Star Trek: Starbase 777 - riverside-trail

An active date, but one that allows for more than enough talking too, two bikes had been prepared for Vanik and T'Sareth to make use of. The bikes came equipped with little maps, showing the two where to go, as well as cute baskets with flower and heart decorations on the front, so everyone else would know what they're here for, too, and could take care not to disturb them.

Vanik approached the trail cautiously, scanning the area for any other people approaching. There were a few folks milling about but not yet another person that seemed to be obviously heading the same direction. The Vulcan was a very punctual young man, though he was probably a tad earlier than most would be. Part of it was the anxiety - he wanted to appear presentable. Of course there was no requirement for anything to come of this date, but he considered that if he wanted to make a good impression, to even make a friend, he had to try to be...good. As his long legs finally brought him to the scene, he shook his head very slightly and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly on the count of 3..2..1... "Bicycles, fascinating." He said quietly aloud, and reached a hand to touch one of their handlebars. It was rubbery and but kind of soft, and textured, probably for holding better. This had the potential to be engaging. Vanik was lost in thought for the next few moments, until his companion for the date arrived, who would have to greet him or address him to bring him from his pensive thoughts.

T'Sareth was on time to the date and dressed to do some sports. They had some tight leggings (with pockets!) paired with a white tank top and a green wind breaker and some fingerless gloves. They were surprised to see one of his Rumblr matches there! Vanik to be specific. T'Sareth had been attracted to Vanik from the start. The other Vulcan was not only strong, but also had fantastic sportsmanship. T'Sareth enjoyed being with others who shared their passion for health and wellness. They were married to Haru who also liked working out, but him and Haru liked different forms of exercise. "Vanik, it is nice to see you," T'Sareth approached their date and bowed their head in greeting. "I think about our Rumblr match often. You are a strong opponent," He told him as he also inspected the bicycles they would be using. The Valentine's Day decor was expected, but T'Sareth still found it interesting. They took the map to see where they would be going and then looked up the trail. It was beside a river and not very rigorous, probably to allow them to have a more leisurely outing. "I am pleased to see you are my match. You are handsome and strong. I would say you are my type," T'Sareth gave Vanik a very Vulcan compliment.

Vanik was also dressed for an active date, as they'd been told just a hint to make sure they were dressed appropriately. He was wearing linen joggers, light and comfortable and in a warm orange. His shirt was a loose short-sleeved tunic, a sky blue, and he was wearing comfortable looking sneakers, mostly white with light blue laces and thick soles for exercise. Vanik's ears twitched when he heard T'Sareth's greeting, and he swiftly turned around to meet the approaching man. "Greetings," Vanik replied, and made the Ta'al with his right hand. "It is good to see you again, T'Sareth." He nodded and listened as the man spoke, a hint of green flushing his medium brown cheeks at T'Sareth's forward compliments. Vanik was not a prude, and he was not entirely inexperienced, but he was also not married, like T'Sareth was. "Thank you, T'Sareth. You are also a strong opponent. You almost won the match. I believe there is at least a fifty percent probability that you will win a followup match, if we are to spar once more." He raised a curious eyebrow, wondering if T'Sareth was interested in a rematch. Best two of three, perhaps? And what could it lead to... "Type," he repeated, a mumble. Vanik had not considered before if he had a type. It was fascinating, to say the least, that he and T'Sareth had been matched by the OPS personnel running the event. Maybe T'Sareth was his type? Or one of them. "It does not seem like a coincidence that we were matched today. That must mean that there is a statistical probability that we will enjoy one another's company...again." Vanik tilted his head curiously and his eyes scanned T'Sareth's face for any emotion. They were both Vulcans so of course it was all muted, but even Vulcans emoted. It was just a bit more subtle. If T'Sareth were to study Vanik's face back, he would see a bit of apprehension but mostly his eyes were glossy and excited. The young Vulcan was ready to get on the bike and explore the trail with T'Sareth!

