Star Trek: Eventide 777 - ens-mclellan﹢cadet-tral

She entered the quarters and set her stuff down. She walked to the mirror to adjust her uniform and made her way out.

[PADD]

From: Jack McLellan To: Suak Tral Hey man, I just got off work and I was wondering if you wanted to start part 2 today?

>FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Jack McLellan Definitely! Meet me in the middle habitat ring corridor?

From: Jack McLellan To: Suak Tral Why don't we just meet outside holodeck 2? That would probably be easier for me.

FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Jack McLellan

Works for me! See you in a bit!

16:28

Sauk stood up, put his PADD on his bed, and left his quarters.

"Well, these are my quarters," he said, gesturing inside. The door opened to a small living room, off of which there were three doors: A bathroom and the two bedrooms.

He stepped in and eagerly looked around to see what the quarters were like. "I like it! Though I guess it does look a lot like mine." He joked.

"I would assume they look a lot like all the quarters in this ring. My room is in here," He replied, walking over to the door on the left side.

He followed Suak into his room and continued looking around.

Sauk's quarters were small, but they were definitely his. The small desk provided was covered with PADDs, the bed was unmade, and his walls were covered in various photos, posters, and most noticeably, two flags: a demiboy flag and a mlm flag.

Jack looked around his room at the photos and posters but, was quietly excited by the mlm flag. He hadn't known Sauk was gay, but to part of him knowing that was amazing news. He didn't voice that though. "So how deep are you into the project?"

"I've got ten verses translated," He answered, routing around on his desk for the right PADD. "Here it is!"

He turned the song on at a somewhat higher volume, he figured klingon music was always meant to be loud. "Its interesting to say the least... pretty long though."

"Yeah. So far I think it's about a victory over the Romulans? I could be wrong, though," He said, pulling out the PADD he was working on.

He looked over the notes. "The klingons and romulans really could never stop fighting so that would probably make sense. Though I guess it must be pretty old."

"Yeah...maybe even back before Starfleet," He speculated, sitting on the spot he'd cleared from the desk.

That's quite possible. Jack let out a long winded yawn, suddenly hit by a wave of tiredness. "I think I should call it a night, See you tommorow." He offered Sauk one last grin as he left.

Sauk rolled over, falling off the bed. “Oof-“ He exhaled as the wind was knocked out of his chest.

[PADD] From: Jack McLellan To: Sauk Tral

Hey Sauk, it's Jack. I know you probably have work to do but, I was hoping that I could talk to you before my shift starts... it's kinda important.

FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Jack McLellan

Sure, where do you wanna meet up? :)

[PADD] From: Jack McLellan To: Sauk Tral

Perhaps we could talk over breakfast in your quarters if that's fine with you?

FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Jack McLellan

Yeah, alright! See you then!

Jack knocked on the door.

He quickly pulled on a shirt and went to the door. “Hey!” He grinned.

"Hey Sauk, sorry for the early wake up call." He said apologetically.

“You’re cool! Come on in,” He waved it off, stepping aside so Jack could enter. He was somewhat worried about what Jack wanted to discuss, but it probably wasn’t bad…he hoped.

He came in, placing a lighthearted smile on his face. He directed himself to a table in the center area, it was exactly like his own. "What do you want for breakfast?"

“Probably gonna have some pancakes. You?” * He asked. His hair was somehow even messier after sleep, and his earring lay on the nightstand next to his bed.*

Jack stood up. "That works for me, allow me to go get the food." He walked up to the replicator. "Two stacks of pancakes please!" He took the two plates and returned to his seat.

Sauk grinned. “Thanks, Jack,” He sat down on his bed; he wasn’t a big syrup fan. He preferred butter. “You can sit at the desk if you like,”

He smiled he began to eat his food, though he was struggling to find the will to ask Sauk what he needed to ask. Internally a war continued to rage over his thoughts.

“So…what did you want to talk about?” He asked, crossing his legs and leaning back against the wall.

Jack was clearly nervous as he spoke. "Well I saw the flag in your room... and I know this is a personal question... How long have you known?" He was internally wincing as he fumbled through the conversation.

“Hmm.” He thought this over. “Probably since high school? That was when I really knew,” He answered honestly.

"Well... I'm not sure how to say this... I well... I've never really thought about it... but now I can't stop thinking..." He continued to fumble through his words nervously, a feeling he rarely though.

“Hey, you don’t have to figure it out right now,” Sauk said sympathetically. “This stuff is hard, but if you want, I can help talk you through some things,”

He wanted to jump up and hug Sauk but held himself back. "Yeah that would be really helpful. It is really hard for me..." He admitted.

“I get it,” Sauk nodded. “I’m curious, though. Are we talking about gender or sexuality or both?” He asked.

"Sexuality..." He admitted in a quiet tone. He wasn't sure if he was ready to really admit it yet but, slowly pushed himself forward.

“Alright, cool! Welcome to the dark side! We have cute guys,” Sauk joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

He chuckled. "That's definitely true... it's just though for me. All my life I've had the expectation that I should like women and I... I just don't know..."

“You can like both, or all, or none,” Sauk told him.

He quieted his voice to even more of a whisper. "Well I've never really thought about it... I don't think I actually like women."

“That’s okay too!” Sauk said enthusiastically. He was really trying to be helpful.

"Its very hard... I guess I've never really thought about being with a man but, I think that's what I want..." He placed his head in his hands, unsure of what to do.

“Has someone specific triggered this?” He asked, standing up and placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder to comfort him.

Jack's eyes widened as anouther wave of nervousness overcame him. "Uhm... No, it's just me finally thinking about it I guess..." He was clearly lieing.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me,” He said understandingly.

He rubbed his neck nervously and sighed. "Maybe I should..."

“If you want,” Sauk shrugged.

"Well... I think it was you..." He instinctively clinched up and winced fearful that he had just ruined their friendship.

Sauk blinked, thoroughly and completely caught off guard. He paused, trying to think of the proper response as quickly as possible. He hadn’t thought of Jack that way…but he had been thinking he was straight.

Jack's wince expanded in the silence. He had just ruined their friendship, hadn't he? All he could do was defensively place his head in his hands. He felt shame that he had allowed this random series of thoughts to derail their friendship.

“Um…okay,” Sauk nodded. “Wow, for one thing,” He continued. “And for another…umm…I’m not mad,” He whispered.

The message didn't really get through Jack's sulking. He had a look of sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry... I just ruined our friendship with my stupid thoughts, didn't I?"

“I’m not mad,” He said again, sitting down next to Jack. “I mean, I need a bit to process, but…I’m not mad,”

"But that doesn't excuse me acting crazy... maybe I don't know what I'm saying..." Jack's mind was clouded with insecurity.

“Or maybe you do!” Sauk countered. “Would you kiss a guy?” He questioned.

He nodded. "I think I would, though I've never really thought about it before."

“Then you’re probably not making this up,” Sauk shrugged. “That’s really all there is too being gay: liking the same gender in a romantic way,”

He shrugged. "I suppose that would make me gay then... my family probably wouldn't like that but, I don't really care what they think anyways."

“Yeah, I get that,” He smiled, but didn’t give any more information. Internally, he was thinking over his feelings toward Jack. He didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but he didn’t know what he felt. It was almost as confusing as when he first started questioning.

Jack went silent again... he wasn't really sure what more to say... "Maybe I need some more time to think... I'm sorry for dropping this all on you like this."

“You’re fine, Jack,” He smiled. “I just need to think…all of this over,” He shrugged. “I want you to be happy,”

He nodded slowly. "Well I just want you to be happy, I won't take it personally or anything if you think I'm weird for telling you this. I just want to keep being friends..." He slowly stood up from his seat.

“Okay,” He patted Jack on the back, standing up. “We should probably get to our shift,” He realized, looking at his watch.

"Yeah... I need to get going..." He quickly dismissed himself from the quarters, still feeling embarrassed at his own actions.

