Later that should be polite callin'

Posted on Sat Apr 6th, 2024 @ 9:05pm by Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton

Mission: Brief Stay
Location: Riley Quarters

ON



Milton was off finally, and all the reports and briefs were turned in. He was off on a forty-eight-hour pass.

Day shift on the third day, a lot of time that he normally knew what he would be doing. Not sure how to approach where he wanted to be; more relaxing on a sofa with a certain Larissa using him as a resting spot did seem a better idea, but after 1900 hours might be considered rude.

The last thing he wanted to be is rude, he had made preparations to see her, a bit of anticipation pushed him, but paying attention to a clock was secondary.

Pix was jingling in that way when she laughs at Milton. He was about to make a comment when he realized why she is laughing.

He is standing at the door to her quarters, this was not planned.

"Might be best that I ..." was all he got out before Pix hit the chime.

"It's okay. That was the door chime. I know, I know. Nappy is all done, and that tummy needs filling. Let's go see who that is, hey."

Larissa scooped up her little girl and headed for the door.

"Just a sec." She called out.

"It's okay Jenny, don't be like that. You really must be hungry...Oh!"

When the door opened, he heard a name that was female being said while opening, then a gasp and here is Milton.

To add to his feeling un-gentleman like, Larissa was clad in an oversized sports Jersey and hinted around the bottom hem was what he had heard called 'Daisy Duke' Short shorts.

Yet again highlighting her legs; healthy, shapely, and very alluring legs.

"I- Ah mean .... hallow. Sorry for the intrusion... " His face had to be glistened with red. "Ah suppose my wanting to come Callin' should have waited to a more decent... hour?"

"Ar-Jay, have you already forgotten?! Mum with a two-month-old? I am up at all hours of the day and night, catering to the needs of someone else. It's fine, come on in." Larissa gestured for him to enter.

"Not much going on besides late-night feeds, changes and naps around here. We could use the company." Snuggled into her side, and somewhat grizzly was a sweet little two-month-old girl, her face was a little scrunched up as she protested her feeding routine being delayed.

Pix moved away to hover in the sight line of little Jennifer, her glow softening as she made her first eye contact with the infant. Pix gave the baby a loving smile, even a scrunched face grin for a second as she made the connection with Jennifer.

Jenny saw the glow; the cry turning to more of a grizzle and whimper. She reached a hand out, to try and touch the light.

"That is Pix, my little starfish. She's a friend." Jenny was kind of mesmerised yet the 'tummy alarm' still preoccupied her thoughts.

"That is Pix's way of saying hello." Milton joked. "So, this is Missy Jennifer?"

"Yes, a little grizzly at the moment. We were just about to do a feed. She's been a little ravenous lately." Larissa smiled. "It's good to see you both. I had really been looking forward to catching up." Riss looked deep into his eyes. "You can stick around if you like. As much as it is a bonding time, it is quite boring by the fifth feed of the day. Physically busy yet mind not engaged at all."

The little one at just over two months well and truly was an armful and then some for Mumma. There was a full head of short deep brown hair and Larissa's chocolate brown eyes looking around. She was a little 'pudgy', yet she was more lanky and refined. This was most certainly her father's influence. Her skin matched Larissa's sun kissed tone and her nose had some hints of her father's Māori genetics.

"I could not get Pix away at this point, I think." Milton added. "But I do feel bad delaying someone's dinner." He smiled. "I could make something to eat and some Coffee; maybe talk while we both keep busy?" He offered.

"The conversation would be appreciated, just as much as the company." She came over and gave Milton a one-armed hug. "You have been on my mind ever so much since I got back. I haven't thought so much about someone in that way, in a while." Larissa smiled and nuzzled at his neck for a moment. "Make yourself at home."

"You want snack or a Milton special?" He took the free hand and kissed it, then leant closer to kiss Jennifer’s little hand. "Cannot leave little Missy out, now can we?"

Larissa beamed. "Now that is ever so cute!" Naturally Jenny didn't know what all the fuss was about. "A Milton special sounds interesting and I would usually be having dinner at the latest, by now. I've just been a little preoccupied." Larissa replied with a little bounce to Jennifer.

