To See Or Not To See

Posted on Fri Oct 20, 2017 @ 10:50am by Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e & Major Kasia S'er'in'e

Mission: Strange Matter
Location: Sickbay Recovery
Timeline: MD 29 || 2340 Hours

S'er'in'e had woken from a very disturbed sleep, ever since he'd been told hir mind wrought with raging storms of turmoil and dread. If a Klingon died in battle, it was glorious. If a Klingon was paralysed through battle, they were no longer Klingon. If a Caitian were blind, were they still Caitian?

Of the visions that flashed through his mind, the dread of the Elders on the Homeworld that would no doubt use an instance such as this to promote keeping people on the Homeworld. No doubt use his name as a racial marker of shame and dishonour to the Caste, a warning of what might happen and will happen to those that leave.

The worst part, the part that prevailed above all others was Kasia, not seeing her again. It hurt to think that she would leave him though he'd understand if she did. S'er'in'e was a threat to her by his size and abilities, he'd be more so not being able to see. This line of thinking however had earned him more than one sedation, he was told to keep calm, relax while he healed but S'er'in'e saw little calm in the road ahead.

Kasia had arrived in sickbay to have her arm tended to, but word of S'er'in'e's accident reached her before she even got herself checked in. After speaking to a nurse to find out where the Caitian was, she found herself quickly making her way to recovery. This wasn't something she'd been expecting, but things like this happened more often than she wanted to admit. Sadly, though, she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to be walking in on as his injuries had not been discussed with her. The Marine Major wasn't a spouse or emergency contact, so information like that was kept confidential.

Just outside of the door, the blonde haired woman paused and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before she walked inside. When she was sure she had control of herself, she made her way inside, but no amount of mental pep talks prepared her for seeing S'er'in'e lying in bed like he was. Quickly, Kasia rushed over to him. "S'er'in'e... are you okay?" she asked softly, slipping her small hand into his much larger one. It was a task to keep her voice from cracking, but somehow she managed. "What happened? Do you remember?" There would have to be an official report at some point, but that could wait.

He felt her smaller hand in his own but with it came his own worries and fears as his fingers closed around it. He feared now that he was defective, broken, he would no longer be appealing to her. His grip on her hand might have been a little tight but he feared it would be the last time he'd feel such tenderness. "We were outside the cell, where the females were being held. We were attacked and I turned to engage then I wake up here....mostly."

She lowered her head and to press a kiss to his temple. "What has the doctor said?" Kasia asked softly. "How severe are your injuries?"

"I...." It was clear his injuries troubled him. "I can not see." His ears visibly wilted. The kiss to his temple a comfort, a reassurance. "The Doctor is hopeful but it is too early to tell, the damage to my eyes was....extensive." From his answer it was painfully obvious that until time had passed, he'd be blind.

Kasia gave his hand a gentle yet reassuring squeeze and she took a seat on the edge of the bed. She was still bleeding and feeling a little discomfort, but it was nothing compared to what he was going through. S'er'in'e needed her. If that meant putting something she considered to be so minor in comparison, then that was exactly what she was going to do.

"It's going to be okay," she said softly. "It might not seem like it now, but we have some of the best medical personnel on this ship. They'll have you fixed up and good as new in no time. In the meantime, though, do you know what that means?"

He gently shook his head, his mind too filled with worries and fears to think on the straight and level. He wondered how the Elders would take the news, his family, the Overseer.

"It means that I'm going to take care of you until you're okay again," she said softly, answering her own question for him. "Because, that's what people do when someone they love is hurt and in need."

That news shocked him, his ears perked up, whiskers flared as the news sank in. "You...you love me?" He suddenly felt a warmth was over him, an ease and calm. He should have known it, she did say she was 'bonding' to him in her own way but Kasia was a serious woman and so for her to use that particular word, was bigger than life to him.

"You know I don't say anything I don't mean," Kasia replied softly, shifting around a bit so she could stretch out on the bed next to him. Thankfully, she didn't take up much room, but she did find herself leaning against him more because of his weight. "Let there be no question about it. I do love you, and I'm going to take care of you until you're in your feet again."

S'er'in'e gently hugged Kasia keeping her close to him, his head resting close drawing in her scent and before he knew it he began purring and strongly. His chest vibrated with it, and it was clear that he was more at ease than before she arrived. "You're aware that I'm bonding to you." He spoke between purrs. "I too, love you." His hold tightned just a little bit as his tail coiled about an ankle of hers.

