Lt Ross - Loneliness is a Choice

[Hannah S]

((Evan Ross’s Quarters; Upper Habitat Section, StarBase 118))

He had seen a lot of people coming and going since his arrival on the base. Some of them had been good friends - Rustyy, Sash and Tito - others had been more. The memory of T'Reyna's cat-like eyes still haunted him in his dreams, but Ross hadn't forgotten Foster's doctor's orders during last Shore Leave: Relax. Socialise. 

Most of his life he had thought himself to be a loner. And in some ways it was true: He had spent a lot of time on his own. But lately there had been a new realisation: It had always been a choice. 

And now?

Was it a little weird to invite his younger colleague over to his quarters after briefly mentioning a shared curiosity for cooking? Maybe. 

But perhaps this wasn't the time to question social protocol. His kitchen was about to go up in flames and he was close to becoming a hermit: The only thing that could save him now was a new friendship. 

Ross: You don't happen to be free tonight...?

He could sense some form of surprise on the other side - but Lyra's laugh brought immediate relief. 

Voss: ::with surprise:: Oh am I the professional? ::laughing brightly:: Well, I have made pasta once. It was in a cooking class with a lot of direct supervision, but I can usually be counted on not to start a fire, so yes! I’d be happy to help. I can head out in a few minutes?

Ross: ::flushing:: That would be great. It's the upper section, Quarter 344C. 

Voss: Great! Be there shortly. Voss out.

Ross put down his communicator and stared at the chaos unfolding around him - he decided not to touch anything until Lyra's arrival and instead grabbed his glass of brandy and took a careful step back. 

It wasn't that hard, right? The whole socialising thing. You just had to be brave and not care about other gossiping Starfleet officers too much. Him and Voss had barely interacted during the last mission, but their conversation in the art gallery had stuck with him - there was something about her friendly and open demeanour he had really enjoyed, despite the unpleasant feeling of someone rummaging through his recent breakup-feelings. 

He had reached a zen-like state of acceptance within the center of his creation - who needed a kitchen, right? You could replace quarters - when someone finally chimed the door. Ross put down his glass and went towards the entrance, carefully stepping over a small puddle of flour in front of the kitchen isle. 

Ross: Just a second! 

A rush of relief went through his chest as soon as Lyra appeared behind the hissing doors: she was wearing a green dress over a black t-shirt and a nervous smile that soon turned into an expression of shock and amusement.

Voss: The cavalry has arriv— oh. Oooooh wow.

She immediately covered her mouth in an attempt to not burst out laughing.

Ross frowned.  

Ross: That bad, huh?

Voss: I didn’t mean to… just wow! Well, I’m really glad you called! And I brought chocolate. So uh, what exactly were you trying to make?

His eyes lit up at the sight of the chocolate - exactly what he needed in this dire situation. 

Ross: Oh wow... - thanks! Come on in. ::he gestured her to enter the chaos:: I'm not even sure what I was attempting, the recipe says Pomodoro, but I didn't really get there. The dough is way too sticky. So I thought do the sauce, can always replicate the pasta, but... oh well... 

He shrugged and gestured faintly at the scene of the crime before nervously straightening his hair, which only ended up in more flour as hair dye. 

Voss: ? 

Ross: Please, make yourself at home. Would you like a drink? Sorry, I already started.

He stepped up to the small bar and fetched her whatever fuel she needed to master this disaster. 

Voss: ? 

Ross: Hope I didn't cross your plans for the night? 

He kept his safe distance to the kitchen yet - he had caused enough chaos and was on stand-by for any sort of task Lyra might have for him. 

Voss: ? 

Ross: Just tell me what to do. You can't make it worse, believe me. ::he grinned wryly:: So... how did the mission go for you? First one, right? 

Maybe some small-talk would distract her from his complete incompetence. 

Voss: ?

***

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2