Rip Tides

Posted on Sun Oct 18th, 2020 @ 4:03pm by Captain Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Teayana Starr
Edited on on Sun Oct 18th, 2020 @ 4:04pm

5,240 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: Refit and Restock
Location: Various

Dean gave a little stretch, at least he didn’t get made to sleep on the couch. Getting up to go and make her breakfast and bring it to her in bed.

Turning over, the spot where Dean had slept was empty but warm. Glad to have the misunderstanding out of the way and having slept in his arms most of the night was exactly where they wanted to be. She closed her eyes momentarily remembering their conversation and soon she had drifted back to sleep.

Perhaps not as long as she thought she would. Teaya should have also been able to smell the food before he sat down. Setting the tray aside and waking her. Because no one liked breakfast splattered all over the walls and ceiling.

Smiling up at him. "Good morning. Breakfast?" Teaya sat up in bed. "Did you sleep well?"

“Yes, and yes.” Waiting for her to scoot up so he could put the tray over her lap.

Situating herself in bed Dean set the tray across her lap. "Thank you. Are you going to join me?"
Teaya picked up her coffee and took a sip. "Mmm perfect"

He shifted to her side and sat down on the bed, “Of course.”

They ate breakfast over small talk. "I'm stuffed. Thank you again for this. It was very sweet."

Dean leaned and kissed her softly if she would take it, “You’re welcome.”

She returned his kiss. "What's on today's agenda?" And she kissed him this time. Gently pushing her tongue gently against his lips.

Apparently not what he had figured. Also, obviously he couldn’t answer. Parting his lips for her.

She broke their kiss after a few moments. Her forehead leaned against his. "Now, what do you want to do today?"

“I know exactly what I want to do, but I am not sure that’s on the docket, nor something we should probably try to do.” Giving a sigh, closing his eyes and relishing in their closeness. How she did make him feel.

"Hmm, tell me what's on your mind honey." Said softly as she stroked his hair.

“What I should have done a long time ago. Taken care of the "problem, those that took everything from me, and now those that want to do it again.”

Teaya froze. "So you want to go looking for ghost? Dean we don't know where they are or where to begin. They're gone before anyone can even get close to them." Sighing heavily. "We just found each other. You go chasing ghost, and something happens to you, where would that leave me? Alone. Again?"
There was moderate sadness in her voice.

“You asked me. I never said it was smart, but even if we did, I’m pretty good you know.”

"Would you be interested in going for a hike?" Placing a tender kiss to his cheek.

Dean gave a push to get up and pick up the tray so he could go and put it away, clean the dishes. “I would like that.”

Grabbing some clean clothes Teaya made her way to the shower. Passing Dean on her way in she gave him a playful swat. "Care to join me?"

There was a little jump, looking at her a moment, and then when she passed by to the bathroom. “Well, hell yeah.” Moving to do as such.

Once they were both in the shower Teaya grabbed the soap and lathered the soap in her hands and began washing him. Starting at his neck she slowly worked her way down to his chest and abdomen. "Turn around" she asked him softly. Her heart beating and skipping and her breathing becoming a bit quicker. This man… and any chance to touch him.

The touch of her hands and the careful and loving way she moved them against his skin was wonderful. Something he had missed for a long time. Moving as she needed him to. Planning on returning the favor when it was her turn.

Rather than spending to much time on his private bits knowing it would most likely land them back in bed which is a preference but they had a hike to get ready for. It took great restraint even though his reactions to her touch betrayed him. Teaya finished and guided him to the water spray to help him rinse off.

Like wise he could tell that she aroused as well. It was fine though for them to wait and actually do other things. That would make the wait all more worth it.

Teaya towel dried her hair then brushed out her waist length black hair. Once all the tangles were out from washing she braided her hair down the side. Moving to the bedroom she slid on a pair of shorts, a v neck t-shirt, socks and her hiking boots. Dean already dressed she grabbed a pack and started putting rations and water in. In the easy access pocket on the side she stashed a phaser. Then she picked up her knife and slid into her boot pocket.
"Have food packed are you ready?"



