#Andromeda Six Fanfiction

[wisepainterperson]

Chapter 6 of my andromeda six drabble collection.

🖤I Need You💛

TW

blood, mentions of self harm, self harm.

The weight of the world rested heavily upon your shoulders as you mechanically finished yet another mundane task, the weariness etched into the lines of your face. The days seemed to blend together, an unending stream of monotonous routines, numbing your soul to the colors and joys that once filled your existence. But, in the depths of your heart, you clung to a distant glimmer of hope, a faint memory of your mother's tender words before you left that fateful day—words that now seemed like fragile echoes from a distant past.

Time had blurred since then, and life had taken you on a cruel journey, far from the sanctuary of your former happiness. Each step forward seemed to plunge you deeper into a void, a void left by the absence of those you once held dear. The life you once knew was shattered irreparably, leaving you adrift in an ocean of despair, with no beacon to guide you back to shore.

Your mind wandered back to those carefree days, the halcyon moments with your parents and him. The laughter resonated within your soul, the happiness a distant memory that threatened to break your heart. How swiftly it all changed, like a beautiful dream turned to a haunting nightmare. The memory of your father's joke, the last flicker of joy before the darkness descended, haunted you mercilessly.

As you stood lost in your thoughts, a sudden, booming voice jarred you back to reality, ripping you from the bittersweet reverie. You looked around, surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar faces, their gazes fixed upon you. And there, towering over you, stood the captain, a stern figure whose authority only seemed to emphasize the void in your heart. The weight of his disapproval added to the crushing burden you carried, as if the world itself was now your antagonist, conspiring against your very existence.

You wanted the tears to fall and to finally be able to release some of these pent-up emotions but alas, nothing. The contrast between your inner turmoil and the world's obliviousness to your pain felt like a cruel irony, isolating you even further. You longed for the comforting embrace of your loved ones, the warmth of their love to heal your wounded spirit, but they were now only memories fading with each passing day. In that moment, you couldn't help but wonder if all days would feel like this—endless cycles of suffering and emptiness.

"Are you deaf?" He began again and you could do nothing but look at him in a daze.

"What?" You ask dumbfoundedly, Captain Lynch did not appreciate this.

"What? I just asked you to move that stuff several times and you just ignored me that's what." He barks back quickly and again you are stunned to silence. His presence alone sent shivers down the spines of those under his command. As he towered over you, his eyes bore into your soul with a mix of irritation and contempt.

You wanted to muster the strength to explain yourself, to tell him that your mind was consumed by thoughts of loss and sorrow, but his hostile tone silenced you. Your silence only served to fuel his anger. His face reddened, and his nostrils flared as he leaned in closer, invading your personal space.

"I don't tolerate insubordination on my ship," he growled, his voice dripping with venom. "You're here to work, not daydream." Your heart pounded in your chest, the weight of his words adding to the burden you already carried. His lack of empathy felt like a cold, sharp blade, cutting deeper into your wounded spirit. You yearned for a glimmer of kindness, a spark of humanity from this man who held so much power over your life, but it seemed like a futile hope.

"You know somehow you still surprise me with how far that stick is shoved up your ass Cal." One of your new crew mates had spoken up against him, as she did quite often. Ayame had apparently arrived on this ship with Calderon Lynch, obviously the were rather attuned to each other's ways.

Ayame met the captain's gaze with unwavering defiance, her eyes burning with the fire of someone who had been pushed to their limits. "I'm tired of watching you bully everyone on this ship, including this poor soul," she gestured towards you. "We're all human, with feelings and struggles, and you can't just stomp all over us like we're insignificant bugs."

He took a long deep breath in and released it while holding the bridge of his nose in aggravation, "No one's bullying you or anyone else. We have less than half an hour to hall ass off this gods' forsaken planet or we'll all be reduced to dust, and I don't think now is when we need to be distracted." he begins.

"Couldn't you have just said that." You manage to contort just loud enough that both can hear. Calderon seems less than amused but Ayme takes it and throws it at him again.

"Yeah, you don't have to be so mean about it."  Captain Lynch's face flushed an even deeper shade of red, his jaw visibly tensing. He was not used to admitting fault, let alone to someone who had recently joined the crew.

Ayame's words seemed to have struck a chord with Captain Lynch, and for a moment, you sensed a glimmer of vulnerability in his eyes. But that moment quickly passed, replaced by his customary stoic facade. He cleared his throat, his voice regaining its authoritative edge.

"You think you know everything, don't you?" Captain Lynch retorted, his voice laced with disdain.

Ayame stood her ground, undeterred by his attempt to belittle her. "Maybe or Maybe not, but that doesn't give you the right to treat people like garbage," she replied with a steady voice. "We're all in this together, and we should be supporting each other, not tearing each other down."

Captain rolls his eyes and walks away with a grumble, yet again you've done something to earn his disapproval. You've been on this crew for all of 3 months and you've managed to lose his shoes somewhere between the laundry and his room, burn and boil over his coffee, and break his favorite mug. Needless to say, you weren't friends by any means but that didn't mean that you didn't think about if you were. Actually, you'd thought about him in many ways, many that would more than likely looked down upon if there were to ever come to light, but you talk to no one anyway.

"Don't worry about him." Brought out of your thoughts once again, this time by a much kinder voice.

"Yeah, no, he was right. I shouldn't be so distracted." You say defeatedly, dragging yourself over to the pile of boxes that had tumbled over.

"So, your content to roll over and let him treat you like that?" She joins you in picking up the scattered objects and helps you put them back into the wooden crate.

"No, just don't feel like arguing." you say softly.

"She also likes him and doesn't want to step on his toes, you know, any more than she already has." You hear a familiar tone that you tried to avoid at all costs but here and now there was nowhere to run.

"Somehow you seem more insufferable as the days drag on." you state clearly annoyed at his teasing. You didn't spare him a glance but could hear his army boots hitting the floor as he sauntered ever closer. He comes to sit on the balls of his feet in front of you both, his arm carelessly laying over the side of the box and he eats his cookie.

"Well, I'd say t got better but then, technically, I'd be lying." Sarcasm dripped from every word that spilled from his mouth and for some reason it was always just the right thing to get under your skin. Damon was the constant irritation in the back of your mind, the fly buzzing in your ear, or the thorn from a cactus that you simply can't seem to find. He was fast, smart, and dangerous, your typical girls dream and her father's worst nightmare.

As Damon continued his teasing and sarcastic remarks, you felt your frustration growing. He had a knack for pushing your buttons, and it seemed like he took great pleasure in doing so. Ayame shot Damon a disapproving look before turning her attention back to you.

"Don't listen to him," Ayame said reassuringly, her voice softer and more empathetic than Damon's.

You appreciated Ayame's understanding, but Damon's presence was like a dark cloud that overshadowed any comfort you might find in her words. Despite your annoyance, there was something magnetic about him, and you couldn't deny the strange allure he held over you.

Damon flashed you a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying the effect he had on you. "Oh, don't mind me," he said, taking another bite of his cookie. "I'm just here to provide some entertainment."

"I don't need your entertainment," you replied tersely, trying to maintain your composure.

"Come on now, don't be so cold," Damon teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. "I'm just trying to brighten up your day. You look like you could use a good laugh."

His comment hit a nerve, and you felt the tears welling up again. "I'm not feeling well, I'm going to go lay down." You say standing and brushing yourself off in a crude attempt to wipe away the anger you were feeling.

"If you aren't feeling well maybe you should go see- " You assured her that you just needed to lay down and you'd be feeling much better later. As you walked closer to the loading docks doors you could hear her scold him and make him take your place in cleaning up the spilled boxes. There was very little left to do before take-off and you were sure that the rest of the crew was more than capable of handling it.

You stepped out of the loading docks and into the corridor, the weight of the recent events and the encounter with Damon still weighing heavily on your mind. Each step back to your room felt like a struggle, as if an invisible force tried to hold you back, preventing you from finding solace. The ship's corridors were usually bustling with activity, but now they seemed eerily quiet, amplifying the isolation you felt.

As you walked, the memories of happier times with your family flooded your thoughts again. You yearned to turn back the clock, to undo the irreversible events that led you to this desolate state. But life doesn't offer second chances, and you were left grappling with the unyielding reality that you were alone on this journey.

The darkness in your thoughts intensified, as if the ship itself conspired to push you further into the abyss of despair. Every flickering light seemed to mirror the fleeting hope within you, only to be swallowed by the all-encompassing darkness once more. The walls felt like they were closing in, suffocating you in the silence and solitude.

As you passed by the crew members going about their tasks, their laughter and camaraderie felt distant, almost alien. It was a stark reminder of the chasm between you and everyone else. They had their bonds and relationships, but you were merely a passing shadow in their lives.

You finally reached your room, a small, confined space that now felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. The walls seemed to close in even tighter as you entered, and you collapsed on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The weight of your emotions pressed down on you, threatening to crush whatever hope was left in your heart.

In the solitude of your room, your mind revisited the memories that brought you pain. Each thought was a knife, piercing your heart, and you couldn't escape the relentless assault of grief and loss. The past was an unyielding captor, unwilling to release you from its grip.

As time passed, the ship's engines hummed with a low, rhythmic sound, a constant reminder of the journey forward. But as much as the ship moved physically, you felt emotionally stagnant, trapped in a cycle of despair that seemed never-ending.

The darkness outside the small window mirrored the darkness within you. Your heart longed for healing, for light to break through the gloom and show you a path forward. But in the grip of your grief, it was hard to see beyond the overwhelming emotions that engulfed you.

You know how to fix this. The voice in your head began, it liked to haunt you, to taunt you in these times. "No." You groaned out rolling over onto your side to stare blankly at the drawing from bash that were scattered among the walls.

Why not? No one will know and if it makes it go away then no harm. No harm what a laugh. Unhealthy habits die hard, that's what you'd learned to tell yourself. You'd tried the ice and salt, you'd tried drawing on your arms with markers, even snapping yourself with a rubber band but nothing really helped. Not like that use to.

Exactly, so why not one last time? Your thoughts were louder now, more confident, snider. Your body seemed to move of its own accord, plopping down into chair in front of yourself and opening the drawer to your left. That was the desk you kept your art supplies, your drawing pad, and the knife Damon had given you. "For protection," He'd said.

The sound of the lights buzzing overheard spilled over into your thoughts as you pondered the decision you were about to make, the fall from grace you were about to have. You grabbed the knife and laid it flat on the table, running your thumb over the smooth metal. You had cut your wrists before but this would be different. Different because it'd been 3 long years of sobriety you'd be looking in the face and ignoring.

The thought of all the pain you were about to put yourself through was almost enough to stop you. Your hands trembled as you held the knife, ready to make your last cut. Your breath hitched and you felt a wave of nausea wash over you.

