Title: Cheesecake
Author: Mandy Green
Rating: G
Website: Amused and Abused
E-mail: maryavatar

The thing about cheesecake was that it was impossible to have just one slice, but you couldn't eat a whole one without getting sick. Beka sat in the Maru's mess, prodding the leftovers with a fork and wondering why she didn't just cut it in half and save the rest, instead of digging into the whole thing and making a mess. Cheesecake was meant to be shared, preferably with a gal-pal or two. Shame that the other two women on board didn't eat... well, anything really.

"Cheesecake?" Harper's treat-radar was apparently in full working order. "Uh-oh. Cheesecake only comes out when you're depressed."

"I'm not depressed." Beka shoved the leftovers across the table, and grimaced as Harper sat down and started shovelling it into his mouth using his fingers. "You have absolutely no class at all, do you?"

"Didn't hire me for my class." Harper replied with a happy grin. "So what are you 'not' depressed about this time?"

"Do you ever wish you could have a little… male bonding?"

Harper's eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding, right? I have Dylan on one side giving me the whole 'High Guard, Yay!' schtick, and on the other side I have Tyr, who seems to think I'm an inferior younger brother or something. I get plenty of bonding, thanks." Harper wiped his mouth. "But this isn't about me, is it? Rommie and Trance piss you off?"

"I miss the old Trance."

"Join the club."

"I miss the old Rommie too."

"Huh?" Harper scooped up the last of the cheesecake and sucked his fingers clean.

"She used to be sweet and fun, and now she's all Dominatrix, with a side order of 'I can kill you with my hair '.

"What? You were used to being the bad-ass chickie, and now you're bottom of the ladder again?" Harper threw his arms out to the side and grinned. "Welcome to my world."

Beka couldn't help but smile.

"If it makes you feel any better, you're still tougher than me. Although I probably squeak an equal place on style and inventive kneecapping techniques."

"Actually, I do feel better. Thanks Harper." Beka reached over and ruffled Harper's hair. "I owe you one."

"And if you were ever to pay back that 'one', you'd find out why I'm top of the ladder marked 'Hot Monkey Lovers'. Harper smirked.

Beka burst out laughing, and flicked crumbs at Harper until he retreated back to the engine room.