One Upon A Midnight Dreary

Posted on Fri Oct 11th, 2019 @ 10:33pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Jack Carver

Mission: Sounds of Silence
Location: The Raging Deity Lounge

Abigail sat at the back of the lounge, in a booth in the corner, almost completely obstructed by the tall back of the chair behind her. Between her hands was a cup of coffee, that is, if you could actually call it a cup.

Just by sheer size, the drinking vessel would almost qualify as a bucket, and judging by the rich aroma rising up with the steam, it was at least double strength. A piece of banana bread sat on a plate in the middle of the table with a small bowl of butter next to it, waiting to be spread.

Inhaling slowly, she leaned back against the back of the chair, closing her eyes for a long moment as she sank a little lower in the booth. Everything about her made it obvious to anyone that may have bothered to look that she was not just tired, she was bone weary exhausted, the kind of exhausted that needed a week of alternating between hot soaking bubble baths and long, luxurious naps. Instead, she had a desk covered in paperwork that she had no desire to complete, and no chance of rest any time soon.

Jack seemed to be in a decent mood as he walked in to the lounge, chatting idly with one of his pilots, as the two headed to the bar. There they got their drinks, and from there Jack spied Abigail sitting alone and in a bad mood. He excused himself from his pilot and headed over, pausing a moment to gauge how she was feeling before electing to remain silent, as he slid into the booth as well, sitting opposite of her, with his mug of coffee.

At the sound of the movement across from her, Abigail opened her eyes, her gaze falling on the form of Jack, a slightly annoyed sigh escaping her parted lips. Her first instinct was to snap at him for interrupting her peace and quiet, especially when there were so many other tables that were empty. Instead she shifted in her seat, picking up the strong coffee and taking a sip. "Was there anything specific you wanted?" she asked, the tone of her voice sounding acerbic even to her own ears. "Or is this just a social call?"

"Was mostly going to see how you were doing and maybe think of something to cheer you up because by God do you look like you could use something like that." he mused, noting the tone in her voice but not making anything of it.

"I don't need 'something' to cheer me up," Abigail shot back with a quick shake of her head. "Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, I am actually allowed to have a bad day. I am not a puppet, I don't have to be always on."

Jack simply quirked a brow, replying flatly. "Yes. You're allowed to have a bad day. And I'm allowed to see if I can make said day a bit better for someone I've come to care about."

Abigail sighed, releasing her death grip on the mug and rubbing her temples. "Sorry," she said her voice a little more reserved this time. "I haven't had much sleep for the last few days and I have a headache that won't quit."

"Figured as much" he mused, reaching a hand out to rest on hers. "Look, if you want me to get out of your hair and leave you alone I will. Other services I can offer are things like a silent coffee partner, someone to vent at, a tasteless joke or two, a shoulder massage and things like that. Other services on request."

Abigail smiled vaguely. "Coffee good," she murmured softly, keeping her voice low. "I just need some sleep I think, that will help." She sighed, starting to shake her head before she stopped suddenly, realising that the movement made the pain worse. "And maybe a nice long soak in a tub with some essential oils and a glass of wine."

He glanced over at her enormous, biblical bucket of coffee. "You seem all good on the coffee front, or want me to get you more?" he asked. "I never got the idea behind essential oils, being a dumb country hick." he smirked. "What they do?"

"They're supposed to be relaxing and soothing," Abigail said quietly, closing her eyes and leaning back against the back of the booth. "Regardless, they smell nice."

"I should try them some time." he smiled. "Speaking of. Wanna go to the holodeck and enjoy a spa program? I mean, if you're gonna sit here and drink some coffee you might as well, right?"

Abigail sighed softly, contemplating for a moment. "It's tempting," she said quietly. "But you know what, I might just go back to my quarters and nap for a bit. I think I just need some sleep."

"That's fair." Jack smiled, rising from the booth again and offering her a hand. "Walk you to your quarters."