That's it, do it. Let yourself have that relief, give yourself one last break. The voice taunted you, "It's not a break, I'll be in control." You replied out loud, your grip tightening on the handle. You began to rub it up and down the inside of your left wrist, creating a light, teasing cut. Your hands began to shake again, and your stomach churned as the blade danced across your flesh.

You were going to hurt, but you would survive. The pain was temporary, the freedom from the torment was worth every second of agony. You closed your eyes, trying to block out all thoughts and just feel. One became two, two became five, and soon your arm looked like a cutting board, but it isn't hurt and neither did your heart any longer.

A knock on your door draws you from world you'd created in your mind, suddenly reality hits you like an ocean wave. "Uh- One second!" You managed to get out in a shaky voice, suddenly feeling guilty and embarrassed about what you'd been doing. You weren't ashamed of cutting or why you did it but you were still worried about what others might think of you.

You grabbed some tissues and did your best to clean your arm, though it was already starting to bruise and looked quite bloody. You put the knife away and turned your attention to your door again. You weren't in the mood for company, but it was probably Ayame again. Hastily you wrap tissue around your arm and throw on your jacket before walking over to your door and hitting the panel to open.

If it had been Aya you would have been prepared even a little aggravated but when your eyes met the deep blues of Captain Lynch's you froze like a deer in head lights and instinctively hide your arm behind your back.

"Can I come in?" He ask in an exasperated huff of air. You're not sure why he's here, but you certainly weren't going to turn down a chance to talk to him.

"Sure," You reply as you move out of the doorway to allow him in, "what can I do for you?" You ask again, this time a little more awkwardly.

He walks in examining your room as if he were the judge of some show. "Its been brought to my attention that I've been unnecessarily cruel to you and I'm here to apologize." He says finally turning to address you.

"Ayame really laid into you didn't she." You say jokingly crossing the room and sitting in the desk chair you'd just been in, you notice the drawer still slightly ajar and shut it quickly before responding. He gives you a look as if to say,  yes you are correct while running his fingers over the leaves of the plant Ryona had given you to keep you company.

"Well, no harm no foul right." You say nonchalantly hoping he'd take that as his cue to scurry off back to his big chair that sits smack dab in the middle of the control room. "It's also been brought to my attention that you've been isolating yourself in your room more often then usual," he says, again eyeing your room with an inquisitive gaze. "And I feel like I may have added to that," he continues and sits down in the small chair in front of your desk. "I think I need to tell you something."

You aren't sure what to say or do at this point, you can feel your heart pounding in your chest, you can feel the butterflies in your stomach, but you can't help but feel like this is going to end badly. You want to speak up, but you can't seem to find the words to say, you can't seem to break out of the silence you've become trapped in.

Thankfully you were both interrupted by Ayame calling Captain Lynch to the front and for the first time in what seemed like forever you took a breath. "Seems like that need you on the bridge." You say under your breath trying to avoid eye contact.

"Indeed," he says getting up from the chair and looking out the window. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for being so harsh with you. I didn't know you'd lost your family or that your father was such an asshole." You cleared your throat uncomfortably and turned away without another word. Seeing as the conversation had struck its natural conclusion he took his leave.

The trip was going to be a long one, but you weren't ready to open up and be vulnerable. You knew you needed to but you didn't want to, it was a lot easier to just keep everything to yourself. But eventually the dam would break, and when it did it would be catastrophic.

As you made your way back to the small window in your room, you could hear the ship's engines begin to turn on and rumble to life and it wasn't too long after that they everyone was called to the bridge to be strapped in. On the bridge, Ayame and Captain Lynch were busy preparing for the ship's departure. Ayame was preparing the system for flight while the captain sat in his big chair, observing everything with a watchful eye. As you entered, they both acknowledged you, but you kept your distance, not wanting to engage in any conversation at the moment.

"Well if it isn't the recluse." You could hear Damon say as he waltzes up behind you. You turn to face Damon, His sly grin only added to your already troubled mood. "The walls of your room must miss you," he adds with a chuckle.

Rolling your eyes, you try to brush off his teasing. "Yeah, well, I prefer my own company," you retort, trying to keep the conversation short.

Damon raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by your response. "Sure, sure, the great mystery of the galaxy brooding in their room," he replies, feigning drama. "But seriously, are you ever going to join us normal people on the bridge? You know, to witness the beauty of space or something."

You clench your jaw, feeling more agitated by his taunts. "I'll be there when I feel like it," you mutter, attempting to move past him and head to the bridge.

However, Damon steps in front of you, blocking your path. "Now, now, don't get all huffy," he smirks, placing a hand on his chest in mock innocence. "We just miss having you around, that's all. It's been so happy without your emo vibes."

The comment hits you like a punch to the gut, and you can feel the anger boiling within you. "Happy without my 'emo vibes'? You've got a real talent for being a jerk, Damon," you snap, unable to hide your irritation anymore.

Damon's grin falters for a moment, seemingly surprised by your reaction, but it quickly returns as he brushes it off. "Whoa there, calm down," he says, trying to act nonchalant. "Just trying to lighten the mood, you know."

"Yeah, well, maybe pick a different approach next time," you retort, taking a step back, ready to leave. The last thing you want is to spend any more time dealing with Damon's antics.

But just as you turn to walk away, Damon reaches out and grabs your wrist firmly causing you to yank it back with a yelp of pain. The room froze and everyone seemed to stop and look towards you and Damon. You'd instinctively grabbed your wrist and begun to hold it to your chest as your eyes glanced over the many other pairs of eyes that now watched you both.

"You're bleeding." the captain says, rising from his chair but you take another step back towards the door. Your world seemed to be collapsing around you with every second that passed. The room fell silent as everyone watched the tense interaction between you and Damon. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and anger mixed with fear was bubbling inside you. The pain in your wrist seemed to intensify as you held it against your chest, trying to hide it from everyone's view.

Captain Lynch took a step forward, his expression now serious and concerned. "Are you alright? Let me see your wrist," he said gently, extending a hand towards you.

"No, I'm fine," you replied, trying to muster up a brave front, but your voice quivered slightly.

Damon's earlier smirk was replaced with a look of genuine concern, and maybe even anger, "He wasn't asking." at this moment you were more afraid of the look Damon was giving you then the man twice his size that was still reaching out to your arm.

"I said no!" was all you said before turning around sprinting out the door and down the metal corridors.

As you ran through the corridors, your heart was pounding in your chest, and your mind was racing with a mix of emotions. Fear, anger, and confusion all tangled together, making it hard to think clearly. You had to get away from Damon and everyone else, finding solace and safety in the only place you knew—the familiarity of your own room.

You sprinted through the ship, your mind solely focused on reaching the sanctuary of your quarters. Tears blurred your vision, but you refused to let them fall. You didn't want to be seen like this, weak and vulnerable. As you approached your room, you fumbled with the panel to open the door, your hands trembling from the adrenaline rushing through your body.

Once inside you let them come to a close and lock the doors behind you, sliding down against it until you were sitting on the floor. Your breaths were ragged, and you finally allowed the tears to flow freely down your cheeks. The pain in your wrist, both physical and emotional, felt overwhelming.

You didn't understand why Damon's actions had affected you so deeply. Yes, he was rude and insensitive, but there was something about his grab that triggered a painful memory, reminding you of your past and the loss you had endured. Your father's abusive behavior flashed before your eyes, and the wounds that had never fully healed were ripped open once more.

Feeling the weight of your emotions becoming too much to bear, you reached for the small plant that Ryona had given you. Holding it close to your chest, you tried to find some comfort in its presence, as if its mere existence could help soothe the turmoil inside you.

As time passed, the commotion outside your room died down, and the ship's engines hummed steadily. You could still hear faint voices, but you did your best to block them out. You didn't want to confront anyone right now, especially not Damon or Captain Lynch.

It wasn't long before there was a soft knock on your door. You didn't respond, hoping that whoever it was would assume you were busy or resting. After a while they went away and you were left in silence again, watching the stars pass by had helped some but the constant wrenching of your heart seemed to only grow as the moments passed. It was late enough that no one would be awake and there was always one place you liked to go.

You dragged yourself from your bed and changed the bandages on your arms before leaving your room as quietly as possible. The halls were dark, and most were already snug in their beds and attempting to sleep over the noise of the engine. Finally, you made it to the lower levels of the ship, just before you reach the dock, there was a large window that seemed to jut out of the side of the ship. When sitting there you almost feel as if you're floating through space in your own bubble.

You sat by the large window, your knees pulled up to your chest, and your arms wrapped around them. The stars outside flickered, painting the vast canvas of space with their distant light. The gentle hum of the ship's engines provided a comforting background noise, lulling you into a sense of peace despite the turmoil within.

You stared out into the endless void, lost in thought. The events of the day, the confrontation with Damon, and the unexpected interaction with Captain Lynch weighed heavily on your mind. You couldn't help but replay the memories of your past, the painful moments you had tried so hard to bury.

Deep down, you knew that running away from your emotions wouldn't solve anything. You needed to confront the pain, the anger, and the fear that you had been carrying for so long. But it was easier said than done. Opening up, being vulnerable, and facing the past was terrifying, and you weren't sure if you were ready for it.

As you sat there, you heard footsteps approaching. You didn't turn around; you didn't need to know who it was. Part of you hoped it was Ayame, understanding and compassionate, but another part feared it might be Damon or even Captain Lynch, wanting to address what had happened earlier.

The footsteps halted behind you, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, a voice broke through, hesitant and awkward. "I'm sorry," Captain Lynch said softly. This made you turn and glance at him from over your shoulder, he wasn't clad in his usual uniform, instead he wore a simple t-shirt and joggers. Like this he seemed far less intimidating than before.

"Why are you apologizing?" You took a deep breath, trying to steady your emotions before responding. "It's not your fault," you said, your voice catching slightly.

Captain Lynch hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching yours for the right words to say. "I should have handled the situation with Damon better. I shouldn't have let it escalate to the point where you felt the need to run away," he admitted, his voice carrying a tinge of regret.

You turned your gaze back to the stars, finding some comfort in the distant lights that seemed to listen without judgment. "It's not your responsibility to babysit me or control how others behave," you replied, trying to sound strong, but your voice wavered.

He sat down beside you, his eyes also fixed on the cosmic expanse. Seeing him like this next to you made him seem comedically bigger than everything around him and it made you smile.  "Maybe not, but I care about the crew, and I care about you," he said quietly.

What? He what? "Captain listen-" You began but he stopped you short.

"Calderon." He corrected his eyes still firmly fixed ahead of him.

"Calderon." You repeated. "I really appreciate it, and I hope we can put this behind us but I think we both know that it won't happen." You confess trying not to sound bitter about it. "So you can just drop me off the next planet you get to and I'll figure the rest out. "

You sigh turning away from him and back towards the window. You could feel a lump forming in your throat and you felt the tears threatening to spill over once more. You wouldn't be able to hide your feelings much longer and the last thing you wanted was for him to see you break.

