Seeing can be... Interesting (2)

Posted on Sun May 15th, 2022 @ 10:03pm by Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton & Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: Free write
Location: Arboretum

OLD

Pix darted off to see how fast Toby could move.

NEW


"I think those two will be sleeping well later." Milton said as he watched them play. "How long you want her to run him down before the apple Pie treat?" He gave that sly grin. "You know you have been a very good mother letting Pix and I in on your day."

"It's fine RJ, I'm sure they'll both take good naps," Diane replied in earnest, "Plus Toby needs to get familiar with the ship's crew and he needs to learn his way around. Today he gets the bonus of making a new friend."

With a flurry of his hand Rutherford brought out a Pink Carnation in hand. "For the lady."

Diane accepted the gift blushing yet again. Pink carnations were an old symbol of motherly love. This guy surely knows his flowers, she thought. Out loud she said, "Are you some kind of magician? Where did this even come from? Thank you."

"I dabble a bit." He grinned. "Science cannot explain everything and there is still magic out there. It would be a dull universe without a little 'wonder' here and there." He winked. "Like the warmth of a lady's smile or a kid's laughter, that feeling cannot be explained so... magic."

Diane had been sniffing the carnation while Rutherford explained. She looked at him with a smile that reached her eyes, "Agreed. We could sure use more 'wonder' in our lives."

Milton mirrored a smile.

Pix came streaking along to arc around and behind Milton, obviously using his size to hide her. This Seeking and Hiding was a new game to Pix but she would get used to it and make it harder for Toby to do his seeking.

Toby came running up to the picnic area nearly out of breath. "Mom, Pix flies fast! Have you seen her?"

Diane's eyes rolled around as if they were looking for something flying around, "I think she might have gone that way," she tilted her head towards the doctor.

"You are definitely getting warmer on your search for her." Milton added and without really giving it away he did take his hand; seeming to go to scratch his chin and subtly pointed behind him. "Really warm..."

Pix took that opportunity to peek out from behind him and give the Doctor. A knowing little stare of annoyance as he might have 'Ratted her out' as she thought the saying among he people was. And her eyes went to Doctrine and a sly little grin crossed her face, the one that said volumes about whom he had favored in this exchange, he was not usually one to pick a Lady over her but she would let him off this time.

While that was going on, Toby was looking in the opposite direction. When his attention returned to the adults he threw his hands in the air and let them flop against his sides. "This is crazy," he announced.

Diane smiled at her son and asked, "You're not giving up are you?"

Toby looked at his mom resolutely, "No." He stalked around the tree they were sitting under.

Diane turned to Rutherford, "He is a tenacious one." Like his father, she added wordlessly to herself with a slight tinge of melancholy.

"Those are the best kind." Milton laughed with a twinkle in his eye. "Never give up at the first obstacle and see it through." He touched her hand with a wink. "Bet he keeps you very much on your toes?" He asked.

"He does," Diane answered. Something about Rutherford's demeanor chased away the touch of sadness that cropped up. "Me, both sets of grandparents, and I'm betting any teachers he has in school coming up also."

"I have no doubt." Rutherford laughed.

Pix took her chance while Toby went around the tree to fly the path he had taken to come up behind him and land on his head with at a Triumphant smile looking at the boy.

Diane watched Toby's reaction once he realized something was on his head. He folded his arms across his chest indignantly, "She's sittin' on my head, isn't she?"

Diane laughed, "'Fraid so kiddo... It's not that bad though, is it?"

"Imma win next time," Toby uncrossed his arms and put his hands on his hips.

Pix darted away again for 'Round Two. However, before Toby could take a step Milton motioned the boy over.

"When she is happy she glows brighter." Milton shared. "Playfully tell her you will tickle her or something cute to make her laugh and a Bright thing is easier to find." He nodded. "Be smart and out think her."

Toby's mouth opened wide. "OHhh, okay." He started after the fairy hollering, "I'mma getchu and tickle you!"

"You've given him a new mission," Diane chuckled.

"Pix will eat it up and Toby has a new pal in her." He gave a sparkling grin. "Besides, what lady does not like to be Tickled every once in a while?" Milton added. "I think every Lady enjoys it even if a little undignified so long as it is with fun in mind?"

Diane eyed Rutherford with mirthful suspicion. He appeared to have dropped several hints during their picnic lunch. He was either seriously flirting or just playing around. "Are you going to try and tickle me to find out?"

"Yes..." Milton mentioned before she could really get a read on him. Milton took the initiative to actually tickle Diane; for no reason more than to hear the laughter of a woman. What possessed him in the first place eluded him but he had to see if she were; indeed, ticklish. It was a fun impulse and a long time since he had even thought along these lines.

Diane deftly avoided his hands by rolling once and sat back up giggling in delight the entire time. She couldn't remember the last time she'd heard herself laugh in that manner. It had been too long to be sure. "OH, you'll have to be quicker than that!"

