More Fox x OC! Fox decides to see what the Tea Shop offers.
Chapter 2: Intriguing Offers
https://archiveofourown.org/works/66532654/chapters/171605593#workskin
A few days later, Fox stood in front of the shop. He looked at the cheerful window display and nodded at a few people walking by on the sidewalk. He pushed open the door and walked in, his eyes taking in the few customers shopping before landing on her. She was up a ladder, grabbing something off a shelf. He took a moment to appreciate the way her pants hugged her hips and watched as she carefully made her way back down.
Kyla turned and noticed him. She walked towards him with a warm smile “Commander, how can I help you?”
“I’m not sure. I tried your tea.” He said, looking around at the shelves.
“And? How is it going?” she asked
He shrugged. “I’m still drinking caf, but I started making a few cups of your tea too. It's not quite the same, but it's alright. I’m still tired.”
“Are you still not sleeping?” she asked
“I sleep. On occasion.” Fox said, grinning under his helmet at the look on her face.
She sighed. “Well obviously all the caf is part of the problem, but why else can’t you sleep? Is your brain racing? Are you unable to relax and get comfortable? What is the primary issue?”
He leaned against a shelf and thought for a moment. “Mostly my brain racing. I can’t shut it off. Its just full of thoughts from work. Reports that are due, areas we need to patrol more. Things like that. Plus the occasional nightmare too.”
Kyla nodded “That doesn’t surprise me, given all you see and do.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “I just do my best to power through on the caf every day.”
She made a sympathetic noise. “Stress and anxiety are common in soldiers. Lets see what we can do to assist you, even if it is just a tiny bit.”
He nodded and followed her to another shelf. “I don’t know why they don’t offer you all therapy or something to help you” she said as she looked for a bottle.
“Most of us wouldn’t have time to talk to a therapist.” He replied.
She sighed and pulled a bottle from the shelf. “Right, I forget that time off is a luxury. This herb is one that helps reduce anxiety. People often find it helps quiet the mind a bit. Paired with some of the calming sleep tea it may help you settle enough to relax at night.”
He took the bottle and looked at it. “Its just a herb?”
She stepped closer and rotated the bottle to show him the ingredient list. “It’s a combination of a few actually, but you can look them up in the medical data base if you like or ask a medical droid about them before taking them. Which is really what you should do before taking anything, but I know not everyone does.”
She looked up at him. “I feel like you would be responsible and check it out before you tried something."
He laughed. “Maybe, but I’ll give this and your other tea you mentioned a try. If it doesn’t work I’m going back to my caf though.”
“Or you could come back and we can try something else” She said.
He smirked under his helm as he looked down at her. “What other things did you have in mind?”
“Well, there are other teas to try, or you could try massage. We do offer those as well” She smiled up at him.
He raised his eyebrows, intrigued by her offer. “A massage? Sounds like you might be trying to lure me back here.”
She laughed softly “Isn’t that what all shopkeepers do? Try to get return customers?”
He chuckled “I suppose so. I’ll think about the massage offer."
She nodded and gestured for him to follow as she headed to the till. “Do think about it. Massage is great for many things. And try to cut down on the caf. I know its not easy. Make sure to drink more water to help with the headaches.”
He followed her to the till and leaned on the counter as he pulled out some credits. “I will think about it. I never got your name though.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m Kyla. It's nice to meet you Commander."
He nodded. “Just Fox will do.”
“Alright Fox, please try to stop drinking so much caf or I might be moved to drastic measures for your health” She smiled playfully as she made the threat.
“You know, the caf vendors might not appreciate your campaign to get me off of it.” He said as he tucked the bag into one of his pouches.
“Well, I’m sure I will win them over. People love me.” Kyla gave him a confident grin as she spoke.
“Yes, they do. And if you come back for a massage I bet you will too."
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to think about that then. For now, I’ll try your advice. Have a good night Kyla” He nodded and turned to walk out.
She watched him leave and let out a little sigh. He definitely wore his armor well. She shook her head and turned to get back to stocking shelves, sure she wouldn’t see him again.
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Days pass and Kyla kept herself busy with the shop. She pondered occasionally if Fox was actually feeling better or if he just gave up and continued to drink obscene amounts of caf. She tapped her fingers on the counter and went back to her closing duties. As she was walking to the front to lock the door, it opened and Fox stepped in. “You still open?” he asked.