"I don't want to drop you off," Calderon says softly. "I want you to stay. I want to help you."

"Why? Why would you want to help me?" You ask with a shaky voice. "I'm not worth it."

Calderon reached out and gently brushed his fingers across your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. You couldn't help but blush at the unexpected contact and looked up into his soft blue eyes. "You're worth it. And I want to help you because I like you." Calderon says softly.

You weren't sure what to say, how do you respond to that, "You can't just say stuff like that." Was all you could muster.

"Ok well, A. I'm the captain and last i checked I can say what I want. " He says wearing a smug smile, you could see he was looking at you from the corner of his eyes and you were sure he could notice the steady blush talking over your cheeks.

"And B?" You question, feeling a bit emboldened.

"Well, I guess you'll have to find that out," he said with a sly grin. You could feel your face burning as you tried to look away from him, and he chuckled softly before standing up and holding out his hand to help you up.

"I'll let you get back to your brooding, but I'd like you to talk Ryona about your arm." he said but once you were standing again you simply shook your head.

"I'm ok." you say, holding your arm close to your body again. He gave you a knowing look but nodded and left you to your thoughts.

***

When you began to make it back to your room, you tried your best to compose yourself, using your jacket sleeves to muffle your sniffles. You couldn't believe what had happened, but you couldn't help the feelings it stirred within you. He liked you? You couldn't help but replay those words in your head. It was one thing for him to say it happenstancely, but he'd really said it.

It took all your willpower not to run down the hall screaming that he likes you, you like him, it was a perfect   moment. And yet, it made you feel even more conflicted. The conflict was part of the reason you'd been avoiding everyone. The thought of everyone knowing about the pain you carried, the memories that haunted you, terrified you. You weren't ready to face it, to confront it, not yet.

You knew you needed to speak with Ryona about your arm, you could see the bruises forming and the blood from the cuts seeping through. You walked over to the door and pressed the panel to open it, maybe tomorrow.

As the door slid open, your breath caught in your throat and your face burned with embarrassment. Your bed was a mess and clothes were strewn all over the floor. Damon had been through your things, going through your private things. You were about to let out a yell of anger and frustration when you saw Damon standing beside your desk, holding up the knife you'd used to hurt yourself before.

"I told you to be careful with it, " he was definitely not his normal cocky and charming self. No he was angry, more angry then you'd ever seen him.

You took a step towards him, clenching your fists. "Why were you going through my things? What the fuck is wrong with you?" You felt the heat rise to your face again as your frustration boiled over. You had a lot of things you wanted to say, a lot of emotions you wanted to release, but none of them seemed to make it past your lips.

Damon turned around to face you, his own hands clenched into tight fists. "Why were you cutting yourself with this?" He asked, his tone even more angry. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? Did you think I wouldn't care?"

"I thought you'd be happy about it," you fired back, "you're always picking on me, teasing me, so you'd think this would be your opportunity to have a good laugh at my expense."

"So, what, you think I'm an asshole then? I thought you were better than that," he said, stepping closer to you. "You think I want to watch you hurt yourself?"

"Well, that's what you seem to do isn't it? Tease me, make me angry, get me so worked up I have to hurt myself to calm down!" You could hear the anger in your voice, but it was nothing compared to the anger you could feel coming off of Damon.

"Don't fucking turn this on me," he says, his voice shaking with anger. "You can't use me as an excuse.

"I am not blaming you for this, dammit," you snap, "and yes, I am blaming you! You're the one who brought it up, you're the one who started this whole thing by teasing me."

"I didn't mean for you to take it this far," he says, "I didn't realize..."

You wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him in his moment of weakness, why? Why did you want to comfort those who hurt you, you'd never know.

"It's not your fault. I shouldn't have taken it this far. But I couldn't help it, I just...I needed to let it go, you're so fucking infuriating sometimes. So, you're right, it's not your fault. I just couldn't stop myself." You said, trying to force the words out.

He looked at you for a moment, and you could see his eyes searching yours. "I'm sorry," he said, reaching out to touch your cheek, but pulling his hand back in the next instant.

"You're not the only one," you said softly. "I'm sorry too. I should have talked to you, but I wasn't ready."

"No, I should have stopped this from happening," he said, his voice breaking.

"I know, but it just got out of hand." You sighed, rubbing your face. "I need to get to bed." You said, moving towards the door. "Good night, Damon." But before you had a chance his hand grabbed yours and in an instant the world became still.

You could feel your heart beating in your ears and every nerve in your body felt electrified. You could feel the air around you change. You could smell the warm sugary like scent that hung in the air, feel the warmth of his skin on yours.

He became close, so close you could feel his breath against your neck and the gentle brush of his lips. His hand gripped yours and you felt a surge of power run through your veins.

"You know I don't like it." He says quietly, almost so softly you couldn't hear it. "When you cut yourself." His cologne was intoxicating mixed with the smell of his shampoo from his normal evening shower.

You swallowed hard and nodded, "I know." You said softly.

"I-." He seems to struggle to voice his feelings, his voice a whisper that barely reaches your ears. "I want you." His hands had left yours and begun to grip the fabric of your shirt on either side of you. "I want to stay. " Like this he almost seemed like a pouting child.

You felt the softness of his lips as they touched the back of your ear, his hands running over your sides. If you weren't red before you certainly were now. This might was confusing, Damon and his feelings are confusing, but you'd be lying if you said you'd hadn't thought about him saying those words to you before.

"O-ok." Was all you could manage. For the first time ever you hugged him and he hugged you back. Never had his walls tumble down so far but tonight something had shook him to his core, the thought that he might lose you and it would be his fault.

"I'll sleep here with you," he said softly. "I won't let you do that again." He said, his hands sliding up to cup your face, his thumb brushing across your lips. "Please, don't hurt yourself anymore." He said, his eyes begging you to understand.

Your heart was pounding, and your cheeks were flushed. "Ok." You whispered.

[inkedinthedas]

Chapter 1 of Stars in Thedas

                “Ugh….” I groaned, the ground was cold, and hard. Almost like… Metal? It was silent, not a single sound to be heard. I opened my eyes to see that wherever I was, it was dark. Fear. Fear struck me, hard. Where am I? What happened? Who… am I?

                Thoughts ran through my head, faster than I could comprehend. I didn’t know who I even was?! I searched for something, it was so dark though, I couldn’t even make out silhouettes. All I could see was a light emitting from underneath a doorway. Then there must be a way out! I frantically searched for a handle, reaching for what I presumed was a door. Finally, gripping the handle, I pulled the door open only to be met with a knife to my throat.

                “Who the FUCK are you?!” A man with dark, almost onyx hair held a knife to my throat. He had very clear intentions if I didn’t answer in a timely manner. I gulped, shaking my head in confusion, “Don’t give me that shit. Who are you? How long have you been on our ship?” I stood there in fear. I couldn’t move, much less get a word out.

                Finally, I pushed myself to speak, “P-Please…. I don’ t know where I am or how I got here. I don’t know my name….” I stared the man in his eyes, his eyes were a very ocean blue. But they were cold. Please… Please believe me… He grabbed me by the arm roughly.

                “Fine-“He released his grip suddenly. His hand was covered in blood. MY blood. I panicked, looking at my arm where he grabbed me. Not only was my arm bloody, but it was everywhere! Was this my blood? Or someone else’s? I felt sick, my stomach churning. I started to lose my balance, but he grabbed me again, “You’re going to our medic, Ryona. I can’t let you bleed all over the place and mess up the ship.” I sighed in relief, at least I’ll be away from him.

                He walked me down a long hallway, still holding his knife out towards me. The walls were… interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this, these walls were unique. At least, I think they are. It was cold, maybe it was from loss of blood, but I don’t think I belong here. Finally, we reached a door, he scanned what looked like a piece of metal and the door slid open. That’s… new.  He hurried me through the doorway and handed me over to a very pretty, lightly blue skinned woman. Her silver hair and golden eyes caught my attention. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen someone like her.

                She had a soft expression, until she seen me. She looked at the man holding me, “Damon, who is this? I’ve never seen her before, and the captain never mentioned a new crewmate.” He shook his head, pushing me towards her.

                “She was hiding out in our storage room. Won’t tell me her name or how long she’s been there, but she’s drenched in blood. I figured you could look her over before I give her over to him.” Who is him? Is it this captain the blue lady mentioned? I stayed quiet, really, I couldn’t help it. My throat was so dry that speaking would be almost impossible truly.

                Suddenly, she touched my hand, her hand was warm and soft. I didn’t feel unsafe. She smiled softly at me, “What is your name?” I shook my head; I really had no idea. She frowned in response, “Come, sit on the bed and I’ll check over you for any wounds.” I obliged, taking a seat on a plush-like bed. I’ve never seen anything like this. It was so clean, white and smooth. The whole room smelled lovely, almost like flowers in a sense. But different. It soothed me, I didn’t feel in danger here.

                She walked back over to me, “My name is Ryona, I’m sure Damon already informed you though. Do you feel any pain anywhere?” I shook my head.

                “No. Nothing hur-“I coughed when speaking, my throat felt like sand was gliding down it. She turned from me, walking over to her counter. She poured me a small cup of water and handed it back to me. I quickly gulped it down and smiled at her as a ‘Thank you’. She smiled back.

                “How did you end up in our storage? You… don’t look like you’re from any planet we’ve recently been to.” I tiled my head, then looked down at my clothing. Oh. I’m wearing robes of some type. They were very torn, it’s hard to see if they resembled anything. She smiled at me softly, “I’ll get you a new set of clothing. You need it.” She chuckled a little. She started removing my clothing, revealing several gashes along my arm, and side.

                “I didn’t feel these.” I said while wincing as she applied medicine to them. She was gentle about it, making sure she didn’t cause any more unnecessary pain. She patched up my wounds, then gave me medication she said would ease any leftover pain. I felt a lot better. She then pulled a chair to sit in front of me and looked up at me.

                “Let’s see if we can get a name going somewhere. Do you know where you’re from?” I shook my head, she nodded in response, “We’ll get there. Try and think hard. See if there’s a name somewhere in there.” I closed my eyes, searching for something, anything. There! It’s on the tip of my tongue, sitting for a moment, thinking a little longer. A word came off my tongue.

                “My name is Yvette Amell.” Ryona’s eyes brightened, and she smiled at me. She nodded and put her hands together. Finally, a little bit of something.

“There we go! Yvette, that’s a very pretty name.”  She stood up, signaling me to follow her, “Let’s go talk to the captain. He won’t be happy to know that someone might’ve been camping out on our ship, but Ayame won’t let him be too harsh on you.” I got up slowly, feeling sick again, but followed her down the hallway once again. Crossing what looked like a bridge, we came to a big metal door. She scanned another piece of metal like the last guy had and the door slid open. There was what I presumed to be, the captain. Very tall, blonde with deep blue eyes. He turned to look at me, his eyes piercing through my soul. I gulped.