Sauk sighed. He had some thinking to do. He stood up and put on his uniform, put his earring on, and attempted to tame his hair (unsuccessfully).

The door hissed open and she walked in but immediately froze at the sight of someone else in the room. She took a quick breath and stepped further into the room to her side. (edited)

He went inside and flopped down on his bed dramatically, burying his face in his pillow.

Eventually, Sauk passed out. He had a dreamless sleep, but he kept hearing Jack's voice...his laughter...

Jack walked in with Sauk. "We should probably get you layed up in bed... how about a movie together?" Jack suggested excitedly.

"Ooh, sure!" Sauk nodded, moving to his room. "Let me change out of my uniform and I'll let you in," He requested.

Jack nodded and settled on the couch for a moment. Carrying Sauk had done a number on his back but honestly it had been well worth it.

He came back out shortly, wearing a Starfleet Academy hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. "Um, I'm afraid I haven't cleaned very much since you were in here last..." He said sheepishly.

He chuckled. "We should both just feel lucky it isn't my room we are in. I promise my room is a even worse." He smiled a big smile at Sauk as he shot up from the coach.

"Okay," Sauk shrugged, guiding Jack into his room and flopping down on his bed, then patting the spot next to him.

Jack followed Sauk and sat down on the bed next to him, content to lay there next to him.

“So, did you have a movie in mind?” He asked, grinning and scooting closer to Jack.

He shrugged. "Honestly I didn't really have a movie in mind. I just wanted to get closer to you." He let a blushing grin spread across his face.

“Oh, okay…maybe a comedy?” Sauk suggested before pulling a PADD off his nightstand. “We can watch on this.”

He slid in even closer to Sauk, touching shoulder with eachother. "Sure! A comedy would be pretty good."

He opened the movie application on his PADD, searching for a second before pausing on an old comedy. “This good?” He asked Jack.

Jack nodded. "Sure I love old movies! Oh, I have a question. What are Vulcan comedies like?" He asked half joking.

“Comedy is illogical,” He said in the perfect impression of his father.

Jack chuckled playfully. "I'm so glad you aren't like that. I love your emotions." He grinned widely.

2

1

Sauk blushed. “Uh…wow, that’s…the opposite of what I grew up hearing, but okay,” He said, fidgeting awkwardly with his hands.

He shrugged. "You shouldn't worry so much about what they used to say on Vulcan. Your emotions are what makes you who you are."

“Thanks,” He smiled, tapping two fingers on Jack’s cheek in a sort of Vulcan kiss…on the cheek? It just felt right. “You’re really great,”

"Awhhhhh thanks, you are really great aswell." He matched the gesture by giving Sawk a... human kiss on the cheek.

3

Sauk brightened and turned back to the PADD. “Ready to start, or do we need some snacks?”

He nodded. "How about some popcorn? We can share a tub."

“Sure!” He stood up, barefoot on the cold floor, hopping from discarded shirt to discarded shirt to the replicator. “Computer, one tub of popcorn, please,”

14:38

He hopped back over to the bed, balancing a tub of popcorn in his arms. “Here we go,” He said, flopping down.

Jack giggled at the way Sauk moved about his quarters. "Thanks!" He said before he dug a hand into the popcorn to take a bite before the movie began.

Sauk leaned into Jack, occasionally grabbing a handful of popcorn or two, just sitting and enjoying the movie.

Jack eventually reached in at the same time as Sauk and caught his hand without looking. Jack didn't immediately move his hand instead just off handedly saying. "Sorry."

“No, wait…it’s like that one scene from Lady and the Tramp!” Sauk said, clearly thrilled by this revelation.

Jack jumped up at the sudden declaration, taking his hand away for a moment. Though he put it back after a moment. "Why do I feel so weird when we do this?"

Sauk paused. “What do you mean by weird?” He asked, but he had a faint idea as to what Jack was referring to.

He raised an eyebrow trying to find the words to explain it, however he still didn't let go of Sauk's hand. "Its... well... I'm not sure... I just feel more?" He wasn't really sure what he was saying.

“Umm…so…Vulcans are touch telepaths,” He answered, hoping Jack wasn’t freaked out by this answer. “But for me, since I’m a hybrid, I’m more of a touch empath,”

Jack rubbed Sauk's hand as he figured out how to feel. He for some reason felt a wave of embarrassment ontop of his regular feelings which complicated things even more. "So you can feel what I'm feeling?"

“Sort of? It’s faint, most of the time, but strong emotions are different,” Sauk explained, smiling softly as he realized Jack was actually embarrassed.

"I see... does that mean you can feel how I feel right now? How I feel about you?" Realizing he probably could Jack tried his best just to think about the things he liked about Sauk.

Sauk’s eyes widened. “I mean- kinda?” He said, blushing some. “But uh…it’s not very strong. And it’s really only sometime that happens during hand contact,”

Jack smiled affectionately. "Well I like holding your hand." He rubbed Sauk hand with his. "I don't really understand it but, if it's fine with you I want to keep holding hand."

“O…okay,” He smiled, sighing contently. “I’d like that. Holding your hand, I mean. Yeah.” Prophets, he was a mess.

Jack chuckled as he slowly lifted both their hands. "Maybe we should take out hands out of the popcorn though. It's a bit too buttery in the tube."

“True,” Sauk laughed, reaching for a napkin with his other hand. He flopped over on his side, stretching out, refusing to let go of Jack. “Here you go,” He handed Jack the napkin.

"Thanks!" Jack used his free hand to wipe off their combined hands. He slowly patted it though without breaking contact he couldnt really wipe it down.

Reluctantly, he moved his hand away just a bit so Jack could finish.

Jack quickly wiped off the area, not eager to take away his hand for too long. He quickly placed it back. "There we go, no we can keep on Vulcan kissing."

Sauk flushed some at that. The movie had been going the whole time in the background, but he had long since stopped caring. He had more important things to care about.

Jack closed his eyes for a bit trying to focus on all the emotion in his head. He didn't really understand it at all but, he very much wanted to.

Sauk was just…looking at Jack. Observing him. Learning his mannerisms. It was interesting to see, in his brain, how people moved.

*After a bit Jack opened his eyes slowly. As they fluttered open Jack turned his head 'Why was Sauk staring at him like that.' "Have I don't something wrong?"

“Uh- no, sorry, I just…like looking at you,” Sauk admitted, somewhat embarrassed.

Jack's heart melted a little bit when he said that. "Awh... I guess that's a pretty good coming from you."

“You’re insanely handsome, Jack. It’s unbelievable,” He continued. “It should be illegal to be this good looking,”

Jack's heart somehow melted even more. "You really mean it? You are way more handsome then me."

“Objectively wrong, ayasham,” Sauk said, shaking his head.

He chuckled. "Hardly, they say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I think you are more handsome then me."

“Whatever you say,” Sauk sighed, finally turning back to the movie. His bruises were feeling a lot better, but he was growing tired.

Jack continued to hold Sawks hand contently as the movies ending played. "I have a bit of a personal question for you?"

“Oh…yeah?” Sauk asked, looking up, somewhat startled. “What is it?”

He turned to look at Sauk. "Could you teach me about Vulcan and Bajoran culture?." He took a moment to grow a grin. "I mean if I'm gonna be dating a Vulcan-Bajoran hybrid I think I should know."

Sauk sighed in relief. "Sure!" They agreed enthusiastically. Prophets, Jack was so accommodating!

Jack ran his hand along Sauk's bajoran earing. "I presume you follow the prophets? What is it like?"

"It's reassuring to know that I have a path laid out for me; that everything that happens was meant to happen," He replied, giggling as the chains of his earring tickled his neck.

Jack raised an eyebrow as he continued to play around with Sauk's earing. "Does that mean we were always meant to be together then." Jack couldn't help but giggle.

