Judgement – Three's Not A Crowd
by Lieutenant Bridget Stapleton & (G) Arrain - Lieutenant Arrienye t'Merek
Post Details
::ON::
Bridget entered the Box wearing a knee-length dress made of multiple layers of sheer fabrics, tinted in shades of green. The layering creating an opacity that was modest, and yet fluttered toward translucence at the hem and cuffs. It was one of her favorite pieces. She had her hair loose around her shoulders, the ringlets of freshly washed tresses almost completely dry.
A small part of herself - one that, consciously, she didn't take the time to examine - wanted to make Edward jealous. By dressing up the way she was, and scented the way she was, maybe he would realize that she was lonely and wanted his attention. Crossing the room, she approached his Dabo table and took a seat among the older women there.
He looked up as she sat down, and a broad grin spread across his face. He wanted to introduce his wife to the others, especially in as beautiful a state as he found her at present. But company rules prevented him from doing so. The same rules that prevented him from wearing his wedding ring. He had to appear single and unattached, so as to encourage the patrons to bet more at his gambling table.
But the rules didn't prevent him from flirting with her! "Hellooo, beautiful," he crooned, giving her a wink and a grin. "Care to play a game of Dabo?". The woman at his right gave his wife an openly wary look, and he caught it out of the corner of his eye, finding it amusing.
"No, thank you, I'll just watch for now," Bridget said in a pleasant tone. "I'm meeting friends for dinner." She studiously avoided his eyes as she dropped the bomb.
The surprise registered on Edward's face, followed quickly by consternation and then an immediate cover-up smile, none of which she saw because she wasn't looking at him. "You're ... welcome to place a bet or two while you wait, my dear." Keeping his voice in check was an effort. Who was she meeting? What was this all about?
She'd been sitting there for a few minutes when Kaelin and Ai'lani walked in, their arms linked. They'd met earlier so that Kaelin could tell Ai'lani at which level to try and keep his pheromones, which at first just made them angry at one another, but they'd made up by the time they were supposed to meet with Bridget. Ai'lani had dressed himself in black denim trousers, with a flattering royal blue sweater, his usual leather bag hanging off the strap that hung over his chest. He looked over at Kaelin, who was trying to find Bridget amidst the large crowd of people in the Box.
The younger Deltan was in some black and dark green trousers, topped off with a fitted black dress shirt with rolled up sleeves that showed off an impressive physique usually hidden by his Starfleet uniform. He looked good, Ai'lani had to admit.
"There she is," the man suddenly announced, motioning towards Edward's Dabo table. Ai'lani led them towards the table, smiling brightly once they were in view of Edward and his wife. The two Deltans separated and stood on either side of Bridget, with Kaelin putting a hand on her shoulder. "Hey there," they greeted her, with Ai'lani then looking at Ed.
"Hi Edward," he said.
Bridget opened her mouth to say hello to the Deltan boys but Edward stepped in before she uttered a sound. "You know these two?"
It was an unguarded expression of surprise on his face, and something else she couldn't quite read. "Yes, I work with Kaelin, here," Bridget patted the hand on her shoulder. "And I understand Ai'lani is an admirer of your work." She grinned, remembering Ai'lani's comment the day before, about how Edward looked in those pants. She had to admit, he did look good.
The hand on his wife's shoulder was a bit too possessive for Edward's comfort, but he kept that thought to himself. Looking to Ai'lani, he said, "Hi, good to see you again. Deltans, right?"
Ai'lani and Kaelin looked at each other then before looking back at Edward. "Guilty. What gave us away?" Kaelin asked. "Our charming personalities or our good looks? Well, my good looks," Kaelin added, flashing Ai'lani a teasing smirk.
"Uh..," Edward wasn't too sure how to respond to that comment. They were both handsome. Really, really handsome, in fact. He knew he shouldn't be intrigued by that, but his body really didn't seem to be listening. ~What is she doing with these two? Doesn't she know what they do to people?~
He could tell the effect they were having on his patrons, now that he thought of it. The woman who had been glued to his hip all evening - well, for the last two days straight, actually, and whom he suspected of cheating - had sidled closer to Kaelin and was giving him the sweetest of smiles, twirling that lock of blue-rinse hair around her finger. ~Damn. Gotta get my head back on the game.~
"So would you three like to join us in a little Dabo?" Edward gestured at the wheel. The look he gave Bridget spoke volumes. ~We WILL talk about this later,~ his eyes told her.
"I can go either way on that," Bridget said, her eyebrows inquiring at Edward before looking up at Kaelin and then at Ai'lani. "What would you two like to do?"
"Well, I wouldn't be opposed to a game of Dabo, but I think Ai'lani sort of wants you all to himself for tonight, so it's probably best if we go for dinner," Kaelin replied, looking over at Ai'lani for confirmation.
"I couldn't agree more," the journalist nodded.
Bridget laughed and shook her head. "You are a bad, bad boy," she shook her finger at Kaelin. Her gaze went to Edward, catching a look that bespoke a coming storm. "We're going to get something to eat, and then I think we might go dancing."
"Dancing." His voice was not pleasant.
She caught the tone and sent him a warning look. "Yes, dancing. You can join us later when you're on a dinner break?" She tried keeping the irritation out of her voice, and was only partially successful.
That question of joining a patron for a meal ushered a couple of murmurs from the ladies around his table, who looked at Edward with renewed interest. He instantly wished Bridget hadn't made the invitation. It put him in an awkward position; if he answered affirmatively, then that would open him up to accepting invitations by other patrons, else they complain to the management about favoritism. It was down a path he didn't want to go. But neither did he want to leave Bridget alone with these two Deltans, either. That one, the Ai'lani one, was too handsome for his own good. Edward had an odd sensation of being jealous of both Bridget and Ai'lani at the same time.
Bridget stood from her chair as Edward was thinking his private thoughts. She smiled at him, a feeling of guilt washing over her as she met his clouded eyes. But this was neither the time, nor the place for questions and answers. "Enjoy your game," she smiled and looked to the others nearby, including them in the salutation, and turned to accompany the Deltans to find a table.
Ai'lani and Kaelin gave Edward their goodbyes before leading his wife away. Ai'lani spotted a table and, as he saw another pair rush to it, he waved to Ahjess nearby, and then to the table. The Trill nodded and quickly told the other couple that it was reserved. "Thanks, you're a life safer," Ai'lani told him before the dabo boy continued his trek to his dabo wheel. Ai'lani pulled out a chair for Bridget and Kaelin took a seat next to her.
She accepted the chair gracefully with a nod, and as she sat she spoke, commenting on the show of clout Ai'lani had at the Box. She was wondering if it had been purposed to impress her. "So, you come here often?"
"Yeah. All the gossip accumulates here. Or starts here," he laughed. "So, as a journalist it's a great place to hang out as often as possible. Though I've been spending a lot more time here now that Dominic is on a trip with Monteros. Dominic is my son. He's fifteen." Ai'lani's face softened as he spoke about his son in a way only a parent's can.
"Ah, you have a son! Congratulations," Bridget replied, her face mirroring Ai'lani's parental pride. "I met Mister Monteros yesterday. Seems a fine man. What are he and Dominic going to do on their trip?"
"Treasure hunting," Ai'lani explained with a laugh. "But I think the human influence will do Dommy some good. He's human and, while I've raised him since he was born, I still feel it's best for him to also have some human influences, especially now that he's in the peak of puberty."
