Powers of Observation

Posted on Mon May 23rd, 2022 @ 5:44pm by Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine & Warrant Officer Koh Otassu

Mission: Lower Decks
Timeline: Prior to Now

As Shaille entered their quarters there was no hiding the fact that she was in a good mood. She stopped in front of Koh, grinning broadly. "Notice anything different?" she asked, holding her hands out to the side and posing. "I'll give you a hint, it has nothing to do with my hair!"

Koh had a smile on his muzzle as Shaille entered, and the smile only widened as her good mood became infectious. "Well, someone's in a good mood. Hmmmmm, let's see.... there's something different, and it's *not* your hair." he repeated, to confirm, and then he moved in for a soft hug. "How long do I have to find it, and can I use my hands?" he asked with a smirk, his forehead gently pressed against hers.

"Well, you can take as long as you like, but if you're using your hands you may rather quickly miss the point," her voice lowered as she ran her fingertips down the length of his ear until her hand came to a rest on the side of his face. "Do you need me to give you a hint?"

Koh gave her a smile, leaning softly into her hand on his face, "So, no hands, and I can request a hint. You know what, let's make this fun.... sure, I'll take a hint." he offered, "Something different, not the hair but my hands can't find it. I'm liking this new game already."

Shaille stepped back a little, still grinning. "I'm just a little bit shinier than I was this morning," she hinted.

"Shine, shine, shine, shine...." he mused aloud, and then gave a soft smile, "Why, Sheille Levine, did they finally recognize your talents and give you the promotion you've had coming to you?" his soft smile widened to a full grin. "I'm ever so proud to hear that. It's long overdue if you ask me."

"They did. I am now, officially, Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine," she said with a grin. "I think it suits me, don't you?"

Koh gave a nod, "Oh I think so. Joyous moment indeed." he had a smile on his face that threatened to make his eyes shine. "So, how do we celebrate here? Back in the Navy it'd be drinks and embarrassing stories but I don't know any embarrassing stories about you that don't incriminate myself." he snickered.

"Not that I'd consider any memory of us together 'Embarrassing', mind you." he recovered. "So how about a quiet night, relaxing under the covers, watching ... well, whatever *you* want to watch tonight. Yes, that includes those half-hearted Earth romance movies."

"I think that sounds perfect. And hey, what do you mean those half-hearted Earth romance movies? Your Ts'usugi library has plenty of romance movies too," she retorted, carefully plucking the pips from her collar and setting them on the table next to them before unzipping her jacket and sliding it off her shoulders. "Just so long as they have subtitles too. My Ts'u is still dangerously bad... literally."

"Oh it wasn't that bad, just don't ever say what you said in polite company." he offered with a smile, "Or even impolite company." he held that smile, welcoming her back into his arms once she was more comfortable. "This is your night to celebrate. We'll watch anything you want, and either they'll have subtitles... or I'll just have to whisper in your ear for the entire movie. Might not be telling the same story after a while though, if I have to be honest. Story might devolve from the hero of the land and his quest for a princess... to a lone pilot who found his."

Shaille returned to his arms, content in the comfort his presence gave her. "Or we could just skip the movie and you can just tell me that story instead," she countered. "I do like the sound of it. Tell me about this lone pilot, he sounds like an intriguing main character."

"Hmmm, well then, let me tell you a tale." he started, "In the days long before, there was a pilot. Brave, loyal, and clever." a pause, "Also handsome." he smirked. "And in his travels he found himself in alien lands..." Koh continued, recounting the time the pair met. "Ghosts and invaders around ever turn, and the call for aid went out. Alas, the realm was befallen. Our lone pilot had to hold off against the invisible hordes... alone."

"Alone, until she arrived. The dawn behind her, her weapon raised in hand. She found the pilot had held his own, holding out against the odds in a way no other on her charge had done. Instantly the pair met the glance of the other, and they knew... 'This is the most competent sentient on this starship. I must make them mine'." he snickered.

"Now this is a story I like," she said with a smile, reaching up, fingertips lightly caressing his ear. "Tell me, how exactly did he make her his?"

"Kind words, honest respect, and while the scotch helped... it didn't say anything that the pair weren't already saying." he was honest, didn't leave any part out. "And when he woke next to her, nude but for his fur and realized the events of the night, he had two options: Run and hide, or take the braver step."

"He chose bravery. He chose her." Koh smiled softly. "Though, exactly HOW he made her his isn't a story to be told, certainly not out loud. It's more of a ... demonstration."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Shaille challenged with a teasing grin, one more soft caress along the length of his ear. "I think this is a story I *definitely* want to see playing out."

With that, a slight shiver went up along his spine. He took her free hand in his. "No scotch this time." he whispered, and slowly started to lead her out of the common room, away from the kitchen, from the couch, and towards a very warm and comfortable bed.