Unwinding

Posted on Fri Sep 3rd, 2021 @ 10:28am by Lieutenant JG Alana Balfour [Whavi] & Lieutenant JG Jason Danvers [Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Ten forward
Timeline: Past
4583 words - 9.2 OF Standard Post Measure

A trio of females entered ten forward laughing loudly at a sorry excuse for a joke one of them told about a recent experience she had with an operations officer. A holodeck date gone terribly wrong. Alana's face was quickly turning pink from the lack of air she was receiving from laughing so hard.

Her first couple weeks aboard the Elysium went shockingly smooth considering the almost devastating loss of her grandmothers ring on the shuttle she came in on. She couldn't have asked for a better posting. Always work to be done but never too much she felt over whelmed. Finding friendships came easy and she was constantly busy outside of her duty shift, something she thrived off.

The trio made their way to the bar to order drinks and Alana happened to glance around the room to see who else was in attendance.

Jason sat in a corner booth, looking out the viewport, nursing a rum and coke and just lost in his thoughts. Most which consisted of the lovely security officer by the name of Alana Balfour. Unfortunately work had prevented him from following up on seeing her. This was the first free time he had in a couple of weeks. So he sat drank and dreamed.

Alana didn't know how she had spotted him so quickly but her stomach did a somersault upon seeing him. Alone at that. With a devilish grin she turned to order a drink, laughing with her friends as she waited for the barkeep to retrieve her requested beverage.

Once in hand, she bid her friends goodnight, both giving her suspicious looks then whispering to one another as they watched Alana cross the the room headed towards the male in the back. She approached the table and set her glass of wine down before pulling out the chair across from him and sitting. It was a bold move, to presume her company would be wanted but confidence wasn't something the security officer lacked.

"Hi." she said with a smile, her green eyes gleaming.

Jason turned from the viewport and his eyes widened inn surprise at seeing Alana sitting across from him her green eyes gleaming in delight. "Lana!" He exclaimed happily at seeing her again. "This is a very pleasant surprise. Very pleasant. I would order you a drink but I see you already have one. So what brings you here, besides your two legs."

His excitement didn't go unnoticed, it did something to her stomach to see him so happy to see her. She wished she had seen him in the weeks since she arrived but she hadn't gotten lucky, until tonight. Leaning slightly forward she lifted her glass and sipped it, "Well I met this handsome guy, extremely helpful, a little while back and he's been hiding from me since. "She paused for dramatic effect, "But you'll be thrilled to know I found him."

"Really?" Jason replied playing along. "A handsome guy and helpful but he's been hiding from you? He blind? Stupid or both?" He looked around the bar, "You did? That's wonderful. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you in his life." He sipped his drink. "I mean what are the odds you come in here and find the guy whose been hiding from you?" He grinned at her.

"The odds seem to be in my favor I guess, or his. Depending on how you look at it." She said with a sly shrug. Setting the wine down, she knew if he held it she would be tempted to drink it far faster then she should.


"I think the odds are definitely in his favor Lana and he should thank his lucky stars at seeing you again." He placed his drink down, He hadn't made much progress with it. It was still over 75 percent full. He looked at her wine glass. "Wine? That's a good lady like drink." He commented.

"It's blood wine, I just like to dress it up in a glass." She laughed, the sound light and bubbly. "So, wheres your date?" She was fishing for information now, needing to know more about Jason. Surely he wasn't single, he was too much of a catch and as much as Lana wanted to believe it, she wasn't that lucky.

"Ah." he said taking a closer look at the glass. "So it is." He delighted in hearing her laugh. "Date? No date for me Lana. Just me sitting here. I am single. Not even a steady girlfriend. What about you? Who did you come with? he said looking around to see if he saw any guy looking at them.

Alana did her best to hide the joy that surfaced upon the information he had given her, thinking maybe she had a shot after all. The excitement made her fidgety but she did her best to focus on the question he asked. Was he really curious or was he just being nice?

"You hear the two loud mouths at the bar?" Alana smiled still hearing her friends from where she now sat. "I came with them, until I saw you. Now I guess i'm here with you."