The grin widened as Milton knew a few things about this woman, she was playful and a rarity from his experiences. Not taking too long to think he feigned in one direction and then actually gave more of a short lunge in the opposite to see if he could maybe bet a better try at this? He hoped to just catch her will to be caught, her deft evasion told him this would be a fun little game so log as she wanted to play it.

"Like this..." He made his move to not tackle but get his arms to her sides enough to get that little tickle this time.

The great thing about martial arts training is it taught one to anticipate an opponent's movements by watching their limbs and eyes. Diane read his next move and simply rolled backwards to avoid him. With another genuine giggle she merrily said, "A little quicker than that." She wondered how long he would keep this up and... should she let him catch her?

Milton had seen Martial arts many times, he would not be catching her that way; he flashed through his reasons for even tickling her, her reluctance to playfully avoid him and how this made her seem to have fun. He had no martial training or anticipation of what she could do; however, one of his patients who was being cared for after a match made a comparison about the movements in Martial Combat being something that Milton did know.

Standing he bowed to her and offered his hand. "Shall we dance then, I am told the two are very close in having 'Styles. With your moves I would enjoy dancing around with you Milady?" Some comparisons between different styles of Martial being a 'Combat Dance' between two opposing practitioners.

Diane stood smiling at Rutherford while eyeing him with just a hint of suspicion. She placed her hand in his, "What shall we do for music?"

"Forest magic." Milton said as he moved closer to the 'First Position'.

He snapped three times to signal the PA system he knew was for when the OPS people play music for the plants, and also to call people to station. Pix liked music and he had a few programmed tunes to help sooth a troubled Pix. The instrumental of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' began to play.

Diane was impressed and her expression showed it, "Well, you're full of surprises today, aren't you?" She took a step closer and placed her hands in his, "Where should we start?"

Placing a hand at the small of her back he gave a wink. "Simple, we move where the music leads..." He began to do a simple box step in time with the music while looking in her eyes. "Get to know one another's steps and then we work towards the tango maybe?" Giving a sly grin.

She mimicked his steps. "Sounds good," Diane agreed. She felt her pulse quicken a little. She hadn't been this close to man on a leisurely basis in a long time. She looked back into his eyes and wondered what he was thinking. She also wondered if he'd inherited up any of his grandmother's telepathic senses. Diane kept her mind clear and focused on the dance steps for the time being deciding to just live in the moment.

Milton had a sparkle in his eyes, nothing was like dancing with a beautiful woman, it had been a while since he had done so and he just enjoying the feel of the music and the steps. His gut had something that he thought might be what many who do not dance on a regular basis have, the steps and timing.

"Just let the music flow through you." Milton said with a smile. "It is just the joy of the dance, the fun of the movements and... I am enjoying my partner. You can relax, nothing more than just the fun of it." He winked and with a sly grin. "Ready for a slow lady's spin or the spin to an extension and back?" He waggled his eyebrows. "Could be fun."

Diane was enjoying dancing with her partner as well. She was having fun as well and feeling that it was about time she could have some fun. She returned a sly smile of her own, "I'm counting on it... ready when you are."

Waiting for a few more measures he took his hand from the small of her waist and started to raised their clasped hands ; a signal for the 'twirl'.

"Spin away." He offered as the music was in a loop, two to three notes should allow her to do how she likes before waiting her to face him again and bring her back to proper closeness.

Diane let out a girlish squeal of delight as when she spun away and gracefully spun back to her dance partner.

When the chorus was in he gave her a wink. "And the extending." He would allow her to spin away with their hands being the string that kept him from losing his dance partner.

She was laughing out loud and having a great time. Diane couldn't remember the last time she let herself go in this manner. When their arms stretched out between she giggled out loud again. Then she twirled back into his waiting arms. She blushed a little asking herself Am I allowed to have this much fun? "You're an outstanding dance partner," she told him while gleefully grinning.

"You make me look good." He commented as they were coming towards the finale. "Ready for the big Finish?" That sly sparkle in his eyes.

With two more graceful rounds he did what would be the 'Artistic ending of a dance routine; He did the famous 'Dipping the Partner' to where she was parallel to the ground with the doc suspending her in place as though she could never fall. Looking into her eyes deeply as the final music faded.

A second or two longer as she had such pretty eyes and so many thoughts ran through his head, a few, the urge that was not suppose to be there; the roguish thought to gently kiss her as it was too soon for such thoughts to be in his head. But those eyes drew him in and he liked the view in them.

Diane leaned back feeling secure in Rutherford's arms. She gazed back into his eyes as a, what she thought was lost, emotion welled up inside her. Here was something she'd denied herself, even after the grieving for Rick was finished, for far too long. She wanted to wrap her arms around Rutherford's neck and plant her lips on his. She knew he wouldn't mind as it was plain to see in his eyes.

