2/14/99

You unlock the door and go into room E16.

Room E16

This oasis of practical comfort may not be as large as other suites on this floor, but it is organized to make the most of the available space. The furnishings are tastefully bland, but they are standard equipment. A long sofa wraps around the bulk of the small living room, and a low pine colored coffee table is perched in front of it. The floor is of a substance that looks just like hardwood, but does not quite make the same echoing sound underfoot. A rug of rich royal blue covers the floor in front of the comm and holounit, and is a decided splash of color amidst the sea of tans and creams. The walls are a soft cream, but they've been liberally littered with bright photographs of friends and family, as well as the occasional framed print of Hellenic scenery. A nearly non-descript screen of taupe cloth conceals the exceedingly comfortable sleeping area, and a small door leads off into a bathroom of creams and tans. The one point of size in the room is the dining unit, it would appear more at home in one of the larger suites down the hall.

Contents:

Elasia

Obvious exits:

Out

You come in from the Elevator Lounge.

Niko's appearance makes it very obvious that he was not just at work--or, rather, that if he has, the cultural awareness program has been very kind to Security. Of course, the fact that he's still rather damp suggests the not-working option as well. "Honey," he calls brightly, as the door whooshes shut behind him, "I'm home."

Elasia is sitting at the kitchen table with some paperwork and the cookie jar open. She has to take a moment to finish off the bite she's on before grinning over at you. "Umm, get attacked by exploding cans of...water?"

Niko oohs softly. Cookies. He doesn't say the word, but his blipping radar is almost an audible thing. He pads into the kitchen. "No attack, this time," he says, with a grin. "Just went swimming. Clara... suggested that I spend some time in the rec hall, and I figured that was a good way to ease into it. I'll likely start on the heavier stuff tomorrow."

Elasia notes the look and grins, gently shifting the cookie jar in your general direction as she moves to gather up scattered paperwork. "Ooh, a swim sounds like a good thing indeed. The pool here's -huge-..." She pauses, looking up at you, "What'd she say about work?"

Niko beams as he rummages in the cookie jar. "Thanks, hon. And she said I could go back--but just paperwork and such for two weeks." His nose wrinkles just a bit at that, but, hey, how can one be annoyed when there's -cookies-. He munches for a moment, adding, "Something about muscle mass, she said. Exercise, food, that sort of thing. But it's good, there's something I can -do- about this."

Elasia perks up a bit, he mentioned food, see now there's something -she- can do too. "Want some real food?" She questions, gesturing to the cookie. "Although you're welcome to as many of those as you like, I can always make more." There's another pause as she munches on her own cookie. "And hey, paperwork's better than nothing, yes?"

Niko nods a prompt agreement, though his mind's still on the cookies. "You made these? They're great. More of 'em would be grand, but I think real food might be better. Man cannot live on cookies alone, no matter how much fun that'd be." He grins roguishly, adding, "And paperwork is much better than nothing, yeah. I can give Anya a hand that way, at least. She wasn't in when I stopped by earlier, but I daresay I'll catch her tomorrow."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia clambers up easily from the chair, edging up to plant a kiss on your cheek before turning to rummage in the cabinets. "Real food I can manage, in fact, I think since my stomach's currently strangling my backbone and yelling insulting things up at me, feeding it wouldn't be a bad idea either."

Niko polishes off the last of the cookies he took before trailing behind you. "You weren't waiting on me, were you, hon? I'm sorry." Standing behind you as you rummage, he drapes his arms over your shoulders in a manner that would make a preppie's sweater proud, his own lips brushing against your cheek. (Yes, he did take the time to dry off after swimming, his hair's the part that's damp.) "I could lend a hand, if you point me at things," he offers.

Elasia shakes her head slightly, "No, I just got caught up in what I was doing. Fascinating stuff." She pauses in her rummaging to ease back against you a bit with a contented smile as you wrap your arms around her. "I'll have to figure out what to cook before I can point you at things. Although if you have a preference for food that would be endlessly helpful."

Niko rests his head against yours, also clearly content with the arrangement. But he's also a male, and incapable of deciding about food without threat of black bean and spinach burritos. (Well, no, he'd probably actually like those.) "Whatever you've got, hon--though quick is likely good, if you're that hungry."

Elasia shifts up and around to give you another kiss before moving reluctantly away to continue rummaging. "I think I'll be really evil and toss in some stuff I have frozen to reheat. I'm itching for lemon basted lamb, but it takes hours. But I have some frozen from last time see..."

