The mood in the restaurant had changed quickly. The few early diners had either finished or ignored their food to gawk at the pilot sobbing quietly at the bar. Whispers abound, phones were drawn and videos snapped. Lucky the day was young and most of the station was on shift, or this might have turned into a much larger spectacle. 

Akihiro decided it was time for a break. He apologized to the customers and told them he had to close down for a little while. No one gave him grief—hardly anyone outside of security ever did, unless it was the weekend, where everyone was equally likely to be a problem. He handed out dinner vouchers and took down names to remind himself who would receive extra portions when they next visited. Then he locked the door and went back to the kitchen. 

His cook was also Tohoken, so he spoke quietly in their tongue. “I’m stepping out for a minute,” he said. “Watch her until I get back. If she asks for more, mix some tonic water in with the yuzu, she won’t notice. If she asks for food, make her whatever she likes.”

Done, he returned to Quinn at the bar, donning a jacket over his apron. “I’ll be right back, Quinnlash, I forgot something in my room. If you want another drink, or you get hungry before I get back, my cook will take care of you.”

He doubted she heard him, or if she had that she understood, but he intended to be quick. He left the Grill. Commander Darroh would be on the bridge, but considering she was likely busy, there was simply no way someone like him could get up there, and it was clear she was not going to see his message any time soon. Thankfully, he knew someone who could get ahold of her. 

It was a brisk walk to medical.

“[color=lightblue]Ah, chef Akihiro,[/color]” Doctor Follen said, plainly surprised to see him at his door. “[color=lightblue]Good morning, are you feeling well?[/color]”

“I’m sorry to bother you, doctor. I need to get in touch with Commander Darroh and I’m afraid I don’t have the clearance to interrupt her during a meeting.” 

“[color=lightblue]I see, what’s the matter—if you don’t mind my asking?[/color]”

“It’s about Ms. Loughvein.”

The doctor’s interest was piqued. Akihiro relayed the situation to him, and waited patiently while he sent a message to the Commander. After that he shut and locked his door. “[color=lightblue]You said she’s in your restaurant?[/color]”

“Yes sir,” Akihiro said, though he was confused when Follen followed him out of the ward. “You’re coming too?”

“[color=lightblue]Certainly. She’s my patient, after all, and this sounds like a rather significant event.[/color]”

Akihiro couldn’t argue with that, though he felt strange bringing someone else along. 

“[color=lightblue]Did she say anything?[/color]”

“She mumbled, but I couldn’t understand her.”

“[color=lightblue]Hm.[/color]” There was a lilt of intrigue in the doctor’s voice that did not sit well with Akihiro. But soon enough they arrived at the Grill. 

Commander Darroh came half-jogging down the commons. There was stark concern on her face, tainted by a barely-concealed annoyance when she saw Follen. The doctor only smiled and nodded to her. She ignored him, gave her attention to Akihiro. 

“[color=gray]How much has she had?[/color]” she asked.

“Two cocktails, not particularly strong, but she ordered no food and I suspect she’s eaten nothing today.”

Besca tried to peer in through the tinted glass door. “[color=gray]I’m sorry I missed your message.[/color]”

Akihiro dismissed the apology with a wave. “I will be in the back, please take as long as you need,” he said, and went back inside. The Commander and doctor Follen did not follow yet, so he left the door unlocked. As he passed the bar he took the mostly-full glass with him and disappeared into the back.

Outside, Besca paced in front of the door. Rubbernecks did their best to eavesdrop but she shooed them away. Still, even alone she dropped her voice low. 

“[color=gray]You can go now.[/color]” 

Follen scoffed. “[color=lightblue]Don’t be stupid.[/color]”

“[color=gray]She’s clearly dealing with something right now, you fucking animal.[/color]”

“[color=lightblue]And as her doctor, it behooves me to be here to help her through it.[/color]”

She grimaced. “[color=gray]You know the sooner you stop pretending like you give a single shit about her, the sooner both our jobs get easier.[/color]”

“[color=lightblue]What an unsurprisingly limited point of view.[/color]”

He reached for the handle and she snatched him by the wrist, held him there. Besca glared hot contempt into his eyes.

“[color=gray]We’re not in primary anymore, Aldous. I could throttle you.[/color]”

He smirked, infuriating her. “[color=lightblue]I welcome you to leave as many wounds as you’re comfortable with explaining to Quinnlash on our next meeting.[/color]”

An electric moment passed. The smug expectance left his face, and Besca knew this conversation had already ceased to interest him. Part of her wished she could be so inhumanly detached. She let him go, but shouldered past him to enter first. They made their way across the dim, quiet restaurant, and came to sit on either side of Quinn. She shot Follen a warning glance, and he sat back.

Quinn looked rough. Exhausted. Her face was wet she wobbled unevenly in her chair. Besca draped an arm around her to hold her steady, leaned in to speak softly and quietly. Easier to keep the abject worry out of her voice that way.

“[color=gray]Hey, hun. Hey, it’s me. Missed you this morning, just wanted to stop by to see you,[/color]” she said. “[color=gray]. How you doin’? You okay?[/color]”