Unexpected

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 7:08pm by Lieutenant JG Zai

1,129 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well
Location: Starbase 2
Timeline: After Counseling Session

ON:

Zai dropped into the chair by the observation deck of Starbase 2. His whole body shook. The memories were flooding in now as well as what he'd heard. It's like his logical part of the mind was shut off. He had the urge to flee and he'd used a few vacation days to get off the ship. After a quick chat with his contact he'd confirmed that Lee Chen knew that the Fifth prince was very much alive and well but thankfully not where. That alleviated some of his stress, but not all.

He had sat down in time because his legs felt as if they would not hold him. Was he actually going into an anxiety attack?

"Zai?"

A disembodied voice carried to his ears. He had laid his head on the seat rest and could not lift it. He felt a pair of strong hands cup his face and soon he was looking into clear silver eyes, familiar eyes, ones he hadn't seen in person since the Academy. "S..Sab.."

"My God, you're pale and shaking." The person took off his uniform jacket and placed it around Zai. "Stay here." He stood and left. Minutes? Hours? Zai didn't know how long later but the figure came back.

Zai felt something warm thrust into his hand. "Drink."

He didn't question. He drank. A warm mint flavor filled his senses. He drank until he drained the last drop. He new how his anxiety episodes ended. "I can't hold old."

"Then don't. I'm right here. I promise."

That was all it took. Zai let the darkness take him slumping into the arms of the figure beside him.

***

Slowly sounds made their way into his ears. The hum of the station, voices, arms around him. He opened his eyes and blinked several times only to see a pair of silver eyes staring at him with concern. "Sabastian?"

"Lucky I came along. Are you alright?"

Zai gave a nod.

"Good you have some colour and you're not shaking. Another anxiety episode?"

Zai gave a nod. "W...."

"Water I know." He held a glass to Zai's lips and helped him drink. His worry hadn't left him the entire time Zai was out. "Can you walk? Let's go back to my quarters and you can rest, tell me what happened."

Zai gave a nod and accepted Sabastian's help to stand. When they arrived in his quarters Sabastian ran a warm bath. "Zai I ran a bath. I'm going to get you some of my clothing, they should fit. Take a bath, relax and I will make us something to eat."

Zai held onto Sabastian Walker's wrist. "Please don't go to trouble."

"Za-Za you're not trouble. I'm happy to see you in person. You know that."

Zai did know that. Sabastian Walker was hell on legs. He was six foot four an inch taller then Fang, half Betazoid and half Vulcan with steel grey eyes and all muscle. He was in the same year as Fang and he'd loved Zai since he'd seen him. They had formed a friendship of sorts but Zai was not clueless to Sabastian's feelings. They had talked about it at length and Zai had wanted to avoid friendship too but Sabastian insisted that if Zai didn't love him he would be happy to have him as a friend.

Sabastian was a head turner. His short black hair, the steel grey eyes, the small beauty mark on the right corner of his top lip. He was fierce as a friend and a protector. He was top of his class and Zai now noticed the rank. "Lieutenant Commander?"

Sab smiled. "Just a week ago. I didn't have time to send you a letter. I'm the CEO of the station, just took over still on leave days." He sighed. "Let's get you into a nice bath with a glass of wine and then we'll have dinner."

"I have to arrange for quarters first for a few days on the station."

"No, you'll stay here. These are huge I have a second room."

Zai smiled tiredly. "Sab you know you don't..."

"I know Za-Za. I want to. I'm a big boy, I know your heart is with that ass, correction jackass, and I don't hold onto illusions but we're still friends."

Zai gave a nod. "Thanks."

An hour later Zai was out of the bath, second glass of wine in hand curled on the sofa eating beef samosas that Sabastian had prepared. "God I miss these." He said taking a bite. "That last year of the Academy when we were both on the dance team you made them all the time. I swear half the time I messed up the steps so you'd have to stay late and make them."

Sabastian laughed, his silver eyes sparkling. "I know. Why do you think I always had them handy." He paused. "So what happened?"

Zai sighed. "Long story."

"I have time, for you, always." Sabastian reached out placing a hand on Zai's ankle that was curled on the sofa.

"Okay. I warned you." So Zai unburdened his soul, about the counseling session, the nightmares, the memories and what he'd heard that morning straight from Fangs lips. Of course Fang hadn't known Zai was behind the corner but he would never has said it if Zai was present.

"That son of a ... how could he say that."

Zai shrugged. "It's fine. All these years...and even if..."

"God Zai I'm sorry." Sabastian moved closer to Zai putting an arm around his shoulder. "I'm really sorry. What are you going to do? I mean you can stay here. I could always use a capable engineer."

Zai shook his head and then lowered it to Sabastian's shoulder. "I don't want to think about it."

"Okay. Let's get your mind off things. How about you rest now and tomorrow I will take you out all day. We'll eat out, go to the arboretum. We'll go to your favorite Greek place on the station and how about dancing in the evening?"

He laughed. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Your heart is broken Zai. I won't do that but when you feel better I might just ask."

"Ask anyway."

Sabastian's heart began to pound.

"It's a selfish request, that I shouldn't make. I know you like me and we're friends only but I want one day where I feel what it's like to be loved."

The sadness in the voice tore at Sabastian. "Zai can I take out on a date tomorrow."

Zai smiled. "Yes. I don't know if I want to hang on anymore. I can't promise anything but... I want to try." He sighed. "Maybe it's time for me to let go. I want to try."

OFF:

 

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