Speaking His Mind

Posted on Thu Jan 5th, 2017 @ 4:39am by Ensign Vex Krylore

Episode: Lost Property
Location: Holodeck 1
Timeline: Following Making the Attempt Post

“You’re dropping your left arm too much,” Vex complained.

As if to illustrate his point, Vex jabbed Avery hard in the ribs, dropping the enlisted operations officer down to one knee. Vex followed that up with a sweep move that knocked him totally off his feet and left him staring at the ceiling muttering a string of profanity that Vex had never heard before. And that was saying something, when he first came to the academy and spent a lot of time around humans he found that kind of speaking fascinating.

“Alright, alright,” Avery said, dusting himself off. He grasped Vex’s outstretched hand and let the other young man help him to his feet. “You made your point pretty clearly.”

“Which time?” Vex asked, with a grin. “The second or third time I knocked you down?”

“No one likes a show off,” Avery responded, as the two started to walk towards the bench at the end of the sparring ring. Avery winced every few steps, although he was sure that Vex hadn’t caused any real harm at least not any more that he couldn’t handle. “I’m glad that you are on our side after seeing what you can do though.”

“You haven’t seen the half of what I can do,” Vex said, with a shrug of his shoulders. He tossed Avery a water bottle and then flopped down on the bench. “Are you sure that you are okay? Maybe you should head down to sickbay and let the doctor take a look at you.”

“I’m fine,” Avery replied, waving the comment away. “I did play soccer for several years, I’m used too a few bumps and bruises here and there.”

“Theo told me that but that you never played at the academy,” Vex said. “Which he says you never attended, why was that?”

Avery shrugged. “I didn’t think that I was smart enough to get all the way through the academy. I sort of suck at science things and I really just wanted to get away from home. So, I enlisted. The good news is that I have learned some seriously interesting skills while Theo was stuck behind a desk at the academy.”

“He mentioned that too.”

“Yeah, well Theo is a smart guy… don’t you dare tell him that I said that though.”

“I think Theo knows he’s a smart guy,” Vex responded. “And don’t worry, your secret is safe with me… that is the correct saying, right? Still, you seem intelligent, why not go to the academy and just specialize in your chosen career field?"

"Dunno really," Avery responded, with a shrug. "Like I said, I wanted to get out and start learning things, get my hands dirty and what not."

"You’ve known Theo a long time, right?”

“Practically all my life,” Avery said, taking a seat on the bench finally. “We both lucked out and got stationed here together. Given all the ships, stations, and installations throughout the Federation I really didn’t think that would ever happen. I guess we both got lucky.”

“I would say you did, yes,” Vex nodded.

Vex enjoyed the time that he spent with Avery, although in an entirely different way that he liked spending time with Theo. It also gave him more insight into Theo.

“You two are pretty close, right?”

Again Avery nodded. “He’s my best friend, I love the big dork. Again, don’t you dare tell him that I said that.”

Vex frowned. “You don’t want him to know that you love him? We are talking strictly platonic love correct? You don’t have any sort of sexual desire towards him, right?”

Avery spit water out all over the mat and looked wide eyed at Vex. “What the hell man!”

“Did I say something wrong?” Vex asked, rising an eyebrow. “It was merely a question.”

“No, I mean I haven’t ever had any sexual desire towards him,” Avery said, turning slightly red. “And yes, I think I have told him that I loved him before but there was probably a lot of alcohol involved.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” Vex said. “I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable,” Avery responded, with a shake of his head. “You were just speaking your mind, I like that. I know Theo likes that too. It’s actually refreshing to hear someone say exactly what they are thinking most of the time.”

“Good, I’d hate to have offended my boyfriend’s best friend,” Vex said. He checked his watch. “I need to get going, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Work on keeping your arms up.”

“See you tomorrow,” Avery said. “And I’ll do my best.”

OFF:

Ensign Vex Krylore
Security/Tactical Officer

And

Petty Officer 3rd Class Avery Stiles
Operations Officer
(NPC of Ryan North)