I Need a Drink

Posted on Mon Aug 29th, 2022 @ 6:19pm by Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Tristi Richardson

Mission: Season 5: Episode 4: Reef
Location: USS Elysium, Captain’s Family Quarters
Timeline: MD -1 / 1854 hours
1414 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Mattias entered the large quarters that was his new home here on Elysium. He knew that Phoenix was still up on the bridge, so he took advantage of getting home first and made his way directly up to the twins' shared bedroom. After getting a report from the holonanny, he moved to stand between the two cribs, moving his eyes from one sleeping baby to the other. He felt his heart swell with complete love for these two tiny beings. He would never fail them.

Not like he had failed to protect little Charlie.

The sudden recall of his little boy's bright smile, brought tears to Mattias's eyes. He knew there was nothing that he could do to bring him and his mother back. The only thing he could do, was keep putting one foot in front of the other and live his life to the fullest he could. Anything less would be disrespectful to their memories.

He was so lost in the moment, that he didn't hear Phoenix enter their quarters and move to stand in the doorway behind him.

Phoenix watched in silence for a moment then stepped to his side. "Hey, rough day?" She asked as she linked her arm through his as they watched the twins, who were having one of their many naps.

Feeling her step up to him, Mattias quickly dried his eyes, then looked at the woman who owned his heart and soul. "Hey beautiful!" He whispered happily, careful not to wake the twins. "Little of rough day and a little of rough memories." He turned towards Phoenix and pulled her into his embrace. Placing his forehead gently against hers, he said, "Was just enjoying watching the twins, and I suddenly saw Charlie's small, smiling face."

She snuggled against him and wrapped her arms around him in comfort. "That's normal Love" she whispered. "He is your son, of course you are reminded of him."

Mattias inhaled deeply, accepting the strength that Phoenix gave him in her closeness. "I know, my love. While remembering him tears me apart, I also never want to forget him."

"And you never will" Phoenix said softly. "Come with me" she linked her arm through his again and led him from the nursery and across to their bedroom. "I will get you a drink," she said softly.

Nodding slightly, Mattias allowed Phoenix to guide him to the settee that was set up off to the side of the holographic fireplace that was set up across from the foot of their large bed. He sat back into the furniture, his eyes moving to the softly popping fire.

She left him sitting there and went and got him his favorite drink and returned and handed it to him. "Here." she said softly.

Looking up into her beautiful face, Mattias grinned softly. "Thank you, Sweetheart." He took the glass and took a healthy pull of the licorice-flavored liquor. Afterwards, he closed his eyes and concentrated on the slight burning as the liquid moved down his throat. Afterwards, he let out a quiet sigh of release.

Opening his eyes, he looked up at his angel. "I know I've said it before, Phee. You are more than I deserve."

"Hmm I could argue but" She gave him a cheeky grin. "I unfortunately cannot stay long. I have things to do tonight on the bridge" She leaned over and brushed her lips against his. "Afterwards though..."

Mattias inhaled deeply, returning her kiss while feeling a bit more rejuvenated by Phoenix's love. "You go be the kick-ass starship Commander that I know you are, Captain. The twins and I will hold down the fort here until you get back."

She smiled. "See if you can keep Miran from killing Tristi and vice versa."

The teenagers had been at each other, Miran jealous of the new person in her family and felt she was stealing Phoenix from her. And Tristi just retaliated in kind because she thought Miran was a snobby bitch. And Phoenix had caught Tristi flirting with Triston, to the boy's dismay, and Miran's anger, before Tristi had given Miran a smug look and walked away. It had been days before that fight had ended.

Mattias sighed softly. "And here I thought the dangerous missions were all done." He looking up into Phoenix's hypnotic eyes. "Would I be collecting hazard pay for this mission?" He gave her a lop-sided, roguish grin as he spoke.

"Oh if they both survive I am sure I can arrange something." Phoenix said with a smirk.

Mattias grinned and nodded. "Then consider them taken care of, my Queen." He stood up and reached up to gently cup Phoenix's left cheek with his right hand. "Now go, take care of your ship. I'll take care of our home. We will catch up on our days later." He leaned in and kissed her gently on her lips.

"Hmm sounds good." she whispered. "I will be back, promise."

"I know you will, my love. Now go. I love you." He kissed her again, then released his hold on her.

"Love you more" Phee whispered back softly. And she left.

After Phoenix left, Mattias got changed out of his uniform and into appropriate lounge wear. Then, after checking on the twins, made his way downstairs to get something to drink. Along the way, he saw Tristi, sitting on the couch, watching the holovid.

"Hey Tristi," he said calmly as he moved to lean slightly on the back of the couch, to her right. "How're you doing? Settling in okay?"

Tristi nodded "Yeah guess so." She was dressed in the tracksuit and jumper Phoenix had replicated for her when she had joined the Black Watch.

Moving up behind the sofa, but making sure he was where she could see him, he asked, "I'm gonna grab a drink and some snacks. You want anything?"

"No thank you." Tristi never ate outside meal times, she also ate only minimal amounts. She was still underweight but she was slowly putting weight on.

Nodding, Mattias moved into the kitchen and started to rattle around, looking for what his tastebuds were looking for.

As he hunted, Tristi called out "Hey Mattias? Do you know anyone my age who is not in Miran's pocket?"

Stopping what he was doing, Mattias looked over at his young ward. "Honestly, kiddo? I don't. Of course, I don't know many other juveniles than you and Miran. But, I'll tell ya what." He moved back over to the back of the sofa and gently placed his left hand on her right shoulder. "I'll ask around, discreetly, of course, and see what I can find. Unless of course, you want to go on recon yourself?" He grinned as he finished speaking.

Tristi shook her head. "No they already think I am dumb because I can only just read and such."

This news put Mattias into a defensive stance. "Who does? Are you being bullied?"

"You call it that, I call it life on the streets" Tristi changed the channel idly as it was intermission.

"Honey!" He said affectionately without thinking about it as he moved around the sofa and sat on the coffee table in front of her. "You are no longer on the streets, sweetheart. You didn't deserve treatment like that back on those streets, and certainly don't deserve it here! You are a wonderful and highly intelligent young woman! You have survived things that those kids could not imagine." He leaned forward slightly. "I'll talk to Phee about Miran. Between the two of us we will get things straightened out. Okay?"

"Miran doesn't say or do anything." Tristi said calmly. "She just stays away from me"

Mattias had noticed that fact. Ever since they had returned, Miran's world had changed tremendously. Not only did she have to share her sister's attentions with Mattias now, but also Tristi. He hadn't realized the effect all this change would have on the young Lalor.

Looking into Tristi's eyes, he gave her a soft grin. "Don't worry, we will straighten this all out, together. It's just going to take some time and adjustment on everyone's part, alright?"

Tristi nodded "Okay" she agreed.

Mattias gave her a soft grin and nodded. "Good! Now, you sure you don't want anything? I think I'm just going to have some popcorn and a soda."

Tristi shook her head. "No I am good thank you Mattias."

He nodded and left her to go get himself the snack.

~OFF~

 

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