michaels (CSO) in Riley’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Riley Dekker (CNS & 2O) in Riley’s Quarters
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
It had been an odd day for David, aside from the shocking news he’d received from Julien. However, that conversation and meeting was all that seemed to be occupying his mind, and there was only one person who could help him make sense of it all. No doubt, Riley would be taking the news just as hard, if not harder, even though he would be putting on his brave face and not let anyone know.

David walked into Riley’s quarters, which in some ways felt just as much his as did the space labeled as the Chief Science Officers quarters. He looked around quietly, as not to wake Riley in the chance he might be asleep.

-David Michaels, CSO

He was, but only fitfully. The sound of the door was enough to jolt Riley fully awake and it took only a fraction of a moment for him to recognize David’s mind in the adjoining room. It wasn’t overly late, but after Julien had left Riley had imbibed more of the Ouzo, enough to cause his head to spin and necessitate the need for a lie down. As he pushed himself up on his elbows, he was thankful at least to see the liqueur’s effects had abated.

“I’m in here,” he called out to David.

Dekker, CNS

David slowly made his way into the bedroom. He kicked off his boots, slowly tore off his uniform jacket and shirts and then climbed into the bed next to Riley, greeting his lover with a soft kiss on the forehead.

“How are you?” David asked, looking deep in those big dark eyes.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley smiled at David’s touch, snuggling deeper into the crook of his arm.

“I take it you’ve talked to Julien? You know, I’m kind of mad at myself for not seeing this coming. I knew how deeply he was struggling with his separation from La’kia and A’naad/ Now they have a daughter on the way. I suppose I took it all for granted, this idea that things would stay the same. There’s comfort in stasis and now, all of sudden, life is changing. It makes me wonder if I’m holding myself back.”

“Don’t beat yourself up,” David said, gently kissing Riley’s forehead.

Riley sat up, turned to face David, his legs stretched out in front of him. His dark hair was tousled from sleep, but his eyes were bright and awake.

“Move in with me. I’ve been silly holding off on it for so long. It’s time to move forward.”

Dekker, CNS

David raised both of his eyebrows. The surprise on his face was evident. Apparently he was not going to be talking about Julien, when it appeared that they had something much more important to discuss.

He remained silent for a moment, just looking into Riley’s eyes. “Are you sure?” He finally asked. “You know I never want to pressure you or rush you into anything that is more than you are ready for.”

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley had an energy that belied the fact he’d been recently roused from sleep. He moved forward, folding his legs underneath him, leaning toward David, a smile on his face.

“I know. You’ve been a perfectly, patient angel with me, but I’m ready. You’re here half the time. I’m in your quarters the other half. We have an adjoining door for crying out loud. Really, we;d just be giving up some square footage, but it’d be for the better. Don’t you think?”

Dekker, CNS

David leaned forward, smiling. “I love you Riley Dekker.” He said softly, before pressing his lips against Riley’s soft and tender, and then letting the kiss turn more passionate and hungry. It was exactly what he needed, to be lost in the moment.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley was more than happy to shelve his thoughts and feelings for the moment and give over to his physical needs. The stress of an unknown future, suddenly bereft of the advice and protection of a close friend was still there, an unformed forboding that hadn’t fully settled or been realized, but Riley could turn his back on it for now, give his full attention to the man he loved.

Deeper into the evening, mutually sated, Riley had risen to pour the two of them a nightcap. He brought two tumblers of amber liquor back to the bed unwilling to leave its comfort for more than a few moments.

“You know, whoever the new CO is may not let you get away with as much as you do now.”

Dekker, CNS

David raised both eyebrows, then uttered a short laugh. He took the glass from Riley, taking a swig. “After what I just did to you, do you seriously want to give me a lecture about getting away with things?” His lips curled up in a grin and he leaned in, kissing Riley’s neck, giggling.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley’s head fell back in laughter, exposing his neck for even more of David’s attention, before he playfully pushed the auburn-headed scientist away from him.

“That’s your problem David Michaels, you think you can get away with anything simply because you’re charming. I’m not saying you’re wrong, but don’t assume our next CO has Julien’s big picture perspective. He placed a lot of trust in all of us. Not all CO’s are like that.”

He didn’t mean to delve to deeply into this topic, but he worried for David. David had knowledge no one else did and that created a certain arrogance. Julien could see David’s value and wasn’t threatened by any insubordinance that resulted. There was no guarantee their next CO would be of the same vein.

Dekker, CNS

David sat there, grinning playfully. “I am charming, aren’t I?” His smile lasted a few seconds longer, then he turned more serious. “I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we get assigned a new Captain.” David had no doubt that any new commanding officer would look over the crew personnel files and would no doubt know of David’s origins.

“Plus,” David said, taking one of Riley’s hands in his own, interlocking their fingers. “I have you to stand up for me and put in a good word, don’t I?” He paused. “You don’t know who they’re giving the Genny to, do you?” It was a long shot, but seeing as julien had made Riley the second Officer, he might have some insider information.

-David Michaels, CSO