Prompt:

I do this from time to time, where I can never wake from a bad dream

I do this from time to time, where I can never say the things I mean

I do this from time to time, where I like to watch you as you sleep

I do this from time to time, where I like to think of you with me

-"Sirens" by Angels and Airwaves

"Give me more, Neelix," Dalby called out, his words slurred, as he held up his cup.

Except for himself and Neelix, only one other person was still in the messhall.

A little reluctantly, Neelix came over and poured more of his latest concoction into the cup. Having heard several crew members complain about not having real alcohol available, the Talaxian had researched what alcohol was. Though he couldn't understand why someone would want to drink something that altered their personality, Neelix had taken it upon himself as morale officer to satisfy their need.

Right now, Dalby was singlehandedly downing his latest batch.

"Shouldn't we cut him off or something?" Neelix asked the table's other occupant quietly.

Gerron shook his head. This was the third time he had spent this particular date with Dalby and he knew that this was Dalby's preferred method of dealing with his wife's death - getting drunk. In Gerron's opinion, it was also the better option as last year, when he had no real alcohol available to him, Dalby had broken several bones fighting Cardassians in the holodeck. Not to mention the holodeck had needed repairs following the session.

"It's best just to let him drink until he passes out and then he won't remember any of this when he finally does wake up tomorrow."

"You sure?"

"I'm positive," Gerron replied, thinking about the first year he had met Dalby. He hadn't known what to expect that year when Dalby had asked him to share a few drinks with him. The last thing he had expected was Dalby getting so drunk that he decided that he was in love with him and had spent the evening serenading him much to the rest of the crew's enjoyment. No one had ever mentioned the events of that night to Dalby afterwards though.

Taking a sniff of the rest of the liquid in Neelix's pitcher Gerron made a face. "What exactly is that, anyway?"

"Leola Beer," Neelix replied, puffing up with pride. "I'm quite satisfied with how it took to the fermenting process unlike some of the other ingredients I had attempted. Want to try some?"

Gerron held up his hand. "I'll pass, thank-you."

"Suit yourself," Neelix replied, turning to head back to the kitchen, leaving the two former Maquis to sit in a companionable silence.