A Broken Heart... Maybe? Sort of?

Posted on Tue Feb 7th, 2017 @ 4:23am by Petty Officer 3rd Class Avery Stiles & Ensign Theodore Vega

Episode: Fishing Expedition
Timeline: MD1, Prior to departing Highlander

Avery fidgeted with his hands as he stood outside this best friend's quarters. He suspected that Theo would be inside, working away on packing for this away mission with Lt. North. He made himself take several deep breaths and then finally pressed the door chime.

Theo was pretty done with his packing by that point, because he wanted to make sure he was ready to go well before the actual leave time. Mostly he was wondering if hawaiian shirts were in-style on the ocean world they were headed toward.

"He's leaving!" Avery blurted out, as soon as he was in Theo's quarters. He let out a heavy sigh before looking his perplexed friend in the face again. "Dorian, I kissed him and then two days later he told me he was leaving. Getting transferred to Starbase 34 or something."

"Huh? Who?" Theo said. "What's a Dorian?"

"Dorian," Avery said, flopping down on Theo's couch. "The guy that I sorta of went on a date with. The guy that I turned my whole world upside down for... which sounds way more dramatic now that I say it outloud."

"Oh, him," Theo said. "I don't think you ever told me his name. Does this look tacky?" He held up a brighly colored floral shirt.

Avery considered the shirt a moment. "Yes... and did you just hear me? That guy... the one that made me feel all diferent is leaving. Before we even had a chance to really explore things. Also, take that red one, makes your eyes stand out and highlights your pecs."

"So I take it a long-distances relationship is not in the offing," Theo said.

Avery turned his gaze away from Theo and chewed at his lip for a moment. When he looked up again, his eyes were slightly moist, almost like he was going to start crying. "Um, I asked him about that and he said he wasn't interested."

"Well, that's too bad. It sounded like you were hitting it off," Theo replied awkwardly. "I guess it 's better to know where you stand now than find out months later, though?"

Avery nodded, although when he spoke again his voice was thick with emotion. "Yeah, I mean... yes that's right. It just sucks I totally put myself out there... I mean my first relationship and it goes to crap."

Avery wiped a tear away from his face. "I'm so stupid. I never should have tried it with him."

"Avery, no. Just because Starfleet transferred him doesn't mean it wasn't worthwhile or was doomed from the start. It's a normal risk of the job, not something wrong with you in particular."

"I think you have to say that... perils of being my best friend and all," Avery replied. He sighed heavily and swiped a hand across his face again. "And why am I crying."

"There is literally a lecture on this at the academy during freshman year," Theo said. "I am not just saying this because I'm your friend."

Avery grew quiet for a moment and stared at the floor. When he spoke again his voice was soft and full of emotion. "It hurts Theo"

"Good. It should," Theo said. He sat down next to Avery. "That means you were taking it seriously. It sucks that things didn't work out, but that's just how relationships are. You have to pick yourself up and brush yourself off, like you crashed a dome-glider or something."

Avery looked at Theo with tears in his eyes. "Theo, don't you remember how many times I crashed dome-gliders."

"That's the point I'm trying to make. You just keep trying until you stop crashing."

"Yeah, I did... only because you made me most of the time," Avery replied.

Theo shot Avery a look that was more than a little skeptical about that point, but let it slide. "Well, consider this me picking you up again."

Avery gave Theo a quick side hug. "Thanks buddy."

"You're welcome. If you need more advice, please don't interrupt my ocean adventures."

"Anyways, I should let you finish packing," Avery said, getting to his feet. "I suppose it goes without saying that I want you come back alive and in one piece? Take care of Vex for me, I'd hate to lose the second friend that I ever made. Lova ya man."

And with that Avery headed out of Theo's cabin.

OFF:

Ensign Theodore Vega, Xenobiologist
PNPC Reynard

PO Avery Stiles
PNPC North