Dean gave a bit stretch before he gave her a nod. He’d like to take the rifle with but that would be a little suspicious. Sorta, considering they probably already know that they had figured out certain people were being followed. As if the attack on Earth wasn’t clue enough. The hand phaser would have to do. “I’m good. Wonder what MRE’s you packed though. I guess I’ll find out.”

"I packed to beef stew for you and a chicken and vegetables for me if you must know." As she walked passed him towards the door, she playfully rolled her eyes.

“Hey now, I don’t want to snatch those out and put them in a cookie bag.” Turning on heel to follow her out and wait for her to lock the cabin down.

"Oh don't worry, I brought you some cookies too." Laughing, the cabin was secured and they made their way north west towards the mountain.

Dean gave a shake of his head, “You brought cookies in case I need the bag to put your eyes in? That’s amusing, Teaya.” Chuckling a little bit and following her lead, as she knew where they were going.

They had been walking for about an hour and were at the base of the mountain. "Did you grab the first aid kit?"

“Yes, but I don’t expect anything to happen.”

"I don't either, but better safe than sorry. You never know what's going to happen when out hiking." Teaya picked her way through the trail. Some places were a little more hazardous than others as stone had loosened with the rains and it had been a year since she had been up this trail.

Dean was giving a look as they continued along the trail, “Where are we going, or just a random walk about?”

They had reached a semi level wide section of trail. A portion of it hung like a shelf overlooking a small portion of the prairie below. "Come sit." Teaya took her seat furthest out since she had been leading them."This land has actually been in my family for 13 generations. When my parents died it became mine." Taking a steady breath she began again.
" My grandfather taught me to shoot and hunt and my grandmother taught me to forage for food and to use healing plants. They did most of my teachings since I was an only child, as this has been tradition for Cherokee for as long as they existed that the grand parents, aunties and uncles did your formative teachings. I stayed away for a few years after my parents died and then my fiance 3 year later." Teaya looked over the prairie a few moments.
" I only began coming back here the last few years. I had intended to bring Matt here for our honeymoon." Shaking her head slightly. "So anyway I have been here my whole life and I have never shared this place with anyone till you." She turned her head and looked at him a moment as her legs kicked slightly back and forth as she sat next to him.
“Its beautiful, not just the only thing out here. I’m sorry that you did not get to share it with him.” Giving a look out and then back to her. Taking her hand, just to hold it. “Why did you take so long before deciding to show him, but so soon to bring me up here?” Maybe he shouldn’t be questioning it, however, it would alleviate the curiosity.

Shrugging. "I'm not sure why I asked you here. As for Matt, I had not been here since my parents passed and I had thought what better way to reopen than with happy memories." Furrowing her brow as she looked out to the scenery before them. "I decided after our last mission, life was to short to keep this place to myself" looking back at him. " I had no idea things would turn out as they had. Apparently the ancestors have a way of knowing and working their "magic". Fate, you know."

There was a little nod given, and a squeeze to her hand. “Well I am glad you did and glad they decided in my favor.”

Smiling at him. "I am also"squeezing his hand in return. "Come we better get going."

Dean’s head tilted a little bit, “We just got here. Did you have more planned?”

Looking up… "we are only half way up and there's a surprise or two when you get up there."

“Oh. Okay then, I guess we should keep going.” Smiling to her and standing up.

Once back on the trail, Teaya pulled out the water bottles and she saw sassafras and bent to dig down a couple of inches into the ground for tender root. She peeled and cleaned the root, cut in half and offered him a piece with his water. "Here try this. We usually dig up in the late fall for the best root and flavored, but it's still good and only has a hint of flavor this time of year."

He raised his eyebrow, watching her. “Okay…? And it does what.” Taking both.