Kasia smiled, and though he couldn't see it, he would be able to hear it. "See? All the more reason for us to get you well again, because you'll be claiming me as soon as you are. And that's because I've already laid my claim on you."

S'er'in'e smiled, a playful growl and the claws pressed lightly against her as he held her. To claim her as his Mate, both knew what that meant and what he had to do to her considering what she saw him do to the Orion but she was willing, as was he. "You should let my parents know." Knowing his Mother she would be overjoyed, his Father he was unsure on.

"I will let them know as soon as I'm able. Your well-being is a bigger priority for me now," she said, slipping an arm over him. "And did you just growl at me, Mister?"

S'er'in'e smiled, a light chuckle followed. "I may have." He spoke. "I suspect you didn't mind given its playful intent." He felt her arm hang over him, his hand resting on it.

"I didn't," Kasia admitted as she began to run her hand over his side. She was grateful that he was here, and would do everything she could to help him recover. "Has the doctor mentioned when you're going to be released? I figured if I'm going to be taking care of you, then I should probably stay with you for the time being. I'll need to bring a few of my things over. Some clothes, a toothbrush, things like that."

"Soon from my understanding. Physically I am fine bar my compromised vision. My hope is that with you with me, they will release me into you're care to monitor me." At least that was his hope, he didn't want to stay in Sickbay surrounded by scents of others.

"I will spring you just as soon as they'll let me, but I'm not leaving until they do," the Major stated. "I haven't even changed my clothes, and I'm likely staining your fur."

"Speaking of which, I will need your aid in grooming. My claws will need to be resharpened, fur washed and brushed." He was unable to do thus himself and with her intent on being claimed, perhaps she may enjoy the other aspects of her partner.

"Whatever you need," she said softly. "I'll do it."

"I have heard females complain before about the time it takes for them to tame ones hair. I'm afraid it will pale in comparison for me." Head hair was one thing but an entire coat of it, quiet another.

"Then we'll just have to start a bit earlier, won't we?"

"In my quarters, the row of shelves on the wall. On the top shelf in the left corner there is a book. It is the book my Father gave me when I was young about taking care of myself. You might find it useful." Within it detailed everything, how to tend to claw and fang. How to wash the fur, ideal lengths to trim it, what to wash it in, helpful drying tips.

"Then I'll read that when I have free time so that I can help you better. Speaking of help..." Kasia began as she shifted back to a sitting position with a groan. "I need to get my arm taken care of, but thankfully, I didn't stain your fur like I thought I might have."

S'er'in'e lifted her hand from his chest and to his nose where he inhaled deeply. The scent strong and comforting as he let it do its work calming him troubled mind and soul. "Alright." It would also explain why he could smell blood, alas it was hers however. "I hope your wounds are no serious?" Hoping that she didn't put herself at risk for him.

"Not too serious, I don't think. I got stabbed, but pushed through it," she said in a reassuring tone. "I just need to get it taken care of and change my clothes so I can focus on what's truly important. You."

S'er'in'e brushed his cheek against her hand slowly before letting it go. "I'll be here." A joke, Kasia knew that but not like the Doctor was going to let him roam the halls blind. He did however hope her injuries were not long lasting.

"I'll try not to be gone longer than an hour. I really hope it will be much less than that, though," she said, leaning down to kiss him softly. "I promise I'll be back. I love you." With that, she made her way out of his recovery room.

Alone once more S'er'in'e could only wait, but the day had yielded hope. One which was the source of much strength for him, one that he would draw on heavily in these coming days. She loved him......

* * *

Nearly an hour later, Kasia walked back into his room. Her arm was fixed, a shower was had, and clean clothes were on. She definitely felt human again. "I'm back," she said softly. "Are you awake?"

Only partially, but S'er'in'e turned his head. "I am." Knowing that with the bandage she was unable to tell. "Did everything go well with the treatment?" He shuffled over on the large bed, the only one in Sickbay capable of support his substantial weight.

"It did," she replied as she moved back over to the bed to settle down on it. No longer did she smell like blood, but herself... a cleaner version of. "How are you feeling? Any pain? I'll drag a nurse in here."

"Tender but fine with you here." Kasia would become a vital part of his life these coming days and more so when he'd recovered. After everything was said and done Kasia had said he'd be claiming her, no fear, no hesitation. Just love.

"Well, now I don't have anywhere else to go. Are you on any kind of dietary restrictions? Are you hungry?" she asked as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "I can order us some food from The Black Hole if you feel like you can eat something. And I will be helping you with that, too."