Niko leans against a counter, saying cheerfully, "And it'll be quick, too. Grand, love... and lemon. Everything's better with lemon."

Elasia rummages in the freezer for a few color coded containers. Oh have mercy, she's organized even. These get tucked into a reheater of some kind, and she sets to rummaging for plates. "Lamb most assuredly is. I've never held with the whole mint sauce theory."

Niko settles down to a seat at the table, careful of any papers that may still be there. "Mint, shmint," he agrees. "Good in cookies and tea and such, but not with a baby sheepie."

Elasia brings the plates and a couple of cans to the table, clearing the rest of the papers into a box. "Supposedly the local stuff, moofla, tastes rather lamb-ish. I keep meaning to try it."

Niko inquires, "What, the bovines with the extra legs? They've probably got it in the pavilion--or Aliana would know a good place to get it. We can try to hunt some up some point if you like... mm, that smells good."

Elasia goes to rescue the dishes from the reheater, bringing them over to the table along with a serving spoon which she nudges in your direction. One container is of cubed potatoes and sauce, the other of lamb strips in a similar sauce. "Aliana..." She pauses, "The Bonded woman who spends all the time with Valinson?"

Niko lifts his shoulders in a small shrug. "She's Bonded, yeah," he confirms. "She said I could meet her dragon--I'll have to remember to do that. I don't know if she's around Lieutenant Valinson, though. Been out of touch and all."

Elasia also edges a blue can your way. "Meet her dragon?" Hello, ears perking up? "Oh wow, I bet that'll be neat. Watching them fly over the lake's fascinating."

Niko takes the can with a murmur of thanks, finally taking up that serving spoon and dishing himself up a generous helpful. "Daresay you could come meet her, too, if you wanted," he offers. "Aliana said that she's often in the courtyard."

Elasia waits until you've served yourselof and then scoops up food of her own. "I'd enjoy that, although I'd probably gush in an annoying fashion or something. They're so... Well it's like they walked out of a storybook."

Niko nods agreeably to that. "Very neat creatures, yeah." Then he starts to eat, and... well, his mother always taught him not to talk with his mouth full, so it takes a few moments of enthusiastic chewing before he adds, after a murmured sound of approval, "I guess gushing is allowed, too. It's not annoying."

Elasia works her way through some food for a moment, poking at the potatoes. "And if it gets that way, someone can always elbow me in the ribs or something. Cues like that I can pick up on."

Niko grins at that. "Or I could bring the bat," he offers helpfully. "Nah, seriously, I think you'll be fine." He pauses a beat. "Odd that Aliana's still here, though. I thought she was going back to Otaku or Barrister or wherever she came from." He pauses to remember which one, then shrugs, "Otaku... Barrister..."

"Why would she be going back?" Elasia questions, curious, as she continues her way through her meal.

Niko's words are spaced, as he's trying to juggle eating and chatting, but the former seems to be winning for now. "That prank she helped Kyara pull on Riley--where he turned green--I thought it was going to be some sort of last straw to send her back, or something. I'm still not too clear on it. Maybe Riley pulled some strings for her." Yeah. That's it.

Not Aliana being random at all, no. "That sounds like something he'd so," Elasia agrees, "Turning people green strikes me as being a particularly ill thought out thing. Especially since, or at least as I heard it, she did it knowing full well he'd be her commanding officer soon."

Niko pauses a beat at that, fork poised over a bit of lamb, then ahhhs quietly. "Kya. Yeah. Yeah, she knew. She arranged it to work while she was off at boot, too." He shakes his head, still apparently in awe of the gall of the prank. "I mean... to do it to -Riley-, that's bad enough, but while she's gone, and can't keep an eye on its progress? That's just dumb."

Elasia erks quietly and nods, setting her fork aside. "What if he'd been allergic to the chemical or something..."

Niko nods a firm agreement. "Exactly. Or if it'd reacted oddly or something like that. Hopefully, though," he adds, spearing that poor, hapless baby sheepie bit, "She's learned her lesson."

Elasia takes up her soda can, drinking a moment. "Hopefully," she agrees. "Easier for everyone if she has certainly. I'd rather she not up and decide to frogify you next, say."

Niko shakes his head at that, with a faint grin. "Well, I'm going to think twice before I ingest anything from her, that's for sure. But I think she'll be a little more careful about her choice of pranks, if she attempts any more." He polishes off his food and gives the serving dishes a considering look. "Hm."

Elasia nudges the dishes closer to you, "Feel free to have more, I know swimming makes one a bottomless pit."

