444: A Visitor

by Vol Tryst
80728.23
Awhile after Food for Thought
-=Soundtrack: Everything by Lifehouse=-


-=The Tryst Residence, Betazed=-

The evening had been a great success, and everyone appeared to have a good time.

The Serendipity crew had departed, and Vol had taken note that each of them seemed to be taking this vacation seriously. All of them were affected by the beauty of his home planet, and all seemed to be taking joy in the smaller things in life. Things, and people, which were at times taken for granted aboard a starship.

Vol, Dana, Siter and Orynn all now stood on one of the house’s many balconies.

This one had a view of the entire lake, and as the tangerine sun melted into a strawberry hue, the colors were reflected on the lake’s surface. The combination bathed the area in a deep orange, one that Vol hoped all at the Inn were enjoying as well.

Each of the old friends were touching the others. Some had arms draped over another’s shoulder, and some held hands. It wasn’t an uncommon sighting for Betazoids to be affectionate in this way, but it had become a rarity for these four. Vol being away with Starfleet, and the art world being a demanding one, it was a rare moment indeed for these four to be together again, just watching the sunset as they used to.

*We’d better get going.* The four ceased to speak with their own voices since they were left alone, the sounds of their minds were all they needed now. So Dana’s regretful tone was felt by all. *I still have a lot to do before the wedding.* She squeezed Vol’s hand as she thought this.

*Just a moment longer.* Siter said, and no one objected. Each of them knew time would not soon allow for this moment to come again.

Eventually, Dana and Orynn said their goodbyes and the four were separated once more. Siter went down to help Mr. Noon and his mother with any cleaning up that needed to be done, leaving Vol on his own. The hybrid man just stared blankly into the multi-colored yawning sky.

*It will only be a couple of days now before I make true the vows I made so many years ago. Vows which were made with my brother, but that he broke when the time came. I hated him for that, because I knew it would mean that this day would come. When I would have to face the same decision…*

Vol stopped short his interior monologue when he felt the presence of another behind him. The being approached him, and warm arms enclosed around his waist; a chin rested on Vol’s shoulder.

*Are you sure you will go through with this?* Vol could hear the thoughts of the all too familiar presence in his mind.

*It is what’s best for the family.* There was a pause. There was no arguing the reality of situation. What Vol said was true, and so he was met with no argument for a while.

*What happened to getting married for love?*

*I do love--*

*Counselor.* Vol’s thought was cut short. The hands that were around his waist urged him to spin around slowly, so that the they could look into each other’s eyes. *You know what I mean.*

Vol inhaled deeply, as he felt his heart beat quicken and his breath became shallow as memories from before he joined Starfleet slowly begun to resurface. He brought a hand up to his visitor's face, letting his fingers scratch the surface of their soft pale skin.

*I have missed you, Imzadi.*

*And I you.* Vol felt defeated, even before he answered the following question.

*Can't we be together? Just once before you…*

*I’m sorry.* Vol apologized as he let his head fall forward to rest on the temple of his Imzadi. His arms wrapped around their shoulders, to pull them in into a deep hug, and the individual returned the embrace by pressing their bodies closer. Vol was then reminded that beginnings were only born from endings, and this was one ending he wished he could prevent.

Ensign Vol Tryst
Ship's Counselor
USS Serendipity/Alchemy