She rested her chin on an upturned palm. "You were married to a human? I thought that was banned." She looked at Kaelin, including him in the question. Ai'lani didn't follow the rules Starfleet imposes on it's people, and she wondered if that also translated to marriages.
"Um...no. Dominic is adopted. See, about fifteen years ago, a friend of mine, Malene Poulsen, got into some trouble with her live-in boyfriend. She got pregnant and he basically kicked her out. So, she stayed with me. She had Dominic, and when Dommy was two years old she got into an accident. In her will she said she wanted custody of Dominic to go to me. And after some legal procedures, I was given full custody," Ai'lani explained, shifting a bit uncomfortably at the mention of Malene.
"Oh, okay. I just assumed you were married to her. Kaelin has told me about the ban on Deltans dating non-Deltans in Starfleet," she flashed Kaelin a teasing grin.
"And, marriage between Deltans and other species is legal, but rare. But, for Deltan's entering Starfleet, an oath of celibacy is put in place to ensure that we don't abuse our pheromonal affect on other species, namely our fellow crewmembers. It also applies to any new species we may encounter," Kaelin explained, resting his hands in front of him and glancing at Ai'lani, who rolled his eyes at the explanation, but luckily didn't say anything.
"Well, considering what you did to me yesterday,' she wagged a finger at Ai'lani but it was meant good-naturedly. "I can see why there is an oath of celibacy where it comes to other species." She glanced at Kaelin sidelong. "And then there are those who go a step further to make those of us who are susceptible to your influence feel more comfortable." She patted Kaelin's hand on the table affectionately.
But Kaelin didn't return the gesture. "Um...I think that we should steer away from this line of conversation," he advised, glancing at Ai'lani briefly before turning his attention back to Bridget. "See, Ai'lani is the vice chairman of the organization that's urging Starfleet to drop the Oath of Celibacy and medication from the requirements for Deltan cadets. And, as they say, politics has no place in polite conversation," he said as tactfully as possible. Again, Ai'lani didn't comment.
Bridget raised an eyebrow. So... there were indeed limits to openness and honesty among Deltans. Interesting. "Okay, sure. Maybe we should look at our menus anyway, before that waiter walks a rut into the carpet while he waits for us." She didn't have a waiter in view but with the way Ai'lani had directed that one guy, she wouldn't put it past him to have one watching for his signal when they were ready to order.
"Right," Ai'lani nodded, looking down quickly at the menu, idly reading through the selections, but he already knew what he would order as Kaelin looked through the vegetarian dishes.
"The sauteed calamari sounds very good," Bridget said, making a decision both on food and steering the subject to more neutral conversation.
Seeing them look around for a waiter, one came over quickly. Taking their orders, he gave them a polite nod, took their menus, and left.
"You're going to kill yourself eating like that every day," Kaelin told Ai'lani.
"We all have to die from something," the other Deltan countered.
"Yes, but does it have to be your choice of nutrition, or lack thereof, that should cause it?"
Bridget sipped her water, observing the discussion between the two friends. She watched their faces to see if they were seriously testy with each other over food, or if they were just having naturally confrontational banter. She and Edward often debated things just for the fun of it.
"At least when I get sick I know I'll have a pair of lovely doctors that will treat me," Ai'lain said, including Bridget into the talk now.
"Oh, don't come to me, I'm the Pathologist. I'm the one doctor you do not, under any circumstances, want to come see."
"But you're so cute, maybe it'd be worth it," Ai'lani replied with a grin, making Kaelin laugh.
"I gotta second Ai'lani's assessment, Kaelin. You are indeed cute." She had noticed how nice he looked in his casual clothing this evening. For some reason it had surprised her that he had well-defined musculature. She hadn't expected him to be the kind to work out.
"Yes," Ai'lani nodded. "But, Bridget, one should point out that all Deltans are considered good looking by other species. But Kaelin here, is incredibly good looking to Deltans," the journalist said with a serious, clinical tone as he leaned closer to her, looking over Kaelin, who rolled his eyes but refused to blush under the attention.
"And let's face it, looks are important," Ai'lani finished with a nod.
Bridget laughed, both at Ai'lani's pronouncement and Kaelin's response. "Well, in that case he could win beauty contests," she replied in kind, leaning sideways and bumping Kaelin's shoulder with her own. She was glad he was the center of attention. Affirmation just seemed to be something he needed.
"And you aren't so bad yourself, either, Ai'lani," she continued. "A little ooold, maybe," she winked outrageously and drawled out the word, "but altogether not unpleasant."
Kaelin laughed as Ai'lani opened his mouth, faking shock. "Hey, you are only a few years older than me, so you and I are practically there as far as age goes and I wouldn't be quick to call me old," he told her playfully with a laugh. Though, in truth, while Kaelin looked to like a human in his early twenties, and Ai'lani looked like he was in his late twenties, age was very hard to determine for Deltans, so he knew his admission to being 40 years old was a shock to most people.
"Ahhhh," Bridget's laugh died down into a contented sigh. "I'd like some tea, would either of you care for some?" She looked for a waiter, and caught the attention of one at a table nearby.
"Sure, I'll have some," Kaelin agreed, but Ai'lani shook his head. "I'll have a gin and tonic, please," he told the waiter instead.
"Okay, Bridget, I have to ask," the journalist said after a moment. "Why is your husband working as a dabo boy?"
"Oh that," Bridget said, and turned her head to look back toward his table. She couldn't see, though. Too many bodies in the way. Looking back at Ai'lani, she continued. "Seems he went looking for work and this was all he could find that wasn't washing dishes or janitorial." Her chin went back onto her upturned palm again, resting her elbow on the table. She let out a sigh. "He seems to be doing well at it. Though it's only been three days, so I'm not sure how long it will last." In point of fact, they hadn't talked about it but the one time, because their schedules were completely opposite. They had barely spoken in the last two days.
Ai'lani nodded, feeling her distress and rested his hand over hers while he saw Kaelin reach over and rest a hand on her back. It was just instinct, to comfort someone, help them share any emotional pain they were going through however small it may be. As they touched her, Bridget felt her ill feelings subside almost instantly. "Must be hard, him working nights all the time like this and you working all day," Kaelin commented, caressing small circles into her back. It was affectionate without feeling intrusive.
"Mmmmmm," she hummed and closed her eyes, allowing the encouragement to seep in deeply. It was an odd sensation, and she went back and forth in the silent moment between sinking into the sense of well-being, and wanting to analyze the way it felt, which tended to pull her out of it. She smiled and let out a small snort of amusement at the way her own brain worked.
Opening her eyes, she answered Kaelin's comment. "As a matter of fact, it is tough. Weird, because we've been apart before and we were able to handle it okay. But this time, I'm not sure. Maybe it's just that the separation is on top of a lot of other issues. Moving and being away from the kids and grand-kids and our friends; Edward wanting to work and me wanting him to just retire; stuff like that. Layers that in and of themselves aren't that big a deal, but when compounded by the lack of time to interact with each other and talk about things, it creates a unique situation we haven't had to deal with before."
"Maybe you could ask Chelsea to switch up some of your shifts so that you worked nights a few days in the week?" Kaelin suggested, moving his hand away. Ai'lani's hand lingered for a few more moments until he decided Bridget was feeling at least a little better and took it back. He nodded in agreement. "And you should really spend the time together, maybe cuddle up on the couch and just talk."
