#There’s two planets spinning around each other but also around that system’s sun

[corellianhounds]

My Brother’s Keeper

TBB Body Swap AU

Chapter 5: Utility

Words: 2.5k

Warnings: Mention of hunting and field dressing game meat.

Summary: The crew investigates their new surroundings and tries to figure out a plan.

Garnatoa was a tidally locked twin planet of a binary satellite system, the eccentric elliptical orbit of the two forcing them to revolve around each other in addition the central star. Its planetary twin, Hutama Nāte, was of equal size and mass, the barycenter of the two somewhere in the precise middle of space between them. Perfectly spaced apart, the two planets moved in mirrored synchrony with one another.

Clone Force 99 had landed on Garnatoa, the lush oceanic planet with several archipelagos ranging from tropical to arctic volcanic ecosystems. It had a warmly-tinged yellow sky and two moons, sparsely spread population groupings, and little of interest besides the tourism and deep-sea fishing trades.

The sky above them now, however, was a stark lavender, had an asteroid band instead of moons, and their chronos did not make sense according to the local time they’d set them to when they landed— It should have been just past dusk, but the sun was instead rising in the east, illuminating scrub brush and cracked desert clay as far as they could see, replacing the coral reefs and pink beaches they’d traversed on their arrival before getting to the temple buried in the thick banyan tree swamp.

“I think,” Tech began, “That we are no longer on Garnatoa.”

“What does that even mean, Tech?”

“It means I suspect the temple we woke up in is the other side of a wormhole, portal, or ancient teleportation system, something of that ilk,” he said. He smacked the side of his datapad, which had luckily survived the earthquake and cave-in but was currently glitching out. “If the concentric rings we awoke in were mirrored because the ones we entered teleported us to an entirely different planet, it’s possible our energy signatures remained in stasis during the transfer, but our atoms were disassembled and reassembled on the opposite side of the hypothetical axis— So we woke up with our consciousnesses in the bodies of the people across from or adjacent to us on accident.” Tech went to shift his goggles, only to realize he wasn’t wearing any. He frowned, but continued. “If it was indeed a sentient-made construction, I expect it was only ever intended to transport one person at a time. Unfortunately I can find no immediate sources that might verify those theories or offer any insight. Considering how significant an event like this is, one would assume it would be well-documented, so it’s possible we may be some of the first to experience it, or the first in centuries.”

“But why did it happen, Tech?” Echo pressed, frustrated. “How do we reverse it?”

Tech shrugged. “Who knows?”

“Bigger question,” Wrecker prompted. “If that was supposed to be the other side of a worm tunnel—”

“Wormhole.”

“— What happens when one side of the tunnel’s collapsed?”

That shut them up. Tech’s brow furrowed; he turned away and began furiously typing on the datapad once again.

Crosshair sat mutely on the ground with his back against a rock. Hunter came over to lean against it, taking a long drink from his canteen and capping it when Crosshair waved off his offer to share. He could only imagine the frustration Crosshair must have felt at being suddenly stripped of a good majority of his skills and assets. Hunter may not have his advanced senses anymore, but he could still carry their gear and wield a gun and keep pace with the group. He was reminded for not the first time of how fragile Omega really was.

Hunter nudged him. “You okay?”

Crosshair slowly tilted his head up and to the side to fix Hunter with an incredulous look. “Am I okay?” He threw his hand up at Tech and Echo’s discussion. “You heard Tech. What about this is okay?”

Hunter grimaced. “Just checking on you.”

“No, you’re checking on Omega,” Crosshair corrected.

“I'm trying to keep tabs on everybody,” Hunter sighed, trying not to let his own frustration bleed through. His armor felt stiff and constrictive. He still had a headache.

“Listen, if we can’t figure out how the swap happened here, we can regroup at the ship and head for an information center—”

“Hunter,” Crosshair cut him off. “You heard Tech. The Marauder is on another planet.”

—

Omega was still reeling from the close call they’d had upon escaping, to say nothing of the fact she’d woken up in a different body. The adrenaline left her shaky, and though she’d been able to keep up with the group and avoid most of the danger on the way out, she’d been so severely winded by the end of it she’d have thought Crosshair to be asthmatic if she didn’t know any better.

It kind of hurt to see Hunter-as-Wrecker talking to Crosshair-as-her past the edge of their group, despite the fact they seemed to be arguing. She knew she didn’t have any right to feel that way and Hunter wasn’t showing any of them any particular favoritism, but he also hadn’t looked at her the same way he normally did. She’d almost felt like a stranger to him, and the rest of her brothers had barely spared her a second’s discussion either. She was used to being an outsider in many ways, but this was different.

Omega stretched and tried to work out the crick in her neck. Inhabiting Crosshair’s self was by far the most bizarre thing she’d ever experienced; she was almost a foot and a half taller and built much differently, with stiff joints, no hair, and calloused hands. His rifle was heavy, but somehow it felt right to be there on her back.

The sun was starting to edge past the sparse clouds and it made her squint. She glanced over at Crosshair, but he seemed unfazed despite the light hitting him and Hunter as equally as it did her. The longer she tried to survey the group, the harder it became to keep from shielding her eyes.

Turning over Crosshair’s helmet in her hands, Omega ducked her head and slipped it on: the tinted visor offered immediate relief and she relaxed, but the movement triggered something in the HUD that lit up on the upper right side of her vision. Curiously, she squinted again and the display split to either side, clearing her view. Her eyes flicked to the left side, but something she did set off two— three commands, and then there were too many readouts stacking up each time she made some subconscious expression, her nose scrunching in irritability until she finally just took it off.

“Stop messing with my gear,” Crosshair hollered at her, peering around Hunter.

“You need prescription lenses, too,” Omega shot back. “Or sunshaders, or something.”

Crosshair’s indignant scoff could be heard over the rest of the chatter and he marched over to grab his helmet from her and fiddle with the controls, locking it down.

“Stop screwing around and leave my things alone,” he muttered acerbically. He tucked the helmet under his arm and paced away. “Go make yourself useful.”

Hunter barked Crosshair’s name, but Crosshair’s scowl and biting demand stung nonetheless. Omega hunched over her knees, one heel impatiently bouncing against the ground as Hunter argued with him at a distance.

—

With the revelation of their lack of transport, Hunter quickly mapped out a game plan for finding immediate provisions first, followed by finding some sense of civilization and means offworld. Tech sorted through some spare parts and began working on a quick drone to give them an eye in the sky and an idea of any potential settlements nearby. He had assured them that the holocom towers they’d seen in the distance had to be maintained regularly in an arid environment such as that one, but it was anybody’s guess how far any town was from the next marker on the grid; Wrecker reluctantly set out with one of the grappling hooks and Tech’s scanner to get up to the service platform of the closest tower and gather more intel at Tech’s behest. Omega, the only one able and available to sift through Tech’s more delicate equipment and offer tools as needed, helped him; Echo and Hunter were too busy scouting for a water source and potential landmarks that might lead them to a main road or evidence of town. All four of the brothers declined her offer to be of more help, and Crosshair was restlessly pacing along the edge of the boulders now blocking the entrance to the temple caves.

Omega had tried to offer him lunch around midday and Tech tried to involve him in their strategizing, but Crosshair waved the two of them off before finally picking up Omega’s energy bow and muttering something about target practice. Omega’s irritation with his attitude was starting to distract her, and as much as she wanted to eat she just didn’t feel hungry herself. She’d hollered for him to keep his comlink on, and Tech kept her occupied for a better part of the hour as they finished jury-rigging the drone and setting a flight pattern.

Crosshair ground his teeth together, trekking through the wilderness. The energy bow hummed in his hand and he eventually found an ideal vantage point: a tree growing out of some boulders with enough branches to provide cover as well as somewhere steady to sit and watch.

Each attempt to climb the boulder ended in frustration though; try as he might he couldn’t jump high enough to get a decent handhold and the rock was too smooth to gain any traction.

With steadily mounting anger he affixed the bow to his back, swiped the hair out of his eyes, and dug around in Omega’s satchel until he found her work gloves. He pulled them on and dug his hands into the crevices between the boulders, wedging his shoes into footholds and stubbornly forcing himself to muscle through the pain and exertion until he arrived at the top.

