Dallas and Aiden: First Date

Posted on Thu Aug 14th, 2025 @ 4:46am by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dallas Reese & Civilian Tristan Logan & Chief Warrant Officer Aiden Mejia

3,258 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Character Backstories
Location: Holodeck: Texas State Fair
Timeline: Backpost

After talking for a while and getting to know each other better, it was decided that it would be a good idea to go on a date. Aiden had left it up to Dallas to decide where it would be, so he'd decided on the Texas State Fair. It was something fun to do, there were plenty of rides, games and food stands so hopefully they wouldn't get bored.

The only issue with going to this State Fair was that Dallas would have to bring along Tristan because it wouldn't be fair to go and have a good time without him. He'd checked if Aiden was okay with that, which he thankfully was, and then decided to bring up the subject with the almost eight-year-old. Tristan was super excited to go to the fair with them.

Standing at the holodeck, Dallas and Tristan waited for Aiden to arrive. If he was being truthful, Dallas was nervous to let Aiden meet Tristan on the account that he didn't want either of them to get attached and then something go wrong. He held the boy close in a one-armed hug, enjoying the fact he was here and that he was growing up to look exactly like his late mother with the same dark red almost brown curls and bright green eyes.

Aiden was always cool and collected. He never got flustered or nervous in a social situation. At least that's what he told himself. Reality on the other hand was a different story. This was his first real date in quite some time. He had changed outfits half a dozen times before settling on a pair of black chinos and a blue and maroon plaid short-sleeve button-up shirt, that might have been a bit snug, but still fit well enough.

He arrived at the holodeck about a minute later than Dallas had suggested and saw Dallas and his nephew waiting.

"Hey, sorry I'm a bit late I was trying to decide what to wear."

Dallas smiled when he saw Aiden walk up, "Hey, you're fine. You look good in plaid, it really suits you," He looked down at Tristan who was looking up at him, "So, ah, this is Tristan, he's my youngest cousin and I'm looking after him for hopefully a long while until some things get sorted out."

"Hello Aiden," Tristan said with a wide smile, "Dallas has told me a lot about you." Dallas ruffled his hair affectionately.

Aiden smiled at Dallas and then his young cousin. His first inclination was to hug both of them, but knew that Dallas probably wouldn't respond well and it would have been awkward to hug an eight-year-old whom he'd just met.

So instead he bent down to Tristan's level and with a mock whisper said, "You're going to have to tell me all Dallas' secrets since I think the two of us might start dating. If you're okay with that of course."

"I think I can do that," Tristan looked up to Dallas for confirmation. Dallas simply grinned at him.

"Shall we get going?" Dallas asked both Aiden and Tristan. A nod from them both was confirmation enough and they entered the holodeck. The door cycled shut behind them and Dallas asked the computer to 'activate holoprogram State Fair 788' to which the computer complied and the program came to life.

All three of them were at the entrance to the Texas State Fair, one of the biggest fairs around and it looked as though it had everything. NPC people were everywhere, there were food stalls and rides galore, and the energy in the air was electric.

"How's this for a first date?" Dallas asked.

"It's perfect," came Aiden's response. "How about if we get some corn dogs and funnel cake, play a few games and ride some rides. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Dallas replied and laughed as Tristan began whining about wanting to go on the rides. "Calm down Tris, we'll get to the rides soon, okay?" He quietened down a bit after Dallas's comment.

"Great, what do the two of you want to watch when we're done with the games.?"

"Honestly, I'm thinking of just watching this one have fun where we can keep an eye on him?" Dalas knew that Tristan would fall asleep as soon as the adrenaline wore off for him, so a movie would be wasted. "What did you have in mind?" They wandered through the crowds and Dallas found he was enjoying the company.

'Oh sorry," Aiden corrected. "I didn't mean watch, that would have been silly. We're not leaving after we play games. It's way too early for that. What I meant to say is what do you guys want to ride after we play some games? Do you have any favorites?"

"This is Tristan's first time here, right buddy?" Dallas clapped the kid on the shoulders lightly and he nodded enthusiastically again, "Tilt-A-Whirl, maybe Ferris wheel, I don't know really. Just maybe see where the night takes us?" Dallas pulled out a money card and gave it to Tristan, "I know you'll like the arcade games, so head over there, have a play and we'll be right there, okay?" He watched as Tristan ran to the game stand where you throw the ball to knock over the cans and hopefully win a prize. "Computer, game mode to easy for Tristan." The computer complied.

Looking at Aiden as they walked, "I really hope you don't mind me bringing him and having some of my attention set aside for him tonight."

"Why would I mind that? He seems like a nice kid and a pretty bright one. Not to mention that you're the one raising him. You should spend time with him."

"How did you come up with this program? I really like it."

Dallas smiled at the compliment, "He takes after his mother, Danielle. She was kind, caring, highly intelligent, and definitely one of a kind. I'm only doing the best I can with him." He truly missed his cousin. "Apparently after my parents brought him home to go live with one of my brothers, Tristan screamed the house down until he ended up first with my other brother, then with me. We did a two-month trial of him living with me, it improved both our lives, and now I'm waiting for legal guardianship."