T'Sareth tried not to be so obvious as he checked Vanik out. The other Vulcan looked fantastic in sportsware, much like he had been during their Rumblr fight. "I would be argeeable to arranging a second match. I will warn you that this time I will ensure I train harder to prepare," T'Sareth said with an unchanging expression and tone. "I believe that is a logical conclusion," He said in response to Vanik's statement that they would equally enjoy each other's company. T'Sareth was relieved his match was someone he already knew. Although he had no issues with being matched with a stranger, he did not consider himself great a 'first impresisons' per say. He was naturally a more reserved person and flirting was still new to him. When he met Haru, the two grew close not due to either ones' abilities to charm the other with flirtations and compliments, but by each others' strength and preserverence during the Rite of Tal'oth. T'Sareth did a brief check of the bicycle to ensure the seat and handlebars were of appropriate adjustment. He also checked the gears to see what sort of settings he had to work with. The trail was not very mountenous, thankfully. Glancing at the map again, it seemed their biggest obsticle would be the various turns as the path followed the winding river. "Alright, shall we proceed?" T'Sareth swung his leg over the seat to mount it. It was comfortable and he liked the grip of the handlebars. The temperature was good, not too hot or too cold so he did not foresee himself sweating up a storm which would be very unsexy on a romantic date... or maybe it was sexy to Vanik? "The decorations on the bikes are... a choice."

Vanik's eyes were still intent on T'Sareth's face, noticing the other's eyes wandering. That was alright, though he could feel a bit of warmth well up in his cheeks and neck. He did not act as if he had noticed T'Sareth looking, though it was...appreciated. Vanik did not often think of himself as an attractive person, usually divested from his looks and his physical body unless he was working or meditating or exercising. He tried not to be obvious about checking T'Sareth out either, he didn't want the man to feel objectified, but he did believe T'Sareth was an attractive man. The Engineer followed suit and took a step toward his matching bike, looking it over. He was thankful in this moment that OPS had not provided them with a tandem bike... That would have been interesting to say the least. The decorative baskets with flowers and hearts were logical in the sense that many people related these images with Valentine's Day, and this was a Valentine's Day Blind Date afterall. He raised an eyebrow just a tad, and touched the soft heart that had been tied to the basket curiously. It was soft, probably made of replicated fabric! OPS had done a good job, he thought idly before turning his attention back to T'Sareth. "Yes, they are a choice. It appears that whoever decorated for our date believes hearts represent...romance." There was a twitch at the corner of his lips. It was his way of laughing, when he hadn't consumed special brownies on accident, anyway, since apparently he was capable of belly laughing. Though, not at this time. divider

(edited)

18:58

"I believe the pink and red are supposed to symbolize love... or perhaps infatuation." His expression was impassivie, but his voice sounded almost curious. "I find them acceptable, but not an extention of my beliefs on the matter." He paused for a moment, then moved to mount his bike. "Would you like to mount your bike and join me on the ride that Operations has planned for us? I am curious to see where the map takes us. I have not yet visited this part of the Environmental Ring."

"That is right. For many species with red blood, red represents passion and romance," T'Sareth, being Vulcan, did learn about other Federation cultures at school. Ironically, it was in Romulan university where he learned the most about terran holidays as many people in his class were raised on earth or observed holidays on earth. "Yes, I am looking forward to seeing what sort of terrain lay ahead for us to explore," T'Sareth was already on his bike! and ready to go after glancing at the map. He had a pretty good memory, but considering he worked with rocks all day that often looked similar, it made sense he would be good at remembering details. The path that they were to take followed the river, of course. It seemed like the biking trail was separate from the pedestrian one, which was good as they did not want to accidentally hit random people walking. "Is the proper way to ride alongside each other or single file? It is unclear. The road is wide enough for us to go side by side?" T'Sareth was mentally calculating widths of their bikes and how much space they would need in comparison to the width of the path. All the while, T'Sareth was also trying not to stare at Vanik. The way the younger Vulcan was taller than him, the way his biceps flexed when he mounted his bike and gripped the handle bars. His hands too -- oh his hands. It was a good thing T'Sareth had dark skin, it made it less obvious how much he was blushing.

