The course of true love
Posted on Mon Aug 25th, 2025 @ 5:20pm by Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Joshua Silas
1,235 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Gaia
Location: Various
Timeline: Current
~ Josh's Quarters ~
Josh looked in the mirror and smiled it was true, no doubt about it. He was in love with Amber. He had always been fond of her but now that she was here on the Enterprise and they had reconnected and had spent more time in each other's company, he knew he loved her. She was smart, witty had a good sense of humor, attractive, compassionate and caring and he had never been happier. Amber seemed happier as well, she smiled more, laughed and joke. Now with this being their three month anniversary he had something special planned for her... a candlelight dinner with wine, soft music, good food and excellent company.
Amber had chosen a pretty dress for her date night with Josh, paired with the pearl necklace he’d given her on their first date. Her hair was down as well, a change from the on duty look. She and Josh had become very close, something she’d never envisioned happening when she’d first come onboard. She was happy and that was what mattered.
Josh made his way to Amber's quarters. He had a small box in his hands, it contained pearl earrings to compliment the necklace he had given her on their first date. He also had a rose in his hand for her. It symbolized how special she was to him and she brightened his life with her presence. he just hoped she didn't think it was too hokey.
~ Amber’s Quarters ~
Amber was just finished getting ready when her door chime rang, greeting Josh at the door she smiled as she motioned him inside.
"Hi Sweetie!" Josh greeted Amber as he entered her quarters, "You look stunning in that dress, absolutely stunning." He brought his hands from behind his back and handed her the small box. "For you darling."
“For me!” Amber grinned like a kid in a candy shop as she politely took the box and opened it. “Ohh Josh! These are beautiful. Thank you!” She smiled before leaning in for a kiss. She let it linger before turning her attention to the earrings, changing the ones she was wearing for her new set.
Josh chuckled at Amber's reaction to the earrings. "Of course for you love." He replied as she kissed him and let the kiss linger. He watched as Amber replaced the earrings she had on with the ones he had just given her. "Beautiful." He whispered. He only had eyes for Amber.
Amber couldn’t help but blush, she was quite bashful when it came to personal comments. “So, where do you have in mind for us to go today?”
Josh smiled, "I thought we'd have dinner in my quarters and then go for a walk in the arboretum or go to the concert they are having."
“If I was to choose I think I’d go with the arboretum, more time alone with you” Amber grinned. “But if you want to go to the concert then we’ll go.”
Josh shook his head from side to side while a smile appeared on his face, "Nope, I like the arboretum as well and for the exact same reasons you said."
Amber nodded and smiled. “In that case let’s get going!” She paused long enough to give Josh a gentle kiss before taking his arm ready to walk with him.
Josh beamed at the kiss, Being with Amber was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She was so kind and considerate. Smart and attractive as well. "Right you are Amber, Let's go and enjoy ourselves." He replied with a smile as the pair headed out the door to begin their evening's adventure.
~ Josh’s Quarters ~
Amber giggled as they walked the short distance to Josh’s quarters to have dinner. “Here we are, so what do you have in mind for dinner? I can set the table ready if you like?”
"That would be a big help!" Josh replied, Yes, please set the table. As for dinner, I prepared flounder fillets, with mashed potatoes, baby carrots and some honey dinner rolls." He smiled at her, " Oh! and some wine. Can you handle that?"
“You bet I can!” Amber nodded. “I remember your flounder from when you cooked it for us last time, it was delicious then and I’ve no doubt it’ll be even better now.”
"I sure hope so!" Josh replied beaming at Amber. "So, if you'll set the table and pour us both a glass of wine. I'll start bringing dinner to the table where we can properly enjoy it."
Nodding Amber picked up what she needed to set the table, making sure it was properly set out she picked up two wine glasses and set those down on the table next. Sorting the wine next she placed their glasses down next to their place mats. “Ready when dinner is Josh.”
"Say no more Amber." Josh replied as he came out of the kitchen carrying a pan of parmesan coated flounder filets. he set the pan down in front of where Amber would be sitting. "Let me get the rest and then we can dig in." He told as he went back into the kitchen to bring out the rest of the nights dinner.
“Mmmm that looks and smells wonderful” Amber smiled as she took her seat, making herself comfortable ready to eat.
"Thanks Amber, I hope it tastes good as well." Josh bantered. "Please help yourself, there's plenty to go around."
Amber nodded, putting out her share of the food on offer. She politely started eating nodding her head as she looked at Josh. “Ohh…wow!” She grinned. “I swear you should be a chef! This food is delicious!”
Josh chuckled at Amber's compliment. "Oh no! I like to cook to be sure but that is for the people I care about and its an occasional meal. Being chef means I would be cooking all the time and I think I would get tired of that very quickly." He finished as he put some food on his plate.
“I think I would too” Amber nodded in agreement. “I won’t expect you to cook all the time,that’s a promise. Besides that’s what replicators are for.”
Josh shook his head, "I don't mind cooking for you. I like it and you appreciate it. Most people just take a good meal for granted. They don't see the effort involved in creating a good meal."
“That’s very true” Amber nodded in agreement. “I was raised to appreciate what I was given, and the hard work that goes into it.”
"See, that is what makes you such a good counselor and a great girlfriend, You care and appreciate the effort someone takes whether it be making a meal or buying you a present or just wanting to spend time with you." You care Amber that makes you special."
Amber couldn’t help but blush. “I never thought I’d ever feel this happy again, I’m sure if you hadn’t come aboard I’d still be alone. Thank you for helping me move on, to help me love again.”
Josh was quiet for a moment before he replied. "Amber, you helped me as well by agreeing to go out with me, us becoming a couple and loving me, for I love you very, very much."