"I'm supposed to be shadowing Chelsea's hours right now, but she's been pretty busy. So I've been learning the ropes by doing a lot of the physician-on-duty stuff. Once her schedule loosens up, then she'd probably give me some night shifts. Besides, it would get me away from His Royal Highness," She threw a glance at Kaelin with a rueful smile. To Ai'lani she explained, "I've got this overbearing coworker with an ego the size of a small planet who thinks he can push me around. It's not going well," and she explained about the fish oil in her locker the previous night.
"What does your boss have to say about it?" Ai'lani asked as Kaelin took a sip of his tea.
"She wasn't very happy about it, that's for sure. She suspended him."
"That's it? What is this guy, some over privileged superhero?" Ai'lani asked. "If he worked under me, I'd give him one warning then kick him out on his ass."
"He's an excellent surgeon - one of the best in the quadrant if what I've heard is true. Some of the nurses and orderlies think he's hung the moon."
"That's true, I guess," Kaelin admitted, despite his feelings. A moment later, the comm sounded in Kaelin's pocket. "Excuse me," he told them, activating the comm.
"Kaelin," he simply said, waiting for a reply.
"Evening, Doctor," an all too chirpy voice came from the other side. Ai'lani raised an eyebrow.
"David. What can I do for you?" Kaelin asked, suspicious.
"Um...well, doctor, I was just calling to double check something," the intern said. Kaelin gave him a verbal cue to continue. "The DNA analyzer flashes red when it's finished, right?" Kaelin grew serious, "No, it flashes green. How many times have I tried explaining this to you, David. Red is bad," he said this last in a tone that should be reserved for teaching children in kindergarten. Ai'lani couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped him. But when Kaelin flashed him a look, he suppressed it and looked away.
The exchange between the two Deltans made Bridget cover her snicker behind her hand so she wouldn't be overheard.
"Oh..." was all the intern on the other side said. "What are you doing touching equipment in the first place, David? You can't do that without supervision!" Kaelin was obviously angry, a very unnatural state for him. "You know what? Stay there and don't touch anything. I'm coming to the Infirmary. Don't you dare move," he warned at the end before cutting the connection. He then sighed, closing his eyes for a moment to calm down. He suddenly felt himself feeling better as Ai'lani reached over and touched his hand, covering it with his. He didn't say anything though, something Kaelin was thankful of.
"I have to go take care of this. I'm so, so sorry, Bridget," he told her, honestly apologetic as he stood up from their table.
"Don't worry about it. She's in good hands," Ai'lani assured him. Kaelin smiled. "I'll see you guys later, then," he said, giving Bridget's arm a small, affectionate squeeze before leaning over and kissing Ai'lani soundly on the lips.
Returning the kiss, Ai'lani asked Kaelin if he would be coming over tonight once they broke apart.
"Probably," Kaelin nodded. "See you," he told them both, giving them a small wave before hurrying to the Infirmary.
Watching him go, Bridget spoke first. "I hope that poor intern didn't do anything serious. We're working on a sensitive issue right now and Kaelin's analysis is critical."
"I doubt Kaelin is reckless enough to leave anything important outside where the interns can get at it," Ai'lani assured her, nibbling on the meal that had arrived in the meantime. "So, do you and Edward have kids?" he asked her, changing the subject.
"Ah, thank you, yes we do. A son and two daughters. They're all grown and married, and having their own families. We so enjoyed raising them, but enjoy them ever so much more now that they're adults."
"I can only imagine. I'd like to have more kids some day. I have Dominic now, and I love him to death. More is always better though. And I'd love for him to have a brother or a sister," Ai'lani revealed with a smile. "Or three or four brothers and sisters," he added with a laugh.
Tipping her head to the side, Bridget said, "That surprises me. You didn't strike me as the type to be a large-family man." Though such an assessment was based on .... what? She realized she had no basis for it because she really didn't know him. And besides; the men she'd known who were really into having a house-full of kids were married young. The thought reminded her that Ai'lani wasn't human.
"Really? What made you think that?" Ai'lani asked, confused by her assessment of him.
She gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "I was making assumptions based on human behavior and projecting that onto you. It wasn't until after I'd said it that I really thought about it. Assumptions can be insidious."
"You're telling me. People make assumptions about me all the time. Can you believe some people actually refused to go out for a drink with me, assuming I'd take advantage of them?" he asked as casually as possible, while giving Bridget a knowing look. His tone was accusing, he simply wanted to prove a point.
Bridget let out a barking laugh. "You make a point. But your impression was wrong; I was assuming that it was I who would try to take advantage of you, not the other way around. I would rather not embarrass myself - and you - by behaving in that way." Her voice had turned serious as the subject matter came closer to her reasons for declining his previous invitation.
"So you're saying I should pretend to be someone I'm not to make other people more comfortable all the time? Like Kaelin?"
She paused a moment before speaking. She believed in being true to ones' self; but there were limits where others were concerned, and it took a lot of self-knowledge to know when to apply a limit and when not to.
She said, "I think there's a difference between pretending to be someone we are not, and limiting ourselves for the good of others. What Kaelin does... he limits himself to help the relationship he has with his roommate. And I commend him for that. In a similar way, Ed and I limit ourselves sexually to better our relationship, by staying monogamous. Humans have a natural propensity toward multiple sexual partners throughout their lifetime. But that freedom often comes with a cost - jealously, broken relationships, and unresolved conflict being a few of them. Knowing this, we make the daily choice not to have any other sexual partner besides our spouse, for the rest of our lives. Every time we find ourselves sexually attracted to someone else, we make the conscious choice to limit our behavior in deference to the relationship we have, because we don't want to cause any jealousy or hard feelings in our partner."
"So, what's different about tonight? I mean, here we are, you sitting down for dinner with two Deltans, and your husband a few feet away. I'm still not on medication, and Kaelin still is." Ai'lani's voice was steady, with a slight note of confusion in it. "Is this what Kaelin meant with his little speech to me earlier about how I need to control myself around other people? Because, and this is nothing against you personally," he added, not wanting her to get the wrong idea, "I'm getting kind of sick of people treating me like I'm an uncontrolled teenager. Especially a man ten years younger than me telling me to be responsible."
She wondered about the uncontrolled teenager part, because at the moment that's just how he sounded. "Okay you addressed a couple of issues just now, and let me tackle them one at a time. First," she gestured with her index finger, "The difference about tonight has to do with two things: one is that I invited Kaelin out to dinner. Or, more accurately," she smiled at the memory, "I asked him when he was going to ask me out to dinner, and he suggested tonight. I was willing to spend the evening with him even though he is a Deltan, because he takes the medication and I don't have to deal with the stress of sexual arousal around him. But I also happen to have an interest in getting to know his personality, both as a coworker and as a new friend."
She lifted another finger and said, "Secondly, you are here because Kaelin told me that Deltans can control the intensity of their pheromone output. I hadn't known that before, when you first asked me to dinner. If I had, I would likely have made a different decision and accepted your invitation. You are here now because I asked Kaelin to invite you to join us. I'd also asked him to help me be accountable for my own behavior tonight so that I didn't lose my head under the influence of alcohol and pheromones. With him being called back to work, I will have to forgo having a drink so that I can keep a clear head." Her tone took on a slight edge to it as she said, "I appreciate the frustration you are feeling at being forced to modify yourself for the sake of others. But you aren't the only one who is having to make sacrifices here."
"I'm not making a sacrifice. I'm acting the same way I would've acted around you if we'd gone through with going out the other night," Ai'lani explained. "I don't need anyone to tell me about the effect I have on others. I am well aware and while a small part of me is curious about the people around me, the fact that I could seriously hurt someone keeps me well aware of where the lines are between people. Yes, I don't inhibit my pheromones around most people 24/7 but that's because it's difficult and tiring. So I keep them at a mid, but safe, level. At a normal level, if you wanna see it that way. The only person I see here who makes huge sacrifices is Kaelin."