Jason turned and looked to the bar and saw the two women Lana was referring to. They were loud and making a scene. He turned to look back to Lana. "Definite upgrade." He said with a smile.

"Upgrade for sure." She said quietly to herself. "So, have you assisted any other damsels in distress lately? I know this is a large ship but I'm surprised we haven't run into one another."

He chuckled at her comment. "No haven't helped any other damsels in distress. Just that one who was so nice and appreciative. As for running into each other. I'm usually in my quarters or in the flight control department or the holodeck and lastly here."

"It sounds like you could use some fun thrown into that mix, though the holodeck can be fun, it's far more enjoyable with someone else." She shrugged her right shoulder, "Maybe I can help with that. It would be my honor actually to assist you." She held her hand over her heart as she smirked.

Jason eyed her, "I appreciate the offer Lana but I don't think you'd like my holodeck adventures or rather most of them. Though there is one you might like." As he thought about the various programs he had stored.

Offended, and intrigued she asked, "Oh really? Pray tell which programs you run that I wont find enjoyment in?" She leaned forward, both elbows on the table and her chin in her palm. Her entire focus zoned in on Jason.

He squirmed as Lana put him on the spot. "Well, I like to fly vintage aircraft and engage in dogfights. I like to hike and climb and swim in exotic locations. I camp out, you know with bugs." He sighed, "Okay, I offended you and I'm sorry. I'm just not use to someone being interested in me. I have one program, I think you would love." He looked around and whispered to her, "I like to dance and this program is of the Starlight Room and their dance floor.''

"Oh I don't know Jason, I'm pretty interesting in camping, you know, with bugs." Lana laughed seeing him squirm, she liked it. "Do you take all the ladies dancing? Or do you have a certain holodeck girl you dance with? Actually don't answer that. I'm being nosy and its unfair." She sat back lifting her glass to her lips. The image of Jason is a sharp looking suit and her in a delicate fancy flowing dress twirling around a dance floor filled her mind.

"That's good to know." He admitted. "I have others as well. if you'd like to see the Starlight Room holoprogram. Let me know. I think you'd like it. I know I would." He said softly. As he thought of them as a couple, laughing, dancing and just generally enjoying each other's company. Like they were doing right now.

"Then lets go now." She offered in earnest. "I could use a dance." Alana felt her stomach start to flutter at the thought of being alone with him. Or dancing with him. "I'm willing if you are, and my evening free." She prayed he would say yes, she wasn't sure if she could stand the embarrassment if he didn't.

"Really? Your serious? Lets go then." As he stood up and extended his arm to her to help her stand. "Next stop holodeck one." As he couldn't believe his good fortune. He'd die if Lana was just playing him but she didn't seem that type. At least he prayed she wasn't.

Before accepting his arm Lana lifted her glass and downed it contents. The wine heated her insides as she stood and looped her arm through his. Being this close she could smell the cologne he wore, a warm woodsy scent that she couldn't get enough of in one breath. "Lead the way." Her hand rested on his forearm and she unintentionally leaned into his side a bit.

Jason was on cloud nine, ten and eleven as he and Lana left Ten Forward and made their way to the holodeck. He felt her soft, silky skin rub against his heart raced. Her perfume was light and airy, a delightful aroma. Soon they were at the holodeck. "Computer run Danvers, Starlight Room one and dress up appropriately."

You may enter when ready." The bland voice of the computer replied. As they stepped through the arch, Jason was instantly wearing a black three piece suit and Lana was stunning in her flowing red halter dress that reached her ankles, appropriate for a ballroom dance.

The pair entered the Starlight Room where Jason was greeted warmly by the bartenders, wait staff and major domo who led them to Jason's table. "Do you want something to drink or would you prefer to get out on the dance floor?"

"Dance of course." Lana took Jason's hand and pulled him towards the dance floor. Her heels clicked as she walked towards the center, a chill racing down her spine when a breeze met her bare back. She spun once, head tilted back so she could admire the ceiling and all the wonderful twinkling lights. "It's beautiful." She whispered.

"I'm glad you approve and you look fantastic." Jason replied honestly as they walked out onto the dance floor. He faced her, his arms extended to take her in them. "Ready when you are Lana." He whispered, looking forward to hold her close, gliding across the dance floor.