Panting but finally finding a perch, Crosshair settled in and unslung the energy bow, waiting.

They’d been in dire straits before with little to nothing at their disposal as far as solutions were concerned, but they’d always managed to improvise and adapt. This, however, this might be the one thing he wouldn’t be able to get over and hit the ground running with: how do you go from being one of the Republic’s greatest technological advancements in bioengineering and organic weaponry—

Back to being a child? One with no exceptional survival skills or preternatural abilities? A big reason why Omega had survived this long was because the squad protected and helped her. As far as he was aware, Omega was considered a defective clone solely because she was female. The fact she didn’t follow orders and frequently found ways to pull the lot of them into even more trouble was just a bonus.

No rifle. No armor. Not his own voice, his own hands, his strength, his ability to keep up. His equipment. His dignity. Not even his own boots.

With a scowl, Crosshair fired off a shot at four-hundred yards, satisfied when the buzzard he was aiming for fell from the tree and plopped to the ground in a bit of smoke.

Though he’d been desperate for an hour of silence back in the cave, Crosshair was now finding it hard to clear his head of anything but their current circumstances. He wiped the sweat off his brow and continued to scan for wildlife, irritated every time he had to again move Omega’s hair out of his eyes. His grip on the bow felt too thin, the weight of it heavier than it should be, and though he could force his hands to keep it steady, he felt he had to devote more focus to that than he should have. Every movement served to remind him of exactly how much he was not himself.

Another bolt of light sailed off into the distance, hitting something that looked like a midsize, short-eared rabbit. Crosshair made a note of where it fell and scanned for more.

—

Wrecker and Hunter were the first to return by the time Tech’s drone had located what was thankfully a large industrial center on the far side of a canyon gulch. Wrecker’s intel verified that it was both advanced enough to have a few starports and that they’d probably be able to barter passage aboard one of the shuttles, and Echo had managed to scout out a decent location that could serve as camp for the night in the direction of the canyon. Hunter surveyed the men, frowning.

“Where’s Crosshair?”

“He left around midday,” Tech said, still fiddling with his datapad. “He mentioned something about “target practice.”

“You let him go by himself?” Hunter asked incredulously. “You can’t be serious— Tech it’s been three hours since then, we have no idea what’s out here!”

“He took the lightbow,” Omega said uneasily. “He should be okay, right?”

“You two were willing to gamble your safety on that alone?” he asked her. “Omega, you’re— He has no guarantee something won’t get the drop on him, or that he won’t get hurt just navigating the environment. We barely escaped a cave-in caused by an earthquake.”

“A minor earthquake,” Tech reasoned, setting aside his equipment to stand and face Hunter. “If I thought him incapable I wouldn’t have let him go, though I seriously doubt I could have stopped him anyway. Omega’s gear is in good condition, he has a field kit, he was adept with a vibroblade even when he was her age—”

“You gave him a vibroblade?”

“Well. Yes.”

“To be fair, Hunter,” Echo interjected, “Crosshair would’ve gotten his hands on one at some point.”

“Omega doesn’t have the same armor we do,” Hunter seethed. “And in case it’s escaped your notice, she isn’t as tall as we are, either— It isn’t an insult to him or Omega to say he can’t run or fight the same way he used to, and if something were to happen—”

“Problem?”

The five of them turned. The kid came into view from the direction of the rock formations, and as she— he approached, they all straightened in shock.

Crosshair’s sleeves were rolled up, one hand carrying the lightbow down by his side and the other carrying a thin branch over his shoulder with half a dozen rock conies hanging from it, shot, split, and drained. The green wood bowed under the weight of the catch, and both of Crosshair’s bare hands were covered in the crimson evidence of his handiwork up to his mid-forearms. Though his expression was serious and unwavering, it didn’t appear as though he’d heard their discussion; Hunter imagined he would’ve just thrown the knife at his boot to make a point if that were the case.

Wrecker leaned over to Hunter, nodding at Crosshair’s haul and whispering loudly, “Isn’t that your job?”

Crosshair turned to Echo. “You find any water?”

“Yeah,” Echo replied. He couldn’t stop staring, though he supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised. “We’re planning to pack up and head that way. Five kilometers due east with even terrain. Should be able to get there in an hour and set up camp.”

“Good,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”

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[mysticstronomy]

WHY IS EVERYTHING IN SPACE ALWAYS MOVING??

Blog#434

Saturday, September 7th, 2024.

Welcome back,

Have you ever wondered why everything in the universe seems to be in constant motion? From our planet's orbit around the sun to the rotation of galaxies, nothing in space stands still. But what drives this cosmic dance?

The story of movement in the universe begins at the very dawn of time, with the Big Bang. According to Edward Gomez, an astrophysicist and the education director at Las Cumbres Observatory, the universe started expanding outward from an infinitely dense point.

This expansion set everything in motion, imprinting movement into the very fabric of the cosmos. As Carol Christian, an astrophysicist and outreach project scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope, explains, "The beginning was movement, and so movement has been built into the universe from the very beginning."

While the universe’s expansion mainly affects vast distances, it’s not just about objects moving through space; it’s also about the space between them growing larger. On smaller scales, however, rotation plays a key role in how objects behave.

This spinning motion is a fundamental aspect of the universe, evident in everything from the tiniest particles to massive galaxies.

So, why does everything spin? The answer lies in a concept called angular momentum. When two objects in space come close to each other, their mutual gravitational pull often causes them to orbit one another, rather than colliding or drifting apart. This effect is responsible for the rotational motion we observe in celestial bodies.

Edward Gomez likens the formation of our solar system to making a pizza: as you spin the dough, it flattens into a disc. Similarly, the solar system began as a spinning mass of gas and dust, which eventually coalesced into the sun and planets. Angular momentum ensured that this spinning never ceased, and it's why the planets continue to orbit the sun today.

Interestingly, galaxies don't spin the way you might expect based on visible matter alone. Instead, they rotate as if they were solid objects, a phenomenon that puzzled scientists until the discovery of dark matter. This mysterious substance, which doesn’t interact with light, exerts gravitational forces that influence the motion of galaxies, adding another layer to the complexity of cosmic movement.

In the grand scheme of things, motion is not just a characteristic of the universe—it’s a fundamental ingredient. As Gomez eloquently puts it, motion shows that "the universe is alive—not in the sense of being conscious, but things are happening." Chemical and physical reactions drive the cosmic machinery, and at the heart of it all is motion, the most basic form of energy.

This never-ending movement reminds us that the universe is an active, dynamic place, constantly evolving and shifting. And while we may not be able to see all the forces at play, the dance of the cosmos continues, driven by the invisible threads of gravity, dark matter, and angular momentum.

Originally published on https://www-moneycontrol-com

COMING UP!!

(Wednesday, September 11th, 2024)

"WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MOVE AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT????"

[dronebiscuitbat]

Oil is Thicker Then Blood (Part 99)

She pulls herself out of the console feeling dazed, N has his tail wrapped around her, and the scorching heat of his flamethrowers filled the room as the ground itself rumbled around them.

The ground had been disturbed…

Tendrils of black surrounded them on all sides, inching closer despite N's best efforts. On his visor was displayed an ‘X', a gradient of red and yellow as he protected Uzi with his life.

Uzi yanked out the linking cable, stuffing it back into her pocket and allowed a feral hiss to claw out her throat. Using the solver, she manipulated a sharp peice of metal to spin rapidly, chopping up whatever it came into contact with into tiny black peices.

N and Uzi were back to back, tails coiled around each other to ensure their other half was still there. She grabbed onto his shoulder.

“Fly!” She shouted, a command that registered instantly in N's system and had him taking off before she could even finish the word. Ignoring the ceiling, he burst through it. Throwing dust, snow, and shards of concrete flying in every direction as he rocketed upwards, a flood of angry tentacles followed him up, climbing and squirming on top of each other to see which of them could reach him first.

Uzi grunted, feeling her body strain as she threw the spinning metal down, slicing up the pursuing appendages even as they continued to reach for them.

