Work Text:
"So, how are you this fine morning?"
Susan Ivanova had been loading her breakfast plate when a bright voice cut into the relative tranquility she had been enjoying. With an inward sigh, she turned to face her CO, finding exactly the kind of annoying broad smile she had known to expect. She had long ago given up on trying to understand how anyone could hope to justify this kind of mood this early in the day, so she just nodded her good morning, knowing from ample experience he didn't need encouragement to keep talking.
He swiftly proceeded to prove her point. "Have your dreams been paying attention?"
She shrugged, then continued to fill her plate while answering, "It's only been one night. But it was the first without one of these dreams. So I guess there's hope for me yet."
"Ah, the eternal optimist. The Susan Ivanova we've all come to know and love." She didn't bother answering, choosing to head for the nearest empty table instead. When they had settled down, he asked, "I'm not sure you actually look any better. What's up?"
"Aside from still being mortified all the way to Io and back? Not a thing." She continued eating, hoping he would be content to just drop it. When he kept grinning at her, obviously enjoying her embarrassment, she relented, "It's just… Look, I'm sorry for the interruption yesterday. My usual lack of good timing."
He laughed. "Well. Let's just say it's a good thing I happen to like you. Most of the time."
His eyes were still gleaming in that entirely too energetic and yet strangely endearing way Susan had privately dubbed The John Spark a long time ago. The Spark meant he was in a good mood and while she didn't begrudge him that, John's good mood wasn't necessarily his most manageable mood. Well, as he was fond of pointing out, the best defense was a good offense. "I really am sorry. I mean, all of that shopping gone to waste."
His eyes narrowed. "Does the term privacy ring a bell?"
"Does the term resident sneak ring a bell? I've told you before – the day something happens on this station that I don't know about is the day you need to worry." She savored his confusion for a moment before enlightening him, knowing it would only add to his embarrassment. "Garibaldi may have mentioned spotting you doing some excessive grocery shopping."
He rolled his eyes. "So it's not just you. That's comforting."
She gave him a look that clearly spelled 'Just how dense are you?' before replying, "You do remember your little display in the docking bay after she saved our collective butts, right? Captain, the entire station is cheering you on."
He grimaced. "You're kidding, right?"
"Well, that or hoping for your speedy demise."
"Why thank you. That makes me feel so much better. Are we done?"
"Of course." She took a bite, lulling him into a false sense of security, before going on, "Just one more thing… You cooked for her?!" She didn’t even try to hide her amusement.
"I fail to see what's so funny about that."
"I just think it's a rather bold move. Unless the intent is to drive her off the station. Which I really would advise against, if only for all of our sakes."
His eyes narrowed. "Very funny. She liked it."
"Says who?"
"Says she."
"And Minbari never lie." She held his gaze, knowing his brain would finish the sentiment for her.
"Except to help another save face." Garibaldi had approached without either of them noticing. He put down his tray and plopped down while continuing, "Tell me we don't have another murder case riding on this."
"Well, not yet." John hadn't even bothered to look at Garibaldi while speaking, silently glaring at Susan, who just raised her eyebrows in feigned innocence.
Stopping his fork in midair, Garibaldi let his eyes wander between them. "What did I miss?"
Their answer came in perfect unison.
"Nothing."