Betazoid Holiday Part 3

Posted on 29 Dec 2015 @ 9:26pm by Lieutenant JG Grayson Jones
Edited on on 29 Dec 2015 @ 9:31pm

4,444 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - Symposium
Location: Betazed
Timeline: MD30 - MD 52

Continued from part 2...




=== A few hours later===

Grayson had been enjoying some quality sleep. The pain in his head had eased yet the one in his heart grew. He was missing Tyrion deeply and the fact he could no longer feel him as close was starting to worry him, his dreams had fixated on that. Many a nightmare was focused on Tyrion leaving his life, walking out a door, out of their quarters and always having a solid door between them. He finally woke in a cold sweat, clutching the covers to his revealed torso and wishing for them to be nothing more than the arms of his lover. Looking at the time, he saw it was later in the day, most sensible people’s time to sleep. Grayson just lay there though, not knowing what to do or even where he was. Wait a second, what has happened? Where am I? Tyrion? Grayson began to mentally reach out to find his lover, only to find blocks in his path. Burying his face in the pillow, he began to cry very softly, yet intensely.

Tyrion walked in at that moment, sensing the pain his lover was in. “Shhh,” he whispered as he sat down on the edge of the bed, cradling him in his arms. “Please don’t cry love...I’m right here. Everything will be alright in a few days, mother gave us her blessing at dinner. She will help you heal, and we can learn to be together mentally, in a proper way. The way it’s supposed to be.”

He wiped the tears from Grayson’s face and leaned over to kiss him gently. “Sleep will do you good love, that’s why we’re separated for tonight. But I’m not far away, only a few rooms down the hall.” He caressed his cheeks and his hair, soothing his stricken partner. “I won’t be far, and I’m not leaving you behind.”

“This being apart is not good for me,” Grayson snuggled himself in, savouring their moments together. “What changed? No offence, but she was very frigid when I first met her there. Did my daring acts of falling on my face cause her to feel sympathy or laugh?” Grayson joked, always willing and able to find a moment for comedy. It was at that moment though a little panic came back, “Why can’t I feel you in here?” He pointed to his temples to indicate his mind. “Has something gone wrong, do you not love me? Are we not linked?” It was a mixture of the pain and panic he felt that amplified his emotions, his eyes pooling with tears once again. All he could do was to hug tighter in the hopes this was still some kind of dream.

“Oh Gray, my beloved Gray, it’s because I love you that this happens. My mother blocked me off from you so you have a good night without interruption, and tomorrow she’ll set it right for you. I can still feel you, and I’m with you here..” He rested his hand over Grayson’s heart. “And that’s what matters. By the time our leave is over, we’ll be whole again, as one, as it should be. And I meant it Gray...you still owe me an answer…”

“Ask me when I am not in bed, or ask me if you are joining me in it,” he smiled. “I get why everything is happening the way it is, but...if I am asleep, can we not just cuddle? There would be no interruptions there. I just really need you beside me is all. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I don’t want a night without you, to miss a hug or kiss goodnight or morning. Please?”

“No Gray, I must do my mother’s bidding in this. But maybe you can ask your nurse for something to help you sleep. I don’t want you to suffer, but I can’t be with you tonight. I’m a distraction towards your healing, but I promise I’ll see you in the morning at breakfast.” He smiled sadly. “And I don’t understand, join you in what? I went down on one knee Gray, I proposed to you, just before you fainted?”

“I was meaning, join me in bed for a quick cuddle. I need to feel you against me.” Grayson’s eyes widened as he realised what Tyrion had just said. “Wait...hold on. I missed that. Go back a little...you what?” He gave a small laugh, showing he was ill at ease that that moment had gone by him in a whirl of pain.

Tyrion laid himself out on the edge of the bed. “I can’t stay too long,” he apologized, “and I proposed to you, to show my family I’m dead serious about being with you and make this work. And you fainted on me love...that was extremely awkward. And frightening to watch and feel.”

“Bad timing on my part,” Grayson joked, “Then, get under the covers for a second, let me curl up against you and I will give you my answer love.”

Not letting himself be told twice, Tyrion crawled under, took Grayson’s hands within his own and looked up at him with shining eyes that were black as coal. “Grayson, would you marry me?” he asked again, with the same feeling as he had before. “Will you be my husband, now and forever, til death do us part?”

Allowing his body to curl up against Tyrion, Grayson had only one word. “Yes,” with that, he leaned himself up towards Tyrion’s cheek and gave it a soft and tender kiss. “I love you Tyrion and always will. We just need to make it official to everyone and the world now.”

“Tomorrow, at breakfast,” Tyrion whispered, giving him a final hug. “You need to sleep now love, and I promise as of tomorrow, all will get better. Before we leave for home, all will be better.”

