Star Trek: Starbase 777 - lt-jgs-eco﹢hensley

Comet stepped inside with Niatha, gesturing around at the very empty shared space. “Well…this is it,” They said, looking over at their companion.

"Empty is fine." She smiled up at them. "It means your mind is tidy in my opinion."

“No, not at all, it just means I haven’t had a chance to unpack yet,” They chuckled. “My mind is anything but tidy,” They said as they walked over to the replicator in the corner. “Have a seat,” They invited.

Niatha sat with her trademark cutesy crocodile grin, arms folded across her chest.

“What are you in the mood for?” Comet asked her, standing beside the replicator. They were really craving pasta, one of their father’s favorite comfort foods, but they would eat whatever.

"British fish and chips." She responded. "English comfort food from Earth. I love it."

“Sounds great,” They said, ordering two plates of fish and chips and sitting down across from Niatha. They’d had this before! Their father also enjoyed it, but he wasn’t English. They supposed it was a universal comfort food. (edited)

Maybe it wasn't surprising that Niatha was an expert with a fork and knife. She cut up the fries and fish with plenty of finesse and ease and ate gracefully if that were somehow possible. Maybe she'd learned to do just that at some point. Regardless she seemed to be enjoying herself, humming happily between bites and smiling sweetly at her Bajoran date.

Comet watched with curious fascination as Niatha cut up her meal before realizing they probably should get to cutting as well. They cut as they ate, disguising the fact that their pieces were uneven and different sized. They sighed contently. This had gone well…better than they’d expected.

"Well." Niatha smiled at them a little more slyly after a while. "Was there a reason why you invited me here? I saw you blushing for such a long time, don't you deny it..."

“If you saw me blushing then you should know already, shouldn’t you? This was sorta supposed to be a date,” They told her, smiling sheepishly.

"And I've had a wonderful time." She smirked. Maybe she'd just wanted them to admit it. "Call it a lovely first impression."

“I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this! I have as well,” Comet beamed, pleased to have succeeded in making a good impression. First impressions were always important.

"And I'd like to do this again." She said. "Whenever you'd like. Was there anything else you wanted to do while I'm here?"

Anything else…well… “I mean, I didn’t have anything in mind, really, but if you had something you wanted to do, we could,” They shrugged.

"Sit and talk?" She suggested. "Maybe a little bit more than that if you're in the mood?"

Sounds good. Wanna move over to the couch?” *Comet asked, picking up both of their dishes and taking them over to the replicator where they were reclaimed into the matter stream.

The young Cardassian smiled and settled on the couch with her legs crossed.

C; Comet then went over to the couch, sitting beside her after Riker-sing onto the couch. Now. What to talk about? This was uncharted territory…what to talk about, what to talk about? (edited)

"So!" Niatha smirked in their direction. "What do you look for in a partner? What is it about me that you like?"

Well, that was forward. They blinked in surprise before responding. “I don’t…really have a type. I like that you’re friendly, caring…good looking doesn’t hurt, either,”

"Flatterer." She laughed and swatted playfully at their arm. "But thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

“I’m not flattering you, I’m answering your question,” They corrected lightheartedly. “This is flattering: Niatha Chet, your eyes are like hidden emeralds, and your hair is the color of the trunks of trees, coming together to make a sprawling, powerful forest,”

"You mean that, cutie?" She asked with a grin.

“Wouldn’t be saying it, otherwise,” They replied, leaning against the couch cushions and putting their hands in their lap.

"Aww, you." Blushing slightly (just slightly) she leaned over, resting her head on their shoulder. "Keep that up and I'll have to kiss you to shut your mouth...:

“Hmm…” Tempting. And this closeness was something they’d like to keep…they smirked. “Your eyes are so beautiful…I want those gems focused on me, but I’m not greedy, so I’ll let them wander,”

"Crossing the line, Comet sweetie. Any more and I might just have to actually carry out my threat." She cooed, all but climbing into their lap now (but not quite, ha) and smirking bare inches from their face.