Sauk let out a breath of air, rendered silent for a moment. "Holy....wow, you're right," He whispered, eyes wide.

Jack giggled again at the reaction but lowered his voice down to a whisper to match Sauks. "I am glad then, that the prophets chose to plan it that way." Jack said trying to go along with Sauk's customs.

"Y-yeah," By all the stars, why was he so...so... perfect? "I'd be really sad otherwise, I thinl,"

He wrapped his arms tightly around Sauk. "Well with out you I would've never been able to figure out this side of myself."

"I guess that just goes to show you: the Prophets always have a plan," Sauk said, suddenly feeling very safe in Jack's arms.

"You'll have to teach me about them then. I've always been curious given the undeniable proof of their existence." He had always wanted to know but now that he had a bajoran boyfriend it was just a good excuse to keep staying together.

2

"Sure! You could come with me to the temple one day, if you wanted," He suggested, leaning back into his arms. "Or you don't have to, I know Earth has plenty of religions...or you could be atheist," He said hastily, not wanting to trap Jack in anything.

He nodded. "I've never believed in any of the earth religions. However I've always liked to keep an open mind to anything. Besides it's not like going to a temple is a commitment for me." Jack smiled tightening his grip around Sauk, he wanted to keep him close in his arms.

Navane stumbled from her room bumping her head on the door jam in the process. Muttering curses in what seemed to be a combination of purrs and English she walked straight past the two unaware of their presence. She turned on the light to the kitchenette and after a moment she turned around, finally noticing the two across the room. In a swift action she jumped backwards startled into the dishes on the counter rattling them, with a loud meow sound. She rapidly tried to regain her composure and fixed the dishes.

1

"Okay...well, next time I go, I'll take you," He grinned, slightly confused but not at all offput by Jack's sudden...protectiveness? Was that the word? Sure. Whatever it was, it was nice. It made him feel wanted.

As she finished cleaning up she grabbed a coffee and went back to her room and let it hiss shut. Several moments later the mulled sound of violin music could barely be heard from behind the thick door.

Jack smiled widely, excited for the opportunity. "Thanks Sauk! I know the prophets are important to you so I really want to learn about it!" He gave Sauk a kiss on the forehead as he checked the time. "I think I should get going back to my quarters soon... it's getting pretty late."

"Oh...okay," Sauk was somewhat disappointed, but understood. It wasn't like Jack was going to stay the night....oh well. "Um, I'll see you tomorrow! Thanks for taking care of me!"

1

Jack rubbed Sauk's hand one last time but tried his best to give him a smile. "We'll definitely see eachother tommorow! Thanks for allowing me to stay with you, it was really nice."

"Yeah...it was," Sauk said, sighing happily. He stood up to walk Jack out. "I'll walk you to the door," He offered.

He nodded, glad that their time could last the extra couple seconds. "Sure Sawk." He offered Sauk a heartwarming smile.

Sauk's heart fluttered, like it did every time Jack said his name. He walked with him out of his room.

He put on his uniform and then headed to work.

[PADD]

From: Jack To: Sauk <3 Hey I just got off from my shift. Any chance you'd want to play through part 3 of our holodeck program tonight?

[PADD]

FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Jack <3333 Uhhh sure!! When do you want to do it? Now?? I don’t care either way :)

[PADD]

From: Jack To: Sauk <3333333 Sure we can do it now! To be honest I've been really excited to do part 3.

[PADD]

FROM: Sauk TO: Jack <333 Do you want me to meet you somewhere? Or are you coming to get me?

[PADD]

From: Jack To: Sauk <3 I can come pick you up wherever you are, where are you at.

[PADD]

FROM: Sauk TO: Jack <333 I just finished being dramatic by a window, I’m in my quarters now :) See you soon!

Jack knocked on the door with an light hearted beat.

He got up, having set the PADD down, opening the door with a smile. “Hi!”

Jack smiled upon seeing Sauk again. However he was a little on edge to not yet share the secret. "Hey Sawk! How was work today?"

“Very easy. It was all old Vulcan records that Dr. M’ow wanted me to translate, and I learned that when I was six,” He grinned.

"Damn you are smart, how'd I get so lucky as to meet the best Comm Cadet in all of starfleet." He grinned at Sauk, excited about having being on Eventide together.

He blushed. “I’m not the best,” He waved off that comment. “Maybe like fifth,” He said. “If I had to rank myself,”

He giggled. "So humble, maybe we should turn off the translators again and see, it seems like you picked up on my language pretty fast."

“I don’t know if that’s the best idea if we’re continuing our grand story of Illinois James and his ‘humble’ assistant,” He laughed. “Maybe tonight, though,”

He laughed. "Yeah you are right, I don't really know where we are gonna end up going in the story so I'd hold off on costumes if I was you."

“Alright! I don’t care what we do, you know. I just want to spend time with you,” He said sincerely, nudging Jack with his elbow.

He giggled, the nudge kinda tickled. "Oh I know, do you not like the program? We could do something else if you'd like. Honestly I just want you to be happy."

“That isn’t what I meant. I meant that I like spending time with you, Mister,” Sauk corrected. “And I do like the program. I want to know what happens to the artifact after Illinois and Jason get it back,”

He nodded. "Let's not delay any further then Dr. Green. I've been waiting to see for days."

“Dork,” Sauk said affectionately. He moved to the door.

He laughed as they walked out the door. "You know you are just as much of a dork."

[PADD]

Hey Sauk, are you free? I wanna look at that Bajoran holodeck programme you have. - Cecil

[PADD] FROM: Saul Tral TO: Ratana Nalas

Sure, I don't see why not! And what's with the little picture???

[PADD]

It's a clown face because it's cute. Also my earth birthday is April 1st. Anyway can we meet up in #holodeck-1 in an hour? - Cecil

[PADD] FROM: Sauk Tral TO: Ratana Nalas

Sounds good! See you then!

As soon as they got inside, Sauk turned to Jack. “You…really love me,”

He nodded his head slowly, entirely unsure of exactly how to answer he blushed and said. "Well ofcourse I do, you are the light of my life."

2

Sauk felt like he was flying. Without warning, he pulled Jack into a tight hug, careful not to hurt him. “I want to be with you for….for forever,” he confessed in a whisper so low that Jack probably didn’t hear all of it.

Jack couldn't really make out what Sauk was saying but he returned the tight hug nonetheless. "Earlier when I was trapped on the bridge and the borg were arriving I was so scared... all I could think of was you... I simply want to always be with you."

“Jack….Jack, I-“ He looked up at the helmsman, smiling almost painfully wide. “I’d really like it if we could move in together,” He said, recovering from his loss of words.

He hugged Sauk a little bit tighter at that. "I'll have to PADD the captain immediately..." He paused for a moment. "... dammit the captain... she's probably going to be mad at me."

“How come?” Sauk was concerned all of the sudden. “Because of me?” His eyes clouded with worry.

A sad look returned to his eyes. "No... not you... it's me... I was a coward today. When the ship was brubg threatened I just hid behind my seat."

“No you weren’t,” He said firmly. “You were human. She can’t fault you for that, can she?” He said more gently.

He shook his head. "She absolutely can fault me for that... even I'm disgusted by my actions earlier. I'm a starfleet officer, I need to be better..."

“Jack, stop,” He shook his head. “You’re not allowed to talk about my boyfriend like that.” He gave Jack a serious face.

Jack gave a slight crack of a grin for a moment before returning to his more solemn demeanor. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up but this is something I will need to face head on... I just hope the captain is a bit forgiving given that it's only my second mission."

“What if I came with you?” Sauk suggested, wanting to help Jack. “Just for support?” He held Jack’s shoulders, rubbing them in little circle movements.

Jack was taken a back for a moment, his eyes shifted across the room. He didn't want Sauk to really hear about his poor performance especially if the captain was to yell at him. "I don't know... normally a debrief is meant to be kinda private..."

