A Moment For Two

Posted on Mon Oct 8, 2018 @ 12:27am by Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e & Major Kasia S'er'in'e

Mission: Falling Star
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 34 ll 20:00Hrs

S'er'in'e had been busy, working behind the scenes, making preparations, keeping secrets. He wanted to surprise his Mate without letting her know the details, a difficult feat considering his Mate was a Marine and the department was not exactly small, eyes and ears everywhere. His plan, Dinner, but not at home. He wanted to break routine and go out somewhere and some looking around had rewarded him with a venue with plenty that he could eat and some quantity to which to eat it since he'd eat more than most.

He was not sure how his Mate would take to this change in routine yet he could only hope, he would however understand if she declined.

Taking a moment to trim his fur, shower, groom, clean and sharpen he laid his chosen attire on the bed. A rather regal looking gold and green two piece outfit that afforded breath-ability to prevent overheating with freedom of movement. Taming his fur into place took the longest but practiced ease made short work of the task as he thought about everything he'd planned while he waited for Kasia to return home.

It had been a long day. Perhaps not the longest she'd ever experienced, but definitely among one of the top ten. As Kasia entered the quarters she shared with S'er'in'e, she found all she wanted to do was take her boots off, shed her uniform and soak in the tub for a while to let the tensions of the day fade away into nothing. And it was quite likely that was going to happen.

Kasia settled down on the couch and began the process of getting her boots off, setting them off to the side to be out of the way, then went for her socks. The moment her feet were free, she stretched them and brought her hands down in an effort to massage them a bit. It wasn't that her boots were uncomfortable, but more the fact she'd been on her feet for a large part of her shift. Now, there was relief. Relief that caused a full body shiver and gave her goosebumps.

While she worked on her feet, she listened to the quiet, wondering if S'er'in'e was even home. Part of her wanted to get up and go look, but Kasia's feet protested strongly against it. So, it was time to do the next best thing. "S'er'in'e? Babe? Are you here?"

Walking from the bedroom in his robe he saw his Mate on the large sofa chair, boots off, socks off. While he would never understand that feeling of pulling ones boots off he could see the effect it had once done. "I am my Mate." He spoke with a smile seeing her comfortable.

Kasia smiled when she saw him was out of the bedroom. "How was your day?" she asked, puckering up to indicate she wished a kiss from him.

Leaning down and taking her chin delicately between finger and thumb his lips pressed to hers, whiskers flush to his cheeks lest they tickle her.

She smiled and returned the kiss, unable to keep from giggling as she pulled back from the tickling of his whiskers. "Did you have a good day today?" Kasia asked, smoothing her fingers through his fur.

"It was fine, though better returning to my Mate." S'er'in'e replied, his eyes gazing upon her, a smile, a hint of fang tips but an unyielding gentleness towards her.

"You look... amazing," she said, unable to keep herself from looking him up and down. Definitely not something she was used to seeing since uniforms were pretty standard on starships. "So, can I ask what the occasion is?"

"Need there be one?" He replied. "You are all the need I require."

Kasia smiled and rose to her feet, smoothing her hands over his chest. "Should I shower and change?"

"I thought we might dine on the Promenade." S'er'in'e posed as he looked upon her. "Unless the mood does not strike you, in which we can eat here, or order something to be brought to us?"

"Then I should definitely shower and put something more suitable on, shouldn't I?" the Russian woman asked as she rose to her feet. Her uniform wouldn't do if they were going to go out and enjoy an evening away from home. It wasn't often that they did that. "I'll try not to be too long." With that, she offered him another smile and made her way into their bedroom so she could get her clothes together, then make her way into the bathroom.

S'er'in'e made himself ready with a light grooming, a little trim or errand fur and then finished with a brushing and two piece golden and green suit set while he waited for his Mate to finish showering. Her headpiece was on its foam moulding which brought a smile to his face when he looked at it, remembering the view of it on her brow the first time she put it on.

It didn't take long before Kasia made her way toward him dressed in a flowing green dress and a pair of matching heels. When she spotted him, she stopped and gave a spin, her long, curled blonde locks billowing out around her. "What do you think, my love?"

"As beautiful as I remember seeing you on the Homeworld, caught in the sun with a gentle breeze through your hair." S'er'in'e replied with a broad smile. He picked up the headpiece for her. "Have you come used to this?" It had little weight but it was hardly the norm for Humans to wear.

Kasia smiled as she moved toward him, lowering her head a bit so he could place the headpiece for her. "It still takes a little getting used to, but I love everything about you and your traditions, and I'm honored that you have chosen me to share all of it with."

