Fake Life but Real Promises

Posted on Tue Jan 28th, 2025 @ 2:38pm by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami

3,104 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well
Timeline: Past

With a wedding around the corner, but life on deck being stressful, Adrianna had been spending whatever downtime she had with her husband to be. It seemed that when Vance was tired, he reminisced more.

The topic of this evening's conversation was a time when the couple were aboard the Pendragon, not long after Adrianna had received her final warning from Starfleet regarding getting too close. It had been just after Adrianna had almost died in the waters because of a Romulan/Starfleet deal gone bad. She had managed to use it to her advantage, claiming that Stafkeet could have killed her because no-one did their due diligence on the ship they were making a bad deal with.

Fleet had instantly backed off, allowing Adrianna a little more freedom. Unfortunately, she had spent the time only getting closer to Vance and actually falling for him, instead of following orders and finding a way to legitimately get out. She had been in the process of finding loopholes so that she could remain by his side and be honest with him.

***Some Time Ago***

Vance had presented the idea with his usual confidence, as though it was perfectly natural to ask Adriana to pose as his pregnant wife for the sake of a job. Adrianna had given him an incredulous look, arms folded tightly across her chest. “A fake marriage and a baby bump? You’re pushing it, Capitano,” she'd protested, as they had made their way from Freecloud so some Earth-like planet.

“Trust me,” he’d said, that damned charming smirk playing on his lips, “Clients love family men. The bump will seal the deal. I need this, Ade.”

She’d grumbled about the lengths she had to go to for his schemes, but she’d agreed– if only to shut him up. The Pendragon had parked in a nearby base, the crew doing supply runs whilst the pair went planet side.

And now, hours later, she stood in front of the mirror in their shared guest quarters they had acquired to get ready in lieu of the Pendragon. It was close to where the gala was being held and meant that if there were any watchful eyes, they'd see them together and at least assume they were a couple. What the watchful eyes wouldn't see was that Vance, ever the gentleman, had forged the papers so that it appeared like they were in a double when in fact they were in a twin.

Adjusting the wine coloured gown he’d procured for her, she couldn't help but let a small smile grace her lips. The material hugged her figure perfectly, the illusion of the baby bump beneath it startlingly realistic. Adrianna frowned, brushing her hands over the curve, but oddly finding something strangely satisfying about it. Her brain couldn’t help but start to consider the ‘what ifs’.

“You know,” Vance’s voice came from behind her, low and warm, “you look good like that.”

She glanced up, meeting his eyes in the reflection. He was leaning against the doorway, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that caught her off guard. For once, there was no teasing in his expression, no trace of the rogue she’d come to know so well. Instead, he looked thoughtful– almost wistful. “Madonna! Heard of knocking? I could have been still trying to get into this thing,” she said lightly, trying to shake off the strange tension, “Don’t get any ideas.”

He smirked, “you ready to go, Reggimi– ah sorry– Missus Adams?” He tossed her a fake wedding band and placed one on his own ring finger.

Adrianna nodded, grinning at the name and putting the ring on. He really was going to great lengths for this client. Adrianna had done her research and although the work would be consistent, it wasn't a tonne more money– only stability. She couldn't find anything to suggest that the prospective clients had dealings in anything unkosher either. In conclusion, she found it odd, but would play along as per her role.

They walked into the gala later that evening, her arm tucked into his and her hand resting carefully on the bump as he’d instructed, Vance couldn’t stop glancing at her. She played the role perfectly, smiling demurely, laughing at his jokes, and speaking with quiet confidence when addressed. To everyone around them, they were the perfect couple– expectant parents on the cusp of a new chapter.

For Vance, the act felt too real. Seeing her like this, radiant in the soft glow of the chandeliers, her hand protectively cradling the bump, stirred something in him he hadn’t expected. The idea of Adrianna as his wife wasn’t new– after all, he’d told her she’d be his future wife the moment they met– but now it felt less like a job and scheme and more like a possibility. A life he could actually have, if he stopped running long enough to reach for it.

When the client’s wife cooed over Adrianna, asking about names and due dates, she handled it with ease, grace, never faltering in the role he’d thrust upon her. Vance couldn’t help but feel a strange pride watching her. She wasn’t just playing the part as his translator and negotiator– she was making it believable in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Of course, he knew that she had feelings for him, but he thought they'd not been as intense as his. It made him think that perhaps this was an eye opener for her too– a gateway to a life they could make.

As the night progressed, the music swelled, a gentle waltz weaving its way through the grand ballroom, the kind of melody that whispered elegance and tradition. Adrianna, still adjusting to the weight of the fake baby bump under her gown, stood at the edge of the dance floor with a glass of water, longing to actually drink, but knowing the consequences for Vance and the crew of the Pendragon if she got caught.