“Alright,” He sighed. “I just want to help. And I’m not…like…disappointed, or anything, okay?” He added.

Jack nodded slowly, not entirely getting the message. "Yeah... I understand. I'm glad I have you to watch my back.:

“Always,” Sauk said, meaning it. “I…haven’t told you something, about my identity…I just want you to know how much you mean to me,” He said a bit cautiously.

Jack turned his head for for what Sauk was about to say. 'His identity?' Regarding his own Sauk had always been there for him so ofcourse Jack was here to listen. "What do you mean?"

“Well…I’m demiromantic. Basically, I’ve only…it’s only ever been you,” He said, a tad bit embarrassed.

Jack placed a hand on Sauks shoulder. "I should be honest, I don't really know what that means... but if I'm your first that means a lot to me."

“It means, basically…you’re the first and only person I’ve ever had feelings for,” Sauk explained, feeling the tips of his ears grow hot.

Jack smiled at Sauk for a moment. "That... well that really does mean a lot then... I must've put you in an odd place when I told you about how I felt then..."

“Y-yeah, a-a bit…back then I thought I was aromantic. No romantic feelings at all.* “B-but I really do love you,”

Jack quickly took Sauk into his arms. "I really love you to." He placed a kiss upon Sauks cheek as an extra show of his affection.

3

He giggled. “Let’s just relax for a little bit, okay?” He suggested, loosely grabbing Jack’s hand, pulling him to his regulation twin bed, with plain gray blankets and comforters twisted and skewed, like someone had been sleeping restlessly last time it was used.

He held the covers close to himself. "I really should try and speak with the captain soon..." He pulled out his PADD "Maybe if I get ahead of it to the captain she'll take it easy on me."

"Maybe," Sauk hummed, leaning into his warm-bodied partner, snuggling up to him. "I'm sure she's not mad," He said.

Jack held Sauk tightly for comfort. "I think she will be though, besides I need to learn from this. I could have gotten everyone killed had they actually attacked."

Sauk frowned. "Whatever you say," He decided. If he were Catian, he'd be purring steadily. He stealthily laid two fingers on Jack's to monitor his emotions, making sure he could give Jack enough comfort.

There it was again, an odd wave of relief that came over him whenever Sauk seemed to touch him. Jack was still a bit distraught but now he was also comfortable and he was seeking a way to help his own situation. He began typing up a PADD message to the captain. "What should I say?"

"Well...what do you want to tell her?" Sauk asked. "Do you want to apologize? Request punishment?"

He paused for a moment to think. "... I just want to honestly own up to my mistakes and then do both those things."

"Then say what you think is write, chesei," Sauk told Jack. "I can look at it when you're done, if you want,"

Jack gave him a slight smile at his foreign words for love. "That would be great." Jack began typing it out and reading the words outloud as he went.

Sauk did his best to follow along, but Jack's face was very distracting. He simply nodded every once and a while. He was also growing tired from his long trip from Vulcan to the station.

Jack read out as he typed the unsent PADD Message would come out to be. From: Ensign Jack McLellan To: Captain Mona Caddel I am sending this message in regard to my conduct earlier, it was entirely unbeffiting of a man of my uniform. I could give excuses for my cowardice by simply saying that I've always suffered from a deep fear of the borg but that wouldn't be right. As a starfleet officer I should be ready to face such threats. I am open to any punishments that you view as necessary to whip me into shape. I understand you likely question my abilities as a helmsman after how shakey I became. I would simply like to state that I am a young officer, It's imperative for me that I learn to be better. It is necessary that I admit to my struggles for me to learn. As they say honesty is a great virtue. Please write me back the moment you get a chance, I understand if you don't have time at the moment however. He simply asked. "What do you think." As always Jack was always his own strongest critic. He was highly critical of his own conduct almost un-understandably so.

2

"I....feel like it's a bit harsh," Sauk said honestly. "But if that's what you want to say, then I suppose you should send it."

He rolled over from where he was sitting to lean in closer to Sauk from above. "Well your opinion is important to me, you are my anchor, what do you think I should change."

"I think you should acknowledge the fact that..." Sauk yawned. Hm. He really was exhausted. "Being scared is human and normal, and just because you're a Starfleet officer doesn't mean you can't get scared," Sauk told him. "But maybe paraphrase that," He added with a chuckle.

He spent a couple seconds editing in the extra few sentences to his message before holstering his PADD and placing his head onto Sauks chest. He nuzzled Sauk and held him tightly. "Thank you for being here for me, I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have you to keep me sane."

"No, I'm the one that needs you, silly," He mumbled, kissing the top of Jack's head and breathing in his comforting scent. The was like being in The Celestial Temple. He could probably fall asleep just like that, with the man he loved, safe, warm, loved, and protected, unlike he'd ever been before. He sighed contently.

3

Jack quickly sent his message before placing his head against Sauk and slowly closing his eyes. "I love you..." He said silently as he drifted towards sleep.

Sauk fell asleep shortly after, but his dreams were not the peaceful, enjoyable kind....no, instead, Sauk began having a nightmare. He whimpered and twitched in his sleep as invisible flames licked at his skin, invisible kidnappers grabbed him off the street, and no one ever came, no one ever found him...but then there was Jack, but he couldn't hear Sauk, he didn't care...

He was sobbing, actually, physically sobbing in the real world as tremors went through his body. He was tied down in the room he'd spent 24 hours in when he was fifteen, waiting for rescue while he lost track of time, but he was on fire, buring, burning...and Jack didn't see him. Sauk could hear him now.... "I can't believe that idiot thinks I love him," Dream Jack said, and Sauk felt his heart shattering. No...no...Jack loved him, he was sure...he could feel it when they held hands....couldn't he? Or was he pretending to feel it?

After only a short while Jack's eyes slowly fluttered open, he quietly looked up to Sauks face. His anchor, his Ayasham was sobbing. Jack was unsure of exactly what he should do but deciding he couldn't stand to see Sauk like this he slowly tapped him awake. "Pssst, Ayasham, Are you okay? It seems like you are having a bit of a nightmare."

Sauk startled awake, looking around, his terror and heartbreak still lingering. "J-Jack?" He said in a tiny voice, his eyes unfocused but finding Jack's. He...he was dreaming, right? But...it felt real...no. Jack...Jack loved him. He was loved. "Sorry," He mumbled, looking away, suddenly embarrassed that he had let Jack see him so...vulnerable.

Jack turned his head sideways towards Sauk. "You are sorry? What are you sorry for? I'm sorry for waking you." Jack had a look of concern on his face as he looked over Sauk. He ran a hand along Sauks cheeks as a gesture of comfort.

"I- I was having a nightmare, and I...woke you up, because I was..." he paused. "Because I was crying." Sauk tried his best to trust his Ashayam after that bitch-slap of a dream, but it was really, really tough in the mental state that he was in. So he just kept thinking 'Jack loves you, Jack loves you, Jack is safe, Jack is safe....'

He gave Sauk a awkward hug but he meant the gesture. "No, it's okay. All I want is for you to be happy, that's all I care about." Jack slowly say up. "Do you want to take about your dream? I'm here for you."

Now Sauk was blushing. "Um- okay. It started with...a memory, kinda, of this thing that happened in third grade," He started. "There was a fire at my school, but I didn't leave with my class, because I froze, and I was the last one out. The paramedics said I almost died of smoke inhalation and intense heat,"

Jack took Sauks hand, hoping to take some of the pressure off. "Well that's understandable that you would struggle like that... near death experiences like that are pretty much always tramautic."

"Th-then it changed....I was still on fire, but I was in...the room that I was kept in when I got kidnapped," He said, his voice getting quieter as he shared the things he'd never told anyone before.

Jack's eyebrows raised suddenly in shock at the almost nonchalant way he brought up being kidnapped. "You were kidnapped! How did that happen." He leaned in even closer to Sauk to give support. "That really must've been traumatic."

