Moving to the Next Step.

Posted on Sun Nov 23rd, 2025 @ 12:18pm by Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Joshua Silas

2,061 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Joshua's quarters
Timeline: 2439-07-23, 1900 hrs

Joshua had taken Amber back to his quarters for a special, romantic candlelight dinner and an evening of soft music, good food and drink along with an ulterior motive. As the pair entered his cabin, he called out "Computer play some soft romantic music, specifically Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers." Instantly Bobby Hatfield's soulful voice filled the cabin. "Would you care for some wine Amber?"

Amber was still recovering from the sheer strength of mental intrusion on her mind, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from enjoying her time with Joshua. “I think that would be lovely, thank you.”

Josh was fully aware that Amber was still recovering from the mental onslaught she had been under so, tonight was just going to be a nice, laid back relaxing evening. He knew she certainly had earned it as well as deserved it. He uncorked the wine and smiling at her, he poured her a glass.

“Thank you Josh” Amber picked up her glass with shaky hands. “I don’t think I want to feel anything like that again for a long time.”

He smiled warmly at her as he filled his own glass. "You are welcome. I hope you never feel anything like that again. I am just glad you are alright and to make sure you don't overdo it, I have a nice relaxing, laid back evening planned for us. So you just relax."

Amber nodded. “To be honest I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Telepathic contact, yes, but not that way. I’m surprised my senses are still functioning, I quite practically went into overload.”

Josh nodded, "It must have been nerve wracking and terrifying love to be in a situation that you had no control over. Where you were more or less along for the ride. I'm so sorry you went through that. If I could make it go away I would but I can't. What I can do is make sure you relax and just enjoy yourself."

“Thank you Josh” Amber offered a smile. “Being here with you is just what I need right now, where better to be to relax.”

"Good. That's exactly what I want to hear and what I you to do, just relax and leave everything to me. I think I have a nice evening planned for us."

“Then I’ll look forward to relaxing here with you” Amber smiled warmly before sipping her drink.

"Perfect! That is exactly what I was hoping you would do." Josh grinned at her, "Now is there anything you need?"

“Apart from your company? Absolutely nothing.” Amber grinned. “I’m just looking forward to a nice dinner and a chance to cuddle up with you.”

Josh grinned broadly. "Oh wow! Music to my ears. I know I can fulfill that request. How about a nice dinner then some quality cuddle time?"

Amber grinned. “Now that sounds wonderful. Can I help you do anything?”

"Yes you can. You can sit right there and relax, I got this." Josh answered with a grin of his own.

“Yes Sir” Amber grinned as she put her feet up and relaxed, sipping her drink and enjoying the rest while Josh prepared the dinner.

"Man, I love it when you are so agreeable." Josh said as he entered the kitchen to finish preparing their dinner.

“I don’t think I’m ever disagreeable” Amber offered with a wry grin.

"Oh nooooo honey! You don't or if you do, I haven't found it yet." Josh answered from the kitchen. He stuck his head out. "You want to eat there or come to the table?"

“I can come to the table” Amber smiled. “Just the smell of that food is making my mouth water!”

"Ohhhh, you are a flatter!" Josh joked. "Come to the table then and I'll bring it out, then we can enjoy it together."

Walking over to the table Amber took a seat, making herself comfortable as she waited for the food that smelt so delicious to come out.

"Here, comes dinner!" Josh yelled as he exited the kitchen. he had one pan of buttered string beans, another pan had yeast rolls. He placed the pans down in front of Amber. "Be right back with the main course," A she ducked back into the kitchen only to return with two plates. On each was a huge ribeye steak and baked potato. He placed one plate in front of Amber. "I hope you enjoy it. Oh, save room for dessert."

“Wow! I wasn’t expecting all this.” Amber smiled warmly. “Thank you.” She helped herself to some beans, before cutting open her potato to add some butter.

"You deserve it and a lot more." Josh replied simply as he took a yeast roll followed by some string beans before finally cutting his steak and trying a piece. Placing it in his mouth, his eyes closed as he savored the taste. "Oh yum!, If I do say so myself."

Amber grinned before savouring the steak for herself. “Absolutely lovely! The steak is so tender. I swear you’re the best cook anyone could wish for.”

Josh smiled, "Oh Amber, you say the kindest sweetest, most considerate things!" He smiled as he said his next "Say more!" He teased then grew serious. "I am so lucky, so fortunate to have you in my life. Thank you Amber for coming into my life."

“No, thank you for coming into mine Josh” Amber smiled warmly. “I was hiding away from love until you came onboard. I’m glad we found each other again.”

Josh put his knife and fork down and slowly got out of his chair and walked to where Amber was seated. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me." He bent forward as he said his next, "I love you Amber. So help me I do." Then he kissed her tenderly on her lips. "You taste good too." He teased.

Amber couldn’t help but grin. “So do you!” She smiled as she looked into his eyes. “Thank you for bringing love back into my life Josh.”

