Everybody Cut, Everybody Cut

Posted on 29 Sep 2023 @ 2:38pm by Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Stark

630 words; about a 3 minute read

[ON]

“Right, so finally we have some time to ourselves,” Gabriel Stark said as he sat in front of the mirror, reaching for the eyeliner that lay in front of him. Malko and Steele were already on Regula I and most likely gushing over the science...stuff...the station had to offer. It did mean that the room was all Gabriel’s and he didn’t have to worry about two other people.

“Now we’re finally back at Regula I, and most things have been wrapped up, I have the chance to relax.” He moved a graceful and well practiced hand as he applied eyeliner, watching his own brown eyes in the mirror even as the screen next to it recorded his personal log.

He chuckled, a warm and playful sound as he blinked. “Of course, company would be nice from the get go, but Connie has been roped into the repair team. So I'm not sure when he'll show up.” If he hadn't been mid make-up application, he'd have rolled his eyes.

Finally finished, Gabriel pushed himself up and made his way over to the narrow wardrobe he called his own, opening it up. His fingers trailed over the collection of expensive shirts hanging there before he brushed his fingertips over the shoulder of a silk shirt in a beautiful dark red. He bit his lip, considering it before pulling it out.

“But it isn’t like I'm in a hurry. I have time. For once, finally, I have time,” he removed the shirt he wore, dropping it on his bunk before sliding the silk shirt on, carefully doing it up. One had to be careful with real silk and treat it with the respect it deserved.

“Maybe I'll take a book,” he said lightly, clearly thinking about it as a small smile came to him. “Something…entertaining. Not a murder mystery.” The last made the smile fade a little bit before he seemed to push it away, the smile returning with the excitement of what the day had to offer. Drinks. Dinner. Different scenery.

Conversations. Maybe more.

He walked to the mirror again, this time to work on his hair. Leaning forward, the cross fell out from the collar of his shirt, the tiny diamond in the pendant catching the light. Glinting like a dew drop in the sun. “It’s funny, after so long being cooped up on this ship, even somewhere like Regula I seems exciting. Don't get me wrong, I’d rather have a proper club with pumping music and sweat slick bodies, colourful shots lining up the bar. But you know what? I am not going to complain.”

His hands went through his dark hair, styling it just the way he preferred it. He wanted to look his best. Needed to, even. Out of uniform, feeling that little bit more alive. “It’ll be good to spend some time with Connie.” He met his eyes in the mirror, swallowing at the old fears that surfaced up. Still scared of scaring him away, even now they’d spent more time together. Even if he'd now shown him more of himself. “I think we both need this break,” he admitted to the empty room.

Gabriel pushed himself up, giving himself a critical look before he grinned. “Of course, a computer isn’t exactly going to say I look good,” he said and glanced at the screen, where his log was recording. “Don’t expect me home tonight, it’s all I'm going to say.” With a grin and a wink towards the screen, he sat down, eagerly pulling on his shoes. He grabbed his book, an old fashioned one, taking a moment just to hold the familiar weight in his hand. “Computer, end log.”

[OFF]

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