“Oh, no, we can’t have that,” They said in a sarcastic tone, feeling their cheeks heat involuntarily. They were so close to her…who would make the first move? This was a game of chess, a back and forth, but either they both won or they both lost.

"No, we can. We absolutely can. Have you seen the color of your face?" She laughed. "I know you want to. Just flatter me one more time and you'll get what you want..."

“You…are the most interesting person I have ever met…and I’d love to be a part of your life,” They switched from complimenting appearance to personality, because they really did mean every word they said.

As it turned out they didn't need to say much else, considering they weren't able to. They were instantly silenced by scaly lips gently pressed to theirs, which were somehow soft despite their leathery feel.

They melted into the kiss, and once it was over, they were grinning, heart beating like a jackrabbit in their chest. They hadn’t known what kissing a Cardassian would be like, but they now knew they would very much like to do it again. Perhaps every day.

"Someone's happy." The Cardassian woman laughed and settled down a little bit more, happily nuzzling against their neck. "To think our people would be murdering or imprisoning each other barely decades ago..."

“Maybe we’re just lucky we live in the twenty-fifth century,” Comet mused, wrapping an arm around her back. This was the most comfortable they’d ever been. “It would be a shame if we hated each other,”

"I'd hate to hate you." She laughed. "But I am most pleased that change is happening, slowly at least..." Nia looked up at them with a sly grin. "You know, I'd like if you came by the gardens more often..."

“I’m suddenly a lot more willing to spend time there,” Comet observed, realizing that yes, they suddenly were much less against spending time in the gardens instead of working overtime in the shuttlebay.

Not that she'd intended to fix a workaholic in the first place - but workaholic sorta fixed? Yeah, that was success in her eyes, in absolutely any case. Laughing she hugged them gently, head on their chest.

The arm on her back moved up near her shoulders, and Comet let out a content sigh as they brought their other arm up to return the embrace.

"You know, I could stay like this all night." She teased. "We Cardassians need warmth, you know. I might as well just start stealing yours..."

“If I remember correctly, I have a weighted blanket in my quarters, and give off a pretty good amount of heat. I wouldn’t mind staying here,” They grinned, happy to provide anything for this lovely woman.

"Are you suggesting I spend the night?" She teased. "Comet darling?"

“If you’d liked, then sure,” Comet offered, shrugging. “I don’t mind either way,” They would be disappointed if she left…but oh well.

"Don't see why not." She smiled and climbed off them for the moment, kicking her shoes off. "Now... about that blanket?"

“On it,” They stood up gracefully, grabbing the blanket from their room and returning. “Here you go,” They draped it over her with a smile.

Niatha smiled and snuggled under the warm weighted blanket, draping it over her shoulders before grabbing Comet and wrapping it round them too. "It ain't warm enough. I need yours too." She laughed. "Hope that's okay."

“Of course I don’t,” They grinned, flopping down and wiggling over next to her, wrapping their arms around her and holding her close. “Better?” They asked.

"Better." She laughed. "Much better." Resting her head on their chest she yawned a little.

“Are you tired?” Comet asked, noticing the way Niatha yawned. “You can sleep if you want. I don’t mind if you head back to your quarters. Or…well, you could stay,” They said.

"Can I stay the night?" She giggled. "I'm sure you'd like that."

"I think I would like that, very much so," They grinned, pecking a kiss on her head. "Do you want the lights off?"

"I'd like that, sure." She replied. "Cardassians do like dark and warm places..."

"Computer, dim lights 80%," Comet called out, and the lights lowered until only the outlines of shapes in the room were visible. Hopefully their roommate didn't walk in anytime soon.

"Perfect." Now suitably comfortable (not that she wasn't already comfy against their chest) she yawned and pressed in a little bit more, almost curling into their body. "So comfy."

Comet relaxed into the couch, settling down into a position they could fall asleep in, holding her loosley in their arms. "Goodnight," They whispered, smiling and closing their eyes.

