Girl Talk

Posted on 05 Oct 2016 @ 8:09am by Senior Chief Petty Officer Mila Rasputin & Lieutenant Commander Joey Geisler

4,266 words; about a 21 minute read

Mission: Click Three Times
Location: Security
Timeline: MD 8 || 1400 Hours

Mila headed back to Administration after she finished her lunch with Aidan and Joey to sort a couple things out that required her attention, dropped a stack of PADDs big enough to choke a hungry Targ for the Captain and then decided she needed to have a talk with her sestra. With that in mind, she inquired of the computer for the location of Lieutenant Corwin and was told that she was in Security.

She shook her head and frowned; Joey had been working multiple shifts in a row and had given herself little time to recuperate fully, yet she was a grown woman. Joey had also taken time off to join her and Aidan for lunch and seemed refreshed, but there was something more that the Captain's Yeoman needed...wanted...to talk to the tall brunette about.

With that in mind, Mila headed up to Security and waved away offers to help from a Security Ensign who looked as if she would rather be sleeping and went to press the chime on the Chief of Security's office door.

"Come in," Joey called as she looked over a few reports. The acting Chief was pretty impressed with Camila's system and how efficient it was. It made things much easier for her to adjust to her new role on the ship even if it was only temporary. There wasn't a need to change a single thing, and soon, she needed to call Lieutenant Cooper in to speak with her about becoming the acting Assistant Chief until the rest of their crew could be rescued again.

She still didn't like waiting, but until there was more to go on, there was no choice. They needed more information to go on, and a a solid place to start their search. Without it, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. That would be a total waste of time, and they didn't have it to spare. Once they knew a general idea, plans for a rescue mission would be underway.

Mila entered the office when the door opened and then frowned when she saw Joey seated at the desk with her nose buried in work. "Here I am thinking you are taking downtime instead of working shift after shift. I am saying shame on you, Joey," she gently chastised.

"How can I take downtime when there's work to be done?" the taller brunette asked, looking toward her visitor. "I'm getting ready to call someone in and appoint them my acting Assistant Chief to help with some of the workload. Until I do that, though, it's going to fall on me. I happen to like staying busy, so I don't see much of a problem. Based on that stack of PADDS you have, I'm assuming you're on your way to see the Captain. What brings you by here?"

The shorter brunette started to say something about work to be done, but when Joey said she had yet to appoint an acting Assistant, she decided to say something different. "Nyet," she said. "I already sent PADDs for his review. I am wanting to talk about Captain....and you, though, but is looking like bad time. I am seeing you later and letting you get back to work."

Joey shook her head. "What's on your mind? I've got a few minutes before I call Lieutenant Cooper in. Have a seat."

Mila reluctantly took a seat across from Joey and looked at her. "I was not being able to talk much in front of Aidan even though you are not hiding that you are in relationship with Harvey," she said. "But I am curious as to how everything is to be going. If I am being too nosy, tell me so and I will stop asking. There are rumors, but I am smashing them as soon as they are appearing."

"Those are coming from people who have far too much time on their hands. It's sad really, considering everything this crew has been going through the last few days. There are far better things they need to focus on," Corwin said completely unable to hide the sound of annoyance in her voice. Sadly, rumors couldn't be squashed completely, and people were going to talk no matter what. It didn't say much for them, either, but she wasn't one to judge. "Harvey and I... we're doing great. I have zero complaints as far as our relationship goes. He's a great man, and I think I'm damn lucky he even wanted to be with me. His entire life has been rough, and I'm so proud of everything he's accomplished so far. We're happy."

"If I am not wrong, Security is using rumors to nail things down, da?" Mila asked. "Still, I am being glad that you are being happy, but part of me is wanting to know if you are being very happy or if you are simply being content?"

Joey smiled. There was Mila. The protector of those she cared about. It was definitely one of her most noble qualities. "I am very happy. As a matter of fact, I'm already looking forward to the end of the day so I can see him. He's my bright spot in these dark days."

Mila watched her with the experience of eleven years of Starfleet training, but more with the thirty years of being female and knew that there was a lot more that wasn't being said. The way Joey talked about Harvey and her expressions when he was mentioned. After a moment, she looked at her. "You are being in love with him, da?"

Joey took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then nodded her head. "Yes, I am. I even told him earlier today," she said, leaning back in her chair. "You're not going to want me to go into any details, are you?"

"You are expecting me to not ask questions when you are telling me such thing?" Mila asked with a laugh.

