Almost "La vie en rose"

[Eva Jaz 0]

Tiptoeing her way back to the bedroom of her little Montmartre apartment careful not to spill the tiny espresso cups she was holding, Eva stopped for a second to watch the sun rise. She loved Paris, it reminded her of her previous life when she still felt more human than Trill. Every chance she had to get back to Earth she would spend hours walking around the old city, taking in the scent of freshly baked pastry , of coffee . Letting her ears fill up with the sounds , space always seemed too quiet for Eva's personal tastes. She loved the paradox that Paris had to offer, timeless buildings and monuments mixed in with newer Federation built additions.

 

She had hoped that Richard would share her enthusiasm when she dragged him along in her latest escapade around town the previous day. Eva had planned their entire day , after all Hilee had never had the chance to visit the city of lights. They were to wake up early , see the Eiffel tower, walk around the faubourgs until they got hungry then stop at a little cafe , visit the office of the Federation's President before ending their day walking by La Seine back to her apartment where they would share a bottle of Bordeaux over a home cooked meal. That had been the plan in any case but not what happened.

 

Eva put down one of the cups before sitting on the edge of the bed. Even in his sleep Richard seemed troubled . She knew that physically speaking he was healed , even his hair was now growing back but something still worried her .

 

She was dragging him by the hand towards the line up of tourists, Terrans and aliens alike gathering by the Eiffel tower when she noticed his expression . " Are you ok cheri?" she asked " Of course I am " he answered as he slipped a hand around her waist . The smile was genuine but it didn't reached the eyes. Eva looked towards the tourists before looking back at her companion. " We don't have to go if you don't want to ...." Still holding her , Hilee 's apologetic eyes met hers " Honestly my love , I'd rather we find ourselves a nice quiet place and spend the day together away from everyone . I'd love to see Paris with you ..." He twisted a strand of her hair between his fingers before adding "but not today ." Not letting him see her disappointment , Eva smiled back before kissing him . " Of course Mon amour, I know just the perfect place."

 

 

They made their way to a tiny patch of grass she had discovered years ago , after putting down a blanket and letting Hilee settle comfortably Eva announced that she was hungry and that she would be right back with coffee and freshly baked croissants ."All part of the French experience" she said as she walked away." As soon as she was out of sight , Hilee let the happy facade slip away and pulled a PADD out of his pocket and started writing . He was still typing away engrossed in his work when Eva came back. She picked up the PADD from his hand playfully " NO work we're ..." She started saying before he grabbed it back abruptly from her hands . "That's personal, can't you respect that? " he said dryly , putting the PADD back in his pocket. Hilee took a deep breath , watching Eva's face change " Eva...I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you , come here .." She watched him confused for a second before deciding that the mystery PADD was not worth getting into a fight with him . She smiled lifting a bag full of flaky golden pastry. " Let's eat while they're still fresh" She said before lying down on the blanket , her head resting on Richard's lap, where she spent the rest of the afternoon.

 

 

Sipping on her espresso she wondered what his reaction would be if she suggested a visit to the counselor's office . The little she managed to read from the PADD before Hilee took it back confirmed her suspicions that his experience on Oppo had left deeper scars then he would ever let on. She was trying to find a way to bring the subject up when he began stirring . The serious discussion would have to wait they were on leave after all.

 

"Bon matin Mon amour" She whispered as he opened his eyes.