Star Trek: Starbase 777 - gliqqigug’s-blends

A table had been cleared at Gliqqigug's, the most popular café on the station. It was a little out of the way of the door, but close to the windows so people-watching on the promenade was more than possible. A cute little tablecloth with Maya and Willow's names on it signified their reservation.

Truth be told, Maya had never been on an actual date for... quite some time. A decade actually. She felt a but rusty when it came to the whole dating thing, but figured signing up for the valentines event would be fun and at least worth a shot. Was there a chance that they would not hit it off? Most likely, that's how most dates go based on personal experience. However, that doesn't mean they shouldn't enjoy themselves. It is time off work after all. Just be yourself, have fun, and all should fall into place. Maya was not sure about the type of attire to wear to the station's favorite café, so she decided on something smart casual. A mustard yellow chore coat over a off-white cardigan and white t-shirt, paired with tan windowpane pants. It was nice, at least to her. As the engineer finally stood in front of the café, she paused in a bit of hesitation before she took in a deep breath and stepped through the threshold. Immediately, the first thing she saw was what she could reasonably guess was the table for her and whoever her date was, which stood out from the other valentines-themed tables. Before she sat down, Maya took a moment to look at the name cards just to get a name just in case it was someone she knew. "Willow." She softly said to herself with a soft amused smile and a chuckle. Not a name of someone she had met yet, so this was truly a blind date. "Cute." Now all there is now, is just the wait.

Willow had been looking forward to this. Dates were not something she was a stranger to, but she knew that she was by no means an expert in the medium, either. She'd make the most of it, regardless, and hopefully enjoy herself. If things didn't work out in a romantic sense - which she assumed was likely, she supposed she'd be quite content walking away with a new friend. For once, Willow arrived with her hair down, some effort clearly put into the way blonde locks slightly curled and flowed. She wore a matte leather jacket in wine-brown, lined generously with darker shearling. Underneath, a slightly rumpled, light knitted sweater peeked through, both pieces giving her silhouette a rather comfortable presence. A brown wool beret, jeans, and a pair of outdoor boots completed her look. When she entered the cafe, and following a curious look at the menu behind the counter, Willow naturally gravitated towards the person sitting alone. Brushing past the vacant chair, she took a glance down at the tablecloth that bore both their names as confirmation, then stopped, stood beside the length of the table. Smoothly, a hand was extended, as was a toothy smile, in greeting. "Maya, right? I'm-" she glanced again at the tablecloth and exhaled, amused at how her name was already presented, "-Willow. Looks like we have an evening together. It's so nice to meet you."

Truth be told, being friends always came with benefits to Maya's mind. More people to platonically flirt with, have meals with every now and then, and more importantly, rage bait while playing video games. Anyways, back to dating. From where she sat, Maya took the occasional glance at the door whenever someone entered as she tried to guess which person was the 'Willow' named in the cute tablecloth. Otherwise, she played around in some last minute styling for her short purple hair, with the back of a spoon serving as her mirror for a short bit; she figured a PADD out in a time like this probably seemed a tad rude. When Maya glanced back and saw someone gravitate towards her general direction, she briefly panicked inside as she put back everything she had played with. She tried to play cool as Willow approached the table, but there was a short pause after she spoke. The first words that would come out of the engineers mouth would set the first impression on this date. How hard would it be, she talked to people all the time, words shouldn't be difficult. Especially when a nicely dressed woman is now standing in front of you! You can't just nod and smile at the first question! SAY SOMETHI-- "It seems gay-- I mean so!" Nailed it. She felt the slight heat of embarrassment rise to her cheeks but quickly pivoted as she calmly stood up to take Willow’s hand "I mean... it’s nice to meet you, too," she corrected with a sheepish but genuine grin. "I’m Maya, and I'm glad to finally put a face to the cute name on the tablecloth." Maya added as her gaze met Willow's eyes. To lean in on this being a date, Maya didn't sit back down first. Instead, she smoothly walked around the table and reached for Willow's chair to pull it out the right amount as she gestured for her to take a seat first. "Love the jacket and beret, by the way. The wine-brown really suits you." (edited)