Slowly she brought her eyes down from the lights to where Jason stood. She took a moment capturing the vision before her to her memory. He looked so handsome she wasn't entirely sure this wasn't a dream. Tentatively she stepped into his embrace, one hand in his and the other resting on his shoulder. "It's been awhile since I've danced so formally, so bare with me." She laughed sheepishly.

Jason smiled at her. Lana was a vision of loveliness. His hand closed gently over hers. His other going to her bare back, resting on her silky smooth skin. "Sssh. You are going to do fine. I know it." As the music started. he brought her close and they began to glide across the dance floor. His eyes fixed on her face and her gorgeous green eyes. Other couples moved aside as Jason and Lana danced. He was in another world with her, it was magical and wondrous.

Lana's breath caught in the back of her throat when she felt Jason's warm touch on the skin of her back. Her thoughts went somewhere far too indecent for such a setting as the one they were in. A slight blush graced her cheeks, glad he was unable to read them. She never broke eye contact with him as they began moving about the dance floor. She felt like they were flying, the sense of them actually moving lost on her as she was caught up in the way he looked at her.

They moved so fluidly together any on looker would have assumed they were born to dance together.

They moved as one. Jason led, Alana followed. They glided across the dance floor. They didn't miss a step. Jason's eyes were fixed on Alana as they twirled and twisted has if they were moving above the dance floor. Alana was a natural, it was clear she had training as she seemed to anticipate his moves as they just flowed together seamlessly.

Feeling more confident and brave, Alana released her grip on Jason's shoulder and spun out, her dress flaring out around her until she pulled herself back into Jason's embrace, her back pressed against his chest for a few heated seconds until spinning once more. A giggle left her with how fun dancing with him was. It was more then enjoyment she found but a release. They moved faster then around the dance floor, drawing a bit of a crowd as couples moved to the edge of the dance floor to watch the two move in a synchronized motion.

Jason's smile filled his face as they danced, He had found a partner in Alana that could hold her own with dancing with him. He was barely aware of the other couples stopping to watch them. His attention was on Alana as he spun her out and then brought her back, all done fluidly as if done a thousand times before. This was what dancing was about, To let yourself go and express yourself.

When the song ended Alana stood before Jason breathless, gasping for air but a strong bright smile on her face as she looked up at him. She couldn't believe the rush she felt, the adrenaline that ran through ever vein in her. She was caught of guard when the surrounding couples starting up in applause. Eyes wide she finally noticed the crowd that had gathered to watch them dance. Surprise colored her expression as she turned back to Jason laughing. "Do they always do that?!" Still trying to catch her breath she shook her head.

Jason took Lana's hand and led her off the dance floor and back to their table, where he pulled her chair out so she could sit down. "You were amazing! Fantastic! Where did you learn to dance? and in answer to your question, no not always. Just when something is so good, so pure will they applaud. " Jason informed her.

Alana followed, almost sad to leave the dance floor but knowing she needed to rest. "Thank you, you were....you were astounding." she took a few deep breaths, "I took many lessons growing up. It was never a passion but I did enjoy it. I've never moved like that with anyone!" She watched as he sat next to her. "I can't believe how much fun that was."

"You were amazing. I could tell you had lessons. You were so limber, loose. You just flowed from one move to the next. If there is ever a dance contest on the Elysium, I want us to be partners." Jason told and thought, * I wish we were partners in other things as well* "If you ever developed a passion for dance you would be on a whole different plane."

"I would love to be your partner." She said simply, knowing that to her the vague phrase meant more then just agreeing to be dance partners. "Where did you learn to move like that?" Finally having caught her breath she looked towards the bar knowing she would need a glass of water soon but first wanted to learn more about Jason. He was quickly becoming her favorite mystery.

"Great!" Jason answered clearly happy with Lana's answer. "Going to hold you do it." He teased. "I've been dancing since I was three." He said, "Would you believe I've never had a formal lesson. It just comes to me. I can watch it once, maybe twice if there are tricky moves and then do it."