Vanik nodded and stretched his long legs over the bike, got settled on the seat, and began pedaling after the (slightly) older man. He’d not ridden a bicycle in quite some time but was pleased to see that it wasn’t too hard to stay upright and moving forward as long as he kept pedaling at a reasonable pace. Once he’d been able to logic away his anxiety about making a fool of himself in the bicycle, he was able to be more present with T’Sareth. “I believe riding next to each other would better facilitate our ability to converse. The path does appear wide enough to accommodate us.” And so Vanik simply maneuvered his bike next to T’Sareth and his and found a rhythm to match the other man’s. It was quite nice, actually. Once he found his rhythm, Vanik found himself stealing a glance at T’Sareth, having thought he saw the man looking at him in his peripheral. But now he was looking away. Vanik wondered what he was thinking but was unsure if he should ask directly. So instead he took a breath and attempted to engage the other in conversation. They’d not actually talked much before, having spent most of their time together trying to win a spar. “Have you visited this trail before? I have not, because I do not have a bicycle. Though I have explored the riverfront once.” He paused for a moment, so many thoughts whirling in his head that he didn’t know which ones to externalize. “The trees here are so green.”

T'Sareth definitely sensed Vanik looking at him, but he tried not to get flustered. He nodded when Vanik agreed to ride next to him and pushed off of the ground to start going. He was not the best at riding a bike, especially one without a motor, but he quickly was able to find a good rhythm as well and stay upright. His grip on the handlebars began to relax after a minute or two of peddling. There was a part of him that feared Vanik judging him for his poor form, which he had to reassure himself that Vanik was too logical for that. Vanik did not seem like a bike riding expert himself so it wouldn't make sense that he would judging T'Sareth for being less than perfect. But then why was Vanik looking at him? T'Sareth didn't glance over very often as his eyes were focused on the path ahead. "I have not as well. For the same reason as you," T'Sareth's tone came out as stiff as his concentration was on the trail and not falling. "The trees are green. I have not explored this area much. I am mostly working," T'Sareth admitted, feeling a little bad for not having explored more of the station. "The trees are indeed very green, it is lovely scenery," T'Sareth also wondered what thoughts to externalise and soon decided to 'shoot his shot' as it was called. "Paired with the handsome eye candy next to me, this is a nice ride," They glanced at Vanik and gave him a quick nod, a Vulcan equivalent to a flirty smile.

Vanik had no judgment for T'Sareth at all. He was too busy trying to remain upright and keep an even pace. He had ridden bicycles before and the thing about never forgetting how to ride them was generally true, but it had been over a year since he'd been on one and he also did not want to make a fool of himself in front of the other Vulcan. The other Vulcan he was looking at because he was both curious and intrigued by him. Vanik found T'Sareth to be a very fascinating person, whose company he was growing to enjoy more than perhaps anyone else he'd met before. Well, with one exception. But he wasn't going to think about him right now. Vanik listened as T'Sareth shot his shot, a warmth creeping into his cheeks and the tips of his ears. "Perhaps after this outing we could both acquire bicycles and ride on this and other trails again another time." It was almost a question, but Vanik was trying to suggest that they do this again. It was very early in the date but he knew that he wanted to see T'Sareth in the future. "So that I can enjoy the company of another handsome Vulcan I know." It was in that moment that Vanik might have smiled. He did not. But his lips twitched for just a second as he glanced over at T'Sareth again. "There are not really trees like this where I am from on Vulcan. The city is too sprawling and also in the desert. I do sometimes wish I could visit the temple again, however. And I prefer the heat on Vulcan to the cooler temperatures on Earth, and also this starbase. Do you..." Vanik started to ask T'Sareth about his opinions about Vulcan before he cut himself off, realizing he wasn't sure if T'Sareth had even been. He knew at least one Vulcan in the academy who was not from Vulcan and did not want to assume. "...have temperature preferences?" Hopefully T'Sareth wouldn't mind the awkard segue. He really wanted to learn more about him.

