Camping out

Posted on Thu Oct 1st, 2020 @ 5:39pm by Captain Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Teayana Starr
Edited on on Thu Oct 1st, 2020 @ 5:39pm

3,297 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Refit and Restock
Location: Earth

Lt Teayana Starr
Dean House



Cmdr Dean House

Dean hadn't gotten his shirt on yet when she did that. Taking the beer. “Thank you.”

"You're welcome" said with a soft smile. Turning back to check on the kabobs on the rack over the open grate fireplace. Either he felt that comfortable around anyone half dressed or he was trying to lure her in. If the latter, it was slowly working.

"You want to sit on the couch or at the table for dinner?"

He was actually just that comfortable, its not any different then being at the gym, or the beach, or swimming. At least he’s got pants on after all. Grabbing a shirt and putting it on, then moving out to join her. Taking a sip of the beer. “I think the couch there by the fire would be a little more personable.”

"Okay, sounds good. You can put some music on low if you like over there on the shelf behind the front door." Dinner was ready to plate up. Teaya put one of each kabob on the plates with a wild rice cake. The cherry pies were warming off to the side while they had their meal. Picking up her beer between her fingers, placing a plate in her hand then picking up the other and placed on the small table in front of the couch where she had set napkins and flat ware earlier.

“Music you say?” Raising an eyebrow. Setting the beer down on the coffee table, Dean moved over there to give a look. Thinking about what maybe to put, or nothing at all. “Got any recommendations?”

"Not really. I listen to just about everything. You don't have to play anything if you don't want to. It was just an open suggestion." Checking the pies one more time before sitting down.
"Your dinner is getting cold."

“Maybe…” he put on Moonlight Sonata and then had it to keep playing more Beethoven after that. Coming over to kiss her cheek and sit down. “Thank you.”

"You're welcome, this smells amazing. Mmm" she moaned softly. " It tastes as good as it smells." Wiping her mouth gingerly with a napkin. "What do you think?"

Dean took a moment to try it and then give some thought to its taste. “Hmmm..” Taking a drink from the beer, “Are you gonna finish yours?” That should answer her question.

Giving a small laugh. "I'm glad you like it and yes I am, but there's more in the kitchen if you are still hungry." Washing down her bite with her beer. "I have tried cherry pies warming and there's vanilla ice cream and whipped topping in the refrigerator." The sweet smell of the pies were starting to fill the air.

He was probably going to get more, “You probably should get what you’re going to eat first, because I’m going to eat all the rest.” Smiling to her, the pie smelled good as well.

"Actually I'm just about full so you're welcome to the rest of this if you like. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly." Offering up her plate for him to take if he wanted. "Besides I know what those pies taste like and I'd rather be able to eat all of mine." She gave him a bit of a cheeky grin.

“Alright.” Taking the plate and dumping hers off on his. Finishing the beer. If she was done with her’s he’d take that also. “Another one?” Going into the kitchen to get the rest of the food and another beer.

"Sure, I'm just going to scoot the pies further from the heat." Once that was done she moved back to the couch and drew her legs up under her to be more comfortable.

“That probably would be a good idea.” Giving a nod and getting her another beer. Opening both of them before coming to sit back down, closer to her. “Is this all you do up here?”

“In the evenings yes. During the day I go hiking, kayaking or rock climbing. If it's raining to hard to be outside I curl up here with a book and read." Taking a long pull of her beer. " What do you like to do off duty?"

“So typical things to do when ‘camping’ then. Alright. No hunting?” Continuing on with the food on his plate and the beer. “As for your other question, it just depends on where I am actually. Playing violin, cooking. Flying, holonovels to name a few.”



" I'm not usually here during hunting season however I do go fishing on occasion. About a half mile west the river empties into a creek and there's some lovely brown trout there. Are you interested? We could certainly go while up here if you'd like."

“I’m okay with going fishing.” Finishing up the food on his plate and the second beer.

Teaya finished her beer. "Are you ready for dessert or do you want to wait a little bit?"

“I don’t see why not now. Waiting will let the food settle and most people don’t want anything else after that.”

Teaya took the bottles to the kitchen with her. It wasn't much bigger than a galley kitchen.

Dean leaned back a little bit giving a stretch. Watching her as she went back in there. This was her thing, he didn’t want to get up to try and help and screw something up. She probably had a specific way she did things.

Each pie put into a wide dessert bowls, next came the ice cream. Do you want whip topping and a cherry?"

“Um..actually, yes please.”

Whip topping and cherry's were added to his bowl. "Here you go. I hope you like this as much as dinner. It's simple but delicious." Taking her seat back on the couch next to Dean. Was the couch getting smaller or was he inching his way closer. She mentally shrugged and took a bite of her food.

He did stand up when she came back to the couch, then sat down. “I don’t usually indulge in sweets that often, but I am sure its good.”