Watching where Tristan had gone, Dallas smiled, "When we were younger, we used to go on a week long holiday every year and we'd come to this fair. It was always one of my favourite memories and I managed to replicate it onto a program."

Aiden nodded as Dallas spoke, his eyes shifting between his new friend and Tristan. "No wonder it's so good, it's built from your memories. From who you are."

"Do you know how long it's going to be before they grant you legal guardianship?"

"I honestly have no idea," Dallas shrugged as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Could be next week, or it could be six months from now. Either way, I'm happy to have him as long as I can."

"Well, I hope it's a long time. He deserves to have a stable home." Aiden said.

"We should try the Ferris Wheel, even though I hate heights."

"Well, I hope it's a long time too," Dallas echoed. Even though it was warm weather, he'd purposely worn a long sleeve shirt and started itching just beneath the cuff of the left-hand side because he was starting to get a little bit hot. Falling back a step from Aiden and then moving to his left side, Dallas took a breath in and out before offering his right hand, "And I'm not the biggest fan of heights either but we're here together, so we'll deal with it together."

Aiden looked over at Dallas with clear surprise in his eyes. There was the briefest hesitation before he took the other man's hand. "Not that I'm objecting, but are you sure you're ready for this?"

"I... Yes. I am," Dallas replied after a moment of thought. "Eventually I will elaborate on everything, but for now let's just enjoy this moment, yeah?" He was well out of his comfort zone with the physical contact but was also trusting Aiden immensely.

"Take your time. I'm a patient guy," Aiden replied tentatively, squeezed the other man's hand, and entwined their fingers. "Let's just enjoy this time."

Dallas really appreciated Aiden's comment, "Thank you, that means a lot. Now, let's go see how much this kid's won and then go on the Ferris wheel?" No doubt it was a lot and Tristan would sleep good tonight.

"Hey, Tristan" Aiden greeted as they approached the boy, "are you done winning? Did you want to go ride the Ferris wheel?"

"I am now," Tristan put down the ball he was about to throw and looked up at his cousin and his friend with a smile, confused as to why it was Aiden speaking and not Dallas. "I don't think I can take these on the ride though?" he motioned to the pile of toys he'd amassed in the five minutes he was left alone.

"It's alright bud, you can leave them here and I promise they'll still be here when we get back," Dallas reassured him as he put his hands on the kids shoulders and steered him toward the wheel. "The question is, do you want to be in the same pod as Aiden and I or do you want one to yourself?" He knew that Tristan had abandonment issues, so it was always a toss-up as to what he'd want.

"If you and Aiden want to be alone, I can go in a separate pod. I don't mind," was the reply from Tristan, warranting a curious eyebrow raise from Dallas because he'd never thought he'd hear him say something like that. Looking to Aiden for confirmation and looking down at their joined hands, Dallas said with a grin, "You wanted to go on it, so the choice is yours if you want me all to yourself or to share with Tristan. I'm easy either way."

Aiden cocked his head, thinking about his options. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to go on the Ferris wheel, but he didn't want to back out at that moment.

"Well, if you're really okay with me riding with your cousin," Aiden said to Tristan," then I'd like to ride by myself with him. I'm kinda scared of it a little myself."

Tristan smiled wide and nodded, "That's okay. You can take one of my toys with you if you want? I'm going to take one with me." Dallas smiled at how Danielle would have been proud of her son at this moment.

"Thank you, Tristan, that's a great idea. I would be happy to take one of your toys. It would really help. You keep your favorite one and give me one of the others."

After umming and ahhing for a few moments over which one to give him, Tristan ended up choosing the medium sized stuffed dog to give to Aiden, keeping the soft and cuddly panda for himself. "There you go. I've always wanted a dog but because we lived on the ship, my mom said we couldn't have one. If I stayed with Gram and pop, I'm pretty sure they'd let me have one. Or Dallas, you could get one!" he looked excitedly to Dallas for confirmation as they reached the Ferris wheel and the doors were open to the pods.

"Not a chance, buddy. I can barely keep up with you," Dallas said with a laugh and grin as he helped the kid in and got his belt on, "Maybe some fish if you're lucky. There. You go on up and have fun seeing all the sights, we'll be one or two pods behind you, okay?"

After Tristan had gone up, Dallas and Aiden took their own pod and got themselves settled in with Dallas sitting to Aiden's left. "Ready to conquer a fear of heights?" he asked.

"I'm ready to give it a shot anyway."

"I'm thrilled you brought Tristan along," Aiden continued, holding up the stuffed dog. "He didn't have to share. But he did. I think that's very cool."

"You could have told him about my dog, though, you know."

Of course he could've! Why didn't I think of that? Dallas thought to himself before saying out loud, "I, honestly, it slipped my mind that you had a dog as well. Tristan would absolutely love that for sure." They got themselves seated and buckled up, and Dallas smiled at the look of Aiden holding the toy, "Just a fair warning though, I promise he won't shut up about it for a long time afterward."