"Umm...I was walking home...when I was fifteen...and this weirdo decided it would be fun to grab me off the street," Sauk explained. "I was there for a whole day before anyone found me. He put me through sensory deprivation followed by loud noises and bright lights and different textures that felt really gross,"

1

Jack clung onto Sauk much tighter as he recounted the events. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all that... is there anything I can do... to make things easier?"

“Well…umm…there was another part of the dream,” Sauk began slowly. “You were there…”

Jack paused for a moment and narrowed his eyes at Sauk. "What did I do in your dream." He asked cautiously, given the context of the rest of the drean.

“You…couldn’t see me, couldn’t hear me, but I could see you and hear you and you said you didn’t love me,” He said in a rush, not meeting Jack’s eyes.

Jack had a look of shock on his face at what he was being told. He gave Sauk a firm hug. "Well that's just not true at all, I love you more then I've ever loved anyone before."

“I- I know, I’m sorry,” Sauk whispered, burying his head in Jack’s shoulder, very embarrassed that this was happening at all.

Jack petted Sauks back in an attempt to make him feel better. "You don't need to be sorry... I'm here for you. I'm sorry that I allowed part of you to feel that way."

“N-no, you haven’t done anything wrong, I’m just an idiot,” Sauk protested. “You’re perfect, and I don’t deserve you,”

Jack chuckled. "Are you serious?! I don't deserve you. You are just so sweet and kind, everything about you is perfect in every way." Jack offered a smile to Sauk.

Sauk made an odd squeaking noise, his ears flushing at the praise. “I wanna be with you forever,” He whispered, repeating what he’d said earlier.

Jack snuggled up closer to Sauk just so that he'd be even closer to him. "I do aswell... every moment I spend with you feels right."

“That was really cheesy,” Sauk giggled, going almost boneless under all the affection. “Why don’t you just tell me we’re soulmates?” He teased.

A smile exploded onto his face at the thought. "Well perhaps we are... do you believe in soul mates?"

1

2

“I do…” Sauk paused. The only thing he could really think right now was wow. Just….wow. “I believe the Prophets have someone in mind for everyone who wants a relationship,”

1

He smirked. "Well I think I believe in them aswell... especially after meeting you." He went in and gave Sauk a kiss on the neck.

“Prophets help me,” Sauk whispered as he sighed softly, feeling now more than ever that Jack was his home.

He paused for a moment at the expression. He suddenly changed his disposition. "I must admit something to you, when I was scared on the ship I tried to pray to the prophets... could you teach me about them?"

Sauk blinked. Holy. Fucking. Shit. How was Jack so perfect? “U-Umm, sure,” He agreed.

Jack smiled his consistently wide smile. "Thanks, to be honest when I thought of the prophets I really was thinking of you..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I know that's a bit odd."

“No it’s not!” Sauk protested. “It’s sweet. You’re sweet,” He had never met someone so accommodating…he really had it bad for Jack.

He leaned in closer for anouther kiss. "You are the sweet one, isn't it obvious? I'm just some crazy human who's in love with the greatest person on the universe."

Sauk was blushing all over at this point. With anyone else, he worried this would go….other places, but he knew he could trust Jack, knew he was safe. “No, I’m a weird hybrid who hasn’t even graduated who made a series of Very Good Life Choices,” He countered. “Not the greatest person in the universe,”

He giggled. "You are far ahead of where I was when I was your age. You are practically a genius compared to me. Not many 20 year olds are In their last year at the academy allready... and soon hopefully we will both be officers together here..."

“Yeah…I really, really hope so,” Sauk agreed, ignoring the unnecessary praise. “Shore leave was torture without you,”

He laughed. "Well then I'll just have to come along with you next time, won't I? I wouldn't want you feeling that way again."

“Umm…you probably don’t want to meet my dad,” He chuckled. His father had accepted his aromanticism, but now that he was with someone, he would not be happy that they weren’t Vulcan. Which….hypocrite.

He shrugged. "That is fair... you probably don't want to meet my dad either... that guy is a total prick." A slight grimace took its place across his face.

“Woah, we both have shitty dads, that’s weird,” Sauk observed. “My mom would love you, though,”

He smiled. "Well why don't we invite your mom to the station then? I'm sure I would love to meet her aswell."

“I’ll ask her later,” Sauk smiled. He would love to have his mother on the station, and she needed to get away from his father.

The next day, Sauk was just vibing in his quarters after shift when his PADD pinged, letting him know he had a message. He flopped over and reached for it on the nightstand. A message from his mother. He smiled and began to read it. From: Sanel Herat To: Cadet Sauk Tral Tral, my beautiful baby boy, I'm so sorry to have to tell you this so soon after you leave to go back to your friends and your work, but I have bad news. Last night, your father suffered a heart attack and unfortunately died. I know you two didn't always get along, but I promise he really did care for you, he just had an odd way of showing it. I'll stay on Vulcan to mourn for a week, and then I'm moving back to Bajor. I love you, son. Marnah He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. His father had been fine the last time he'd seen him...what had happened? How...how? And why was Sauk such a failure? He'd spent his entire life complaining about his father, never acknowledging 'at least I have one'.

00:54

He sat back in his bed, feeling numb. He wasn't quite sure... how to feel. So he did what he always did when confronted with confusing, startling emotions: he buried them, turning to Surak for one rare moment. He steadied his breathing, staring straight ahead at the wall covered in printed out holophotos of him, his family, his friends, and a couple new ones with Jack. He made no sound as tears flowed silently, because Surak's techniques only work with full commitment, and he was a child of the Prophets.

2

1

00:59

He sat there, staring for a while, the PADD abandoned in his lap, unmoving. He wasn't able to move. He just stared, until finally, his muscles responded, and he rubbed his cheeks and eyes, placed his PADD back on his nightstand, and huddled underneath his warm nest of blankets, falling into an uneasy, lonely sleep. It was more of a nap, but Sauk secretly didn't want to wake up.

1

Returning to his quarters after his shift, Sauk sighed and looked around at his room. A mess. No wonder his father hated him. He got to work, straightening out the PADDs on his desk, putting most of them away in drawers, then moving over to his bed, where he removed each blanket, then made the bed, tucking the sheets and comforters under the mattress. He removed his shoes, slipped on a pair of socks, and sat cross-legged on the bed in a Vulcan meditation pose.

2

03:50

Sauk took deep, even breaths, reaching far back into his childhood, remembering the mediation techniques his father had taught him. He was in control. He was in control. He wasn't about to let his emotions conquer him. He was Vulcan, he was strong, and he would not cry. Deep breaths, clear mind, level head.

Ah, he'd almost forgotten. He reached up to his right ear and unclipped his earring, setting it aside.

2

Jack rambunctious walked up to Sauks door after anouther good day of working as a helmsman. He knocked a cheery knock onto Sauks door before simply deciding to just come in. A few steps into Sauks room he jumped back. "Sawk buddy are you allright? And your earing you took it off..." Jack rubbed the bajoran earing that he had placed on his ear just before.

Sauk looked up. "Hello, Jack. I am well," He replied in an even tone, glancing at the discarded earring. He picked it up...and put it in a drawer. "Can I help you?" He asked, turning to Jack with cold detachment. Something inside him was screaming that this was wrong, that he shouldn't be doing this....he ignored.

He tilted his head and glanced at Sauk... was this some sort of joke... Sauk was devoted to the prophets, he was uniquely emotional. Atleast the Sauk he fell in love with was. "You... don't seem well." Jack took a seat next to Sauk so he could and then attempted to take his hand.

Sauk was somewhat startled, but he allowed this to happen...some part of him reached for Jack...but he fought it. "I assure you, I am." He stated, not meeting Jack's eyes. He still cared for him...he didn't....didn't want to hurt him....no. That was illogical. Emotional. Weak.

