Title: Epilogue: Night of Solace, 22:00PM II

Prompt: (22:00/10PM) "Improving the rational mind, sensibility and clear mindedness."


(2509 VI) - December


Lexine was busying typing up another report, caught up in her own little world, when her immersion was broken by the scent of plant life; flowers specifically. Without warning, a kiss was pressed against her cheek. "Oh," She swiveled in her chair, surprised to find Gabe standing behind her, looking slightly out of sorts with a bow wrapped bouquet of tulips in front of him, in his security suit no less. The elements clashing in front of her eyes were astounding, amusing almost.

Lexine observed the flowers for a moment then allowed herself to smile once she got her eyebrows down from behind her bangs. "Gabe, hi," She stood up and patted him awkwardly on arm. He chose not to acknowledge the motion. Stepping back he extended the hand holding the bouquet to her. "Here, these are for you."

Lexine procured them from his grasp, running her fingertips across the silk texture of their pedals. "Flowers?" She smiled slyly, tucking one foot behind the other. "Coming on a bit strong, aren't we?" Gabe nodded, agreeing with her assessment, teasing as it was. "So, I'm a bit rusty at the not-casual dating thing," He shrugged. "I've been busy with other things."

She tapped his chest with the head of the flowers; Gabe grimaced when he watched a few pedals fall to the ground from her mishandling. "You seem to flirt pretty good for a rust bucket," Lexine continued to tease.

"Flirting is easy, a commitment is a different beast altogether," Gabe reminded her. Lexine supposed. Since that "first date" in the relaxation room, Lexine wasn't sure what to make of their relationship. As the initiator, Gabe was certainly willing to make it work and Lexine was adjusting to the idea of calling Gabe her "boyfriend" odd as the title sounded next to his name.

"Flowers on a third date usually aren't done in this century."

"You know, you're right," He pulled the flowers from her grip and looked toward the approaching woman from the main office. "I'll just give these to Miranda- Miranda!" Lexine felt the blood drain from her face when her boss looked up from the datapad, a smile slowing creeping onto her face with the removal of her glasses. "Yes, what is it, Gabe?"

'Gabe'?! Of all the- since when were they on a first name basis, him and Miranda? Lexine snatched them back and held them close. "No, I didn't say I didn't want them!" Turning her back she stuffed the stems into an empty pencil holder, fanning out their leaves to further exhibit her appreciation. When she turned around Gabe was laughing at her. Miranda approached Lexine's desk, her eyes wandering the security officer's body in open appreciation. "Gabe, was there something you needed?"

Gabe waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, just wanted to say hello," His response was disappointing as demonstrated from the small frown on her face. "Oh… okay," Madison nodded awkwardly and continued on about her way, shoulders a little lower.

"When have you been on such friendly terms with Miss Miranda?" Lexine asked.

"I'm not, but I knew it'd rattle you," Gabe grinned. "Besides, thought you didn't like old fashion tokens of appreciation?"

"I like them just fine- it's just," She shrugged, unsure of how express herself without insult. "Coming from you, I was just taken aback is all." The 'o' shape of his mouth and subsequent creased brow made her smile; Gabe was not as insensitive as he like to play, he knew the things he did or said had some type of impact on her depending on the situation and the same could be said in vice versa as well. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if she was embarrassed to be seen with him.

"Look, if this is about my age-"

"Oh, no, no," Lexine's hand fastened itself around his forearm, firm and resolute. She let out a little laugh and allowed herself to smile despite the troubled expression on his face. "Trust me, I haven't the slightest problem with dating a forty eight year old man, that's not a big deal for me," She paused, her thumb tapping the plating of his suit. "It's just- I'm still getting used to this, if you understand me. I mean- I'm enjoying this, but I've spent the longest time thinking- you know, thinking about us on a different level." At the forced chuckle, Lexine shook her head. "Oh, God, I'm not making anything sense, am I?"

"No, no, I follow you," Gabe interjected. "Take it slow. Don't worry. I'll just come as I am next time until we're a little further in this. Does that work for you?"

Lexine nodded. "Y-yeah, yes," She said. "Thank you for hearing me out."

Watching him pretend that he had a call to respond to was the most awkward-but-cute thing in the world. They were going have to talk some more about this, weren't they?

"Smooth, Lexie, really smooth," She muttered to herself.