S'er'in'e spent a moment to admire the beauty of his Mate, the dress suited her well, her hair down which he deeply favoured. He didn't say anything in reply, instead he took her hands and placed them to his neck, leaning forward so that his face was next to hers and his whiskers flush he purred briefly for her. Letting her feel and hear it.

Once done he stood up again to his towering height and asked. "Shall we go?" There were plenty of places they would eat, all they had to do was pick one.

The Russian woman slipped her hand into his much larger one and gestured toward the door, indicating she was ready to leave. The fact that they were going out brought a smile to her face. They'd been out once or twice before for lunch, but this was different. Right now, he was just S'er'in'e, and she was just Kasia. No uniforms, no formalities, just two individuals in love with one another that wished to spend their off duty time together. "Do you have a preference about what you'd like to have for dinner tonight?"

"I was thinking of visiting 'The Black Hole'. I know we have eaten its food before that one time but I thought we could visit and eat there." S'er'in'e had heard much about the venue, even looked into it himself while in his office supposedly working for ideas to treat his Mate. He could however only hope that the chairs were large enough and strong enough to hold his bulk, it was one thing he'd not taken into consideration. "Unless you have another preference?"

Kasia shook her head with a smile. "The Black Hole is perfect. They have a little of everything," she said, looking forward to getting a night out with him.

"Wouldn't be the little deliveries I often see being made the Barracks would it?" S'er'in'e replied recalling people dropping off little containers and the eagerness to which the marines darted off again with the cargo in hand.

"It would be," she agreed. "They deliver all over the ship for those who aren't able to make it there in person. But, they only go so far since there are some highly sensitive areas on the ship. Those personnel have to meet them where the staff have access to. It really is a convenient thing to have. I've had them deliver to me a few times when I wasn't able to leave my office."

It was not something he'd considered up to now but the Caitian diet was a fragile thing and he didn't want the Chief Medical Officer imposing a less than tasty diet upon him to make amends. A few minutes later and they found themselves outside the venue, it was without a doubt a popular establishment as there were many inside already. "Do we book a table, or select one?" He asked her getting the impression his Mate knew more about it than he did.

Before Kasia could even open her mouth to reply, a hostess was upon them baring a smile on her face. "Good evening, and welcome to The Black Hole," she greeted. "If you follow me, I will take you to a table and have your server sent over immediately." With that, she gestured with her hand for them to follow.

Kasia smiled and followed behind the young woman, making her way to one of the empty tables by a window. Great company and an amazing view, she could definitely get used to things like this. "Thank you," she said with another friendly smile, then settled down on one of the chairs that would definitely hold S'er'in'e's weight.

That was one relief for him, he knew that some chairs couldn't hold his weight by default. It came as no surprise that he was getting looks being one of if not the tallest in the establishment as he followed the blonde haired beauty before him. "Thank you." He wrapped his tail about his waist mostly in fear of someone else stepping on it and then seated himself. He saw the menu and began to view it wondering what they would have that might fill the hunger and yet not spoil his dietary needs. "Does anything appeal....on the menu." He added, a little play of his own as he attempted humour, still a foreign concept to him.

"We can make whatever you like," the young woman said, clasping her hands behind her back. "I'll give you both a couple minutes to look things over while I get your server, but in the meantime, what can I get you both to drink?"

"I'll have a tequila sunrise, please," the Major said, looking toward S'er'in'e. She wasn't expecting him to drink alcohol, but it was polite to wait for him to put his drink order in.

"Water for me please." He didn't want to be impolite and have his Mate drinking on her own. It was basic he knew but if he really wanted something to drink that was at home. "Sorry." He apologised to his Mate, for what must have been a plain, dull and boring choice from him.

Kasia shook her head as the hostess made her way toward the large bar. "You don't have anything to be sorry for, my love," she stated, reaching out to take his hand in hers, then brought it to her lips where she kissed his knuckles. "I'm going to indulge in the one drink, then I'm going to have water myself." She smiled at him, then gestured to the menu that had an array of everything, even seafood. "Now, what looks good to you? They can, and will, make just about anything here."

"Perhaps a fish dish for myself, meats can be hard to eat at times." He also knew that the serving sizes might be small for him so he'd have to ask for extra. "And yourself."

"I think I'm going to go with the porterhouse, a baked potato and grilled veggies," she replied. One thing she wasn't afraid to do was eat.

S'er'in'e would have gone for something meaty but the mood eluded him for it however his attention was more aimed towards the company of his Mate. "I admit seeing you so reminds me of when we were on the Homeworld, you look quiet beautiful."

