La Cena è Servita

Posted on Sun Jul 30th, 2017 @ 2:04pm by Commander Talia Varen
Edited on on Sun Jul 30th, 2017 @ 2:04pm

Mission: A Day in the Life
Location: Leonardo's Quarters

As the end of shift neared it came time to meet Talia for that highly anticipated meal. He was a little nervous about it but hoped he could impress with some meals from his childhood. Though the day had gone better thanks to her massage and treatments he still found the pile of ever growing, no end in sight reports an eye sore in more ways than one. With but a few minutes to go he left his Office, handed over everything he had to and headed to Sickbay hoping that it was not busy or, Talia was not otherwise engaged.

Talia was otherwise engaged and was holding a regenerator over the shoulder of a man in Security scarlet whose face was a milk white. The painkillers had made him stop screaming and once the muscles released she could relocate the joint. "Deep breaths Marco."

When Leo walked in to Sickbay a Nurse walked up to him, clearly he was a known element on board. "I'm waiting for Dr Varen, thank you." The accented Leo spoke with a smile. He was early so he didn't mind waiting if he had to or come back later if it suited.

Talia's shields were up tight but she could still feel when Leo entered, like a cool breeze on a warm day. There was an audible pop, as she pulled his arm sharply downwards and the joint relocated itself. "There now. Lay back. ". The patient laid down and Talia pressed a cooling pack and a restorative field generator to his shoulder. "Lay still for 15 minutes."

Having been told the Doctor was busy he stood aside and waited, seemed busy for the people present but with a station of tens of thousands that was to be expected. Another Nurse, a different one asked if she could be of assistance and he repeated his earlier answer politely and with a smile.

~You can wait in my office you know.~ she shot on a tight line to him.

~ I didn't want to be rude and assume.~ He returned with a grin on his face, he headed into her office and patiently waited.

Her office was decorated in white and pale green. A plant sat in one corner and another smaller plant on the desk. A number of holophotographs rested in a movable set of frames on the left desk.

Leo stood by the end of her desk looking around her office, very similar to his own bar the pictures of what appeared to be her family by the smiles. He smiled as he looked at them, Talia appeared happy in them.

The only ones not smiling were the two eldest males who looked impassive and uninteresting. Talia and Sarai was inscribed on the photo of just the women.

Leo took a seat in one of the chairs in front of Talia's desk; he was not sure how long she was going to be so decided to at least get comfortable while he waited.

A page of neat Vulcan script lay on the desk itself. Papers in the Betazoid tongue and Vulcan script decorated the desk in a way that made it clear that she was doing her paperwork before she was interrupted. A cup of tea sat forgotten half-drunk.

As he waited he wondered if he had come at a bad time, another Nurse came to check up on him and of course he knew there were rooms that he could not see in this vast Sickbay and medical issues crop up all the time. ~Would you like me to return later or meet me at my Quarters? ~ He sent Talia hoping he was not disturbing her.

~We just had the trauma is all. I am just finishing up if you want to wait.~

Leo smiled, she was nearly done so he would wait. ~I’ll wait.~ He sent back to her as he got comfy in the chair looking about the office again.

Leo stood when Talia entered the office. “I’m looking for Doctor Varen, I have a most uncomfortable discomfort in my abdomen, I was hoping she would be able to help me?” Leonardo’s accent was thick, his voice quick spoken, a trait most Italians held but all in play and fun with Talia.

"I would. I fear I am quite unpleasant after a long day...". The thought flickered in her mind of taking a shower, and the hot water posting over her. She shared a hint of that idea with him.

Looking away from her briefly to avoid looking into her eyes, a sly grin followed by a hint of a blush and then an effort of composure before looking at her. “Perhaps you’d like to freshen up first then?”

She made an agreeable noise amused at his flushed face. "Let's go?"

The walk to her Quarters was a brief one, he was still composing himself from the hints she flashed to him in her office. Secretly he felt she had to know what she was doing and doing it on purpose but he didn’t mind. Knowing what he did and she knowing too, made things easier and more comfortable between them. When the doors opened to her quarters he stopped at the doorway, he didn’t want to presume.

"You can come in, unless you have things to tend to at home...". She didn't know what prep he had to do if any.
Leo stepped in allowing the doors to close behind him. “Part of the joy of cooking is the experience shared with others.” He answered as he looked around that which she called home. He hoped she didn’t see his presence as intruding as this would be the first time he’d seen her quarters beyond the door when he walked her home.