Jack slowly rubbed Sauks hand with his own. As he understood it this would allow Sauk to feel some of his concern for him. "You aren't acting like yourself... your acting very... Vulcan." He was becoming increasingly worried by the minute.

"I am Vulcan," Sauk replied. "I have 50% Vulcan blood. You are aware of this," He felt Jack's concern, so close to the surface, and he craved to break this act...but that would only further prove his father's belief: He was weak and emotional; a disappointment to his Vulcan blood. "Your statement is redundant."

Jack stood up to retrieve Sauks earing. "But what about this?" He said pointing at the earing. Then he walked back to Sauk and almost playfully tapped him on his ridged nose. "And this too. You are 50% Bajoran what about that side of you?"

Sauk seemed visibly surprised for a second, but recovered. "Irellevant," He protested. "That side of me is weak and emotional," He stated, not meeting Jack's eyes, afraid that would be it, all his attempts to fix himself would be ruined. Jack was his weakness, his home, the one who saw through this.

2

Jack kept the sad look on his face. This wasn't Sauk, this was wrong. Sauk was emotional it's what made him so amazing. "Your emotional? You being emotional is what I like about you..."

He felt his heart sink. No, this was going horribly wrong.... "I...see. My apologies," He swallowed heavily, taking a deep, shuddering breath, determined not to let Jack see that he really was near tears. Control. Logic. Reason. Function. He was strong, he was in control.

Inspite of Sauks lack of emotion towards him Jack simply decided to give Sauk a hug. "You know I'm always here for you right? You can tell me anything..." Jack tried to offer Sauk a small smile of reassurance but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

"I...I cannot," He said simply. He couldn't, wouldn't burden Jack with this. He could see how this was breaking his beloved's heart...perhaps....no. The hidden part of himself didn't even let him consider that. "I cannot," He repeated, his breathing speeding up as his arms hovered over Jack's back, not going to hold him, but wanting, oh, so badly wanting to.

He placed his head on Sauks shoulder. "If you need to it's okay to cry... sometimes you just need to let your emotions out... controlling things is the wrong way to do it." He wrapped his arms around Sauk even tighter hoping desperately to find the man he loved. Seeing him like this was unbearable painful.

Sauk blinked desperately to keep the tears from falling. He gave in, a small amount, returning the hug with equal fierceness, holding Jack like he was keeping him in this world. "Jack..." His name fell from Sauk's lips, pushing past his control, giving this Perfect Vulcan act the middle finger as it left. That single syllable, uttered like a cry for help, was so full of unspoken emotion, so full of pain and distress and confusion and love.

Jack could see that Sauks emotions were finally bubbling to the service so he pushed it a little further. "Cry on my shoulder Sawk... tell me everything that's happened." Jack began running his hand along Sauks back, trying to make Sauk feel loved.

No....no....this wasn't supposed to happen.... "My father," He choked out. Traitorous tongue. He refused to let the tears fall. He squeezed his eyes shut, which was the wrong choice, because the watery buildup in his eye squeezed out, running down his cheek and creating small wet spots on Jack's shoulder.

3

He kept quickly rubbing Sauks back trying to make him feel better. "Your father did this to you? Why would he do that?" He was tearing up a little as he forcefully took on some of Sauks emotion.

“He didn’t- He did not do anything. I…I did this to myself…but my father…he…he recently passed,” He explained, speaking softly, trying to retain at least some of his control. But it was hard, when it was Jack he was talking to, and he was being so patient, loving…kind. He was trying not to be vulnerable, but he was trembling in Jack’s arms.

Jack gave an understanding look to Sauk, after all he didn't have a good relationship with his own father. "Oh... I understand... everyone grieves in their own way but... you shouldn't shut down like this... I'm here for you."

“But I was a disappointment. I’m proving him wrong,” Sauk countered, scrambling to retain what little control he had left. Jack was his weakness…he was breaking in his arms… “I want- I want to do this- but I can’t,” He admitted in a whisper.

Jack returned to hugging Sauk, only wanting him to feel netter. "If that is what you want to do... then I have no choice but to support you..." He paused for a moment with a slight frown on his face. "But it is your emotions that I love about you."

Like a thread suddenly snapping, Sauk’s control fell away, and he was sobbing into Jack’s shoulder, shuddering in his arms, clutching at the fabric of his shirt that held that familiar, comforting scent. “I’m sorry,” He hiccuped. “I-I’m sorry, Jack, I’m so sorry-“

Jack continued to hold Sauk in his arms, even beginning to protectively cradle him. "You don't need to be sorry... I'm sorry that you lost your father..." Jack was unsure what exactly to say, either way he would do his best to support his boyfriend.

“I tried to push you away…I didn’t…I didn’t mean it,” Sauk was slowly coming back to himself, horrified at his behavior. “I- I didn’t mean to push you away, I’m so sorry,” He couldn’t stop it, this cycle of guilt and anxiety. He was tense but tried to relax, knowing that where he was, right now, in Jack’s arms, was safe. He was safe, and loved…

Jack offered Sauk a genuine reassuring smile. "You couldn't possibly do that, I love you too much to leave your side." The sentiment was there, he truely did love Sauk to the end. "You haven't pushed me away at all, you need to be able to process things."

“I love you,” Sauk echoed, looking into Jack’s eyes for the first time since he’d entered the room. “I love you, Jack McLellan,” And he meant it, with every fiber of his being. “You are perfect and wonderful and everything to me,”

Jack expression rose up at the sudden display of affection from Sauk. "You are everything to me aswell, you are and always will be the most important thing in my life." Jack continued to cuddle up with Sauk.

Sauk let out a small sigh, already feeling a lot better. He hadn’t really cried since he’d gotten the news, and it had all built up…it felt good to let it out in a safe environment. Silently, he held out two fingers.

Jack had been busy just enjoying cuddling up with Sauk but his eyes shot open upon hearing the sign. He was about to close them again when he saw the two fingers. Carefully he reached in and matched the gesture.

“Thanks,” Sauk whispered. “For- well, everything,” He added, not sure he could even pick out the individual things Jack had done to help him.

He smiled at Sauk. "Well ofcourse, I'm here for you now and always. I truely do love you more then anything else."

Sauk blushed, smiling widely at Jack. "Same here. You're just...perfect, I don't know what else to say. You just...you somehow do and say everything that just...keeps making me fall in love with you more and more, it's crazy,"

A reply to Sauk's request for a counselling session came back through - reception had forwarded him a calendar so he could see which dates and times were already taken and then he could chose whichever appointment slot worked best for him.

1

Sauk entered his quarters, humming softly as he went into his room and changed out of his uniform so that he was in an undershirt and shorts. He went to his drawer to look for something comfy to wear and spotted a plain yellow skirt. His heart did a funny squeezing, twisting thing...the last time he'd crossdressed was the day he'd been plucked off the street. But... Today was a good day. Maybe he could try. Taking a deep breath... He changed into the skirt, then looked in the mirror. Not...not bad.

2

04:20

He sat down at his desk, smiling even wider than before as he pulled a PADD out of the drawers and opened up his assignment.

Sauk eventually finished up his work, and by the time he had submitted the assignment, he’d forgotten he was wearing a skirt. He stood up, grabbed a book off his shelf, and flopped down on his bed, opening it to the page he’d left off on.

14:33

He glanced down, and at first he was…confused? Apprehensive? Who knew how to describe it. But then…he just shrugged and went back to reading.

Sauk sprung up from his bed, making a note to ask his Marnah to bring him Shoe next time she visits. (edited)

Deciding he wanted a snack, everyone's favorite Vulcjoran left his quarters, heading to Dich's.

Swish, the door opened, swish, it closed, and flop, Sauk was lying, numb on his bed, feeling...hollow. Empty. Fake....

1

He stepped inside, glancing over at Jack’s side before entering his bedroom, the yellow accents familiar as ever. He sat down on the bed, pulling out a PADD.

