Post 421: Xhian & Ella

Stardate: 70829.1070
Title: Xhian & Ella?
Author: Ensign Xhian
Scene: The walk from Seven to Ensign Brigg's Quarters
Time: Following: The Start of Something Big?
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As the pair of engineers headed out through the doors of Seven, Xhian looked at Ella in a strange but wondrous manner. He found it hard to believe that even after he had told her about his past origins, that she hung around.

As they walked, he was also still thinking that Stratton must have had something to do with this, but it would be well worth it to lose their bet if it meant being able to spend more time with someone like Ella.

She stopped walking for a moment to take off her high-heeled pumps and smiled at him apologetically.

"Sorry, but these things are killing me." She laughed, and Xhain laughed with her.

He wondered internally *Why do women persist in wearing so many things that either require two people to put on, or cause them minor to major discomfort so much of the time?*

"I could carry you, if your feet hurt," he volunteered.

Ella's expression showed that she was puzzled by his offer, but still she smiled at him. "I'll be okay, as long as I keep these things off my feet for a while.They finally arrived at the door to Ella's quarters, but still they continued to talk awhile longer, seeming to forget once again that they must get up early for their shift.

"Xhian," Ella said at last, "I'd like to thank you for opening up to me. I really do appreciate you telling me about your past, walking me to my quarters,and even offering to carry me when my feet were hurting from wearing these blasted shoes." Her voice was soft and inviting. "May we talk after work again, if you don't mind? Maybe get some dinner?"

"It would be my pleasure." he replied. Then in a surprising turn of events, Ella kissed Xhian on the cheek. He watched as she disappeared into her quarters, still holding her shoes in hand.

*What just happened?* He asked himself, as he gently rubbed the cheek that Ella had kissed and smiled a little bit. *Is this for real?*

He continued asking himself that question even as he arrived at his own quarters, got a drink from the replicator and then finally, drifted to sleep.

Ensign Xhian
Engineering Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791