“Who the hell are you?” I froze, unable to speak. Damon approached me, grinning.

“This is the stowaway I told you I found in the storage.” He turned to face the captain. The captain approached me, looking down at me with a stern look. He frowned, almost seeming like he wanted to growl before looking at Ryona. She turned to look at the floor before looking at me. She smiled, trying to let me know it was okay. But it wasn’t okay.

“I’m not fond of people hitching rides for nothing. What is your name?” The captain spoke with what felt like fire in his voice.

“My name is… Yvette.” I mumbled the last bit a little, but he still heard me. I kept eye contact, looking away would mean certain death, I’m sure.

“Well, ‘Yvette’. I’m Captain Calderon Lynch. I run this ship, and I don’t like stowaways.” He looked me up and down, stopping at the bandages that had been freshly put on me, “You were hurt? Is that why you hid here? To get away from whatever danger you were dealing with? You could’ve caused us to be followed!” I flinched at him, raising his voice.

“No… I don’t know how I ended up there… I just woke up.” I tried to explain myself, but he squinted at me. Obviously not believing a damn word that came out of my mouth. I couldn’t help but look past him though, the…. Stars? They’re everywhere! Oh no… the bile... I vomited all over the captain’s shoes. I quickly looked at him, “I-I-I’m so sorry! I don’t kno- “

“Quiet! Ugh, what the hell?! First, you show up on MY ship, second, you’ve possibly caused us to be in danger and now you just… threw UP all over me! Ryona, get her to the empty room. She’s being dropped off on the first planet we land on.”  I looked over at her, she motioned me out of the room.

She dropped me off at a small room with a single bed, sort of embedded into the wall. There was a table with a chair in the corner. Small, but I’m okay with that. She left me with some tiny capsules that she said would help me feel better and settle my stomach. I took a deep breath before collapsing onto the not-so-comfortable bed. It only took but a moment before I drifted off into sleep. Wherever I am… I need to figure out where my home is.

[loxare]

Good omens 2 ep 1 thots under the cut!

CROWLEY LOOKS!!! SO HAPPY!!!!!! MAKING HIS NEBULA!!!!!!!!! I'm so sad he got the wind taken out of his sails. And I know exactly how much trouble he got in just for asking a few questions. Theory: God is omniscient, and as such knew Crowley needed to be a demon to save the Earth. It sucks, but it's growth for both him and Aziraphale, who needed to learn to duck around the rules, and growth tends to hurt. I'm just sad Crowley got hit that hard

Aziraphale only valid landlord???

Crowley ornithologist?????

Wait, why is the mail getting delivered to the Bentley rather than Crowley's apartment? What happened to his plants? Is he just never in his apartment so it's better to deliver to the car?

Record shop coffee shop ff slow burn

John Hamm's john & hamms are on display

This is unrelated to GO but I made wonton soup to eat while watching this and it is very good. Mmmm

Those poor tomatoes

Aziraphale's music interrupted by nudity and amnesia

Oh god heaven still hurts my eye holes. So shiny

No one tell naked amnesiac Gabriel about the existence of twins

Someone get him some pants. Aziraphale please get him some pants not just a blanket. What if he stands up?

Trailer ship bait line is a good line. Aziraphale thinks of Crowley and goes all soft

"The thing" is probably the box that was doing a lot of heavy lifting to keep this show PG, that was also dropped when the door opened and left in the street. Someone should probably go pick that up before someone else takes it

Ah. Good, it's still there

Oh her name is Shax. Neat! I love Crowley's hair swirlies. The ones on top. They're nice

Gabriel's Jim's terrible short term memory will absolutely be remembering Gabriel and not retaining anything else

The reaction to a bit of litter in heaven is killing me

So Crowley is one of those coffee drinkers. Also, if I were the record shop lady, I'd bake Aziraphale a thank you cake

Getting tired of writing out all the names, sk they're just A and C now

Oh no, the coffee shop lady is taken. Poor record shop lady

Blanket toga is not a substitute for clothes

I thought "ask him properly" would lead to some magic angel stuff, not asking more aggressively

ARGUMENTS. I feel like A is playing on the time last season when C left, saying he was going to go to another galaxy (Andromeda?) and then ended up regretting that. To clarify, I'm currently paused so I haven't heard C's response yet so this entire paragraph could become moot

I feel like C's going through some stuff that he hasn't told A about

Man drinks six shots of espresso, spontaneously combusts, gets struck by lightning

The relationship and circumstances around these two shop keepers is so fanfiction. If they don't get together, I hope they can spend the time trapped in this coffee shop bonding and becoming besties. Also, there should be a manual override for the security system. Not having one is stupid, because of things like this. What if they were trapped in the record shop instead, and there was no readily available food? An internal manual override is crucial

I like Micheal's sleeve cuffs

Ooo, disabled angel!

Muriel I hope you get some confidence. And also I want your skirt

Small bit of litter confuses and confounds angels

Oh, wonder why Beelzebub got recast. (Don't go out of your way to look it up I don't care enough to check myself and definitely not enough to inconvenience someone else)

So. The conflict here is that C could give up Jim, get a promotion and that's a problem taken off his hands, but A would be mad at him. Or, he could do not that and risk both him and A getting erased from existence entirely, which will uh, make it so the apocalypse last season did not get stopped. Oh boy

Oh this coffee shop lady does not care for records. At all

Crowley "my bad" actually made me die laughing so that was excellent and also my ghost is now typing this

Oh I do not care for the tone of Lindsay's texts. At all. Nina you deserve better. I do like the format of the texts coming up though. The paper and red pen makes it seem a lot more personal and angry and uh. Not good.

One of those said "remember what we said about mutual respect" and blowing up your partner's phone angrily because they're late isn't respect, which is necessary in the "mutual" bit of mutual respect. I would personally be concerned that something had happened. Maybe walk down and see if they're alright. Assume that their phone had died maybe, idk

A: glasses on. C: glasses off

"You were right" does not contain the word sorry and oh good, A knows that. Oh there's a dance? 👀

Why. Why do they do that. This is hilarious, but I feel like it makes it more difficult to apologize for things if there's a humiliating dance involved. Which also still doesn't contain the word sorry

Jim go back upstairs. Also, why does he still not have clothes?

See, in the trailer, Muriel didn't recognize Gabriel, and I thought that was just because they've never met. Interesting to see that, no, there's an active reason for that

Being persona non grata with heaven means A isn't allowed to do miracles anymore? Or just that the miracles he does are more heavily scrutinized?

Ah, the old "immediate proof that the last thing said was completely wrong" trope. Also, weird seeing heaven with a red filter

Ah. Bit of warning for people sensitive to flashing lights. I don't think this flashes fast enough, it's a hard cut between red filtered heaven and white heaven, with a second or two between each cut. But like. Go carefully. It only lasts for a bit and there aren't too many interesting visuals during it. Right after C says "no one will have noticed a thing", stops when Uriel asks for the alarm to stop

Oh A. Can't stay out of trouble to save his life

All in all, I liked it a lot! I'm looking forward to the hijinks A&C get into, I really want to know why C's mood is so foul rn when he was generally cheery at the end of last season, or as cheery as he gets, wondering about all the empty boxes. One empty box is fine, but two? Suspicious. Hoping Nina dumps Lindsay, has a nice long recovery period where she can enjoy being herself, and then gets together with record shop lady, whose name I will remember sometime probably. But I'm out of soup, out of tea, and out of excuses to not pull nails from my wall, so I'm gonna go do that now

[suzyq31]

21. most memorable comment/review? ❤️❤️

I've honestly been so lucky with some regular lovely reviewers. It's hard to pick, but one that really made me tear up (in a good way), was this one (sorry it's long, also putting under the cut as it has spoilers for Maybe Tomorrow)

A wonderful conclusion to an outstanding fic.

It is with some trepidation that I have to pay you the compliment that it's obvious you are somewhat outside of what I've come to expect of most fanfiction writers. It is not meant to be insulting, but most of them are just so very young. Contrast that with the absolutely masterful way you have pulled on heartstrings and breathed life into the pages here, and every word shows you to be someone who has genuinely lived.

Your characters are some of the most realistic and intriguing depictions in the HP fandom I have ever seen. The careful picking and choosing of your phrasing and which details are given suggest so much beneath the surface, without falling into the trap of overexplaining everything. Ron as the genuine friend that is allowed to have sadness over his own what ifs without letting it jeopradize his friendship. Andromeda - despite her brief appearance - being characterised through the eyes of others and having the reader's introduction to her be so *right* as the wizened and grandmotherly type that is nonetheless sharp and present.

Finally, the true standout performance, are the children. I am a father to a six year old girl, and I can confidently say that in reading millions of words of fanfiction last year, you are by far the most accurate when it comes to depicting the behaviors and thoughts of children around that age. The raw love, the way their bodies and minds work in good and bad moments, the chaos and attention.

Finally, your descriptions of atmosphere (simply beautiful prose, outstanding command of pacing and balacing exposition and dialoge, not to mention the quality of said dialogue) and the thoughtful angles in the reflections of your characters were superb. The not-quite-dead scene, which I somewhat dreaded as soon as I recognized it (it *is* remarkable how that type of scene just seems to invite terrible writing) was Siriusly wonderful, adding a depth and comfort that feels entirely at home with the relationship this version of Harry would have had with him. The way most dialogues seem to be lifted out of actual conversation rather than two robots reading lines, with all the non sequiturs, banter, and desultory nonsense that actual humans that know each other well base most of their conversations on.

Selfishly, I am somewhat disappointed this is the end of (this part of-) Maybe Tomorrow. Please accept my warmest wishes for the new year, and sincere gratitude for sharing your work with us. I cannot wait to spend more time in the gardens of your creation.

[alexaplaysgames]

Touch

Pairing: June x GN!Traveller 

Description: His mind soothed by your everlasting touch.

Rating: M

The softness of your hands could smooth diamonds to dust.

The heat in your gaze could boil precious metals; your adoration could bring Eros to his knees. With every soft caress of your palms, like warm wind over the valleys and gentle slopes of his body, touched golden by light, your light, June can only think that he has never been touched like this.

Touched, and been touched, he has, with hands that cut like steel and bit like the maw of a starved beast. Those touches have been seared into his skin; reflected between mirror and iris, he has read the words written on has body as pain and hurt. Each time he turned from his reflection with a ripple of disgust, thus he has grown to believe he always deserved those touches and stifled the ache in his stomach, snuffed out the flame of his desire for anything minutely more.

Then you arose from the ashes like a phoenix and brought with you everything he has ever, no, never, wanted. Who was he to fall to your feet, when all he had to offer you was the broken pieces of something that had never been?

All too happy to take those pieces and stitch them back together, you were, your careful hand sewing thread between the aching cracks of his skin. Such surgical precision, to him, was no stranger, yet the way in which you worked rivalled every memory of white coats and anesthetic in his mind.