Her response was the softest, gentlest brush of her lips against theirs before falling asleep, oh so warm and comfortable in their arms.

After one of the best nights of sleep they'd ever had, Comet awoke to find Niatha still asleep in their arms. They smiled, allowing themself an indulgent moment or two of admiration (she was so cute when she slept. Or did anything) before poking at her. "Psst- Nia?" They whispered.

The Cardassian yawned and murmured something incoherent in her sleep, though it sounded like 'five more minutes', and rolled over so that her face was smushed onto the armrest of the sofa.

"Pfft-" Comet covered their mouth with their hand. "That doesn't look too comfortable, Nia." They shifted, doing their best to roll her over. They had been freed from their clingy crocodile friend, so they stood up and turned on some soft music, hoping to draw her awake.

She scrunched up her face and murmured something about 'five more minutes' again. Maybe she was having a pretty nice dream.

Comet sighed. "Alright, well, I guess I'll just make myself a nice breakfast and have it all to myself. Sweet dreams, Niatha," They shrugged, hoping reverse physcology was a thing that would work in this situation.

It most certainly did - because a second later they had scaly arms wrapped round their neck and a very sleepy but also very eager Cardassian attached to their back. "Mrrrh. Fiiiine." She complained. "I was having such a nice dream, too..."

"What were you dreaming about?" Comet asked, smiling as Niatha clung to them.

"I was at home. In London. Drinking at the local pub with my Academy mates. Gharla was in that awesome black dress with the black lipstick and all..." She laughed sleepily. "What's for breakfast?"

"Sounds like a lovely dream. And we can have whatever you like, Nia," Comet told her, smiling softly. Was this the definition of bliss? Perhaps. "I won't mind either way."

"Have you ever had a traditional English breakfast? Sausages, baked beans, scrambled egg, mushrooms..." Niatha could feel herself salivating, such were her memories of having it while living with her parents in London.

"I have not. But I'd be willing to try! I have to say, mushrooms aren't really my thing, though," Comet admitted, standing up and moving towards the replicator. "What all is in it again?" They asked so they could know what to order.

"Just ask for a full English breakfast." She smiled. "You'll see what's in it then."

Comet ordered just that, moving back over to the couch, handing Niatha a tray and taking one for themself. "Looks delicious," They smiled.

"Enjoy!" She picked up the fork and knife that the plate came with and dug into her food with a content hum while leaning against their shoulder.

Comet dug in as well, pushing aside the mushrooms and enjoying the rest of their food- and the closeness to Niatha. It really was a great meal, possibly one to rival their mother's infamous Sunday breakfast. They sighed contently.

"Mmm. So!" She said between bites, "What are we exactly? Right now?"

"Well...I mean- I would be fine if this wasn't- like- a relationship..." They began. "But I'd like it a lot if it were."

"Why don't we call it the start of one." She suggested. "See where it goes."

"Perfect," They agreed, smiling widely at her. "I hope it goes well," They added. "You're wonderful."

"Thank you, sweetie. I'll be up front, though: I might want moee than one - if you know what I mean."

"I'd be okay with that," Comet said after some consideration. "I mean, there really isn't a disadvantage to that,"

She smiled warmly at them. "Wonderful." She said. "What time is your first shift, by the way?"

“Oh! Starts 0800, ends 1600. I’m lucky enough to have alpha shift,” They replied. “You?”

"About the same - you wanna meet up for dinner?" She suggested.

“Sounds lovely! Where shall we go?” Comet asked. “I heard there’s a lovely assortment of restaurants in #restaurants-and-dining ,”

"I know a lovely Japanese restaurant there." She said. "You'll adore the udon..."

“If you’re endorsing it, I’m sure I will! You haven’t steered me wrong yet, in the ways of culinary choices,” They smiled.

"Or choice of attractive people?" She quipped

Comet blushed. “Well- that isn’t fair,” They protested.

"Never said it would be, sweetie." Niatha laughed and nuzzled the base of their neck, where it was warm and very, very nice and soft. "I'm Cardassian, as you know..."

