Dinner

Posted on Thu Dec 15th, 2016 @ 5:25pm by Splendora Sage & Tom Vercetti

1,818 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 93 - Warrior VS Warrior
Location: Starbase 400 Promenade
Timeline: MD04

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Splendora checked herself in the mirror one last time. She had decided on her short thigh length green dress with spaghetti straps. From her waist green see through material cascaded down to her ankles covering her bare legs. She'd decided on the black stiletto shoes. For her hair she'd curled it and put it up in a messy bun. Her eyes were covered in smoky green shadow and her lips in a velvet red colour. Green emerald earrings hung from her ears and a emerald bubble necklace lead a triangle shape that pointed towards the V or her dress.

Smiling she took one last look and headed out. It didn't take long to get to Tom's restaurant. She took a breath and entered seeing Tom at the bar talking with the bartender.

Tom was ready for his date, kind of. He stood talking with Vito about a possible VIP guest tonight and also told his right-hand man to send a dinner try to Sick Bay for Vice Admiral K'Temoc. He wasn't sure what he could eat with is neck and throat healing, but he wanted to make sure he ate something better than the typical patent food.

Tom then darted back into his office without realizing Sage was already there waiting on him. He put his suit jacket on then debated on wearing a tie for a moment. He finally decided to wear the royal blue and gold one he'd received as a Christmas gift a few years before. The blue matched his shirt nicely. He made sure his black slacks were straight, his black jacket was just right, and finished ting the tie. He liked dark colors, but the hoped the gold in the tie would set everything off enough that it didn't look like he was going to a funeral.

Walking out of his office he yelled over to Vito, "Hey V, make sure the chicken marsala comes out right tonight, I don't want a repeat of last..." his voice trailed off when he saw Splendora, "...you don't what to do."

He walked over to her, "You look very nice." He flashed a warm smile.

Splendora's cheeks coloured slightly at he complement. "You look very nice too." She liked the tie. It suited him and brought out his eyes. There was something to be said about a man in a nice suit. She was a bit rusty with dating but she was confident that this one would go well. "In fact you look amazing."

"Thank you." Tom replied as he held out his arm for her to take. "I thought we could try the Japanese resterant. Do you like sushi?"

Shyly she took his arm. She loved that about Tom. He was a true gentleman. "I've never had any! I'm always up for trying new food." They walked out of Tom's place and headed towards the Japanese restaurant.

A few minutes later they stepped into Inakya's and were quickly greated by it's owner from behind the sushi bar. "Ah, Mister Vercetti, welcome!" He gave a respectful bow.

Tom gave a bow in return. "Good to see you Yoshi."

"You want your usual table?" Eir replied.

"That'll be fine." Tom replied as they were lead to an isolated both in the back. The waitress soon brought both salid with genger dressing and miso soup with green tea to drink.

"Be careful, the tea is hot." Tom said to Sage as he poured the drink.

She smiled. "This is going to be fun!" She blew on the tea before she took a sip. "This is really great. I love green tea. What's Miso soup?" She began with her salad. "So tell me a bit about yourself."

"Miso soup is..." Tom was cut off by Yoshi as he brought a large boat looking bamboo bowl. "I brought the special of the house. Various nigiri, sashimi, maki, uramaki, and temaki. You like?" He asked with a smile.

Tom looked it over and smiled back, "Yes, thank you."

Yoshi bowed then returned to the sushi bar. Tom pointed out the different kinds to Sage before picking up a piece of nigiri, dipped it in soy sauce, and taking a bite.

"What would you like to know?" Tom asked.

Splendora looked at the dish momentarily blinded by the different kinds of sushi. She listened to what Tom sad about each and then decided to try the Uramaki. She dipped it in soy sauce. "Well I'd like to know everything. From you favorite colour to if you have brother and sisters to what it's like running a successful restaurant." She tasked the uramaki closing her eyes and savouring the taste. It was really good.

"My sister's name is Janet Vercetti-Morris, I've not seen here in about three years. She lives on Earth with her husband and three kids in a small town in Kansas. My mom's name is Maria, father is James. They still live in Brooklyn New York where they moved to about twenty years ago. I was born in Pelermo, Sicily. When I was little we moved to the outskirts of Newark, New Jersey and later to the Southside of Chicago. My favorite color is blue."

Tom took another bite and waited to see if she had anymore questions or if she would give some info about herself.

