First dates (Part 3 of 3)

Posted on 20 Aug 2016 @ 1:42am by Senior Chief Petty Officer Keval zh'Erinov & Lieutenant JG Randolf Eklund
Edited on on 20 Aug 2016 @ 1:42am

2,043 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Episode 11 - Divinum Mundi
Location: USS Galileo - Eklund Quarters
Timeline: MD 27 - 2040 local

[CONTINUED]

"You're not losing your touch, " Keval replied in the same tone that Randy was using, "I'm looking forward to seeing, because that will mean I've earned it."

"I like the way you're thinking," Randy smiled. He angled them down toward the water, letting the waves coming in brush against his feet. "And I like that you shared this place with me. Like I said, I grew up with a pond, so this is...amazing. And that's not just the holo-program I'm talking about."

A sharp breeze blew their hair around, "You're pretty amazing yourself he replied, leaning in for another lingering kiss.

Randy sighed as they separated. He reminded himself that it was always hot and passionate at the beginning. Maybe this time was different, but he couldn't bank on it. A little, but very loud, part of him reminded him that he couldn't count it out, either. "Thanks," it was Randy's turn to blush. "So...where exactly is this place?" He leaned in to Keval's side. The sun was setting, and the temperature had dropped a degree or so, but he took it as an excuse for a walking cuddle.

"Stanton's Beach on Risa, there's a resort up that trail there, it's all very real, or at least it is taken from a real place."

"Risa?" Randy asked looking around again. "I've never been. Some classmates went our Junior year, but my parents were needing help with the planting, so I stayed behind." Randy was beginning to realize just how uncultured he was walking along this beach with Keval.

"Well, maybe, if things work out, we can go see the real thing. I mean if you're open to that."

Randy tried to shake off his own insecurities. "Maybe so," he said, then realized that sounded awful. "I mean, that would be great if we got to visit. I think I'd enjoy it a lot."

"I think I'd enjoy it too. Maybe that could be our sixth date."

"Sixth date is a vacation to a pleasure resort planet?" Randy grinned and bumped shoulders with Keval. "I can't wait to find out what number seven is."

Keval, still smiling said, "Well the seventh date is in your hands, I don't want to have to think of everything."

"Oh, it's going to be like that, is it?" Randy laughed. "Then I suppose the only way to respond to a trip to Risa is to entirely ignore it. So a picnic in the park it is. And, if you play your cards right, there may be a pond in the park just right for your swimming lesson."

"Oh, I like the way you think," Keval responded leaning in for a third kiss.

Randy laughed. "You like the fact that I'm ignoring an awesome trip and repaying you with...fried chicken and potato salad? You're an odd man, Keval." He paused for a moment, "luckily, I like odd men."

"Well that makes two of us. And I guess since we are talking about dates three and six and seven, we better talk about date number two. Any ideas there, handsome?"

Randy blew out a breath while he thought. "Honestly, dating is still kind of a mystery to me. Garrett, the guy I was with growing up? Well, we were kids, and I lived out on a farm with a pretty conservative community around me, so we mostly just fooled around any chance we got. We were pretty dumb about it most of the time, too. More interested in getting together than we were in not getting caught. By the time we were finally more open about things, we were kind of past dating. Then...well, let's just say that he was still interested in dating, but with other people. Since then, I've hooked up, done some first dates...several first dates in fact, and just been more...casual about things."

He stopped for a minute, "Wow! That makes me sound awful, doesn't it? Like some kind of man-whore." Randy's cheeks reddened when he realized the way he'd been acting tonight didn't actually do much to change that appearance, either.

Keval let out a soft sigh. "I want a relationship," he said, "not just to fool around. But it seems lately, all I do is have first dates. The last guy I saw, I think we had two dates and now he's gone.

"So dating is kind of new to me too. Why don't we just play it by ear?"

Randy smiled, "That sounds good. We'll play it by ear." He reached up to run a hand through Keval's hair, pulling him closer. "And by antenna," he grinned as he leaned in for another kiss. While their lips were joined, Randy gently massaged the base of one of Keval's antennae. He'd read that they were extremely sensitive. He didn't want to hurt the man, but he did want him to know that he'd been thinking about him enough in the hours before their date to actually study up.

Keval had been fighting not to become aroused, not because he didn't want it, or that he didn't think that Randy was good looking. It was just his last encounter had started out with heat and physical intimacy but it had fizzled. And it hadn't been the first time. And besides he had been telling Randy the truth. He did want to actually date before he slept with someone.

But his antenna was, just as Randy had learned was very sensitive. So much so that he started to grow aroused.

"Hello there, Tiger," Randy grinned at the look on Keval's face as he leaned back. He moved his hand back a bit, massaging Keval's scalp. "I really didn't mean to push things. I just wanted you to know that...I'm really glad you brought me here. I...guess it was a little too much, huh?"

