━━ Womanizing Delusions
System Loading... Bethany O'Neal... 8%

Bethany was rather unsurprised at the lack of interest Jim was showing during his final seconds in class. The brunette was scrambling to finish her notes on her data pad as the professor shouted useful information left and right. The girl wasn't surprised by his lack of enthusiasm, but she thought he would at least pay attention in a class that was mandatory to become a Captain. She finished up her notes with ease and stretched in her seat as class was dismissed.

"Let's go, Slow-Poke."

Bethany didn't even get a say as Jim snatched her supplies off her desk and walked out of the room. The cadet let out a frustrated sigh as she followed behind him. She smiled when she saw Reagan and Leonard waiting for them with coffee in hand. Bethany thanked Leonard, who made sure to get an extra espresso shot in hers. She had been assigned the night shift that day and was already dreading it.

"You know that's really unhealthy for you." Leonard pointed out.

Bethany scoffed, "Everybody dies of something, Bones."

"That's a little pessimistic, even for you Barbie." Reagan said, earning a shove from Bethany.

Leonard took a step so he was in between the two women, not wanting another migraine to set in after his morning shift. Bethany stuck her tongue out at her superior, gaining a grunt and eye roll as a response. In front of the trio Bethany found Jim practically skipping down the stairs. Reagan looked to her for an explanation, but she shook her head.

"I'm not his keeper." Bethany said. "Maybe he's got a good mark on a quiz?"

"Does that sound like Jim to you? No. He probably has a hot date or something."

Bethany looked away as a light blush dusted her high cheeks. Over the many years at Starfleet Academy the brunette had developed a certain crush on the bad boy. However, she would never allow anyone to tease her in front of him. She didn't want to lose his friendship and make it awkward. She valued him too much to lose him over a simple crush.

Jim turned to look at the group, but when he spotted how red Bethany was he found himself turning the same color. Although he fancied himself a womanizer and had been named that by every woman at the academy, he really only had feelings for one woman. He absolutely adored Bethany and her kind, but fierce nature. However, he didn't want to lose the friendship he had with her.

"Why are you so happy?" Leonard asked.

Jim looked over at him, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Bethany raised an eyebrow, "That's a first."

Reagan laughed, "No it's not."

"No, I don't suppose you do." Leonard added.

Jim rolled his eyes at their antics. Bethany playfully pushed his shoulder as they moved down the stairs. Leonard and Reagan kept back with the doctor offering his arm to the torpedo crazy cadet. The two of them watching as Jim offered Bethany a piggy back ride. However, the playboy was quick to put her down as two female cadets walked by, keeping their eyes solely on him.

"Hello, ladies."

"You don't want him." Reagan called out as she wrapped Bethany up in a side hug. "He's infected with womanizing delusions."

The girls quickly scampered off leaving Bethany and Reagan heaving as Jim sent them a look. Bethany couldn't help it as her love for her roommate soared. No matter what situation they were in Bethany could always leave it to her for her hilariously timed comments. Leonard smirked at the women as he looked over at Jim as if to say 'she's not wrong'.

"I'm taking the test again." Jim announced, trying to salvage some dignity left.

Leonard raised an eyebrow, "You gotta be kidding me."

"I don't think he is." Bethany said.

"He's not." Reagan confirmed. "I'll be there with my commanding officer to supervise the test."

"Yeah, tomorrow morning and I want you there." Jim pointed at both Bethany and Leonard and received a string of curse words for his efforts.

Bethany could already feel the exhaustion setting in if she had to be a pawn in the Kobayashi Maru test again. The last time she had filled the role of weapons specialist she had cried for two hours straight after having taken lives against another holocom species. Jim had apologized profusely and promised not to place her in that role again, but she knew he didn't have control over that.

"I have the night shift so it's a no. If I show up sleep deprived and high on coffee they'll question your choice of crew." Bethany said.

"You know, I've got better things to do than to watch you embarrass yourself for a third time. I'm a doctor, Jim, I'm busy." Leonard replied.

"Bones, Beth, it doesn't bother you that no one's ever passed the test?" Jim asked.

Bethany shrugged, "It's not a test I'll ever have to take so I'm not as knowledgeable as I should be."

Jim went to say something when Reagan cut in, "That does not mean you send her on a wild studying spree. She's taking a nap and then it's off to the night shift for her."

Jim shut his mouth and looked at Leonard for back up, but was utterly disappointed, "Jim, it's the Kobayashi Maru. No one passes the test, and no one goes back for seconds, let alone thirds."

Bethany could tell Jim was irritated when he muttered, "I got to study."

The trio watched in amusement as the man walked off in the opposite direction of the library. Bethany knew instantly that Jim's definition of studying was very different from everybody else's. She looked to Reagan and Leonard who exchanged a bet between the two about Jim's chances at success.

"Ten bucks says he fails."

"Thirty says he does it in style."

"You're on."

Bethany moved to stand between the two, "Maybe he actually will go study."

Leonard scoffed, "Study my ass."

The doctor left the two women to their own devices once he finished walking them to their dorm. After many years of partying and studying the room looked like an organized disaster as Bethany climbed over to her bed. She allowed her aching body to collapse as she heard Reagan do the same. The woman was dreading her shift in four hours, but she couldn't deny that sleep was the best cure for denial.