522: Talk Later

by Vol Tryst
80927.00
Hours after Routine Check-Up

-=Counselor's Quarters, USS Serendipity=-

Vol was on his last legs.

Ever since returning to the Serendipity, he had been bogged down by his duties and barely found the time to eat, let alone fully appreciate that the Betazoid man had just dodged a bullet not long ago on his homeworld. A bullet that would have had him in an arranged marriage for political betterment, anchored and unhappy, away from the crew of the Sera whom he had grown fond of as of late.

Taking all that into account, Vol should have been relieved. Instead he found himself overworked, and he had very little time to see his brother, or his Imzadi since they were brought out of stasis. What made things more difficult, was that Siter and Orynn had reserved quarters on the visitor's deck, a number of decks above Vol's own dwellings. With all the scheduled appointments that had built up since his absence, and Orynn and Siter's complicated preparations regarding the art gallery they were to present and host on Earth in a few days time, Vol was wandering if he would even notice if they left the ship. He constantly felt the burning desire to be close to his beloved, which was a feel made more difficult to endure considering current proximity.

Vol walked into his quarters, nearly exhausted from his day on duty. He dropped all of his PADDs of data onto the floor before he let his body fall onto his bed. He heaved a sigh of relief, and just let the day's stresses melt away. His thoughts soon drifted towards his feelings towards Orynn, and how he missed him. He wondered if maybe the busy schedules were just excuses on both their parts. Maybe there was something more to this, maybe they were avoiding each other unintentionally. But then, what would be the reason?

*Are you here?* Vol heard, and he propped himself up from his resting position.

*Yes.* Vol responded quickly. A moment passed, before Vol snapped himself from his lull and opened the door to his quarters.

Orynn's eyes stared back at him, the hazel hue sending a familiar chill down the back of his legs. Vol wanted to smile, what stopped him were the feelings and emotions coursing through Orynn.

*Come in.* Vol insisted. Vol was worried now, Orynn seemed apologetic, but fearful of something as well.

The doors closed as Orynn entered and walked past Vol. The Counselor followed, standing over Orynn's shoulder. As if his body were independent of his mind, he stepped closer. His arms wrapped the man's waist, and he buried his head into the nape of his neck, taking in his Imzadi's scent. The tribulations of days worth of hard work and Starfleet duty fell away, and all that remained were these two gentleman.

*I've missed you.* Orynn sent telepathically, taking Vol's hand into his own.

*What's troubling you?* Vol asked, concern showing in his thoughts. He pushed Orynn around so that they would face each other. The pair were almost exactly eye level, save for Orynn having an inch or two on the Counselor.

Vol looked into his eyes once more, and he hesistaded before answering. Vol's hands found their way to Orynn's neck and they climbed slowly, taking his handsome face into his grip. Vol's fingers gently scratched the scalp of the taller man, causing his eyes to waver. Orynn's lips parted, and he bent down to surprise Vol with a kiss.

*We'll talk later.* Orynn thought, and Vol couldn't help but surrender. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, which makes the reunion quite a astounding thing that no party can hope to deny.

Ensign Vol Tryst
Ship's Counselor
USS Serendipity NCC-2012