Stardate:70915.2133
Title: Back to Life
Author: Ensign Xhian
Scene: Various
Time:After Mail Call and before Independence leaves orbit of Earth
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Since heading back to Earth, Xhian has spent a lot of time with Ella Briggs. In that time they've gotten to know a lot about each other.
When the Independence first arrived within transporter range of Earth, they even did a little bit of traveling together; visiting both Ella's hometown and the place where Xhian was first found on Earth.
At first the two seem to be inseparable, as if they have known each other all their lives; getting along perfectly for the most part.
But Xhian is still confused as to what really he should call her. Is she just a friend, or are they something more?
Even their mutual friend Stratton is starting to question their relationship as a whole, and has completely forgotten about their bet. Even though Xhian left two boxes containing the requested jewelry by his door, as if to concede defeat. It all just seems odd to Xhian, to say the least.Xhian decides that the best response is to throw himself back into his work, and life as he knew it.
But as he tried to go through the motions, he couldn't help thinking about Ella.
*What is going on here with me? Is this what love is like?* He asked himself, as he struggled to keep his mind on his work.
At the end of his shift, he has dinner with Ella again and as she talks about her day, he listens as usual. As she speaks, he can't stop himself from admiring her beauty; not only her outward appearance but the way she carries herself. The way she laughs, the way she gestures with her fork while she's between bites of food. There is so much about her to admire; is he kidding himself to think that she might feel the same way? Or should he take a chance and speak up, telling her that he wants to be so much more than just friends?
At the end of dinner, he walks her to her quarters and kisses her on the cheek, then goes home.
Again, not telling her how he feels. Just another day...
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Ensign Xhian
Engineering Officer- Not so good romantic.
USS Independence NCC-90791