JP - Lieutenant Madison Marsh & Ensign Alix Harford - "Christmas in Vegas" - Part I
Madison Marsh
[JP] Lt. Madison Marsh & Ensign Alix Harford - Christmas in Vegas Part I
((Marsh Home, Las Vegas, Nevada, Earth))
((Stardate: 240112.23 Time: 1840))
The crisp night air and twinkling lights felt far more like Christmas than any decorations or music back on the Starship had been able to manage. Alic stood, suitcase next to her, on the narrow walkway that led to the front door of the Marsh residence and smiled, looking up at the house that had really become her second home. This wasn't the first time she'd spent Christmas with Maddie and her mother, but this time felt a little different. This was Alix's first Christmas since graduating the Academy and being sent out on a ship. With a contented sigh, she closed the final bit of distance to the door and it swung open just as she was about to press the chime.
Maddie wore a thick cream colored turtleneck sweater tucked into a festive green skirt that split high up one thigh. Black tights underneath the shirt ended in a pair of black heeled ankle boots. Her jewelry was simple gold and her glittery red nails completed the outfit for a very Christmassy look. She had been looking out her window waiting for her best friend to arrive at her home. As soon as Alix arrived at the front door, she opened it swiftly. She looked up and smiled at her significantly taller friend.
Marsh: Hi Alix! Bring it in girl.
She immediately embraced Alix with a warm tight hug, her head snug under her friend’s chin.
Harford: ::chuckling:: Oof, for a tiny woman, you’ve got some serious strength.
Marsh: I missed you so much. Welcome home! You smell nice, what fragrance are you wearing? I want it for my collection.
Harford: I missed you too, Mads. And um… I don’t know what it's called, I’ll show you later though.
Madison broke their hug after a few moments and offered to take Alix’s suitcase in for her. She lifted the handle, and pulled it in. It was lighter than she had initially expected. She brought it inside the house and extended her arm to invite Alix inside.
Marsh: Come on in, you traveled light.
Harford: Yeah, I knew we'd end up shopping, so I didn't bring too much.
Alix’s statement was met with a knowing smile on Madison’s end. Of course they were going to go shopping, that’s what best friends do together. She was impressed that Alix seemed to have more of an interest in shopping than usual.
Marsh: You know me all too well, we’ll absolutely go on a shopping spree.
Alix followed Maddie inside and instantly relaxed. She felt comfortable here. In the decade the two had been friends, Alix had visited often. Even more so since joining the Academy and being disowned by her own family. Mrs. Marsh had always treated Alix like family, and it was nice, in a sense, to be home.
The spacious living room was usually very cozy with lots of neutral colors and soft textures, but around Christmas time it was even warmer and more inviting. Mrs. Marsh, for not being an Earth native, really enjoyed the holiday and it showed. The house was draped with fresh garland, and smattered with tasteful white and gold bows, bells, and ornaments. It looked like a scene from a Hallmark movie or the setting from inside a snow globe. But the best part of all were the three matching gold stockings hanging across the mantle. Mrs. Marsh had gotten them when Alix had visited for the very first Christmas seven years ago.
Harford: So, what are we doing tonight?
Madison gestured to her outfit which indicated that she would want to go out and do something socially. If not, she would have worn something more casual. She grinned at her friend to indicate that she was not trying to be mean, but more so energetic and fun.
Marsh: Well I don’t dress this way to hang out in this quiet house. Let’s hit the strip tonight!
Harford: ::looking down at her outfit and then really paying attention to Maddie’s:: Ah, now your cute outfit makes sense. I guess I need to change.
She leaned back on the sofa and crossed her arms in a comfortable manner. Madison tilted her head slightly studying Alix’s outfit. At least Alix knew that they would have to pick out a new outfit. The woman was getting better with style, perhaps it was because she was actively dating and not always in the lab.
Marsh: We can replicate one of my outfit styles for you to try out if you fancy it enough.
Harford: This might be a new record. Not even here ten minutes and you already want to doll me up.
And just like that, Madison stood up, glanced down, and extended her soft hand to help Alix up. She was almost always full of energy and ready to spend time with others.
Marsh: Up you go! Now come follow me.
Harford: Alright, Mads. I’m coming.
Madison cut down a hall and entered her bedroom. She picked up her PADD and plopped down on her bed patting next to her for Alix to join. Her fingers pressed a few buttons until her closet portfolio popped up on her screen. This is what she wanted Alix to view in order to replicate the style of her choice.
Marsh: Come sit and review my fashion options.
Harford: ::playfully exasperated:: This will take ages, I know you have quite a collection!
Madison handed her PADD over to Alix and couldn’t help not to peek at the options that her friend was looking over. There were plenty and she knew that Alix would find something that tickled her fancy. However, she was there to provide her with the fashion support and references that she needed to make the optimum choice.
As she scrolled through the choices in Maddie’s collection, Alix couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. Their styles, and their bodies, were so different. Petite and blonde with soft curves, Madison looked stellar in short skirts and fitted tops that were more low cut at times. She also had a level of confidence that drew her to more attention grabbing colors and patterns. Alic on the other hand was long and lean with a slight waist and powerful legs. Short skirts would just make her look gangly and uncoordinated. Besides, she’d never much enjoyed wearing dresses, though she’d been branching out more lately.