"So what was that yesterday morning? Was that pheromones at mid-level? Because I felt like I'd been hit by a hormonal tidal wave." She struggled to keep her voice under control. "You've obviously agreed to inhibit them for tonight - whether as a favor to Kaelin or to me, either way it's appreciated. That was the sacrifice I referred to." She reached for her tea, cradling it in both hands and looking into the cup. She really hadn't wanted to spend the evening having an argument.
Ai'lani sipped his drink as well, and then felt something from Bridget, something upsetting. "Wait...are you mad at me? Or upset?" he asked in confusion. "Wait..is this an argument?" he suddenly asked, as if reading Bridget's thoughts.
"I don't want it to be," Bridget replied, still looking into her cup. She raised her eyes and sat back against her chair, her dinner plate completely ignored. "We both just look at the same issue from opposite points of view, is all. We want the other person to step into our shoes, so to speak, so that understanding takes place. For whatever reason, we're having trouble doing that. Perhaps it's because we've discussed more of what we disagree on about the issue than what it is we do agree upon."
"I wasn't trying to have an argument," Ai'lani admitted with a guilty frown, now feeling bad for what he did. "I'm really sorry. It's just that we're very honest and don't really hold back in conversations. It's not really arguing since we settle things quickly. So, again, I'm sorry if I've been a bit to aggressive in my approach," he said, offering a small half smile.
"Apology accepted," Bridget returned the smile with one of her own. "And I happen to be drawn to people who are frank and honest. So don't feel like you've caused any damage. I can be pretty intense and passionate about things, including my own opinions. So I share half the guilt for letting the discussion get out of hand. I should have suggested we table it when my emotions started getting in my way."
"Don't worry about it. Everything's good between us," he said, his half smile growing into a real one. "So, changing the subject, do you know if Kaelin's feelings are leaving the romance zone towards me and going back to friendship? I can only tell he still really likes me but I can't really decipher it completely."
Bridget didn't know whether what Kaelin had told her this morning was in confidence or not. Erring on the side of caution in her answer couldn't hurt, though. "I don't know exactly where his feelings are, no. He seems to enjoy your company, either way. How do you feel about him?"
"I don't know. I like him, but I can't really find out what he's like with those stupid inhibitors. It limits communications and makes it hard to get into his head," Ai'lani explained. "But he's sweet, and he's definitely nice to look at."
~So that's what's holding Ai'lani back,~ Bridget thought. "Let me ask you a question: if Kaelin wasn't using his inhibitors, would you invite him to live with you?" ~Are the inhibitors required by Starfleet?~ she wondered.
"Are you joking?" Ai'lani asked.
She raised an eyebrow and said, "No, I was serious."
"I met Kaelin two weeks ago. I don't know how you humans do things, but that's too short of a time for me to decide I want to live with someone. Not to mention it would be irresponsible considering I have a son who should have a say in those things."
"That answers my question. If Kaelin is only taking the inhibitors to ease the relationship with his roommate, and for no other reason, then different living conditions would provide opportunity for him to choose perhaps not to use them. Though I don't know if Starfleet requires Deltans to take the inhibitors as well as signing the oath."
"No, they don't. But it's sort of an unwritten rule, though. Most people expect them to," Ai'lani explained. "Personally I consider the Oath of Celibacy itself a vile act of discrimination against Deltans."
Bridget nodded with a half-smile. "Yes, I sortof gleaned the impression that you felt that way," she said, her tone sardonic. "But we can agree to disagree about that issue for now. The fact that Starfleet doesn't have a regulation about inhibitors then allows Kaelin to make his own choice for his own reasons. And we both know how we feel about it and our opinions happen to fall on opposite lines. So if the inhibitors are the issue that keeps you from pursuing a relationship with Kaelin, but the inhibitors allow him to have a less volatile living space while Kaelin does not wish to petition for a different roommate, then you two are at a stalemate and will have to find some sort of compromise."
Ai'lani nodded, leaning back in his chair. He looked over Bridget then, eying her as if contemplating something. "Are you always this analytical?" he asked her.
She snorted a laugh. "Hardly. I can be, when the need calls for it; but I find it tends to drain energy from other pursuits," she gestured at her plate, with the cold, untouched slices of octopus tentacle artfully arranged on it. "Debate was actually one of the things that attracted me to Edward in the first place. A number of our first dates ended up in arguments over something or other. He impressed me by being able to move on from them and apologize where needed, and respect my right to my opinion when he disagreed with it."
"That sounds very....diplomatic," Ai'lani said, struggling on the last word. "I don't know. You just seem like a clinical person. Don't you just feel like doing something spontaneous and silly and totally dumb and unrelated to anything from time to time?"
Bridget smiled and shook her head. "No, you don't understand. Spontaneous and silly are my primary modes of operation. You've seen me only in limited light, Ai'lani. Once you get to know me, you'll find that out. It was unfortunate that our first meeting ended in conflict, because before the fun could start we had to come to an understanding with each other. We both have strong personalities with a lot of intensity, and that seems to apply to whatever we are doing - whether it is fun or serious, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into it. We are more alike than you think."
"Yeah, I wouldn't jump to conclusions like that. We just met, Bridget," he told her, his tone semi-serious. "I'm not saying we aren't alike in things, but I can sense a lot of things that are very different between us. It's hard to explain, because it mostly has to do with what I can pick up from you emotionally and when I touched your hand a while ago. I know you'll probably think this is me being judgmental and way too forward for it to be polite, but that's who I am and I don't like being anything else to make other people be comfortable. Even if they decide to not be around me because of it. What I want to say is that, you're a contradictory person. You say you're rarely analytical, but I can basically see you over-analyze every interaction and reaction between yourself and others and between two other people. And from that, you jump to conclusions."
She sat in silence a moment, fighting an urge to pull back. There was no need to retreat, and she knew Ai'lani's words weren't an attack, regardless of how she felt about them emotionally. Pursing her lips, she finally spoke. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I am contradictory and maybe I do jump to conclusions. Perhaps you are too forward to be polite and perhaps you don't care whether people around you are comfortable or not. So where does that leave us?"
Ai'lani sat silently, seeming to pull his thoughts together. "Another drink?" he asked.
Bridget silently nodded her head, wondering if it was often going to be like this with Ai'lani. He wasn't shy about saying what he thought. And generally she liked that about frank people. You always knew where you stood with them, because they'd rather be honest than diplomatic. But it did have an accompanying tendency to run roughshod over her feelings.
"I think it's time to change the subject as well as the atmosphere. You up for that?"
"Definitely. Let's talk about something neutral, shall we? I'd go for the weather, but having an artificial life support system on a starbase in the middle of nowhere kind of blew that to hell, so...any ideas?"
She barked out a laugh, saying, "There's always the holodeck." Now that she thought about it, maybe it was time to go hit the dance floor; her brain could certainly use the rest.
"Hm...speaking of holodeck, don't you owe me a dance?"