“Just one last squeeze,” Grayson said, feeling the happiest he has ever felt in his life. “I wish things weren’t the way they need to be right now. We’d have our first night together being engaged.”

“There will be other nights,” Tyrion said, giving him a final cuddle before sliding out of bed. “I see mother capable of checking in on us, I should go to my own room.” He kissed Grayson’s lips lightly. “Sleep well my love and don’t forget that even if you don’t sense me, I’m not going anywhere. I promised you I’m yours, and I intend to keep it.”

“See, this is why I love you,” Grayson said while enjoying the last embrace for the night, “you always seem to know exactly what to say. Come get me in the morning though, since things should be ok by then? We could sneak a little time together before breakfast.” He released their grip rather reluctantly and returned to the comfort and safety of the warm covers.

“My mother wouldn’t approve of that,” Tyrion answered sadly, “she needs you clearheaded for your treatment and training. And I’m causing you pain now, it’s better that we wait until after breakfast. But I will miss you, terribly, and while you might not sense me, I still sense you.”

“I’m glad it is still there then. Would hate for our bond to have to disappear,” Grayson said sleepily as he brought a pillow to his chest for comfort.

“It won’t.” Tyrion reached to caress, then kiss his cheek. “SLeep well my love, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”


=== The next morning ===

Cessily was waiting patiently for her son in one of the spacious rooms that overlooked the grounds of their home. She had had some tea prepared for the two to enjoy as they discussed the plans for the upcoming days and training both he and his seemingly would be partner would receive. She also had further plans to discuss.

Tyrion arrived well on time, neatly dressed and groomed. He was hungry and he hadn’t really slept well, feeling alone and uncomfortable though he wasn’t sure now if this were his own feelings, or Grayson’s. He approached his mother like a submissive younger son should, but that didn’t mean he actually felt that way. He just reasoned that, for now, it was best to act in a manner that was at best interest for himself and Grayson. Good morning mother. He greeted quietly, while rubbing some sleep from his eyes.

Good morning son, she replied more warmly than usual. A nod of the head summoned the waiting breakfast food. The large windows allowed the sunlight of the summer's day to burst through, making the silverware sparkle in the light. To Cessily this image was perfection. Before we begin for the day and you head off with your father and uncle, we have much to plan and discuss Tyrion. The next few days will be very busy. I am sorry to say there will not be much time for rest, so eat up while you can. She motioned to the food and drink now on the table as she sipped her tea. They may have spent time apart, but a mother always knows what her son would like best for breakfast, even without having to read his mind.

Unable to stop smiling at what was on the table, Tyrion reached out and served himself. He knew better than to serve his mother, knowing she had servants to tend to that. My favourite. he smiled as he topped up his plate. Grayson wanted to see me before breakfast but I told him it wasn’t wise, that he needed to be clearheaded. I have abided by your wishes and haven’t seen him but I’d like to briefly meet with him before I go off with father. I want to know if he slept well, because I didn’t mother. I feel conflicted and I must make sure he’s alright.
That will be acceptable, Cessily began as she continued with her tea, you can check on his well being and let him know I am ready and waiting for him. Do make sure you take him some toast or something though Tyrion. He is in for a long morning and afternoon, but I foresee no need for further training after that. The boy is strong willed to say the least.

Wolfing down his breakfast because he was really hungry, Tyrion reached for his cup of tea in a more sedate manner. I will make sure he eats breakfast, and he’s very strong. Tyrion smiled proudly. He’s a chief engineer mother, and he has ranking parents too. Had I been female, you would have found him a suitable match. But I am not, and I still want to be with him mother. I am truly grateful for your assistance, please believe that? He looked up at her with a hopeful expression in his obsidian eyes. Eyes, that were just like his mother’s.

Darling, you keep saying Chief Engineer like it is to mean something to me. It doesn’t. She said, trying to sound warm as she looked at the boy before her, who not so long ago she saw more than just similar eyes in. I have come to terms with the fact, that as you say, he is not female, nor an heir to a House of Betazed. Your mother here, as fun-loving and youthful as I am...has been stuck in her ways for too long. You have been out in the universe and saw and experienced so much, I will credit your Starfleet for that. I haven’t. As I need patience with you, you need to have patience with me dear. From your perspective you have had so long to come to terms with all this. I have had less than a few hours, dear. She reached out to touch his free hand. Let us give each other time to settle into this new relationship of ours. You aren’t my little boy anymore and I will need some time to get through that.

Swallowing down the emotions he felt coming up, he bowed his head, not wanting his mother to see how he felt. How vulnerable he felt now. I will give you time, he conceded slowly, still not looking up though his emotions were easy to read now, Starfleet probably saved my life mother. It made me who I am today, and it made me accept certain matters about myself too and thanks to Grayson, I am home now. Home...how long had it been since he’d felt actually home anywhere?

