strenghtening friendships

Posted on Friday, 24 July 2020 - 5:51pm by Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD & Lieutenant JG Kay’la

Mission: Operation: Jabberwocky

Ryan had spent the morning in sickbay, keeping paperwork under control, and taking some of the 'plasma burn' variety injuries off of Emerick's plate. But he was still determined to take most of this shoreleave. He wasn't usually the shopping type, his needs were pretty basic. He had his art supplies, but was still interested in finding some piano music and perhaps another serving of that cake would no go amiss. So he headed back to the base for the afternoon.

He'd barely arrived when he spotted a familiar form. "Kay'la." He he called out, heading towards her.

“Ryan!” Kay’la smiled warmly as she turned around and looked. “What brings you back to the station?”

"More shopping actually. You?"

“Me?” She grinned. “I was just ... picking up something I saw before that I considered getting but didn’t.” She held up a bag. “It’s just a Klingon blade, it’s one thing that I don’t own that the shopkeeper had in a private collection.”

"Oh, well good that you decided to pick it up if you really like it. I'm going to splurge and find some piano music. I'd enjoy the company if you want to join me. I'll even pick up the tab on some of that cake you introduced me to."

“Now that I can’t refuse!” Kay’la grinned playfully. “Do you play piano or do you simply like listening to it? I wish I had the patience to learn to play but my short temper makes learning something like that difficult. I just end up getting upset and I give up! Nursing has been the only thing I’ve truly loved enough to stick with.”

"Well I try to play the piano, whether I manage it is rather a matter of opinion. I'm glad you saved your patience for nursing, It certainly seems to be your calling. You're an excellent nurse."

Kay’la blushed . “Thank you Ryan. May I ask you something?”

"Of course." Ryan immediately replied.

“I heard on the grapevine that you recently split with your wife. I just ... wanted to say I’m sorry and if you ever need a friend you can always count on me.” She offered a warm smile hoping she wouldn’t offend by mentioning it.

Ryan offered a small but falsely put on smile. "Thank you. I appreciate that." He was eager to avoid the subject though, so quickly changed it. "So, I believe we have some shopping to do."

Kay’la noted the quick change of subject but let it drop. “Well I’m sure I can always find more things to buy!” She grinned. “Actually I’d like to buy a little gift for Counsellor Vali, I know she’s only a few weeks into her pregnancy and I don’t really know her yet but it’d be nice to do some baby shopping. I was thinking a teddy for the little one and a pregnancy diary or record book for mum.”

"That's a great idea." Ryan agreed. "I'd like to get her something as well, but I don't have any ideas yet. Something will come to me. When my sister was pregnant I was stationed, so I missed the whole thing other than some scattered subspace calls. It's nice to be able to be an obstetrician."

Kay’la smiled. “Well you’re getting hands on at the right time, its a fun experience for mother’s once they get past the morning sickness part. The miracle of pregnancy, of growing a life I think it’s incredible!”

Ryan chuckled. "Oh? The pitter patter of little feet in your future?" He teased.

"I'd like to think so" Kay'la smiled. "I like children but there's no mad rush, I'd have to find a guy I'm serious about first."

"That usually helps." Ryan smiled back. "So, piano music, and baby gifts, and cake. Why don't we start with the music?" He asked. They were at the shopping area now, having reached it as they talked.

Kay’la nodded. “I always wanted to learn to play piano, I don’t suppose you’d have the patience to teach?” She grinned. “I warn you I’m not the most patient person there is.”

Ryan chuckled. "Of course. The mechanics of it really aren't that difficult. I'll pick up some basic music for you." They wandered into a music shop, and Ryan immediately went to drool over a baby grand they had on display. Oh, if only he had the room and the funds for such a beauty.

Kay’la couldn’t help but notice the way Ryan was drooling over the piano. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” She smiled. “couldn’t it fit in somewhere?”

She made him actually think about it. "Well if I gave up the dining room table." He looked at her. It was a crazy idea. Starfleet officers didn't go around with baby grand pianos.

“If you want it I’ll go halves with you!” Kay’la grinned. “It’s the least I can do for a friend whose willing to try to teach me to play.”

Ryan laughed. "No. none of that. I'm happy to teach you to play." He paused. "Oh, what the heck, why not. It's just me after all, and I never use the dining table anyway." He smiled at Kay'la "But if I get in trouble with Command, I'm blaming you." He teased.

“Please do!” Kay’la grinned and waved to the storekeeper. “We’ll take this.”

Ryan just internally chuckled at her gumption. "I'll be getting some music as well." He told the storekeeper. He led her over to the piano music. "Any particular kind of music you prefer?"

“Something easy to play” Kay’la grinned. “I don’t mind what it is as long as it isn’t related to Klingon opera!”

Ryan laughed. "Ok, easy enough." He picked out a few simple tunes that he had started out on, then browsed for a bit for some pieces for himself. "I have no idea how they are going to get that thing to my quarters, but I'll let the shopkeeper figure that out. Anything else you want to look at here, or shall we go shopping for T'Lanna?"

Kay’la turned to look from where she stood. “Let’s go mum and baby shopping.”

The maternity/baby store wasn't a long walk. Ryan went for something practical. It would be awhile before it was needed, but who knew when he'd have another opportunity to pick up a baby gift. He showed Kay'la. "It's neutral, useful.." He waited for her opinion on the baby swing. It had two 'seats' one completely horizontal for a new born/infant, and a larger seat that would fit up to a toddler.

“I like it!” Kay’la nodded. In her hand she had a diary that T’Lanna could fill out and was looking at some small teddies suitable for a newborn to have for when the time eventually came. “How’s about this?” She picked up a small cuddly bunny rabbit.

"Perfect. On both. Beats a giant stuffed alligator." He chuckled. Though honestly, he wouldn't give up Dr Sexy Alligator. "I know we have months to go, but would you be interested in helping plan a baby shower for T'Lanna?"

“Sure I’d love to!” Kay’la nodded enthusiastically. “May I ask ... what will happen with T’Lanna and her child once he’s born? From what I understand children aren’t permitted onboard ship whilst not in dock. Doesn’t that mean she’d have to leave her son behind?” She sighed. “I know how that would make me feel.”

"I honestly don't know. I know some ships make exceptions, especially the larger ships. But we're so small. She'll have to make that decision." Ryan made the arrangements to have his purchase sent to the Standing Bear.

“How horrible, I hope she manages to arrange something.” Kay’la smiled as she arranged to have her things transferred to her quarters on the ship just incase they ran into T’Lanna.

Ryan nodded. "I hope so too." Then he changed the subject to something a bit happier. "Well I am sure glad Starfleet takes care of my lodging, because I have enough for cake, and that's it." Ryan smiled though. "Shall we?"

“Sure let’s!” Kay’la smiled. “Don’t forget I’m going halves with you on the cost of that baby grand piano so you’ll get those credits back. I did talk you into it after all.”

"We'll see about that." Ryan replied, smiling. He'd do his best to make sure he covered the cost. They ended up back at the same restaurant, and Ryan not only had a slice of cake there but ordered an entire cake to go. Who knew when the next time he could get actual baked goods would be.

They were heading back to the ship when his combadge went off

**********

finished in tea, biscuits...