T'Sareth's handlebars twisted, causing them to falter ever so slightly. The path wasn't even that rough, he was just unskilled and they hoped that the other Vulcan would not see. It was understood that the two of them were no experts on bike riding, but still, T'Sareth always had this pride about them and fear of looking 'bad' in front of others. "I... Yes, after this, we may plan another bike ride together," T'Sareth was overjoyed to hear that Vanik was interested in a second date! Of course this elation was not shown on his expression as he remained focused on the trail. Right as T'Sareth turned his head to look at the road, he caught what seemed to be the beginnings of a smile on his date's face. It made his heart grow warm, but his expression stayed focused. He found Vanik's pause and question to be strange, he assumed he was about to ask something else but pivoted last minute. Curiosity filled his mind as he wondered what it could be, but soon realised he needed to answer the question. "Yes, I do prefer warm weather. I was not born on Vulcan, but a Romulan space station," Something about saying that made him feel... guilty. Because he had only known Vanik for a few months but with his own husband it had taken him nearly ten years to say it. "I was raised on Vulcan though. So I am familiar with the deserts. I personally do not like the dry heat as I am prone to having dry skin. I take it you have been to earth? What was it like? I have not been."

Vanik continued pedaling at a steady, even tempo. He noticed T'Sareth struggle with the handlebars and briefly, a bit of anxiety took over and he wondered if they would crash or if T'Sareth would get hurt. That did not happen however and he pushed the thoughts away, trying to remain present in the moment with the kind man next to him. It was a constant battle with his anxiety, but T'Sareth was a welcome relief - a rock in a crashing sea. Someone to hold on to. "I will look forward to it." Vanik could not sense T'Sareth's guilt, Surakian neutrality too present. “Romulan space station... fascinating." Truly, it was. "I have never been close to Romulan space, until I was stationed here at Starbase 777." He peered curiously at T'Sareth. "I was born on Vulcan and my parents raised me there. I did not leave until I decided to pursue a career in Starfleet, and traveled to Earth. I lived there at the Starfleet Academy from 2411 until spring of 2414. It is...an interesting place. The weather is moderate in San Francisco, but there are variable climates, ranging from cold deserts, to hot deserts, to jungles and rainforests." He raised an eyebrow, curiously perhaps. "Would you like to visit Earth?" (edited)

T'Sareth did not react to Vanik's agreement for a second date, however there was the faintest of green blush on his cheeks. Dating was a new experience to him. Even though he was married, he and Haru met through unconventional means in the Vulcan Forge during the Rite of Tal'oth. He welcomed the practice of dating to know a person better and found Vanik to be a great date so far. "I see, I am aware of the unique climates of earth. It sounds like a very exciting place, I am sure you met a lot of different people there. Aside from my birth, my entire life was spent in Vulcan space," He stated, thinking more about his upbringing. T'Sareth's family wasn't bad per say, but they had strict rules and straying from those rules often landed him in trouble. "I do desire to visit earth one day. I want to visit the middle east. I hear they have fabulous rugs," Persian rugs! T'Sareth really loved patterned fabric of any kind. "What was the culture like at the Academy? I am interested about the social life there. I chose to attend a Romulan university and I am now employed as a researcher at that university. It is a fulfilling career, but sometimes I wonder if I had chosen Starfleet as a career and not a civilian scientist."

