Mood Lighting Part II

Posted on Tue Mar 31st, 2026 @ 9:27am by Lieutenant Commander Elyse White & Lieutenant Commander Sabastian Walker

1,303 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Forgotten Wounds
Location: Elyse White's Quarters

ON:


Elyse blushed, "it's been a long time since someone took care of me. I've been the one fixing messes and handling the tough stuff for so long. Would be nice to not have to be the grown up for a day or two."

"I can understand that. How about you go and shower and change and I will make you dinner. Technically I'm off duty so this is my last stop."

Elyse's jaw dropped and she found herself a stuttering mess as she went to protest. Finally she managed words though, "but these are my quarters. If anything, I should be feeding you."

"Nonsense. You tell me are you an omnivore or veggie based diet and I'll make food. I make great pasta if you like that."

Elyse just couldn't quite comprehend what was happening. She felt almost guilty for even considering taking him up on the offer. But then her mouth ran before her brain could catch up, "but as friends, right? No ulterior motives? I heard you've been swooning and referring to me as a coffee goddess. I didn't even have a coffee. I had a hot chocolate."

"You are the coffee goddess cause it's a coffee shop but yes as friends. It can't be easy getting all this extra work and I could use a meal too so." He walked over to her wine collection. "I'll get you a glass of wine and you get cleaned up and I’ll cook. Deal?"

Her heart pounded and her cheeks flushed. "I--" was is bad that she'd hoped that he would admit to having ulterior motive? Elyse looked down the hall at the bathroom. She felt like she could say neither yes or no and what he was proposing. Both options had pros and cons. "You wouldn't do this to anyone else," she commented, "why me?"

"Actually I would. There are a lot of tired people on this ship so if I can help I help." He handed her a glass of wine. "Now," he laughed. "Once again, is pasta okay?"

She wasn't special. But, oddly, that was ok. Was she a little disappointed? Yes. But it was ok. Elyse sipped the wine and nodded, "pasta would be great. I eat everything really, except shellfish and strawberries. Weird allergies, I know." Elyse gave in and stepped away, putting the glass down and heading to the bathroom.

"Actually not weird he called after her. I'm allergic to strawberries. They turn me purple." He handed to the kitchen to make some food.

Elyse was very quick with her shower. It felt odd having a man in her quarters whilst she was doing so, but when she came out she was in civilian clothes, yoga leggings and an academy tank top. "So, you go dark blue when you're blushing and purple when you're ill? Any other colours?" She asked as she walked up to the kitchen counter, watching him cook.

"Green if the chief if piloting a shuttle. That man likes his stunts. He cuts things close a lot and scares the hell out anyone." He brought over the salad he'd made and placed it on the table. "The sauce is almost done." He smiled. "That's about all the colour ranges for Andorians...well most of them." He grinned. "So how was your day?"

Elyse's smile faltered as she realised that he hadn't just done something by half, he'd gone all out to make her dinner. She couldn't remember that last time anyone did that for her. Nor did she remember the last time someone asked her about her day. It took a moment for her brain to buffer, "I-- that's good to know about Walker. I'll try not to have a heart attack tomorrow. As for my day? It was ok. Lots to do. Way too much. Why do people choose to be an XO? I have my own work and an XOs. Just why? Anyway, what about you?"

He laughed. "Walker says he's in it to make sure that all the people in departments are treated well by the senior staff and that the senior staff knows that they are supported. You think he doesn't sleep now wait till he's back in the seat...if he gets back in the seat." He sighed. "My day? It was alright. We finished the shuttles. Pilots are all up to speed and Engineering is freaking out. Walker let me take the lead today as head he says it's good practice and frankly I felt like hitting him all day. Not the work just... Can I tell you a secret?"

Elyse chuckled softly but then nodded, "I mean, you need the experience at some point. He appointed you his right hand man for a reason. What's the secret?"

"The whole department is on edge today. When walker announced Forest would be flying we were okay but then he said he'd take the skiff and it was like the whole room stopped breathing." He sighed. "We all just got this pain in our stomach..." He shook his head. "Probably being stupid."

"No, no, not stupid, just cautious," Elyse replied, "do you think he's being reckless or that it's the right thing to do? Be honest."

"No. He's not reckless. He knows what he's doing and he'll get the job done."

Elyse looked confused, "then why the reaction?"

"Probably just stress." He laughed. "Between Starfleet's horrible upgrades and this mission...I think the whole ship needs cupcakes after this and like fifty days of rest."

Elyse hesitated, but nodded in understanding. But, even Elyse knew that if the feeling was there, then it could very well be an omen, "I'll keep an eye on him out there. Don't worry. As for the cupcakes and R&R... Perhaps just the engineering department needs the rest, but I absolutely need the cupcakes-- I stress eat. I'm convinced that I have the replicator equivalent of a speed dial on chocolate at the moment."

He laughed. "Secret the second I love sweets. My favorite is something called triple chocolate cake."

Elyse smiled, "only triple? Oh, my new friend, I must introduce you to the five fold chocolate cake."

He laughed. "Well I can't wait." He brough the pasta over to the table. "Dinner is served my lady."

Elyse walked over and took a seat and then looked to him curiously, "ok... I have to ask... Sabastian said that you've been talking about me in terms of being a 'coffee goddess'. Then you offer me your arm and now you're calling me m'lady. What... Do you understand what I'm asking?" Elyse's stutter came back a little.

He sighed. "I think I do. I like you, you make me curious but honestly I'm not sure about starting anything. My last relationship was....a mess. I'd like to get to know you more. Beyond that I'm not sure. We take things as they go?"

Elyse's features softened and a smile crossed her lips. She nodded, "I admit that I was happy to have bumped into you today and I was disappointed to not have coffee with you today. But, my last relationship... 'mess' wouldn't be the right word, but I lost a lot because of it and I don't want to be in that position again. I am reluctant to start anything new. But, I can agree that we start out as friends and then go from there, if there's anything to be had."

"Perfect." He smiled. "Dig in. I have chocolate chip cookies in the oven."

"Gawd," she chuckled, "I said I was jealous of your boss for having so many people look out for him, you know I didn't mean that you should do all of this for me, right? I may be acting XO, but this is beyond your job description."

OFF:

 

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