Why Wait?

[Keb 0]

The transport to Manticore was sudden and just in time. Keb found herself still clinging to Faldek tightly, sitting on his lap on the floor of the transporter room. It took a moment to realize what had happened, but when she did, she let out a squeal of delight and kissed her chair with joy.

 

As she had said, she wanted to be first in line to have her Romulan appearance removed. She didn’t quite make it, but it also didn’t take long for her to be restored to her human appearance. Faldek, on the other hand, took a lot longer. Keb watches anxiously nearby as his procedure is completed.

 

Faldek walks out of the procedure room, finally feeling at home in his own skin, and on his ship, the familiar vibrations of the Manticore humming through his boots. First he spots his betrothed anxiously awaiting him, he walks to her and embraces her, passionately, not caring who is around or may see. "Keb, it's so nice to be back into my own skin, and see you in yours..."

 

Smiling, Keb pulls away from his embrace to look at him properly. The change in his appearance was rather extreme; he really looked like a different man, save for his height and his eyes. It was breathtaking and reassuring at the same time. "It's good to have you back, Beran," she says in a quiet voice, wrapping her arms around his waist and putting her head against his chest.

 

Beran leads her away, out of sickbay, and toward Keb's quarters. "I am famished. I could really use a meal and a nice hot shower." Faldek looks at Keb, wondering if she concurs with him.

 

Keb nods. "Yeah, I need to get this straightener gunk out of my hair so it'll curl again. Why don't you take a shower first, and I'll get some food replicated?"

 

Beran looks at Keb, "Why not at the same time?" He has a genuinely naughty look on his face. "I think the food can wait a little while, don't you?" He seems as if he's in hurry to get back to Keb's quarters.

 

Keb blushes brightly. "I didn't know you wanted to see that much of my own skin," she jokes. "Anyway, we're not exactly married yet..."

 

Beran looks at Keb, "I was unaware that marriage had to happen." His culture did embrace marriage and couplings of people, not to mention the fact that they thrive on big families; however, not as a pre-requisite for intimacy. "Are you a member of a certain faith that does not allow..." he lets his voice trail off.

 

Keb looks at the line where the carpet met the wall of the hall as they walk. "Not exactly," she replies. "But I always believed that some things ought to be part of marriage only. Otherwise, what makes it special?"

 

"So a certificate makes something special? I figured that the way you felt for someone and the feelings being returned was what made it special?" They arrive at her quarters and Faldek waits for her to push the button.

 

Keb turns and leans against her closed door, looking up at him. Her expression indicates she is mustering her bravery. "It isn't the certificate, Beran. It's the commitment--the promise we'll make when we're married, that no matter what, we're there for each other. But the rest is part of that." She looked down again. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

 

"I'm not hurt, I just didn't have the correct understanding for your reasons. If they mean that much to you I will respect them." He takes her hand, "But don't make me wait too long, because I’m dyin' here..." Beran grins.

 

Giggling, Keb looks up at him. "Don't worry, I'm going to contact my family right away and let them know about the engagement. And when we're married...well, I'll be all yours."

 

Faldek looks deep into her eyes. "I would certainly hope so, I feel sorry for the poor chap who tries to take you away from me." He motions for the door. "Can we get something to eat? I am seriously famished."

 

With a flick of Keb's hand, the door swishes open. "Go get clean. I promise not to peek, and there'll be something yummy ready when you're done."

 

He enters and taps his commbadge, "Chief Ganner, this is Faldek."

 

Senior Chief Petty Officer Ganner responds, "Yes sir, what can I do for you sir, and welcome back sir."

 

Beran looks up at the ceiling," Yes, you can help me. Please bring me a fresh uniform from my quarters and deliver it to Lt. Cdr. Keb Mizu's quarters. That’s all."

 

Ganner looks at the desk in Security where he is, thinking, what am I some errand boy? "Of course sir, it'll be there right away sir."

 

Then Beran looked back at Keb. "So peeking is against the rules too?"

 

Keb shrugs, giving him a sly grin. "Maybe not completely against the rules."