"Your kidding?! Never? Not even one lesson? Your a born natural!!!" Her eyes grew brighter. "You could be a professional! Do you frequent this place?"

Jason blushed at Lana's praise. "I don't know about being a professional Lana. That's hard work and long hours. I just like to dance." He nodded "I come here about once every couple of weeks. Why?'

Alana shrugged, "Maybe if our schedules allow it I could accompany you from time to time. If you don't mind the company that is." She looked down not sure if that was something he would be interested in, but she hoped.

"Are you kidding? Lana I would absolutely love that!" Jason gushed. "That would be so fantastic! I would never mind your company. Sometimes I come and just dance by myself."

"Oh? That sounds like something i'd be interested in seeing." She teased, "I dance in my quarters and that's about it." She stood, "Come with me to get a drink?"

"Sure thing." Jason replied a smile on his face as he got up and then helped Lana up. As they walked towards the bar, he told her. "You shouldn't limit your dancing to your quarters. You can use this program if you ever want to just come down here and dance. It's a great stress reliever."

"Oh I can only imagine." She smiled as they approached the bar and waited for the barkeep to make his way towards them. "I tend to enjoy more...grueling workouts to ease my stress. Dancing for me is a release, but to relief stress i tend to need something more. Have you ever studied Muay thai?" When the bartender stood before them Alana ordered a water before turning to see if Jason wanted anything.

" Well, I have camping, hiking and outdoor programs, even a white water rafting one. Those are good to relieve stress. No I haven't, what is Muay thai? It sounds like a food dish.'' Jason said with a grin. Please tell me more." As Alana ordered a water Jason did the same.

The bartender nodded with a look of disappointment but set off to grab the requested beverages.

Lana laughed, "No, its not a food dish." She couldn't help the amusement she felt as she better explained, "It's a style of fighting. I studied it when I was younger on Earth before I joined Starfleet. Its very, taxing but indefinitely worth it." When the bartender set two glasses of water down before them Lana wasted no time in drinking her fill.

"I'm not familiar with it. " Jason admitted. "I know boxing and unarmed hand to hand combat but no martial arts. Perhaps you can give me a pointer or two in the future." He picked up his glass of water and took a sip before putting it back down. "I bet Muay thai helps you especially with you being in security."

Setting down her glass Alana gave Jason a side eye, "Is someone offering to step into the ring with me?" She teased as one corner of her lips curved up.

"Absolutely. I can take you." Jason bantered back. "I even promise not to hurt you." He added with a smile.

“We’ll don’t take all the fun out of it.” Her grin widened. She leaned a little closer unintentionally. She heard the changing of the music in the background, it was a slower melody and tune but still beautiful. Alana gasped quietly, as she watched the dance floor fill with couples coming together to enjoy the slow dance. Alana wanted to go back out there, a longing filled her eyes.

"Oh please, if we do get into the ring, you'll probably kick my butt and grin about it," Jason told her. "He heard the music change to a slower melody and saw the longing in Alana's eyes. he knew that feeling. He extended a hand, "May I have this dance my lady?"

Her face lit up as she took his hand, trying not to seem as eager as she was to dance with him again. “Of course.” Was her response. Butterflies began fluttering in her stomach. This dance would be different, more intimate. Alana allowed Jason to lead her out to the dance floor.

Reaching the middle of the dance floor, Jason turned to face Lana. He felt the warmth of her hand in his. He felt giddy with anticipation of the upcoming dance. He drew Lana to him as the music played. They slowly waltzed across the floor. He was beyond happy as they moved in unison.

Alana pulled herself closer to Jason. Her hand moving from his shoulder to his neck where she caressed the skin there. Her eyes were glued on Jason’s face. Scanning his features as if committing them to memory. She was happy to have the chance to move slowly with him, to focus on the way he held her as they moved about the dance floor once more.

Jason's eyes were fixed on Lana's as they swayed and moved to the tempo of the music. He couldn't believe his good fortune to be here with Lana. He held her softly but securely in his embrace, her skin warm and soft next to his, He wished this dance , this night would never end, Such was the joy he had to be in the company of Lana.