He smiled brilliantly at her, "I think I should be thanking you Amber, for taking the chance and loving me." He replied his voice full of emotion.

“I always did like you, but of course back then it was just as friends.” Amber smiled. “I have a chance to live a life full of love again, and I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Josh nodded, "And look at us now." He grinned. "I hope you never stop enjoying your chance Amber and I'm going to do all I can to make sure you have all the love you could ever want.”

Amber smiled and nodded. “I know, now let’s get this delicious dinner finished before it goes cold!

Josh nodded, "Now, I call that an excellent idea. Let's finish this dinner."

Amber nodded giving Josh a bright smile. “Delicious food should never go to waste.”

"I could not agree more. Here is something else that should not be wasted or taken for granted.." Josh paused before finishing. "Love." He said simply with a smile as he looked at Amber.

“I promise you now, I will never take you for granted Josh. I’ve lost love once, I won’t lose you.” Amber responded before tucking into what was left on her plate.

"I make the same promise to you Amber. "You are my forever love. I will not lose you. I promise you,: As he took another bite of his meal.

Amber smiled warmly before finishing off what was left of her dinner. “Mmm…that was delicious! Thank you Josh.”

"I'm glad you liked it Amber." Josh replied. "I hope you saved space for dessert. For it is truly special."

“Ohh now you’re just spoiling me!” Amber grinned as she gave Josh a curious look. “What is it?”

Josh just flashed a smile and got up and went into the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with a plate of chocolate lava cakes, covered in melted chocolate, whipped cream and topped with cherries. "Here you go Amber, chocolate lava cakes covered in melted chocolate with a peanut butter center. See what you think."

“Right now I think I’m going to seriously enjoy these!” Amber grinned. “To hell with any calorie counting, not that I worry too much about that.” She picked up her spoon digging in before sitting back with a heavenly look on her face. “Ohh…wow!”

Josh beamed at Amber's reaction. Seeing her happy and enjoying herself made him happy. He decided to tease her a bit. "Well, if you don't like it Amber....." He said reaching an arm out as if to snatch the dessert away, knowing he ran the risk of being attacked with a fork.

“Ohh no you don’t!” Amber grinned as she pulled her plate away practically hugging it.

Josh laughed, it was rich and full of good humor. Amber could do that to him, just make him laugh and enjoy being in her company and whatever situation they were in. "Are you sure?" He teased. "I don't want you eating something you don't like."

“Ohh I’m sure!” Amber grinned before eating some of her dessert.

Josh nodded, "Alright if your sure." and pulled his hand back. Still smiling broadly, he said, "I'm happy you like it."

“Like it!? I love it!!” Amber grinned as she set the plate back down to continue eating. “You treat me like I’m so special Josh, I appreciate it.”

Josh looked at her, "Amber, don't you know? You are special. You are special and very important to me." He paused and lowered his eyes for a moment before he raised them to look at her. "I love you Amber." He said softly.

Amber knew that, in-fact she felt very much the same. Until now she’d held back a little afraid to fully commit but now she was truly ready. “I know I’ve held back on you Josh, but not anymore. I love you too, and I want us to be together.”

Josh's smile was an image of beauty as Amber said she loved him as well. His entire face lit up at her words. "Oh, that is wonderful! I want us to spend the rest of our lives together." He replied earnestly.

“Big plans already huh?” Amber smiled happily, after her prior loss she wasn’t sure she’d ever be so happy again.

Josh blushed deeply, "Yes but only with you, I’m sorry if I seem to be rushing things. I'm not trying or meaning to.,"

“Oh Josh I’m sorry!” Amber offered an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I know you’re not rushing things, you’ve been very patient with me these last few months.”

Josh shook his head, "You haven't done anything to apologize for Amber. I'm not uncomfortable exactly. I just want this to be right between us." he looked at her, "Does that make sense?"

Amber nodded. “It makes perfect sense.”

Josh blew a relieved breath through his lips. "Good, I'm glad to know I'm not being weird about this."

“You, weird?” Amber shook her head. “No way!”

Josh threw his head back and laughed at Amber's comment. "Thank you. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I think you are amazing."

“Me? Amazing?” Amber grinned. “I just do what I do, and I just be myself. I’m no more amazing than anyone else.”

"Well, how about I say you are amazing to me. How does that sound?" Josh replied with a smile.

“That sounds wonderful” Amber replied with the warmest smile yet.

"Whew." Josh grinned. "Glad you agree. See? You are amazing."

Amber couldn’t help but grin, one thing was certain she and Josh were meant for each other.

Josh felt and was happy being with Amber. No, it was more than that he felt complete, like a part of him had been missing up until now. Amber completed him, made him feel good. He was happy, deliriously so with her and he was content. He had someone he loved with every fiber of his being, someone who just being in her company made him feel good and she loved him back.

RSS Feed