She laughed. "My oh my! That wasn't an interrogation you know." The speed and efficiency with which he listed all that seemed like he just wanted to plow through it.

Tom smirked.

Splendora sipped her tea. "Well my favorite colour purple." She smiled warmly at him. "And emerald green. I was born on Betazed. My mother, Helena was an Ambassador and worked in the diplomacy negotiation unit there we're from the 12th House...the um...house of balance so most everyone goes into diplomacy. My father was El Aurian, Starfleet marine." She spoke almost numbly when refereeing to her parents. "I have three...I mean two brothers. Allan and Joshua both older and Jaden was my twin but he...well he died." There was more to it then that but it was a painful memory. "Both Allan and Joshua, last I remember, were on track for Starfleet diplomacy and then there is my sister Holly...whom you've met. I left home at 16 and I managed keep my family from finding out where I am until well...Holly. But I guess they know now."

"You seem nervous, there's no need to be." Tom gently squeezed her hand for a moment to reassure her...but before he could say anything else the curtain around their booth was pulled open.

"There you are Vercetti, Damon Zark said he saw you come in here."

Tom slowly stood up, "What do you want Mar'q? I'm having a private dinner here."

The Ferengi looked over Splendore for a moment before looking back to Tom. "You still owe us Vercetti for that failed business venture last month."

"It's not my fault your brother's ship was inspected before departing the station. Blame Commander Lokran's efficiency for that." Tom replied with a smirk.

"But you tipped him off." Mar'q accused.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Security also sweep through my restaurant and storage area after your brother accused me selling him those...things. They didn't find anything." Tom replied. "Now, I suggest you return to your brother's bar or your shop and allow us to continue our dinner, alone." Tom's tone changed and Mar'q noted it was more hostile than usual. He grunted then closed the curtain and left.

Tom sat down and looked at Sage, "I apologize for that."

Splendora had observed the scene and she kept processing the emotions on all sides...well accept the Ferengi. She couldn't read them. She looked at Tom and then squeezed his hand. "It's okay...if you need to take care of this..." Then she thought of the threatening tone and stance of the one Tom called Mar'q. "The one called Mar'q...I don't think this is over. When we're done dinner you have to let me walk you home in case he comes back and maybe Vitto should stay with you. I don't trust this one." She moved close to Tom unconsciously taking a protective position.

Tom smirked, "It's fine, Mar'q and Zark are mostly all talk. He won't bother us again tonight." He tried to reassure her, but this was just an example of what he meant when he warned her before.

"Tell me, what do you think of the food?" Tom asked as he took another bite.

She smiled. "I love it! Especially the soup and the uramaki." She studied Tom for a moment. "I'm really glad we're doing this Tom. This is technically my first real date."

Tom flashed a warm smiled. "Technically your first real date?" He asked.

"Well I was engaged to a man I met only once. Our parents arraigned that. We had dinner but our families were there so that wasn't a date and I kind of ran away before we were to get married...and I really didn't date after that It was survival, then career so..." She grinned. "This is the first date. I like it so far!" She said with enthusiasm. "I don't know if I'm doing it right but I like it!" she chuckled. "So tell me more about you. What's your favourite food? Do you like to cook?"

"You're doing fine." Tom replied then finished off the last piece of sushi. "Do I like to cook? What's my favorite food? Well, I do own an Italian Restaurant, a Bar and Grille right?"

He stood and offered a hand. "It's getting late, I'll walk you home."

She smiled and took his hand. "How about I walk you home. I didn't like the look of that mean Ferengi and his friend."

Tom couldn't help but laugh. "Splendora, believe me, Mar'q poses no threat. I'm well trained, and well, he's a coward."

"O...okay." She said reluctantly.

They walked arm in arm until they reached her quarters. She smiled up at him. "Um...I'm not sure how this goes and all but...can I give you a kiss?" She asked.

Tom didn't answer, instead he waited until a passer-by rounded the corner. "No, but I'll kiss you." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips gently, then took a step back and gave a nod. "Tonight was an honor Miss Splendora Sage. Have a nice night."

With that, Tom turned and walked down the corridor.

She smiled. "I had a great night." She called after him as he rounded the corner.

Still feeling the high from a great night she didn't notice that Phoenix wasn't barking nor did she notice that the lights were off.

She entered and felt a hand clamp down on her mouth. The mouth next to her ear whispered, "Don't scream."

A familiar voice.

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