Eyes on fire

Posted on Fri Jan 9th, 2026 @ 9:36pm by Lieutenant JG James Phoenix

855 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave on Risa
Location: Risa
Timeline: Current

Eyes on Fire - Blue Foundation

The waves could be heard crashing together from the bar, which was an ocean-front establishment, owned by a Ferengi. For a Risian bar it was a very quiet evening. There was a few folks at the bar counter and a few others that were sitting elsewhere. James sat at a table across from the bar along the open air, lost in thought while staring at the waves which looked beautiful in the moonlight

He was waiting on Ash, who had instructed him to meet him on the surface. Initially they were going to go down together but she got caught up with some last minute assignments. James didn't mind. This was partially because they hadn't had too many chances to spend proper time together that wasn't confined to a mission or the mess hall. He was just happy that he was finally getting actual time to spend with her.

While this was true, the real answer to his excitement was a small feeling in his gut that had never left him since James and Ash first became properly close. Would he tell her on Risa? Probably not, but ever since they reunited the feeling had become more intense. He found it harder to hide these days. After all, he had technically been suppressing his feelings for hundreds of years because he had nobody to vent to about them. Even still-

"Hey James" a voice interrupted his thoughts from being.

James screamed, causing the few people to shoot looks in his direction before turning to back to their own business. He turned slightly to see Ashlynn sit down across from him.

"Jesus Ash are you trying to give me a heart attack?" He quipped, clutching his chest as if he was having one.

Ash smirked. "It's no fun if I can't scare the living daylights out of you" she stuck her tongue out playfully.

James chuckled before he saw an attractive Risian waitress approach the table. "Can I get you two lovebirds anything?"

"Oh we're not in a relationship" James and Ash corrected at the exact same time.

The waitress had a shit eating grin. "Sureee" she knew better.

"No seriously, I, uh" James started stammering while Ash and the waitress watched in amusement. "I'll just take the Risian whiskey" he changed the subject.

"And you?" The waitress turned to Ashlynn.

"I'll have what he's having"

The waitress smirked. "It's a shame. You two look cute together" she turned and went to fetch their drinks.

Ash turned to James. "You're cute when you're flustered" she teased.

"Ash!" he yelped in a high-pitch voiced. "You're not helping."

She giggled. "And you solidified my point."

James grumbled to himself while his face was still red. The waitress came back and placed the drinks in front of them before leaving again.

"She's cute" Ash said after examining the waitress. "You should ask her out."

James shook his head no and took a sip of his drink.

"Why?"

"Cause I only got eyes for you" James teased.

"Aha! So you do admit it!" Ash exclaimed.

James smiled and shrugged before leaning back in his seat. He turned to his left and saw the bartender wiping down the bar. He was Ash's type. James turned back to her. "Give me a sec" he got up out of his chair and moved to the bar.

"Hey man" he said to the bartender, who appeared to be a Trill.

"Hey! Can I get you anything?" he asked his patron.

"Not exactly" he motioned to Ash, who was confused at the encounter. "My friend thinks you are very cute and she wanted to ask you out."

The Trill smiled. "No she doesn't. You were trying to get the heat off your back."

James had a fake, amused look on his face. "What-"

"I see the way you too look at each other" the bartender interjected. "I'm not getting between that."

"Damnit" James cursed under his breath.

"But she is cute though. Don't let her go."

"Thanks" he turned around and sat back down. Those were wise words.

Ash hadn't heard but got the gist of what James attempted. "You tried to set me up, didn't you?"

"Yeah" he trailed off sheepishly.

"Did it work?"

"Nope" he chuckled before his face turned into a warm smile. "But perhaps that's a good thing" he alluded.

"Are-are you flirting with me? Again?" Ash questioned with an amused look on her face.

James grinned. "Is it working?"

Ash at him dead in the eye and smirked. "I guess you are on fire tonight. Just like your eyes..." she flirted before trailing off.

This moment last for a few moments, only to be broken when the bar owner walked by. "Hey hoomans, instead of being lost in each other's eyes why don't you pay for the bill" the Ferengi said grumpily as he continued walking.

Ashlynn rolled her eyes. "That's new" she cackled. "I never expected to see a Ferengi to be so impatient when it came to money."

James just laughed before the two went about their business.

 

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