Xenotober 2022 15 Hope

A/n: Hope goes to Taco Skell.


The two were laughing as they came through the doors to the barracks. "I had no idea you were going to buy this much," said Hope to her companion. Her arms were loaded down with a tower of grease-stained takeout boxes.

The BLADE walking beside her was carrying an assortment of small brown bags, equally greasy, as well as a drinks tray. "Hey, I had that 5000 credit coupon and who better to spend it with?" Cross said

"Well, thank you for thinking of me, and thank you for coming back to the barracks with me."

"When I get stuff from Taco Skell, I usually scarf it down immediately, sometimes before I reach the nearest bench. But I guess you wouldn't be the kind that likes a lap full of taco shreds. It's fine. It'll taste as good when it's a little cool."

Hope was already pulling out a decorative tray and two plates. "The packaging should keep it fresh," she said over her shoulder. "Ma-non ingenuity and all that. Trust me. I go there every week." She handed the tray to Cross. "Set them out, won't you?"

Cross started opening, unwrapping and arranging. Meanwhile, Hope had found a wooden chopping block and wicked-looking knife. "The real reason I wanted to come back was I knew we'd need salsa." She was already chopping busily away at a mound of tomatoes.

"I noticed they didn't have any on hand," Cross said, gathering the wrappers and putting them in the recycling unit.

"Yes, well, that's because the last batch they had caused a riot." At Cross' disbelieving snort, she said, "No, really. They were trying a recipe from a xeno business partner who shall remain nameless. The salsa was addictive. Literally."

"Now I've heard it all," said Cross.

"Mediators had to step in. A few patrons are still in counseling, but that's less a medical issue than underlying issues that are now being addressed. In any case, I wanted to make you my home-made version." She passed a bowl of salsa over the counter into Cross' waiting hands. "Bon appétit."

Cross dipped a chip into the salsa, and Hope waited nervously for the crunching to subside and for Cross to pass the final judgement. "This is great. A little sweet."

"I add rock orange pulp.'

"A little hot."

"Too many will peppers?"

"And definitely perfect." Cross dipped a second chip in the bowl, leaned forward and offered it directly to Hope. It was silly, but Hope was blushing as she took a bite. "And I wasn't just talking about the salsa."

Hope couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth and trying not to choke on a combination of surprise and spicy food. "Oh you," she finally managed.

"Got you. But it's true. This is great salsa."

The door slid open. There was a confusion of voices as a team, fresh from a mission, piled into the barracks.

"Oh my gosh am I starving."

"Tatsu more starving."

"No way. You're still rounder than that thing I'm not supposed to call you anymore. Hi, Hope! Hi, Cross!" Lin greeted them as she pushed her way into the kitchenette. "Oh, nice. Salsa."

"Tatsu want."

"We can have some, right?" Lin asked with luminous eyes.

Cross knew that there was only one answer. Or maybe there wasn't even any point, since Gwin was already shoving a burrito in his mouth as a chaser to the taco he'd consumed.

Irina clearly assumed the answer too. "I'll send you some credits tomorrow," she promised. At least that's what it sounded like, although her voice was muffled. She was hunting for something that was clearly in the very back of the refrigerator. She popped out a moment later, triumphantly waving a bottle of hot sauce. It had a skull on its label and the sauce was glowing faintly. "Found it. Now we can eat."

Hope stood next to Cross, her hands clasped in dismay. She watched their special supper being demolished at a rate that would have made the Orphe proud. She was going to say something, really she was, as soon as she could phrase it strongly but nicely enough. Cross broke her concentration.

"Me and Hope, we'll go get a second batch. Sound good?" The responses were muffled and punctuated by crunching. "Come on." He took Hope's hand and pulled her out into the night air.

"I'm so sorry," said Hope.

"Not your fault." Hope was comforted by the genuine smile on Cross' face, and then shaken by the wink that followed. "Besides, it means I get to spend more time with my favorite taco fan."


a/n: The salsa thing is canon. Not my Cross, but it could be yours.

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