“Ahh, the Cardassian stereotype, cunning and charming,” Comet said, rolling their eyes. “I should’ve known.”

"I hope that's not quite a deal breaker." She smiled sweetly.

“Of course not,” Comet shook their head. “I think I’d fall for you no matter what,”

"Awww, you." She laughed and hugged them tightly. "How sweet..."

"I mean it! You're a wonderful person," They smiled, returning the embrace.

"I'm so glad you think that way." She laughed, pushing into their neck a little bit. "Mmmh. Okay. I think we should both get changed, hm.'

"Yeah, probably," They laughed. "You can use the bathroom, if you want. I'm sure you could replicate a science uniform, or you can head back to your own quarters,"

"I'll replicate." She smiled and sauntered off, returning a while later in uniform stretching her arms.

“Works for me,” They nodded. They ducked into their bedroom, got their uniform out, put it on, and tied their hair into a pony tail. Perfect. They came back out a couple minutes later, ready for shift.

Niatha crossed the room with a smile and wrapped her arms around their waist, kissing their cheek. "See you tonight?"

“Count on it,” They promised, returning the kiss on her forehead. “Have fun with your plants, Nia,”

"Have fun with your shuttles." She laughed softly and pulled away. "See you, cutie. Don't be late."

1

Now here's the thing about Comet. When they get upset, they get a little...violent. Comet walked into the common room, stormed past the couch and went into their own room, glancing around at the yellow-colored accents. They didn't deserve this. They didn't deserve any of it. They were a worthless waste of space that no one could ever love. They ran over to their bed and pounced on the pillow, landing punch after punch on the poor unsuspecting thing. It wasn't healthy at all, and was really only compounding their rage. Worthless. Unlovable. You will never find your place.

5

[PADD Message] From: Insley Del To: Lieutenant Junior Grade Comet

I... I am so sorry. That wasn't me talking, that was... well I didn't mention Her. I had this old host, her name was Kitsap and she stole Del. She killed Kenmore and she stole all of my hosts. I'm new to being joined and she finds way to take control of me I guess. I know it's just her memories but she has a powerful personality. Insley who was stronger then me even lost control of her sometimes. He had ways to try to help himself but neither of us have been able to solve this... I just don't know. I understand if you hate me now, I really loved the clothes you help me picked out. You're a sweet guy and no one deserves to be treated the way Kitsap treats people.

6

Comet looked up when they heard their PADD chime. Probably from Del. They snatched it up, wondering if he wanted to further rub it in. They clicked on the message...and paused. And felt tears begin to fall. And cursed themself for being so emotional. They felt all the anger drain from their body as they began to type. [PADD] From: Lt. JG. Eco Comet To: Insley(?) Del

Del...your words hurt, I'm not gonna lie to you. I know...I know now that they weren't your words, but they hurt. And I appreciate the apology...but I'm not sure. That was so sudden, so unexpected, that I'm really not sure. I don't think I could hate you- I'm not a very hateful person, but I do hate being blatantly insulted. I think I have some things to think about. I'm glad you enjoyed the clothes. Thanks for thinking I'm sweet, I guess. I'll get back to you -Comet

️

[PADD] From: Lt. JG. Eco Comet To: Trevor Eco

Hey. Not even sure if you've still got your PADD with you...or where you are...but, Trevor...I miss you. I don't know what happened, what went wrong, but whatever it was, I'm sorry. I love you, and I always have. When mom got back from the hospital and held out a little bundle of blankets with a face and said 'meet your little brother', I knew right then and there that I'd willingly die for you. I know you never really felt...right, but I hope...I hope you still care. I guess, the point of this would be...to invite you to the station. I'd love to see you. I hope you're doing well. - Coco

️

1

[PADD] From: Trevor Eco To: Lt. JG. Eco Comet

Booked transport. Have smthn 4 u. Need 2 talk when I get there -Trevor

The bell chimed.

