After a Long Day

[Cmdr Ridire 0]

By: Dr Matthews and Cmdr Ridire

(Set before this last game)

 

 

 

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

While Deb is giving her orders to Dr. Studly, Aidan is lounging on the couch while staring up at the ceiling. It was quite obvious that he was lost in his thoughts even if the as of yet untouched glass of whiskey with it’s ice slowly melting wasn’t a clue. He had reported to the Captain and had a rather serious discussion regarding Kat’s behavior, the mission and Aidan’s desire to pay Starfleet Medical on Earth a surprise visit. Something far more serious is going on then mere medical malpractice but the catch is finding the evidence to prove it to the Captain.

 

After the talk with the Captain he came back to his quarters and took a good long shower after undressing. Once he was done with the shower he got dressed for bed but instead of trying to get some sleep he had placed himself on the couch. So far the only time he showed any further interest in the room around him was when he shooed Nephtys off him after she tried to curl up on his stomach. Fortunately the spoiled Siamese didn’t have much in the way of claws to dig into him with as Aidan had gotten in the habit of keeping the cat’s claws trimmed after an incident years ago in which a dog had scared said cat into bounding up on his shoulder and insisting painfully on staying there.

 

Meanwhile, in the locker room, Deb was feeling somewhat guilty about dumping Kat's exam onto Studly. She quickly pushed away such thoughts while changing into some scrubs she'd left hanging in her locker. Ten minutes later, she had on fresh clothes and had managed to wipe some of the grime off her face. She finally felt presentable enough to venture into the ship's corridors. She again though of poor Rocco. She knew Kat didn't think she needed an exam. Her long time friend had no idea how ill she really was and how frightened Deb was for her. She resisted the temptation to peek into Sickbay to see how Studly was doing. Instead, she left through the portal in the locker room that led directly into the corridor.

 

Fortunately, she didn't pass too many people as she made her way to her quarters. She wouldn't have cared if she had. All Deb could think about was a long, hot shower and sleeping for at least 24 hours. Some decent food might be nice too. She also wondered if Aidan was home yet. The moment she walked through the door, Nephtys was there to greet her, meowing only as a Siamese can while lacing herself through Deb's legs. But it was the sight of her husband stretched out on the couch that brought a smile to her face.

 

He glances up as the door opens and smiles. "I was wondering if I was going to have carry you home too." His smile slips a little before asking "You feeling okay?"

 

"I'm okay," replied Deb while scooping Nephtys into her arms. "Or I will be after a nice hot shower." She limped over to the sofa and gently placed the cat on Aidan's feet. "Think you'll still be awake when I get finished cleaning up?"

 

He smiles up at her, "I’ll stay awake if you wish. Did you want supper as well?" He stands and hugs her gently as he kisses her forehead. "Figured you might need that too...."

 

Debbie closed her eyes and leaned wearily against her husband. "That, my love, is the best thing to happen to me all day," she murmured. She would have liked nothing better than to stay there, in his arms, for the rest of the night. But she was simply too filthy for that. Pulling away, she smiled up at him. "Let me take a shower and then we can continue this....maybe after I have a bite to eat."

 

With that, Deb dragged herself into the bathroom, stripping off the scrubs and everything else on her way. She stayed in the shower far longer than usual allowing the warm beads of water to wash away the dirt and soothe her aching muscles. About twenty minutes later, she rejoined Aidan in the living area wearing a night shirt that came down to her mid thigh and a pair of warm, fuzzy slippers.

 

He glances at her as she enters. Smiling faintly he murmurs "You know..the slippers somehow don’t detract from how alluring that look is." He brings a couple plates of food over to the low table in front of the couch followed by two glasses of water. "I hope you don’t mind chicken salad sandwiches and chips. I felt like something simple." He waits for her to sit down then sits down a few feet from her. Pulling her legs onto the couch he gently massages her lower legs and feet after removing the slippers.

 

Debbie leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. The massage felt so wonderful, she forgot all about the food. "I married a prince among men," she groaned softly. "I don't deserve you....I really don't." Aidan continued his ministrations for another couple of minutes. Deb was just about to suggest they eat their sandwiches when the door chime sounded. Startled, she jumped a bit before swinging her legs off her husband's lap. "I'll get it," she insisted, tickling his bare chest. "I have on more clothes than you."

 

A moment later, Deb opened the door to find Rocco Studly standing there. "Sorry to bother you," he said as he studied her attire. "You said you wanted Commander Schawnsee's test results as soon as possible. I decided to deliver them personally."

 

It took her a few seconds to figure out what Studly was talking about. And then it all came rushing back to her. She slowly accepted the padd her associate was holding out to her. "Thanks," she replied with a noted lack of enthusiasm. "Find anything unusual?"

 

Studly grinned as he turned to walk away. "Oh yeah," he said casually. "Pay close attention to the endocrine levels. That woman is a mess."

Deb activated the padd and started perusing the data as Rocco left. She turned toward her husband and sighed. "Rocco was right, Kat is a mess. This is going to take some time to correct but at least I have an idea what's wrong with her."

 

He sighs and stands. As he approaches her says quietly "Don’t get too lost in that padd right now, Deb. If you’re going to be any good to Kat then you need to get some rest and recover yourself. So lets finish supper and then go to bed. Kat and her problems can wait until tomorrow." He slips an arm around her waist and guides her back to the couch.

 

Deb leaned against her husband and allowed him to guide her back to the couch. She sat down and tossed the padd onto the coffee table. "You know what?" she said while reaching for one of the sandwiches. "You're right." She took a bite and lazily chewed on it. "Tonight belongs to us," she added after swallowing. She looked at him with an impish grin and gently stroked his bare arm. "The only one I want to be any good for tonight is you."

 

He smiles and spends a few minutes eating one of the sandwiches. "Well then you should let me finish that massage while we finish eating. Wouldn’t want to go to bed on an empty stomach. Or with a massage half finished." He pulls her legs back up and resumes the massage.