An armchair covered in soft brown plush was covered by a brightly colored aphgan that seemed to brighten up the whole space. Her windowseat was also covered in pillows and it was clear from the book that lay on the pillow, that she'd recently spent time in the window just gazing out. Bookshelves lined one wall at varying heights drawing the eye to artwork. "I'll be quick" she said softly, and disappeared into the bathroom.

So not to be nosey Leo took a quick glance around then stood by the window looking out at the stars and ships that orbited the station. Seemed oddly peaceful but welcome given the day he’d had. He stopped to think about Talia, how things were going and more importantly what they meant. The sharing of feelings like that was intimate to him, to open up, really open up and show another true unquestionable feelings was new, but welcome.

She moved through the shower quickly enough, for she didn't want to keep Leo waiting for too long. A long sigh escaped her lips at the idea that he wasn't joining her in this shower. She would have to start...encouraging him at a later date. Glancing down she wondered briefly if he would approve of her looks. She was self-conscious about her curvy figure.

Leo remained standing at the window deep in thought. He wondered if he was coming on too strong? But Talia expressed the interest first! For him all this was new and part of him worried he’d do or say something stupid to ruin it. Most people have had relationships with others before while Leo had spent so much time on duties that he didn’t lift his head and watch the world pass him by.

Talia's fingers were full of soapy bubbles and she grinned as she blew them in the air, watching the bubbles float down into the drain. Rinsing the soap from herself, she couldn't help a harsh gasp when the spray of water caressed her inner thighs. She wanted nothing more than to turn the spray up and direct it upwards, but she couldn't now. Knowing he was in the next room would probably have her screaming and scaring him.

Leo did what he always did in thought, paced. Up and down the length of the windows he slowly walked considering everything that had happened. While he didn’t view it as a bad thing he wanted to at least keep pace with Talia, he didn’t want her leading all the time but the question was how does he lead when he had no idea what to do?

She would take care of that need tonight she promised herself as she ended her shower once the water started to rinse clean. Towelling dry her hair, she left it unbound, so the scarlet dyed streaks were like rivers of red in her dark hair. Humming softly to herself, she walked naked to her closet to find something appropriate to wear.

Since her hair was red she decided to go with that as a theme and found a flowing halter top in red, white and purple's that looked water colory. It bared her arms as she tied it at the back of her neck. She settled it around her breasts and then tightened the ties below them to keep her constrained. A pair of white lace boy short panties and a pair of knee length white denim shorts completed the look.

Leo heard the shower had stopped, seemed she was done and getting dry and dressed no doubt. He smiled as he waited, keen to see her again outside of the uniform since up to now all of the contact he’s had with her was both of them wearing Starfleet colours.

She stepped out into the room, leaving her feet bare. Her hair was beginning to take on gentle curls."Sorry to have kept you waiting. "

“A lady’s prerogative.” Leo replied just as he turned to face her. She looked completely different and exceedingly attractive. “And utterly….worth it.” His grin couldn’t get any bigger and more than one head to toe look was afforded.
"That's kind of you to say. ". She answered warmed by the look he was giving her.

“Do you have everything you need for dinner?” Leo asked as he continued to look her over.

"I am prepared."

All set and Leo played escort once again but this time to his Quarters. He walked with her inside and it revealed a room with paintings both large and small. Shelves of books across a wide variety of topics including some paperback ones that looked very old. A fresh uniform hung from a hook, clearly having yet to be up away, a container on his work table with a pair of shoes next to it that clearly had been polished.

A large L-shaped sofa with pillows before the windows. Flowers decorated a small side table, pictures of his parents and a preserved stasis rose in front of his Mothers picture, a reminder of her favourite flower.

“Please, make yourself at home, replicator is there if you desire a drink.” He offered. “If you will excuse me, it is my turn to freshen up.”

Her path took her around the room once to see the painting techniques contained within. before she began to peruse his book collection.

Leo walked into the bedroom and stripped off tossing his uniform in the laundry hamper contained within wall side storage. He turned on the shower and began to clean up, Leo liked to shave in the old style with blade and gel, so while his hair soaked in the shampoo he shaved. Years of practice had made his shaving routine quick yet remarkably effective and smooth and by the time he was done he washed out his hair, brushed his teeth and gave himself a final once over rinse.