Comet looked up from the graphic novel they’d been reading. They hadn’t noticed the reply to their message, so they expected it to be one of their friends, come to say hi. So when they opened the door and saw a battered, worn image of their younger brother, standing in front of them, tired eyes and unkempt hair, holding a tattered cardboard box in his arms, a filthy, frayed backpack slung over one shoulder, Comet couldn’t help but gasp. So many unspoken words, all the things he’d never said, what he wished he’d told his troubled baby brother from the very beginning, all of it, was cycling, tumbling through their head. But instead… “Trevor- you came,” Was all they said.

“Hi, Coco,” Trevor said in a voice so soft it was barely a whisper, it was a trembling of the faintest breeze on the treetops, the ripple of a single drop. “I- “ But he was cut off by strong, freckled arms that wrapped tight around Trevor’s body, taking the box from his arms, setting it aside, and holding him close.

3

“Trevor- Trevor,” Comet said, releasing the boy from his grip and planting two hands on his shoulders, his words swallowed by the emotions gathering in his throat, threatening to spill over. “Trevor, you wonderful, idiotic dumbass,” Comet said with clear affection in their voice, tears gathering in their emerald eyes like tiny, shimmering sapphires. “I’m so, so sorry. I should’ve been there for you,” It was a start, it barely scraped the surface of what they wished to say. But it was a beginning.

3

“Comet, I-I want to get better,” Trevor admitted, his voice small but determined. “I don’t want to be broken anymore,” His life living on Bajor had been a revolving door of therapists and professionals, diagnosing him with ‘disorders’ and ‘complexes’, and he had resisted every one of them. Because in his mind, he was fine. How do you fix something that doesn’t know it’s broken? But he’d been running for too long, too fast. He never stopped. He wanted to settle somewhere- wanted to live. And he wanted to see his big sibling again, the person he’d looked up to since the very beginning. “Can I stay- just for a while?”

4

Green eyes searched brown ones. Summer yellow sleeves against dull blue fabric. An understanding, left unsaid but present, passing through the two. “Of course you can, Trevor. You can stay for as long as you like. I- fuck, I missed you so much. You don’t even know. But- I- I have my baby brother back,” The boy standing in front of him was not the one who would disappear for days at a time, then come back and cuss their parents out before locking himself in his bedroom and cutting himself to feel something. This was the bright-eyed, wild-haired toddler, Comet’s partner in crime, the sweet little kid trailing after Comet as they made up stories together, fighting pirate-pagh-wraiths and opening flower-food restaurants. This was Trevor Eco.

1

2

He sat down in Comet's bedroom, got out his sibling's PADD, logged into his own account, and began typing out an announcement.

[PADD] From: Lieutenant Commander Hanna Stone, CTO, Eventide To: Trevor Eco

I would like to request a time to visit you regarding the puppies you have recently advertised, please let me know when is an open time to do so. I wish to meet with them and see their personalities and if we may be a potential match. Stone

[PADD] From: Trevor Eco To: Lieutenant Commander Hanna Stone, CTO, Eventide

Whenever you're free, I'd love to have you meet them. I could suggest sometime around 1800 hours, somewhere in the environmental(?) ring on the station? They like fresh air. Trevor

[PADD] From: Lieutenant Commander Hanna Stone, CTO, Eventide To: Trevor Eco

It's a date. I hope you'll be prepared to potentially part with one. Stone

She had found his location after some time, having walked up the halls at least one additional time to find their name. As such, she was finally able to reach out and knock on the door, ensuring it was loud enough for them to hear her. Dressed in casual wear that was appropriate for getting down on the floor and playing with puppies - one of Marcus's academy sweaters partially tucked into a pair of leggings and her usual bright red converse that matched her lipstick - she had even pulled up her hair into a loose bun with a few strands on either side of her face. She looked over at her fiancé with excitement as she tried to keep her expression and body language neutral, but he would be able to notice the slight vibration to her fingers and the way she tapped them like a melody on a piano against her upper thigh. A habit she had developed after attending some music lessons as a kid as a way to regulate her excitement.

