The Drawer

Posted on Fri Apr 14th, 2023 @ 5:51pm by Ensign George Paxton & Senior Chief Petty Officer Mason Malone

Mission: Character Development
Location: George's Quarters
820 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

George gazed into Mason's eyes during dinner for just a moment, admiring the cute and caring man he had found himself in a relationship with. He had come to look forward to these dinners with Mason. So much so that he wished the time lasted longer before the man had to leave for his own quarters. At least they had a couple more hours until that moment passed.

"How's the shrimp and grits?" George asked, curious to know how Mason felt about the savory dish.

"To be fair, I thought grits were a breakfast food?" Mason queried as he stirred through his food. He generally loved George's cooking but tonight it was something he didn't really seem to care for. He just didn't have the heart to tell the man. "I do love shrimp though...is this something you created yourself?"

"No, it's a very classic southern dish from my area. This is my mother's recipe and although grits can be eaten for breakfast, it's also a great dinner food. I just love how the smoked gouda makes the grits nice and creamy and savory," he smiled and then peered at Mason stirring the dish aimlessly. "You can just say you're not a fan of it if you don't like it. I won't be offended. Not everyone likes the same things."

Slowly, Mason nodded. "It's not really something I'd call a favourite," he admitted, "not as dinner anyway. But I do really appreciate the effort. How was your day today, getting along better with the new guy in charge?"

"It was fine. I haven't really interacted with Lieutenant O'Connell much outside of our morning meetings. Though, maybe some additional interaction wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm guessing he doesn't have many friends yet. Maybe we should invite him over for dinner sometime. What do you think?" He asked.

"Uhh...sure?" Mason frowned. "If he can forget the bad impression I made when I was looking for Finn?"

"I'm sure he can look past it," George said, finishing up the last of his shrimp and grits and then collecting both of their plates to recycle in the replicator. "If he hasn't yet, then maybe getting to know you more will help change his mind."

"I hope so, I really did make a fool of myself..." Mason cast his partner a rueful but honest smile. "Ready for dessert?" Like many times when George provided dinner, Mason would provide dessert.

"I might need to wait a minute, I think I ate too much dinner," George chuckled. "Did you, uhm, have plans for after dessert? I know usually you head out pretty soon after to turn in since we have early shifts."

"I actually have the night shift tomorrow so I can sleep in a bit for once," Mason suddenly seemed to remember, "so I can actually stay...I mean...if you want? I don't have to leave early and I don't have plans."

"Yea, I would love that. I actually was thinking...if you wanted...I uhm," George fumbled. Maybe it would be easier to show him rather than explain. "Come with me." He got up from the table and went into the room. He didn't have a lot of decorations, George was never much for clutter. He just appreciated a few sentimental tokens. He walked over to the dresser and pressed a button to pop open the third drawer and motioned to the empty space, forgetting to explain what he was actually trying to show Mason.

Following close on his heels, Mason peered past George into the empty drawer. "I dearly hope you don't expect me to get in there?" he chuckled, casting George a teasing smile, "what are you trying to tell me love?"

"Oh! No!" George shook his head and his face flushed red with embarrassment. "I wanted to show you...I emptied it...I emptied it for you. I thought...Maybe you'd want to keep some of your things here? So that you didn't have to go back to your quarters all the time at the end of the evening. You could keep some clothes and whatever else here. I mean, only if you'd like." He smiled nervously.

Cupping his face between both hands, Mason looked him right in the eyes. "I do," he answered, "I want to. I hate having to go back every evening, but I also hate having to wake you when I have an early shift, or coming home when you're already sleeping. But yes...I do." He leaned in and kissed the man, briefly closing his eyes. "I'm glad you don't want me to get in there," he murmured teasingly.

George chuckled and smiled as relief washed over him. "I'm sorry, I'm not very good at communicating when I'm nervous. Then again, you already know that," he pulled Mason in for another kiss. "And I love you for accepting me, and my empty drawer."