" Just chew and when it has no more flavor, spit it out. It has several medicinal uses but mostly it just taste good to me. Like modern medicines it knows where to go and what it needs. Well more over your body does but we make a tea through winter months with it mostly because it taste good and is a blood purifier." Teaya popped the small piece if root in her mouth, took a drink of water and started walking.

Dean did Science, he’d done Medicine, just not herbalism. So he had absolutely not idea what benefit that was suppose to do other than what she said. Giving a shrug and trying what she said anyway. “Okay.”

"I think I need to do more mountain climbing in the holo deck." Wiping her brow and taking the last 20 feet at a quicker pace then spitting out the root and taking a large drink of water. Dean came up beside her. "Well? What do you think?"

“I suppose you do?” He already had spit out his root, to the side. Not saying anything at the moment to walk around the spot a moment then rejoin her. “Its nice, I kinda like it. Pretty good idea what the open shed is for.”

"It's to spend the night if wanted or in case inclement weather comes up suddenly." She shrugs… "It happens occasionally." Walking further in towards the stream, she took off her boots and socks, sticking her feet in the cold water.

“I kinda figured as such, that’s why I said it was a pretty good idea.” Setting things down and sitting next to her, but not putting his feet in.

She just looked him then went back to focusing on the water a few minutes. "Are you ready to eat or you just want to sit her for a bit and talk?"

“I think I’m alright to wait. If you’re hungry you can go ahead and eat if you like, baby.” Giving a little stretch.

Teaya shook her head. All the food they had for breakfast was still with her. She wasn't full but she wasn't hungry. Feet still in the water she laid back looking up at the sky.

Dean gave a little sigh, and left the silence for a few minutes. “Just how much land do you have?”

"2300 acres. The cabin sits almost dead center." Teaya raised up on her elbows turning her head to look at him when she spoke. "Plenty of room to fish hunt and forage. Never here long enough to grow any kind of garden." Sitting up the rest of the way folding her legs inward.
I'm hoping to come here to live when I retire if I live that long."

“You’ll live long enough. That is a lot of land by the way.”

She just shrugged. "I guess I never really thought about it, but I suppose it is." Teaya reached over and took his hand.
" Dean do you want children some day?" She asked softly almost afraid of the answer.

He nodded, “Just a little bit.” He wasn’t sure why she really needed to ask that. “Already was going to have one remember.”

"Yes, I remember but that doesn't mean you still do. People change their minds sometimes after a tragic event fearful it may occur again so they change their idea of only going to a halfway point hoping and or thinking it to be a different outcome."

“I don’t know,” turning to look to her. “I do know I would eventually want children, but not right now. Maybe a couple years from now.”

Nodding. "I wouldn't want a child right now either. Someday" she spoke softly and wistfully.

“Well we know for the most part my reason, but why would you not right now?”

"We just met. It's better to have a solid foundation and have time together before adding children to the mix " Teaya grabbed their pack and pulled out their MREs and cookies. Rather than going for her chicken, she opened the cookies and ate one and offered the package up to him.

“Well I understand that, but I more meant in general also. Sorry, I implied it instead of elaborating.” Taking the MRE, “Thank you.” Opening it and pulling out the extras and the accessory pack. Getting the heating element out. Opening it, putting a bit of water in then the actual meal pack in it. Back in the box and setting it aside while it heated up. About 15 minutes or so is how long it would take.

Shrugging. Taking a drink of water to wash down the cookie. "I had decided after I lost Matt if I didn't find a mate by the time I was 35 I would have artificial insemination to have a child."

Opened the crackers and put the cheese spread on them to munch on while he waited, “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

"No, it's a sound plan and logical." She grabbed another cookie and slowly ate it thoughtfully.

“It kinda sounds that way to me to be honest. So before 35 huh?”

"Yes, why?"

Dean gave a shrug, “Just a specific number.”