The tall man stood next to her, a small smile on his face as he watched her fidget and almost bounce with excitement. He was also in casual wear: A flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up his thick forearms, a pair of well worn jeans and a pair of boots. "So are you going to tell me about this surprise or keep me in suspense?"

She smiled up at her man, putting her hands in the pockets of her leggings - yes she swung for ones with pockets because who wants to work out with their PADD across the room and playing music from its speakers - and gently rocking on her toes. "Well, you know how most people who get married have a baby?" She paused for dramatic effect, "I want to name mine 'Lewis' and I think you'll really like him. But I want to see if this is going to work out first, so I brought you along too. Also so I don't bring Lewis home with siblings."

The large man stopped and blinked, then blinked again before coughing as his cheeks tinged a darker brown. "What? What....Hanna...I didn't think you missed that part of health class."

3

2

She smirked as she looked to the door, waiting for it to open and show Marcus her surprise. Her preference would be if the brown one was still available, but she wanted to see how it interacted with it's peers before she brought it home in case Marcus ever wanted his own son or daughter. Plus if they ever actually had kids, she wanted a puppy that would gladly interact with them, not scare or avoid. "What health class? I attended cooking and martial arts?" She teased him lightly, winking at him, "Besides, there was no one cute in my heath class, it was just my parents."

[D] Trevor, being the only one in the quarters as both occupants were at work, looked up from Chief and her five puppies, four of which were up for adoption. “C-come in!” He called after a second of hesitation in which he wondered if he was allowed to let someone in. They were probably here about the dogs. Speaking of dogs, it’s time to describe them. Four of the puppies were the typical black and white, three girls and a boy. The fifth puppy was toned brown-red, another boy. And then there was Chief, the mama, currently laying her head on Trevor’s lap, getting dog hair all over his best sweatshirt and jeans.

She would open the door before smiling and gesturing to the puppies as she looked at Marcus, “I hope you don’t mind, but I brought my Fiancé to come look at the puppies as well.”

“That’s fine, yeah. Welcome- uh, these are the puppies. They’re all about six months old, and I’m only keeping one of them. You can come meet them now,” Trevor informed the two very important looking people now standing in the doorway.

Marcus entered with Hanna and raised an eyebrow. "Oh...puppies...totally what I was thinking of." He took a few steps forward and kneeled down, keeping a respectable distance from the litter so the mother wouldn't see him as aggressive. "They're awful cute."

She knelt down, careful not to crease her shoes as she looked at each of them, “Have they had all their shots and been fully weaned at this point? What are they currently eating?” Her eyes immediately gravitated to the brown puppy, already fighting the urge to just pick him up and take him back for cuddles.

“I have them on wet food from the replicator right now. They are weaned, and they got their shots the other day,” Trevor informed her. Chief didn’t seem to react as Hanna got closer. In fact, two of the puppies, a black one and the brown one, approached her curiously, bodies wriggling from the sheer force of their tails wagging.

Marcus tried to put on an air of toughness, but failed when the two puppies came over to Hanna. "They're wiggling their little tushies! It's so cute."

She gave an adorable grin to the puppies as she gently held out her hands to the two puppies, letting them sniff her before she went in for pets, “What’s the parents mood and health? Is there anything we should be aware of that might show up in their personalities?” Her gaze didn’t leave the dogs, clearly wrapped around their little paws, “They are the cutest little things!”

“Well, the mother was a rescue, but she’s very well taken care of. And I haven’t noted any behavioral issues in either the mother or the father,” For some reason, Trevor seemed a lot more confident while talking about dogs. “I haven’t named any of them, either, so that will be up to the people adopting them,”

Marcus watched Hanna interact with the puppies, she was a natural. "Seems like Hanna has taken a liking to them, hopefully they do to her and we can take one home with us. I grew up with dogs in my home."