A blush crept up her cheeks at his words. "Thank you. And you're looking quite handsome this evening."

S'er'in'e smiled as he looked at her then those around them. It was busy for sure, popular venue indeed. Servers rushed about carrying food and drinks to tables, the wafting aromas of various foods laced the air. He remembered back to the date the pair of them had, the food they had ordered in and shared, how gentle and considerate Kasia was regardless or what he was. "Thank you." He waited for the server to return with drinks, and then to take the food order.

Kasia returned his smile. "You're welcome."

It was then that their server arrived, placing their drinks in front of them. "Good evening. My name is Gabrielle, and I'll be your server this evening. Do you need a few more minutes, or are you ready to order?" the young woman asked, looking toward S'er'in'e.

"I am, if you are?" Looking at his Mate to see if she was ready. He'd already picked out what he'd have and he knew Kasia favoured something called a Porterhouse. The image of the meal represented a meat so it would be interesting to see. "After you."

Kasia smiled at their server. "I'll have a porterhouse medium, baked potato and grilled veggies," she said.

Gabrielle smiled as she put the first part of the order in, then turned her attention toward S'er'in'e. "And how about you?"

"I will have 9 large fish fillets, steamed within Karabah leaves and a large water please. Some...large cutlery would be appreciated." S'er'in'e was not about to eat such a large meal with his claws within the presence of so many others around him. He looked at Kasia knowing that the meal he'd just ordered was nearly 3 times that of hers and hoped that was not off putting for her.

The young woman got his part of the order in without even batting a lash and smiled. "We've got you covered," she said. "I'll have your order out to you soon." With that, Gabrielle turned and made her way to the kitchen to help out.

While they waited S'er'in'e took the opportunity to look around, take in this massive venue, the decor, the people within it, the atmosphere that made this establishment the much talk of the ship. Yet here and now he was enjoying it with his Mate. He had little doubt that others may be appalled by the sheer size of his meal, at least until they saw to whom it was intended for but most of all it was good to be out of the uniform and be himself for a change.

Kasia waited until their server was out of earshot, then turned her attention back to S'er'in'e. "Are you terribly uncomfortable being out and about?"

"No." S'er'in'e replied with a smile. "It is just we do not get to go out often, for someone such as me it is easy for people to see the uniform, see it puts people at ease but in a social setting more emphasis is put on what I am." He explained. "It's why we take instruction prior to leaving the Homeworld so that we can avoid incidents."

The Russian woman looked around and noticed there wasn't a soul looking their way, which brought a smile to her face. She turned her attention back to him. "Well... I don't think you have to worry about that in this instance, because there isn't a soul paying us any mind. We're just another couple enjoying their time together while we're not on duty."

S'er'in'e smiled. "Couple....I like how that sounds." Even though a Mated pair, there was something about it when she broached the subject that made it sound more magical. A look around confirmed what she said, nobody seemed to care or be bothered he was there, a welcome change of pace to be sure.

"Well, that's exactly what we are, you know," she pointed out, taking a sip of her drink before returning the glass back to the table. "A little birdie told me we might be going on shore leave soon. Pacifica. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I'd love a vacation."

"I have heard of Pacifica, never been to it myself but there is much about it for people seeking a vacation retreat." Not that he'd admit that the search had been done in the past as a surprise for her. "Where can I find such a avian for myself?"

Kasia cracked a grin. "Well... this avian was very much a human, and mentioned something about us possibly going. We'll know for sure when the official announcement gets made," she said, sitting up a bit straighter. "Listen... there's something important I want to talk to you about, and now seems as good a time as any."

"Of course, anything." S'er'in'e softly replied, turning in his chair towards her giving her his full and undivided attention.

"Well," the Major said, feeling a sudden case of nerves come over her. She could take down enemies without batting a lash, go through explosions that nearly killed her, but something as simple as talking to her Mate about something she felt was important made her incredibly nervous. It was ironic really. "You and I have talked about honoring both or cultures when it comes to making things official between us, but after that initial conversation, we never brought it up again."

Kasia paused, wishing she'd had more of the liquid courage in front of her before she brought this up. But now, the proverbial cat was out of the bag, and she needed to say what was on her mind. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I want to know..." She closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath, trying not to hyperventilate. Come on, Kasia. You've faced down many enemies that wanted to kill you. You can do this. "Will you marry me?"