Marsh: So, what were you thinking about the various outfit options here? You’ll look cute in pretty much all of them anyways. Just remember when you transfer it to the replicator that you remember to adjust the outfit to your sizing, unless you wanted to wear spandex!
She chuckled at her own joke because outfits her size would not fit Alix at all. Madison also did not want Alix to waste replicator energy on making a mistake unintentionally. She had kept her sizing saved in the device so that she did not have to manually change it every single time.
Harford: Yeah, your petite size-smalls would never fit my height.
Turning her attention back to the PADD, Alix saw something that sparked her interest, though it wasn’t in Maddie’s collection. She changed the angle of the PADD to protect it from her best friend’s nosy stare and began putting together an outfit; tight black jeans, a red cable knit sweater and the pair of thigh high suede boots that had caught her attention in the first place. She kept the accessories simple with a designer belt and a pair of gold cascading earrings.
Marsh: Fair enough, I want to see what you have in mind then.
Harford: Nope. I’m not showing you. I want to surprise you with how much I’ve been practicing this whole fashion thing.
After double checking that she’d input all of her measurements correctly, Alix held the PADD high above her head to protect it from her friend’s reaching grasp.
She sighed in frustration that she could not reach the PADD. It was one of the cons of being short and Alix being well above average height. Alix seemed to use that to her advantage whenever possible whether that was on the basketball court of hiding her PADD from Madison.
Marsh: Oh, just show me the outfit already, enough of these ridiculous antics.
Harford: No, no way. Let me just replicate it and get dressed. If you hate it, you can pick my outfit. Deal?
Madison leaned back on the bed and crossed her arms. She would simply have to compromise with her friend on this one. There was no way that she’d out muscle Alix, so it wasn’t worth the wasted effort. In this case, she would just take the consolation.
Marsh: Deal, but I hope you chose wisely.
With a grin and a confident nod, Alix pressed the command to replicate the outfit, then quickly tucked the PADD away so Madison couldn’t get any ideas. She crossed the room into Madison’s dressing room and, like she had many times before, admired the ensuite space. From memory, she knew the attached bathroom was decorated in soft pinks and happy florals patterns. The dressing room, a huge closet with large mirrors and a small padded bench in the center of the room, was decorated to echo the bathroom. The replicator had done its job and her selected outfit was waiting for her.
A few minutes later, Alix stepped back into Madison’s room and held her arms out to her sides.
Harford: Well, what do you think?
Madison nodded her head in acknowledgement. Her facial expression was that of one impressed woman. Alix had outdone herself, and Madison would take all of the credit for teaching her, in her own mind for that matter.
Marsh: Aw, you look gorgeous! You’ve been working on your fashion I see. You don’t need my fashion advice anymore.
Harford: Yeah? Do you think so? Even though it's not a dress?
She rose to her feet and walked over to Alix. Madison did a circle around her friend taking another look at her stylish outfit. It was made out of quality materials and was a perfect fit.
Marsh: I don’t know how you’re not married already. You have so much to offer, but the guys can't seem to figure that out yet. It’s a real shame if you ask me.
Harford: ::shrugged:: You know I don’t want to get married, Mads. But that doesn’t mean I would mind if men noticed me now and then.
Madison returned to the sofa and took a seat. She crossed her arms and legs casually as she began to check in with Alix. There were plenty of topics to review with Alix after not seeing her for an extended period of time.
Marsh: Speaking of men, how are things going with Charles?
Harford: Things are ::pause:: Charles is- Well, we’re at least sort of speaking so… ::shrug:: It’s complicated.
The truth was complicated didn’t begin to cover it. Alix wasn’t really sure where she stood with Charles or where they would end up. She knew she wanted him badly. She knew that working with him and not being with him was tearing her up inside, but she didn’t want to get into that with Maddie. Her best friend meant well, and it all came from a place of love, but she could be pushy when it came to Alix’s love life, social life, wardrobe… Okay. She was pushy when it came to Alix, period.
Harford: What about Haukea? How’ve things been since moving in together?
The move had gone well overall, they had grown close over the past year and were definitely in a serious relationship. Amar, Haukea’s adopted daughter had been a blessing in both of their lives as well. Upon Madison's promotion to full Lieutenant, she took advantage of the opportunity to move into the Little Risa district. Being Centauran, she naturally enjoyed living by the sea. The house was a nice small one on the beach there. Due to the fact that it was a simulated beach on a space station made it that much more affordable than the real deal.
Marsh: Haukea is doing fabulous, thank you for asking. She was actually recently promoted to Chief of Security. Moving in together has been wonderful with her and her adopted daughter Amarr. It is different having a teen in the house, but she is an absolute doll.
The friends continued catching up, as they finished getting ready for a night out. Though they spoke, or messaged each other, several times a week, it was just different getting to chat in person. By the time they were finally headed out they’d fallen into fits of laughter, enjoying each other’s company like they were teens again.
Mission Specialist
Starbase 118 Ops
O240006MM1
and
Medical Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
D240104AH2
Mission Specialist
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