"Women's body's slow down egg production. I figured I'd I did not have a mate who was satisfactory to have children with, then I would need time to have two or three. I need time to raise my children and teach them before I was to old to have grandchildren and enjoy them. This is my family's legacy. I had to keep that in mind."

“Well I know that about women’s bodies.” Reaches and pokes her side, with a smirk. “We also live much longer than in the past.”

"We do, but as I said, I don't won't to wait so long I couldn't enjoy future grandchildren." Picking a blade of grass and playing with it she paused a moment. "If lucky I would be around long enough for great grandchildren.

“I understand that.” Giving her a genuine smile.

Teaya decided she had better eat her lunch so she set about tearing open the package removing the contents adding water and putting it back in the bag to heat up. "Theres a nice swimming spot up that way a little if you would like to go swimming after. I do have to warn you that the water up here is quite a bit cooler."

Speaking of, he should get his out of the heating element and did, open it up. Grabbing one of the forks out so he could start eating. “I’m not really that worried about the colder water actually.”

After eating and talking a bit Teaya just stood and headed for the swimming hole. As she walked she stripped off her clothing piece by piece leaving a trail.

There wasn’t any reason not to follow, though he wasn’t going to leave a trail of clothes. He’d rather have the phaser there at Teaythe bank just in case.

As soon as she jumped in and surfaced she let out a loud whoop. Her green eyes opened wide with a big smile. " You coming in or you just going to watch?"

“Hmmm.” Giving a bit of a thoughtful look. “I don’t know, I’m enjoying the view.”

Missing him of course or at least mostly she had splashed water towards him. " Are you coming in or are you that worried?" She swam the short distance to the bank. Staying submersed as she was already acclimated to the water she decided maybe stripping down and swimming may not have been the best idea.

It could have been a good idea, maybe. Depends on what way you look at it. Dean didn’t bother with jumping in like she did. He rathered the slow walk into it until his feet wouldn’t touch anymore. After that he did submerge for a long moment.

Teaya swam over to him waiting for him to come up for air. While he was under she kept a watchful eye. She smiled brightly at him. Gave chaste kiss. "Feels pretty amazing right?!?"

The kiss was returned. While he was under he’d been getting a good look at the view, “Its cold water?”

"You can be so obtuse sometimes." After splashing him with some water she went under and swam a few feet from him.

“I am not obtuse. I’m very senstative. Besides, would you rather I were transparent, love?” Making a face at the splashing and tried to splash back before she went under. “I can seee you.”

She could only laugh. She absolutely loves his playful side. This is a side of him she had not seen till this past week. He would tell the occasional joke when they would go out for drinks after shift, mind it wasn't often that happened but was sure glad this side of him was all hers.

He did have that, just not so much for a number of years. Certainly not like a lot of others. He should do it more in general. Maybe she would be able to let him open that side more often. “Marco.” Closing his eyes.

"Polo" she called back to him before quietly slipping under the water and moving her position.

They both knew the game, so essentially cat and mouse. What always amused him was people not listening for the voice, but listening to the movement of the water then someone moved after saying Polo. “Marco.”

When he came in her direction she slid under the water again swimming under water coming up behind him and putting her arms around his waist. "Polo" she whispered before kissing his neck.

He almost purred, if he could purr. Feeling her arms around him, resting his hands on said arms. “You know..I think that means you lost the game, but you won something else.”

"I believe I won when I asked you to come spend a week here." Yes she clearly won even if it was a subconscious act more out of friendship. She certainly didn't see this coming.

His head turned to catch her lips, treading water for the both of them. He also had decided when they got off of leave and back on duty, he didn’t care who saw. He wasn’t going to clam up and be all business with her.

“Ready to head back down to the cabin?" After returning his kiss she had moved around to the front of him. "I thought maybe we could build a fire outside and have dinner there."

“We can do whatever you want.” Slipping his arms around her.