Keval blew out a breath and held up his hands, "Well, they are sensitive, but I'm really you know, not wanting to go there right now."

"Yeah," Randy sighed. "That's my fault. I guess it's hard for someone without them to really know just how sensitive they can be. Kind of like me trying to imagine being a Betazoid and feeling people all around, you know? I'll back off...until you tell me otherwise." That last bit was said with a cheeky grin.

Keval returned the grin in kind. "I doubt it's going to be too long. Just be patient. You're a very good looking guy. I just don't want to start things off by sleeping with you."

Randy blushed at the compliment. "Thanks. You're pretty good looking yourself. But I get it. I have had several 'relationships' finish up by starting off too fast. And I'm in security; we're used to waiting for things to happen."

Keval leaned in and gave him another kiss. It wasn't a deep one, but it lingered and was the longest of the kisses they'd exchanged that evening.

As the kiss ended, Randy smiled and leaned his forehead against Keval's, his arms circling around the Andoran's waist. "Wow...that certainly gives me something to think about while I'm waiting for date number two."

"That is exactly what I intended, I guess that is good night then. Are you ready to end the program?"

"Ready?" Randy chuckled. "Not even close, but I think it would be the smart move to make this good night." He leaned in toward Keval's lips again. "Computer, end program." He kissed the man deeply as their beach side retreat dissolved around them. Slowly coming up for air, Randy opened his eyes to look into Keval's. "Good night."

After the kiss had broke, both Keval's antenna were curled backwards almost to his scalp. "You to make it hard to want to part company. But good night."

Randy grinned at him crookedly. "You're even cuter when your antennae do that," he nodded toward the top of Keval's head. He took Keval's hand as they walked toward the exit. He wanted to take advantage of these last few minutes together. "I have a feeling that they give away a lot of what you're thinking once someone gets to know you. Am I right?"

"They do," Keval admitted, not wanting their time to end either. When they got to the door he said, "we don't have to end right now, if you don't want to. We could go back to my cabin. Just for a nightcap."

"I...could do a nightcap," Randy smiled. "Will we be bothering your roommate?"

"He's not going to be there," came the quick reply.

"Coincidence?" Randy grinned, "Or design?"

"You're the Security guy, you figure it out." Keval said with a grin.

"You're inviting someone from security to start snooping around?" Randy laughed. "You're a brave man indeed. Now, let's see about that nightcap. I have to work tomorrow, and I'd rather not lessen my inhibitions right now given our 'take it slow' policy, so...hot chocolate?"

"Perfect, I was actually going to suggest cookies. I still have some left over from yesterday."

"Cookies work," Randy smiled. "Though you really should have tried some of my mother's chocolate chip ones. I brought some back with me from Earth right before we left, but they're all gone now. She makes the best."

"Well, then we really do have to date, I have to steal that recipe away from you somehow."

"That might be a challenge," Randy smirked. "I actually had to steal those cookies from my parents' house before we left the system. I waited until the last possible moment, just in case they decided to try and report the theft. The Galileo was my get away vehicle, so I guess that makes you all accessories after the fact. So, I have the recipe, I've had it for years, but they taste better when I know moder...sorry, when my mother makes them and I steal them. So much better."

"You have a sick and twisted mind. I like that, we really are going to get along."

"You have no idea. Before we left Earth, I pulled a poor cadet into my web of crime and villainy. I told him, and I'll tell you now before it's too late to shut this whole date down. I'm in security because it was that or become a criminal mastermind." He winked at Keval. "Honestly, I spent most of my youth figuring out how to beat the system...any system. My family says it's a a miracle I lived past the age of five and didn't end up on a penal colony."

Keval chuckled as they walked along" "You're going to have to tell me some stories, I'd love to hear about your past."

"That's sweet," Randy said, "but it's actually pretty boring. I told you I grew up in a community which avoided technology and interaction with modern society, right? Well, a lot of my time was spent helping out on the farm or trying to figure out how the hell I was going to get away from the farm. So that's pretty much every story I have. The rest is just little details here and there making it sound like lots of different stories."

By this time the two men were in the turbolift, "Well, I guess, if it gets too boring, you could just make some stuff up," he said.

Randy shrugged, "I suppose I could, but...well, I hope you'll be glad to hear this, but I'm not a very good liar. I can do undercover work, get into a character and live that kind of a lie, or lie to a suspect or in order to do my job, but me, Randy Eklund? I'm lousy at it in my personal life. And, being in Security, I happen to value honesty, so I see that as a good thing."

Keval gave him a smile, "You're right, I do like that," he said.

"Well, good," Randy smiled. "It's not like I've got much choice in the matter, so I'm glad you do."

[OFF]

--

Lt.jg Randolf Eklund
Asst. Chief of Sec/Tac
USS Galileo

CPO Keval Grayson
Operations Officer
USS Galileo
[PNPC Nicholas]

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