I do not own nor profit from Star Trek or Gene Roddenberrys creations
Safiya awoke, upset but excited. She still wasn't thrilled that Khan had been gone for so long, but the thought of going to the symphony was exciting for her. She pulled away from Khans still sleeping form, and got ready for the day. A warm shower, and breakfast in the dining hall woke her up well enough. She was joined by Essex, who sat across from her.
"Ma'am, were we going to go anywhere? Any particular systems?" He took a bite of eggs.
"No, not that I was anticipating. I still have to report to Star Fleet soon." She sighed, scratching her head.
"Well, I just figured, maybe a look around somewhere else?" He offered. It sounded like a good idea, to at least go to another system and scout, but she couldn't do it under the fleets banner. It would be personal expedition, and she wasn't sure if it would be a smart idea, no matter how good it sounded.
"I'll think about it." She gave a soft smile. "Was there any place in particular?" She asked.
"Well, not in particular, but, if I come up with something, then I'll let you know." He spoke as she took her leave.
The bridge was quiet as the crew worked, keeping an eye on the systems. She was bored. They were just hanging out by the moon, with nothing needing their time and attention. She left back to her room, needing something to do. Khan was not there when she got back, which did not surprise her. What did, was seeing a large amount of the crew leaving the dining hall, along with Khan, as she walked about the ship.
"Hey, jeez, was there a meeting nobody told me about?" She laughed, taking a hug.
"Not at all." He spoke deeply, not returning her enthusiasm.
"Whats up?" She furrowed her brow.
"Not a thing. I was just going back to the room, if you care to follow." He turned towards the room.
She had just come from there but went back with him.
"So, when is this symphony we are going to?" She smiled.
"Tonight." He said shortly. She was put off by his listlessness.
"Alright." She responded just as short, leaving him to it. She wasn't interested in being there when he seemed so apathetic about her presence. "Shall I meet you there?" She looked over her shoulder.
"Whatever you want." He replied not glancing at her. It hurt, as she felt ignored. She went back in, grabbing her dress and a small bag, and left.
The transport pad put her back in her own home. She was not interested in staying on that ship. She would rather be walking around London, taking in the sights, the different smells, than to be stuck on a ship. She had been easily irritable lately, and didn't need him to push her buttons any further than he already had. She needed to relax before she went to the symphony, hoping he would be more attentive by the time he got there.
A massage, and a manicure was a good start to put her back into a good mood. Something girly that she hadn't been able to do anytime recently. She finished with a pedicure and having her hair done. She stepped out into the cool air looking like a million bucks, save she wore no makeup.
The dress that Khan picked out for her was quite lovely. It was a red ballgown, with off the shoulder straps, and a sweetheart neckline. Gold and silver embroidery stood out against the rich color. She gasped, unveiling the entire dress, laying it onto her bed. Khan must have put much thought into this choice. The silver jeweled slippers that sat in the bottom of the dress bag was set alongside the dress, making a gorgeous pair. She was going to feel overdressed she was sure, but, what would it matter? This may be the finest dress in attendance that night.
Safiya looked at the clock. It was already 5, and she still wanted to eat. She settled for some rice and eggs before sitting down to do her makeup. She applied purple to the outer corners of her eyes, keeping the insides closer to a golden tone, much alike to her skin. Her typical mascara and eyeliner went on, and she put a light dusting of powder on her face, with light blush on her cheekbones. She topped her lips with a sheer light pink gloss, then put her dress on.
Like a silly girl, she sat and twirled back and forth, excited to see it flow back and forth on her figure. The dress covered her slippers, barely grazing the floor. At least he had gotten the size right, amazingly enough. She didn't know what to do with herself, feeling like a princess in the old stories. What would her mother think, to see her in something to extravagant? She would probably cry.
Khan had his own irritation to deal with. His crew had taken quite a liking to Safiya, and he wasn't sure exactly how he felt about that. They were his crew, not hers. It was difficult for him to accept their kindness of her. The more they talked, the more they liked her, and the more they liked her, the more jealous he became.
He talked at length with Ren about their behavior. Ren was the only one who he could really talk to it seemed. The others already liked Safiya, but Ren only knew her from their brief greeting that Khan supervised. They had stopped off at his flat when they went to the surface, and spoke over a map. They were formulating a plan, and if he needed anybodies support, it would be Rens.
With Safiya off of the ship, he was able to talk more openly with his crew. They tried talking at breakfast, but they heard Safiya coming, and knew they could not continue, so they all left to their stations. Khan was looking over more maps. Irritation was sinking in, as he swept from planet to planet. He growled in frustration when he landed on one that appealed to him. He hit his comm, summoning Ren.
"Pollux IV?" Ren raised an eyebrow when he looked over the planet that Khan was eyeing. "Sir, does this seem like the best option?" He started to pace, holding a thumb to his chin.
"It is the best location." Khan eyed, zooming in on the 3-D image. It was a world that looked much like earth, with the ability to support human life. He sighed, noting the coordinates.
"I think it would be suitable sir." Ren conceded.
"Yes, yes it would be. Now, I must get ready." Khan stepped into the shower, leaving Ren to dismiss himself.
Safiya stood outside of the Symphony Hall, waiting for Khan to arrive. She had been receiving interested looks from the other attendees, who walked in to get their seats. She definitely seemed overdressed, as most of the women wore short dresses, or long thin dresses. Here, she was dressed as though this was the 1800's, in the puffy bell of a dress. Of course it didn't matter, because Safiya felt like a princess in that dress.