"After breakfast, what would you like to do? You know everything this is to do around here."

He was enjoying the pie, obviously since it was gone. “Well, we could get cardio in by doing a hike.”

"A hike it is." Said with a smile. "I'm going to clean up the kitchen. Then we can talk or maybe play a card game if you like."

“A card game?” Getting up and coming in there with her. Getting a third beer, and motioning to ask if she wanted another. “Do you want some help?” Referring to the kitchen.

" You can dry if you like." Tossing him a drying towel then began washing up the few dishes they used. " Now for another beer and a log on the fire."

Dean snatched it out of the air and started drying them as she passed them to him.

"Talk? Cards? Or call it a night? Your choice."

“I’m not that sleepy to be honest.” Washing his hands and setting the towel aside. “We can easily talk while playing cards. Cards was your idea after all.”

"Cards it is then or another thought we could go sit outside. It's a clear night and the stars are usually gorgeous here." Giving him a bit of a bigger smile hoping he would choose the latter.

“Outside is fine with me, Teaya.”

"I was hoping you would change your mind." Setting her beer on the table, she grabbed her grandmother's woolen shawl off the back of the rocker. Pulling it around her shoulders and grabbing her beer. "Ready? Oh, you may want to grab a long sleeve shirt or jacket."

Dean shook his head, just waiting on her. Getting them both an extra beer instead of having to come back inside when they were finished. “I’ll be fine. Thank you though.”

Giving a slight shrug. Making their way out the door she walked the path in front of the porch to the side of the house which was the west side. There were a couple of flat sided logs made for sitting. Taking her seat on the fist log after looking at the stars a moment. "I don't think I will ever tire of nights like this." Giving a soft sight of contentment.

There was another look about them as he followed her, which he always did. Even if there was nothing wrong. It was a habit. Resting a hand on her shoulder as he sat down next to her. Also giving a look up.

"Isn't this just about perfect?" She took a drink of her beer. And continued gazing into the night around them listening to all the sounds.

“Just about actually. There is certainly some welcome distractions out here away from everything else we deal with.”

“I couldn't agree more." She pulled her shawl a little tighter around her to stave off the chill of the night air.

That obviously could have been meant one way, another, or both. It would be more interesting for her to try and figure it out. “Are you really that cold already?”

"No. The was a slight gap and the breeze was blowing down the back. I'm fine now." She finished up her beer. A soft sight , her legs stretched out before her and crossed at the ankles.

“I see. I was going to offer you my body heat.” That actually wasn’t an insinuation either.

“I appreciate your offer and If I get to cold I'll just move inside." She looked up to him with a soft smile then looked around them before setting her gaze back to the starry sky stretched before them. " Even the shadows are deliciously beautiful."

“I suppose that will work as well.” Giving a look where she was, though he didn’t particularly share her optimistic appraisal of the shadows. “I suppose so.”

"With your pragmatic thinking, I can appreciate your lack of enthusiasm for my opinions. What kinds of things do you find beautiful or appealing to you?"

“Why would you appreciate it? I was always under the impression that people want others to have enthusiasm for their opinions of anything. Be it a person, hobby, views, etc.” He did hear her question and he would get to it.

"Dean you don't think like others. You not feeling the same way I do is fine by me." She gave a small shiver as the air had cooled a bit more since they had been sitting there. "It may be time to move inside soon."
“You like it out here.” Giving a reach and pulling the shawl around them both after pulling her up against her. “We can give it just a little longer, I think.”


Settling into his side feeling his warmth a small sigh escaped her lips. " Yes this is better. I think so" as she looked up at him.

That was nice actually. Resting his head against hers for a moment, “Music, nature has been fine, beautiful. Space, sometimes art, or even a person or situation. Acts of kindness.”

"Those are all very admirable." The warmth of his body was slowly lulling her into feeling protected, although if she were here by herself she would be just as comfortable, but his company made it even nicer.

“I tend to think they are. So are you.” That wasn’t a slip. “Just what all do you think about when you are up here by yourself? Obviously from the look of things you have it, mostly, cut off from technology. There are bound to be times you are left to your own devices and not doing things, not reading books, etc.”

" Hmm when I'm here I just live in the moment. You're actually the first and only person I have brought here. And yes, there are times when I don't do anything. Sometimes just being still is enough. We are always so busy when at the base it on the ship that even the down time is not enough at times so I try to soak in as much of this as I can."

Dean gave her a little curious look, not sure why he did, but also didn’t quite believe that. It just sounded a little odd, as opposed to thinking her lying. “Really? Why no one else before.”

Giving a small shrug. "I usually like my alone time. There isn't much of that on the ship either. Mostly when I'm sleeping is the most alone time I get on the ship." Teaya gave a small chuckle. "And to answer your next possible question, why you? I don't know. Having dinner with you before you tried to torch me, it just felt right asking you." She gave another small shrug.

