Work Text:
“For me, coming from the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas is in summer with warm humid days, cold food and drinks, and end of year holidays.” I said, then nervously sipped my hot chocolate.
Captain Janeway and I sat at a table in the Mess Hall discussing Christmas traditions as Christmas was only a few days away. It was late, and the rest of the crew, except beta shift, were asleep and she had invited me to join her for a hot drink. I couldn’t say no. I wanted to be near her, talk to her, admire her, and I think she wanted to be near me. We had recently had a chance to get to know each other on an away mission, but it seemed more than just an interest, perhaps it was a mutual attraction? And she did indeed look beautiful. Her lips were a soft copper tone, her blue eyes bright and her long auburn hair was pulled into a low ponytail.
“That is completely opposite to the Christmases I had as a child.” She replied, her eyes holding my gaze for longer than normal. “Tell me more, Ensign.”
“Ah.....umm…….” I suddenly stumbled over my words with her added attention.
“There’s no need to be nervous Ensign……Rita.” She said with a soft warm smile.
I loved how she said my name, but it made me even more nervous.
“Umm….ahh…….,” I breathed in, centred myself and continued, “when summer came and the days got longer it would start to feel like Christmas, and everyone would decorate their homes with Christmas trees, decorations and fairy lights. There was an eclectic mix of Northern Hemisphere motifs like holly, snowflakes, sleighs and reindeer, and uniquely Australian things like Christmas bush, white boomer kangaroos instead of reindeers, Santa at the beach and native animals dressed in Christmas outfits. I loved it!”
“That sounds fascinating.”
Her blue eyes twinkled. I smiled at her, a sweet response masking my desire for her. But I continued.
“The one thing I really loved about that time of year was the summer solstice. It occurs a couple of days before Christmas, just like the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, but is the longest day of the year. My Dad and I woke with the first light of dawn, around 4:30am, and after our normal daily routine, would sit on our back deck and watch the sun go down at 7:00pm. Almost every year the day would be hot and humid and there would be a late afternoon thunderstorm. But the clouds would clear just in time for sunset.”
“What a lovely tradition to share with your father.” She said. “It also sounds like it would be a romantic thing to do with someone special.”
My heart skipped a beat. She was flirting with me, I was sure. My mind suddenly sparked with an idea and it gave me unprecedented courage.
“The solstice is in two days, would you like to celebrate with me,” I said meeting her eyes with mine.
She smiled again.
“That sounds like a very enticing invitation,” She said, her voice husky and low. “Would you like to join me in my quarters?”
“I would love to,” I replied quickly, my voice filled with enthusiasm.
=/\=
The Captain and I sat on the lounge in her quarters, her private space, sipping whiskey and dry. Her choice of drink fitted my likes perfectly and the refreshing liquid tasted delicious.
We sat close, but not too close, and I felt her presence acutely. We were both still in uniform, but she looked more beautiful and relaxed that I had ever seen her. I wanted desperately to kiss her. That desire quickly filled my thoughts and it was all I could think about. I was suddenly aware that I had stopped talking. I had been waxing lyrical about the solstice.
She touched my hand with her own. Her skin was soft and warm and set my senses into motion.
“Are you ok?” She asked.
“Yes…..sorry……I was distracted for a moment.”
“I’ve been distracted too,” she replied and moved closer to me. “By you, Rita.”
I barely had time to register what she had said before she was leaning in and kissing me ever so lightly on the lips. She tasted like whiskey and her woody perfume touched my nostrils. Her lips were soft and smooth and her kisses tender yet wanting. I melted, acquiescing and returning her affections.
Her comm badge chirped, interrupting our shared moment, and she pulled away. She took a breath, tapped her badge and spoke. I knew our date was ending, but I had a very strong feeling there would be others in the future.