Alone At Last

Posted on Mon Jul 10, 2017 @ 5:58pm by Lieutenant Commander Alex Rho & Lieutenant Xylia Lischka

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Bahamas, Earth
Timeline: MD 18

After visiting her parents, Xylia sat on the beach of the main island of the Bahamas she and Alex agreed to meet up on. She was so excited to finally have some alone time with him, but even she had to admit that spending time with her family was just what she needed after the hell the entire crew had just been put through. Now, though, she had every intention of living in a bikini with a cocktail in her hand while she enjoyed the company of a pretty terrific guy.

All he had to do now was arrive.

Earth. It had been his adopted home. He had made it his adopted home. There wasn't any family for him to visit. But there were a few friends. After paying them a quick visit, he had spent the rest of his time trekking around the planet. His plan, end up at the predetermined meeting place...with Xylia...at the Bahamas. Yeah, this was going to be a relaxing shore leave. And he needed it. Not just with everything that had happened, but going back as the Acting XO. He walked down the beach in his black swim trunks with a towel around his neck. Alex had already taken a dip in the ocean and ran his hand through his damp hair.

Despite the crowded beach, Xylia could feel him nearby. She began to scan the area, and after a few moments, she spotted him, his presence sucking her in like a tractor beam. Oh, but he looked amazing, and she found herself looking down at the black one piece she was wearing and wondered if they'd mentally coordinated their attire. It was likely a coincidence, but she still thought it was kind of cute. "Alex! Over here!" she said, waving a hand to get his attention.

Alex was taking in the crystal blue and clear ocean as he walked. Until he heard Xylia's voice, that is. He quickly scanned the beach and saw her waving. Then he saw her. Oh. Wow. He continued walking towards the most wonderful, and surprising, woman he'd met. Alex started jogging and quickly made his way to where Xylia was. "Hey, look at us, we match." He settled down next to her and took everything in. "So what are you drinking, my Bahama breeze?"

She leaned in to kiss him after her sat down, then raised her glass to offer it to him. "Rum punch. It seemed like the perfect cocktail to enjoy while basking in the sun. Try some," she offered, feeling rather giddy with having him so close. Xylia definitely had a thing for the Ulpian man, and there wasn't likely anything in the galaxy that would put out that burning fire.

Alex grinned. I love it when you do that, when you kiss me. You really know how to use those lips, he thought to her mind. "I don't mind if I do, Xylia. Thank you." He took the glass from her hand and looked at it. "Which side did you drink from again?" he asked, winking.

Xylia fanned a hand over herself with a grin. She could blame the heat, but it was all Alex. "If you don't know that by now..." she didn't finish the statement as she leaned in to kiss him a second time. "Since you love it, I'm going to keep doing it."

When she pulled away from that kiss and said that she was going to keep doing it, Alex took a long drink. He set the glass down and looked into Xylia's eyes. Alex put his hand on her upper arm and gently rubbed it. "Not if I do it first." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips, pulling her close with the hand he had on her arm.

The German woman shivered and moved closer to his with ease as she returned the kiss. She wasn't about to be outdone, slipping her hand around the back of his neck just as a voice from somewhere around them suggested they get a room. Xylia pulled back, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. It was very easy for her to get carried away when she was close to him. "I can't seem to help myself when you're this close to me," she said softly. "I missed you."

Alex smiled as he watched the blush fade onto her cheeks. "Some things still cause your face to turn red. Wonderful, I think I have a new mission objective when it comes to us," said Alex. "And I have missed you, too. How has your shore leave been until now?"

"It's been good so far. I got to see my family for a few days, and that was pleasant," she replied, leaning back on her elbows before looking back over at him with a smile. He wouldn't have to try too hard to make her blush, but it was still going to be interesting to see what he did to make it happen. "How about you? How has yours been so far?"

"It's been good," he said, leaning back on his hands. "I was able to visit a couple of people I haven't seen in a long time. After that, I just traveled the world and played the tourist for a while. Even took a visit to Luna and Mars." Alex turned his head towards Xylia and looked at her from toe to head. He didn't hide it. Nor did he care if she, or anyone else, noticed. "Though I'd have to say that the best place I visited was the European continent on Earth. Germany, to be more specific."

The piqued Xylia's curiosity. "You went to Germany?" she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

"But of course," said Alex. "Why would I not want to know more about you." He winked at the beautiful German woman.

She smiled and leaned in to kiss him again. "That's quite possibly the sweetest thing I've er heard in my life, you know that?" she asked, unable to keep from smiling. "You should have looked me up while you were there, though. I wouldn't have had to be away from you as long."

