Picnic in the park

Posted on Sun Oct 29, 2017 @ 10:25am by Lieutenant JG Logan Hunter & Lieutenant Commander Kelani Tetanal

Mission: Falling Star
Location: Arboretum
Timeline: 24 hours after Cold Steel and 24 hours before Date Interrupted

Logan was fluffing out a blanket on a patch of grass in the arboretum. He was just setting down the picnic basket when Kelani arrived. He rose to greet her with a quick hug. "Hey there. How was your day?"

Kelani returned the hug with a happy smile. “It was rather busy, but no emergencies, thankfully.” She noticed the picnic basket and blanket and her smile widened. “This is a perfect end to the day!”

A look of relief crossed Logan's face. He gestured about. "Hope you don't mind a picnic. It's been awhile since I was home and I really wanted to spend some time around growing plants."

“I understand,” Kelani replied. "I, too, miss home and the parks and growing things—they are so very soothing...”

Logan smiled as he cast his gaze about the arboretum. "I grew up on a farm in rural Iowa."

Mischief glinted in Kelani’s eyes as she settled herself on the blanket.

“So—what surprises are in the basket?”

"Hope you like fried chicken and potato salad." He pulled several sealed containers from the basket. He placed the containers on the blanket and looked at Kelani for a moment. He gave a slight chuckle and wink. "Yes, I also brought dessert, but I'm holding off on that until later."

Kelani laughed in delight. "You are filling me with anticipation," she teased as she settled herself on the blanket. "What shall we do first--talk for a while or eat?". She patted the blanket beside her.

Logan sat down in the spot she patted, close, but not quite touching. "Which ever you are in the mood for."

"I don't know,". Kelani said slowly, her eyes twinkling. "Just being in this quiet place is wonderful." She slid a little closer saying, "This is so tranquil---"

~There is no need to be nervous,~ she thought.

Logan was well aware of Kelani's slide a little closer, but something buzzed in his head to not read too much into it. He leaned back, planting his hands in the grass behind them. He was in a perfect position if she chose to lean against him. "We could just...take a moment of silent reflection surrounded by all this beauty."

"That sounds wonderful," Kelani told him, leaning against him and sighing. "It is peaceful here, Logan. We need that after this last mission." She hesitated a moment, then lay her head on his shoulder.

"It has certainly been an --eventful-- mission. I am glad it is over."

Logan felt warm and tingly with Kelani resting her head on his shoulder. He gently slid an arm around her waist, content to sit quietly with her.

Kelani sighed happily as she felt Logan’s arm slide around her waist. “This is so wonderful,” she said softly. “I could stay here for a very long time.”

~This is so wonderful!~. she thought blissfully.

Logan inhaled deeply, the light scent of Kelani's perfume giving him a heads sensation. He looked at the picnic basket in an effort to stave off his sudden desire to kiss Kelani. He exhaled with what could only be described as a sigh. "Well...shall we eat?" It was the only thing he could think to ask as a distraction from his desire.

Kelani hid a smile as she sensed the jumble of emotions and desires coming from Logan. He was shy—that was an unexpected facet of him that she found endearing.

~It is all right to kiss me,~ She thought gently. ~We’ll wait until you are less nervous...~

Aloud she said, “I’d like that. Then perhaps we could explore the arboretum for a bit? It is so beautiful...”

She softly lay her cheek on his hand.

Logan used his free hand to dig out a drumstick from the container with the fried chicken and handed it to Kelani. "Bon Appetit as His Majesty would say."

Kelani accepted the drumstick with a smile, waiting until Logan had taken a piece of chicken, then said, "Bon appetit indeed."

She took a bite and smiled....

Logan glanced about as the ate, but his gaze always tracked back to Kelani. Even in her casual attire she radiated a beauty he found mesmerizing. He packed away the containers after they finished the chicken and potato salad. "How about we walk around for a bit before having dessert?"

"That sounds perfect," Kelani answered, smiling. She rose and folded the blanket before moving to Logan, gently twining her fingers in his.

"Shall we?"

Logan gave a gentle squeeze of her hand. "By all means. Let's."

"I want to see as much of this beautiful place as possible"

Kelani and Logan wondered about the paths through the Arboretum. Many plants and flowers catching their attention, but one stood out as Kelani's favorite and Logan took a special note.

Kelani smiled as she walked beside Logan. The quiet beauty of the arboretum was quite soothing. She laid her head on his shoulder.....

As they walked, Kelani marveled at the variety of plants and flowers represented in the arboretum. A flash of color caught her eye and she stopped to get a better look.

She turned to Logan with a happy smile. Pointing to a plant that had both pink and lavender blooms, she said, "I have not seen this plant since my last visit to Betazed. It has always been my--happy plant--because of its colors...." She blushed slightly, saying, "It is something of a childhood memory...."

Logan took a close look at the plant. It was indeed very beautiful. He read the placard at the base. [I]Betazed Summer Lily[/I]. "It is quite beautiful. Reminds me of the flowers my mom grows back home."

Logan saw Kelani's reaction and surmised she didn't have any in her quarters.