Ok... So you think Ehliena's hesitancy is going to cause problems...? Hehe....
A nice long chapter for you girls today..... Though it does mean we'll finish a little faster.. I'm sure you won't mind...
Enjoy..
Lucy
Chapter 47
Ehliena stirred, as her eyes opened she realised that she was alone in the large bed. Lifting her head slightly, she began to remember where she was and bit her lip nervously.
Horatio? He was there immediately, a soft smile on his face.
“Hey, morning, did you sleep well?”
Ehliena sat up smiling shyly, “I did, what time is it?”
Horatio slid back under the covers, pulling her back down. “It’s still early – about 6.30, we have plenty of time before we have to move.”
Ehliena started to pull away, “Horatio, if we’re to keep our relationship low key as you suggested, I cannot be seen coming out of your room in the same dress I wore last night. Everyone will jump to conclusions.”
“Is that a problem?” Horatio watched her intently waiting for her reaction, he had suggested the low key approach to their relationship it was true – but that was more for Ehliena’s sake than his own. This was one area where Ehliena’s sensitivity worked against her, not that he wasn’t on her side.
He too liked his privacy, but a Starship with just a thousand people on board was not the easiest place to keep a secret. He knew that Ehliena felt that she was not good enough for him – due to his Ambassadorial status – but she was slowly getting over that idea.
Conscious of how her words might seem, Ehliena answered with a swift no, “It’s just that I don’t like being the target of idle gossip.”
Horatio laughed, “And you think people haven’t noticed that we’re together as often as we can be? Sharing lunch and dinner every day, sweetheart, I doubt that there is anyone on the ship that doesn’t know about us.”
Ehliena sighed, “I agree – but it’s one thing for them to talk about us being in a close relationship, and quite another for them to speculate about where I spent the night until we’re ready to tell them.”
Horatio smiled and pulled her close, “You have a point – but I’ve already planned for the contingency.” He nodded toward the door where Ehliena spotted the smart slacks and top hanging. “Do you like it?”
Ehliena chuckled, “Influencing my choice of clothing now? People will definitely talk.”
“If that is a yes to staying longer – and staying for breakfast, then I will continue to do it on a regular basis.” Horatio settled back on the pillow and pulled Ehliena’s arm across his chest so he could wrap his other arm around her waist, smiling as she gave in and moved closer. Changing the topic of the conversation, the two of them relaxed in each others company.
&&
Will hit the chimes again, surprised that Ehliena hadn’t answered, she usually did straight away. Checking the time, he noticed that it was 8.30 and knew for sure that the counsellor was up and about – she hated remaining bed after eight, even if it was her day off.
“Computer, where is Counsellor Troi.”
Counsellor Troi is with the Symehk Ambassador in his quarters.Will gave an amused chuckle, eyebrow raised. He had heard that Ehliena had been spotted entering the Ambassador’s quarters the night before at around dinner time, wearing a stunning dress that had turned a few heads – both male, for the way she looked – and female, many of whom were now discussing her choice. He laughed to himself, was Ehliena going to start off a new fashion trend, just like Horatio had over six months before?
As he entered the turbo lift, he began speculating about the relationship between her and the Ambassador, certainly they seemed to be very close and he privately felt that the Ambassador was just what Ehliena needed. Smiling to himself as he stepped out of the lift onto the Ambassador’s floor, he wondered if he was just about to catch Deanna’s cousin out.
&&
As the chimes rang Ehliena was startled and glanced quickly at Horatio, “Relax sweetheart… We’re just enjoying breakfast – remember…” Walking across the room he answered the door. “Commander, good morning, Ehliena and I were just enjoying breakfast, would you care to join us?”
A little taken aback, the Commander agreed and sat down near Ehliena while Horatio walked to the replicator and ordered some more breakfast, including coffee.
Don’t panic sweetheart, he’s probably trying to work things out.“Morning Will, is everything ok?” Ehliena couldn’t help laughing inside at the expression on Will’s face as Horatio placed the small plate of food in front of him.
Will Riker glanced at the Counsellor, feeling a little unsure. As he began eating, he noticed that Ehliena was dressed in casual clothes, fitting with her day off. All thought of teasing her was soon gone.
“So Commander, how can we help you this morning?”
A little bemused by the situation, Will was a little slow to answer, making Ehliena chuckle, “Something wrong?”
“No, no, of course not. Ehliena, I was just wondering if you would help to prepare something for Deanna’s return – it’s her birthday soon and I…”
“Wanted to make it a little special. No problem, I’ll have a chat with Guinan, maybe something in 10 Forward would be nice.”
The Commander smiled, “Perfect, I’ll leave it in your hands then. Thanks Ehliena. If you’ll excuse me, I need to head for the bridge – thanks for breakfast.”
Ehliena smiled and stopped him for a moment, “When is Deanna due back? I thought I would have heard something by now.”
The first officer smiled, “Well her birthday is in about five weeks as you know – but she’ll actually be back in two… Don’t tell anyone – she wants it to be a surprise.” Nodding his head, he turned and walked out of the room, not noticing the look on Ehliena’s face.
Horatio was already beside her before the doors closed sensing her anguish, dropping down on the chair next to her so he could pull her close and give her comfort. If he was ever doubtful about Ehliena’s feelings for him, they had been removed in that instant.
Easy sweetheart, we’ll sort something out.Ehliena was not a person who would give herself to tears, always looking to find a solution, trying to help those around her, but for the moment all she could see was darkness.