Lipstick Stain - Part II

Posted on Tue Nov 12th, 2024 @ 8:23am by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami & Lieutenant Fang Lee & Lieutenant JG Zai

1,053 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well
Location: Main Engineering | USS Arcadia

ON:

She cleared her throat, "I was heading to my office and he and his friend were coming the other way. Jason started, being Jason, flirting. I didn't reciprocate and he got mad. But his friend pulled him away."

"Adrianna,"

There was a feeling of guilt, "it started sweetly. I was in a good mood because of Vance-- Jason complimented me, I said thank you. He asked why, I told him because I was too happy to think what I was saying -- he turned so quickly, saying that he would have to work harder and--" she paused as she felt a fear rise up, glancing at Zai. She took a breath. Returning to her calm self and her focus to Fang, "I'm fine."

"Well I think I have an excuse to meet the other seven brothers." Fang smiled. "Tis time I me a Capella bearing a gift...namely Jason."

Adrianna could feel herself feel like a child avoiding her parents going to the principal about someone bullying her. "I don't want this to hurt my career," she warned.

"It won't. In fact I think I've come up with a plan that will make both you and Zai happy."

There was a reluctance in her gaze but she soon nodded, "alright -- just don't kill anyone."

He laughed. "I'm XO I have better means of revenge at my disposal." He sighed. "Now if you two will excuse me I need some time alone." He stood and left.

Zai stared after him. "I'm an ass. I really upset him. He can't stay in my presence too long."

"Not sure you're the issue," she replied, watching him leave, "he took what I had to say far too easily. He's in a weirdly good mood."

"You think? He was depressed as hell the other day just avoided me. I wanted to apologize for the way I told him..."

She looked at Zai curiously, "he almost screamed at me for me not reporting Jason the second time... He's in a good mood. I'm telling you. If you've got any more bad news for him-- I'd tell him now."

Zai laughed. "Maybe the talk with the counselor helped."

Adrianna shrugged, "I won't complain. It means I didn't get shouted at and Jason is alive... For now. Do you want dinner tonight?"

He grinned. "Yeah. I would love it. I cook when stressed so...I cooked last night. There is a lot of food left over."

"I was going to offer to cook, but sure," she smiled before kissing Zai's other cheek, leaving another matching lipstick mark, "Madonna, Zai-- he's back. He remembers. Gawd, I love you."

He grinned. "Well I love you too." He laughed. "I'm so glad it worked. Originally I wasn't sure but Vance wanted to try and I knew that while I got some of my mother's abilities they weren't strong enough so I was glad that he was going to see my people."

"Your help made him dream of the cave in Betazed," she replied, "whoever did a soul-healing thing after-- that is what sealed his fate. Honestly-- not even Jason could tear me away from how happy and whole I feel right now."

He smiled. "That's good. You need to hold onto that feeling okay. Don't let it be taken away."

"If Fang shows you what happened-- please, don't hold it against me and don't tell Vance. I remember what he did to the last guy that tried a stunt like it," she shook her head and turned to leave, "I'll see you tonight-- you may want to wipe your cheeks-- you look like you've had a quickie with a woman."

He laughed. "The entire Engineering staff knows how that is impossible."

Ade looked back at him and chuckled, of course she knew. But it was amusing, nonetheless. "See you tonight," she quickly turned back to him and added a third lipstick mark on his cheek, "alright, now I'll go. Bye."

"Before you go...I have a favour to ask."

She paused at the door, "with this favour... Will I need vomit bags?"

"No, it's more...something to do with my people and a ceremony that is to take place."

She nodded, "sure, what do you need?"

"Because I am not with my people anymore I have decided to give up the Tier role. Our tribe is the only one on Capella that allows female Tiers so my sister will take that role but there is a ceremony that I have to undertake. My people are not happy about conducting it and neither is my sister but it is our way and I must abide by it to pass the title."

She nodded her vague understanding, but Adrianna was confused, "so, the favor?"

"When the time comes the ceremony will take place on Starbase 2. There will be an elder council rep and I am to give up my title and in return the people must shun me and banish me for six months and I must have my hair cut off...a great shame for a Capellan. I need someone to cut my hair off."

"You trust me with a blade?" She asked somewhat humored but nodded, turning serious, "for you? Of course. Why not Sabastian though?"

"He will not be allowed to participate. He will have another purpose during the ceremony."

Adrianna smiled, "I will help how I can then."

He gave a nod. He touched his hair. "That will perhaps be the hardest part. I have not cut my hair in a long time. I trim to keep it a certain length but ... it's not the same."

"Don't take this the wrong way-- I know what my voice and accent does to words sometimes, but I promise to be gentle. We can take it as slow as you want. Believe it or not, it's not the first time I've cut a man's hair," she put a hand on his arm, "you'll be ok."

"I'm not worried about that it's just going to be emotional. But I guess it's good because it will pass the baton to my sister and maybe I can be free to actually live for once."

She squeezed her hand a little, "we'll all be here for you after-- and during-- you'll be fine."

He smiled. "Thanks."

OFF:

 

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