Perusing the shelves had her pulling a title off his shelf so that she could skim the contents. The photo of his mother, made her wonder if she had passed and this was a memorial. The scent in his quarters was gentle and consisted of aftershave and spices. He did more cooking than he initially let on.

Stepping out of the shower Leo quickly dried off, he didn’t want to keep Talia waiting too long as that would be not be very Gentlemanly of him. With a brush through his hair, a nice navy blue long sleeved shirt, underwear and black pants. Slipping on a pair of shoes and some aftershave Leo walked out to meet her again. “And…done.” He smiled feeling much better, refreshed and ready for the night.

His neat appearance made her smile, and she was suddenly struck with the urge to dress him in traditional Vulcan roves which would elongate his lines. Stifling the urge she smiled and asked "So am I helping with the cooking?"

“If you so desire.” He walked past her towards his Kitchen area but gave her a grin and look as he passed her. It was obvious he was enjoying himself, everything about him yelled Leo and not Commander Luciano. “Tonight’s menu. Bruschetta for appetizer, with a Fettuccine Alfredo for the main course and a Zabaione for dessert.” Hearing him list the menu his accent was very strong, very thick as if he were in Italy at this very moment with family and friends. It was obvious now that he had been hiding a lot of his accent when on duty to help others understand him.

“If you so desire.” He walked past her towards his Kitchen area but gave her a grin and look as he passed her. It was obvious he was enjoying himself, everything about him yelled Leo and not Commander Luciano. “Tonight’s menu. Bruschetta for appetizer, with a Fettuccine Alfredo for the main course and a Zabaione for dessert.” Hearing him list the menu his accent was very strong, very thick as if he were in Italy at this very moment with family and friends. It was obvious now that he had been hiding a lot of his accent when on duty to help others understand him.

Her gentle smile widened at the depth of change in his accent. Wondering if he spoke Italian in the bedroom when alone with a partner, then she remembered he hadn't had. She had to be slow and gentle with him.

“Is everything alright Signora?” Seeing the smile on her face. “I can prepare something else if you would like?” Wondering if perhaps his selections were too much.

"Prepare for me what your heart shows you we should have and I assure you that I will enjoy bot the making and the eating."
Leo smiled, grabbed a bottle of. “Tenuta dell’Orenellaia Masseto, a bold yet structured red wine” He poured two glasses. He slid Talia’s across the counter since she stood opposite him with the counter between them. “I think you will like it.” His glass held forward and towards her.

She swirled the wine in the glass and watched the deep scarlet swirl of color before taking a sip. It was a robustly fruity wine and she nodded slowly. "It's quite nice."

Pans out, heaters on and Leo’s custom made cooking knifes out he began to work his magic offering little bites here and there to Talia. Just looking at him it was clear to see that the Kitchen was a comfort zone for Leonardo, by the way he worked it was clear to see he was working one step but planning a few others in advance. Soon the room filled with aromas, he left the bottle of wine on the counter should Talia want more but with plates warming it was clear the first dish, was almost done.

Each time he fed her a bite she hummed appreciatively and her cheeks warmed. It just got better with each tidbit he fed her. She leaned back and just watched him work...marveling at what a loving environment he had to have grown up with to produce such a mastery in the kitchen.

Leo plated the first meal, the option to eat where she stood opposite him or on the sofa or table was open to her and he indicated such. Once done however he presented her dish, cutlery if she wished it and topped up her glass. “Enjoy.”
She took a piece of the bread and then curled up on the couch, leaving room for her to be joined by him.

Leo served himself, reduced the heat for the next dish and armed with the bottle, his glass and meal he joined her on the sofa. He didn’t intend on sitting so close but fate or his carrying ability forced him to sit very close. “I hope you like it, not burnt I hope.” Bread was what made the meal, if it was burnt the rest would taste bad.

"Not burned" was her response as she bit into a piece and the flavors of it just danced across her tongue. She took a deep breath and then whispered "It's delicious."

“Don’t peak yet, still the main dish to try.” Problem with Italians was they didn’t cook small, even with the portion he served Talia and himself there was still some left already. Packed lunch perhaps. His eyes kept fleeting down to her legs in the shorts, as if a schoolboy stealing glances. A smile graced his face as well as some of the sauce from what they were eating.

