Lt Ross - Skipping Lines

[Hannah S]

((Shari’s Café, San Francisco District – Starbase 118))

Ryden offered Ross a smile that was more surprised than anything. It was true - they had never interacted much, but still, Ross didn't only catch up to him in order to skip the line. He felt the urge to escape his own head for a while and something told him that a little socialising wouldn't hurt either of them.

Ross: Mind if I join you?

Ryden gestured toward the register.

Kel: You might as well... we’ll be here a bit unless you know a secret password that gets you bumped to the front.

The line moved forward slightly, and Ryden stepped with it, glancing over his shoulder.

Kel: Though if you’re here for those tiny fruitcakes, I’d get one before they disappear. People seem to act like they're laced with gold.

Ross threw a worried glance at the display of pastries, but thankfully there were a few ones left. Ryden didn't seem too eager to compete over the leftovers, which led Ross to a conclusion: 

Ross: Out for coffee? I heard their brew is great. How's Shore Leave so far?

Ryden gave a small shrug. Ross couldn't help but sense some tension within the younger Ensign. 

Kel: It’s... fine. I think I forgot how to do nothing for more than five minutes at a time. So now I’m standing in line pretending this is an adventure.

Ross let out a chuckle, to which Ryden smiled faintly, a little self-deprecating. Evan caught how he shifted his weight slightly, before wincing in pain as he grabbed his side. 

Kel: How about you? You always spend your off-hours chasing pastries through replica cities?

It seemed their last mission had taken a physical toll on the doctor, but Ryden didn't seem keen to discuss this. Ross decided not to pry on him and focused on his question instead. 

Ross: Well, you know how they say... Choose your poison. 

There were way worse things out and about on this base, but in the end it were always the carbs that got to him. 

Ryden reached the counter first and placed his order. Ross watched him attentively before ordering a black coffee and a strawberry fruitcake. A moment later, they stood near the pick-up counter and waited for their orders.

There was a brief pause between them, filled only by the hiss of steaming milk and the clink of cups. Ross threw Ryden a pensive side-glance and noticed that he looked a little pale - maybe just tired. He didn't know him well and yet he had the feeling that something was bugging him. 

Ross: We haven't really met off-duty yet, have we? Do you often spend time around this district? 

Kel: I don’t think we have. ::Ryden glanced over at him:: You’re Intelligence, right?

Ross nodded and flashed him an apologising grin. Maybe his tone of voice had been a little too revealing about his concerns.

Ross: Sorry. Every question sounds like an investigation, huh? I promise, we're not as bad as people say. 

Kel: ::dryly:: You’d be surprised how often Betazoid heritage gets me that same reaction. That is when they realize I'm half Betazoid... ::he lightly touched his spots:: the spots aren't as... off-putting?

Ross managed a wry smile. 

Ross: Well, I guess as for the black uniform, at least I can take that one off in the end of the day.

He imagined it incredibly exhausting to constantly sense other people's secret and darkest feelings and emotions. He had no idea that Ryden carried two different worlds in his genes, both with such exhaustive implications for a sense of self. No wonder he looked a little roughed up. 

Their names were called almost simultaneously, and they each collected their mugs and plates from the bar. Ryden led the way to a small corner table, tucked near the window.

Ross, pleased with the silent invitation, shuffled onto one of the chairs and settled back with a sigh, taking in the small room for a moment while Ryden took a sip of his coffee. 

Kel: So what do you do when you’re not chasing pastries or being... vaguely mysterious?

Ross' eyes snapped back towards his opposite and he let out an imploring chuckle before grimacing slightly.

Ross: Ugh, please don't make me think about my life. We had such a good start here. ::he stared into his coffee for a few seconds:: These days I'm mostly into avoiding a single thought and having long imaginative arguments with the shampoo bottles in my shower. As people do, I guess.

He shrugged and grinned, trying to take it lightly - maybe they were both a little hopeless in the end of the day. 

That earned a genuine laugh from Ryden... short, but real. Again, wincing at the ever present dull pain in his side. Ross narrowed his eyes lightly, trying to make out what was bothering him.  

Kel: Sounds familiar. I’d add ‘mild professional anxiety’ and ‘replaying every conversation I’ve ever had’ to the list, but otherwise yeah. Standard.

Ross: ::nodding:: Yeah, checks out. Sounds like we're of the same trade after all. 

He raised his mug to a sympathetic clink. 

Kel: ? 

Ross: So! ::he straightened up:: Let's get down to business. Tried these fruitcakes before? 

Kel: ? 

Ross nodded. 

Ross: Yeah, I'm always looking for new places to find snacks. There's a colleague - you probably haven't met him, I think he got transferred before you joined the crew... name's Rustyy. We were always scouting new restaurants and cafés. I kinda miss that. 

His smile grew a bit absent-minded. As much as he had settled down by now, he had been out and about way more often in his early days on base.

Kel: ? 

Ross: I just think it's important, you know. ::he threw Ryden a pensive glance:: To get out there from time to time. Enjoy the simple things, so you don't lose track. Of... the important stuff. ::he hesitated:: Have you been feeling alright lately? You look a little tired, pal. 

He didn't want to overstep boundaries. Ross knew that his face bore similar traces to the shadows underneath Ryden's eyes, but maybe that only stirred the worry about his younger colleague further. 

Kel: ? 

--

***

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2