“June,” you breath his name into the flesh of his hip, lips grazing over sun-kissed skin.

How you can take one syllable and overflow it with an ocean of hidden meaning, he knows not. He knows only the sweet press of your mouth in this moment, your molten breath seeping into the crevices and setting fire to his veins.

You’ll take his poison and set in aflame, he hopes. Let your heat drive out the toxins which lie dormant in his blood, flip him inside out and give to him with your touch the sweet sanctity of rebirth.

He wants to be made new by you.

You drift with the softness of a gentle wave over the expanse of his skin, find a new target in his scars. Through clenched fist he cannot hide the way he jolts under your tracing tongue, memories threatening crushed ribs with their heavy weight upon his chest.

Your fingertips say, “I’m here” and your lips speak of comfort. The heady tranquility of everything that is you makes calm his rapidly beating heart. When next met with his own reflection, he’ll look upon his scars and think nothing but this, of you, all-encompassing and whole.

His hate for himself will be forgotten. His love will seep into you and then bleed back into him, until your equilibrium is infinite, and his mind soothed by your everlasting touch.

Notes: This was just a short lil’ thing I wrote to try and get my motivation to write back so I hope y’all enjoy :) I’ll have more A6 soon.

Taglist: @amlovelies @writersgonefishing @oatssss @kimberrrrr @femmeshep @serana-spring

[loukja]

If he came back - Vexx/Reader

What if you had not tried to run, but Vexx came back for you at the day of the wedding?

The light in the hidden hallway was dim, but the music still reached your ears, reminding you of the last time you had been dancing all dressed up in fancy clothes. Back then you had also ended up hiding in this hallway, but you had not been alone. Vexx had been there with you, pressed close, his breath on your face.

Don’t think about it, you told yourself firmly. Instead you wondered how long you could stay here until someone – probably your new guard – would start to miss you. No one really needed you there, though. Nerissa was always engaged in some serious talk with important people and the rest of your siblings did their best to ignore you. Oh, damn it, damn not thinking about him, you really missed Vexx terribly and everything would be so much better if…

“Your Highness!”

You snapped to attention and stared disbelievingly at the tall figure who was rushing toward you. It couldn’t be. This was just your imagination, fuelled by longing and running wild. He could not really be here.

“What the bloody hell are you doing back here? I thought I’d never find you!”

But he was. You were still just staring at him, mouth agape, as he grabbed your shoulders, looking you up and down.

“Are you alright, highness?”

“I… yes?” you, too, looked him over. He wasn’t in his plain guard’s uniform, but in street clothes and he was carrying a rifle slung over his shoulder. His gaze held none of the warmness or mischief you were used to seeing in it, instead it was wild and worried.

“What are you doing here?” your voice sounded strange in your ears, hollow, as you lay a hand on his arm, as if to convince yourself that he was real. “Where have you been?”

“There’s no time to explain. Just trust me, alright? We have to leave. Now!” He grabbed your arm and started pulling you down the hall, his fingers digging almost painfully into your skin.

Before he had left you behind, you would have followed him anywhere without question. Even now you were halfway down the hall before you started to try and pull free of his grip. “What the hell is going on, Vexx?”

“Shush,” he did not even look back at you.

He stopped at the door at the end of the hallway, tense, straining to hear what was going on behind it. His grip was still vicelike around your arm. “Come on,” he pushed open the door and then you were running. There were shouts somewhere behind you, the pounding of feet. The music was distant by now, overshadowed by the other noises. Overshadowed even by the wild beating of your own heart. Vexx pulled you into another hidden passage, this one leading outside of the palace. You had used it oh so often to sneak out into the city together. But today there was someone waiting in it. A man, not quite as tall as Vexx, but broader, his stance threatening.

“Serif?” he said, his eyes flitting from Vexx to you. “What are you doin back here? Who’s that?”

“Oh, just an old acquaintance. I thought it would be a shame if something happened to a pretty face like that, no?” Vexx’s tone, his whole stance, had changed. He seemed like a predator, his grin more like a snarl, and in that moment you just wanted to get away. From him, that strange man, the dark passage… Back to your miserable loneliness that felt, if nothing else, safe. But Vexx was pulling you forward with him, as if to let the other man have a better look at you and your ‘pretty face’.

“I dunno, man,” the guy said, frowning. “This is no shopping trip where you get to take someone home.”

Vexx did not answer, instead he unslung his rifle and hit the man square in the face with the butt of it in such a quick motion that your startled yelp only escaped when the stranger hit the floor.

You startled back when Vexx reached for you again, and a hurt look crossed his face.

“What the hell, Vexx? Who is that? What is he doing here?” your voice was shaking as you took a step back.

“Highness, please,” Vexx held out his hands in a soothing motion, as if he was approaching a spooked animal.

“No!” your gaze flickered over your shoulder when you thought you heard screams. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Vexx had come closer in your moment of distraction. “I will, I’ll explain everything once we’re safe. There is no time now.”

Desperation was laced thick in his voice and his breath left him when you cautiously laid your hand in his outstretched one. And then he was pulling you along again, his words still spiralling in your head.

“What do you mean, safe? Nerissa is back there! If it’s not safe we have to get her!”

“There is no time!”

No! There was no way in hell you’d abandon your sister if she was in danger.

“Please, Vexx, I can’t leave her,” you pleaded. “I don’t care if I’m safe, I need her to be!”

He whirled around, pushing you up against the wall. “Well, I care, and so would Nerissa. She’d kill me if I prioritized her over you. She has her own guard looking out for her, and you have me, and I’ll be damned if I don’t get you to safety, even if it’s against your will!”

You could read in his eyes that there was no point in fighting him. Vexx had always been stronger than you and he looked so determined that he’d probably just knock you out and carry you if you did not come along willingly.

“Now move it,” he said in an almost soft voice, his hand squeezing yours. And then you were running again, your vision blurred by tears. Not long and you were out in the open, running down an all too familiar street.

And then there was an ear breaking crashing sound and the ground shook beneath your feet, making you trip. Everything got darker and for a moment you were sure that the sky was falling. You were hurled forward, your muscles screaming in protest. And then the sky hit, pressing the breath out of your lungs. For a moment everything went black.

“Highness!”

Vexx’s voice pulled you back. He was staring at you through the setting dust, his face oh so close. A weird vertigo took hold of you. Everything seemed to spin around you as you moved your head, and it took you a moment to realise that you were lying on the street.

Everything hurt. Something warm was trickling down your face. The street around you was strewn with debris. There was a groan beside you, pulling your gaze back to Vexx. He strained, trying to get up, his teeth gritted.

“It’s alright, highness,” he muttered, giving up his effort for a second, “I’ve got this.” He even managed the softest smile at you. “Just keep your eyes open, alright? Stay with me.”

You weren’t sure why he was saying this. Everything was so heavy. You wouldn’t go anywhere. Your eyes trailed down his body and lingered on the piece of concrete his legs were stuck under. That’s bad, you thought, in a somewhat detached way. Trying to breathe and struggling to, you realized that you were stuck as well. You watched Vexx struggle, pain clear on his face.

“Just keep breathing, highness,” he reached out to you, trailing his hand down your cheek. “We’ll get out of here. Just hang on,” a single tear trailed through the dust on his face.

“It’s…” your voice cracked, “…fi… fine.” Your vision was blurring again.

“Don’t. Safe your energy. I just have to,” he tried getting up on his elbows and did not bother to finish his sentence.

“I…” it sounded weird when you tried to breath in. You coughed. “I…” you started again. I love you. You came back for me and I missed you and I love you. You wanted to tell him, wanted him to know. It’s alright. You’re here and I’m alright.

Darkness crept into your vision. Your breath stalled.

“Highness? Look at me, please! Come on, stay with me!”

His panicked voice was the last thing you heard as you drifted away.

[wayhavnsfinest]

Andromedatober Day 4- June

June was uncharacteristically quiet. The rest of the crew was celebrating a successful mission, but June was quiet. You sat at the bar nursing your drink studying the gunman.

“If you think any louder, the whole bar will hear your thoughts.” Damon says as he saddles up next to you. “What has your brow furrowed?”

Snapping out of your daze you look at the assassin. Ever since two of you reconciled after Cursa, you counted him as one of your closest friends. “When you’re with Alisa, you seem so comfortable, you two have your own language and clues….” You sigh and take a sip of your drink. “I wish I had that with…” instead of finishing your sentence you finish your drink.

“You know, I’m pretty sure he feels the same way.” Damon pats you on the shoulder and walks off to go gamble with Bash. Damon wouldn’t lie to you, not after everything it took to get the two of you to this place in your relationship.

You gnaw on your bottom lip and try to get up the courage to go talk to June. He hasn’t been the June you know since Orion, and that scares you. What if the June you knew is gone forever? The idea of losing your first friend on the crew and the man you’ve come to care for deeply, terrifies you.

You decide you need some more liquid courage before talking to June, but you decided you would talk to June tonight.

Several drinks later you make your way over to a still sullen June.

“Hey handsome.” You smile at him.

June looks up and blinks a few times at you. “Your majesty! I didn’t see you there!”

“I just walked over so no harm done.” You smile.

June forces a smile then looks back at his drink.

You take a seat next to him. “So, uhm, is something wrong June?”

“No. Yes.” June groans. June takes a deep breath and continues to stare at his drink. After a while he speaks “Do you want to take a walk? I need some fresh air.” June gets up and leads you out of the crowded bar.

The two of you walk in silence until June stops in front of a small garden. He looks up at the stars and takes a deep breath. “I really don’t know how to say this.” He stays quiet for a few moments before meeting your eyes. “I think I’m in love with you, and I’m terrified.”

He chokes back a sob. “I’m in love with you and I’m terrified of the danger that would put you in.”

“I’m in danger regardless, June. I am a princess on a mercenary ship. Being hunted by a usurper and his gang of professional killers.” You grin, trying to lighten the mood.

“No. That’s not…” June runs his fingers through his hair. “You’re in danger from me. You saw what I am, you saw what I did on Orion.” He gulps down air to try to maintain his composure.

“Juniper Nyux.” You walk over so you’re directly in front of him. You make him look you in the eye, “Juniper Nyux, I love you too. I love everything about you. Nothing will change that.”

June looks at you and tilts your chin up and kisses you gently.

[confettininjabean]

So i finally wrote out the tiny ficlet that goes with this doodle. (Its been SO LONG since I've written even fanfic)

"Alone" (posted on Ao3)

Also posting this here for those who do not wish to read on Ao3. Under the cut!