N growled as he aimed an arm downward, firing off a missile that finished them off- by turning them to mist. He covered Uzi's mouth and clamped his own shut just in case.

There was no time to rejoice however, the ground groaned and shifted, opening up to swallow the building they were just in as well as the rest of the communication dishes.

As N watched, he noticed yellow light deep within the planet, shifting in waves, arching with primal energy, filling the flesh surrounding it with a hunger that couldn't be satisfied- and a deep, untamed rage.

They looked at each other, trying to find comfort as the sinkhole continued to grow, new, blackened appendages were spat out to replace the one's they'd just destroyed.

“L-Lets get out of here…” Uzi said after a prolonged period of silence, well after the last of the building was lost underneath the hungering flesh.

N nodded, tucking her into his shoulder before taking off in the direction of the bunker.

Deep down below, something watched them…

The sun was coming up quickly, and despite how fast N was flying, he knew they weren't going to make it to the nest in time, much less the bunker.

He dove into some long forgotten apartment, just in time for the early and deadly light of the morning to break over the horizon.

His arms remained looped around his girlfriend as the snow melted off both their frames, panting from the stress of the day.

“Did you get what we needed?” He asked after a moment of recovery, looking into purple eyelights, still refusing to let her go just yet.

“Yeah, I mean, it's not the best choice… probably gonna have issues with wildlife but… it's what we got.” She replied, leaning into the warmth he gave off in contrast to the freezing atmosphere around them.

“It'll have to do. I'm just glad you got something.”

He finally let her go, allowing them both to look around the room they'd taken shelter in.

Everything was covered in dust, and sharp shards of glass covered the floor from where the windows had shattered. There was a full sized bed in the center of the room- well made and completely untouched by anything other then the forces of nature.

A wooden chair, a closet, and a two bedside tables also inhabited the room, though the light and subsequent fan on the ceiling had long ceased functioning.

“Guess we're spending the night here…” Uzi sighed, rubbing a hand over her distended stomach- mostly because the rubber had become thin and slightly painful and she was trying to soothe it.

N's hand hovered over her own as he held her from behind, resting his chin on her head and swaying them softly.

“Really the time to do this after we just got chased?”

“Perfect time to do it. We're safe now, and we have to relax.”

“You have to relax" He amended, wrapping his tail around her and nuzzling into her shoulder, his purr was a given.

She hummed in contentment, closing her eyes and letting N rub small circles into her belly- it was a comforting feeling. Right up until the baby kicked their hands and made a pained whine escape Uzi's mouth.

“I felt that too. You good?”

“I want this little shit out…” She whines.

He laughs, “They just wanted to say hi.”

Uzi just growls in response, “So do I! In person! With them out of me!”

N just chuckled, walking off to remove the several years worth of dust from the bed so that they could sleep comfortably…

A few hours later they were curled up on the bed, N taking to running his fingers through her hair, satisfying the urge to preen.

“Mm. Athena.” Uzi said, they had been brainstorming names while trying to fall asleep.

“Oooh, I like that one, definitely. If they're a girl.” He replied, his tail wagging behind him as Uzi sat in his lap.

“You have a boy name?”

He thought for a moment, turning over his thoughts in his head.

“Bishop? Like the chess peice? We played all the time at the manor.” He explained. “I always lost, but I liked it.”

“I like it. It's also a tank, so you know I'm down.” She snickered mischievously.

“Of course you know that.” He replied lovingly, kissing her cheek as he settled down to sleep. “I think that's it then.”

“Yeah. Athena if it's a girl, Bishop if it's a boy.” Uzi agreed, shifting down to lay against him, happily absorbing his warmth.

“Tera says boy.” N hummed, wrapping himself tightly around his mate, protective pride rising in his core.

“Tera isn't even a year old.” Uzi snapped back; resting her hands on his chest and burying her head in his coat fluff.

“Still, she said it. There's gotta be a reason.”

“She wants a brother?”

They both laugh, N nuzzles the top of her head, taking in her scent. Her lovely, citrus scent… and… apples.

The apple portion was new, and he somehow subconsciously knew that it was his child that he was sensing, so he nuzzled deeper.

…

The next dusk they were off again. Neither one noticing the strange figure following them home…

Next ->

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

8 Things to Know About NASA’s Mission to an Ocean Moon of Jupiter

The first NASA spacecraft dedicated to studying an ocean world beyond Earth, Europa Clipper aims to find out if the ice-encased moon Europa could be habitable.

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, the largest the agency has ever built for a planetary mission, will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Europa, an intriguing icy moon of Jupiter. The spacecraft’s launch period opens Thursday, Oct. 10.

Data from previous NASA missions has provided scientists with strong evidence that an enormous salty ocean lies underneath the frozen surface of the moon. Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of the moon to gather data needed to determine whether there are places below its thick frozen crust that could support life.

Here are eight things to know about the mission:

1. Europa is one of the most promising places to look for currently habitable conditions beyond Earth.

There’s scientific evidence that the ingredients for life — water, the right chemistry, and energy — may exist at Europa right now. This mission will gather the information scientists need to find out for sure. The moon may hold an internal ocean with twice the water of Earth’s oceans combined, and it may also host organic compounds and energy sources under its surface. If the mission determines that Europa is habitable, it would mean there may be more habitable worlds in our solar system and beyond than we have imagined.

2. The spacecraft will fly through one of the most punishing radiation environments in our solar system — second only to the Sun’s.

Jupiter is surrounded by a gigantic magnetic field 20,000 times stronger than Earth’s. As the field spins, it captures and accelerates charged particles, creating radiation that can damage spacecraft. Mission engineers designed a spacecraft vault to shield sensitive electronics from radiation, and they plotted orbits that will limit the time Europa Clipper spends in most radiation-heavy areas around Jupiter.

3. Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter, studying Europa while flying by the moon dozens of times.

The spacecraft will make looping orbits around Jupiter that bring it close to Europa for 49 science-dedicated flybys. On each orbit, the spacecraft will spend less than a day in Jupiter’s dangerous radiation zone near Europa before zipping back out. Two to three weeks later, it will repeat the process, making another flyby.

4. Europa Clipper features NASA’s most sophisticated suite of science instruments yet.

To determine if Europa is habitable, Europa Clipper must assess the moon’s interior, composition, and geology. The spacecraft carries nine science instruments and a gravity experiment that uses the telecommunications system. In order to obtain the best science during each flyby, all the science instruments will operate simultaneously on every pass. Scientists will then layer the data together to paint a full picture of the moon.

5. With antennas and solar arrays fully deployed, Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission.

The spacecraft extends 100 feet (30.5 meters) from one end to the other and about 58 feet (17.6 meters) across. That’s bigger than a basketball court, thanks in large part to the solar arrays, which need to be huge so they can collect enough sunlight while near Jupiter to power the instruments, electronics, and other subsystems.

6. It’s a long journey to Jupiter.

Jupiter is on average some 480 million miles (about 770 million kilometers) from Earth; both planets are in motion, and a spacecraft can carry only a limited amount of fuel. Mission planners are sending Europa Clipper past Mars and then Earth, using the planets’ gravity as a slingshot to add speed to the spacecraft’s trek. After journeying about 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) over 5½ years, the spacecraft will fire its engines to enter orbit around Jupiter in 2030.

7. Institutions across the U.S. and Europe have contributed to Europa Clipper.

Currently, about a thousand people work on the mission, including more than 220 scientists from both the U.S. and Europe. Since the mission was officially approved in 2015, more than 4,000 people have contributed to Europa Clipper, including teams who work for contractors and subcontractors.

8. More than 2.6 million of us are riding along with the spacecraft, bringing greetings from one water world to another.

As part of a mission campaign called “Message in a Bottle,” the spacecraft is carrying a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, cosigned by millions of people from nearly every country in the world. Their names have been stenciled onto a microchip attached to a tantalum metal plate that seals the spacecraft’s electronics vault. The plate also features waveforms of people saying the word “water” in over 100 spoken languages.

More About Europa Clipper

Europa Clipper’s three main science objectives are to determine the thickness of the moon’s icy shell and its interactions with the ocean below, to investigate its composition, and to characterize its geology. The mission’s detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.

Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the development of the Europa Clipper mission in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The main spacecraft body was designed by APL in collaboration with JPL and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The Planetary Missions Program Office at Marshall executes program management of the Europa Clipper mission.

NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy, manages the launch service for the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy.

[thegodshavehorns]

hey guys what are your favorite planets?

AA: there will be a l0st planet, flung free fr0m its star, spinning f0rever in the endless star-spangled night. it will have 0nce held a thriving civilizati0n, which will die 0ut with a tender sl0wness. its atm0sphere and 0ceans will freeze, until 0nly its well-insulated c0re h0lds any heat. there will be pe0ple there, still, living 0ff that heat deep in the crust, praying. it will be beautiful.

AT: i SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THIS GREAT PLANET OUT IN THE… uH, i THINK YOU HUMANS DON’T HAVE A NAME FOR IT… iT’S SEVERAL TENS OF MILLIONS OF LIGHT YEARS AWAY, uH, aNYWAY, iT’S NICE, i LIKE CAMPING OUT UNDER THE MYCELIAL TREES AND LISTENING TO THE LIZARDS SING ME TO SLEEP AS THE SUN RISES, tHEN AT NIGHT I ROAST SOME JUICY WORMS OVER THE FIRE AND JUST WATCH THE LIGHTS OF THE AURORA ORIENTALIS, sOMETIMES I INVITE A FRIEND FROM AMONGST THE LOCALS AND WE TELL STORIES AND FLY AROUND, iT’S NICE,

TA: anywhere wiith wii-fii ii2 good enough.

CG: I HATE THEM ALL EQUALLY. I’D SPEND ALL MY TIME IN THE INTERGALACTIC VOID, BUT I HATE OUTER SPACE JUST AS MUCH.

AC: :33 would you believe i can’t remember the planet’s name? i had a lot of fun there, though! the people there had this fascinating romance system where each purrson was flushed with two other people, who were also flushed with another shared purrson, making a square. And they were pale on the diagonal. i introduced the concept of blackrom to them, and it was purrfect chaos. >:33

GA: It Is Impossible To Choose Just One. Every Planet Is Unique, Precious, And Delicate. Like A Shard Of Crystalized Precipitate.

GC: M4RS.

AG: It’s called “Areani”, and it’s got a diamond in its center that’s 8igger than two Earths! It’s mine, of course. Won it in a game of craps. ::::)

CT: ▉▉▉▉▉.

TC: AnY sPoT tO cRaSh Is GoOd, InSeCtIsIbLiNg. I bRiNg My FaVoRiTe PlAcE wItH mE. :o)

CA: planets are planets, and people are people. all places tend to blur together ovver time. that’s just as true for the others, too, though they don’t wwant to admit it.

CC: You probably t)(ink I'd say Kepler 195-4, or some ot)(er planet wit)( only oceans, but my favorite was actually K2-219-5 because it )(ad so many islands! Islands are definitely t)(e best. I liked it so muc)( I actually settled t)(ere for a w)(ile, before we all came to -Eart)(. Too bad it's gone now.

[xdruby1234]

The separation restart (AvA planet AU), Chapter 1: The explosion

Warning:

Not all information is true (this is a made up story so don't expect a lot of information to be real.)

Swearing.

Cringe.

Grammar??

Uranus is Navy, thanks to someone who suggested me that :)

It was a normal day in the solar system, The sun (M.T) was sleeping, Mercury (purple) was just spinning around, not knowing what to do, Venus (yellow) was making stuff with asteroids, Earth (Victim) was also sleeping, both moon (TCO) and Bloodmoon (TDL) were in war (fighting), Mars (Red) was playing with the stars, making Animals, Jupiter (green) and saturn (TSC) were talking to each other, Uranus (Navy) doing absolutely nothing and Neptune (Blue) was just starting a storm in him.

In Jupiter (green) and saturn (TSC) conversation

Jupiter (green): anything to do? saturn (TSC): nope... Jupiter (green): dang ittttt- *he was fittling with the Asteroids* Uranus (Navy): yo- Jupiter (green): shut up Uranus (Navy): WHAT DID I- Sun (M.T): please shut... I'm try'na sleep... Uranus (Navy): WHY IS IT ALWAYS- Earth (Victim): SHUT UP!

Everyone went silent after that, not a single noise was heard. Even moon (TCO) and Bloodmoon (TDL) stopped their war.

Earth (Victim): sorry I was talking about these two assholes... Bloodmoon (TDL): hey!! I'm not a an asshole! Moon might be one but I ain't! Moon (TCO): WHAT DID YOU SAY!? Earth (Victim): OI! Jee-

Suddenly, sun (M.T) feels hotter then normal.

sun (M.T): I feel hot... Venus (yellow): your the sun- sun (M.T): I mean hotter! Uranus (Navy): I don't feel shit Venus (yellow): your literary the coldest one, shut up- Earth (Victim): I do not like this especially because I'm already suffering-

sun (M.T) then sees a supernova and starts to panic

sun (M.T): YALL THERES A SUPERNOVA!!! Neptune (Blue): WHAT!? Uranus (Navy): that didn't happen in 65 million years ago- Venus (yellow): SHUT UP WE ALL LEARN THAT IN HISTORY CLASS- sun (M.T): YEAH SHUT UP!! Uranus (Navy): WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME-

Everyone starts to panic as the Supernova goes closer to them like a rocket laucher. sun (M.T) goes in-between them causing a massive explosion that separated them all, again.

After a while, Jupiter (green) and saturn (TSC) wake up next to eachother, they were alone and they had to find their way back, Sun (M.T) was probably very injured but they dont know since they wake up alone... in the endless space of no where....

Earth (Victim) wakes up feeling extremely weak... mostly the planet being very cold since the sun wasn't around. He instantly looked around to find the moons, they were there but... sleeping? Still?? He just looked at them and sighed as he walks through the space trying to find some sort of light

Both Mars (Red) and Mercury (purple) wake up together extremely tired, they felt like they can't do anything at all! So then just stayed low until they were able to move.

And both Neptune (Blue) and Uranus (Navy) were waking up they both also felt weak but Uranus (Navy) was able to stand up but Neptune (Blue) couldn't.

And Sun (M.T)....? Well he's still unconscious. He was still badly injured and might or might not live...

This is so short I'm sorry-

[paradoxcase]

QuCheanya post 6, last post:

I shoved a bunch of extra stuff in at the end of the grammar which is all new but is more vocabulary-related than anything.

First, the number system:

Eat your heart out, Janko Gorenc. Is he even still around? I have no idea.

I tried to explain this in prose, rather than make a giant table of "here's how you say every number" but I'm not sure this is super clear, let me know if I can make it clearer. The multiples of 6 are as follows:

18: choi mai

24: syene fyeirä / pfona mai

30: talä mai

36: choi fyeirä / choamai

42: choamai fu mai (thirty-six and six)

48: pfona fyeirä / choamai syene (thirty-six two = 120 base 6)

54: choamai choi (thirty-six three = 130 base 6)

60: talä fyeirä / choamai pfona (thirty-six four = 140 base 6)

66: choamai talä (thirty-six five = 150 base 6)

72: mai fyeirä / syene choamai (two thirty-six = 200 base 6)

78: syene choamai fu mai (two thirty-six and six = 210 base 6)

84: roate fyeirä / syene choamai syene (two thirty-six two = 220 base 6)

I hope that makes sense. If you're counting only in base 6, note that syene choamai fu syene is actually 202 base 6, which is 74, while syene choamai syene, without the fu, is 220 base 6 = 84.

Incidentally, the base 12 system for angles of a circle works out to 15 earth degrees for every 12 cheanya degrees, or:

360 degrees = 200 base 12 degrees

180 degrees = 100 base 12 degrees

90 degrees = 60 base 12 degrees

60 degrees = 40 base 12 degrees

45 degrees = 30 base 12 degrees

30 degrees = 20 base 12 degrees

20 degrees = 14 base 12 degrees

15 degrees = 10 base 12 degrees

10 degrees = 8 base 12 degrees

Now that we have numbers, we can have time of day:

Honestly, I don't know why we split our clock into after-midnight-but-before-noon and after-noon-but-before midnight.