“I did. Starfleet Academy is home to many people from what seems like endless places. It was…jarring but also fascinating to arrive in a place so varied after living my entire life in a familiar place.” Vanik stole a glance at T’Sareth, noting how his face looked when he was asking questions. “The culture of Starfleet Academy in general is one of…curiosity and determination. To enter, one must study and apply oneself. But there is compassion in the leadership, and much to learn. Both academically and socially. My classmates were from many different places. And even though Vulcans and Humans have known each other for hundreds of years, I did find myself quite confused at times. But ultimately I enjoyed my time there and am grateful this is the path I chose.” Still pedaling but settled into a rhythm, Vanik took another look at his date. “Have you considered joining Starfleet? It is possible to join at any age and under many circumstances. Regardless, I would like to know more about the work you do, and your research.”

"I can imagine that," T'Sareth was always someone who enjoyed routine. Even living with someone as unpredictable as Haru, he liked to wake at the same time and go about his business around the same time. It was one reason he chose to work at his alma mater as a researcher. He knew their schedule, knew the other researchers, why leave? He glanced right back at Vanik, not realising the man was looking at him and suddenly blushed and turned away. "It sounds like that was the right path for you. I am glad you joined Starfleet and we were able to meet here," T'Sareth's tone sounded almost.. happy. "I have not considered it. And whilst I have worked alongside them, I think my place is with the Rihan Phi'lasasam. There is much to discover on Mol'Rihan and other Republic colonies. I enjoy my Romulan colleagues, they have been very kind to me and my... Adoptive mother, she serves the Republic's Navy. My husband is in Starfleet, but I feel that for myself, serving the Romulans is my calling," T'Sareth didn't know how to explain it, but they felt as if they could do better work with the Republic. They began to slow down as they came towards the end of the trail. There was still a footpath ahead, but this was where the trail ended and there was even a little bike return rack too. "It seems this is the end."

Vanik noticed T'Sareth's blush and his abrupt look away. Remembering the many long and arduous conversations he'd had with Cas about this sort of thing, as well as T'Sareth's earlier compliment, he was fairly certain that it meant he was enjoying himself. That was good. He had been worried that the date wouldn't go well, but if he was honest with himself, and he was trying to be, it had been very nice. Drawn from his thoughts by T'Sareth's words, Vanik listened as he talked and nodded. "Yes, it was the correct choice for me. I started my education in the Vulcan Science Academy, but it was not an experience I wanted to continue with." He'd elaborate another time, if T'Sareth asked. "That is understandable. The way you speak of it, you have clearly made the correct decisions for yourself. Your judgment is sound. Mol'Rihan is a fascinating planet and I understand there is much to learn there. I am...glad you are doing what is best for you at this time. I am glad that you are...content." He was trying to be careful with his words, but also genuine. He didn't know T'Sareth very well but he thought it was important that everyone could be serene in their life and with their choices. After all, did anyone really want to be unhappy? "That is so." Vanik said, stopping his bike gingerly next to T'Sareth and gracefully dismounting. He rolled his bike up into the rack and stood a comfortable, friendly distance from the other Vulcan. "I have had an enjoyable time speaking with you on this bicycle ride. Thank you for spending this time with me." His face was neutral, but there was an intensity in his eyes that T'Sareth could likely see. "I look forward to the next time we meet."

"That is quite an accomplishment, the VSA is a wonderful institution. My family had wished for me to attend, but I felt... hmm, I suppose the word is rebellious," T'Sareth certainly did not look very rebellious in any other way. His hair may have looked a little chaotic with it's bright oranges and frizzy ends, but up close it was clear to see he twisted each bunch of hair perfectly and all his little baby hairs were neatly pressed down. He dismounted the bike and nodded to Vanik in agreement that he he had chosen the best path for himself. "I am. I enjoy my job and it gives me freedom to spend time and move as I please," Not tht T'Sareth would ever choose to live away from Haru, but if he wanted to spend months on Mol'Rihan for research, he could do that. "I had an equally enjoyable time. Thank you for this date, Vanik. Please allow me to be a little direct," T'Sareth paused with a light green blush appearing on his cheeks. "I have only grown to enjoy your company even more. I am undoubtly attracted to to, both intellectually and physically. You were a great bike riding partner and I do hope we can spend more time together. Perhaps at an activity both of us are more confident in."