Definitely nailed it. Fortunately, Willow wasn't one to judge. This did, in fact, seem gay, after all, Maya was right. She rested the hand on the table once released, having planned to take her seat but being swiftly subverted by Maya going around her to the opposite seat. Through curious if slightly stunned eyes, Willow could only watch, amused. It wasn't like her to be so easily put into pause, but when excitement, or at least something adjacent to it, radiated so readily from so close by, it was difficult to keep it from feeling contagious. Only when the seat was dragged back and she was invited to sit would her head stop swivelling to keep Maya in view. Cute. With a deep nod of thanks, Willow moved to take the seat offered, a hand gently pressed against the side of the other's forearm in yet more appreciation. "Oh thank you, my sister thought so, too. This jacket's a gift, from... so many years ago, I don't even know. I like your hair: purple, easy to remember." "But please," she laughed slightly, both hands pointing towards Maya's empty chair, "I'm the one who's running late, and you're my date, not my waiter. So... join me?"

From hearing those words, Maya internally felt a great sense of relief. She did nail it. A soft chuckle escaped her lips. She saved the first impression, which always seemed harder on the dating scene compared to meeting a new friend. Maya was glad her date seemed amused by the display done out of both excitement and a hint of nervousness. "Why of course!" She casually said with a smile and a nod as she gently squeezed the hand on her forearm "Forgive me, I was trying to be a proper... uhh... lady? Gentlewoman?? Gentleslesbian, let's say that... It's... been a long while since I've done something like this." She softly apologized. "As for the hair, my bestie and I decided to get matching styles when we got our hair done recently. Either way," She said as began to move towards her seat. Move like many of the thoughts which buzzed around her head that do not like the concept of sitting still. She did seem to have calmed back down when she got to her seat. Maya took another deep breath to steady the nerves as she sat, one arm rested on the table, while the other propped her up; she planted her elbow firmly on the tablecloth and let her head hover just above the back of her hand, and not rest on it. From there, her gaze was finally properly fixed on Willow's as she leaned forward slightly with a playful smile. "I hope you remember more than just my hair after tonight~"

"Gentlelesbian," Willow agreed without skipping a beat. As she watched Maya sit, she shrugged off her jacket, roughly folding it and setting the heavy fabric down on her lap. Softly, both her elbows would find the ledge of the table, allowing Willow to lean into and rest her chin on the perch of her hands. "Oh, I'm sure I will," she assured with a dip of her head, then let out a quick chuckle. "Look, no pressure, right? We're just having a coffee and a chat. I assume you've done that before," Willow teased. She seemed comfortable enough, and really didn't appear to be taken aback by Maya's enthusiasm. Comfortable enough, at least, to attack the woman's anxieties directly. She wondered if getting to the coffee already would help or make things worse. "But if there's something you want me to remember in particular," her fingers extended from the perch she had made for a moment to accentuate her point, "lay it on me, as they say." Was that a normal getting-to-know-someone date question? Willow wasn't sure.

"Yep, just some coffee and a chat. No pressure at all, and I have done this before. I'm just a dork, sometimes. rarely.... occasionally." Maya answered with a chuckle accompanied by a finger gun and a wink at that last bit. Despite the genuine confidence presented in Maya's unique... Maya-ness... in being herself, she was still a tad anxious. Her other hand, which rested on the table through all this, subconsciously reached for something to fidget and grabbed a spoon to twirl around rather skillfully her fingers like a pencil. Her foot fidgeted underneath the table as her heel rapidly bounced above the ground. Maya paused for a moment after Willow spoke, her gaze never leaving hers ever since she sat. There was a quick moment where a spark of mischief lit up her expression, like a ship's sensor had locked onto a new frequency. "Careful there, love~" She playfully teased in a mock-serious tone. "You say that and my first thought is to ask how you'd like to get laid? More accurately, I'd like you to remember having a really good night." Maya wasn't entirely sure if that was the best time to gamble with flirting, but gambling is fun and she was a bit proud of the pun nonetheless. "My second thought..." Maya added with a casual smile as she paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "Was that I probably made it awkward. What I'll 'lay' to you depends on what you'd like to know. Judging from your eyes, you're a Betazoid, and I feel I am an open book with nothing to hide." (edited)