Vance, ever the picture of charm in his tailored suit, caught her eye and offered his hand. “Dance with me,” he commanded, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

She arched a brow, glancing pointedly at the other couples gliding gracefully across the polished floor. “With this?” She gestured at the bump with a dry smirk, “you’re kidding, right?”

“Not at all,” he replied, his smirk softening into something almost tender, “You’re supposed to be my glowing, adoring wife. What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t show you off?”

Before she could protest further, he took the drink from her hand and set it on a passing waiter’s tray, then guided her onto the dance floor. His hand slid around her waist, the other capturing hers, and she had no choice but to follow his lead. The first few steps were awkward, her balance thrown by the added weight of the bump, but Vance, ever the gentleman, adjusted seamlessly, keeping her steady with a gentle press of his hand at the small of her back.

“You’ve done this before,” she chuckled softly, her voice light but her eyes searching his, feeling a little lost in the moment.

“Plenty of times,” he admitted with a grin, “But never with someone who makes it look this good, or who was pregnant.”

Adrianna chuckled, though the compliment sent a warmth blooming in her chest, “flattery will get you nowhere, Amore mio.”

“Oh, I disagree,” he murmured, spinning her with effortless grace. The chandelier light caught the dark red hues of her gown, and for a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked radiant, a word he rarely used and never meant until now.

As the music shifted into a slower tempo, Vance pulled her closer, their movements softening to match the mood. Adrianna hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy, but when she glanced up at him, she found his gaze fixed on her, his usual playful arrogance replaced by something quieter. “You’re staring,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Can you blame me?” he questioned softly, “You look–” He faltered, the words catching in his throat. Perfect– beautiful– breathtaking– Like she belonged here, with him in this state, but for real. “You look like you’ve been doing this your whole life,” he finally said, backing away from the words he actually wanted to use.

Adrianna didn’t reply, her cheeks warming under his uncharacteristically earnest gaze. For a moment, the mission, the lies, the entire charade faded into the background. It was just the two of them, moving together as though the rest of the world didn’t exist. “You're playing a very good husband, marito mio,” she smiled, gazing into his eyes, almost begging him to finally kiss her.

When the song finally ended, the applause of the room brought them back to reality. Vance lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a feather-light kiss to her knuckles. Adrianna couldn't help but imagine what his lips would have felt like in her lips, but allowed the moment to pass. He must have had his reasons.

“Not bad, mia moglie,” he teased, his smirk returning. He'd learnt the word for wife specifically for the evening.

Adrianna rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t quite suppress the smile tugging at her lips, “try not to let it go to your head.” As they stepped off the dance floor, her hand still in his, she couldn’t deny that, for a fleeting moment, she’d almost forgotten it was all pretend. Almost.

As the evening wore on, Vance and Adrianna found themselves seated at a table with the client, a portly man named Gerard, and his impeccably dressed wife, Celeste. The couple exuded the kind of old money confidence that made everyone else in the room feel like imposters. Gerard leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of amber whiskey, his keen eyes appraising Vance with interest.

“I must admit,” Gerard began, his voice smooth and deliberate, “when I first heard of you, I wasn’t entirely convinced. Your reputation precedes you, Mister Adams.”

Vance smirked, leaning forward just enough to show he wasn’t intimidated, “Reputations are tricky things. They rarely tell the whole story.”

“Quite so,” Celeste interjected, her sharp gaze flicking to Adrianna, who was seated quietly beside Vance, her hand resting delicately on the curve of her fake baby bump, “but seeing the two of you tonight has been enlightening. A man who can keep his family happy and together– well, that speaks volumes about his character.”

Adrianna smiled politely, playing her part to perfection, though inwardly she bristled at the insinuation that she was some sort of test of Vance’s reliability. She also thought it may rub Vance the wrong way as the death of his sister on his watch still pained him. Still, she leaned into the act, shooting Vance a soft, adoring glance. “Madonna– oh, he’s full of surprises,” she said sweetly, her voice laced with just enough humour to make the clients chuckle.

Gerard nodded approvingly, setting his glass down with a decisive clink, “That’s exactly what I like to see. A man who can manage his own life with care is more than capable of managing sensitive jobs for me. I think we can do business, Adams. Come to my office first thing tomorrow and we will draw up a contract.”

Vance inclined his head, his smile easy but calculated, “I’m glad to hear it. I won’t let you down.”

“See that you don’t,” Gerard replied, though his tone lacked any real edge. Celeste, meanwhile, leaned closer, her perfectly manicured hand brushing lightly against Vance’s sleeve.

“You’re on the right track,” she said softly, her voice meant only for him, “A family gives a man purpose– stability. If you play your cards right, you’ll go far– and not just with us. I've helped you get this with my husband for old times sake, and will keep your secret for now.”

Vance met her gaze and nodded, the faintest flicker of something vulnerable crossing his features. Adrianna, focused on keeping her own mask in place, didn’t notice.