Niko does not need to be told twice, and dishes up a second helping. "Well," he says innocently, "I've -got- to eat a lot. Clara's orders and all." He grins, adding, "She sends her greetings, by the way."

Elasia chuckles quietly, regarding you with no little amount of delight. "Eating's good, yes." She nods, "How's she doing?"

"Fine," Niko replies, scooping up another forkful of potatoes. "Blushing rather a lot, though," he adds. "That was odd. I though it best not to ask why, though."

"Blushing?" Elasia questions, half to herself. And her player is now itching to see a log. "Asking probably would have been bad, yeah. Still, as long as she's doing well. She's a very nice person."

Niko's head bobs in agreement. "Very, yup. She seems to think very highly of you, too," he adds, with a quick grin. "So she's got good judgement, too."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia half-rolls her eyes at that, "You, Niko, are a shameless flatterer." There's a pause and a grin, "Keep up the good work."

Niko nods in unrepentant acknowledgement of your first statement, then grins broadly at the latter. "So it's working, then? Good!"

Elasia laughs softly, nodding. "It works wonders. But then I doubt you'd find many women that wouldn't say the same. Flattery will get you everywhere."

Niko nods once more. He's eating more slowly, now, a sure sign that he won't have a third helping. "Well," he says thoughtfully, "It might work on all women, but I'd like to think I'm a little more selective in my flattery."

Elasia crosses her arms, resting them on the table. "Hey, I'm willing to volunteer to horde your flattery. Selfish and spoiled, that's me."

Niko finally puts down his fork, plate clean once more. "Oh, yeah," he agrees, with a laugh. "That's -definitely- you. Horribly selfish. That's why you put up with me while I was being awful, and didn't even throw anything at me."

Elasia does not deny you were being awful, although she doesn't confirm it either. "Throwing things at you's no fun. Cause see, I want you to be all in one piece so I can torment you. And with my luck if I threw something you'd break a bone."

Niko points out, though he'll likely regret these words later, "You -can- still torment me when I'm broken, y'know. It's not like that lasts very long, with regenerators and all."

Elasia sighs quietly, as if in dismay. "It's just not as fun. Pained looks are only good when generated by puns."

Niko grins as he gets to his feet, starting to take up the dishes. "Puns," he says, with mock-seriousness, "Are very dangerous weapons."

Elasia blinks a few times, but does not interfere with your aquisition of the dishes. "Since they so often backfire on the weilder, that's very much the case." She smiles, "Thank you, dear."

Niko pauses, dishes still in hand. "Were you not done, hon?" he inquires, a bit belatedly. "I can hold off on this. You're welcome, though. It's only fair that I clean up."

Elasia shakes her head, "No, I was done. I'm just used to the only people being in here being guests, not people who belong here. Since you belong here, touching the dishes is a goodness. Guests aren't allowed to, see."

Niko ahs and heads on to the kitchen area, where he efficiently starts to take care of the dishes. "Nope, I definitely get to touch the dishes," he says, flashing a grin over his shoulder. "I'll hold off on cooking, seeing as how you like it, and the results are just a little scary when I try most dishes, but I do think I'm going to have to pick up a dish or two. Nice to hear I belong here, though," he adds, heading back for the serving dishes. "Already knew it, but it's still nice to hear."

Elasia offers you a thoughtful grin, "Cooking's one of the things that keeps me sane, yes." She grins all the wider, "Of course you belong here. I squooshed stuff around in the closet so you can move anything in there you want. And if you want to re-arrange anything, feel free."

Niko packs up the last of the uneaten food and tucks it away, then takes care of cleaning the serving dishes as well. "Closest space," he murmurs, heading back with a grin. "Thanks, hon. I'll have to head down and get some things--but later, I think. Tomorrow. I don't feel like wandering back and forth. I think the arrangement of the place suits, though," he adds, settling into his seat once more.

"Wandering at this hour's bad. Getting some sleep however might be good," Elasia suggests. "Swim, Eat, Sleep, at this rate you'll be set for building back up muscle."

Niko looks a tad disappointed at that. "Well.. yes," he agrees. "And that'll be good. I have to work some of the time, though, and I wouldn't mind spending -some- of the time that I won't be exercising or eating or sleeping with -you-, if that's not too much to ask." His tone is gently teasing.

Elasia looks a bit sheepish, but nods. "I'm not going to object to spending time with you by any means, it's just late is all..."