Lana slowed, the way in which Jason looked at her left her breathless and wanting. Her face instinctively inched closer to his as they lost pace with the song and started moving to their own rhythm. Those emerald eyes dipped to his lips as she felt herself longing for something more then just a dance with Jason.

Jason looked down at Lana and then did something completely unexpected. He leaned forward, eyes closed and kissed her softly on the lips. It was chaste and romantic but his eyes widened as he realized what he had done. "Oh my God! Lana! I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." He sputtered.

Alana's had was about to return the kiss, having finally over come the initial shock but not soon enough as Jason pulled away before she could. His apology made her smirk and she stopped moving, standing in the center of the dance floor under the beautiful twinkling lights. The hand that had rested on his shoulder gripped the front of his suit and pulled him closer to her, raising up on her toes, "I'm not sorry." she said before pressing her lips to his. It didn't matter where they were or who was watching, she kissed him fiercely not loosening her grip.

Those were the words Jason needed to hear. his arms came up and encircled Lana bringing her close. Feeling her body pressed next to his. This was a dream come true and he never wanted it to end. In fact he wished the dream to continue with Lana by his side.

Both of her hands found there way to either side of Jason's face. She kissed him until she was breathless, only retracting a half inch to breath. Her lips curled into a smile against his. Afraid to open her eyes, wanting this moment to continue forever. She wrapped her arms around his neck, refusing to breakaway just yet.

Jason smiled at her, as Lana's hands were still draped around his neck, her eyes closed. "I think and I hope you feel the same way, that this this is the start of something wonderful." He whispered to her, desperately hoping Lana felt like he did. Even as he continued to hold her close almost protectively.

Alana opened her eyes and stared deep into his, the weight of her words was heavy, powerful. "I do. Whatever this is between us feels like just the beginning. I feel drawn to you. The moment I stepped off that shuttle there was something..." Alana stopped speaking feeling foolish. This was too good to be true, but would it be so bad to let herself fall? To go all in. Taking a deep breath she re centered her thoughts, shifting through the fog. Even if he didn't feel this way tomorrow she refused to let it break her.

Jason smiled. Alana's words made his soul feel light and worry free. Whatever the future held for them, they would face it and get through it together. He was that sure, that confident. "I know, I felt it too." He admitted. "I'm all in on this, if you are and I hope you are." He leaned forward and kissed her again, holding her in his arms had never felt so right as it did now. The kiss he hoped Lana knew reaffirmed his commitment to her and them as a couple.

The kiss caused her thoughts to disperse and she had to concentrate to wrangle them. She wanted his words to be true, but could it just be the heat of the moment? The scenery was easy to get caught up in, as were his words. Alana was hesitant, she had to word her next sentence carefully. It wasn't that she wanted to push him away, she wanted him to prove the words he spoke. She knew tomorrow wasn't promised, especially in their line of work, no one knew what was on the horizon but before she fell she needed to be sure.

Breaking the kiss she kept her eyes closed, pulling from what ever reserves she had left of her bravery she spoke softly, "I want to see where this goes. I want to see who you really are, I want you to see all of me, even the side you might not like. But...." She detested that three letter word with all of her being. Curse her for not being able to just let the fairy tale she was standing in play out. Curse her brain for not letting her follow where her heart leapt. "before we fall, I want to know your going to catch me." She knew she had to give him more then that but her bravery and spunk was quickly slipping away. "I need to know that what were feeling will transcend this moment. I'm just asking for more...time with you before I give you my heart."

"Lana." Jason said softly, "I agree, I want to see where this journey goes both good and bad. I want us to see each other in good moods and bad. Warts and all. I want you to also know that I will always be here to catch you. You will never be alone not even in your darkest days." He looked at her and continues, "I want us to trust each other to be honest even if it hurts but know it it never done to be hurtful. I will give you all the time you need Lana." He said with great feeling.

He was so much more then she ever thought she would find. Seconds after the last word left his mouth she brought her lips up to might his, her arms tightening around his neck as her toes almost left the ground.

He lifted her up, holding her easily in his embrace and kissed her again. Whatever they shared was magical and he never wanted it to end nor lose her.


END