Also, yes, the sundials (and clocks) go anticlockwise. This is because we are in the southern hemisphere. Sundials in the northern hemisphere also go anticlockwise if you mount them on the wall (and southern hemisphere sundials mounted on the wall go clockwise) and I was not able to confirm this, but I suspect that all of those things are reversed if the planet spins the other direction and the sun rises in the west (which is not the case here).

This is using grammar discussed above: qhaitsea is the plural of qhaitse, hour, qätyafye is qätya (which is now a noun) + fye, suapfifye is suapfi (now also a noun) + fye, and fosorofye is the verb foso (= sleep) + action nominalizer -ro + fye. And of course, when your writing system is a syllabary, abbreviations use the entire first syllable of the word.

And now we have dates:

So, there are five weeks in each month, the first and last two are six days long and the middle one is usually eight days long and sometimes nine days long. And there are nine months. So that is a total of 32 days in the seven short months, 33 days in the two long months, and one leap day every five years, for a total of 290.2 days in the year. The days are 30.5 earth hours long, because I wanted to give my conpeople a day length that actually matches my natural circadian rhythm, for a total of 8851.1 earth hours in a year, compared to earth's 8769.6 earth hours per year, a difference of 81.5 earth hours, or about 3 earth days and 9 earth hours and 30 earth minutes. Each Cheanya hour is about 1 earth hour and 42 earth minutes long, with the Cheanya minutes being about 42 earth seconds long, and the Cheanya seconds are about 18% longer than earth seconds.

Language-wise: Nyoacelya Lyuya is nyoace (= fact/piece of information) + plural genitive ending -lya (plural nyoacea means knowledge/information) and lyui (= day) pluralized to lyuya. Nyufeisya is diminutive prefix nyu- + feisya (= sister), and Yearilye Ciria and Nyufeisyalye Ciria are just the names of the moons + genitive singular -lye and ciria, which looks plural, but actually means celebration or festival in either the singular or the plural.

Now, a table of postpositions, some of which are new:

Also shows what they mean when you affix them to a verb, and what case they take. Probably I will add more, but I think this covers a decent range to start with.

And some charts of the system of demonstratives and time/place words I talked about before:

More grammatical uses for tsai and nea. I think when I get to question words I will make them using another prefix that goes onto this same set of bases to make "what time", "what place", "what thing", "what person", etc. Note that this is yet another solution to the gay fanfiction problem - if the topic-reflexive pronoun and the noun tenses are not enough, there are also eight other words you can use to refer to people and things besides the third-person pronoun. I didn't do this intentionally, it kind of happened by accident.

Anyway, that's the wrap. The full document, including a number of other interlinears at the end and a dictionary of all QuCheanya words used in the document is here: https://github.com/faiuwle/qucheanya/blob/main/qucheanya.pdf

[wavy-gorl]

In My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, we learn that the ponies have to physically change the seasons and the weather. How would this system be impacted if we were to introduce factors such as petroleum, fossil fuels, and greenhouse gases into this system?

The series already shows a very prominent wealth-based class system. We are also introduced to ponies that have little regard for the environment and are willing to destroy it in order to gain wealth, specifically Flim and Flam.

These two are looked down on and their antics are thwarted. However, would other, smarter ponies with similar ideals and more money prove to be more successful? Would they be able to win over the Equestrian government with time?

Equestria is governed by a monarchy and the citizens have very little say in what happens, blissfully content with putting their trust in their rulers and assuming that they will always have their best interests in mind. What if this isn't always the case?

Twilight Sparkle is the first instance of the power being handed over. Other than the whole Nightmare Moon incident, the ponies have been able to trust their princesses for literally thousands of years to keep their best interests in mind because there hasn't been anyone else on the throne. We can assume that Twilight will continue to protect her citizens, but it's been stated that she will age and die normally unlike Celestia and Luna.

This means that instead of two consistent immortal rulers, the throne will have to continue to be passed on.

Will there always be a ruler who will put the citizens first? Or will there be rulers capable of being swayed by money?

If this happens, will the ponies have enough awareness to revolt? Or will they continue to blindly follow their leaders as they have done for thousands of years?

And drawing back to my initial point: how would this impact a world where the ponies are directly in control of the weather and the changing of the seasons? Would the ponies be forced to bring upon their own ecological collapse at the hands of climate change?

Would they be able to magically keep the environment stable while burning fossil fuels? Or would the change in climate and eventual downfall of pony society come naturally and inevitably?

Would there be separate consequences for trying to magically keep the climate stable while pumping greenhouse gases into the air?

And still, more issues arise. On Earth, we know that if we all die at the hands of climate change, the planet will still turn, the moon and sun will continue to set and rise, the rain will fall, etc even if we are not here.

What would happen if the ponies all die out?

Would the sun and moon still rise each day without the ponies around? Or would the entire planet collapse? Are other species capable of keeping the planet spinning, or would they die out alongside the ponies? Would Celestia and Luna live on and be able to stabilize the planet since they are basically immortal gods or some shit, or does their retirement suggest that they've accepted their mortality?

Much to think about!

(copied from my twitter)

[snehagoogle]

slightly blurry

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

The ring is a wonder

Great way to get around

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

The ring is a wonder

Great way to get around

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

Uranus rotates once in 17 hours

The ring also rotates once in 17 hours

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Uranus rotates once in 17 hours

The ring also rotates once in 17 hours

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

Although the ring of Uranus is like the ring of Saturn and it is not

But it is divided into two pages

Does Uranus complete one day in 84 Earth years with the ring?

No, 84 Earth years is the length of a Uranian year, not a Uranian day: 

Uranian year

A Uranian year is about 84 Earth years long, or 30,687 Earth days. This is the time it takes for Uranus to complete one orbit around the Sun. 

Uranian day

A Uranian day is about 17 hours long. This is the time it takes for Uranus to rotate once on its axis. 

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and is sometimes called an ice giant because of its chemical composition. It has a unique tilt of 97.77 degrees, which causes its extreme seasons

Orbit and Rotation

Uranus makes a complete orbit around the Sun (a year in Uranian time) in about 84 Earth years (30,687 Earth days). Uranus is the only planet whose equator is nearly at a right angle to its orbit, with a tilt of 97.77 degrees.

Uranus: Facts - NASA Science

NASA Science (.gov)

https://science.nasa.gov › uranus › facts

One day on Uranus takes about 17 hours. This is the amount of time it takes Uranus to rotate, or spin once around its axis. Uranus makes a complete orbit around the Sun (a year in Uranian time) in about 84 Earth years (30,687 Earth days).

Uranus is the only planet whose equator is nearly at a right angle to its orbit, with a tilt of 97.77 degrees. This may be the result of a collision with an Earth-sized object long ago. This unique tilt causes Uranus to have the most extreme seasons in the solar system. For nearly a quarter of each Uranian year, the Sun shines directly over each pole, plunging the other half of the planet into a 21-year-long, dark winter.

Uranus is also one of just two planets that rotate in the opposite direction than most of the planets. Venus is the other.