"Dinner; I think Italian might be a choice?" Winking to her. "I know a fine Synthale Wine that is amazingly close to real but will not sour a little one's sustenance."

Pix followed along while Milton went to the replicator. "I found this little place in Naples, and it just seemed right."

"Sounds gorgeous, Ar-Jay. One less decision to make." Larissa fluffed up a pillow against the arm of the lounge. She leant back against it, fluffing up one side of the rugby jersey to get Jenny settled and feeding. "I swear, she has turned into a bottomless pit in the last five days, I can barely keep up." She looked into Jenny's eyes a moment as she settled into her feeding rhythm. "I think Pix would like your nursery theme, my little Starfish. Pixie Hollow just might make her feel at home."

Pix looked at Larissa with her head slightly to one side a puzzled expression on her face.

"Pix does not know what you are talking about, she lived in a forest near a meadow." Milton replied not far from them. "She lives in what is close to a Barbie style castle in the guest closet." He chuckled. "I never delved into the Pixie thing and she seems to like her Little Princess style dwelling. but it might be nice to expand her horizons?"

"Her nursery is based off of Pixie Hollow from the Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle tales. Lioks like it's up in the treetops, a beautiful fairy nook in the corner above her bassinet and all. Even some little glowing fairy lights for gentle illumination in there. Pix is more than welcome to go and check it out."

Riss had to stop and give Jenny a through burping. "Not so fast, little one. You'll fill that belly up with air and not dinner. What has you so hungry that you're guzzling like that? You'd think I skipped a feed or something?"

"One might think a Growth Phase." Milton said, the first aroma if Italian spices in a thick Marinara sauce coming into the room. "Of course, keep the mother up with the nutrition needs of both her and baby while providing good taste and appealing to the eye is the balance."

"Tricky, yet great when it works." Jenny was back at a good guzzle as RJ brought the food over and got settled in.

"The Sweet Wine is from the Fermentation Barrel." Milton brought the bottle and 2 glasses to the table to place by the plates of food and basket of bread. "That is the secret of real wine as being put in the bottle."

"Sounds like there is a lot of effort and a bit of magic in a Milton Special. Thank you for wanting to share it with me." Larissa smiled. Looking at her young daughter feeding away and back to the relative feast along with a very sweet man wanting to share it with her. That sweet little 'pitter patter' came back to her heart.

*a semi romantic dinner while I'm nursing with synth wine. He definitely gets brownie points!*

Milton did not focus on what happened under the blanket or cover mother's use to feed.

"Let us say I am still remembered and mentioned on the Medical classes at the academy." Milton grinned. "No one has matched the meal I replicated for my final."

"I bet the instructors were impressed to say the least. Everyone well looked after and well fed on your watch. Another reason to be glad we crossed paths." Larissa beamed.

"I was the one that when it came to survival training, they were glad to have me there. Made a campfire, damper bread, was able to pick the dangerous bugs and knew how to find fresh water. The joys of living in the middle of 'nowhere', Australia." She giggled a little. "Something tells me this is still going to kick the butt of my damper."

"Well, Ah don't know about that, some still like Any cooked food over replicated." Milton said with a chuckle. "Mine is just fancy replication of ..."He hesitated. "I am told it is pretty good so hope you enjoy it?"

"How long can you stay? It's not like I have a lot to do. I get to set my own pace in completing reports and such. I'd love to get to know you some more."

"Having an infant is not exactly reason to say you do not have a lot to do. Or you have a very effective routine, which is a very good thing for a new mother by my experience."

Taking the entrees out and placing them on the small dining table. Placing the utensils in a proper setting.

"A gentleman usually has better planning for such things, so Ah apologize. As for my time to spend, that is a bit more flexible. After mission I have 48 hours to decompress."

He blushed and gestured in a surrender type motion.

"Not that I-I was implying invading your'all space nearly that long."

"It's not invading if I like you being here, Ar-Jay. I want to get to know you, I can't do that without being around you. I don't exactly get that many chances for adult conversation in a day."

She looked deep into his eyes, feeling Jenny needing a burp and break. She tended to her daughter and then laid her down. Larissa sat up and sampled the appetiser. "You truly captured my attention while on that away mission. I wanted to stay longer, just to spend more time with you. Does that sound crazy?"