S'er'in'e's features visibly softened, first shock, then joy, followed by elation. "M..marry you?" Even that was a struggle to get out, shock clearly still lingering in its hold on him. "Ye...Yes...YES. Absolutely yes." A deep and loud purr could be hear, it rolled with each breath as he looked at her, his hands out to her as his mind sank in the euphoria that he was to be honoured by marriage.

A weight immediately lifted when she heard him say yes, and her hands went into his as she rose to her feet. Kasia leaned in with happy tears in her eyes and leaned in to kiss him as one of their Marines, who was settled a couple tables away with his own wife, rose to his feet after overhearing the news. "The Colonel and Major are getting married! The next round's on me," he called out as a round of applause filled the air along with shouts of congratulations and cheers.

S'er'in'e stood and walked to her, one arm around her, the other to the back of her thighs and gently, yet modestly lifted her off her feet so that the kiss didn't break as he held her to his height in his arms. Even as some stood to applaud he was still visible with his loving cargo in arm due to his superior height.

Kasia returned the kiss as her arms went around his large neck. She didn't seem to notice the cheers around them as her entire focus was on the Caitian man that had claimed her head. After a moment, she pulled back with a smile and rested her forehead against his. "Tonight is easily the best night of my life," she said softly.

"Do Humans not have a saying. 'The night is young'?" He asked as he then brushed his cheek to hers letting her hear and feel the purr with each breath.

"We do, and it definitely is," she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek as servers began to bring a round of champagne to the patrons.

Gabrielle showed up with their food and two glasses of champagne for the couple. With a bright smile, she began to place everything on the table for them. "Tonight's dinner is on the house per the owner's order."

As gently as he picked her up he put her back down again when he saw the food and Gabrielle spoke. "Thank you." A slight bow as customary before he sat only this time he'd brought his chair closer to Kasia's. "I am hungry." The smell of fish caused that remark, knowing that wrapped within the leaves was a succulent slice of fish.

"You are most welcome," their server said with a brighter smile. "If you need anything else, let me know." And with that, she was off again.

Kasia settled back down once again and looked at the food on the table. Like him, she was definitely hungry. "What do you think about us getting married while we're on shore leave? Commodore Aravan can perform the ceremony," she asked. "Next time we're able to make it to Earth, we can do something with my family, but they already know a lot about you and approve." Of course, she talked about him all the time, and her family found themselves very anxious to meet him.

"I think it is a wonderful idea." Then another question came to mind with this change of circumstances. "As you know you are my Mate, soon to by my Wife. I understand that Humans have another term for such a situation as ours, would you prefer to be called Mate, or Fiancee?"

"Either one works for me, so, why don't we go with whatever feels right at the moment?" she asked in return.

"Agreed." That was easier than he expected, he knew he'd have to inform the Homeworld, no doubt it would displease the Honoured One from earlier but the choice was not hers to influence. Slowly, armed with extra large cutlery S'er'in'e began to unwrap one of the fish slices. The slices themselves were the size of a traditional house brick, but for him that was no problem. "Can I interest you in some?" Hoping that if by offering sooner before she ate it wouldn't ruin the pallet for her meal.

Kasia shook her head and gestured to the huge steak along with everything that came with it. "As delicious as it smells, I think I'm in over my head with what I ordered, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try to eat it all. Would you like to try some?"

"Some for me would be most for that size." S'er'in'e replied. "How about I will finish what you do not?" At least then there would be little in terms of left overs and the chef could be proud that it was all eaten.

"That sounds like a good idea," she said, looking at the massive amount of food in front of her as she reached for her knife and fork. Kasia had to wonder if her ambition got in the way with this one.

As S'er'in'e unwrapped each piece of fish from its leaf wrapping he enjoyed the meal because it reminded him of the Homeworld. He unwound his tail from his waist and its tip curled around Kasia's leg just above the ankle. For him the touch was soothing, calming, reassuring. An otherwise simple act of touch yet the impact was much more, and unspoken. He didn't say anything as he ate though he could see that slight hesitation in her actions, such a big meal for a slender framed woman.

The Russian woman looked to him and smiled when she felt his tail go around her ankle. She was used to such things, and like for him, it was quite soothing and relaxing. Kasia found she appreciated it as much as he did. "Can you eat ice cream?" she asked.

"Small amounts, the cold can be painful on the teeth." S'er'in'e replied before he devoured another slice, the leaf neatly wrapped up off to one side of the plate. "Why do you ask?" He spoke after swallowing.

"I was going to see if you wanted to share some afterward," she explained.