Tiriza stared out of the window of her room, settled on the still made bed. The kitalphanite music box Damon had returned her only a few short hours prior was gripped loosely in her hand. The young half-Tilarri hadn’t moved much since the aloof second-in-command had left. Sleep had proven to be just as elusive as her past apparently. She’d tried, more than once, but had given up once the clock clicked past three am. It was nearly five now. The haunting, sad melody of her music box still echoed distantly in her mind. It was the memory of the music that kept her awake, she knew. There’d been one point which she’d been on the precipice of sleep…and a voice as hauntingly familiar as the music box had snapped her back into wakefulness.  This music box was more than a very expensive fancy trinket. That much was obvious by the way it evoked such strong and powerful emotions within her. There was a strong attachment about it… And yet, she couldn’t remember anything. Only her first name. Damon’s question of whether she wanted to remember drifted through her mind and not for the first time either. Did she want to remember? Would it be better to simply let what was lost, remain lost? Start over? This music box, the nearly overwhelming emotions it evoked in her…is it all tied to a past with nothing worth remembering?  Damon had mentioned wondering if she’d been a thief because of the trinket. Kitalphanite was rare, even more so now that the planet was no longer in existence. But would a thief have such strong emotions, familiarity tied to a trinket they’d stolen? Perhaps she was a thief… Or worse… But the music box meant something to her. Tiriza sighed, her gaze moving from the window down to the music box.  Did she want to remember? Even if the past was, as Damon put it, so fucked up, one would prefer to forget? She didn’t know. But she did know that this music box was tied to something so profound, so important that it made her heart and very soul ache. She had to remember, whether she wanted to or not.

Memories, even painful ones, would be better than the utter loneliness that had wrapped around her like a think shroud from the moment she’d opened her eyes on Andromeda Six.

Strangely enough, she felt all too used to the feeling of being alone and she instinctively knew she despised it.

No one should ever have to be alone.

Okay so @wanderlust-games had their Andromedatober prompt thing up for this month.

and naturally im late.... Like its the 29th.

So... Here's my one thing for it XD Alone, which was like Day 1. (Left the sketch in it cuz i liked how it looked FYI xD)

[dbhshitpostgalore]

Anyone interested in Andromeda 6 alpha/omega dynamic kink shit mysteriously appearing on AO3?

👁 👁

[wisepainterperson]

Two books in my series complete! (Adrenaline Hunter)Damon and (falling into your world) Calderon being the love interest for them. If you do take the time to read please like and comment!

[zhewhoisfate]

Fanfic writers are fucking crazy besties doing all this shit for free. these bitches be typing novels like :) here u go, strangers, here is a piece of my undying eternal soul :) read and review :) and i include myself in this because i be hypomanic and hardly eating or sleeping for three days and get 20k words out of it.

[kiric]

Teasing the captain

I don’t usually write fanfiction but after reading this post, I just had to write a little scene for Calderon. Bordering on NSFW? Probably. 18+ The captain has called you all for a meeting. You find you are one of the first to arrive, apart from Calderon, the only other person on the bridge right now is Aya. She's positioned in the pilot seat, as expected, her back to you as her hands shift over the various keys and buttons. Your eyes glide towards the captain. He's looking at you with a gentle smile upon his lips, the kind only you have the privilege of seeing. You return the gesture. Your attention is captured by the sounds of boots on metal coming from behind you. The others are finally gathering. You move from the threshold, your feet guiding you to Calderon. You tease your fingers over his firm chest and you hear him inhale sharply. Catching his eye for only a split second, before you push further past him a few more steps, you find a comfortable place to perch yourself at the back of the room. Knowing his attention still lingers on you, you relax your body into a casual but sexy pose, pretending all the while that you aren't trying to tantalise him.

Once all the other members have finally arrived, Calderon clears his throat and begins to explain the reason for this meeting. It's important stuff, as it always is, but you just can't focus on a single word of it. You watch his lips move and your thoughts drift. You were already feeling a bit playful when you first entered the room but seeing this stoic man, posture perfect, voice clear, you can't help the grin at the idea that flashes through your mind.

Could you possibly make him come undone, right here, in front of the rest of the crew? They are all listening to him, stood at various places around the room, but you, at the back, are out of their view.

You know the idea is a bad one. You know you should be paying attention, but dammit, you aren't in the right mind to care right now.

You shift your stance into a slightly more lustful position. Your movement immediately catches the captain's attention. His words falter for a fraction of a second before he catches himself, looking away quickly. You don't miss the slight colour change to his cheeks. His gaze darts back to you. He's fully composed once again, minus the tiny spark in his eyes. You can't help it. You are going to push this further.

Calderon is still looking at you. Still giving his speech. You have an inkling that he knows your mind is elsewhere. You raise a sultry eyebrow then slowly draw your lower lip into your mouth, gently biting down. His speech falters for the second time and he tries to cover it up with a cough.

Both Damon and June turn to look in your direction curiously, but you've already reverted to the picture of innocence. June, seeing nothing amiss, turns back around, but Damon... Damon with his ability to see everything locks his attention on you. A silent chuckle escapes his lips as he regards you. He offers you a knowing smirk and a wink before he too turns back to face the captain. You stare at his back for a moment longer, wondering what his reaction was about. He doesn't leave you guessing for long. Damon starts peppering Calderon with questions. By the way the captain rolls his eyes and sighs, you know the sly assassin is forcing him to repeat himself. He's stalling the meeting. Giving you longer to break the captain. Really, you should have known.

You silently thank Damon before returning your efforts back to your target. Try as you might, you just can't catch his eye. Calderon is pointedly avoiding looking towards you. You readjust your position and slide your body to the left, where you realise his sight currently is. Success. You've caught him.

You don't allow him even a second to escape. You plaster on your most intense "come fuck me" face and his world stops.

There is complete silence in the room. Everyone is confused by his abrupt quiet. You can't quite tell from the look on his face what he's thinking, but you most certainly see the red that now covers his face and neck. Damon's loud boisterous laugh is the first thing that breaks the calm. Calderon covers his face with his hand, turns his back on everyone, and calls the meeting to an immediate end. You imagine he was mostly done either way. Most of the crew still don't understand what happened. Damon doesn't answer their curious looks as he continues to cackle; you can only guess he plans to keep this to himself with the sole purpose of teasing the good captain with it relentlessly in the future. You try to escape the room with everyone else, but you just aren't fast enough.

"Stowaway!" Calderon's voice booms throughout the room. You flinch, plaster on your most innocent look, and turn to him. His eyes are most definitely on you now. He waits for you to approach.

"Yes, captain?" You do a really good job at pretending you weren't just teasing him moments ago, but that won't save you now. His eyes darken and narrow. His tall figure bends down towards you, his lips at your ear.

"You are in so much trouble." He whispers, his voice husky and heavy. "You are so lucky I have things that require my immediate attention, or I'd punish you right now." Your entire body shivers at the prospect. "Something for you to think about until later, perhaps." He pulls back, gives you the smuggest, most lust-filled expression you have ever seen, then he marches off. You stand there alone, heat creeping up your body. You will definitely be thinking about this until later. You can guarantee it.

A smirk graces your lips. You aren't sure who won this little impromptu game but you feel quite satisfied with yourself nonetheless. 

[homeformyheart]

Hi Jen!!! Can you do this prompts for june and traveller! Ty! 🥺💙

thank you alya for the request!!

author’s note: thank you for requesting junie, @anotherbeingsworld! i hope still feels canon-adjacent. i hope you enjoy! copyright: all characters, except my oc traveler, are owned by wanderlust games (@andromeda-six) series/pairing: andromeda six – juniper nyux x f!traveler (raynie peg’asi) rating/warnings: 14+; mostly fluff word count: 1.1k based on/prompt: dialogue prompts // 15. “Stop pretending you’re okay, ‘cause I know you’re not.” and 19. “I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me.” (in bold) summary: june runs into raynie when she’s wandering around after waking up from a nightmare and helps her fall back asleep.

raynie wandered down the corridor leading away from her room aimlessly. any noise coming from her feet was muffled by the slow, deliberate shuffle she employed.

she wasn’t seeking anyone or anything out exactly. but wandering around the cold, steel interior of the ship, with nothing but the black void outside as far as the eye could see, didn’t help with why she was out of bed at this time of night.

another nightmare and screaming herself awake.

the worst part wasn’t even reliving the explosion or picturing her family, nerissa, everyone she knew, being murdered and consumed by flames.

no, the worst part was seeing june’s face – twisted in anger and hurt – after he found out she was a peg’asi.

it was worse than knowing her foolishness betrayed her family.

she rubbed her tired eyes, no longer paying attention to where she was walking. if she bumped into a wall or something, so be it.

maybe she could hit something hard enough that it would knock her unconscious.

then, maybe, she’d finally get some rest.

and of course, since tempting fate seemed to be her lifeblood, she ran into a very solid, but soft body.

“oof,” she let out, her hands immediately moving from her eyes to the soft fabric of june’s shirt.

she felt a warm flush creep up her neck as she realized she could feel his firm chest underneath her palms.

“sorry i wasn’t watching where i was going,” she said softly, taking a step back.

june grabbed her elbows to hold her in place. “i shouldn’t have turned the corner so fast. are you alright?”

“i’m okay,” raynie said, pulling her arms out of his grasp and meeting his gaze.

she attempted a half-smile before turning to walk away.

“stop pretending you’re okay, ‘cause i know you’re not,” june called after her.

raynie clenched her fists and turned around, tears prickling the corner of her eyes. “why are you still being nice to me? after everything my family’s done to you?”

june’s grey eyes darkened briefly, his mouth settling into a small frown as he looked away. he smoothed down the front of his shirt absent-mindedly before looking back at raynie. her hair was matted and the shirt she was wearing was far too big on her, but what caught his eye were the dark circles and signs of fatigue.

raynie watched his hands, distracted by the thought of what was underneath his shirt that she didn’t notice him move closer to her. he lifted her chin with his hand until she met his gaze, eyes warm and soft with no sign of the darkness from before.

“we’ve talked about this. it was unfair of me to blame you for that. you are not your family,” he gently reminded her. she nodded robotically. it was still difficult for her to ignore the role she played.

“why don’t i take you back to bed?” he said, motioning past her, one hand hovering near her arm.

her eyes widened and his mirrored the movement once he realized the insinuation of what he just said.

“i mean, i’ll take you back to your room so you can go to bed,” he said, a pink blush tinging his cheeks.

raynie chuckled as they started walking back toward her room. “i have to say i wouldn’t mind you taking me to bed.”

she watched the blush deepen on june’s cheeks out of the corner of her eye, feeling her mood lift and she had to suppress the grin that wanted to take over her face. he glanced at her and smirked suggestively, catching her off guard and immediately sending heat to her cheeks by the time they made it to her door. she took a deep breath, hoping it would help cool the heat building in her stomach.

“will you stay with me until i fall asleep?”

june’s eyes softened. “of course.”

she smiled brightly and climbed under the covers, shifting onto her side as june settled on top of the covers with as much distance as he could possibly put between them on the very narrow cot.

the warmth of his body washed over hers and she finally relaxed, sinking further into the thin mattress. she took this rare chance to really observe june, while doing her best to ignore the fact that he was doing the same to her.

she noted how the corner of his eyes crinkled when he smiled and how the grey of his eyes were so clear and vibrant, she swore the color was swirling around his pupils. his gentle smile and how it always set her at ease, even now, when it was quirked up into a teasing smirk.