Niko nods his agreement. "Yeah," he says softly. "It's late. I'm not all that tired, though, hon. Not really. I mean," he adds quickly, "If you are, of course, I wouldn't mind going to sleep."

Elasia shakes her head slightly, "Not really all that sleepy either." She does however seem to be at something of a loss, not quite sure what to say.

Niko tips his head towards the couch. "Want to go over there?" he asks. "It's a little more comfortable and all."

Elasia climbs from her chair, tucking it back under the table. "That sounds like a good idea. The couch is a fine and wonderful thing. Very soft."

Niko does the chair-tucking thing as well--well, after he gets out of the chair, of course. "It's a handy couch, yup," he says, padding over to it and sprawling comfortably. "Ah. Better. So what'd you do today, hm?"

Elasia sprawls down as well, after a beat moving in close to curl next to you. "Meetings, and some fascinating research for a debate session. A lot of fun, if a bit involved."

Niko slips an arm around you, with a nods of acknowledgement, if not quite of agreement. "Meetings and research," he echoes. "Glad you enjoy it, hon. Of course, I'm also glad it's not me." He grins, adding, "We both know about my patience. I would definitely not do well in your line of work."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia curls up a bit closer, encouraged by the arm. "THe research was really neat though, honest. Some cultural things about places I'd never even heard of."

Niko looks decidedly pleased at the closer-curling. "Oh, research can be good, yeah," he says, admittedly sounding a tad distracted. Then, as he tunes away from his thoughts a little more, he adds, "Maybe you can suggest something for the cultural awareness bit that actually works in Security's favor? Banana yellow vinyl is evil."

Elasia turns up to regard you appraisingly a moment, "I -might- could see what I could do... Depends on what's in it for me after all..." There's a hint of teasing to her tone.

Niko laughs at that. "Oh, I could make it worth your while," he responds, tone equally teasing. Then, with a grin, he adds, "You have to look at me in these uniforms, after all." Maybe that was a tactical error. Maybe not. We'll see.

Ooooh, now -there's- a thought. Elasia looks rather deviously thoughtful, "I'll have to see what I can do." Oh dear, be afraid.

Niko erks very quietly. "Uh, hon? Please do remember that a lot of -other- people have to wear these uniforms, too... folks that will be decidedly put out with me if they find out that I'm basically responsible for what they're wearing, and it turns out to be scary. Anya. See, I -really- don't want Anya angry with me. That's not something one does."

There's another devious look, "Oh, I'm sure I can rummage -something- up that's not too objectionable."

"Uh... like what? What do you have in mind, oh love of my life who would never ever do anything that would result in a roomful of annoyed Security folk?" Yes, that'd be Niko, starting to look mildly worried, though he's still got a glint of humor in his eyes.

Hey? Where'd Ela go and who put this innocent, harmless, small, helpless, young woman in her place? Elasia looks -terribly- innocent. "Don't you trust me?"

Niko blinks. He does not, to his credit, ask, 'Who are you and what have you done with Ela?' Instead, he looks a bit guilty, saying quickly, "Of course, love. Of course. I'm just a little bit... concerned, that's all."

Still as innocent as it's possible to be, Elasia pats at your arm. "Trust me. It'll be lots better than yellow vinyl."

Niko points out, though he draws you a bit closer, "It doesn't take a lot to be better than yellow vinyl." He pauses, then hrms. "Though I don't actually know what I'm to be wearing -tomorrow-. Should've checked on that earlier."

"Lots better," Elasia counters, "Something that won't even offend poor macho egos."

Niko's brows lift at that. "Hey, even the women didn't like the yellow vinyl."

Elasia nods amiably, "But see it's a lot easier for me to offend to macho egos, my first thought was truly evil and I discarded it."

Niko blinks once. "Should I ask," he inquires, "Or should I just be glad I don't know?"

"About the first idea?" Elasia has the grace to look abashed, "Ever seen pictures of Scotland on Terra?"

Niko shakes his head slowly back and forth. "Uh, no. No, I haven't."

Elasia pauses a moment, and decides it's inexplicable. "Just a moment." She scrambles off the couch and to a shelf. Finding a datapd she dials up an entry and brings it back. Squirming back in she offers the datapad and a picture of various people in kilts, to you.

Niko blinks several times at the pictures. "Okay, yeah, this definitely qualifies as evil. -Skirts-, no less. Kaycen would have a duck, rapidly followed by several more farm animals." He pauses a beat. "Might almost be worth it."