No matter where you are, or whatever state this family may be in, speaking or not...Gods knows that happens a lot, this will always be home. Sensing her own emotions bubbling under the surface, it was time to change the subject. Since this is home, since family are coming and since you only have a few days. I was thinking of holding the ceremony at the end of the week.

This time, he did look up, studying her while unable to hide his surprise. Ceremony? he asked, all but tripping over the word. What ceremony mother?

Getting married of course dear, she thought, very matter of fact, you aren’t putting myself and family though all of this for it not to happen while you are here? What else did you think I meant last night by informing the family and preparing the traditional celebrations? Family arrive tonight and tomorrow, the celebratory meal the day after, for your wedding to take place on Friday before things change and you have to leave. I may need time to come to grips with who you are marrying...but not to actually have the ceremony while you are home and part of the family again. Stars forbid I get some electronic message summoning me to some far off starbase or lowly Starfleet ship. You are still my son Tyrion and we will make sure things are done correctly and by tradition. You won’t deny your poor mother that, will you?

Tyrion all but choked on his tea as he listened to his mother, erupting in a splutter as he’d just been sipping the hot fluid. Wedding? Mother I only just proposed to him! He took a few deep breaths to collect himself then nodded. We’ll have the ceremony as you want it, but please mother, give him some warning of what to expect? Please don’t embarrass him?

What is that saying that gets used a lot, Tempus Fugit? No time like the present Tyrion. She paused to think of potential pitfalls and ways to appease her son to ensure this went through according to her wishes. If the boy cannot deal with a few surprises, is he really a good fit for this family? I did do some thinking on this last night with your father. Grayson clearly has his own mind and set of morals and traditions. Somehow I think you might get a bit of resistance when you tell him about the particulars of Betazoid weddings. The clothing issue is something you may want to discuss with him beforehand. I do have a few suggestions for modesty and...it pained her to say the next part, although no one would have been able to tell, cross cultural integration. I’m learning that you two will not stick to the traditions of either people. Heaven knows or we would not be having this conversation. There could be a merger of ideas, which would involve his parents. We must get them here on a transport immediately. Trill is only a short hop away really. A day or so? It was at that moment Cessily forgot her biases and prejudices and realised she was truly happy and excited for her son’s wedding. Her son’s wedding to another man, who in the grand scheme of things, was not that bad a match really. If he was not involved with her son, he was the type of man she could see paired off with one of her daughters. Tyrion, you may have opened your mother’s eyes a little. She teared up slightly and resisted the temptation to pull her son into a hug. Some measure of composure and power in the family must be retained.

He doesn’t have parents anymore mother, his father passed away recently and from what I understand, rather abruptly. He has no-one but me...us now. But I’ll talk to him about the ceremony and I’m sure we can find a compromise that’s to your liking. We never did discuss the settings of a wedding so far, because it never really came up. Only that in time, we should and would. But personally, I wouldn’t mind following tradition. I have nothing to hide mother, nothing at all.

Cessily instantly started to feel a bond with Grayson, she may have gone as far to say her motherly instincts went out towards him. Oh that poor boy, and so young! No one deserves that, not at all. It simply won’t do. The genuine empathy and compassion in her thoughts were clear. Then the sooner he becomes one of us, the better. We can’t leave the little lost soul out there. Tell you what then. Go, spend some time with the boy, talk a few things out. You won’t do him any damage or pain today. Discuss some things about it and bring him to me so I can help him through all of this. Leave venue and everything to me.

It won’t take long mother. We’ll talk over breakfast and he’ll be with you in an hour or so. Unlike his mother, Tyrion did reach out as he got up, and gave her a brief hug. Extremely brief, but the gesture was all that was needed. He picked up a tray and heaped it with some things he knew Grayson liked, then carefully took it over to the bedroom and took it inside. “Are you awake?” he asked softly, as he sat down on the bed, balancing the tray on his lap.

Meanwhile in the breakfast nook Cessily had pulled her knees up to her chin as she watched her son leave. In the middle of the night, and in that conversation, her opinions had flipped. Yes it was sudden and unexpected, even for she, but it had to be done. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she realised she had been the cause of so much pain and frustration in her son’s life and for that she would never be able to express how sorry she was. He was happy. He had found someone who made him so. What else could any parent expect? Her husband, the strong silent type he was, sat her down last night and talked her through his but it was not until she talked with Tyrion that morning that it finally made sense. She had been wrong, so wrong and for so long she was practically backwards in her ways of thinking. Cessily vowed then to change her ways, to do things to support her children, not support herself and her ideals as she had in the past. It was time to make a change and start from within, start with herself and work to make her family and especially her son happy. Perhaps he would not have run away if that was the case, then again, he would not be where he was now… taking breakfast to his fiancé, who was soon to become his husband. The thought alone made her smile.