She smiled. “I was just getting ready to close up, but I can stay a little later for you. How are you? She walked over to lock the door and looked up at him.
He shrugged and pulled his helmet off. “Tired, but not as tired as usual. I think your tea and those herbs are helping.”
She smiled “That is excellent. I’m so glad.”
He nodded and looked down at her. “I’ve been thinking about you and your offer for a massage. I was wondering what I need to do to try that?”
“Well, usually you have to book something in advance, but if you are free right now then I’m happy to get you in the chair. I’m sure your schedule is hectic."
He smiled. “That would be great. Lead the way, I’m all yours.”
She nodded, and motioned for him to follow, turning out the shop lights as they headed to the back. She led him to a smaller room. “You’ll have to take off your upper armor and your shirt. Then position yourself in this chair, chest against this part. Your face will rest in this pillow.” She showed him how to sit. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Fox nodded and began to remove his armor and top. He got settled in the chair and waited for her to return.
She came back in and adjusted the chair to make sure he was comfortable and then began to pull out the oils. “There are a few scents, do you want to pick one or should I?”
Fox watched her walk about getting ready. “You pick, I trust your judgement.”
Kyla nodded and began to mix a scent with the oil. She dimmed the lights and then headed over to him. “Alright, I’m going to start. If anything feels uncomfortable please let me know.” She began to knead his muscles gently, slowly working up the pressure.
He let out a soft groan at her touch, surprised at how good it felt.
“Its normal to make noises” She said as she continued to work his shoulders. “We hold a lot of tension in our muscles. And getting rid of some of it might help with the headaches I bet you get."
Fox let out a breath as her hands glided over his skin “Yea, I do get headaches.”
Kyla made a soft noise as she continued to work down his back. “Well, hopefully we will give you some relief. Relax and let me work my magic."
He nodded and closed his eyes. The soothing scent of the oil made him relax even more. He wondered what it was as she worked her way back up his spine. All this thoughts vanished though, when she began to work on his neck and scalp. Stars, her hands felt amazing. Another groan escaped his lips as she massaged his scalp.
She worked her way back down to massage his arms and hands, gently massaging his fingers.
He shifted slightly, not used to such a gentle touch. She stepped away and brought some warm towels over to wipe the excess oil from his skin and then let them sit there, the warmth helping to keep him relaxed.
“Alright, I’m going to get you some water.” She spoke softly as she pulled the towels off of him. “When you are ready you can get dressed again, but take your time.”
He slowly raised his head and took the glass she offered him. He had never felt this relaxed. He didn’t even know a body could feel this relaxed. He drank the water in a few gulps and handed the glass back. “Thanks” Fox said as he looked at her in the soft light.
Kyla smiled “I’ll give you some privacy to get dressed. When you are ready we can head out.”
Fox got dressed and headed up to the till “How much do I owe you?”
Kyla tilted her head and nodded at the register. “I already did my closing paperwork, I’d hate to have to do it again. That one was on the house.”
He sighed “That’s not a good business practice.”
She laughed “Its ok. I’m sure you’ll be back again. Here, this card has instructions on how to book appointments.”
He took the card and slipped it into a pouch. “Thank you. That was amazing.”
Kyla smiled and motioned him to the front of the store. “I’m glad. Make sure you drink more water tonight. And some tea if you like, but no caf!” She unlocked the door to let them out and then relocked it.
Fox looked down at her and smiled. “Got it. No caf tonight.” He looked around the street. “Are you ok to get home?”
She nodded. “I don’t live far and its all on busy streets. I’ll be fine.”
He frowned as he looked at her. “Give me your com. I’ll put my number in. You ping me if anything feels weird.”
Kyla handed it over and smiled “Do you worry this much over everything?”
Fox handed her com back to her. “Yes.”
She sighed “No wonder you had knots the size of your helm in your back. Go, I’ll be fine.”
He nodded and then turned to leave. She shook her head and started home. Her walk was uneventful. As she got settled and made herself a late dinner she sent off a quick message to Fox to let him know she was safe and sound.
A respond came immediately “Good”
She smiled and set her com down and went to eat. She hadn’t ever really given much thought to the guards around the city, they were just always there. Now though, she had some definite thoughts about the Commander. He was sweet. And so stressed. She hoped that he slept well after the massage. With a grin she began to get ready for bed.