"MOOOOOM! I got a booobooo!" Toby came running up on them with Pix close behind.

The words aw shit formed on her lips but were inaudible.

"Boys will be boys." He whispered as he gently brought her to her feet. "Might like to try again later?" He winked.

"Most definitely," Diane whispered back with her own wink.

Pix was making a straight line for the Picnic Basket. Arcing close she snatched the First Aid and bringing the kit closer. It was missed by most; except Toby who has seen it earlier that while it appeared to be carried by Pix, her hands never 'touched' the handle.

"Hey mom, whatcha doin?" he asked as he came out from behind the tree their picnic was under.

"We were just dancing for a bit," Diane explained, "Let me see the booboo." He wasn't crying so he wasn't hurt bad but her motherly instincts kicked in and demanded that she check on Toby's welfare. Toby walked to Diane and showed her his elbow. "Looks like just a little scrape honey, you'll be fine... Unless the doctor here thinks we need to amputate?" She looked at Rutherford smiling.

Toby was unimpressed with his mother's humor. "I don't think so mom," he replied blandly.

I don't know." Milton snickered. "What boy does not like the idea of an Eludium Q-36 Space Modulator in his artificial arm?" Pix hovered and dropped the kit to him. "It makes an Earth Shattering Ka-boom." He laughed while taking out a small 'spritzer style device and sprayed some of it upon Toby's scrape. That should take away the hurt. The liquid made a stretchable little patch to move with he skin. "Antiseptic and bandage that is shower and bath proof, It will dissolve as you heal there."

Pix clapped at the bandage.

"Thanks Doctor Milton," Toby answered, "I'm good as new!"

"It is getting late and someone named Pix looks to be getting tired." Pix shook her head and stifled a yawn. "There is some chocolate cake that I might share for the wounded and Lovely Lady if you'd care to partake before heading back to quarters?"

Truth be told he did not want to leave; he could spend all day with a woman like Diane, but he also knew that accidents happen when children are starting to get tired and not paying enough attention to their surroundings. Best to have something sweet and get time to ask if she might want to meet later or even go out and have some time to get to know more about one another?

"Mom, I think some cake will make my booboo get better faster," Toby was grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Diane relented, "All right. A little cake won't hurt but you'll have to brush your teeth real good."

"I will mom!" Toby promised.

Pix had started back to the basket, a small container of Cupcakes that she opened and was just lifting out.

"They were going to be a treat for anyone that happens by." Milton said. "I keep making them and have to usually pass them out to my staff the next day." Chuckling. "Pix likes to bake and so we tend to make a little food and lots of sweet deserts as someone has a sweet tooth."

Offering again to help seat Diane.

"Can I influence you into something fun?"

Diane accepted his hand as she sat and answered, "There's a very good chance you can." Her smile took on a slightly mischievous quality. "Are you going to try and get frosting on my nose or something?"

"I was hoping to get you hooked enough to want... more." He winked as he mirrored her grin with thoughts of what could be... fun.

Diane felt she was at a crossroads now. Sure, she still felt bad about Rick, Toby's father, but at the same time, she guessed by now it must be time to move on with her romantic life. Now this handsome, playful doctor was hinting at the possibility aiding her with that. She only had to decide if she was ready for that next step. After four years it sure seemed so now.

Diane let her eyes blink slowly as she decided how to answer, with a tilt of her head she replied, "A definite possibility."

Pix opened the container of a half dozen cupcakes. Lifting one and hovering over to place it in Toby's hand. Then back to get one for Doctrine. Lastly she tossed one lightly to Milton.

Toby and Diane thanked Pix for the treats.

"Have you ever danced the Cha-cha?" Milton asked while casually taking off the paper used to help bake the cupcake. "I know this Cantina that had been in the Latin Family for generations, I scanned it and even used a Medical Tricorder for the food." He grinned. "Next best thing to the real coking, and maybe a little dancing if you might be interested?"

"I'm not much of a dancer now," Diane admitted between bites of cupcake, "But I'd love to learn."

"Few things in life compare to dancing with a pretty Lady." Milton said. "I like the idea of a potential 'Dance' partner that we can truly learn to move together with style." He winked.

Diane decided to go ahead. Rutherford was definitely a gentleman and good looking. He also had another quality that attracted her but she didn't quite have the name for yet. "I am sure I would enjoy learning some new steps with some handsome gentleman. Should we..." she started tentatively, "... make it a date?" she finished her question with a little more confidence.

"Nothing would give me more pleasure." Milton grinned. "As it happens I have some Holodeck time the day after tomorrow at about 1800 hours if you would be willing to share the time with me." The sly grin moved in. "That cantina program has a great dance floor and Mariachi Band to learn the Cha-cha." He nodded. "That would be fun if you would join me?"

"How can I refuse someone who grins so slyly," Diane smiled, "It's a date then."


END