She giggled and sidled over to him to brush the sauce off his cheek with her fingertips. "I'm eagerly awaiting the main dish."

Leo blushed, he felt his face burn red. He finished what he had, stood up and took the empty plates to the Kitchen. How to possibly take that comment he wondered to himself in his head. He’d left the bottle of wine. He plated the next meal and armed with fresh cutlery because he didn’t want to cross flavour from the previous dish he handed her the dish. “You may find it easier to twist the fork to eat it.”

He'd come back with the new dish which smelled divine. His face was still flushed which means she'd embarrassed him. Her eyes flickered down to her bare feet and she sighed gently. She rolled her fork in her helping of pasta and turned it so that she had a moderate forkful. Slipping it into her mouth she closed her eyes with that same blissfilled look shed had at the resturaunt.

The portions were small, they were meant to be so he sat down with his next to hers again and began eating. He smiled at her when he saw the face she was making, how she managed to keep her top sauce free was impressive, when he was younger he often wore as much as he ate. Still, he was glad she was enjoying it because meal aside, she was the best thing with him presently and he was happy with that.

The sauce was so flavorful, and she ate with great relish. Occasionally she would lick a drop of sauce off of the corner of her mouth or lower lip. She was being very careful not to decorate her cleavage with it.

Having eaten the meal before Leo’s dish lasted but minutes, practice kept him from wearing it this time but the results was the same, tasty, reminder of home, good food. He turned to see her with a smile, it was unavoidable that he’d check her top for meal damage yet there was none to find. He smiled though if caught looking it may give off another impression.

The warmth of the room and the fullness of her belly inspired her to curl her body against his. A gentle smile on her lips as she was nearly in his lap.

Drawing the same confidence now as when he was preparing the food he sat back, lifted his arm and then put it round her, his hand resting on her side towards her waist. “Do I get a passing grade?” He asked sipping his wine that up to now, had been sat on the small side table next to him.

"Definitely" she whispered into his ear, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You can cook for me anytime."

Leo leaned his head into the kiss, his head turning slightly, a smile growing quickly. His hand rubbed up and down her side slowly. He needed to stay confident, needed to not rush it, let the moment flow on its own while at the same time he lowered his barriers enough so that she’d feel the want, the inexperience but willingness to try.

She shivered under the caress of his hand, for she knew he had no idea what he was doing to her. Her fingertips grazed his cheek as she turned his head slightly more, and pressed a kiss to his lips. Gentle and sweet, was the way to start.

Leo met her lips with his own with tenderness, his free hand slowly rising up to rest on her cheek, his eyes closed and everything....seemed oh so calm. It was like a break in the rocky wilds that were his emotions, like a pillar of stability in a storm, she was that for him. His arm around her held onto her, his breathing was slow, calm and gentle, his mind a leaf upon untroubled waters, not a stress to be found.

The stillness engulfed both of them, her breaths in synch with his. The utter peace was something that she'd never felt from him before and it was so beautiful that it sent her eyes to prickling in pure joy.

Letting go of her cheek to fall onto her shoulder Leo pulled back slightly, such peach, such tranquillity, everything clear to see. She knew he was inexperienced, he'd pretty much told her and she no doubt felt it. There was want in him, but also fear, there was zeal but also hesitation. He didn't want to use words so he took his hand from her shoulder and hesitating initially, he placed it on the centre of her chest and lowered his mental barriers.

Bare, exposed, vulnerable, all these Leo felt. This was the risk he knew of, any venture had risk and for him, this was one of those times.

Her hand dropped to cover his and the barriers between them vanished. Desire had been her constant companion since she first laid eyes on him, even doubled over in agony from a migraine. What she didn't know was that was how it was when one meant one's fated partner, for she'd never studied the betazoid side of matings. Lifting his hand from her body and drew his fingertips to her lips, and kissed them.

Strength, confidence, support, warmth. Leo felt all these when he felt her open up to him. His eyes were closed as he processed all this, he was wide open and yet nothing but welcome and acceptance. He felt the desire she had for him, the want, the happiness when with him. He smiled when he opened his eyes to see her kissing his fingertips.

"That....its...incredible." To be open, free almost with another was liberating for Leo as he watched her.

"It gets better you know" she said huskily, as she gazed into his dark eyes. A tender little smile hovered at her lips as she suckled one of his fingers.