::OFF::
Ensign Bridget Stapleton
Doctor (general practice) - DS5
&
Ensign Kaelin
Clinical Pathology Resident - DS5
&
Ai'lani Elley
Freelance photojournalist - DS5
by Lieutenant Bridget Stapleton & (G) Arrain - Lieutenant Arrienye t'Merek
Post Details
| Title | Three's Not A Crowd | |
| Mission | Judgement | |
| Author(s) | Lieutenant Bridget Stapleton & (G) Arrain - Lieutenant Arrienye t'Merek | |
| Posted | Wed Apr 13, 2011 @ 6:59pm | |
| Location | The Box Of Delights | |
| Timeline | SD37 - 1800 |
Bridget entered the Box wearing a knee-length dress made of multiple layers of sheer fabrics, tinted in shades of green. The layering creating an opacity that was modest, and yet fluttered toward translucence at the hem and cuffs. It was one of her favorite pieces. She had her hair loose around her shoulders, the ringlets of freshly washed tresses almost completely dry.
A small part of herself - one that, consciously, she didn't take the time to examine - wanted to make Edward jealous. By dressing up the way she was, and scented the way she was, maybe he would realize that she was lonely and wanted his attention. Crossing the room, she approached his Dabo table and took a seat among the older women there.
He looked up as she sat down, and a broad grin spread across his face. He wanted to introduce his wife to the others, especially in as beautiful a state as he found her at present. But company rules prevented him from doing so. The same rules that prevented him from wearing his wedding ring. He had to appear single and unattached, so as to encourage the patrons to bet more at his gambling table.
But the rules didn't prevent him from flirting with her! "Hellooo, beautiful," he crooned, giving her a wink and a grin. "Care to play a game of Dabo?". The woman at his right gave his wife an openly wary look, and he caught it out of the corner of his eye, finding it amusing.
"No, thank you, I'll just watch for now," Bridget said in a pleasant tone. "I'm meeting friends for dinner." She studiously avoided his eyes as she dropped the bomb.
The surprise registered on Edward's face, followed quickly by consternation and then an immediate cover-up smile, none of which she saw because she wasn't looking at him. "You're ... welcome to place a bet or two while you wait, my dear." Keeping his voice in check was an effort. Who was she meeting? What was this all about?
She'd been sitting there for a few minutes when Kaelin and Ai'lani walked in, their arms linked. They'd met earlier so that Kaelin could tell Ai'lani at which level to try and keep his pheromones, which at first just made them angry at one another, but they'd made up by the time they were supposed to meet with Bridget. Ai'lani had dressed himself in black denim trousers, with a flattering royal blue sweater, his usual leather bag hanging off the strap that hung over his chest. He looked over at Kaelin, who was trying to find Bridget amidst the large crowd of people in the Box.
The younger Deltan was in some black and dark green trousers, topped off with a fitted black dress shirt with rolled up sleeves that showed off an impressive physique usually hidden by his Starfleet uniform. He looked good, Ai'lani had to admit.
"There she is," the man suddenly announced, motioning towards Edward's Dabo table. Ai'lani led them towards the table, smiling brightly once they were in view of Edward and his wife. The two Deltans separated and stood on either side of Bridget, with Kaelin putting a hand on her shoulder. "Hey there," they greeted her, with Ai'lani then looking at Ed.
"Hi Edward," he said.
Bridget opened her mouth to say hello to the Deltan boys but Edward stepped in before she uttered a sound. "You know these two?"
It was an unguarded expression of surprise on his face, and something else she couldn't quite read. "Yes, I work with Kaelin, here," Bridget patted the hand on her shoulder. "And I understand Ai'lani is an admirer of your work." She grinned, remembering Ai'lani's comment the day before, about how Edward looked in those pants. She had to admit, he did look good.
The hand on his wife's shoulder was a bit too possessive for Edward's comfort, but he kept that thought to himself. Looking to Ai'lani, he said, "Hi, good to see you again. Deltans, right?"
Ai'lani and Kaelin looked at each other then before looking back at Edward. "Guilty. What gave us away?" Kaelin asked. "Our charming personalities or our good looks? Well, my good looks," Kaelin added, flashing Ai'lani a teasing smirk.
"Uh..," Edward wasn't too sure how to respond to that comment. They were both handsome. Really, really handsome, in fact. He knew he shouldn't be intrigued by that, but his body really didn't seem to be listening. ~What is she doing with these two? Doesn't she know what they do to people?~
He could tell the effect they were having on his patrons, now that he thought of it. The woman who had been glued to his hip all evening - well, for the last two days straight, actually, and whom he suspected of cheating - had sidled closer to Kaelin and was giving him the sweetest of smiles, twirling that lock of blue-rinse hair around her finger. ~Damn. Gotta get my head back on the game.~
"So would you three like to join us in a little Dabo?" Edward gestured at the wheel. The look he gave Bridget spoke volumes. ~We WILL talk about this later,~ his eyes told her.
"I can go either way on that," Bridget said, her eyebrows inquiring at Edward before looking up at Kaelin and then at Ai'lani. "What would you two like to do?"
"Well, I wouldn't be opposed to a game of Dabo, but I think Ai'lani sort of wants you all to himself for tonight, so it's probably best if we go for dinner," Kaelin replied, looking over at Ai'lani for confirmation.
"I couldn't agree more," the journalist nodded.
Bridget laughed and shook her head. "You are a bad, bad boy," she shook her finger at Kaelin. Her gaze went to Edward, catching a look that bespoke a coming storm. "We're going to get something to eat, and then I think we might go dancing."
"Dancing." His voice was not pleasant.
She caught the tone and sent him a warning look. "Yes, dancing. You can join us later when you're on a dinner break?" She tried keeping the irritation out of her voice, and was only partially successful.
That question of joining a patron for a meal ushered a couple of murmurs from the ladies around his table, who looked at Edward with renewed interest. He instantly wished Bridget hadn't made the invitation. It put him in an awkward position; if he answered affirmatively, then that would open him up to accepting invitations by other patrons, else they complain to the management about favoritism. It was down a path he didn't want to go. But neither did he want to leave Bridget alone with these two Deltans, either. That one, the Ai'lani one, was too handsome for his own good. Edward had an odd sensation of being jealous of both Bridget and Ai'lani at the same time.
Bridget stood from her chair as Edward was thinking his private thoughts. She smiled at him, a feeling of guilt washing over her as she met his clouded eyes. But this was neither the time, nor the place for questions and answers. "Enjoy your game," she smiled and looked to the others nearby, including them in the salutation, and turned to accompany the Deltans to find a table.
Ai'lani and Kaelin gave Edward their goodbyes before leading his wife away. Ai'lani spotted a table and, as he saw another pair rush to it, he waved to Ahjess nearby, and then to the table. The Trill nodded and quickly told the other couple that it was reserved. "Thanks, you're a life safer," Ai'lani told him before the dabo boy continued his trek to his dabo wheel. Ai'lani pulled out a chair for Bridget and Kaelin took a seat next to her.
She accepted the chair gracefully with a nod, and as she sat she spoke, commenting on the show of clout Ai'lani had at the Box. She was wondering if it had been purposed to impress her. "So, you come here often?"
"Yeah. All the gossip accumulates here. Or starts here," he laughed. "So, as a journalist it's a great place to hang out as often as possible. Though I've been spending a lot more time here now that Dominic is on a trip with Monteros. Dominic is my son. He's fifteen." Ai'lani's face softened as he spoke about his son in a way only a parent's can.
"Ah, you have a son! Congratulations," Bridget replied, her face mirroring Ai'lani's parental pride. "I met Mister Monteros yesterday. Seems a fine man. What are he and Dominic going to do on their trip?"
"Treasure hunting," Ai'lani explained with a laugh. "But I think the human influence will do Dommy some good. He's human and, while I've raised him since he was born, I still feel it's best for him to also have some human influences, especially now that he's in the peak of puberty."