“normally i wouldn’t mind you staring at me, but it’s late and you should try to get some rest,” he murmured, pulling the covers up around her shoulders.

he kept his hand on top of her arm, the extra warmth seeping through the thin blanket and across her chest. he had a way of making her worries seem more manageable, like she didn’t have to bear them alone.

and no matter what happened next, she knew she was safe. as long as he was near.

a soft melody vibrated in the air between them and she strained to stay awake to listen but the sound was too soothing.

“what song is that?” she asked sleepily, her eyes drooping closed.

“a lullaby my brother made up to sing to me,” june’s voice was beginning to sound distant. “i hope it brings you comfort like it did me, raynie. i couldn’t bear it if something happened to you because you weren’t rested enough.”

the twinge in her stomach was back, only this time it was more of a twisting knot. the feeling was not unwelcome, but it was new and she was uncertain if june would ever feel the same. if the teasing smiles and passing glances were just that – fleeting and shallow.

normally, she would bite her lip and try to suppress her feelings. but june’s proximity, with his soft breaths caressing her face sent a pleasant buzzing sensation down her spine, loosening the tension along the way. his scent enveloped her body in a familiar warmth and filled her lungs. and finally, she felt the lullaby he was humming gently fluttering against her skin.

“i think i’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me,” she whispered, finally drifting off to sleep.

she didn’t see how june’s eyes softened, as though he expected as much. nor how his fingers hovered near her cheek, itching to touch but not wanting to wake her.

and she certainly missed how he whispered, “me too,” as he continued to watch her sleep.

from these dialogue prompts (always accepting) * * * * * taglist: @pearlsandsteel; @anotherbeingsworld; june tag: @gloynporslen;

[alexaplaysgames]

Nodus Tollens

Pairing: June x F!Traveller (Celeste)

Fandom: Andromeda Six (I know the fan base isn’t huge so I encourage those who haven’t played to read these and see if you’d like to try it out!)

Warnings: Angst, minor mentions of gore and death.

Words: ~ 1800

Description: When Traveller tries to save June instead.

Notes: I chose my traveller for this little fic but will totally take requests if you’d like me to use yours. Just pop into me DMs and make a request! Also, this is one of several fics for A6 that I have so let me know if you’d like to be tagged.

This is self indulgent nonsense and I am sorry. I will do better next time. Actually I probably won’t.

Tags: @amlovelies @writersgonefishing @oatssss @kimberrrrr @femmeshep @serana-spring

There’s a sort of weightlessness to death.

An instant where you rest suspended in the between. Passed from warm hands into a cold, steel grip, there’s a split second where everything stops. Life no longer holds meeting and death has yet to make known its cruel face, so you are left...

Waiting.

It takes a moment for Celeste to realize that this isn’t the weightlessness she’s feeling. The sensation of suspense is not one due to hovering between life and death. The strength which holds her is not of some otherworldly being.

She looks up and sees kindly grey eyes. June cradles her head with gentle, reserved strength. Tawny strands of his hair fall against his forehead as he looks down at her with an expression of fear and unbridled concern, one that is utterly unfamiliar on the usually calm gunman’s features.

His fingers press against her side and withdraw, sticky and crimson with blood.

“Celeste,” June whispers, though it’s faint with the ringing in her ears.

Her name on his lips sounds sad, agonized even. The feeling that knowledge invokes within her is foreign. Once, existing only as the youngest child in a line of royals, fated for a life in the shadows, she held the belief that no one would mourn her death. Now, the look of anguish on his face makes guilt flare in her gut; she doesn’t want to hurt him like this.

He pulls her close against his chest, draws her into his arms as easily as if she were, truly, weightless. She knows of the strength that lies hidden under the layers of his sweet, gentle exterior, buried under his warm smiles and soft, thoughtful gestures.

Her fingers’ weak grasp finds his wrist, delving into the crisscrossed scars written in his skin. In them, she finds the affirmation she seeks.

Even if it drains her of blood, life, and spirit, it was worth it. For in this, just once, he will remain untouched.  

**

She wakes to metal tables and blinding white light.

“Hey, easy now,” comes Ryona’s soothing tone. Her pale blue skin and soft, pretty features follow as she stands from her desk before rushing to Celeste’s side.

Ryona immediately starts fluttering around, reading numbers on screens and pressing buttons as Celeste puts her hand over the bandage on her newly-sewn side with a wince.

“You’re in the med bay. Came in pretty banged up, if I do say so myself. June had to carry you back.”

The incessant ringing has cleared to the steady beeping of the surrounding machines. For the second time, it occurs to Celeste in her clarity, that man has pulled her back from the brink of death and carried her toward safety in his arms.

“I’ve never seen our cowboy quite so upset,” Ryona adds, her tone full of meaning. “He really cares about you. Remember that if he-“

Celeste shifts on the table. “If he what?”

“I had to give you eight stitches, and you lost a lot of blood. You should-”

���Ryona.”

Golden eyes, filled with conflict, meet green.

“June doesn’t handle strong emotion well. He’s afraid it makes him volatile, destructive. Dangerous.”

“Oh.” The plastic sheet crinkles as Celeste settles back against it. The non-answer makes her nervous. “Okay.”

“He’ll be fine,” Ryona comforts, squeezing her ankle softly as she sits down by her feet. “Luckily, so will you. I was worried.”

Celeste stumbles in her attempt to formulate a reply. “I- thank you.”

The words stir some strange sentiment within her, an immense wave of affection threatening to drown her in their wake. Never in her life did she imagine she would be lucky enough to be cared for so deeply by people so utterly kind.

Suddenly, a knock sounds at the door, startling both women where they sit.

“That’s probably June. He sat by your side for hours until he went to get a blanket. Said you looked cold,” then, louder, “come in!”

June almost has to duck under the door, given his immense height, and he enters carrying a stack of blankets high enough to clothe a small army.

“I didn’t know which ones-“ he begins, setting the stack of fabric on the countertop, then trails off as he registers the sight before him.

“You’re awake.”

Silence ensues. Ryona’s eye flit between the two of them before she stands, says, “I’ll be outside if you need me,” and excuses herself with a warm, supportive smile over her shoulder.

“June-“

“I am so, so sorry,” he breathes, air rushing forward from his lungs, coming to kneel by her side. His eyes search her face, looking for what, she doesn’t know.

“What do you have to be sorry for?”

“I should’ve protected you. I shouldn’t have let you get hurt.” He looks disgusted with himself. This, this self-loathing, is something she recognizes. “There are a lot of things I should have done,” he adds softly.

Celeste moves to sit up and hisses as the skin around her bandages stretches.

Realization dawns in June’s eyes before they shift to her side. “Can I?”

She nods, lifting the edge of her shirt to reveal the expanse of fabric that hides her wound. Looking briefly into her eyes for confirmation, June lets his fingers brush against her skin, tracing the edges of the bandage and sending a tingling feeling up Celeste’s spine. At every point where their skin meets, warmth trickles outwards from his fingertips, seeping through her skin and settling in her veins. She can feel his breath, the unmistakable warmth of it, against her bare skin.

“You’ll have a scar,” June murmurs.

“So? You already have so many.”

He frowns. “I don’t want you to be like me, Celeste. I don’t want to make you like me. How could you- that’s the last thing I want.”

“You told me to run and I chose not to. You didn’t make me do anything. I’m responsible for my own actions. Did you really think I would leave and risk you getting hurt?”

That seems to throw him for a loop. His jaw drops slightly, eyes wide. “You- you wanted to protect me?”

She traces a featherlight touch along his cheek with a shaking hand. June’s eyelashes flutter, briefly, at her touch. “Of course.”

“You’re delusional,” June says, though it lacks any bite. He simply sounds lost, a little confused. “I’ve survived much worse than a back-alley gunfight. I can handle a few more scars.”

“But you shouldn’t- you shouldn’t have to.”

She swallows, jaw working as she looks toward the ceiling, yet she can see how he shakes his head, features pulled between frustration and overwhelming torment. “You shouldn’t have to put yourself in danger for me. I’m not worth that.”

“But you are-“

“I am not.” And the finality of his words draws her gaze towards his once more. She sees something there that she’s only seen once before, the day she stood outside his cabin and he shut the door in her face .

Anger. Fire, bright flames quickly smothered with a brush of his large palm over his face.

He breathes deep, chest rising with the motion under his vest. His grey eyes look more like steel than rainclouds as he speaks. “If you can’t follow orders, I won’t be able to take you on supply runs any longer.”

“June, please. You don’t mean that.”  

She doesn’t know what she’s asking for. Acceptance? His friendship? His love? Would she dare?

Could he even give her such a thing?

“I’ll see you in the morning, Celeste.” June stands again, sleeves shifting further up his forearms to show his scars. “Get some sleep.”

He doesn’t once look back once as the door closes behind him.

The metal table beneath her feels so much colder without him there. How cruel he is, to let her taste what it’s like to have him by her side, then rip it away. Left with nothing but the hum of machinery and her thoughts, she begins to wonder if she’s broken, or he is.

Or maybe they’re both broken, she thinks. Maybe they both have jagged edges, and no matter how hard she tries to fit them together, there will always be a little space in between.

It’s an uncomfortable thought, one that lulls her to sleep under fluorescent lights and the weight of her own fractured heart.

**

Outside, June slumps against the wall, running his hand through his hair with a sigh.

How his heart ached when he turned her affection aside, how he wanted nothing more than to relish in the feeling of her caring for him, for him, to bask in it and soak in it and let it fill all of his cracks and crevices and make him whole.

And how he knew, just as deeply and with equal certitude, that that was the last thing he could ever let himself do.

He is no stranger to pain. But the hurt he feels now is different, gnawing at a part of himself he didn’t know existed. Not since he closed it off, so long ago. Not since-

No. Not going there. No amount of time will strength long enough for him to open those doors again.

Just look at what you’ve done to her already. All you’ll ever do is hurt her.

June presses his fists into the wall by his sides, hands trembling with the effort not to leave dents in the metal. It’s so easy for him to break and ruin, so difficult to build. And that is why he cannot have her. He won’t let her become another beautiful thing shattered by the strength in his hands.

How difficult she makes it, when she looks at him as if he’s fragile, when her lips form words like care and protect and things he never thought a monster like him could ever hope to receive. He wants to lay himself down at her feet and thank the gods for giving him something so sweet.

But he is dangerous and he is deadly and he has no idea how to love someone the way she deserves.

“You could stand to let someone in, every once in a while.”

Ryona crosses her arms as she leans against the wall beside him, one eyebrow raised.

“I won’t kill you to let yourself feel, June.”

“It’s not myself I’m worried about killing.”

June tries not to flinch as she lays a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not the monster you think you are,” she says.