"There's not much to ask or tell," Joey said, reaching for a PADD to schedule a meeting with Lieutenant Cooper in half an hour.

"Then I am asking direct," the brunette Yeoman said. "Did he say the same?"

"No, but I didn't expect him to," Joey answered, wishing she would have waited to say anything. She didn't regret telling him those three powerful words because they were true, but she'd already laid her heart on the line. It was scary for her considering she never felt like this before. "Before you ask, I'm fine."

Mila reached to lay a hand gently on Joey's. "Give him time," she said softly. "He is long way from real relationship and you are very forward woman."

"If some day he realizes he loves me, I'll be over the moon happy. If he decides he doesn't, it will hurt for a while, but I'll be okay. Either way, I have no plans to pester him. I even told him I wouldn't. It's out there now," Joey said. "He loved someone once before, and I know it isn't easy for him to want to love someone else. I'm a patient woman, but I should probably give him some space."

"I would not say be giving him space as you are probably thinking," Mila started. "Instead, focus more on things you are telling me and Aidan at lunch. Speaking of, I am very happy you and he got along. I would not be wishing to see otherwise."

"Did you think we wouldn't?" she asked, setting the PADD back down again. A large part of her was bummed out, but it had nothing to do with her or Aidan. In fact, it had everything to do with her. Maybe it was too soon to say anything, but it was now something she had to deal with. "I sent him the image for the painting already. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product."

"I have yet to show you painting he did for me, but was only last night that he was bringing it to me," Mila said. "He has done pencil drawings of me before this, but never a painting. He will be doing very good job no matter what you are giving him."

"I have no doubt about it, which is why I commissioned him to do this. I don't think I'd want anyone else to touch it," the taller of the two women said. "I can't wait to see the finished product when it's done, and I let him know I wasn't in any hurry for him to complete it."

"I did not even know that he was taking lessons until he is bringing painting to my quarters," Mila said. "He was capturing me in light that I have never been in and wearing things that I have never worn. Perhaps when day is over, you are coming by to see it, da?"

"We'll see how the rest of my day goes. I actually slept last night, so I was thinking about hitting the gym to workout for a couple hours now that they're functional. I need to do a little training with Rico and Pequeno, too," she said. "I'm sure I can come by and see it, though. I'd like to see some of Aidan's work."

"There is time for such," Mila said. "Perhaps I should be joining you in gym as well. I am getting behind on workout schedule since I have been with Aidan and feel as if I am letting Chow down as well."

"I'm always interested in a workout partners. Harvey's going to be there, too. Ensign Hernandez was a great prospect, but sadly, that will never happen now," Joey said with a frown. Thinking about what happened to Xavier helped her decide she'd done the right thing. Life was for too uncertain to wait. If she felt something, she planned to make it known. One thing she didn't want to have was regrets, which was one of the reasons she was so forward with most people. There wasn't any reason to change now.

The older brunette looked down for a moment. "All we are able to do is continue on for the ones that we are leaving behind," she said sadly. "Go forth and be celebrating his life that he cannot, Joey and I am thinking that he would be pleased to know that you continued."

"That's the plan. It's just sad I didn't get to know him better, but it's always rough when you lose one of your own. He had so much more life left to live."

"Life is space is not always easy," Mila said. "I have lost a few friends myself over years and all I am able to do is carry their memory in my heart and mind so they are not being forgotten."

"That's all any of us can do," the taller brunette said softly. "We don't have to like it, but we can't let it eat away at us, either. If we did that, then we'd be reduced to nothing more than a shell of who we once were." Once again, she found herself thinking about Harvey, and how far he'd come since she'd known him. He'd already began the process of turning a new leaf before her arrival, but now she got to be a part of it. That man was definitely a hell of a lot stronger than he gave himself credit for.

"I am thinking that we are to be making some type of memorial for those who has fallen other than one in War Memorial," Mila said. "I am not being certain, but I think someone else is having same idea if I am remembering right."

"I heard someone had something in the works, but I'm not entirely sure who. You have ways of finding things out, so maybe you can do that and let me know. Whoever is doing it should get the crew's help in some way, too, I'm just not sure how that would work out," Joey said, looking thoughtful.

"I will put out general bulletin in Administration and be sending it to all personnel," Mila said. "It will get word out and if someone is doing such, they will get back to me."

"That sounds like a good idea to me," she said with a smile. "I'm going to need to get with Aidan... see if he can work with that image I gave him. Or, if you're able to see him before me, you can find out for me."

"I will ask when I see him later for dinner," Mila told her. "If you are seeing or hearing from him before that, ask him to let me know, please."