What I Know About Sanel Sauk Tral Tral is Bajoran, with a Vulcan father He likes learning about languages He follows the Prophets He is dating Jack McLellan

3

15:11

He stopped. This was stupid. He already knew all of these things.

15:14

He set the PADD aside on his desk, sighing. No, that was too obvious of a location. He stood up, took the PADD, and hid it under his bed, then went off to work.

Setting down his PADD, Sauk stood up and went to his wardrobe. He didn't have many civilian outfits, other than his two or three skirts....He spotted a soft, non-itchy sweater that his Marnah had given him and pulled it on, then put on a pair of somewhat loose pants. He combed his hair, hoping for once to achieve that Vulcan Do™️, but he was ultimately unsuccessful. He checked himself in the mirror ~~to make sure he passed~~, adjusted his earring, then left.

2

He entered the quarters, left a little note saying that he was taking a nap in case Jack got back before he was done, and went into his room to pass out.

Having successfully Passed Out, Sauk was curled up in a little ball in the center of a nest of comforters and blankets, topped by a weighted blanket. His breathing rose and fell evenly, and his expression was serene.

"Hello, Tral," Said a familiar young Vulcan girl. "My sa-mekh forbids you from calling me Tral," Sauk said to her. "He is not my sa-mekh. Therefore he cannot forbid me," She said logically. That was good enough for Sauk. "True," He smiled. He knew this girl. Who was she....an old friend. Her name...what was her name?

2

02:46

T'kelio, he remembered with a start. This was T'kelio, his only friend on Vulcan,

"How have you been?" Dream T'kelio asked, sitting down beside Sauk. "I have been well." They were in the house Sauk and his family had lived in on Vulcan...but both were their present ages. "And you?" "It has been...lonely, without you."

02:47

Oh? Hmm..that was strange...but before Sauk had a chance to ask why, the dream ended, and he entered a deep, dreamless sleep.

He entered the room, pacing in the common area before turning.... And stepping into Jack's side. He felt some of his anger melt instantly, but it wasn't enough. He just couldn't do today. He had more than enough sick days saved up, who cared if he missed shift for today? Sincerely hoping Jack wouldn't mind, he slipped of his shoes, took of his uniform top, and climbed into his partner's bed, where he fell fast asleep.

4

Inside his room, safe, he cried. Crawled under his covers, curled up, and cried. Someone might wonder if this boy was getting dehydrated.

[D] Sauk sat on his bed, a book in his hands, fully engrossed in this brand-new (to him) fictional world. The story itself was more than a couple hundred years old, but Sauk didn't really care; this shit was entertaining. He followed the words with his eyes, letting troubles and anxieties and any paranoia instilled by Renakir float away as he became a spectator of the protagonist's life.

He approached Sauk's door with a funky little chia pet in hand and a mini bouquet of jumja sticks. Honestly, he wasn't quite sure how formal apologies work on Bajor, he was still trying to learn the culture. It was a miracle that he even memorised the most basic of Bajoran prayers. Dressed in his pajamas (because he was a lazy boy) he looked down at the chia pet in his hand. It was in the shape of a hedgehog, an earth animal that maybe Sauk would know. He rang the buzzer and awaited a response.

Sauk looked up, sighing and sliding a bookmark in between the pages of his book. He stood up, left his bedroom, crossed the common area to the door, and opened it, very surprised to find...Nalas, wearing pajamas, holding a clay hedgehog with leafy quills...and a couple jumja sticks.....huh. "Nalas," He said with a good bit of Vulcan detachment, but his surprise at the boy's arrival still snuck through his tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" He asked, not yet stepping back to let the Cardassian inside.

"Umm... Well I wanted to, come, and," Nalas was going to do this apology right, but honestly his Bajoran was terrible. His accent was good, but the unnatural slurring of certain words and pacing clearly showed the boy he was struggling. "Apple size for the mis-- understanding, I brought you these lifts," He said as he handed Sauk the jumja sticks and chia pet. "It's an earth amimal I think. I'm sorry I got mad at you."

Honestly, Sauk was just surprised that Nalas made any attempt to say it in Bajoran in the first place. He was somewhat amused by the misuse of a couple words...but he was still touched by the gesture. Holding the little hedgehog and snacks in his hands, he sighed. This wasn't a spacist Cardassian politician, he reminded himself. This was Nalas, his friend. He thought back to their first interaction... Sauk Junior was still sitting on his shelf, staring his somewhat unsettling, beady little eyes over his desk. "I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions about...about what you meant," Sauk replied in Bajoran. "I researched...um, Cardassian culture and...like...subtext? Is the word, I think? And I realize that I completely missed...um, I missed the sarcasm. I hope you can forgive me for losing my shit at you..." He said sheepishly. "And for calling you a bitch...several times..."

He watched as Sauk too the gifts from his hands as he tried to discern what the other could be thinking. This apology could have gone a million different ways and of course Nalas' brain was stuck on the worst ones. With a soft sigh and gently tapping of his toe on the ground, his eyes wondered to focus on the room behind Sauk. He caught the eyes of a familiar face, that plushie, Sauk junior. A small smile crept across his face when he saw him. That was his first plushie he made when he got to the station. His mind was brought back to reality when the other began to apologise to him. So he was doing research into Cardassian culture? Subtext, that's right, that was something Bajorans didn't really have. Well, maybe with outsiders, but amongst each other they were an honest and open people. ”I am glad we could come to this understanding. And I was mean to you too so all is forgiven," Nalas switched back to just speaking Cardassian through his translator, he wanted to show the other he was sincere and there was no way he could struggle bus through that in Bajoran.

"Um...do you want to come in?" Sauk asked, stepping back to let Nalas past him. "Um...you can have a seat at my desk, if you like," He said, then noticed he said 'um' a lot, and felt self conscious but just rolled with it. He took a step over to the shelf previously mentioned, placing the hedgehog, now dubbed 'Chadward', next to Sauk Junior. The jumja sticks, however...well... "Um...do you want to have one with me?" He offered. Ca'i, he said 'um' again. Oh well. "We could...sit and talk? I don't...really know what to do," He said, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. "Sorry."

1

He gave the other a nod and stepped into the room. It was a cozy place, it didn't look too different from his own room but well, Nalas' quarters were filled with dioramas. He took a seat at Sauk's desk when the boy offered, he was a polite boy. “Oh-- umm.. Sure? But wouldn't you want to share them with your boyfriend?" Nalas wasn't going to turn down an offer from a friend, but it did feel strange eating part of his own apology gift. He could tell by the filler words that Sauk was nervous, or was he just feeling awkward? Maybe he shouldn't stay long, he didn't want to intrude. "Yeah, we can talk a little, how is Jack?"

"Well- uh, I can save two, you got me a couple," Sauk's roleplayer had decided, for Plot Reasons, that there were four, since the number was never specified. He sat back down on his bed, taking a deep, somewhat calming breath. "You can have it or not, I don't mind," he added, knocking one bare foot into the other, yet another of his nervous habits. "Um, he's fine, I think. I haven't seen him in a couple days, we've both been pretty busy," Sauk shrugged.

"I'll take one then," Nalas decided to be polite and took one of the jumja sticks. He honestly loved jumja sticks and it was one of the few Bajoran foods he had enjoyed his whole life. For some reason when his father was cracking down on Bajoran customs and culture he still let Nalas eat them. "Mmm, that happens, me and Eshen too," Nalas thought about the numerous times him and Eshen had tried to meet up but couldn't due to their schedules. "Meet anyone interesting lately? I met this Romulan at work, that guy was creepy as hell!"