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

The ring is a wonder

Great way to get around

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

The ring is a wonder

Great way to get around

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

Which matches with Uranus

Whose complete journey in its axis

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

Uranus rotates once in 17 hours

The ring also rotates once in 17 hours

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Uranus rotates once in 17 hours

The ring also rotates once in 17 hours

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

Taking the ring along with Uranus

Completes a full revolution in 84 Earth years

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

slightly blurry

Uranus has rings

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

smoke particles snow dust

A thin sheet-like ring

Translate Hindi

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

रिंग है बहुत ही चमत्कार

घूमने का तरीका अपार

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर 

रिंग है बहुत ही चमत्कार

घूमने का तरीका अपार

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर 

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

17 घंटे यूरेनस की घूम एकबार

रिंग की भी 17 घंटे में एक चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

17 घंटे यूरेनस की घूम एकबार

रिंग की भी 17 घंटे में एक चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

वैसे यूरेनस की रिंग शनि के रिंग की तरह है भी नहीं है भी

मगर दो पृष्ठ में विभक्त है

क्या यूरेनस रिंग को लेकर 84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में एक दिवस पूरा करता है

नहीं, 84 पृथ्वी वर्ष एक यूरेनियन वर्ष की लंबाई है, न कि एक यूरेनियन दिन:

यूरेनियन वर्ष

एक यूरेनियन वर्ष लगभग 84 पृथ्वी वर्ष लंबा होता है, या 30,687 पृथ्वी दिन। यह वह समय है जो यूरेनस को सूर्य के चारों ओर एक चक्कर पूरा करने में लगता है।

यूरेनियन दिन

एक यूरेनियन दिन लगभग 17 घंटे लंबा होता है। यह वह समय है जो यूरेनस को अपनी धुरी पर एक चक्कर पूरा करने में लगता है।

यूरेनस सूर्य से सातवाँ ग्रह है और इसे कभी-कभी इसकी रासायनिक संरचना के कारण बर्फ का विशालकाय ग्रह कहा जाता है। इसका एक अनूठा झुकाव 97.77 डिग्री है, जो इसके चरम मौसमों का कारण बनता है

कक्षा और घूर्णन

यूरेनस लगभग 84 पृथ्वी वर्ष (30,687 पृथ्वी दिन) में सूर्य के चारों ओर एक पूरी परिक्रमा (यूरेनियन समय में एक वर्ष) करता है। यूरेनस एकमात्र ऐसा ग्रह है जिसका भूमध्य रेखा इसकी कक्षा के लगभग समकोण पर है, जिसका झुकाव 97.77 डिग्री है।

यूरेनस: तथ्य - नासा विज्ञान

नासा विज्ञान (.gov)

https://science.nasa.gov › uranus › तथ्य

यूरेनस पर एक दिन में लगभग 17 घंटे लगते हैं। यह वह समय है जो यूरेनस को अपनी धुरी पर एक चक्कर लगाने या एक चक्कर लगाने में लगता है। यूरेनस सूर्य के चारों ओर एक पूरी परिक्रमा (यूरेनियन समय में एक वर्ष) लगभग 84 पृथ्वी वर्षों (30,687 पृथ्वी दिवस) में पूरी करता है।

यूरेनस एकमात्र ऐसा ग्रह है जिसका भूमध्य रेखा इसकी कक्षा के लगभग समकोण पर है, जिसका झुकाव 97.77 डिग्री है। यह बहुत पहले पृथ्वी के आकार की किसी वस्तु से हुई टक्कर का परिणाम हो सकता है। इस अनोखे झुकाव के कारण यूरेनस पर सौर मंडल में सबसे चरम मौसम होते हैं। प्रत्येक यूरेनियन वर्ष के लगभग एक चौथाई भ���ग के लिए, सूर्य प्रत्येक ध्रुव पर सीधे चमकता है, जिससे ग्रह का दूसरा आधा भाग 21 साल लंबी, अंधेरी सर्दियों में डूब जाता है।

यूरेनस उन दो ग्रहों में से एक है जो अधिकांश ग्रहों की तुलना में विपरीत दिशा में घूमते हैं। शुक्र दूसरा है।

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

रिंग है बहुत ही चमत्कार

घूमने का तरीका अपार

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर 

रिंग है बहुत ही चमत्कार

घूमने का तरीका अपार

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर

खाए जो यूरेनस से ही मेल

जिसका एक्सिस में पूर्ण सफर 

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

17 घंटे यूरेनस की घूम एकबार

रिंग की भी 17 घंटे में एक चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

17 घंटे यूरेनस की घूम एकबार

रिंग की भी 17 घंटे में एक चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

लेके साथ रिंग को यूरेनस

84 पृथ्वी वर्ष में करे पूर्ण चक्कर

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

हल्के से धुंधला सा

यूरेनस का रिंग है

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

धुएं पार्टिकल्स बर्फ की धूल

पतला सा चादर सी वलय

[lunarsilkscreen]

A Brief Re-Examination of our Solar orbit

We say that the Sun is the center of our Solar system, and all the planets orbit around it. Simultaneously, we assume that the solar system has an orbit around another *other* thing that we can't see.

However, at the solar system level, it's possible the Sun *also* has an anchor point and is not *stationary* to the rest of the galaxy. Basically, it has it's own *micro-orbit* around the anchor point, and that anchor point orbits another thing.

Now, from a different perspective; this happens because of the balance. In order to keep the system in tact, enough Mass needs to be on one side or the other.

In a two-body system; this is evident as it seems like they're orbiting around this anchor *because* of each other.

Which is likely true.

A handful of planets *could* *also* shift the balance in such a fashion.

Or each celestial body could simply be spinning like a Top (Bey Blade). Not exactly in place, but keeping steady around a certain position.

[astronomy-posts]

The well-known Saturn!

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest planet in our solar system. Like fellow gas giant Jupiter, Saturn is a massive ball made mostly of hydrogen and helium. Saturn is not the only planet to have rings, but none are as spectacular or as complex as Saturn's. Saturn also has dozens of moons.

From the jets of water that spray from Saturn's moon Enceladus to the methane lakes on smoggy Titan, the Saturn system is a rich source of scientific discovery and still holds many mysteries.

Name

The farthest planet from Earth discovered by the unaided human eye, Saturn has been known since ancient times. The planet is named for the Roman god of agriculture and wealth, who was also the father of Jupiter.

Potential for Life

Saturn's environment is not conducive to life as we know it. The temperatures, pressures, and materials that characterize this planet are most likely too extreme and volatile for organisms to adapt to.

While planet Saturn is an unlikely place for living things to take hold, the same is not true of some of its many moons. Satellites like Enceladus and Titan, home to internal oceans, could possibly support life and if you wanna know if there can be life on Titan check this post of mine:

With a radius of 36,183.7 miles (58,232 kilometers), Saturn is 9 times wider than Earth.

If Earth were the size of a nickel, Saturn would be about as big as a volleyball.

Orbit and Rotation

Saturn has the second-shortest day in the solar system. One day on Saturn takes only 10.7 hours (the time it takes for Saturn to rotate or spin around once).

Its axis is tilted by 26.73 degrees with respect to its orbit around the Sun, which is similar to Earth's 23.5-degree tilt. This means that, like Earth, Saturn experiences seasons.

Moons

Saturn is home to a vast array of intriguing and unique worlds. From the haze-shrouded surface of Titan to crater-riddled Phoebe, each of Saturn's moons tells another piece of the story surrounding the Saturn system. Currently, Saturn has 53 confirmed moons with 29 additional provisional moons awaiting confirmation.

‼️New findings have emerged about five tiny moons nestled in and near Saturn's rings. The closest-ever flybys by NASA's Cassini spacecraft reveal that the surfaces of these unusual moons are covered with material from the planet's rings — and from icy particles blasting out of Saturn's larger moon Enceladus. The work paints a picture of the competing processes shaping these mini-moons.‼️

Rings

Well, of course you what to know about Saturn's rings but I've already made a post about them here is the link:

Saturn's rings are made of billions of small chunks of ice and rock coated with other materials such as dust.

Formation

Saturn took shape when the rest of the solar system formed about 4.5 billion years ago when gravity pulled swirling gas and dust in to become this gas giant.

About 4 billion years ago, Saturn settled into its current position in the outer solar system, where it is the sixth planet from the Sun. Like Jupiter, Saturn is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, the same two main components that make up the Sun.

Saturn is blanketed with clouds that appear as faint stripes, jet streams, and storms. The planet is many different shades of yellow, brown, and gray.

Winds in the upper atmosphere reach 1,600 feet per second (500 meters per second) in the equatorial region. In contrast, the strongest hurricane-force winds on Earth top out at about 360 feet per second (110 meters per second). And the pressure – the same kind you feel when you dive deep underwater

Please access the links that I've made available to you in today's post to understand better! 😊

Thank you❤️

[nasa]

The Stellar Buddy System

Our Sun has an entourage of planets, moons, and smaller objects to keep it company as it traverses the galaxy. But it’s still lonely compared to many of the other stars out there, which often come in pairs. These cosmic couples, called binary stars, are very important in astronomy because they can easily reveal things that are much harder to learn from stars that are on their own. And some of them could even host habitable planets!