"I will, but I think you'll see him before I will. I've got some things I have to do still. Harvey hasn't mentioned me staying with him again tonight, so it might just be me, Rico and Pequeno," Joey said, blowing a stray lock of hair out of her face. She normally wore it up in a bun on duty, but there were occasions when she couldn't be bothered... like today. "And yes... before you ask, I've spent the night with him since the day we got together."

"Is that being so?" Mila asked with a lascivious grin and a waggle of her eyebrows. "I am being surprised that you are leaving his quarters, Joey."

"It's not even like that, Mila. There are some people who can spend the night together without it leading to sex," the taller woman said as she shook her head. "Harvey and I just happen to be two of those people." She wasn't about to make mention of the fact she'd already tried, and that was because some things deserved to stay private.

"This is being true," Mila admitted. "When me and Aidan are first being on Yolvanda II, we are discussing who is taking bed and who was taking divan until we both chose bed and no sex. Forgive me, sestra."

Joey shook her head. "There's nothing to be forgiven, Mila. We're taking things slow. Telling him I love him is the exact opposite of that."

"The heart does not care about fast or slow," Mila pointed out. "It does not care about logic, time or anything but what it is feeling. He is now knowing how you are feeling and he is not telling you he does not feel the same, so accept that he is taking his time in this to make certain that you are being the one."

"I know, and I'm not forcing him. No matter what, though, the two of us get along really well , and I wouldn't change that for the world. He's an amazing man, and I'm just so happy he wants to be with me."

"Then be taking things as they are coming and be secure in knowledge that you are one that he is wanting to be with," Mila said. "Is simple."

"I am secure. If I wasn't, I'd be a simpering idiot that needed to be around him twenty-four hours a day. I've already said I'm not forcing anything, which means I am taking things as they come," she pointed out. "One day at a time. That's how we're taking things. Life is full of too many uncertainties presently."

"Da," Mila agreed. "And I am wishing you all luck in universe, Joey. I am happy that you are being happy and that Harvey is happy. I am not asking for more than that."

"I'm wishing you and Aidan the same. I expect to be invited to the wedding," she said with a grin.

"You are having invite and I am going to be needing help picking out colors," Mila said. "Command red is nice, but not for wedding and teal is not being my thing."

Joey smiled. She knew that Mila and Aidan weren't engaged yet, but she had a feeling it was going to be coming sooner rather than later. When it did happen, she planned to be front and center for it. "Of course. I'd be honored to help you out in any way I can when the time comes. I hear purple is a pretty great color."

Mila beamed "Da, I am hearing same thing," she said before she knelt down and pulled up a pant leg to reveal purple socks
under it. "I am never without purple."

Corwin smiled when she saw the sock. "I'm not, either, since you gave me my broach. I'm actually wearing it right now. The only time I don't wear it is when I'm in bed."

"I am thinking of getting tattoo so I am never without purple even when I am in shower," Mila said. "Except I am not knowing what kind to get."

"Get something that means the most to you. I've got three, and plan to get more in the future," Joey said, offering Mila a smile. If she was serious about getting a tattoo, then she wanted to be front and center when it happened. Part of her half expected the Yeoman to want to see hers. "Do you have a favorite flower, or some kind of symbol that means something to you? I think we can come up with the perfect idea for you."

"Aidan is meaning most to me," she said. "But I am already having him and not needing a tattoo of him. He would be looking odd in purple, too." The Yeoman laughed at the thought before she looked at Joey. "Three? What are you having?"

"I have some stars on my wrist, flowers on my foot and birds in various stages of flight on my hip," she replied.

"Are they having meaning?" Mila asked.

"They do. When I was nineteen, I got the stars to signify my love for space and remind me why I do what I do. The birds signify the various stages of my life, and the flowers are my grandmother's favorite," Joey replied.

"All are sounding like solid reasons to be getting them," Mila said. "I am thinking that when time is right, I will be knowing what I am wishing to get. Are you having plans to get more?"

"I think I will at some point. Harvey's been pretty open to a lot of things, so I might see if that's something he's interested in. I somehow doubt it, though, but he's completely surprised me with other things we've done. Hula dancing is one of those, but he wants to learn. I'm so proud of him," Joey said with a bright smile that matched her words.

"You and he should get matching rainbow lorikeets," Mila said with a smile of her own. "They always travel in pairs, but join a flock when needed, then pair off again. They are being very colorful, also."