"Perhaps a small amount, I do after all have to mind what I eat. Otherwise I will become overweight and you will not find me as attractive as you do now." S'er'in'e smiled, then tucked into another piece of fish while keeping his teeth hidden from onlookers view.

"Who said I wouldn't?" she questioned.

"A bloated me." S'er'in'e grinned with a slight purr playfully.

Kasia grinned. "Well... I think I beg to differ. I wouldn't love you any less. In fact, I'd go so far as to say there'd be more of you to love."

"You might not say so should I accidentally roll upon you in bed with my current weight." S'er'in'e purred. "Though if we are talking of love and size I can not help but wonder same when you are with offspring." His eyes widened quickly, did he really just say that? Reveal what he'd been thinking off.

It was at that moment Kasia was glad she didn't have any food or drink in her mouth, otherwise she'd be choking right about now. Instead, she started coughing, which prompted her to wrap her hand around her glass and bring it to her lips in an effort to stop it. "Offspring?" she squeaked when she was able to. There was never any mention of children before now, and it wasn't as though she didn't want to have any kids in the future, but this was way out of left field for her.

Seeing the shock surprise reaction S'er'in'e thought he'd gone too far, feeling that given that they had by Human terms become engaged, it was something, even if accidentally, could be spoken. The flip side of that was he was still learning about Human ways, mannerisms, context and so he wondered if that was something she did not seek from him. "I...did not mean to cause you alarm."

"No, no. You didn't," she protested, taking another sip of her drink. The Major felt she would need a few more of them as the evening progressed, though. Kasia definitely wasn't against the idea of children. "It's something we're going to need to talk about a bit more. I'm not against the thought of children, but having them means a lot of changes for me."

"I understand." S'er'in'e felt bad for bringing a subject up even if only by accident and to caste such a cloud over the otherwise blossoming moment they had just moments ago. He knew such a notion would mean change, for her more than himself. Part of him felt that because of him her career would be put on hold, a good career, a noble and dedicated one.

Kasia knew him well, and knew he was feeling bad about his slip. That meant it was up to her to reassure him. "Hey... don't feel bad, S'er'in'e. The subject was going to come up eventually," she said. "And I do want to have children in the future."

S'er'in'e nodded, accepting what she had said and took some comfort from her words on the matter. He resumed eating some fish, unwrapping each slice from its leaf wrapping. It didn't take long before his plate was nought but leaves and cutlery as he wiped his mouth.

The Russian woman was finished with as much of her food as she was going to be able to get down, and that was about half of it. Kasia had done a bit better than she initially thought she would, and was now pushing what was left toward her love to finish if he felt he could. "I'd like for us to be married in my tradition and Mated in yours before we start a family," she said, reaching for her water glass to take a sip from it before returning it back to the table.

"A large family?" First the eyes, almost predatory, then the grin, almost cheeky but the love could not be mistaken. He took but moments to eat what was left of her meal considering its very small size compared to his usual.

"I'm not opposed to that idea," Kasia stated, though, a large family would mean the end of her career, and that was something she would have to think about. "How about we start with one, and see where that takes us in the future?"

"As you wish." He grinned, tips of his fangs showing, his eyes gleaming with protective love. . "We can talk about it later." When they were not at a table surrounded by those that didn't need to know. "I should inform the Homeworld when able, so that it our marriage can be recorded on my family plate."

Kasia finished her drink and looked up at him. "What do you want to do now that we've finished dinner?"

"Would you like dessert, or return home to rest and wind down?" S'er'in'e offered both options to stay or go.

"I honestly thought I'd be able to have dessert, but I don't think I can. I'm completely stuffed, so I think home to rest and wind down is called for," she replied. "Unless, you want dessert. I don't mind hanging out a little longer."

"Then let us head home." S'er'in'e spoke, folding his used napkin up and putting his cutlery together on top of the remains of the leaf wrappings so they didn't fall everywhere when taken away. "Did you enjoy the meal though?"

"I did, thank you," she said, offering him a smile as she rose to her feet and extended her hand toward him.

Taking her hand within his the walk back home was a more sedate and gentle one. Almost as if a walk in the park on a sun kissed day without a cloud in the sky. When the doors opened to once again welcome them home he sighed. It was a sigh that the sanctuary of home could only bring forth as the privacy shielded them from any and all eyes. "I enjoyed tonight."

Kasia smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I enjoyed it, too. We are definitely going to have to do this again in the future."

"Yes we should." That he would agree on, it was good to get out, away from quarters and socialise to some degree, enjoy food and a drink, dressed up all nice. "Perhaps shore leave will permit us to do so again."