Hey, here is the next chapter. Tell me what you think cause I'm having a really hard time with this fanfic. Well, here it is, any suggestions I'm opened to it. On with the fic!

Mellady

A stream of sunshine paraded down from the sun and into the bustling kitchen of the Outlaw Star. It danced and swarmed through the room and finally landed on a batch of fresh made pancakes oozing with maple syrup, and topped of with a large glob of sweet yellow butter. Two silver forks suddenly came crashing through the pancakes, and two faces faced off for the last stack of fluffy goodness. Jim lifted his fork and slapped away Aisha's with incredible agility and skill. Aisha retaliated by picking up her knife, and mercilessly stabbing for Jim in the hand. The two fought off and on, bickering, biting and stabbing until Melfina appeared at the other side with two fresh plates of her famous golden pancakes. She set them down in front of the two hungry animals, and made her way back to the stove.

As she walked she made her way past Suzuka who was sipping her tea, and reading an article in the paper that was delivered that morning. At Suzuka's feet was Lady, nibbling and biting at a batch of eggs that Melfina gave to her in her little pink doggy bowl.

Melfina's kitchen was newly painted thanks to Jim and the rest of the crew. It was a nice shiny yellow, with beautiful white curtains and white tile. Her little utensils were either white or yellow, including the large photo of a lemon hanging right next to the door. She walked over to her white stove and picked up the dirty pot and pans, and deposited into her shiny white sink. Wiping her hands on her blue apron, she turned on the water and began washing the dishes. Bubbles of soap flew about as she scrubbed and tussled with the stuck on grease and oils. She lifted a soapy hand and wiped her forehead and began scrubbing some more. Jim and Aisha had then finished their plates of food, and began talking about the bounty that was soon to be theirs. Suzuka even lowered her paper and joined in the conversation of how to take down the most wanted criminal on Mars. It seemed that Aisha would attack it head on, and Suzuka would come up from the back with her stealth and Jim would monitor the criminal incase he saw something that might be useful to the two. Alright, it was agreed. Jim stood and bringing the plates to Melfina exited the room. Aisha was right behind him, and was gonna help him find some high-tech laser gun he had been talking about. All that was left, in the kitchen was Mel and Suzuka.

Melfina?

Yes, Suzuka?

How are you fairing since we've been back from the Galactic Leyline?

Very well Suzuka! I've never felt so alive and happy in my life. I have my friends, family, and a task I don't think I could ever grow tired of.

I see. Well, how have you been sleeping?

Melfina began to tense up at the mention of her sleeping habits. She nearly dropped the large green bowl, with the floral design on the outside.

Well, it's been just fine actually. Lady will wake me up from time to time with her barking, but other than that I sleep very well.

Melfina. To be a friend of Gene's you sure do lie horribly.

The bowl that Melfina had been trying to save from destruction slipped from her fingers and shattered to the floor. She quickly fell to her knees and began picking up the pieces and throwing them in the nearby white garbage pail. Suzuka ignored what happened and continued talking.

Incase you forgot, my door is right across from yours, so I can hear when you cry out in your sleep. She picked up her tea and took another sip from the porcelain cup. I normally would go check on you, but surely the mutt down here would have really caused a fuss, and more than likely woke up the whole ship. You're a dear friend Melfina. You know if something personal is bothering you, you can always talk me. Now would be a good time.

Honestly, Suzuka… I… I….

Okay Melfina I understand. But suit yourself. Just know that I'm not the only one who's noticed.

Who else has?

Hmp, well, He's tall, incompetent and any minute now is about to barge in demanding coffee for his hangover.

As if right on cue, a drowsy Gene comes waltzing into the kitchen dress in nothing more than his yellow happy face boxers, and seeing nothing less than pink elephants and giant aliens. He slowly made his way to small wooden chair, and heavily flopped down.

Ugh someone please turn off that light! It's giving me a killer migraine!

Suzuka stood, with her teacup in hand, and quickly walked to the door. But not before giving Melfina a comical look that said… I told you so. Okay, well now with Suzuka gone, Melfina was left in the kitchen alone with Gene…. Great…just great. Normally she would have really enjoyed his company… but he knew…about the nightmares she had been having and she was actually too ashamed to look at anyone. So rather than face Gene, she got to work making him a cup of coffee with her back to him. She mixed the sugar and cream quietly, and felt his eyes on her back. He wouldn't say anything right? He wouldn't make her reveal the terrible things she had been dreaming of… would he? She lifted the now piping hot cup and set it in front of him. He whispered his thank you, and Melfina turned back to washing her dishes.

Gene?

Huh?

Umm… there's a plate of pancakes still on the table if you want. It barely got past Jim and Aisha, as you can tell from the fork stabs.

Thanks but no thanks Mel. In my wonderfully bliss condition I shouldn't consume solids.

Okay Gene.

Melfina continued her washing and started rinsing the soapy dishes. Gene brought his cup of coffee up to his lips and sipped quietly. MMmmm, just like momma used to make. He leaned his tired weary body against the back of his chair, and continued gleefully sipping away. Mel was growing more, and more nervous by the second. Plates were slipping clashing with each other, and banging against each other in the sink. Lady had suddenly taken note of Melfina's tense mood, and sat whimpering at her feet. Melfina looked down at the golden cocker spaniel, and decided she would use that as her escape.

Gene.

Yeah Mel?

Lady seems to really want to be walked I think I'm gonna take her outside and into the meadow.

Ya know Mel that's not a bad idea, and as a matter of fact, I think I'll join you.

Yeah… that would be great Gene….. (sigh)…just wonderful.

Gene stood with the help of the back of the chair and made his way slowly to the kitchen door. He stood up tall for the first time all morning and turned back to Melfina.

And while we are out there…you can tell me about what's wrong with you.

Turning back around, he exited leaving Melfina standing awkwardly in the kitchen, while a puppy mingled at her feet.

What am I going to do?

Hey! Well, there is the next chapter after so long. Reviews are highly appreciated! Hope to hear from ya