The birth of a stellar duo

New stars emerge from swirling clouds of gas and dust that are peppered throughout the galaxy. Scientists still aren’t sure about all the details, but turbulence deep within these clouds may give rise to knots that are denser than their surroundings. The knots have stronger gravity, so they can pull in more material and the cloud may begin to collapse.

The material at the center heats up. Known as a protostar, it is this hot core that will one day become a star. Sometimes these spinning clouds of collapsing gas and dust may break up into two, three, or even more blobs that eventually become stars. That would explain why the majority of the stars in the Milky Way are born with at least one sibling.

Seeing stars

We can’t always tell if we’re looking at binary stars using just our eyes. They’re often so close together in the sky that we see them as a single star. For example, Sirius, the brightest star we can see at night, is actually a binary system (see if you can spot both stars in the photo above). But no one knew that until the 1800s.

Precise observations showed that Sirius was swaying back and forth like it was at a middle school dance. In 1862, astronomer Alvan Graham Clark used a telescope to see that Sirius is actually two stars that orbit each other.

But even through our most powerful telescopes, some binary systems still masquerade as a single star. Fortunately there are a couple of tricks we can use to spot these pairs too.

Since binary stars orbit each other, there’s a chance that we’ll see some stars moving toward and away from us as they go around each other. We just need to have an edge-on view of their orbits. Astronomers can detect this movement because it changes the color of the star’s light – a phenomenon known as the Doppler effect.

Stars we can find this way are called spectroscopic binaries because we have to look at their spectra, which are basically charts or graphs that show the intensity of light being emitted over a range of energies. We can spot these star pairs because light travels in waves. When a star moves toward us, the waves of its light arrive closer together, which makes its light bluer. When a star moves away, the waves are lengthened, reddening its light.

Sometimes we can see binary stars when one of the stars moves in front of the other. Astronomers find these systems, called eclipsing binaries, by measuring the amount of light coming from stars over time. We receive less light than usual when the stars pass in front of each other, because the one in front will block some of the farther star’s light.

Sibling rivalry

Twin stars don’t always get along with each other – their relationship may be explosive! Type Ia supernovae happen in some binary systems in which a white dwarf – the small, hot core left over when a Sun-like star runs out of fuel and ejects its outer layers – is stealing material away from its companion star. This results in a runaway reaction that ultimately detonates the thieving star. The same type of explosion may also happen when two white dwarfs spiral toward each other and collide. Yikes!

Scientists know how to determine how bright these explosions should truly be at their peak, making Type Ia supernovae so-called standard candles. That means astronomers can determine how far away they are by seeing how bright they look from Earth. The farther they are, the dimmer they appear. Astronomers can also look at the wavelengths of light coming from the supernovae to find out how fast the dying stars are moving away from us.

Studying these supernovae led to the discovery that the expansion of the universe is speeding up. Our Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will scan the skies for these exploding stars when it launches in the mid-2020s to help us figure out what’s causing the expansion to accelerate – a mystery known as dark energy.

Spilling stellar secrets

Astronomers like finding binary systems because it’s a lot easier to learn more about stars that are in pairs than ones that are on their own. That’s because the stars affect each other in ways we can measure. For example, by paying attention to how the stars orbit each other, we can determine how massive they are. Since heavier stars burn hotter and use up their fuel more quickly than lighter ones, knowing a star’s mass reveals other interesting things too.

By studying how the light changes in eclipsing binaries when the stars cross in front of each other, we can learn even more! We can figure out their sizes, masses, how fast they’re each spinning, how hot they are, and even how far away they are. All of that helps us understand more about the universe.

Tatooine worlds

Thanks to observatories such as our Kepler Space Telescope, we know that worlds like Luke Skywalker’s home planet Tatooine in “Star Wars” exist in real life. And if a planet orbits at the right distance from the two stars, it could even be habitable (and stay that way for a long time).

In 2019, our Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) found a planet, known as TOI-1338 b, orbiting a pair of stars. These worlds are tricker to find than planets with only one host star, but TESS is expected to find several more!

Want to learn more about the relationships between stellar couples? Check out this Tumblr post: https://nasa.tumblr.com/post/190824389279/cosmic-couples-and-devastating-breakups

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

[amadenchart]

Wasn’t there something going on with Timeless’ sun?

Yes!

‎‏‏‎ ‎The solar system of the world is a binary one, with one red giant, and one white dwarf.

In this setup, there is too much hydrogen flowing toward the white dwarf from the red giant for it to fall to the surface. Because white dwarf spins very rapidly, it causes the hydrogen fuel around it to spin at a rapid rate too, so the hydrogen needs time to slow down before it can fall to the surface... but the rate of hydrogen flowing from the red giant is too high for the white dwarf to absorb, so the hydrogen ends up accumulating into a ring around the white dwarf.

‎‎‎The ring around the white dwarf eventually accumulates more and more hydrogen, and there's a lot of heat and friction from the rapid rate of rotation and all that, and it begins to burn. It burns so brightly that it outshines the much bigger red giant.

‎‏‏‎ ‎‎‎The rate of hydrogen flowing from the red giant to the white dwarf can vary (the two stars would be orbiting each other as well, and as all orbits of celestial bodies are elliptical, the two stars will move apart sometimes and closer sometimes... kind of like how Earth is sometimes closer to the sun and sometimes further away). This means sometimes the white dwarf will shine brighter and sometimes dimmer, and the brightness can vary day to day because the orbits of the suns around one another would be very short.

Now, the white dwarf would emit highly energetic X-ray/radio emissions resulted from the hydrogen accretion disk. They shouldn't really be visible to the human eyes but they are pretty, and for artistic reasons, they'll be portrayed in the sky of the world.

‎‏‏‎ ‎‎‎This is what Varanar see in the sky:

‎‎‎The white dwarf would appear bigger just because it's burning so much brighter than the red giant. In some days it would be much brighter than in other days, and this influences the Varanar culture. The days when the white dwarf is burning brighter, Varanar would claim "the white sun is angrier today."

Of course, these two stars represent the twins too, metaphorically: the white dwarf is Indrys, small, angry, and bright thanks to the fuel given by the red giant. Vygo is the red giant, big but quiet, and just happy to make Indrys shine as bright as he can.

Fertililty is a repeating theme in Timeless, and there's also a fertility theme going on with the stars. The red giant is "impregnanting" the white dwarf, its "semen" being the hydrogen. Eventually the white dwarf will accumulate so much hydrogen and will burst into a supernova, and its dust may form new stars and planets.

‎‏‏‎‎‎‎Artistic depiction of a white dwarf-red giant system. The white dwarf absorbing hydrogen from the red giant, the accretion disk formed around the white dwarf, and the energy jets being expelled:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Artist%E2%80%99s_view_of_how_a_planetary_nebula%E2%80%99s_wobbling_jets_are_sculpted.ogv

A video about the R Aquarii binary system (described in a much more violent and evil way xD):

https://youtu.be/Op3Y2yHXHNU

Images of the R Aquarii binary system, with a white dwarf and a red giant.

[harrysweasleys]

a dream is a wish // f.w

Summary: for @pit-and-the-pen’s writing event! 

Reader can’t stand Fred Weasley, but what happens when a dream changes that?

Prompts: “do you have to be that painfully beautiful?” x “well, if you saw yourself how I saw you, could you blame me?”

Warnings: injury, maybe like one swear word?

Word Count: 6.3k

A/N: this came out much later than i intended but ah! here it is! enjoy :) 

——

It was safe to say you were not a fan of Fred Weasley.

Never have been, and most likely never will be. He was always loud, boisterous, arrogant, annoying, and most of all, found pleasure in disrupting the educational system any chance he could get. I mean, who does that, right?

Whether it be causing distractions with his equally-arrogant twin during class, or setting fireworks and other shenanigans loose in the hallways, you wanted to try and avoid both of them as much as possible. 