She rested her chin on an upturned palm. "You were married to a human? I thought that was banned." She looked at Kaelin, including him in the question. Ai'lani didn't follow the rules Starfleet imposes on it's people, and she wondered if that also translated to marriages.
"Um...no. Dominic is adopted. See, about fifteen years ago, a friend of mine, Malene Poulsen, got into some trouble with her live-in boyfriend. She got pregnant and he basically kicked her out. So, she stayed with me. She had Dominic, and when Dommy was two years old she got into an accident. In her will she said she wanted custody of Dominic to go to me. And after some legal procedures, I was given full custody," Ai'lani explained, shifting a bit uncomfortably at the mention of Malene.
"Oh, okay. I just assumed you were married to her. Kaelin has told me about the ban on Deltans dating non-Deltans in Starfleet," she flashed Kaelin a teasing grin.
"And, marriage between Deltans and other species is legal, but rare. But, for Deltan's entering Starfleet, an oath of celibacy is put in place to ensure that we don't abuse our pheromonal affect on other species, namely our fellow crewmembers. It also applies to any new species we may encounter," Kaelin explained, resting his hands in front of him and glancing at Ai'lani, who rolled his eyes at the explanation, but luckily didn't say anything.
"Well, considering what you did to me yesterday,' she wagged a finger at Ai'lani but it was meant good-naturedly. "I can see why there is an oath of celibacy where it comes to other species." She glanced at Kaelin sidelong. "And then there are those who go a step further to make those of us who are susceptible to your influence feel more comfortable." She patted Kaelin's hand on the table affectionately.
But Kaelin didn't return the gesture. "Um...I think that we should steer away from this line of conversation," he advised, glancing at Ai'lani briefly before turning his attention back to Bridget. "See, Ai'lani is the vice chairman of the organization that's urging Starfleet to drop the Oath of Celibacy and medication from the requirements for Deltan cadets. And, as they say, politics has no place in polite conversation," he said as tactfully as possible. Again, Ai'lani didn't comment.
Bridget raised an eyebrow. So... there were indeed limits to openness and honesty among Deltans. Interesting. "Okay, sure. Maybe we should look at our menus anyway, before that waiter walks a rut into the carpet while he waits for us." She didn't have a waiter in view but with the way Ai'lani had directed that one guy, she wouldn't put it past him to have one watching for his signal when they were ready to order.
"Right," Ai'lani nodded, looking down quickly at the menu, idly reading through the selections, but he already knew what he would order as Kaelin looked through the vegetarian dishes.
"The sauteed calamari sounds very good," Bridget said, making a decision both on food and steering the subject to more neutral conversation.
Seeing them look around for a waiter, one came over quickly. Taking their orders, he gave them a polite nod, took their menus, and left.
"You're going to kill yourself eating like that every day," Kaelin told Ai'lani.
"We all have to die from something," the other Deltan countered.
"Yes, but does it have to be your choice of nutrition, or lack thereof, that should cause it?"
Bridget sipped her water, observing the discussion between the two friends. She watched their faces to see if they were seriously testy with each other over food, or if they were just having naturally confrontational banter. She and Edward often debated things just for the fun of it.
"At least when I get sick I know I'll have a pair of lovely doctors that will treat me," Ai'lain said, including Bridget into the talk now.
"Oh, don't come to me, I'm the Pathologist. I'm the one doctor you do not, under any circumstances, want to come see."
"But you're so cute, maybe it'd be worth it," Ai'lani replied with a grin, making Kaelin laugh.
"I gotta second Ai'lani's assessment, Kaelin. You are indeed cute." She had noticed how nice he looked in his casual clothing this evening. For some reason it had surprised her that he had well-defined musculature. She hadn't expected him to be the kind to work out.
"Yes," Ai'lani nodded. "But, Bridget, one should point out that all Deltans are considered good looking by other species. But Kaelin here, is incredibly good looking to Deltans," the journalist said with a serious, clinical tone as he leaned closer to her, looking over Kaelin, who rolled his eyes but refused to blush under the attention.
"And let's face it, looks are important," Ai'lani finished with a nod.
Bridget laughed, both at Ai'lani's pronouncement and Kaelin's response. "Well, in that case he could win beauty contests," she replied in kind, leaning sideways and bumping Kaelin's shoulder with her own. She was glad he was the center of attention. Affirmation just seemed to be something he needed.
"And you aren't so bad yourself, either, Ai'lani," she continued. "A little ooold, maybe," she winked outrageously and drawled out the word, "but altogether not unpleasant."
Kaelin laughed as Ai'lani opened his mouth, faking shock. "Hey, you are only a few years older than me, so you and I are practically there as far as age goes and I wouldn't be quick to call me old," he told her playfully with a laugh. Though, in truth, while Kaelin looked to like a human in his early twenties, and Ai'lani looked like he was in his late twenties, age was very hard to determine for Deltans, so he knew his admission to being 40 years old was a shock to most people.
"Ahhhh," Bridget's laugh died down into a contented sigh. "I'd like some tea, would either of you care for some?" She looked for a waiter, and caught the attention of one at a table nearby.
"Sure, I'll have some," Kaelin agreed, but Ai'lani shook his head. "I'll have a gin and tonic, please," he told the waiter instead.
"Okay, Bridget, I have to ask," the journalist said after a moment. "Why is your husband working as a dabo boy?"
"Oh that," Bridget said, and turned her head to look back toward his table. She couldn't see, though. Too many bodies in the way. Looking back at Ai'lani, she continued. "Seems he went looking for work and this was all he could find that wasn't washing dishes or janitorial." Her chin went back onto her upturned palm again, resting her elbow on the table. She let out a sigh. "He seems to be doing well at it. Though it's only been three days, so I'm not sure how long it will last." In point of fact, they hadn't talked about it but the one time, because their schedules were completely opposite. They had barely spoken in the last two days.
Ai'lani nodded, feeling her distress and rested his hand over hers while he saw Kaelin reach over and rest a hand on her back. It was just instinct, to comfort someone, help them share any emotional pain they were going through however small it may be. As they touched her, Bridget felt her ill feelings subside almost instantly. "Must be hard, him working nights all the time like this and you working all day," Kaelin commented, caressing small circles into her back. It was affectionate without feeling intrusive.
"Mmmmmm," she hummed and closed her eyes, allowing the encouragement to seep in deeply. It was an odd sensation, and she went back and forth in the silent moment between sinking into the sense of well-being, and wanting to analyze the way it felt, which tended to pull her out of it. She smiled and let out a small snort of amusement at the way her own brain worked.
Opening her eyes, she answered Kaelin's comment. "As a matter of fact, it is tough. Weird, because we've been apart before and we were able to handle it okay. But this time, I'm not sure. Maybe it's just that the separation is on top of a lot of other issues. Moving and being away from the kids and grand-kids and our friends; Edward wanting to work and me wanting him to just retire; stuff like that. Layers that in and of themselves aren't that big a deal, but when compounded by the lack of time to interact with each other and talk about things, it creates a unique situation we haven't had to deal with before."
"Maybe you could ask Chelsea to switch up some of your shifts so that you worked nights a few days in the week?" Kaelin suggested, moving his hand away. Ai'lani's hand lingered for a few more moments until he decided Bridget was feeling at least a little better and took it back. He nodded in agreement. "And you should really spend the time together, maybe cuddle up on the couch and just talk."
