Lunch

Posted on Sat May 4th, 2024 @ 12:30pm by Captain Akeno Misaki

Mission: Return to Tyra
Location: Ready Room

Akeno sat in her ready room. The wrecks and debris of destroyed starships floated past the windows, an eerie reminder of the loss and devastation that the Dominion War had caused. It had taken a toll on everyone, including her and she was trying to not think about it. Instead she was attempting to distract herself by going over reports and status updates. The only thing stopping her was one thing, she sucked at paperwork.

The chime on her door sounded. "Oh a distraction." She muttered. "Good". She sat up in her chair from the slumped position she had obtained over the last few hours. "Come in."

The doors swished open and Xander walked through. He was holding a tray upon which say two plates covered by silver lids. The doors closed behind him. "Lunch Akeno?"

"Aww, you actually brought me lunch. How sweet of you." She said as she admired him giving him a smile. "You really are good at looking after me."

"Well yeah, it's not like I can serve on the bridge or in Engineering. I'm just a civilian passenger," he replied setting the tray down. "With benefits to the Captain..." he added with a smirk and a wink.

Akeno let out a small giggle. "Well, I feel guilty from taking you away from your freighter company."

Xander waved a hand at her. "I can run that from anywhere. It's actually a lot easier on a Starfleet ship. You have access to the best communication systems in the Quadrant. Much better than civilian channels."

"Yeah, well don't abuse it. Technically you shouldn't be using that." Akeno told him as she went to lift the lids from their plates. Xander stopped her.

"Now now, I'll do that." He told her softly before lifting the lids. The scent of the food assaulted Akeno's nose and her eyes lit up with excitement. "Chicken Katsu Kutlets, rice and vegetables on the side." He announced. "I believe in Japanese culture its a meal you eat to bring good luck?"

Akeno nodded. "Yeah, and it's just what I need right now."

Xander passed her some chopsticks. "Dig in," he told her. "Fill your tummy up. You're going to need it."

She couldn't help but laugh. "Not a problem!" She said as she wasted no time in digging I to the food. A fond smile stretched across Xanders face as he watched Akeno eat.

"You know, I heard a rumour it was someone's birthday coming up soon." Xander said.

"Oh... yeah... who...?" Akeno asked between mouthfuls.

"Yours," he grinned. "Wednesday, which makes it two days from now..."

Akeno shook her head. "I don't celebrate it anymore," she told him grimly as she stopped eating and lowered her gaze. "It's just another normal day for me now."

"Oh, can I ask why Akeno?"

"It's just... I don't have any family left to celebrate it with. It just reminds me of what I lost. So there's no point to it. I don't see why it's necessary." Akeno told him as she began to poke at her food with her chopsticks, it was like her appetite had all but gone.

"Don't you consider your crew your family?" Xander asked her.

"Well... yeah. But not like that." She said. "I lost both my parents on the Pegasus when I was young. My grandparents were killed in the attack on Earth during the war." She didn't meet his gaze as she continued to simply move the food around on her plate. "I don't have any personal family left. I'm am orphan."

"I wouldn't call you that. You're a strong young woman and a leader. One I've fallen head over heels for." Xander told her softly. "Look, tell me what you want to achieve in life."

Akeno placed her chopsticks down and pushed back away from her desk. With a sigh she stood up and crossing around the desk she stood in front of the large windows. "I look out there and all I see are reminders of death, pain and a waste of good people; on both sides. I want to never see this again." She told him. "I joined Starfleet to find out what happened to my parents, but it's wrapped up in so much red tape even at Captain level I can't find out what happened the day they went missing."

She paused and looked down at the floor. "There's also my own desires." She said softly. "Selfish desires."

Xander placed his food down. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I'm sure they're not selfish. Tell me."

Akeno enjoyed his warm embrace. "Well one day. I want my own family. You know, retire from Starfleet after finding out the fate of my parents. Have a couple of kids, be a good mother and settle down." She paused. "I started to desire that after Junior."

"The alien entity that invaded your womb?" Xander asked.

"Yeah. Even if it was a power hungry alien out to cause trouble. I still had to carry it in my belly, and then birth it." Akeno said. "It was traumatic, but I still want it to happen naturally. To have my own children you know."

Xander hugged her tighter. "You'll get there. I promise you." He told her as he began to slide his hands under her uniform. It didn't take long for his hands to make contact with her skin.

Akeno shuddered as his hands ran up her belly. "Hey you..." she said, her tone slightly flustered. "I know what you're after..."

"Oh you do, do you?" Xander teased.

Akeno giggled. She then let out a little squeal as Xanders fingers located their target. His tiny obsession he had with her since they met, her belly button. He circled it under her uniform before lightly tickling it. Akeno couldn't help but blush, heat running through her veins. "No Xander. Not here... maybe later OK..."

Xander withdrew his hands and spun her around by her shoulders. "Later it is then Akeno. I'll snap you out of being all depressed and sad. The neighbours will think you're the happiest Captain they've ever heard... at least in bed of course."

She punched him playfully on the arm. "Oh stop it!" She said to him blushing a bright shade of magenta. "But..." she seemed a little nervous now. "Ok..."

He kissed her gently and ran a few fingers through her hair. "I'll see you later. Don't forget to eat up that food, like I said. You're going to need a full tummy, especially for later tonight " he winked at her before turning and leaving the room.

Akeno remained where she was for a few moments. She let out an exasperated sigh. "So that's what he wanted all along huh..." she found herself smiling. "I guess it did cheer me up though." She told herself. She made her way back to the desk and proceeded to eat the lunch he had brought her. "Tasty. He's a good cook... I should keep him."

Posting by

Captain Akeno Misaki
Commanding Officer

Xander Benson
Civilian