"The thought crossed my mind," said Alex. "But that would have taken you away from your family. Besides, it means another trip for the both of us together to Germany. My own personal tour."

"I'd love to take you on a personal tour. Maybe we can do that during our next shore leave. I'd like to see where you're from, too."

"Looking forward to our next shore leave, then," said Alex. "Germany it is. As for me, you've been to the Academy. So you've seen what I call home." He leaned all the way back, laying down, and put his arms behind his head.

Xylia leaned over and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Have you already checked into a hotel?" she asked, hoping he hadn't yet. If not, then that meant he'd be able to stay with her, and nothing but a whole lot of fun would happen if that was the case. Even if he did, though, that didn't mean they couldn't still bunk together.

He exhaled slowly from the kiss. "I have a reservation for a reservation, you could say. The hotel I wanted to check-in to was full when I contacted them. They said they would put my name on a list if one came up within the next six hours. That was about an hour ago. And that's just fine because it means I get to spend the five hours staring at you."

"It's even better for me, because it means you can stay with me, and that means... I get to wake up to you," she said with a smile. "And don't think for a second I'm unhappy about that."

Alex smiled and stroked the facial hair on his chin. "I see. So I get to cancel my reservation for a reservation. And believe me, I have no reservations about that at all." He smiled and rolled his head to the side to face her more. "Thank you for the invite. I completely accept. You realized that waking up to me means that you get to go to sleep to me, too?"

"I did realize that," the German woman answered as she grinned. "And, I think we're both going to have a lot of fun keeping each other up until we're exhausted."

Alex raised up and leaned over close to her, wetting his lips and pressing them to Xylia's...for a while. Then he pulled up and spoke to her mind, Xylia Lischka, sheer exhaustion is the only way you'll ever get any sleep at night. Especially with all of the fun keeping each other up. If that wasn't enough to make the German woman blush, then maybe this would do it. You should know though, if I have to chase you around the room, I may not catch you. I was the worst runner on the track team at the Academy. Always came in last place and never did win a medal or award.

She did blush, and thankfully, there wasn't anyone lying in their immediate area despite the crowded beach. Xylia kept her eyes locked on his. "Oh... I promise to let you catch me," she assured him. "Besides, being caught definitely makes for an extremely good time for both of us, doesn't it?"

There it was, mission accomplished. Alex sat up and picked up his glass. "Oh yes, yes it does. And when you let me catch you, well, you get the idea," he said. "On another note, or is it...would you like another Rum Punch?" he asked her. "Mine seems to have warmed up too much."

"I could use another. These do seem to have gotten a bit on the warm side. Then again... maybe it's just me," she said, fanning herself with a grin.

Alex returned the grin with a smile. "Could be. But, how do you explain mine, then?" He stood up and looked down at her.

"The sun. It's definitely the sun," she said, getting to her feet and grabbing her glass. "Do you want me to grab a couple more?"

"Now that's not what I meant for you do," said Alex. "I was going to get them." He paused and grinned, like a wonderful idea had just slipped into his mind. "But if you insist, Xylia, I wouldn't mind."

Xylia smiled and leaned in to kiss him as she took his glass. "I won't be gone long," she said, kissing him once more before she turned to make her way toward the bar. The German woman didn't want to be gone too long, but there was a line. With a frown, she settled in to wait.

After she took his glass, Alex watched Xylia walk away...and smiled. When she stopped at the end of the line, he realized it was going to take longer than she planned. But he had a plan. He stood there and searched for Xylia's among the others. It didn't take but a few seconds as he had read her thoughts and helped her with memories before. You might be away physically for a few moments more than you had planned, but we can still communicate. Did you know that I thoroughly enjoyed watching you walk to the bar? I can share that memory with you, if you want. See the view that I saw?

The German woman cast a glance over her shoulder and spotted him still standing on the beach. She was rather grateful for this form of communication as it kept things pretty private. Another plus... all she had to do was think about what she wanted to say, and he'd hear it... in his own way. Someone once told me that getting to watch a woman walk away was one hell of a consolation prize, but that was ages ago. I'm assuming that's what you mean now?

But of course. And it doesn't matter how long ago, with you and your consolation prize, it's always relevant. On a different note, thank you for allowing me to communicate with you like this. Most non-telepaths prefer vocal.

Xylia smiled at him. I rather like it. There's something a bit intimate about communicating with each other this way, and I know you have no I'll intent when it comes to me, she thought to him with another smile. I'm glad I met you, Alex.