Time ticked by painfully. The longer she stood there, the more embarrassed she became. She had been waiting for him for nearly 30 minutes, and the show was about to start. She couldn't go in because he still had the tickets, so she was left to wait. And wait. And wait a little more. He had not been answering his comm the many times she called.
The clapping she heard told her that the curtain had gone up. The ticket booth unfortunately had closed, and so she was left there, to wait among the bodies that were milling about the plaza. Safiya didn't know why she waited for so long, as it was now nearly an hour after the first applause. Perhaps naively thinking that Khan would show up at any moment, and sweep her off of her feet. But that moment didn't come. Not until she was biting back tears, walking down the marble steps towards the street to catch a cab home.
A hand reached out and caught her elbow turning her. Instinctively, her hand came up, ready to slap the intruder, but she came face to face with Khan. In her anger, she could have slapped him anyways, and to some degree, should have.
"Get off of me." She yanked her elbow back.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"Home, Khan, I'm going home." She rolled her eyes, waving for a cab.
"But, we are going to the symphony." He looked confused, holding the tickets.
"No, Khan, YOU are going to the symphony if you want to. It started over an hour ago, in case you didn't read the tickets." She bit. She was angry, livid, and deeply embarrassed. Her attire had brought a lot of attention, and in that attention, people noticed the beautiful lady who was waiting vainly for her date. Those who had still been outside noticed her leaving brokenhearted, having been stood up.
"The night is not ruined then." Khan stuffed the tickets back in his pocket. He wore a nice clean tux, with a white bow-tie. He looked over as a cab slowed down, coming to a stop before them.
"What would you suppose then?" She folded her arms across her chest.
He waved the cab away, as he led her to his car. He opened the door for her, and nodded his head for her to get in. She huffed, but complied.
They drove in silence for two hours when Safiya finally broke the silence.
"Where are we going, Khan?" She finally looked over at him. He was focused on the road ahead.
"You'll see." She rolled her eyes at his response, though he caught it.
"Why are you being so childish?" He glanced over.
"What? You are calling me childish?" She laughed. "Wow. Alright, just wow." She shook her head looking back out of the window.
"Well, you have been so upset lately because I haven't been around to pay attention to you. It's needy and childish." He smirked.
She refused to answer him.
"Are you not talking now? Definitely childish." He shook his head. He was not deliberately goading her.
This went on for a few minutes before she finally responded. "You know what Khan, whatever it is, I don't care. Take me home." She finally eyed him.
"No." He grinned.
"Why not?" She demanded.
"Because the night isn't over yet."
"Well, it is for me. Now, take me home."
"No."
She screamed in anger. Khan was amused by her tantrum, never having seen her so angry at him. They pulled up to a grassy plain, when Khan got out of the car. He opened the door for Safiya, but she turned away from him in defiance.
"Safiya, if you do not get out of this car, I will remove you. Trust me." He leaned in, speaking lowly. She ignored him. "5... 4... 3..." He watched as she unbuckled her belt, pushing him out of her way but he caught her arm. "If I were you, I'd be a little nicer right now."
"Khan, you have been pushing my buttons all night. I'm pissed. I'm angry, and yet you insist on making it worse at every turn! I'm not trying to take it out on you, but shit! I need to bring myself down from this level of pisstivity!" She cried.
"Pisstivity isn't a word Safiya." He smirked. She growled again and walked away.
He caught up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, turning her towards the cliff. She shook him off, walking for herself. As they got closer to the edge, she saw a table with a glass lamp on it. He pulled out her seat, which was covered in roses as red as her dress.
"Khan, this, is lovely." She nodded, biting her lip. "My anger is beginning to come down." She looked around, taking her seat. The waves crashed far below them. "So, where are we?" She finally asked when he had taken his seat.
"You don't remember the Dover Cliffs? Where we had that little holiday party?" He cocked his brow. Realization set on her face.
"Oh, I didn't notice without the lovely decorations and tents." She laughed softly. "But this is much lovelier I think." She smiled at him. She hated how he could make her so angry and so happy in the same breath.
He smirked as her temper died down. With any luck, he would get her to engage in angry sex later. He enjoyed when she would take control, and be rough with him.
"Did I tell you how lovely you look tonight?" He reached his hand over to grab hers.
"No, you did not, actually." She pouted jokingly. If only she knew how it took him a few moments to go after her at the Symphony hall, just wanting to watch her grace and beauty in the dress he chose. She looked like a true princess.
"You look, how would they say? Out of this world." He smirked, as she blushed at his cheesy line.
"Out of this world? Of all the words your proper vernacular can come up with, out of this world is the best you've got?" She giggled. Khan shrugged, knowing that 'out of this world' did not do her justice.
"I have, one surprise for you." He reached into his pocket withdrawing a small box. Safiya bit her lip nervously as he set it down in front of her.
"What is it?" She asked, staring at it.
"Open it, and find out." He nodded towards the box.
Shakily, her hand opened the lip, and her jaw dropped.
"It's... It's... It's a button." She looked at the yellow button in the middle of the case.
"Yes, it is a button." He smirked, standing up.
"Why don't you press it, and see where it takes us?" He stood her up, holding the button in his hand, the other one holding hers. She nervously brought a hand up, pressing it.
Khan smirked as gold rings surrounded them, seeing the fear and excitement in her eyes as they both disappeared from their spot high on the Dover cliffs.