Perfect Ruin

Posted on Fri Feb 26th, 2021 @ 11:18am by Lieutenant Xavier Leiko

Mission: Character Development
Location: Risa - Beach
Timeline: Shoreleave
1187 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

It was only an hour after the group of friends had disbanded and headed their separate ways and Xavier was already missing them. It was a miracle that
they all had been able to meet up at all, the life of a Starfleet officer was too unpredictable for regular meets, but the universe had aligned and made this one possible, and for that Xavier was eternally grateful. He was now alone with Ari, heading back to the beach front house they had been renting for the past few days. They were holding hands and Ari's warm skin was welcoming on the cool Risian night air.

"You could stay a few more days," Ari eventually said, breaking the silence.

Xavier stopped in his tracks and pulled the Andorian to face him. "I can't. I want to, I really want to, but I can't."

"I see." Ari's antennas drooped.

Xavier gently stroked the side of Ari's face. "You know I would if I could, but the Athena leaves spacedock in a few days and I want to make sure I'm back onboard well before then to check over the ship's systems. I can't mess this up, this opportunity, it means too much to me."

Ari smiled as he placed his hand on Xavier's. "I know, I get it. It's just, I'm...we're all going to miss you."

"I miss everyone already," Xavier replied, returning the smile. "It's so hard saying bye to everyone."

"Even Tey?" Ari asked as his antennas perked up.

Xavier laughed. "Especially Tey. I forgot how much I missed that chaotic mess of a man."

Ari dropped his hand from Xavier's and took a step back. "You know he fancies you right?"

"He fancies everyone, and sleeps with anyone."

Ari shook his head. "I know, but the way he looks at you, you must know this? Apart from having eyes, you are a telepath."

"He's only more interested in me because I turned him down," Xavier said matter-of-factly. "He's like a child." Xavier knew in his heart of hearts that wasn't strictly true. Ari was right, Tey did have feelings for him and had it not been for Ari, they might have hooked up. But that wasn't a conversation he was prepared to have tonight.

"Okay," Ari replied dismissively. He clearly didn't believe the same as Xavier but at least he was willing to drop the subject. "What did he say to you as we were leaving the bar?"

"Oh, something about a surprise he has waiting for me back on the Athena. He's probably got me a case of Aldeberan Whiskey or Romulan Ale. He has so many contacts."

Ari nodded in agreement and then continued along the path. Xavier followed and the two of them fell into step in a comfortable silence, both lost in thought and words that went unsaid. When they came to fork in the path instead of making his way right towards the house, Ari turned left towards the steps that led down to the beach. Xavier didn't question this, but instead followed on in silence. The night was as perfect as any night could be, the moon was full and the sky was clear. The tide was out and gentle, as though it was holding its breath waiting to see what was going to happen next, Xavier knew how it felt.

Eventually they reached their favourite spot, a nice secluded and private section that wasn't too far from the house. Ari pulled out his combadge and tapped it twice. There was a shimmer of light and where nothing was before, appeared a wicker hamper. Clearly Ari had planned this beforehand, Xavier thought to himself.

Ari pulled out a blanket and placed it on the sand. He then pulled out a bottle of Château Picard and two wine glasses. "Ready for the after party?"

Xavier threw himself on the blanket and kicked off his shoes. "As if you need to ask, wine me up."

Ari poured a glass and handed it to Xavier, "here you go KoKo."

Xavier rolled his eyes as he accepted the drink. "I really wish you would stop calling me that."

Ari poured himself a glass and then joined Xavier on the blanket. "I've known you for the best part of nine years and not once have I stopped calling you that when you have asked." He clinked his glass against Xavier's, ignoring the annoyed look on his face. "Lieutenant KoKo Chief of Operations, does have a nice ring to it." Ari's antennas danced in glee and Xavier couldn't help but laugh along.

The two of them stayed in their spot all night, talking, laughing, joking, and reminiscing about the good ol'days, sometimes verbally and sometimes physically, it was the perfect night. As Xavier lay there on his back, watching the dawn trying to break on the horizon, he couldn't help think about the life the two of them could have had together, and the life they would have made, it made him sad. It felt as though the sun would only break through once a resolution had been reached, like the waves earlier, Risa was on tenterhooks waiting for this story to start, or end.

"Do you ever wish you had stayed at the Shipyards with me?" Ari asked.

Xavier propped himself up on his elbow so that he could face the blue skinned man. "Always," he said instantly. "But it wouldn't have been enough," he added as he dropped his head to avoid Ari's eyes. It was hard telling your first love that their being, soul and body, wasn't enough for you.

Ari placed his blue fingers on Xavier's chin and gently raised his head. "It's okay, I know. That's exactly why I couldn't follow you out into deep space."

There was a moment of silence before Ari spoke again. "There's a guy, on the base."

Xavier smiled, not a full smile, but the best he could muster. "I know."

"You do?" Ari was shocked. "Did you read my thoughts?"

"Never," Xavier replied, his turn to be shocked. "I know you Thari th'Enad, nine years remember."

"Nothing has happened yet, but I really like him. He reminds me of you...." He let the sentence trail off unsure if this was the right thing to say or not.

Xavier had been waiting for Ari to tell him this news for days, he thought he was prepared, but hearing it out loud had hurt him more than he had expected it to. "Be happy Thari, you deserve that."

Ari cupped Xavier's face in between his blue fingers. "I love you Ko... Xavier Leiko. My heart will always belong to you."

Xavier nodded as his eyes threatened to betray his strength. The lump in his throat wouldn't allow him to speak, but he knew Ari knew exactly how he felt.

And as if satisfied with how this story had ended, the sun finally burst over the horizon, casting the two men in warmth, heat, and sadness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvo620cGMyw