"Ah, with anybody else, probably," Willow responded with frankness, as non-judgemental as frankness could feel. It approached the point where she wondered if others would wonder whether she was just incredibly well-versed in hiding her moments of judging. But really, did she mind the - in Maya's words - 'dork'iness? Not as far as Willow could tell from her own thoughts. Endearing, a little, she was still deciding if it were partner-material, but for that, she had time. Her eyes closed lightly and she shook her head when she was teased, though the half-smirk, half-grimace would betray some level of amusement, at least. She rubbed her hands together, warmth to stave off mild discomfort - not something she pinned on Maya, merely the fact she wasn't used to being flirted with. Alas, you're on a date, Willow. She nodded, now, as if acknowledging that fact to herself, outwardly seeming to be confirmation of Maya's assumption. Her hands clasped together. "Half," Willow clarified, "and I don't read people that way... if you were worried." She meant that both literally and figuratively. "No, I'd rather hear about what you're proud to share. Maybe we could start with your favourite coffee order?"

"Ouch, but fair enough." Maya casually responded with a shrug. She wasn't hurt by Willow's response, honestly she sort of expected it to not land. Still, Maya did pick up on a hint of judging. Maybe this was a sign to tone it back a bit. Probably. Although, and Maya chose to be optimistic, the sight of the smirk-grimace was a positive sign all things considered, just the good chance Willow may not be used to compliments and flirting. Either way, it was still met with a soft warm grin. "Oh, not at all." Maya clarified, genuinely. "I just like looking into your eyes." Maya as kindly as frankness could feel. Maya very rarely broke off eye contact throughout the time they finally sat down. She would've added a compliment, but felt the truth was enough. "Ah, right. I'm planning to get a Hot mocha and a pain au chocolat." Maya answered without a second of hesitation, knowing exactly what she liked. "I love chocolate. Especially in coffee, since I don't drink it too often. Helps mask the bitterness." Ironic coming from the woman who seemed to be hopped up in caffeine and sugar. Though in fairness, her caffeine vessel of choice were energy drinks. "How about you, what's your favorite coffee order?"

Willow offered a contrite look when Maya began, but wouldn't dwell on it or otherwise seem to apologise. Neither would she make any effort to hide her gaze, though she wasn't quite used to someone admitting they enjoyed looking into her eyes, either. This would force a light blush, a tingle felt somewhere beneath Willow's cheeks. "I'm not fussy with coffee, honestly," she admitted, "for myself, at least. Medical deck has some really nice replicator recipes, though." Willow paused and surveyed her options with a quick sweeping turn of her head towards the menu by the counter, then back again, sending her hair bobbing for several moments before her curls settled. "But... I'm thinking..." she spoke slow as she envisioned the idea of her favourite coffee in her mind, "an oat latte, maybe with a touch of cinnamon. I've been told I have a bit of a sweet tooth."

"Ooh you work in Medical? That's cool! We'd be seeing each other a lot more then!" Maya said, very happily surprised. "Maybe we could have another coffee there when we see each other.... I'm a bit accident prone in Engineering." She admitted, a bit embarrassed but also somewhat proud of it, with a chuckle as she showed off her hand in a glove, which her writer forgot to include in describing her outfit. She glanced at it longingly for a moment before she gave her hand a couple squeezes and put it down. Old memories. "I also help bring my cousin to their therapy or counseling sessions every week... 777's his first posting and they needed the emotional support, you know? Especially after I got here." Maya added sincerely. She didn't turn to the menu when Willow did, her gaze still fixed on her. "I could tell." Maya casually answered as her smile grew to pull a slight smirk as she watched her earlier reaction. She picked up a spoon and fidgeted with it by spinning it betwixt her fingers without looking at it, almost like what one does with a ballpen. "Would you, perchance, be a fan of strawberries?" she added after she spun the spoon once more and playfully held it pointed towards Willow. "They look cute on you." She said as she pointed to each cheek with it before she once again placed it down. "I know I'm not your waiter, but shall I bring our orders to the counter?" (edited)

