𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗼 Shorts

ღ BSK - Sp x OC - 4

Stardate: Wednesday 14th, 9:25:AM

We are hiding behind one of the moons of Rumpus 4 while the ship is being repaired. In the meantime, we are assembled in the briefing room and a rescue party is being chosen to beam down to the planet's surface.

"Marie should come too."

I glance up from my diary at the sound of Danny saying my name.

"What? No, it's much too dangerous," Spotty scoffed.

I was about to open my mouth to tell him where he could stick his danger when Plug said slyly: "Hey, Spotty, about what I said earlier..."

"She's a girl!" Spotty stressed, looking around appealingly. "And it's dangerous!"

Toots scowled. "Hey!"

Seeing her brewing anger, I put my hand on her arm. "Toots, no."

"I think it's a wonderful idea," Teacher announced.

Spotty gaped. "What?"

"She'll keep you lot in check," Teacher said, eyeing Spotty in particular. "Nothing like a feminine touch to a team..."

Spotty snorted. "Feminine?"

"Hey, Spotty," Plug interjected. "Don't you remember when we were in detention, and you-"

"Fine! She can come!" Spotty blurted, glaring daggers at a smug Plug. Was that a pink tinge to his cheeks?

I huffed and crossed my arms. "No one's even asked if I want to go yet."

"Well?" Spotty asked. "Do you?"

I noticed he didn't meet my eyes as he said this. I was pretty sure that was a little embarrassment showing on his cheekbones. Which got me thinking: what was Plug about to say?

Toots rolled her eyes. "It's the principle of it!"

I nodded, snapping from my thoughts. "Yes, I would like to go. I'm getting claustrophobic on this ship."

There was a murmuring of agreement from the table. It seemed I wasn't alone with my itchy feet.

"Then it's settled," Teacher said firmly. "Danny, Plug, Spotty, Sidney and Marie will be our extraction team. I suggest you all go and rest - the ship should be fixed by tomorrow."

There was a rush for the exit - we don't get time off during the day often - but Toots and I hung back to avoid the throng.

"I wonder what Plug was going to say," I mused, when everyone was gone.

Toots shrugged nonchalantly, but her eyes glinted. "Sounded like blackmail to me. Something nasty, I imagine. Enough to make Spotty blush!" She laughed and bumped my shoulder as we walked out. "I never thought I'd see the day."

I nodded and smile. "Yeah, it was nice seeing him uncomfortable for a change."

"It's a rare sight."

As we walked I wondered what on earth I was going to do for the next eleven hours. "Hey, Toots, did you want to go watch a movie?" I asked hopefully.

She made a face and shook her head sadly. "Ah, I can't. I'm on lookout on the bridge with Smiffy since we're not going tomorrow, and god knows he can't do anything on his own to save his life. Another time?"

I tried not to let my disappointment show and stopped at the corridor where we would split. "Yeah, sure. Have fun!" I winked playfully.

She pursed her lips. "I really won't, but thanks anyway." She turned to leave but paused and looked back. "Hey, where can you watch movies, anyway? There's no TV."

I smiled slyly. "Well..."

The lights flickered, and we both looked up and cringed.

"Oh god," Toots muttered. "Gotta dash, Smiffy's probably messing with the wiring again!"

"See you later!" I called after her retreating figure.

There was really nothing else to do but go to my room. The corridors were empty as I walked - unfortunately the no running rule was only void in an emergency - and I was left to think about tomorrow.

"You know," someone said, "your shirt looks awfully tight, and since you're so claustrophobic, why don't you take it off?"

I stopped in my tracks and closed my eyes, gritting my teeth.

"Wow." I turned around to face Spotty. "Are you okay? Are you sick? Or are you just trying to annoy me so much that I quit the team?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and shrugged, a cheeky grin playing in his lips. "Guilty."

Putting one hand on my hip, I frowned. "What's the matter with me going, anyway?"

His reply was instantaneous. "It's dangerous."

"Oh come on, you've got to have a better excuse than that," I complained. "My marksmanship with a laser gun was twice as accurate as yours."

He smiled wilily. "I think you've got that the wrong way around, sweets."

I shook my head. "No, I don't- wait." I narrowed my eyes. "What did you just call me?"

"Sweets." That smile again. Damnit.

Turning away, I sighed, "Please don't," and began to walk.

He hurried to keep up with me, gesturing conversationally as he spoke. "Why not, sweets? It completely contradicts your personality."

"Just go away."

"Not until you quit the team."

"Why don't you?" I countered.

"I won't go if you don't," he proposed.

Now that surprised me. Why would he give up his spot just to keep me off it? "I'm stuck with you either way, so it might as well be on an alien planet," I replied witheringly.

He frowned and scuffed the soles of his shoes as he walked. "It's not going to be an adventure, if that's what you're looking for."

I made a noise of disbelief. "How is that supposed to change my mind?"

"Why are you so stubborn?" He stopped walking, forcing me to stop and turn to face him.

"Why are you so annoying?" I retaliated. "Please just go and annoy someone else."

I saw his jaw clench and his spine straighten. "Fine. Get captured, for all I care. Don't say I didn't warn you," he said ominously, glowering.

"Great. Now get lost!"

When I got back to my room I collapsed on my bed.

Spotty was just doing anything he could to get me off the team. That last bit there was reverse phycology, the oldest trick in the book - it definitely wasn't anything... Else.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead. It was going to be a long day.