“After the fact, you do have to admit that was slightly amusing. I’m sure it would have been more so if you’d done it to me.”

"Slightly." Teaya gave him a soft nudge with her elbow to his ribs. "I'm ready to head in, you coming or you going to stay out here a while longer?"

There was a slight flinch, at the jab. Moving the shawl back around her. Dean stood up and then offered his hand to her.

She held on to his hand as long as he let her. It was certainly a nice feeling. Teaya wasn't falling for him but he did have this charming aura about him. She didn't realize being in his company how much she had been closing herself off from others when she did have true R and R.

As long as she wanted to hold it, he was happy to. He enjoyed her company as well. They could walk that way. Sit inside and hold hands. Dean didn’t particularly did not want to let go for now. “What do you usually do at this point or is it time for bed?”

"I could handle sitting up a little longer." They had moved inside and to the couch. The fire was dying out and the embers were banked for morning.

“I could get some more wood.” Noticing that. Also, he had more of the idea they could sit on the floor by the fire instead of the couch.

"Good idea. That will ensure plenty of coals for morning to make breakfast."
Teaya sat on the edge of the couch while he put the wood on the coals. It certainly wouldn't take long for it to catch.

Once he did then he sat down by the fireplace and pat next to him.

"The floor? Okay." Teaya sat next to him on the floor in front of the fireplace.

He did think about it, but hadn’t mentioned it till then, but, “Yes, why not. Not only is it more comfortable with the heat, its more personable.”

"It's definitely both. What would you like to talk about now?"

That was an interesting question and now it was her turn, since she kind of had been making sure he was making all the decisions. “I think its your turn now.”

"My turn? How about we just enjoy the fire? That sounds ideal to me. The fire and the comfort of each other's company."

“We can do that as well actually.” Smiling to her and taking her hand.

Teaya took his hand and laid her head against his shoulder.
"Dean, thank you for coming up here with me."

That was also equally nice. Dean even went as far as kissing the top of her head. “You’re welcome. Thank you for inviting me. Muchless the first one you ever have.”

They sat in the glow of the fire and the quiet of the night.
Teaya sat up and left a lingering kiss on his cheek. "I think I better head to bed. You're welcome to stay up as long as you like." She stood and stretched a moment before turning to head to her room.

There was a given thought, and only he knew what it was at the kiss. As well as watching her head to her room. Trying to decide to follow, at least to the door, or stay where he was. “Teaya?” calling after her.

"Yes" she said softly as she turned at the doorway to face him.

“Come to think about it. Would you like some company until you fall asleep?” Dean double checkede fire to make sure it wouldn’t flair up during the night. Standing up to face her.

She paused a moment. They were both adults and someone to hold her till she fell asleep would be nice. It had been a long time, maybe to long come to think if it.
"Okay." She then turned to go in her room; his long stride had him in her room in a few steps. "I just need to put a couple of logs in the wood stove.

Indeed they were. He actually, was a bit surprised she agreed to that. “I’ll wait here at the door then.” Giving a look around it for anything personal. Considering before she expressly said not to go in there.

"Dean you asked if you could hold me till I slept. Why would you not think it be okay to enter when I said yes?" She closed the door of the stove and turned back towards the bed.

“Because contrary to popular belief I can be a gentleman regardless of what you may have heard.” smiling lightly to her and moving over with her.

"Popular belief? Dean House I have never heard anything but that you were a gentleman, but if I had heard different, I reserve judgement for myself. I don't judge people on hearsay." She pulled the blankets back on the double bed and crawled in. " If you want to lay down and we talk a bit more that's fine if not you know where your room is." She was on her side propped up on her elbow.

“That was sort of a joke,” he had mentioned it so why would he back out of that now? Moving over to join her and propping on his side first, facing her. Silent for a moment, then laying on his back. Head turning to look at her and one arm open.

"You need to work on your timing." Teaya slid in partially to his offered space for her. "What time do you want to get started in the morning?" She gave a small yawn as she relaxed more. Being in bed with anyone was odd for her. She hadn't shared her bed with a man in quite a long time. She would have to admit, the warmth radiating from his body was comforting.

“Yes, sometimes I do.” Curling the open arm around her lightly. To be honest it had been a very very very long time for him also. Focused on work, friends, not himself. “Five sound good?”

" Yes, that sounds perfect." Another yawn slipped out. " If we go straight up to Eylers peak, we will catch the sunrise" she said sleepily. "It's beautiful… " she slipped into slumber, her breathing evening out.

There was a little nod, “That sounds nice. We could bring breakfast up there with us. That way we’ve not have to wait here to eat.” It took a moment to notice she was asleep. Obviously he wasn’t going any where for now. He could decide later if she rolled over to get up and go to his room or not. For now just pulling the covers up over them. “Sweet dreams, Teaya.” Kissing the top of her head.

 

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