Joey smiled. "I know the birds you're talking about, and they're absolutely gorgeous. I just don't know if tattoos are something that will interest Harvey. Not until I talk to him, at least. Then... there's the issue of getting matching ones. He may not want to do something like that. I'll see what he thinks about the idea first, then take it from there."

"Is good plan," Mila said with a smile. "In meantime, keep doing what you are doing and I am expecting invite to wedding when time comes."

Joey blinked. That was so far off of her radar, it didn't even register. "I don't know if that's going to be happening. Harvey was married once, and he lost her," she said softly, unable to keep the sadness from her voice. "It took him a long time, and a lot of people, to start wearing away at the shell he encased himself in. I'm sure the last thing he wants to do is commit like that to someone like me." It made her think back to when she told him she loved him... the way he'd kissed her. He never kissed her like that before, but she didn't want to read anything into it. Day by day... that's how she planned to take it.

"I am knowing," Mila said. "Do not assume what he is wanting and what he is not wanting until he is saying it, Joey. I saw him before you came aboard and he is different man already in short time and I am liking what I am seeing." She paused. "Is something I wish to tell you but I wish to let you know that it not something which is to be affecting the present."

"What is it?" Joey asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

'During Consortium business on ship when Harvey was shot by former Chief of Security...I visited him in Sickbay and sang Russian song to him," Mila admitted. "I gave him Russian tea and I was there for him. I had hopes at time that he would turn his eyes my way, but was not to be. Then I am meeting Aidan soon after that and Harvey became nothing more than friend in my eyes."

She blinked. Joey didn't know what she expected to hear, but that definitely wasn't it. Mila was such a sweet woman, and was brutally honest when she needed to be, but to find out something like that.. Of course, now she was with Aidan and seemed to be so happy that it was unlikely any man would ever catch her eye the way he did... or her heart for that matter. "Wow... I had no idea. I... I don't think I ever would have guessed that." She leaned back in her chair. "I'm very glad you found Aidan, though. He's a great guy, and you two seem perfect for on another."

Mila smiled and gave a half shrug. "I was hoping to do what you are accomplishing, Joey," she said. "To be bringing him out of his shell when it was seeming he had no friends or anyone to be caring for him. But I am being very happy with Aidan now and I am very happy that you are being with Harvey and that you are both happy."

"A lot of it had to do with the fact I don't think he was ready yet," she said, thinking back to their night in the holodeck. He seemed so hesitant and unsure, and at one point she thought he left. Hell... he'd admitted to her he considered doing just that. Now, Joey was so glad he didn't do that, otherwise Harvey never would have discovered surfing was something he actually enjoyed. In time, she knew he'd be surfing circles around her that's how confident she was in him. "Now... I think he's ready, and he's definitely the one that deserves the credit."

"I am thinking it had more to do with other things, but is neither here nor there," Mila said as she recalled the conversation she had had with Harvey in the turbolift. "Still, I am valuing him as friend and wish you both the best."

"He's a great guy, and I'm lucky he chose to give me the time of day. He didn't have to, and when I first told him I was interested in him romantically, he told me he wasn't ready. Then... we didn't see one another for a few days and he popped up on my in Security while I was prepping for the Chimera, and the rest is history."

"Is being very sweet," Mila said. "With me and Aidan, was more like dance that neither of us knew we were dancing until we are realizing that we were meant for each other."

Joey smiled. "I know, and I'm so happy for the two of you. You deserve to be happy, Mila, and I'm very happy for you."

Mila eyed the chrono in Joey's office and sighed. "Is like we are never having enough time to do what we wish instead of what we are having to do," she said wistfully.

"As sad as it is, that's just how things are. I might not be able to get out of here for a while longer, but that's okay. I'm getting used to working long hours. As soon as I have a free second, I'll let you know when Harvey and I are heading to the gym, then you can meet us there if you want to. Maybe Aidan might want to join us, too," the taller woman said, rising to her feet. It was nearly time for her to get with Lieutenant Cooper and hash out some other details.

"I will be letting him know," Mila said as she came to her feet as well. "For now, I am having to get back to Administration and be making sure that all is going smoothly. I am thinking that they are doing nothing but partying when I am not being there. I will talk to Aidan about image for painting, too. Now come, give your sestra a hug." She said as she held her arms open.

With a grin, Joey moved over to the shorter woman and embraced her. "Thank you. I'll get with him as soon as I'm able to to check on the progress. I figure it will take him a while to work on it."

Mila returned the hug. "Until then, you are to be taking care of yourself. You are having my love." With that, the shorter brunette turned and headed out.

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