She gently picked up the brown one and held it under her chin before facing Marcus, “Marcus… can we bring Lewis home?” Her eyes perfectly mimicked a puppy pout as she clearly had no intention of leaving this cute boy behind.

Marcus smiled and pet the little puppy on the head. "Sure, as long as it's ok with the young man over there."

“I think he likes you!” Trevor said enthusiastically as the pup sat happily in Hanna’s arms. “You can take him home today, if you like,”

She couldn’t contain her excitement at that as she nuzzled into the puppy with a little squeal of happiness, then quickly composing herself as she gently hugged the puppy, letting his chin rest on her shoulder as she held him. “Absolutely. How much do we owe you?”

Trevor felt very fulfilled with the way he was giving this woman such joy. “Three strips of latinum, ma’am,” He told her.

She would gladly hand over the amount requested, “And don’t worry, you’ll see tons of pictures of this little guy all over my social media, hon.” She sat back on her heels, not even minding creasing her shoes a little bit as she held her new boy.

“I’ll be sure to look out for them,” Trevor nodded, taking the money and putting it in a small pouch before putting the pouch in his pockets. “Thank you for taking him, I’m glad he’ll have such a loving home,”

She nodded her head before looking at Trevor, “You wouldn’t happen to have a toy or blanket we could have that has his sibling and moms scent on it, would you?”

“Oh! Yes, hold on…” Trevor got up, disappeared into another room, and returned with a toy rope. “This is one of his favorites. He loves tug-of-war,”

Marcus was busy rubbing the puppy's belly and making cooing noises.

3

She had passed the puppy to Marcus, accepting the toy without question before reaching out a hand to shake Trevor’s, “Thank you so much for this lovely addition to the family. And feel free to stay in touch. I’d love to know if anyone else picks up a puppy so Lewis can have play dates with his siblings or mom.”

“I’ll be sure to! I hope he behaves for his new parents!” Trevor said with a friendly smile.

"He's the best boy ever, yes you are, yes you are." Marcus was making faces at the puppy and letting him lick his face.

1

She chuckled as she got up from the floor after giving all the other pups some loving and mom especially. “Well I should take my two boys back to my room before they start making kissy noises and drawing too much attention to your room. I do really appreciate this, though. I can’t tell you how much I already love him.”

“I’m glad you’re happy with him! I’ll see you around, maybe,” He said. He was planning on staying for a month or so, so who knew?

She had to lead her man out of the room as she pulled out her PADD to take many photos of him melting under the tongue and affection of a puppy barely bigger than his head.

1

[D] When the final announcement about civilians was made, Comet woke with a start to see their younger brother cowering on his air mattress, holding two puppies and a full grown dog. What? “Trevor?”

“Oh, thank fuck, you’re awake,” Trevor breathed, signing in relief. “There was a storm, how did you sleep through that? The entire station was shaking!”

“Storm? Trevor, we’re in space, there’s no weather,” The engineer said, a bit puzzled, still confused as to where these dogs had come from.

“A space storm then! One with lightning! I don’t know, you’re the space guy!” Trevor huffed.

“Whatever- Trevor, why do you have five dogs?” They asked, pointing at the husky-corgi mixes in the blonde boy’s arms.

“Oh, fuck-“ Trevor realized he had never explained. “Um. This is Chief, my dog. She had puppies. I’m finding homes for them,” He said.

“I…Trevor, why did you not tell me you were housing five fucking dogs in my bedroom?” Comet asked.

“You would’ve made me leave…” He looked away.

Comet just facepalmed. “No? Trev, you’re my brother. I just would prefer to know who’s living in my room,”

“Oh,” Was all Trevor could say, and then: “Do you want a puppy?”

At that moment, one of the puppies, a boy, jumped onto Comet’s bed and sat in front of them, a Very Good Boi. They melted. “Uh- yeah, sure, I’ll take this one,”

“You will? Thanks so much, Coco! He’s really cute, isn’t he?” Trevor grinned, leaning forward.