"There seem to be...a lot more Romulans on the station lately," Sauk noted, probably driven by that little paranoid voice planted in his head by Renakir. "In fact, I met this Romulan woman the other day...Valleka," He nodded, as if answering a question he'd asked himself in his head. Probably 'was that her name?'. "She was...interesting,"

"Yeah, kinda weird," He looked at Sauk with a bit of curiousity when he mentioned meeting a Romulan woman. Aside from his boss he didn't know they had any other Romulan women on the station. There had been an influx of Romulans ever since the reunification, but Nalas didn't seem like he was worried. In fact this whole conversation he seemed perfectly relaxed, well, except for when he was stumbling over his words in Bajoran earlier. "I think I pissed off my new coworker though, I told him my dad used to be in the Obsidian Order, they were scarier than the Tal Shiar, so I hear. Both groups aren't around anymore but ehh I guess if something happens I could always call up my father to take care of them," He was joking, but he sounded like he was serious. Here was that Cardassian subtext, they really had an interesting form of humor.

"That was...a joke, right?" Cardassian subtext plus autism was not a good mix. "I think maybe...he can...just not be spacist," Sauk said, nodding after thinking for a while. "But maybe you shouldn't have randomly shared that your dad was in the Obsidian Order? Just a thought," he shrugged, then took a bite of his jumja stick. He smiled. It reminded him of summer vacation with his grandmothers.

"OH! Yeah, it was, I wouldn't actually ask Yadik to jump my coworkers. And he's on holiday with Marnah in Culat at the moment," Nalas laughed and nibbled on his jumja stick. He was hoping that the translator wouldn't make him sound terrible, but it only changed his words, not his tone or cadence, "Well, I did move my desk so I hopefully won't be interacting with him again," He said, thinking back to the all the teasing he had to endure from that Jasmine hill. This wasn't about her though.

"Well, I suppose that's good. On the topic of Romulans, though, I met my new boss a couple days ago. You'll never guess what he is," Sauk had completely forgiven Nalas at this point, there were no hard feelings in his mind. In fact, to him, it was almost like the altercation never happened. He brought his legs onto his spot on the bed, folding them beneath his blankets. He was half-Vulcan, he got could easily.

"Your new boss is also a Romulan?" Alright before it was just a funny coincidence, but hearing that Sauk's new boss was a Romulan was setting off all alarms for him. 'Coincidences happen every day, but I do not trust coincidences,' words to live by. Nalas's posture tensed up and he looked straight at Sauk. "... Maybe there's somehing deeper going on. My Romulan coworker, your boss, that Romulan lady, my boss who is also Romulan... And there was another Romulan I met in the turbolift. But I guess we really can't do anything about it, we'll sound spacist if we tell anyone you knoiw."

"Well. My half Romulan friend is also worried about it...so I wouldn't call it spacist," Sauk said cautiously. "But I don't know what we would do about it, anyway. And my boss...not to sound spacist...wasn't exactly what you imagine when you hear the word 'Romulan'. He was...very friendly, for one thing,"

"Wait, your friend is half Romulan? What's the other half? Vulcan I hope," Now he was even more concerned. Sauk was friends with a Romulan? Again, not to sound spacist, but Nalas was really weary of his kind and pure Bajoran-Vulcan friend being friends with one of those pointy eared assassins in disguise. "And your boss is friendly... Something weird is happening. I heard the Romulans were involved in what happened in PACT Galactica?" The incident had happened before Nalas' time, but he read all the reports about it.

"Half Reman," Sauk replied. "Why Vulcan?" He tilted his head. He couldn't see how half-Vulcan would be any better than half anything else. Plus, Renakir was nice! And so was Satok, even if he was a bit intimidating! "I thought it was the Remans that were involved," He said, frowning. "I could be wrong," Wow, so many people worried about Sauk...meanwhile, this boy is just happy to actually have friends.

"Reman?" Nalas tiled his head, he had never heard of the species before-- or maybe he did? He knew little to nothing about the Beta Quadrant. Sure he had classes and knew about the Supernova and all that, but bold if anyone believed he cared to retain any of that information. "Well if he reunified with the Vulcans then he would be a Federation citizen and less scary-- wait maybe this sounds weird coming from a Cardassian, we're not Federation citizens either,“ Character development, Nalas was just realising he was probably just as suspicious as the Romulans. Cardassians had not exactly made their mark as the most trustworthy and honest people in the galaxy. "Ehh, I think it would be best to avoid hanging around too many Romulans, I don't want you getting hurt."

"But...Renakir is nice," Sauk frowned. "He's my friend, I can't just...not talk to him," how would that even work? It had always been other people who stopped talking to him...and he would feel way to guilty about it afterwards...too complicated, too much to figure out, to much to feel bad about afterwards. "I like talking to him, anyway. He's not gonna hurt me...I don't think," He could be a little intimidating sometimes, but Sauk was at least eighty percent sure Renakir wasn't plotting his downfall, which was good enough for him. He took another bite of his jumja, looking at the space above Nalas.

"Wait, his name was Renakir?" A lightbulb just went off in his head when he heard the name. If there was any benefit that came out of his Cardassian education, it was his photographic memory and ability to recall any memory or information. Well-- there were definitely some gaps as he was a classic scatterbrain, but he had his reliable moments. "I met him on the turbolift. He was scary, well, if he's your friend I guess it's okay," Nalas was still worried for Sauk. He went back to munching on his jumja stick until it was gone. "Mmm.. Well I should get going back to my own quarters. If you need anything you can comm me, watch out for those Romulans."

"Alright," Sauk said cheerfully, taking another generous bite. "It was nice talking to you. I'm glad I'm not upset with you anymore," He added, beaming at his friend. With the small amount of real friends the Vulcjoran had, he needed any relationship he had. Plus, his friendship with Eshen would probably suffer if they hadn't made up. On top of all of that, Nalas was just a kind-hearted and polite person, one Sauk enjoyed spending time with.

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He stood up from his chair and waved to Sauk, still with a slight look of worry on his face. Sauk was so nice, there was no way he could defend himself against the subtext and deception which was the whole Romulan race. Well, he was hoping he was wrong and the new Romulans on the station were actually what they said they were. "See ya around Sauk," He said before heading back to his quarters.

Sauk smiled, processing the interaction for a bit, before returning to his book. Where was he...right. Back into the fictional universe he sometimes preferred over the real one.

He put down his PADD, went over to his closet, and changed into a Starfleet Academy hoodie and a pair of warm red pants, slipped on his shoes (without putting on socks) and left his quarters.

Sauk arrived at his quarters after a shift in the communications lab, stretching as he reached the door...then looked down. Sitting in front of the door was a small red....cat carrier, and a note was attached. Immediately, Sauk brightened, picking up the carrier and pushing his way inside, crouching in front of the couch, setting the carrier down, and reading the note.

Dear Tral, I realize that the past couple of months have been difficult for you, with your father passing and all, so as a surprise and a bit of a stress reliever, I sent Shoe to the station for you. Don't worry, she was attended the entire trip. But this isn't the end of the surprise. For the past year, Shoe has been going through training to become an emotional support animal, and she's finally official. I hope she can help center you during the tougher parts of your day, cheli. Love, Marnah

Sauk's expression was a mixture of shock and pure joy as he finished the letter. He set it aside and flipped open the latch on the cat carrier. An old, cinder colored she-cat with long fur and little white boots on her front paws padded forward and rubbed against Sauk's legs, purring like a motorboat. She wore a bright red vest that read 'SERVICE ANIMAL: DO NOT TOUCH". "Shoe! Hanyu, baris reva. Ah kelar aka," He said to her in Bajoran, reaching forward and stroking her familiar, silky coat. (Hello, sweet girl. I missed you,)

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Shoe didn't seem to understand her friend's words, but that didn't really matter. She mewed at him, padding forward and hopping into his lap. Sauk just froze. The unspoken rule: If Thou Hast a Cat In Thy Lap, Thou Mayst Not Move, or something. He just kept stroking her fur, so happy to be reunited with his pet, now officially his service animal, apparently. Meanwhile, Shoe just kept on purring, bonking her head into Sauk's stomach.

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