Elasia snickers softly, "It's one of those things that appeals terribly to women. Knees...legs...THey're nice. No, I was thinking of something a bit different." She leans over, her tongue stuck out of one corner of her mouth as she thinks up the entry she wants and types it in. A page with several folks in long dusters and fedoras comes up. "I was thinking more like this though."

Niko nods his approval, a quick grin crossing his face. "I could handle that, I think. Still have my fedora," he adds, with a vague gesture downwards as if to indicate its location. (No, not Hell. His quarters on the third floor.)

Elasia offers you a grin, "Maybe I'll check with Clara and see if she has any suggestions for swoonable security outfits."

Niko peers at the dusters and fedoras (fedorae?) once more before setting aside the datapad, slipping his arms around you once more. "I think," he says, with a grin, "That the two of you could come up with some pretty good stuff. I also think I'm not going to warn folks that you're doing it."

Elasia grins up at you and settles into your embrace. "Warning would be bad.Surprises are good things. Makes them more torementful."

Niko chuckles very quietly at that, leaning down to kiss your cheek. "Tormentful. You're so creative with your wordage, hon."

Elasia glances at her chrono, chuckling, "The languages gets more inventive this late at night."

Niko nods his agreement to that, lips quirking a bit. He shifts to peer at a chrono as well, then inquires casually, "Ready for bed, then?"

Elasia looks rather abashed but nods, "Probably an idea. Both of us could use the sleep."

Niko manages not to look too disappointed, though there's a hint of it about his eyes. "Probably, yeah," he murmurs. "Sleep's a good thing." He pauses a beat, then asks softly, "Can I ask you something... well, personal, about last night?" Or whatever night it was. Darn MUSH time.

Elasia clambers from the couch, moving to sit on the bed's edge and tug off her shoes. "Of course you may, Niko." Her reply is soft and a little hesitant.

Niko ohs. Shoes. What an excellent idea. He leans down to tug at his own laces, before peering up at you. "This is going to sound kind of odd, probably, but... well... if we had, do you... are you..." Ooh, man, the ellipsis police are going to come and take him away. He shakes his head a moment, frustrated at his inability to ask this relatively simple question, and finally just spits it out. "My concern is just that... well, neither of us are really at a good point where we could handle a child, being new in our jobs and all." Okay, so he didn't actually ask it, but he got across the sense of his question, right?

Elasia blinks a few times. She has to translate from Niko to Hellenic. Comprehension dawns, and to her credit she doesn't snicker or anything like that. "Niko, I've had a contraceptive implant since I was old enough to ovulate, love. I was from a little more...forward section of home, yes?"

Niko blinks a few times. "Oh," he says softly. "Oh." Yes, he's definitely a little relieved. "Ah." And he also proves that he can say something other than a vowel sound. "Well... yes. Yes, you were. They, uh, don't really have that sort of thing in Mathraki, and I didn't exactly ask that question of many women back home."

Elasia clambers under the quilts on the bed, nodding. "Most places these days are picking up the Alliance rules about requiring breeding permits, so the implants are more and more common. For men and women and all. It was kind of a big deal when Mom took me to get mine, and then my sisters when they got old enough."

Niko finally unties that other shoe, pulling both off and tucking them neatly under the couch, the better to forget where they are. He slides under the covers as well, murmuring, "I guess I should've figured that. Sorry, hon."

"No, you had no way of knowing." Elasia edges up close to you. "It's an entirely reasonable question I'd say."

Niko shifts closer as well, putting an arm over you. "I... did want to, you know," he says softly. "I just... well, with the trip and all, I wasn't sure how good it would be."

Elasia takes the arm over her as tacit permission and snuggles up close, stifling a yawn. "It's okay, I was just being pushy anyhow."

Niko shakes his head at that. "You weren't, hon," he says quickly, though his voice is still quiet. He waves the lights down, then kisses you gently. "You weren't at all."

Elasia returns the kiss carefully, edging into a more comfortable position. "I should've known better." There's a brief pause, "Night love."

Niko, thoroughly confused by that statement, asks, "What do you me--?" He cuts off that last word, and shakes his head. "Never mind," he says, a hint of regret to his tone. "G'night. Sleep well."

"Than to push, I knew you were exhausted." Elasia sounds exhausted herself now, turnabout is fair play after all. "Sweet dreams."

And turnabout it is, most definitely. Niko closes his eyes, though they open again after a few moments. "You too," he murmurs. "Love you."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia curls in all the closer, murmuring a quiet endearment as she drops off to sleep.


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