The sweet little pup reminded them vaguely of Ash, and by connection, Zi, and they found themself smiling ~~and blushing a tiny bit.~~ “Yeah, he is! I’m gonna call him Cog,”

[D] Where was Comet? The roleplayer has no clue, so we're just going to put them in their quarters. After feeding Cog a healthy meal of doggo kibble, their own recipe, they stood and stretched. They brushed a couple hairs off their sky blue skirt and dandelion patterned shirt, slipped on a pair of shoes, and left the room. They were going to get a bite to eat, and treat themself!

They arrived...then realized....they had fed Cog. They blinked down at the small husky pup, feeling a fool. "Cog. Cog, have they cured ADHD yet?" The poor Bajoran hybrid asked, crumpling to the floor, thoroughly out of breath. The pup waddled up to them and licked their hand. They sighed. There went some of their hard earned latinum....they hoped Alizati enjoyed the food his boyfriend made him.

Comet sat in their bedroom inside the quarters they shared with some random tactical officer, scratching behind Cog's ears and idly reading some book or another. Maybe it was about Romulans? They weren't paying attention at all. Cog wriggled and pushed the PADD they were reading on away, shoving himself in between Comet's arms. The half-Bajoran laughed as they were treated with the Cog Special of dog breath in their face and dog slobber on their nose. "Cut it out," They giggled, writhing under the torture of the fierce and powerful tactics of the horrible...nine week old puppy.

Just then, someone rang the bell.

After ringing but not waiting for permission to enter, the Betazoid opened the door and entered Comet's room, flopping down on the bed beside them casually. She smiled at them. "Yo," She greeted, pale white hair reflecting the artificial lights in the room. This was a normal interaction with Luxeyo; she was very...well, this. There really wasn't a way to describe it, she just did her thing.

Comet blinked. What??? When??? How??? And less important, why??? "Lux?" They sat up and set Cog on the floor to let him do his thing. He seemed uninterested in the new person. "Are- is the rest of the five with you? Ekra, Uyon...Sul?" They asked, blinking, still completely taken by surprise. What was Luxeyo even doing here?

"Yeah, they are, but they're getting settled in the guest quarters, and were gonna make me be boring and not barge in," Luxeyo said, rolling her eyes. "We really missed you, Comet! But I guess you were just living the life on this station. I mean, you've got your own bedroom!" Back on the Ohio, neither of them had a bedroom. Just a bunk in the hallway with a bunch of other ensigns and various lower deckers.

"I missed you guys too! I mean, sure, I have a few friends here, but you guys are my ride or die! We're besties five life, remember?" Comet laughed. "The bedroom is an added bonus, though," They said with a tiny smirk that quickly disappeared when realization sunk in. "Wait. You said- you said Sul is here? Like, on the station? Right now? He's here?" They asked, eyes wide with...worry? Excitement? Excworryment?

Now, it was Lux's turn to smirk. "Yes, I did, you dumbass," She confirmed, shoving him affectionately. "He's been all Vulcan-pouty since you two broke up before you transferred. He might be reconsidering a long distance relationship, but you didn't hear it from me," Luxeyo informed him, bouncing her leg as she spoke. The look on Comet's face...they might not believe it, but they were still smitten.

Comet could feel their face growing hot. They needed Luxeyo out of their quarters so they could be a pining emotional mess for a bit. They stood, grabbed Luxeyo by the arm, and pulled her up. "Out! I'm going to have dinner, by myself, before you end up convincing the entire station to hang out in my room. You're crazy, and I'm relaxing. I love you, it's good to see you, we can talk tomorrow," They said.

Her smirk grew as she walked out of the room. She knew exactly what was happening. "Alright, alright, I'm going," She said, and left.

Comet sighed and collapsed back down on their mattress. Sul was reconsidering long distance relationships...they tucked their knees in near their chest and squealed. Luxeyo was right; Comet was smitten. Smitten for an autistic, trans, Vulcan helmsman with glasses and a love of all things animals. Sul had their heart, fully and completely, and when they'd broken up, he'd kept it.