"My Grand Pappy would say in was 'Interesting' rather than crazy." Milton winked. "And I might say it is a little more of a place to start as it seems we both agree that being..." He met her gaze. "Together is more of what most do to find out the intentions than anything else."

“Not that a certain kiss in sickbay wasn’t a good indicator either.” Riss replied with a giggle. She set up the bassinet so that it was just in the doorway of the nursery and was well within sight as she settled Jenny down for hopefully a longer sleep than the last one.

"Well, when the Little Princess is taking her nap yer supper is waitin'" Milton pointed out.

“All good. She seems to be snacking a bit as much as monster feeds. Hard to tell which can be which at the moment. Thanks for handling dinner.” Riss smiled as she pulled the other setting around and sat down beside RJ. “was there anything in particular you wanted to know about over dinner?”

"Ah was going to ask if since we are going to Earth, and knowing it is not often, do you all think I could squeeze a day or tew while on leave just to..." He gave a genuine grin. "Show you where we grow Southern Gentlemen, maybe a Surry ride or two?"

"Sounds a lot more sophisticated than life on my side of the fence. I have spent more time in a saddle than a Surry. Still, seeing where they produce fine gentleman doctors with wonderful manners that are great kissers just might be some well needed fun." Larissa said with a smile. Her eyes practically bugged out after trying the food. "Not kidding that you aced replicator school! Maybe you might be able to pencil in a day on a proper honest to goodness Aussie Cattle station?:

"Come again?" Milton asked. "What do you mean a 'Station?" He chuckled nervously. "I have known a cattle Ranch but a Station is... well a new one on me?"

"It's like a ranch... but over multiple kilometres. You need a car or horse to get from one border to the other. The cattle and sheep are allowed a lot of room to just wander and be. We round them up when needed and such. It's a place for tourists to experience what it was like back in Australia's past on a station like that. Wool for clothes, milk and meat all to keep the community going."

"What we might call a 'Dude Ranch where tourist and enthusiasts try be real Cowboys and cattle driving an such?" He smiled. "I am more of what you call agriculture, we raise cotton on an old historical Plantation." He glanced more at her outfit. "Too bad though, you all might be wasted in the period attire..." He said before he could stop as the skirts and petticoats hiding those legs came to mind.

Larissa giggled. “Long dresses and such that might hide things a guy could drool over. I’m used to dry heat a lot of the year and having to wear things that suit both job and climate… well… that and I do have some rather ‘girly’ hobbies too. Still, I’d love to spend some time there and have you come and see the station. I’m sure comparing notes from the other side of the fence would be interesting.” She looked over to the bassinet between mouthfuls. “I’m at least happy that we both have similar feelings and that you haven’t freaked out about Jenny being here. It’s quite refreshing and quite the relief for me.”

"I am a doctor, and a Gentleman who has genuine interests in someone it is encompassing." He chuckled. "Besides who would not find that little darlin' endearing?" Shaking his head. "I do suppose that even with advent of replicating being able to give you just about anything instantly, the idea of an instant family has yet to really catch on."

"Tell me about it." She said with a smile.

"Not that I am pushing anything upon yew all..." His face reddening slightly. "Just mentioning a trend and all."

"I get it. Still..." Her eyes dropped for a moment. "After everything with... my Fiancée, he was slow and steady... in the moment. It was a deep connection and I miss him greatly. Yet my heart wants to soar again with you around. It's not somewhere I've been before."

"A heart has to come to Earth once in a while to know why soaring is so much more free." Milton placed his hand over hers and winked. "We all been down otherwise why would we could not know bliss. Ah know it is not easy and befer you all came into that situation women were not even on mah to-do list. Pix was going to get me a priest's collar or something." He chuckled.

Larissa couldn't help but giggle. RJ was so very sweet.

Dinner was a nice change and soon Milton suggested maybe some Coffee and conversation in a more comfortable place? He and Larissa sat on the sofa as he brought over the small tray with sugar and creamer and a small pot of peculated hazelnut coffee. Taking a seat on the sofa close but at a poite distance as Gentlemen do.