"I'm supposed to be shadowing Chelsea's hours right now, but she's been pretty busy. So I've been learning the ropes by doing a lot of the physician-on-duty stuff. Once her schedule loosens up, then she'd probably give me some night shifts. Besides, it would get me away from His Royal Highness," She threw a glance at Kaelin with a rueful smile. To Ai'lani she explained, "I've got this overbearing coworker with an ego the size of a small planet who thinks he can push me around. It's not going well," and she explained about the fish oil in her locker the previous night.
"What does your boss have to say about it?" Ai'lani asked as Kaelin took a sip of his tea.
"She wasn't very happy about it, that's for sure. She suspended him."
"That's it? What is this guy, some over privileged superhero?" Ai'lani asked. "If he worked under me, I'd give him one warning then kick him out on his ass."
"He's an excellent surgeon - one of the best in the quadrant if what I've heard is true. Some of the nurses and orderlies think he's hung the moon."
"That's true, I guess," Kaelin admitted, despite his feelings. A moment later, the comm sounded in Kaelin's pocket. "Excuse me," he told them, activating the comm.
"Kaelin," he simply said, waiting for a reply.
"Evening, Doctor," an all too chirpy voice came from the other side. Ai'lani raised an eyebrow.
"David. What can I do for you?" Kaelin asked, suspicious.
"Um...well, doctor, I was just calling to double check something," the intern said. Kaelin gave him a verbal cue to continue. "The DNA analyzer flashes red when it's finished, right?" Kaelin grew serious, "No, it flashes green. How many times have I tried explaining this to you, David. Red is bad," he said this last in a tone that should be reserved for teaching children in kindergarten. Ai'lani couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped him. But when Kaelin flashed him a look, he suppressed it and looked away.
The exchange between the two Deltans made Bridget cover her snicker behind her hand so she wouldn't be overheard.
"Oh..." was all the intern on the other side said. "What are you doing touching equipment in the first place, David? You can't do that without supervision!" Kaelin was obviously angry, a very unnatural state for him. "You know what? Stay there and don't touch anything. I'm coming to the Infirmary. Don't you dare move," he warned at the end before cutting the connection. He then sighed, closing his eyes for a moment to calm down. He suddenly felt himself feeling better as Ai'lani reached over and touched his hand, covering it with his. He didn't say anything though, something Kaelin was thankful of.
"I have to go take care of this. I'm so, so sorry, Bridget," he told her, honestly apologetic as he stood up from their table.
"Don't worry about it. She's in good hands," Ai'lani assured him. Kaelin smiled. "I'll see you guys later, then," he said, giving Bridget's arm a small, affectionate squeeze before leaning over and kissing Ai'lani soundly on the lips.
Returning the kiss, Ai'lani asked Kaelin if he would be coming over tonight once they broke apart.
"Probably," Kaelin nodded. "See you," he told them both, giving them a small wave before hurrying to the Infirmary.
Watching him go, Bridget spoke first. "I hope that poor intern didn't do anything serious. We're working on a sensitive issue right now and Kaelin's analysis is critical."
"I doubt Kaelin is reckless enough to leave anything important outside where the interns can get at it," Ai'lani assured her, nibbling on the meal that had arrived in the meantime. "So, do you and Edward have kids?" he asked her, changing the subject.
"Ah, thank you, yes we do. A son and two daughters. They're all grown and married, and having their own families. We so enjoyed raising them, but enjoy them ever so much more now that they're adults."
"I can only imagine. I'd like to have more kids some day. I have Dominic now, and I love him to death. More is always better though. And I'd love for him to have a brother or a sister," Ai'lani revealed with a smile. "Or three or four brothers and sisters," he added with a laugh.
Tipping her head to the side, Bridget said, "That surprises me. You didn't strike me as the type to be a large-family man." Though such an assessment was based on .... what? She realized she had no basis for it because she really didn't know him. And besides; the men she'd known who were really into having a house-full of kids were married young. The thought reminded her that Ai'lani wasn't human.
"Really? What made you think that?" Ai'lani asked, confused by her assessment of him.
She gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "I was making assumptions based on human behavior and projecting that onto you. It wasn't until after I'd said it that I really thought about it. Assumptions can be insidious."
"You're telling me. People make assumptions about me all the time. Can you believe some people actually refused to go out for a drink with me, assuming I'd take advantage of them?" he asked as casually as possible, while giving Bridget a knowing look. His tone was accusing, he simply wanted to prove a point.
Bridget let out a barking laugh. "You make a point. But your impression was wrong; I was assuming that it was I who would try to take advantage of you, not the other way around. I would rather not embarrass myself - and you - by behaving in that way." Her voice had turned serious as the subject matter came closer to her reasons for declining his previous invitation.
"So you're saying I should pretend to be someone I'm not to make other people more comfortable all the time? Like Kaelin?"
She paused a moment before speaking. She believed in being true to ones' self; but there were limits where others were concerned, and it took a lot of self-knowledge to know when to apply a limit and when not to.
She said, "I think there's a difference between pretending to be someone we are not, and limiting ourselves for the good of others. What Kaelin does... he limits himself to help the relationship he has with his roommate. And I commend him for that. In a similar way, Ed and I limit ourselves sexually to better our relationship, by staying monogamous. Humans have a natural propensity toward multiple sexual partners throughout their lifetime. But that freedom often comes with a cost - jealously, broken relationships, and unresolved conflict being a few of them. Knowing this, we make the daily choice not to have any other sexual partner besides our spouse, for the rest of our lives. Every time we find ourselves sexually attracted to someone else, we make the conscious choice to limit our behavior in deference to the relationship we have, because we don't want to cause any jealousy or hard feelings in our partner."
"So, what's different about tonight? I mean, here we are, you sitting down for dinner with two Deltans, and your husband a few feet away. I'm still not on medication, and Kaelin still is." Ai'lani's voice was steady, with a slight note of confusion in it. "Is this what Kaelin meant with his little speech to me earlier about how I need to control myself around other people? Because, and this is nothing against you personally," he added, not wanting her to get the wrong idea, "I'm getting kind of sick of people treating me like I'm an uncontrolled teenager. Especially a man ten years younger than me telling me to be responsible."
She wondered about the uncontrolled teenager part, because at the moment that's just how he sounded. "Okay you addressed a couple of issues just now, and let me tackle them one at a time. First," she gestured with her index finger, "The difference about tonight has to do with two things: one is that I invited Kaelin out to dinner. Or, more accurately," she smiled at the memory, "I asked him when he was going to ask me out to dinner, and he suggested tonight. I was willing to spend the evening with him even though he is a Deltan, because he takes the medication and I don't have to deal with the stress of sexual arousal around him. But I also happen to have an interest in getting to know his personality, both as a coworker and as a new friend."
She lifted another finger and said, "Secondly, you are here because Kaelin told me that Deltans can control the intensity of their pheromone output. I hadn't known that before, when you first asked me to dinner. If I had, I would likely have made a different decision and accepted your invitation. You are here now because I asked Kaelin to invite you to join us. I'd also asked him to help me be accountable for my own behavior tonight so that I didn't lose my head under the influence of alcohol and pheromones. With him being called back to work, I will have to forgo having a drink so that I can keep a clear head." Her tone took on a slight edge to it as she said, "I appreciate the frustration you are feeling at being forced to modify yourself for the sake of others. But you aren't the only one who is having to make sacrifices here."
