Try a Little Tenderness

Posted on Tue Feb 18th, 2025 @ 3:49pm by Lieutenant JG Deezell Vox & Lieutenant JG Jaxon Ruveer

2,305 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Episode 119 - "Shattered Mirror"
Location: Dee's Quarters -> The Promenade
Timeline: Current

A week had passed since the away team returned from their mission in the Mirror Universe. Dee's physical injuries had been healed but the emotional scars from the trauma she experienced would take much longer to heal, if ever.

Her mirror counterpart had arrived on Trill to live with Dee's family, who hoped to help her all they could to heal from her experiences. It was the least they could do after she did risk her life to save that of our Dee.

Dee had all the lights on in her quarters. She couldn't bare there to be any darkness. This just resurfaced memories of that small room she was confined to by Darcot and his thugs. The only time the lights went out was when one of them decided to inflict their particular brand of cruelty.

She was sat in the corner of her quarters, gently rocking, humming a lullaby her mother sung when she was a small child.

Jaxon wanted to see the, but she had been pretty quiet since she had came back. They had it planned on meeting. But he felt like he should stop by anyways and make sure she's okay. As the impress the doorway, he need to try to imagine some of the atrocities she must have seen over in that universe. He wondered what kind of comfort he could be. The best thing he needed to do is just to listen if you wanted to talk, or to be there if she just wanted him to be there. He also had to face the cold reality that she may not want him around for the time being. People deal with grief in their own way.

Jackson tapped on the intercom just outside of her quarters. It was showtime and he knew it. But he had no idea what kind of mood she'd be in. He hoped she would be warm and welcoming him. But he anticipated the worst.

She was startled by the door chime. Her quarters were a little messy as she hadn't the motivation to be as tidy as usual. She looked around before answering the chime.

“Come in.” She replied.

Jax walked into the room. He could sense the despair, lingering from the room. He wondered what she went through. He wasn't going to bring it up though, if she wanted to talk about it he would be there. For the moment he just wanted to be there for her. He slowly walked through the doors and made eye contact with her, not exactly sure what to say.

She scrambled to her feet.

“um forgive the mess.”

She said in a quiet soft tone. She slowly walked over to him. Every step seemed to take effort. As she got closer she could smell his cologne which gave her some comfort. It appeared he was about to say something as she stopped in front of him. She put a hand on his lips, as the floodgate of tears opened. She put her arms around him, holding on so tight, sobbing uncontrollably, her tears dampening his shirt.

Jax was not sure what to say. Maybe words did not need to be conveyed. He just held her closely, and she held onto him crying. He hated seeing her in this mental state. He try to be comical as he said, “What mess, it's just a well lived in space.” Jax said with a warm smile on his face.

She couldn't help but chuckle at his comment, amidst her tears. “A tidy house is a sign of a boring life.” She added as she pulled back from holding onto him and looked deeply into his eyes.

“I'm a mess. My parents are so brave, letting the mirror me stay with them. I only experienced a fraction of what she must have endured for years. I may get into trouble for my actions as we are not meant to interfere with their timeline, but I don't care. I'm glad he's dead and he deserved it.

“Would it be so bad, to alter the mirror Universe? My understanding is a very Savage.” Jax said, knowing he would have a hard time existing in that universe. She was a strong woman, and she did what she had to say to survive. He was very proud of her.

“I probably did them a favour by getting rid of him, but we are still not meant to interfere in a major way in their affairs.” Dee explained. “But, as self defence was a factor, might just get away with a reprimand. “ She added.

“I believe, based on the circumstances, you may get a slap on the wrist, not even a reprimand. Whatever happens, I'll be here to support you.” Jax said with a warm smile, hoping it wasn't too much for her to cope with right now. He was optimistic and playful, like his nature. He could tell that she was hurting, and he wanted to be supportive of her.

“What he and his associates did to my mirror counterpart was horrendous. I know it was a mistaken identity when they attacked me, which I could overlook, but I struggled to contain myself after hearing what happened to her. She has a chance at a new life now, with the help of my parents. It will be hard for her for a while, but I think she will be OK.” Dee replied.

She looked deeply into his eyes and hugged him tightly.

Jax and her warm embrace. He just held her there silently, not saying anything, and she rested her head on his chest. Words were not needed at this moment. She had been through quite an ordeal. He debated about saying something, but he knew at this moment it was best to shut up and just be there.

After a few minutes of silence, he finally spoke up. “It's over now. You did what you had to in order to survive. And you did what you had to over there to make sure your counterpart had a chance. In my eyes, you're justified,” Jax said to her as he continued to hold her close.

“In my heart, I know I am. I think I need time to process it all, and I know that being with you will help me so much. “ she replied. “Let's get out my quarters. I need to stretch my legs and be with others. “ she added.

“I agree. Do you want to go to the promenade?” Jax asked, knowing that if you want to be around people, that is the place to go. Plus, what woman doesn't like to shop?

“Yeah. Now that I think about it, I could do with some new shoes,” she replied with a smile.