Looking in her eyes he became a bit distracted in the depths of them, like a magnet was pulling him in. He did not break the contact as her eyes became larger and a deeper brilliance while he is drawn to them.

Milton suddenly had his eyes closed and the soft warmth of Larissa's lips filled him; he had not thought to do it and it seemed his own accord had taken over and pressed his lips gently to hers. The warmth of her was almost intoxicating as he wanted the kiss to linger, his arms were guiding her body closer as he wanted to share all the warmth and his gut just urged him to savor the woman while he felt Larissa adding to the heat, kissing him back.

The kiss felt like it lit her up inside. It was not hard to just go with it and snuggle in close. It was one of those impulsive moments that just felt right. There was that feeling of falling yet being held up at the same time.

Finally Milton broke the kiss; as a gentleman he is being rather forward, as a Rogue he felt a stirring of getting a cherish-able prize and if Pix were not in the room with Jennifer she would likely be jingling her laughter at his boldness.

"Lost my manners..." Milton admitted. "Would you 'all believe it was an irresistible urge?" Chuckling nervously. "Hope I did not over-step my bounds?"

“I’d tell ya if you did, Ar-Jay.” Came her sweet reply closely followed by reciprocating the gesture. Larissa was beaming. “You certainly know how to make an away mission memorable.” Larissa leant into him. “Right now, I feel like I lucked out somehow and I like it.” Being snuggled up on the lounge with him felt perfect.

"Ah did say that we should do this in a place other than a Medical Officer's Office." Milton put his arm around her and tried to make her more comfortable. “This counts right?”

“You kiddin’ me? This definitely counts!” Larissa giggled a little. “Not that the office and that slight thrill of possibly getting caught wasn’t fun in its own way. This is a better way of deepening an emerging connection. So, I’m not as familiar with US geography, just where in the south is Surrey country? You mentioned a cotton plantation, you need room and water for cotton.”

"South Carolina, United States." Milton caressed her back a bit as she is a very soft woman to the touch. "Not quite the Heart of the South but close 'nough for historical accuracy. He chuckled a bit. "Ah think you would like it there, Mamaw will go quite head over heels for little Jennifer."

“You’re sure she would? That sounds very certain.” Riss looked at him, wondering how he could say that without much doubt.

"Oh I can down right assure you that My Mamaw will go googlies over the baby; She is the closest connection to Pix next to me, so if Pix is smitten I can tell who will not be far behind." Milton explained. "Which will also mean we might have more time to..." Blushing slightly. "Get to know one another better."

“That’s an idea I can get behind. Jenny is a little fussy with people though. Kind of like a cat, some are great, some she will tolerate and others she will flat refuse to even be held by.” The caressing started to truly lull her in feeling her heart tickling at her and a warmth going right through her.

"If she likes Pix she will love having a type of Grandma." Larissa felt very 'in place' being beside him. "Pix and my Mamaw are very comforting to children. Not that I cannot talk about babies and Grandmas ..." He leant down to kiss her again for a moment. "But the baby and Pix are asleep, and I have yew all to myself for a moment or tew."

“After the top up feed she had before coffee, a bit more than a moment or two. Moments are very fleeting, I’d love to get as much time as I can. That will be a bit easier when she isn’t a feeding monster. Even in expressing, she still is very fussy when it comes to a bottle substitute to dear mumma. Still, She’s two months, we can’t expect really big things right at the minute.” She returned the kiss, melting a little. “That accent and charm are really starting to melt me, you know.” She touched at his cheek gently. “Something tells me you could get to be awfully addictive and that I’d want it that way.”

"You are very cuddly and lovable yourself." Milton admitted. "And I do want you that way." Milton gave her a squeeze. "I am getting comfortable with you and I really need that right now.” He winked.

“Ditto.” Riss left a kiss on his cheek. “I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. One away mission with you and I was starting to come up with some creative ways to come and visit you in sickbay.” She giggled for a moment. “Not that I should need them..’ She beamed up at him. “This kind of feels like a ‘pinch me’ moment. Almost like a dream and yet not.”

Milton had a rouge's moment, he pinched her on her bum before he thought better of it as he said. "Not a dream?"

She jumped slightly. "Ever so not a dream." She beamed back at him, for once she was happy right where she was.

OFF