You are absolutely right in all that you say, thought Alex. And I'm glad to have met you. You seem to relax me. That's not easily done, little missy.

I relax you, huh? she asked as she moved forward when the line moved. Maybe I'm just what the doctor ordered for you, then. I know you were for me.

Alex smiled, though she couldn't see it. Instead, he shared with a memory with her of their first encounter. If you are what the doctor ordered for me, then I will need infinite refills on that prescription. And as far as for you, I'm happy that you feel that way.

Xylia smiled and grabbed their drink refills, then turned to make her way back toward him. She was positively giddy. I don't plan on going anywhere, so you have me as long as you wish to, she thought.

Alex waited for her to get back and stood. He took the two glass from her and set them down. Then he wrapped his arms around her. Good. Very good, he thought. He pulled her against him and he kissed her. While his lips were pressed to hers, he thought to her, I don't want you to go anywhere. I want you right here. Just like this. Then he pulled away. "Drinks?"

The German returned the kiss, and when he pulled back, she was flushed and felt the need to fan herself. The things he made her feel... she could only hope she did the same thing for him. Then... here... like this... is where I'll stay, she thought. "Absolutely. Then, maybe we can go for a swim, or check out our room..."

Alex released his physical hold on Xylia and sat back down, taking a drink. "Our room, is it? Not just me sharing your room, but our room." He grinned and took another drink. "A short swim first might be good. And then the walk back to the room might dry us out. Might. I suppose it wouldn't be back to go into our room still dripping with ocean water, would it?"

"I don't think it would be, and taking a shower would be a waste when we're only going to get dirty again," she said with a grin, then responded to him mentally. It is our room since you'll be staying there with me. I, for one, can't wait to begin our first of many shore leaves together.

Alex winked at Xylia and took another drink. "A very good point you make there, about getting dirty again." Then why must we wait? Let's get this swim over with. What do you say? He took a long drink, followed by gulp that he held in his mouth. Until he leaned over and gave Xylia a kiss, sharing some of the Rum Punch.

Xylia grinned and leaned in to kiss him just before she drank down half of her drink. "I'll race you to the water," she said with a playful grin, then took off toward the brightly blue colored water of the Atlantic.

Alex smiled widely as he watched her take off running and then took off after her. This was fun...it had been a long time. A very long time. "I'm going to catch you!" he called out.

"Noooo!" the German woman squealed as she dodged people to get to the ocean. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun, and with someone so amazing. Alex seemed open to just about anything, and she appreciated that. Their relationship, or whatever it was they had going on, was definitely going to be interesting.

Alex ran past a group of Bajorans...and lost track of her. He was astounded that it had happened, that he'd lost track of that. He did a quick scan of the thoughts around him and found her. The human-looking Ullian jerked his head in her direction, then took off after her. Seconds later, he caught up to her. "Told you."

Xylia blinked when he caught up to her, but he still hadn't actually caught her. "So you did," she said with a grin, then took off running again.

"Why you little..." Alex slipped a bit in the warm sand as he started running again. He wasn't going to let this happen again. If he caught up to her...oh, it was on. He kept on running after the German woman in the black one-piece, ideas flying through his mind on what he would do when he caught her. He grinned as he started to close in. "I'm going to catch you and when I do, it's straight into the ocean with you. And me."

The German woman laughed, taking his words as a challenge. "You have to catch me first!" she called back to him just before she jumped over a couple that were talking. "Bring it on!"

Alex smirked and continued running. The ocean was on his right, so he changed his direction slightly to the left. He gained a little more ground as the beach in front him was clearer than normal. He was still several yards behind Xlia, when he thought to her, Coming up on your right, schatz! And then into that pretty water!

Xylia cast a glance over her shoulder and laughed sure enough, he was gaining on her, and there wasn't anywhere for her to go. She braced herself. You should be Security. You're sneaky. Then again, that's what makes you great at being Intel.

Indeed it is, thought Alex to her. So to keep with the surprises, Alex came up on her left instead of her right. He reached out, wrapped his arms around her, and slowed just enough to scoop her up. Then Alex carried Xylia straight into the ocean until the water pushed back. Then he tossed her in and stood above her. "Told you so."

The German woman laughed when he grabbed her. Oh, he was definitely a sneaky one, and she loved every single second of it. When he ran with her into the water, she braced herself and waited for the inevitable, which he delivered on. She flew through the air, hitting the water with a splash just before she took a breath. It didn't take long before Xylia surfaced again and pushed hair from her face with a grin. "So, you did, and I didn't even let you catch me, either. I think a certain Spook was fibbing to me earlier about the running."