"Oh really?" She said with a smirk. "I may want dessert first." Sliding up his body to get closer without drowning both of them before nipping his bottom lip then sliding her tongue across it.
"Last one out."

“Yeah, I shouldn’t have left that open that way,” grinning a bit as she did both things. Then shaking his head when she said that. Going to let her win. It was fine with him.

Carefully picking her way up the slippery rock bank Teayana picked up her t-shirt once out of the water and used it to somewhat dry off before dressing again. "Come on slow poke. I know why you trailed behind, but the show's over. We have a two hour hike back down if we don't stop."

Following her, he moved to get his clothes as well. Also giving her a teasing grope before she could get dressed. Acting, like he did nothing and getting dressed. “You know if I carried you we can get back in half the time.”

"I don't think so. The only way to get us both down and it would still be hazardous in places is to carry me over your shoulder and that's not happening." Sliding her shorts on turning her back to him acting as if she was shocked by his behavior and comment. She turned back to face him once she finished. "Now if you're done horsing around…"

“Or piggy back.” Quoting a movie, “I find your lack of faith disturbing..” Which he couldn’t say with a straight face. Gathering stuff up, “Yes, lets go, then.”

Laughing she took one last look around to make sure they had everything they brought. Catching up to Dean, she slid her hand into his. They could at least walk this way for a little while. She was glad of it as their hands seem to fit perfectly together.

Dean gave a look down at their hands, and it seemed that they did. That was another good sign that this was going to work. They didn’t really need to say anything, at least part of the way. Just enjoy it.

After a while, Teayana broke their comfortable quiet. "Honey I was thinking about campfire meals and maybe s'mores for dessert. What do you think?"

His head turned a bit to look to her a moment, clearly about to ask a question. “Campfire meals? Don’t people usually do that when there is a campfire. Like..hot dogs on a stick, or a full pig on a rotating stick, or pan of Doctor McCoy’s famous beans?”

She chuckled softly. "Something like that. You put meat and whatever vegetables you want in a metal packet and let it cook on the coals in the fire pit. It doesn't take long or I can just make steaks. Your choice really." The path was beginning to narrow and she had to let go of his hand. Her palm was still deliciously warm from his hand.

Dean’d preferred to not have let go but they had to. It wouldn’t have been good if one of them took a tumble. “You can show me how to do the campfire meal. It’s not like I know everything.”

Finally reaching the prairie she quickly took his hand again. "Tomorrow I need to start getting the cabin ready for lock down." She gave a heavy sigh. It will be back to reality and I still have a few evaluations before we ship out." Staying at the cabin another week would have been her druther, but she also had an appointment with the doctor when they get back.

“We don’t exactly know when we’ll be back on active duty. Even I don’t know that, baby.”

"This may be, but I only have two weeks left to finish the evaluations. Mardel gave me a month. I started a week before leave started we have been here almost a week so that leaves me two." Teaya stooped to pick a few flowers here and there as they walked the final stretch to the cabin.

“I’m pretty sure that you can have an extension on that, considering the circumstances.” Raising an eyebrow to her.

Giving a slight shrug. "Maybe." She smelled the wild flowers. They smelled lovely and even more so since they had the sun on them warming making them smell even nicer.
"Where will you stay once we get back to post?"

“Hell, its been long enough, I’m not even sure if I still have my flat anymore. I could always stay in the barracks, or the castle overseas I suppose.”

"Oh." She was quiet the rest of the way to the cabin.

“You didn’t ask me if I wanted to stay with you, you know.”

" We have been staying together for the past week… you're more than welcome if you would like. However a castle over seas sounds quite delicious." Inside the cabin she placed the flowers in a vase.
"We need a fire in the pit started."

“Chloe inherited it. Its frigging massive.” Moving up behind her and hugging her, kissing her neck. “Alright, I’ll go get that started for you, sweetheart.”

