The corridors of Rhodes Island bustled with activity as Ch'en made her way to the Dokutah's office. She had missed being around the familiar chaos of the place, the ever-changing roster of operators, and the unique challenges that came with each assignment. But what she missed most of all was the presence of the Dokutah—the calm, insightful leader who always seemed to navigate the storm with unwavering resolve.
As Ch'en reached the door to the Dokutah's office, she noticed a familiar voice emanating from within—a voice that grated on her nerves. It was W, that mischievous troublemaker whose antics often tested the patience of everyone around her, especially the Dokutah. Ch'en pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The scene that greeted her was exactly as she had expected, yet it still managed to infuriate her. W was lounging on the edge of the Dokutah's desk, a sly grin playing on her lips, while the Dokutah sat behind the desk, attempting to focus on some paperwork. The Dokutah's expression was a mix of mild annoyance and resigned tolerance.
"Ah, if it isn't Lungmen's Chief Officer gracing us with her presence," W drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What brings you here, Ch'en? Bored of bossing people around in Lungmen?"
Ch'en's eyes narrowed as she glared at W, who seemed to revel in the tension she was creating. Without waiting for an answer, W leaned closer to the Dokutah, deliberately invading the Dokutah's personal space.
"To think you came all this way just to visit our pathetically overworked Dokutah," W continued, her smirk widening.
Ch'en ignored W's taunts and directed her attention to the Dokutah, who looked up with a grateful expression upon seeing her.
"Ch'en! It's good to see you," the Dokutah said warmly, setting aside the paperwork. "Sorry about the chaos here. W decided to drop by unexpectedly."
Ch'en's gaze flickered back to W, her irritation simmering beneath the surface. "I can see that," she replied curtly. "If I'd known you were busy, I would've come another time."
"It's no trouble at all," the Dokutah assured her. "What brings you here? Is there something urgent from Lungmen?"
Ch'en hesitated, momentarily distracted by W, who was now twirling a pen between her fingers with exaggerated flair. "No, nothing urgent," Ch'en replied, refocusing on the Dokutah. "I just... missed being around. Missed seeing how things are done here."
W snorted. "Oh, please. You missed bothering our beloved Dokutah, didn't you?"
Ch'en's patience snapped. "Enough, W," she snapped, her voice laced with irritation. "Can't you give the Dokutah a break for once?"
W's smirk widened into a grin as she straightened up, clearly enjoying getting under Ch'en's skin. "Aw, don't be so serious, Chief. The Dokutah loves having me around, don't you?" She winked playfully at the Dokutah, who gave a resigned chuckle.
Ch'en's frown deepened, but before she could respond, the Dokutah intervened. "Alright, enough teasing, W," the Dokutah said firmly, though there was a hint of amusement in their eyes. "Ch'en, would you like to join me for some tea? We can catch up properly."
Ch'en's expression softened, and she nodded. "I'd like that."
W rolled her eyes dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll leave you two lovebirds to your tea party." With a mock salute, she hopped off the desk and sauntered out of the office, leaving Ch'en and the Dokutah alone.
As Ch'en settled into a chair, the tension in the room dissipated. She glanced at the Dokutah, who was pouring tea into a cup with a gentle smile.
"Sorry about W," the Dokutah said apologetically. "She means well... in her own way."
Ch'en chuckled softly. "I know. She just knows how to push my buttons."
The Dokutah handed her a cup of tea, and Ch'en accepted it gratefully. As she sipped the warm brew, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the chaos, despite W's antics, being back at Rhodes Island felt like coming home.
"Thank you for coming by, Ch'en," the Dokutah said sincerely. "It's always good to see you."
Ch'en smiled. "Likewise. And don't worry about W. I'm used to dealing with troublemakers."
Together, they sat in companionable silence, the strains of the outside world momentarily forgotten in the sanctuary of the Dokutah's office.
As the Dokutah took a sip of tea, a gentle smile played on their lips. The office seemed to settle into a comfortable atmosphere, filled with the warmth of friendship and familiarity. After a moment, the Dokutah looked at Ch'en with a curious expression.
"So, Ch'en, what brought about this unexpected visit?" they asked, their tone gentle and inviting.
Ch'en's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, and she glanced down at her tea cup, suddenly feeling a bit bashful. She hesitated for a moment before leaning in slightly and speaking in a soft voice.
"I... I missed being around you," Ch'en admitted quietly, her gaze flickering back up to meet the Dokutah's eyes.
The Dokutah's warm smile widened, a glint of affection in their eyes. "I missed having you around too, Ch'en," they replied softly.
However, before the tender moment could linger, Ch'en quickly straightened up, her usual composed demeanor returning. "B-but don't misunderstand," she stammered, her face now slightly flushed. "It's not like I... like you or anything. It's just... it's more convenient for me to be here sometimes."
The Dokutah chuckled, clearly amused by Ch'en's sudden bout of tsundere behavior. "Of course, Ch'en," they teased gently. "Convenience is important, after all."
Ch'en huffed lightly but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Exactly," she replied, her tone a mix of embarrassment and amusement.