A part of him wants to scream, to say that she doesn’t understand, that’s she’s wrong, but that part is smothered by the warmth that bubbles in his chest at her words.

He lets his head hit the wall and closes his eyes. “I don’t know if you’re right.”

“Am I ever wrong?” Ryona grins, eyes twinkling.

He has to admit, she does have a point.

“I hope you’re able to work this out,” she says, pushing herself off the wall. She walks back into the med bay and June keeps his eyes scrunched closed until he hears the door slam shut.

More than anything, he hopes for that too.

[loukja]

The Princess and the Guard - Daydreams

I wrote a scene from Vexx’s point of view for the first time :)

The princess’s eyes travelled over their surroundings slowly, wide with wonder, her mouth slightly agape. Up until this moment the truth of her having been confined to the palace for all her life had not truly set in, but now it did. This girl had seen nothing of the world. And thus the tall, decorative buildings and the bustling street of the gold district were enough to completely dazzle her.

“Aurora,” Vexx nudged her lightly in the side, then pulled on her arm a bit so she wouldn’t walk into someone. “Get a grip.”

Her eyes snatched back to him, and he allowed himself a small, genuine smile. “Right, sorry. It’s just all so beautiful,” she whispered.

Looking around he had to admit that she was right. The gold district was extremely posh, but it had a certain flair. If it were not for the contrast to so many other places in the system and for the people, he might have liked it. When he turned back to Aurora her attention had already shifted away from him again, this time to a street musician who was playing a lively tune on an accordion. Most people did pay him no mind, striding past as if he wasn’t there at all, some tossed coins into his cap, but those were few and far between.

“Wow,” his princess whispered. “How isn’t anybody stopping to listen?”

“Most people are too busy. It’s just how it is,” he shrugged. It wasn’t like he would’ve stopped, had it not been for her. Also, for Goldis standards, this was basically begging, even when it came with nice music.

For a moment she seemed too transfixed to answer. “A shame,” she finally declared, and twirled, her skirt billowing, “when it would be perfect to dance to.”

“Well,” he took her hand, lifting it up over her head, making her spin once more, “go ahead, pretty. No one’s stopping you.”

She laughed, her cheeks colouring lightly. “No, I can’t. There are too many people here.”

“What, you scared?” he teased.

“Never,” she lied, jutting her chin towards him, making him chuckle.

“I dare you, then.”

For a moment she just stared at him, clearly debating with herself. But then she kicked off her sandals, sunk into an elegant curtsy, her eyes never leaving his, before raising her arms. He had seen her dance often, having had to stand silently by the door for a great many of her dance classes, but it had always seemed just a little bit stiff, the tiniest bit uncomfortable. No wonder when her teacher kept snapping at her to point her toes and do better. But right now she moved effortlessly, lively and free and beautiful. In a way that made you think that she loved what she was doing. When she finally stopped moving her face was flushed and her breath accelerated.

Reaching out she locked eyes with him. “Now you.”

He laughed. “You must be out of your mind if you’re thinking I’m going to dance.”

“Oh, come on, I dare you,” she crossed over to him, pulling on his hand.

“That doesn’t work on me, petal. Some of us aren’t as easily manipulated.” But as Aurora gave him puppy dog eyes and the musician shifted his song into a waltz, he knew he had lost. He rolled his eyes and pulled her close. He was a bit worried that he might step on her bare feet as he tried to remember the correct steps. It went rather smoothly, with a lot of out of tact spinning and improvisation, until he messed up at one point and Aurora stumbled over his feet, just catching herself on him and almost bringing him – or at least his pants – down with her.

“Let’s stop this, I was clearly not made to dance,” he pulled her back to her feet, trying to gloss over the fact that he was blushing with a laugh. “And I’d have a hard time explaining later on if I brought you home damaged.”

“Damaged? I’m not a car you wreck,” she nudged his shoulder.

“No, you’re far more expensive, I’d reckon.”

“And you’re an idiot.” She turned away from him then, tugging a silver hairpin out of her hair. She dropped it into the cap of the musician, who let the song trail out, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Aurora smiled shyly. “I do not have any coins on me right now, but this is worth a few, I’m sure,” she said apologetically and Vexx almost marched over there to snatch the hairpin back out of the cap. But it wasn’t remarkable enough to pe traced back to the palace, so he just stood by as she exchanged a few more words with the musician before they moved on down the road.

“He wasn’t from the gold district, right?” Aurora asked after a while of thoughtful silence.

The hesitant question made him think of how the silver she was wearing in her hair alone could tide over a whole family for a month or more. “No. What, did your fine nose catch the foul odour of poverty?”

The glare she cast his way was impressive. “What the fuck, Vexx?”

“What? Rich people do mind that. If the poor are not dancing for their entertainment they are supposed to go and suffer somewhere no one important has to witness it.”

Sometimes things like that just slipped out, even when it would probably be better to not hint at his true, rather critical worldview in front of a member of the fucking royal family. Then again he sometimes thought that he’d have to try pretty damn hard at this point to make Aurora stop liking him. She was like a puppy, so naïve and trusting it should be illegal.

Aurora got quiet for a few steps and he was sure that she was cross with him until she spoke up again. “Do you think you could take me to the other sectors sometimes?”

He snorted.  “Aw hell no.”

“Why not?”

“The commute is fucking long,” he started counting off on his fingers, “and we can only be gone for so long before someone would notice. They are not exactly worthwhile sights. Especially compared to this sector. Crime rates over there are higher, too, so definitely not a place for you, petal. All in all it would just be way too much trouble. So no.”

“I don’t want to be just another rich person who decides to ignore what’s going on in the rest of the system…”

Vexx sighed. It worked just fine for you before, though, didn’t it? he thought. “And what good would it do? Even Nerissa can’t sway your father…” he should leave it at that, but for some reason he added another lie to his long list: “Maybe you’ll get the chance to change things and do good once she’s in charge.”

His princess looked crestfallen. “Who knows when that’ll be…” she muttered.

“Hey,” he nudged her side. “It’s not your responsibility to change the world, you know?”

Aurora gave him a doubtful look. “What is my responsibility then? To stay quietly in my room and do nothing with my life at all?”

She sounded unusually bitter and resigned and he felt a little bit bad. “You know what?” he heard himself ask. “One day, we’ll run away, and I’ll show you the world. Everything you want to see.”

Her face lit up and his heart skipped a beat. “Really?”

Vexx laughed and allowed himself to fall into this daydream for a moment. “Sure. I mean, there are a ton of planets I always wanted to see. And what would be the point in going there alone? The best memories need someone to share them with, after all.”

For a moment Aurora seemed just locked in her own thoughts, then she held out her hands in front of herself, framing an invisible picture. “It would be awesome,” she said. “We would go and see the ocean.”

“More than one ocean, darling, all of them. And you’d get to see a ton of sunsets on a ton of different beaches.” He imagined the evening sun playing over her face and her golden curls. Aurora was made for sunshine and laughter and happiness. Unlike him…

“And wild forests and, oh, ruins of civilisations long gone,” she got more giddy by the second.

“Oh, definitely! Old castles and churches, overgrown by wildlife and haunted by ghosts,” he gripped her on the last bit without warning and she shrieked before laughing.

“You ass,” she gave him a light punch against the shoulder that did not hurt at all.

“Well, I’d be damned if I did not tell you all the ghost stories about whatever ruins we would explore. They are the best part. And imagining what those places might have looked like back in the day, of course.” Vexx loved abandoned places. There was just something about the eerie way nature reclaimed them. Something about the thought that those who had built them had probably thought they’d last forever.

“Alright, I’m sure I could handle a few scary stories as long as you’ll be with me,” she granted, her fingertips brushing against the back of his hand.

“A very courageous decision.”

“Stop teasing,” she tried to pinch him, but he sidestepped out of her reach. “I know I scare easily, but I can get better at that. I will.”

“Uh huh.”

“No, really, I will. And then we’ll explore the system together,” she smiled at him, and in that moment, he wished she would get the chance to, even when he knew better.

[wayhavnsfinest]

Memories

Andromedatober Day 2

“Okay, I have to ask: What is the story behind the pig?” You nod toward the stuffed pig in the corner of the mess hall. 

“Who? What? Lola?” Aya asks.

“The pig is named Lola?” You raise an eyebrow.

Bash and Aya nod. 

“Oh that’s one of my favorite memories.” Bash grins, “let’s start from the beginning. It all began about two and half years ago, we were at this farm on the outskirts of Teranium.” 

~ October 2, 3023~

“What the actual fuck is that thing?!” Damon’s face is contorted into a look of disgust.

“It’s a pig.” Calderon answers. “It’s a common farm animal in the Milky Way Galaxy. Humans there use it for various cuts of meat.”

“It’s teeth are fucking gross. They look human.” Damon stares at it incredulously. 

“They’re omnivores like us.” June pipes up. “They’re actually very similar to humans. Humans can have specially engineered pig skin grafted onto them and it will grow with the human skin. It was a real breakthrough for burn victims.”

“That is disgusting.” Damon’s face is one that could only be described as appalled. “Keep that creature away from me.” he says as he backs away and slinks off. 

June looks at Calderon. “He really doesn’t like pigs, does he?”

Ryona smirks, “it actually kind of looked like he was afraid of it. Did you see how he wouldn’t turn his back to it?” 

Bash, June and Aya shoot each other a look. “You know what we have to do right?”

“Oh absolutely.” 

The three of them huddle together and whisper to each other. 

“Whatever you do, please don’t bring a live pig on board. We have nothing to feed it.” Calderon leaves to barter with the farmer for supplies.  

Ryona smiles at the mechanic, gunman and pilot. “I can’t wait to see what you three come up with.” she says as she leaves to go to the ship to tend to her plants. 

“The captain said no live pigs, he didn’t say anything about a stuffed one.” June smirks.

“It can’t be cute, it has to have the teeth. The teeth are what freak him out the most.” Bash thinks out loud, “You know, I bet Oppo could get us a taxidermied one.”

“EW! We have to ask them.” 

~ Present Day~

“So I’m assuming Oppo….” you look at the pilot and mechanic. 

“Oh yeah, they knew who to contact about a taxidermied pig.” Bash says as he stretches.

“I really don’t know if I believe this story. I mean Damon afraid of pigs? That’s a really bizzare thing to be afraid of.” However the more you think about it the more you believe it. The story is too insane to be made up.

“Pigs are disgusting, vicious, heartless  creatures.” Damon frowns at the taxidermied pig.  “Back in the early 2000s a farmer was attacked and killed by his pigs .His dentures and pieces of his body were found by a family member in the pig enclosure, but the rest of his remains had been consumed.” 

You stare at him, completely shocked by this piece of information.

“Fuck Pigs!” Damon says as he glares at Lola. “Since we’re going down memory lane, did Bash tell you about the time he and Oppo almost….” Damon is cut off by bash slamming his flesh hand over Damon’s mouth.