Grayson rolled around from his slumber, “C-come in,” he managed to cough out, his throat still dry from the deep sleep his body was waking from.

“I’m already here love,” Tyrion murmured, reaching to touch him. “We don’t have too long but mother wanted me to bring you breakfast and…” He hesitated. “Discuss something important with you….so I have good news, and I have uh...less good news, in a way.”

“I have to leave, but I am getting an hour to pack and breakfast to take on the road?” He asked, half jokingly.

Tyrion shook his head, suppressing a nervous laugh. “No...mother has actually accepted you as my fiancé, and that’s the good news. The not so good news is, we’ll be married by Friday. Mother insists we have a ceremony here with the family and uhm…..she’s hoping it’ll be traditional…”

Grayson laughed as he rolled onto his stomach, exposing his bare back and allowing the cold air to cool his body, “Ok Tyri...you got me there,” he continued to smile, “what is the real bad news? You got me worried there for a second.”

“I never said there was bad news love, I said there’s good news and less good news...but how do you feel about this? About mother wanting a traditional wedding ceremony? Are you up for that? Do you want compromises? She’s open to them but you’ll have to discuss them with her.”

“Wait, you’re serious?” Grayson asked, his jaw open. Babe, I hope these thoughts get to you, I want to marry you and all, but...Friday? As in this week? Like...now?

“Yes now dear...mother insists.” He reached and placed two fingers under his jaw, pushing gently to close his mouth. “You will have to see my mother after breakfast for training but she said that you’ll not need more than today. But she also warned it’ll be an exhausting day. You should probably talk to her about this, but if this is the price we pay...then I’ll happily pay it. I’m even willing to go traditional, I have nothing to hide love. I have you, and that’s all that matters.”

“Well then, so be it,” Grayson said, accepting their fates yet feeling surprisingly happy about it at the same time. “If things are going well with you and your family, who am I to stand in the way?” He smiled while realising something, “I on the other hand have something to hide,” he looked down at his semi naked body, “all of this is for your eyes only. I ain’t gettin’ naked in front of strangers.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but it’s certainly expected of me, so I will. Mother did have some thoughts but you’ll have to discuss them with her.” He shoved the tray over to his partner. “Go on, mom said you should eat well….”

“Oh ok,” the half Trill replied mockingly as he began to wolf down some of the food before him.

“All of it love, she said it was going to be rough on you, but you’ll be better for it. I have to go in a few minutes but you can find mother in the room that overlooks the bay. Can’t miss her….” He kissed his beloved goodbye. “We’ll see each other again at dinner, I promise.”

“Already looking forward to it babe,” Grayson said, a piece of toast still stuck in his mouth.

==Moments later==

Grayson rather sheepishly walked towards the area he thought Tyrion’s mother would be. He wasn’t quite sure what to call her, as really, they only met briefly before he passed out in a heap on the floor. Poking his head around the corner, he saw a figure in white, curled up in a chair looking out the window. Grayson managed to stutter out a, “Hello,” while he could.

Cessily looked up and smiled at the young man. “Please sit,” she said coolly, maintaining her old demeanour for now. “So...you claim to love my son...do you really love him?”

“Of course, he has been my world, my rock and I would like to think, I his,” Grayson said as he sat down, perched on the edge of the seat looking terribly uncomfortable and if ready to run at a moments notice. “We were drawn to each other since we first set eyes on each other and have been inseparable ever since. We belong together.”

“I see.” Cessily sipped her tea as she studied him. “And yet, you’ve been suffering terrible headaches ever since bonding with him? How bad are they, don’t lie to me boy. How bad are they.”


“At first they were a niggling pain...I thought from spending too long in engineering upgrading new systems. Being around exposed power grids and such can do that to you. They started getting worse quite quickly to an ever present migraine...I wasn’t sleeping well, I never had much of an appetite and was always very tired as a result. It was finally building to a point that the pain came in waves, especially when picking up on stronger emotions. Not that I would ever tell Tyrion as I was seeking medical help for it, but at one point my head felt like it was going to cave in,” he paused for a moment before adding, “oh and the constant nose bleeds...sorry about that by the way.”

“You must indeed love him if you are willing to endure all this,” Cessily seemed to relent once more. “We will begin at once. I need you to clear your head again...and this time, I will need to go into your thoughts. Do I have your permission?”

“You do, if I may ask a favour though? Not to stir any up about my father if you can. Things are still a little raw there and in the wake of so much happening, am missing having a family,” Grayson admitted.

“I’m not touching memories only setting connections straight,” Cessily promised, “please make yourself comfortable. We can even go elsewhere if you’re not comfortable in this room.”

“Oh this is fine,” Grayson smiled, “I like the view.”

“Clear your mind then….”


To be continued

Ensign Tyrion Faye
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant j.g. Grayson Jones
former Chief Engineer
USS Galileo

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