Jax continued to hold her for a moment.”you know one of us needs to make a move towards that door. I don't know if it's going to be me.” He said teasingly hoping that would encourage her to want to go out. If you wanted to stretch your legs they would have to stop hugging each other and then head out the door. But honestly there was no where else he wanted to be.

“I know but I'm enjoying this. But you're right. “ She replied she reluctantly let go of him, straightening her clothes.

He extended his arm out, like a gentleman and waited for her to take it. “Well, let's see how much damage we could do at the promenade?” Jax said teasingly.

Taking his arm, she smiled, probably for the first time in a while.”You might regret saying that.” she replied.

The two left her quarters and headed for the promenade.

Starbase 400 - Promenade

There was a lot of commotion in the promenade. Jax hoped all the organised chaos wasn't triggering Dee. He knew she went through an ordeal. Even though she had not mentioned it, felt like she might have been suffering from PTSD from the whole experience. “We can take our time if it comes too much for you we can go somewhere quieter and come back when it's less busy. Or if you want to we can head directly to the store.” Jax said as he waited to see what Dee would do.

Dee found it extremely loud around her. She knew she had to try and get back to normality after experience but it was difficult. She spies a café. She grabs Jax’s hand and pulls him through the crowds towards the café. Once there she slumps into a chair, letting out a sigh. “I'm sorry but that was a bit much. I think I need a coffee to calm me down.” She commented.

“This is going to take time, you have nothing to apologise for.” Jax said is he sat down next to her. “Do they have waiters here?” Jax wondered. You look around, debating if you need to go up and Order and bring the drinks back to them.

“I'm glad you're so understanding. As for waiters, not at this particular café. I think it's self-service unless you're ordering food from the special menu. “ Dee replied. It had been well over a year since she had been there.

“I can go get the coffee. What would you like?” Jax asked with a warm, loving smile. He stared into her beautiful eyes for a moment, waiting for her to respond. He could see the pain in them, and he wished he could do more for her. But this was the best he could do, which was just be there for her.

“A robust blend would be nice to help soothe my nerves. If they have one, can you get me a flapjack? It’s an Earth sweet; I kind of like them.” She asked.

Jax was not sure if the Barista would be able to make her a drink, but it never hurt to ask. “I see what they can do.” He said, as he left the table and walked over to the barista.

After a few minutes he returned with two drinks. “I hope she got it right.” Jax said, as he handed her a cup. Then sat down next to her, and took a drink from his cup.

“Mmmm perfect. Good and strong.” Dee said, sipping her coffee, cupping it lovingly with both hands, savouring its warmth. “Did they not have a flapjack?”she asked.

“The Barista never said, she gave me a funny look.” Jax said with a big boyish smile.

“Oh dear. Never mind. I might replicate one if I still fancy it, back in my quarters.” Dee replied

“What is a flapjack?” Jax asked, but the curious look on his face. He wondered if it was a Tellarite meal. Sounded like something, the Tellarite community would prepare. He assumed it was some kind of meat based product for consumption.

“A flapjack is a baked bar cooked in a flat oven tin and cut into squares or rectangles, made from rolled oats, fat, typically butter, brown sugar and usually golden syrup. It is similar to the North American granola bar. Based on the question, you have never had one have you? It's the perfect little sweet snack. Just describing it makes me hungry.”

“So sounds like something we can't replicate?” Jax said with the big grin on his face. Most things I tasted delicious did not replicate well. He walked over to her and gave her a big hug, he just wanted to be close to her again. Plus it seems like the right time to reach over and give her a hug.

“Well. Not to the quality of homemade.” She replied. She put her arms around him as he hugged her. It felt sooo good.

“I think I prefer homemade.” Jax said, with a big grin as he pulled her a little closer to his side. He leaned in to hold her tightly. He could smell the sweet perfume illuminating off her skin.

Holding him tightly she leaned in. “I don't mind having a go at making them in my quarters, but after we enjoy each other's company first.” She said with a suggestive smile.

“I think you are right.” Jax said, as he leaned in for a kiss. The smile on her face brought him to his metaphorical knees. His left hand held her check, as he leaned for a more passionate kiss. Everything else around them faded from his mind.

She held him closer as she met his passionate kiss. “I have been through a lot but just knowing you’re here, means everything.” she said briefly, moving out from kissing him. She got up from her seat and took his hand.”My place or yours?” she asked.

“Mine, but after dinner!.” Jaxon said with a come and get me grin on his face. He wanted her to know she meant the world to him.

“Are you cooking or are we going out for dinner?” She asked.

“I would love to cook.” Jax said, thinking it would give them more time alone together. Plus a large group of people may not be something she wants to be around right now. Especially after the ordeal she went through.

“Then let's see what you can make. Maybe you could do one of those traditional Trill dishes your mother taught you.” Dee commented.

“I can do that, It’ll give us a chance to spend more time together.” Jaxon said with the loving smile on his face.

“Great. I can't wait to see what you can make. I must warn you though, my cooking skills are almost non existent unless you want something with pasta in it. “ Dee commented

The two continued to chat for a while before heading to Jaxon’s quarters, where Dee would find out if he could actually cook.


END

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