"I'm not making a sacrifice. I'm acting the same way I would've acted around you if we'd gone through with going out the other night," Ai'lani explained. "I don't need anyone to tell me about the effect I have on others. I am well aware and while a small part of me is curious about the people around me, the fact that I could seriously hurt someone keeps me well aware of where the lines are between people. Yes, I don't inhibit my pheromones around most people 24/7 but that's because it's difficult and tiring. So I keep them at a mid, but safe, level. At a normal level, if you wanna see it that way. The only person I see here who makes huge sacrifices is Kaelin."
"So what was that yesterday morning? Was that pheromones at mid-level? Because I felt like I'd been hit by a hormonal tidal wave." She struggled to keep her voice under control. "You've obviously agreed to inhibit them for tonight - whether as a favor to Kaelin or to me, either way it's appreciated. That was the sacrifice I referred to." She reached for her tea, cradling it in both hands and looking into the cup. She really hadn't wanted to spend the evening having an argument.
Ai'lani sipped his drink as well, and then felt something from Bridget, something upsetting. "Wait...are you mad at me? Or upset?" he asked in confusion. "Wait..is this an argument?" he suddenly asked, as if reading Bridget's thoughts.
"I don't want it to be," Bridget replied, still looking into her cup. She raised her eyes and sat back against her chair, her dinner plate completely ignored. "We both just look at the same issue from opposite points of view, is all. We want the other person to step into our shoes, so to speak, so that understanding takes place. For whatever reason, we're having trouble doing that. Perhaps it's because we've discussed more of what we disagree on about the issue than what it is we do agree upon."
"I wasn't trying to have an argument," Ai'lani admitted with a guilty frown, now feeling bad for what he did. "I'm really sorry. It's just that we're very honest and don't really hold back in conversations. It's not really arguing since we settle things quickly. So, again, I'm sorry if I've been a bit to aggressive in my approach," he said, offering a small half smile.
"Apology accepted," Bridget returned the smile with one of her own. "And I happen to be drawn to people who are frank and honest. So don't feel like you've caused any damage. I can be pretty intense and passionate about things, including my own opinions. So I share half the guilt for letting the discussion get out of hand. I should have suggested we table it when my emotions started getting in my way."
"Don't worry about it. Everything's good between us," he said, his half smile growing into a real one. "So, changing the subject, do you know if Kaelin's feelings are leaving the romance zone towards me and going back to friendship? I can only tell he still really likes me but I can't really decipher it completely."
Bridget didn't know whether what Kaelin had told her this morning was in confidence or not. Erring on the side of caution in her answer couldn't hurt, though. "I don't know exactly where his feelings are, no. He seems to enjoy your company, either way. How do you feel about him?"
"I don't know. I like him, but I can't really find out what he's like with those stupid inhibitors. It limits communications and makes it hard to get into his head," Ai'lani explained. "But he's sweet, and he's definitely nice to look at."
~So that's what's holding Ai'lani back,~ Bridget thought. "Let me ask you a question: if Kaelin wasn't using his inhibitors, would you invite him to live with you?" ~Are the inhibitors required by Starfleet?~ she wondered.
"Are you joking?" Ai'lani asked.
She raised an eyebrow and said, "No, I was serious."
"I met Kaelin two weeks ago. I don't know how you humans do things, but that's too short of a time for me to decide I want to live with someone. Not to mention it would be irresponsible considering I have a son who should have a say in those things."
"That answers my question. If Kaelin is only taking the inhibitors to ease the relationship with his roommate, and for no other reason, then different living conditions would provide opportunity for him to choose perhaps not to use them. Though I don't know if Starfleet requires Deltans to take the inhibitors as well as signing the oath."
"No, they don't. But it's sort of an unwritten rule, though. Most people expect them to," Ai'lani explained. "Personally I consider the Oath of Celibacy itself a vile act of discrimination against Deltans."
Bridget nodded with a half-smile. "Yes, I sortof gleaned the impression that you felt that way," she said, her tone sardonic. "But we can agree to disagree about that issue for now. The fact that Starfleet doesn't have a regulation about inhibitors then allows Kaelin to make his own choice for his own reasons. And we both know how we feel about it and our opinions happen to fall on opposite lines. So if the inhibitors are the issue that keeps you from pursuing a relationship with Kaelin, but the inhibitors allow him to have a less volatile living space while Kaelin does not wish to petition for a different roommate, then you two are at a stalemate and will have to find some sort of compromise."
Ai'lani nodded, leaning back in his chair. He looked over Bridget then, eying her as if contemplating something. "Are you always this analytical?" he asked her.
She snorted a laugh. "Hardly. I can be, when the need calls for it; but I find it tends to drain energy from other pursuits," she gestured at her plate, with the cold, untouched slices of octopus tentacle artfully arranged on it. "Debate was actually one of the things that attracted me to Edward in the first place. A number of our first dates ended up in arguments over something or other. He impressed me by being able to move on from them and apologize where needed, and respect my right to my opinion when he disagreed with it."
"That sounds very....diplomatic," Ai'lani said, struggling on the last word. "I don't know. You just seem like a clinical person. Don't you just feel like doing something spontaneous and silly and totally dumb and unrelated to anything from time to time?"
Bridget smiled and shook her head. "No, you don't understand. Spontaneous and silly are my primary modes of operation. You've seen me only in limited light, Ai'lani. Once you get to know me, you'll find that out. It was unfortunate that our first meeting ended in conflict, because before the fun could start we had to come to an understanding with each other. We both have strong personalities with a lot of intensity, and that seems to apply to whatever we are doing - whether it is fun or serious, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into it. We are more alike than you think."
"Yeah, I wouldn't jump to conclusions like that. We just met, Bridget," he told her, his tone semi-serious. "I'm not saying we aren't alike in things, but I can sense a lot of things that are very different between us. It's hard to explain, because it mostly has to do with what I can pick up from you emotionally and when I touched your hand a while ago. I know you'll probably think this is me being judgmental and way too forward for it to be polite, but that's who I am and I don't like being anything else to make other people be comfortable. Even if they decide to not be around me because of it. What I want to say is that, you're a contradictory person. You say you're rarely analytical, but I can basically see you over-analyze every interaction and reaction between yourself and others and between two other people. And from that, you jump to conclusions."
She sat in silence a moment, fighting an urge to pull back. There was no need to retreat, and she knew Ai'lani's words weren't an attack, regardless of how she felt about them emotionally. Pursing her lips, she finally spoke. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I am contradictory and maybe I do jump to conclusions. Perhaps you are too forward to be polite and perhaps you don't care whether people around you are comfortable or not. So where does that leave us?"
Ai'lani sat silently, seeming to pull his thoughts together. "Another drink?" he asked.
Bridget silently nodded her head, wondering if it was often going to be like this with Ai'lani. He wasn't shy about saying what he thought. And generally she liked that about frank people. You always knew where you stood with them, because they'd rather be honest than diplomatic. But it did have an accompanying tendency to run roughshod over her feelings.
"I think it's time to change the subject as well as the atmosphere. You up for that?"
"Definitely. Let's talk about something neutral, shall we? I'd go for the weather, but having an artificial life support system on a starbase in the middle of nowhere kind of blew that to hell, so...any ideas?"
She barked out a laugh, saying, "There's always the holodeck." Now that she thought about it, maybe it was time to go hit the dance floor; her brain could certainly use the rest.
"Hm...speaking of holodeck, don't you owe me a dance?"
::OFF::
Ensign Bridget Stapleton
Doctor (general practice) - DS5
&
Ensign Kaelin
Clinical Pathology Resident - DS5
&
Ai'lani Elley
Freelance photojournalist - DS5