2023-05-24: Worry

• Cutscene: Worry
• Cast: Eight York, Lavnadim Orlodhari
• Where: Ra Mari II, Captain's Quarters
• Date: 0097 05 24
• Summary: Lavhi is late getting back to his and Eight's quarters, and they both have something to say about it. (Early morning, night of the 23rd.)

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"You're working too hard," Eight and Lavhi tell each other at the same time, though Lavhi doesn't use the contraction. Then they both furrow their brows and frown at each other, also at the same time.

"I know," Eight starts, as Lavhi at the same time starts, "Perhaps, but–"

As it happens, they're in the doorway of their shared quarters, where Eight stood up to meet Lavnadim as he came back from his shift, late. And when they stop talking over each other, Lavhi sighs and gestures to the couch. They both take a moment to sit across the little coffee table from one another, Eight wincing as she starts to get out of her shoes, which makes Lavhi in turn give her a frown that she knows means she's helping his point.

"Okay," says Eight. "You can go first. I see that look."

"You do!" Lavhi answers. "Because I have given it before. You stay up until your feet are hurting, and then stay up longer! I am aware that your work is important, but you could do much of it seated, Eight." His voice is quieter than usual, and his gestures smaller. "You have done even more," he says, "And there are many who need your leadership, but you must consider yourself as well! Yes, there was a crisis, and you did well with it! Even so… I worry. Lately you have been double-checking the work of your subordinates, and taking on work that you would typically delegate! I have seen this, and I do not understand. You do not have more energy than before, but you act as if you have such. I know you wish to do your best, and I support this, but…"

"...Lavhi," Eight starts, the blonde slouching as she puts a manicured hand on the table, toward him. "I know. It's not… just that there's a lot to do, you're right."

"Then why?" he wonders. "You know that you must rest, and yet you avoid doing so. I do not comprehend this. You are usually so responsible as regards your own needs…"

"You're right," Eight admits. "It's… it's complicated," she says, looking down at her uniform. She's still dressed from earlier, though she certainly had time to get into other clothes. Or she would have, if she hadn't fallen asleep on the couch. "I want to make sure everything is in order," she says.

"While that is reasonable, you have told me how much you trust Enba. You said 'I think they're the sharpest of the crew', and 'They'll do very well in the role'. But as you prepare you seem to trust less. Is there a problem with the way you expect them to discharge their duties?"

"It's not that," Eight answers. "It's… me. Not them. The crew–everyone, I trust them, I do. Licia's taken on a lot more responsibility, and Gidon is very reliable, and Tempo even has his eyes off the skies. I know Itsuki will do anything she can to show off her skills and how we can lean on her. To say nothing of the heads of the departments."

"That is all true," Lavnadim answers. "Then why?"

"I'm…" Eight lets out a sigh, and Lavhi reaches across the table to take her hand, his brow knit in concern. Once he has, she continues, "I'm… scared," she admits. "What if I didn't prepare enough? What if something goes wrong with the ship and I can't do anything? …What if something goes wrong with the baby? I've been reading about the things that can, and…"

"Eight," Lavhi says gently. "You have prepared a great deal. You have handpicked your officers in the current day, and you have even planned to remain on the ship with me. Trust in us. We will make you proud. I believe this." He squeezes Eight's hand, and then lets go to step around the table and sit next to her, instead.

Eight settles into Lavhi's arms and closes her eyes. "I know," she says. "I just…have to let you do it." She pauses. "But I'm still worried about the baby. About me. What if something goes wrong?"

"Well," Lavhi says, "Usually when you are afraid you face it. Perhaps speak to Dr. Bidan? I know there is much that is still not known about our situation, but we will be there for you if anything is to happen. I will be there. I promised you this, yes?"

"...You did," she says. "I remember. Sort of inherent to the whole 'getting married' thing, right…?"

"Yes," Lavhi answers. "Very important!" He smiles softly at her, and holds her close. "...But you will only increase the possibility of such complication if you do not rest. You know this."

"I do," Eight answers. "...All right, all right. I'll… talk about it. But give me some time to sort out my thoughts first, all right?"

Lavhi nods along. "This is well. But? You seem you have more you wish to say for the now."

"I do," the blonde replies, resting her hand on Lavhi's chest. "...But just because we talked about me doesn't mean I forgot that you're working too hard, too." Eight lifts her head to peer up at Lavhi's face, her red eyes focusing on his brown as he looks back down with an expression of something between surprise and 'being caught'.

"Ah," the broad Zentradi answers. "That is… also true," he admits. "I suppose that I have been."

"You've been coming home late every night for a while now," she says. "Once in a while I understand, but sometimes I fall asleep before you get here. I don't like that. Not /just/ because it eats into our private time… but because I don't like being without you."

"...I am sorry," Lavhi answers, looking back down at Eight. "You are right. I… I also worry. But mostly I worry about you. I think, if perhaps I can do enough, that you will not have to work so hard. Or that if I can keep the systems operating perfectly then you will be safe…"

"Lavhi," Eight answers him, and hugs close again. "...Sorry. I'm making you worry more too, this way, aren't I?"

"No," he says. "There is no need to apologize. We are worrying each other! It is a problem but one we can solve, yes? …I only… I wish for you to relax more. To rest more. I promise that I will endeavor to do the same. I do not wish you to be lonely."

"Or to worry, right?"

"Or to worry. I feel as if perhaps I can be the perfect partner, and then you will have less on your mind. But I also should be relying on others, maybe. There are many precious persons in your life."

"...Right," she says. "I guess we can both learn that one. But you should talk to people about it, too. I'm having the baby, but I'm having /your/ baby. It's stressful for you too, isn't it?"

"...Yes," he says "Well. I had a good talk with Miss Ruri. She informed me as well that I was working too hard. Perhaps I can discuss with others, as well."

"I don't mind if you do," Eight says. "I encourage it. But…"

"But?"

"Maybe," Eight says, and slides her hand up to Lavhi's shoulder, "...We should focus on 'us' for tonight. What do you think?"

"Hmm. I do enjoy this plan," Lavhi decides after a moment, grinning before he sweeps Eight up in his arms and starts to stand up, to walk toward the bedroom.

Eight beams up at him, her feet dangling in a princess carry. She loves it when he does this.