"Fish would be nice, something soft, simple." Fish would also make it easier for her to serve over a steak or something meatier. "Would you have anything, I don't want to eat and make you hungry in doing so?" He asked softly, his feline inflections taking hold of his words.

Kasia smiled. "I'm going to get something, too," she said. It was sweet that he was still worried about her in his current state, and that proves to her just how deep his feelings for ran. She grabbed the PADD she brought with her and accessed The Black Hole to place their order and have it deliver straight to their room. Of course, it likely wouldn't make it past main sickbay, but a nurse would bring it back the rest of the way.

She ordered some fish for him along with a couple other things she knew he would like that would be easy to eat, then placed her own. The Major was definitely starving and planned to have a medium rare steak and loaded baked potato with a side of green beans. Should S'er'in'e wish to have any, Kasia would share without question. "It should be here in about twenty minutes," she said after placing the order."

S'er'in'e nodded, not that he could do much else given the situation he was currently in. "I was going to suggest a visit to you're parents after this mission is concluded,but a blind Caitian is hardly an ideal first impression." He spoke softly while they waited for food.

"Soon, I promise, but right now while you're out of commission, I'll be stepping into the role of Marine CO, which means I can't take leave," she said softly, slipping her hand back into his. "Don't worry, though. I'm not going to be leaving you alone. I'll work from quarters as much as I'm able to, and have someone come sit with you when I need to step away. I'm sure Aravan would be willing to help out."

"I do not envy you the after action report to the Commodore." Considering he lost his vision S'er'in'e was remarkably fine, no doubt shock had yet to set in but it would in time. "What did you order for yourself?" His hand closing around hers as she held it.

"A steak. I asked for it to be sliced very thin in case you wanted to have some of it," Kasia replied.

S'er'in'e smiled as best he could given the grim situation. It was an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows already. Even if the Doctor had hopes he had few for himself. A silence lingered between them, hung like a thick fog as they waited for the food. It was hard for him to 'keep his chin up' but considering the situation, he tried his best. It wasn't long however before a Nurse reported that food had arrived.

"The food is here," she said softly, setting it onto a table. "Are you ready to eat?"

"I am." S'er'in'e replied as he sat up a little to get more comfortable and to make room for her on the bed to sit should she wish to do so. His keen nose could already smell the aromas of food. "I suspect you have just made every mouth in Sickbay water."

Kasia smiled as she started to set everything up, then sat on the edge of the bed. "That is definitely a possibility, but they can order food just like we did." She speared a piece of his fish and held it to him. "Open," she said softly.

It was perhaps the first time Kasia would see his teeth in all the glory such fangs, weapons, what ever others would view them as. Four large fangs long and sharp flanked by other smaller cutting teeth. He was patient knowing that biting down on a fork could risk damaging his teeth and that could prove painful.

"Would it be easier if I used my fingers?" the Major asked. She didn't want to hurt him accidentally.

"Would you feel comfortable doing so?" S'er'in'e asked slowly closing his mouth again. "My fangs and teeth are sharp, I would not want to harm you with them."

"I know you wouldn't hurt me intentionally, S'er'in'e, and in case an accident does happen, I won't have to go far for treatment," she pointed out trying to joke. "Everything will be okay."

S'er'in'e smiled at her words considering where they were injury was a minor thing at best. "Alright." He opened his mouth again and waited, though hoped he wouldn't harm her. He'd not been fed by another since his early youth by his parents, now he was an adult, even if still slightly growing.

Kasia fed him another bite and managed to avoid injury. She wasn't really worried about it to begin with, though, and that was because she had quite a bit of control over what was going on. "See? That wasn't bad, and I didn't get hurt in the process. Try not to worry so much about me. I'm going to be okay. We need to keep our focus on you and your recovery."

The Fish was succulent, tasty and hot. There was something close, personal about what Kasia was doing. A front row seat to the fangs she'd seen kill a man, long and sharp as they were and cared for regularly. Each time she fed him he sucked her fingers gently so to not leave them messy or the like from the fish. "I can't help but imagine the view this must create between us. Like an old Earth style Zoo with a child or infant feeding a creature many times larger than itself." He smiled at the thought as it floated through his mind.

"Although, I don't think people hand fed zoo animals all those years ago. They'd risk losing a finger or maybe something much larger," she said, smiling. "Of course, you aren't an animal, either, and you're doing quite well."

S'er'in'e smiled his thanks and continued to eat as she helped him. Shock had yet to set in but it would. The plus side was that Kasia was going to be there, stand by him and support him.