"I'm okay with that," Aiden responded.

After ten minutes of being on the Ferris wheel and chatting about a number of different topics while making sure Tristan was still alright, Dallas decided to bring up one particular topic: him and Aiden, "So, um, I know we've been talking for ages and I know this is our first date, but I... I actually really like you." He took a moment for a breath in and out, "You're the first person I've actually liked in quite a while, and I want to thank you for that."

Dallas's words brought a smile to Aiden's face. "I like you too. I would really like to go on a second date. Perhaps just the two of us this time? I love having Tristan along, don't get me wrong. He's a great kid, but I'd like some one-on-one time. A nice dinner, someplace romantic. But be warned. If you agree, I might be tempted to kiss you after we eat, then."

"Yeah," Dallas laughed as he scratched the back of his head. He was still nervous at the thought of opening up to someone like Aiden, but thought that if he didn't at least try, then there was probably no way he ever would, and it would be too late. "I can't go bringing him everywhere with me, you're right. He's definitely a great kid, but I'd ask someone to look after him for the night." The thought of having a proper dinner date was appealing, though. "A romantic dinner, just the two of us, it sounds great. So I accept." He smiled at Aiden. "And there's a high chance I might let you."

"I wouldn't kiss you without permission, I'll always ask. Well, at least the first time anyway, but that will have to wait We can go anyplace on Earth. Where would you like to go?"

"To be fair, I don't really know that much to do with Earth locations," Dallas replied. "So you're going to have to be the one in charge of picking a spot."

"Well, I know just the place. It's not far from here, relatively speaking, that is, I'll keep it a surprise till we're there. All I can say without giving it away is to dress casually."

"Casual? I don't think that gives away anything," Dallas laughed in reply. "But duly noted. I'll keep it casual with jeans, a t-shirt, and a jacket, then, yes?" He wondered where Aiden was referring to.

"A jacket. It might be a little cool otherwise."

"A jacket?" Dallas echoed with a grin. "Where exactly are you planning on taking me?" His curiosity was definitely piqued now.

"Well then, I have done my job for now," Aiden responded. I hope you like where I'm planning on taking you."

"So, when would you like to try our little adventure?"

Dallas shrugged in reply, "I'm easy for whatever you have planned, wherever you want to go, and whatever you want to do. Just give me a bit of a heads up and I'll make sure I'm free for it."

"Hang on a sec," Aiden replied as he pulled out a PADD and began typing into it. "Okay," he said, looking up from the screen. How about the day after tomorrow, at 1830. We'll have to use a transporter to get there. You're sure that works for you?"

"I... should be good with that," Dallas replied. "I'm fairly certain that Nash isn't going to be working me to the bone just yet, so I should be all good to go, but I'll let you know for sure tomorrow at the start of shift." He shuffled his feet slightly and added, "Are you sure there won't be any issues with us using the transporter for this?"

"I can't think of any. It's pretty routine. I mean, it's not like we're going somewhere classified. I doubt anyone will notice. Should I pick you up, or do you want to meet me somewhere?"

"Tell me where to meet you and I'll be there, and I promise I won't be late," Dallas replied after a short moment of contemplation.

"Good, I'm counting on it," Aiden said before leaning in for a kiss.

Dallas leaned in to return the kiss, putting one hand to the side of Aiden's face as he did. It was soft but passionate until he broke it off after a moment. A sigh came from Dallas as he fought the urge to just step out of the program and take Aiden back to his quarters for the night, but then remembered Tristan was there. "Shall we end this program now?"

Aiden looked at him, and for just a moment, there was a hint of frustration and disappointment on his face. It wasn't aimed at Dallas, but rather at the fact that they were now going their separate ways when he wanted the moment not to end. But he quickly changed back to his normal smile. "Yeah, I think it's about time."

Dallas saw the look flit across his face and gave him an apologetic smile before looking up and calling out, "Computer, end program." The program complied and shut down, leaving them on the empty holodeck. "Thank you for tonight, by the way, and for putting up with me and Tristan. We've both really enjoyed it." He didn't want it to end. "I should probably get this one back to quarters, though, before he becomes a nightmare."

"I'm not sure who came up with the phrase, all good things must end, but they were right. You and Tristan need to get back, and I need to get some sleep. I've got to work Melisa's shift tomorrow. But, this was a good thing, and I'm looking forward to our second date."

"I'm looking forward to it too," Dallas said to Aiden with a smile before picking Tristan up easily and hoisting him onto his shoulders. Balancing the kid evenly, Dallas gave Aiden a smile. "I'll chat to you later on then, have a good night." He didn't want to leave but knew he had to so walked out of the holodeck and back toward the turbolift to his quarters, leaving Aiden standing there.

Aiden almost took a half step toward Dallas and Tristan, but stopped himself. "Good night," he said.


OFF

---

Chief Warrant Officer

Chief Warrant Officer Aiden Mejia
Boatswain
NPC (Osirin)

Petty Officer 3rd CLass

Petty Officer 3rd Class Dallas Risi
Slipstream Specialist
NPC (Eirly)

 

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