"Mmm" she purred as his lips touched her skin. "Thank you".
While Dean was starting the fire she pulled out the mushrooms, par boiled potatoes, onions, peppers (hot and sweet), and fresh corn. Teaya only needed to get the metal pans out to put the food in.
Moving to the fire place she unbaked the coals and threw a couple of logs on for later. Now she just needed to wait on Dean. In the mean time she washed her hands and left the towel down for him.

It wasn’t going to take that long, he could have just used the phaser but what fun would that be? Dean did it the old fashioned way. Once he got it going, going, then he came back inside the cabin. “All set.”

"Beer?"

“I suppose so. Do you have thirty of them just for me?” Tilting his head slightly.

"Ha! Wash up so we can get started." Teaya pulled out the ground meat, his beer and her wine.

Dean moved to the bathroom to do so, “You don’t want to see your Commander actually drunk?” Calling from in there.

"My Commander would never be drunk however my boyfriend…" She paused a moment as it slipped out. "Dean the off duty officer would." Moving past her slip she began cutting onions. The mushrooms and sweet peppers had been done.

“Oh..so your boyfriend would?” Coming out after getting finished. “And you said his name is Dean. I think I have to meet this person and kill them. I can get pretty jealous.” Leaning on the door frame watching her.

Teayana shook her head, smiling only pausing a moment to glance at him. She could feel the soft blush moving down her face to her neck.

“What?” Actually he really wasn’t that jealous that much. There would be twinges, or defending her honor sure. Especially if someone laid a hand on her, that would not end well for them. “Oh, I think you’ve got red on you.” Motioning to his own face and along his neck.

Ignoring him she just smiled. "Are you going to help or are you going to hold up the door frame all night? Besides, your beer is getting flat." She finished cutting everything except the hot peppers. If he wanted it he could cut it himself.

“Well, I’m not entirely sure. What if I move and the whole cabin falls down. I mean, there’s the foundation of a building like there is that of a family.” Pushing off and moving over. “You don’t like hot stuff?” That actually wasn’t a lead in.

Shaking her head "No, just you. You're hot enough for me." Putting her arm around his waist and hugging him.

He returned the sentiment and apparently, she missed the key word in there, or chose to ignore it. “So then, you don’t have any ghost peppers or carolina reapers.”

"Scotch Bonnets aren't hot enough? You’re on your own then.” Putting the meat in the bottom, she began build the rest of her meal. Mushrooms, onions, peppers, potatoes then her corn. "That's all there is to it." She put the lid on and snapped it in place with the large clips attached to the bottom half.

Dean tilted his head a little bit. Watching what she did, and he was paying attention. Also went to look for any of the other peppers. If he found one, then just popped it in his mouth whole. Munching on it. “I like hot things,” now there was the implication there.

Blushing a deep crimson she caught his meaning and it certainly did more to her than making he blush deeply. The only thing she could do at the moment was take a big drink of her wine. Mentally swooning as she fanned herself. What this man does to her. Teaya had always been composed but Dean just had a way of completely undoing her. Not even Matt made the butterflies in her stomach flutter so rapidly or make her midsection clench at the thought of him near her.

He couldn’t obviously attest to that, but there was his own type of doing as such. What most hit him was just what he’d do if someone hurt her. Regardless of what he said before, when they had their little…’spat.’ There was much more to his feelings than lead on. It was just a mental thing of not quite yet. Make sure. Still, if they thought Khan was bad, just for personal revenge. No one at all wanted to do worse than that with him. Not for what he’d be out for doing because of her being hurt. “How long is that suppose to take?”

"30-40 minutes." Teaya made sure they were sitting on a nice bed of coals and put a couple of small coals on top. They sat and talked while their food cooked. Time went by quickly through conversation.
Using the rings she pulled them from the fire, in latched them to allow them to cool.
By the time she returned with fresh drinks and utensils they had cooled enough to begin eating.

 

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