Shards of History (Part 4)

Posted on Sun Jun 30th, 2019 @ 8:13pm by Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn & Lieutenant JG Paris Deville
Edited on on Sun Jun 30th, 2019 @ 8:16pm

1,571 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Caverns of the mind
Location: Deville's Quarters

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"And, yet, you still find it difficult. The bad memory doesn't need to be replaced." Paris replied softly. "It needs to be overshadowed by something better. There is nothing wrong with holding onto a bad memory as long as you don't let it define you. If it were that easy it wouldn't be so difficult. You have to remember that, the memory, doesn't define you. There is more to you then one bad memory." He looked away, clearing his throat, before looking down to his glass. "I'm not prying, so you don't need to tell me what it is, but if you don't try to move passed it. It will always be there, being a part of your decisions, even holding you back." He took a sip and smiled, looking over to her, as he said softly. "Whatever that memory is, or whoever it involves, its only a wall because you allow it to be. You are far better then that. Don't let it stop you from smiling. You happen to have a beautiful one and I would like to see it more often."

[NEW]


"You're right. It needs to be overshadowed," she said. "I find it difficult because I am continually reminded of it." She waved her hand around her. "I was in a relationship. He decided that I was holding him back, that he wanted to become an Admiral more than he wanted to be with me. He thought that putting me on a track to command the Aurora would make up for it." She shook her head. "He didn't even know me enough to know that I didn't want to command. I turned down the chance to take command when we got back to the Alpha Quadrant. I don't care about him anymore, but..." Even though she didn't care, there was no one to overshadow those memories.

Paris gently placed his hand on hers, looking into her eyes, as he spoke softly. "Then he is not worth remembering. Any man who cares more of his career, over the person he claims to love, doesn't deserve to be with anyone but himself. You are not a stepping stone to a better career. You are a beautiful, smart, gifted, and strong woman who deserves to be happy and loved. A higher rank is not a replacement for love, it is an excuse. Whoever he was..." He placed his other hand on the side of her face, brushing is past her ear, and keeping it on the side of her cheek. "He walked away from a great person and probably did one of the stupidest things he could ever make. He's an idiot. He's Admiral Idiot. The king of all idiots." He laughed softly which faded into a smile. "Don't waste a tear or a second thought because he isn't worth it."

She chuckled softly at referring to Daniel Admiral Idiot. "I know that, but it doesn't stop me from hurting. I wasn't a stepping stone. I was a roadblock. I should have seen the signs, but I believed we could make it work, because I believed that life is about more than a career." She put her hand over his. "I still do."

"But he didn't." Paris replied softly, squeezing her hand slightly, as he continued. "Love is a two way street. Its about honesty and compromise. Its about sacrifice and giving completely of ones self to the other and vice versa. Ranks come and go, but a good person by your side, is priceless and is worth whatever rank you could earn. No matter what you say, the facts remain, he walked away from you. That hurt will fade, in time, but it will remain if you allow it to. It will linger, and fester, and will always hold you back if you let it." He stopped for a moment and looked away before standing up. "Come on..." Paris said as he held his hand out to her. "If its that hard for you to leave that memory behind then let's try to make a memory that will help you shove it away."

She took his hand and stood. "I don't just want a memory. I want a beginning." And she wanted it with him.

"Then allow yourself to turn the page on that memory and begin a new chapter on this one." He said softly as he walked with her to the middle of the room and stopped. Paris brought her in close, holding out one of her arms, while placing other other on the lower of her back. "Now, close your eyes." He whispered softly.

She nodded and closed her eyes, waiting for the music to begin.

Paris watched her close her eyes and smiled as he slowly began to sway with her. There was no music playing. He didn't need any. After a few moments of swaying, and developing a rhythm, he leaned in close to her. Paris placed his forehead to hers and took in a deep breath before singing to her in a soft and soothing voice. He sang: Love Me Tender to her in A cappella.

It was wonderful and romantic and it melted her heart. A soft smile spread across her face as the song went on.

As he finished the last verse, he continued t dance with her for a bit more, until finally coming to a stop. He stood there quietly, holding her hand and pressing her close, as let out a smile. Eventually, he would leaned his head back to look at her, before whispering. "How's that for a new memory?"

Her eyes met his for a long moment. "It was wonderful. Thank you."

"I aim to please." Paris whispered back.

"You aim well." She paused for a long moment. "This is not just about memories. I'm strongly attracted to the man I met here tonight."

"I should have warned you that might happen." Paris replied with a smile. "Maybe I should consider putting a sign up outside of my door warning visitors about that."

"So you have this problem often?" she asked.

"What can I say?" He replied softly before adding. "I'm delicious."

She shook her head. "Is that a warning, or an invitation?"

"It's a joke." Paris replied softly, still smiling, as he continued. "I am trying to get you to smile... so that I can feel comfortable enough to tell you... I feel the same way about you."

"Well, I was teasing with that last remark," she said, smiling. She put a hand on his cheek. "And can I say I'm glad it's not one-sided?" And then, since she'd been wanting to do it for a while, she pulled his head down to hers and kissed him.

Paris smiled before closing his eyes and leaning forward to kiss her. As their lips touched he felt his heart skip a beat, as if nerves were emerging, but he hadn't felt like this in a long time. He almost forgot how it felt to feel so close to someone. So connected. He eased a bit more into her, deepening the kiss, as well as bringing her closer.

She'd felt drawn to him from the moment she met him, even if she didn't like him at first. But now, she felt that they were forging a bond between them that drove all thoughts of Daniel from her mind. When they finally broke apart, she was breathless and weak-kneed.

He smiled, letting out a quick laugh, before taking a breath. "That good?" Paris whispered to her.

"Oh, yes." She smiled. "And that was just the appetizer."

Paris raised his brow before smirking. "Is that so?"

Amber chuckled, then replied mischievously. "You tell me. Was that enough for you?"

"I wouldn't mind waking you up with breakfast after a long night together." Paris replied with a smile before raising a brow. "Are you sure you're okay with being seen with me, in public, or is his a private relationship?"

"I had enough of private relationships with Daniel. I can't guarantee we won't have our differences, but I want to be with you." She leaned forward and kissed him. "And I could get used to you waking me up with breakfast."

Paris smiled as he placed his hand on the side of her face and kissed her passionately on the lips before pulling away. "Just tell me you are okay with ferrets and we're five by five."

She laughed. "I have no problem with ferrets."

"Good." He replied softly before running his hand through her hair. "Very good." He leaned in slightly and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away and winking. "Hope you brought a change of clothes because breakfast isn't for another 9 hours."

"No, but I can always replicate something." She smiled teasingly. "Or just borrow one of your shirts."

"As long as its just a shirt and nothing else." Paris replied with a smile.

"I think that can be arranged." Her smile turned coquettish. "Although you may have to help me."

"I will gladly help you out of your clothes." Paris chuckled as he took her hand and began to walk with her towards his bedroom.

____
OFF

Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn
Executive Officer
USS Aurora

Lieutenant JG Paris Deville
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Aurora

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