Come What May

Posted on Wed May 1st, 2019 @ 9:03am by Commander Alexis Agrax (*) & Chief Petty Officer Nathan Kline

Mission: Cosmos
Location: USS Cassiopeia
Timeline: Six months ago
1614 words - 3.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Her head still pounded like her brain was a drum-set, and despite all the marvels of 24th-century medical technology, it hurt to breaths thanks to all the damage that had happened due to being kneed there a few times by a man double her side. A few scars crisscrossed her face and neck, her throat felt like it was lined with razor blades and her breathing was a little raspy, but overall Alexis felt good enough to at least conduct the more basic chores of her duties. At least she felt more equipped to be doing the paperwork than to be drifting idly around her quarters but she wasn’t allowed to go anywhere until she had been interviewed by someone a lot senior than Aranis about the events that had taken place.

“Come in.” She called as the door chimed again for the seventh time. If this was Aranis coming to check on her again she was going to scream. “Oh…” She said seeing Nathan stride it. Why hadn’t he just come in?

Nathan had come to see her in the sickbay many times, but no one had really told him anything. If it hasn’t been of the Captain he wouldn’t have known when she was moved to her quarters. He had tried to make himself go to her sooner, but the elephant in the room was messing with his mind. He didn’t know what was going to become of them with Liam back. He didn’t want to push her and he didn’t want her to confirm his fear so he had stayed away. That was until he just couldn’t. He opened his mouth to say something, but at the sight of her, nothing came out. He cleared his throat. “Hi.”

“Why didn’t you just come in?” The woman asked seeing him just stood there like the last time this had happened. It was like they were in a vicious circle except for this time Liam had appeared out of nowhere.

Nathan didn’t say anything. Just shook his head slightly before letting out a sigh. Lifting his eyes up he locked on her. Without thinking his feet were moving before his brain could catch up she was in his arms and his lips were gently pressed against hers. She smelled like home, his home. “Are you ok?” He finally asked. “I am sorry.” There were so many things he wanted to apologize for but none of them came out.

Alexis found her arms moved around his neck for a moment enjoying the kiss before she smiled caressing his cheek. “What are you sorry for?” She wondered moving the PaDDs so he could sit down next to her. “I’ve been better but no Vulcan mind meld this time to keep me alive.” She teased trying to stop him worrying.

“For being a dumbass and not being here sooner,” Nathan replied with a dopey grin as he took a seat on the newly cleared space. His hand gently touched her beautiful face and he couldn’t resist placing a soft kiss on her cheek and jaw before setting back. He shook his head, “I know you aren’t weak by any stretch but I am not sure I am strong enough. I might have to take up drinking.” He teased back.

“I think I drunk enough for the pair of us until a few months back.” She whispered enjoying his gentle touches. “You are such a strong man Nathan. You’ve put up with me.” She reminded him softly.

“You…” He said with a smile before placing another soft kiss against his skin. “Are easy to put up with.” He added between his affections. “The people that hurt you.” He started again looking into her dark eyes. “They make me contemplate murder.” He grinned despite being completely serious.

“Liam wasn’t in his right mind at all,” Alexis assured him gently closing her eyes at his soft kisses. They were soothing the inner turmoil she was feeling by the second. “And I think the first time I was just stupid and refused to abandon the bridge and this time Liam sought me out like a homing beacon.” Alexis didn’t want to say what had turned the discussion to a fight to the death but it was something she would discuss with Liam once he was more himself.

“I don’t care,” He started softly. He just couldn’t get enough of showing his affection for her. “I don’t care if you are fighting over salads.” He joked. He gave her another kiss on her soft lips. “Whatever is happening, happened, or will happen between you and Liam…” He paused for a moment looking at here. “I am here for you, I just don’t like that he hurt you.”

“I don’t like it either. He just wasn’t him, there was so light in his eyes. It was like he wasn’t there.” Alexis assured. It was a strange position to be in where she had to defend her husband against her new lover. Liam hadn’t been himself till she had called him Imazdi and he had paused allowing her to knock him out. “I know you don’t care but I do quite a lot. I don’t want you hurt.” His kisses and words were so soft that it hurt to think about all the hurt she was going to cause him.

“Babe,” Nathan said, his tone became stern. “I do care.” He continued. “What I mean is, that whatever happens, whatever you want to the happen or whatever needs to happen. I am here. I love you.” He added kissing her. He was a bit overwhelmed and his words were failing him so showing her seemed like the best plan of action. He was there for her even if in the end he didn’t factor into her choice or into her life. He wanted her happy even if it wasn’t with him.

“You are too good for me,” Alexis whispered against his lips as he pulled back from the kiss. Sometimes physical actions were better than words especially to a telepath like Alexis but she loved the way he said babe to her.

Nathan slid his arm around her and gently pulled him to her. He settled her small frame against his and closed his eyes. “Nah,” He started with a smile in his voice. “I am just me. Besides, you are pretty easy to love.” He let the comfortable silence settle between them. “I know you hate when people worry about you, but how are you? Really?”

Alexis was relieved when he didn’t treat her life she was made of china and pulled her close to him and relaxed. She liked her men to treat her like she wasn’t as venerable as she knew she was at points. “You really are Nath. I don’t deserve your loyalty at all.” She said softly as the silence settled on them for a moment before he asked his question. The woman sighed softly. “I’ve been better but I’m not dead though I don’t think I should take another beating like that again anytime soon. I might not be so lucky.” Alexis said glad that he wasn’t a telepath he didn’t need to know how her body was damaged beyond repair in some areas.
Nathan nodded not that she could see him. His hand mindless moved up and her arms softly as his mind raced. The primate portion of his mind wanted nothing more than to protect her but he knew that he couldn't. Not only did she outrank him not only by rank alone but position, but she was not the type of women to play damsel. Nor the type to appreciate being treated like one. The thought made him laugh slightly bringing a slight smile to his lips.

“I can kick ass most of the time but it seems I am out of practice.” She admitted with a small sigh to herself. “We are being recalled to earth so I will have plenty of time to recover and rest whilst the Captain faces Command.” The woman murmured wondering what it would bring being back on Earth.

“I love you, Lexie,” Nathan said as he gently turned her face to his and kissed her softly. “Always.”

The woman gave into the soft kiss for a moment letting him lead and control things. “Very much too good for me.” She breathed surprised by the kiss and the emotion in his words.

“Shut up.” He teased back with a smile. “It isn’t like it matters.” He started giving her another soft kiss. “I get to decide what I want and who I want.” He kissed her again, this time it lingered longer between them. “I want you.”

“Matters to me.” The woman said gently as she caressed his cheek for a moment. “I want you too.” She told him, he was the ones stable influence in her life and she hated that she might be breaking his heart soon.

“The rest will sort itself out, babe,” Nathan said looking into her deep eyes. He would see the worry she held and while he didn’t know what was coming he was a big boy and far from dumb. It would be what it would be and he would enjoy it until then. Come what may.

OFF::

Chief Petty Officer Nathan Kline
Sensor Specialist
USS Cosmos
(PNPC Belikov)

Commander Alexis Agrax
Chief Of Security
USS Cosmos
(PNPC Gregnol)