Alex grinned. "Now what would time with me be like if you knew all my secrets? I'll tell you, no surprises." And with that, he jumped into the water beside her, sending the bright blue liquid up on her. Breaking the surface, he came up behind her and grabbed her waist. "Surprise."

Xylia laughed as instinct kicked in and she splashed him. This was what shore leave was all about. Relaxing... being a big kid, and just having fun. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, then leaned in to kiss him. "This is already turning out to be the best shore leave ever."

Alex returned the kiss. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "I'll admit, I haven't had this much fun in years. Thank you." He released his grip on her. "Now, shall we just swim around, race to something, or swim over to that little beach just past that rocky outcropping? Looks like you'd either have to climb it to get the beach or swim out past the shoal around it to get to it. And since we're already in the water..."

"I bet there's no one over there, either. We could always get an early start on exhausting each other, too. That is... if you're feeling a bit adventurous," she said with a grin. Xylia kissed him one more time, then began to swim toward the area he indicated.

Alex grinned and chuckled. It worked. He started swimming to catch up to her. I'm about as adventurous as they come, Xylia, he thought to her.

Xylia slowed down so he could catch up to her. This is so much more adventurous than a closet is, though, she thought back to him. Unable to help herself, she began to play back some of those images in her mind, which in turn projected to his own.

Alex caught up and thought, Oh, it will indeed be more... Then he caught the images and memories that were going through her mind. He had to stop swimming and tread water just to concentrate. My dear Xylia..., and then he projected some memories.

The German woman stopped when he was projection some of his own memories. Treading water, she turned to look at him. "I don't think I'm going to make it if we keep sending memories like that back and forth."

"Then let's stop...for now...and head for the beach," said Alex. "We can make some new memories." He winked at her got ready to start swimming again.

Xylia watched him for a minute. Oh, he was adventurous... there was no doubt about it. With a grin, she swam behind him and thought about making new memories together. "I love the way you think, Mister Rho."

"There is more to explore in that regard," Alex said. He took off to the beach, not stopping. The Intel Chief and Acting XO was looking forward to what awaited him there. Xylia was good for him. But, he had a feeling that he would be back to his old, paranoid self when they got back aboard. Work was work and play was, heh heh, play.

"What would you say if I suggested we move in together?" Xylia asked as they continued to swim forward. "You could chase me all you wanted to, and we could help take one another's minds off of things that go on."

Alex continued swimming. "That, Xylia, is something we can talk about. I like you and I like spending time together. But moving in together is something of a next step that we should talk more about. That said, I can still chase you all I want to. Think of it like a game of hide-and-seek." He continued swimming until they got closer to the shore.

She hadn't expected him to say yes to her offer, and he was right. Besides... it was far too soon for anything like that to happen. And now... she regretted even saying anything. Not because she wouldn't love having him with her all the time when they were off duty, but because it was just too early. She swam in silence, mentally kicking herself for being stupid. And that was exactly what she was.

When he felt the sand, he stood, still in the water, and looked to Xylia. "Quiet rest of the trip."

"Yeah, it was," she agrees as she got to her feet to continue the last leg of their journey to the secluded beach. "Just thinking a bit. No big deal."

Alex had been around human females enough to know what that meant. He stopped and walked up to her, putting his hands on her waist. "I didn't say 'no,' just not at this point. Listen, it's something we can talk about later, I'll agree to that. But don't let it occupy your mind right now, on shore leave. Let me do that." He pulled her in for a long, passionate kiss, wrapping his arms around her damp back. After what seemed like several minutes, Alex pulled back slightly. "We can still be adventurous...right here...on this secluded beach. Or back on the ship in the holodeck. Ohh, now there's an idea...wherever you want, whatever you want."

Xylia returned the kiss and slipped one of her bends into his. "It's okay. I'm okay. Now... let's work on making some new memories while we have the chance to."

"I couldn't have said it any better myself, gorgeous," Alex picked her up in his arms and carried her up the beach. "Do you have a preference as to sand in the open sun or sand in the shade? Either way, we'll be sweating."

"The open sun sounds good. We can work on our tans at the same time," she answered with a grin as her arms made their way around his neck. "I can't promise we won't be returning to duty with some weird tan lines, though. The plus side to that... we're the only ones who will ever see them."

Alex chuckled. "How true that is...making memories and new tan lines. I like the way you think, shatz." He walked up a little further up the beach and knelt, gently laying her down. He leaned over her, "To making new memories." Alex winked at Xylia and then made a point to check her out before lowering himself down and placing his lips to hers again. This time, it didn't seem like several minutes.