What Adrianna couldn’t know– what Vance hadn’t dared to tell her yet– was that this wasn’t just another job for him. These weren’t his usual smuggling contracts or under-the-table deals. Gerard was offering him a way out– a path to legitimacy. A chance to leave the shadows and chaos behind, to build something real.

Something he could offer to her. Safety for her and their future. She'd made him want a future again.

As the conversation shifted, Adrianna excused herself under the guise of needing air, her gown swishing as she stepped out onto the balcony. Vance watched her go, his chest tightening.

“Your love for her is real,” Celeste observed after her husband left, her voice cutting through his thoughts.

He didn’t deny it, “She’s everything to me. Adrianna is the reason I'm alive and looking for this kind of work.”

Celeste smiled knowingly, “I’ve not seen you like this before. If you truly love her, then don’t waste time. Do what you need to do to give her the life she deserves. A woman like that doesn’t wait forever.”

Vance’s jaw tightened, his resolve solidifying. He would take the offer of a steady job– not for the money, not even for the chance to clean up his reputation, but for her. For Adrianna. ‘One day,’ he thought, as he watched her standing alone in the moonlight, her figure framed by the soft glow of the city lights, ‘One day, I’ll make this real. For her. For us.’.

Adrianna stood alone on the balcony, the crisp night air a welcomed relief from the stifling warmth of the ballroom. The city lights stretched out before her like a sea of stars, but her mind was too restless to enjoy the view. She let out a quiet sigh, brushing her hands over the fabric of her gown, her fingers unconsciously tracing the curve of the fake baby bump. It was strange how natural it felt, despite the absurdity of the situation.

The sound of footsteps behind her pulled her from her spiralling mind. She turned her head just as Vance appeared, a familiar glint in his eyes as he joined her. “You’ve got that look,” he said, leaning casually against the balcony rail beside her.

“What look?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“The one that says you’re overthinking,” he teased, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Adrianna rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a small chuckle, “maybe I’m just enjoying the quiet for once– not to mention actual fresh air instead of being in Freecloud or couped up on the Pendragon.”

He chuckled, his gaze dropping to the bump she still rested her hand on. Without asking, he reached out and placed his hand gently over hers, his touch warm and steady. The gesture startled her at first, but she didn’t pull away. “You wear it well,” he murmured, his voice unusually soft.

“You best mean the dress and not the bump– honestly, this silicone thing is making me sweat and itchy,” she quipped, trying to deflect the sudden shift in tone.

“The whole thing,” he said, ignoring the humour and deflection, his eyes meeting hers, “You, me, this... family. It suits you. Makes me think it wouldn’t be so bad to make it real one day.”

Adrianna’s breath hitched. Vance was always bold, always teasing, but there was no mockery in his words now– just raw honesty. She looked away, her fingers brushing absently over the fake bump beneath her gown. “Vance...” she began, unsure of how to respond.

“I mean it,” he said, stepping closer, his voice low, “I know I’m not exactly the kind of man who deserves that kind of life but seeing you tonight, pretending– it made me realise how much I want it. A wife. A family. You.”

Her heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. She turned to face him fully, her expression a mix of longing and hesitation. “In another life, maybe,” she said softly, the words heavier than she intended. “I’ve never let myself think about it but tonight...” She glanced down at the bump and let out a quiet laugh, one tinged with melancholy, “Tonight, it was easy to imagine.”

Vance tilted his head, studying her carefully, “why not in this life?”

Her eyes flicked back to his, and for a moment, the walls she always kept so carefully in place began to crumble, “because this life is messy, Amore mio. It’s lies and secrets and running from one disaster to the next. That’s not the kind of life you build a family on.”

He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering, “It doesn’t have to be. We could change that. Together.”

“Vance– no matter what, we cannot hide from who we are and what we do,” the Italian almost told him then and there, but hesitated in favour of not having him go crazy and losing a legitimate contract. Adrianna smiled faintly, her hand reaching up to cover his where it rested against her cheek, “You’re an impossible man, you know that?”

“And yet, here you are,” he replied, a hint of his usual smirk returning, “married and carrying my baby.”

She shook her head, a bittersweet laugh escaping her. She returned to the topic, “It’s a nice dream, Vance. At least I have you now. Merde, maybe one day I'll believe it is possible.”

“Maybe,” he echoed, though his voice was filled with quiet determination. He let his hand fall back to her stomach, his thumb brushing over the fabric, “but for what it’s worth– tonight made me believe it could be more than just a dream.”

Adrianna didn’t respond– couldn’t respond. She simply stood there with him, the night stretching endlessly around them, and let herself imagine– for just a little longer– what it might be like if it were real. “Perhaps, one day,” she finally sighed contently.

“One day, Adri. One day I'll make an honest woman of you. I just need time, little dove.”

 

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