"Counsellor," Willow said lightly as she regarded the gloved hand. A small nod was given as additional confirmation that she did, in fact, work in Medical. The extra few moments Maya looked at her own hand was duly clocked, a fact that she would not hide, dipping her chin in a deeper nod - this time one of quiet understanding. "I spend most of my shifts hidden away in the offices, I'm afraid. I wouldn't be working on you, but I assume you're already familiar with what good of a job our doctors and nurses do." Her shoulders lowered slightly. "I did use to be a nurse, but... if I'm practicing again, something must've gone quite wrong." A pause to break the topic, then another comment. "Your cousin's lucky to have you, a first posting is a difficult transition for many." "Hm," she hummed, pressing her palms together and rubbing them against each other in thought, the insinuation not lost on her, "yes- to both strawberries, and the order - and please, and thank you." Willow smiled warmer, already endeared.

"Well then, Counsellor," Maya started warmly with a smile a she leaned forward slightly after she gave an affirmative hum and a nod, being quite familiar with the good work on Medical. "I'm not the type to throw myself in the fray just to get scathed. Suppose that means I'll either book an appointment..." her smile pulled into a soft smirk, "...or try to find you outside of office hours." She tilted her head slightly with genuine curiosity. "If I did, What do you usually get up to?" On the comment on her cousin being lucky, Maya simply nodded in agreement. "It's... never easy for anyone, really. At least during the start." Maya commented. There was a brief moment where her gaze softened and drifted slightly to carefully choose her words before she looked back to Willow. "When I got my first Starship assignment... we were thrown into war." Maya stated, almost offhandedly as one gloved hand unconsciously moved to massage the other on top of the table. "Paco, my cousin, may have had it a bit easier then I did when I first started... but Starfleet still has its ways of testing you regardless. Either way... I'm just glad to see him still standing." A pause to let that sit in a moment. "If Paco's ever assigned to you for counselling, then I'll know they're in good hands." Maya let out a chuckle to Willow's confirmation. "You got it." She stood, gave Willow a cheeky wink and a pair of finger guns, then headed to the counter. From a distance, if Willow chose to observe, she would find Maya already mid conversation with the staff, animated and easy, hands moving expressively as she spoke. Then something in the display case caught her eye and she dropped into a full squat mid-sentence. A brief, seemingly very serious exchange followed, her face and a pointed finger pressed at the glass and an enthusiastic nod, before whatever it was made the cut.

@Spoods hallo :p

"I can't see people I'm dating at work," she said, apologetic but matter-of-fact. Not that she thought Maya was being entirely serious, but Willow was familiar with some friends who had been, and she'd responded with similar lines in similar fashion to them, too. She passed a longer, deep nod of acknowledgement and appreciation as Maya spoke about her cousin. Willow was unfamiliar with the name, so she hadn't much to say. With how sensitive much of her work was, though, she found it prudent not to talk too much about goings-on regardless, and so she would not confirm nor deny. "I've been thinking about contributing to the community garden," she said, eyes drifting up in thought, "but I haven't decided on a plant to start with. Maybe... something from Rixx." Willow shrugged, and she refocused across the table. "It's easy to find me on the environmental decks - if you're ever looking. Maybe a picnic, next time? Or something you like. I'd love to try something more 'Maya', too." Willow very much observed - or, well, she looked for awhile - without much in the way of hiding the fact that she was. Hand on chin gently, she exhaled when Maya squatted down, at that point figuring it was probably rude to stare too long. She looked around the room, then out the windows towards the promenade at the people passing by, enjoying a moment of quiet but ready for whenever Maya returned.

@Yugi