But, it was Fred that you disliked more. He was the louder one, the one who knew exactly how to get under your skin and piss you off in all the wrong ways. The one that despite how much your friends thought him hilarious and charming, you’d never be able to get on the same page with. What was charming about someone who chose to disrespect all rules and live a carefree lifestyle?

That was not for you.

You were glad, on this day, that you could escape the confining castle walls and the hustle and bustle of the school on the weekend and make off to Hogsmeade with your pals, the cool autumn air a refreshing awakening as soon as you stepped outside. The leaves were changing colours and collecting in piles on the ground, the skies were gloomy and cloudy, and somehow, the smell of cinnamon was always in the air in the small Wizarding village.

“Can we head into Honeydukes’s afterwards?” your fellow Gryffindor, Megan, turned to ask as you guys entered the Three Broomsticks, the tip of her nose looking pink and her cheeks pale. It was rather cold for November.

“Sure thing,” you nodded, smiling in comfort at the familiar cozy atmosphere of the dingy pub. Students all around were crowded around in bundles, drinking hot butterbeer. You couldn’t wait to have one yourself.

Megan led you to the table where Ginny was sitting, a large cup of hot cocoa in her hands as she waved you guys over.

“Been waiting forever,” she grinned, “You guys go order, I’ll save your seats.”

You turned around and headed back towards the bar with Megan, the two of you catching the bartender’s attention and ordering yourselves each a nice hot butterbeer. You hadn’t felt so cold outside, but now that you were in the warmth, you could feel your fingers begin to burn as they thawed.

After a few moments wait, you grabbed the butterbeer mug between your already warm fingers and began to walk back to the table. You had to scooch around other tables and chairs, but eventually, you spotted Ginny’s red hair once more in the same table by the window.

Unfortunately, though, you spotted two other heads of red hair as well. Fred and George were crouched over their younger sister, a large Zonko’s bag on the table as they showed off their latest purchases.

“Bloody fantastic,” you groaned, causing Megan to chuckle as the two of you arrived at the table.

“Well, afternoon, ladies,” Fred grinned, taking his eyes off of his products to look at the two of you, “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Is it, though?” you rolled your eyes, sitting down and placing your mug on the table, “This is a school outing. There are students everywhere.”

Fred let out a laugh, “Well, not everyone decides to participate in such festivities.”

You let out a loud sigh and frowned, looking down to your drink to distract yourself from rebutting his comment. George had run off to go see Lee and another group of Gryffindors, so at least that was one down. If only Fred could leave as well.

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, you felt Megan kick your leg under the table and so you shot her a look, asking her what was up.

“Well, guess I’ve best be off,” Fred said before she could reply to your glare, “Have a lovely afternoon.” As he passed by you, he placed his hand atop your head, “Especially you.”

“Don’t touch me,” you pulled your head out from under his hand, furrowing your eyebrows and mustering up your best scowl. 

“Ah, intimidating,” Fred smirked, “I’m shaking in my bloody shoes.” Ginny and Megan stifled their laughter but you could hear them anyways. They were hardly being subtle. 

“Get out of here, Weasley,” you turned way from him and faced your butterbeer once again, trying not to let him get to you. You had to fight a blush at Ginny and Megan’s laughter as Fred walked away, his chuckle fading into the loudness of the pub.

“Anyways,” Ginny grinned, pulling her hand away from her mouth, “Let’s change the subject before Y/N explodes.”

You snapped your head up to face her, your cheeks becoming rather warm, “I’m not going to explode, thank you very much. I just can’t stand your prat brothers.”

Ginny tossed her hair behind her shoulder and leaned forwards on the table, resting against her elbows, “You do a terrific job of hiding it.”

“Sorry, Gin,” you gave her a sheepish grin, “Tell them to stop being assholes. But I can try and be civil.”

Ginny wiggled her eyebrows and her and Megan exchanged a look. You ignored it, knowing they were probably thinking of something that you didn’t even want to know about, and took a long sip of butterbeer, letting the soothing, warm liquid calm you.

After sharing a nice long chat, Ginny having downed two whole hot cocoas, the three of you walked over to Honeyduke’s. The sun was gone and a thick layer of clouds covered the sky.

You really hoped it wouldn’t rain. You were chilly enough as it is. The last thing you wanted was to also be soaking wet.

Ginny held the door open as you and Megan climbed in afterwards, the warmth from the store immediately making a difference.

Megan took off to check out the latest line of sweets, her head disappearing within the busy store. Students were everywhere — eating, chatting, filling up bags of candies for long classes.

You noticed you had also lost Ginny. Where she had gone off to, you had no idea. But you took advantage of the fact that she was gone and made your way to the nearest shelf. It was incredibly tall and stacked with loads of different types of —

“Chocolate, a good choice,” a smooth voice said from behind you, causing you to jump and spin around, ready to knock over whoever had stepped close enough to speak in your ear.

You frowned as you faced Fred’s grinning figure.

“Oh, it’s you,” you rolled your eyes and turned back around, “I’d like to shop in peace. Bye bye.”

To your dismay, Fred pretended not to hear you and came to stand by your side, “As a resident expert on anything sweet — like myself — I recommend these guys.”

Fred reached up and grabbed a chocolate frog, placing it in your hand. You stared down at it, eyebrow cocked. You heard these were quite nice, honestly, but that didn’t mean you wanted to accept one from Fred.

“Why should I trust your opinion?” you glanced back up at him, a blank look on your face. 

“Because,” he replied, grabbing another one for himself, “I know my stuff.”

You glared at him before walking away, the chocolate frog still in your hand. You couldn’t reach up to put it back and there was no way in hell you’d ask Fred for help. So, to keep your pride, you’d just buy it.

“I’m just taking this,” you finally arrived at the cash, placing the single chocolate frog down in front of the young cashier.

“And this one,” Fred was somehow still behind you, placing his own chocolate frog down next to yours, “On me.”

“Oh, charming,” you sassed, turning to face him with your arms crossed, “I can afford it myself, you know. I don’t need your help.”

Fred grinned at you as he removed his wallet from his back pocket, paying for the two chocolate frogs, “I know you don’t. I’m just being sweet.”

You ignored the wink he gave you, grabbing your chocolate frog off of the counter and placing it in your coat pocket. The cold outdoor air would prevent it from melting, so you figured it was safe there.

“Well, stop being sweet,” you smiled sarcastically, re-adjusting your scarf and beginning to walk away from him. You heard him call your name, but luckily for you, Ginny and Megan found you before he could. They both had a bag each — how they had managed to each buy their own stash of candies in the short amount of time you had found one chocolate frog, you’ll never know.

“Ready to go, ladies?” Megan asked, grabbing a lolly out of her bag and unwrapping it, sticking it into her mouth as she led the three of you back into the fresh November air.

You sighed as you stepped outside, shoving your hand into your pocket, feeling the chocolate frog box sitting there. You absentmindedly fiddled with it, not even noticing you were doing so.

This would make a lovely midnight snack.

——

You know that saying; when you have a romantic dream about someone, you can’t see them the same way anymore?

Well, you usually didn’t believe that. You thought people just got too attached to their subconscious and wanted to feel things that weren’t there.

You especially didn’t want to believe it when you woke up that morning, last night’s dream crystal clear in your head. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it were with anyone else — the idea of cuddling and kissing any other person on the planet would have been fine.

But no, no. Your dream decided to pair you up with the one person you didn’t want.

Fred goddamn Weasley.

It was probably only because you ate the chocolate frog he bought you. So, due to that, he was in your mind. That’s the only reasonable explanation. There was no other reason for such a dream to occur.

You hopped of bed, shaking your head every few minutes to rid yourself of the disgusting images from your head, and rushed down to the Great Hall for an early breakfast, Ginny and Megan still sound asleep in their four poster beds. They’d never find out you just dreamt of yourself in a relationship with Ginny’s older brother. They’d never let you live it down.

The Great Hall was silent as you walked in, the candles lit and the tables rather empty. You spotted a few familiar faces at the Gryffindor table, but chose you’d prefer to sit alone and stew in solemn silence.

Why had your mind decided to pair you up with Fred? Why?

As if the Devil himself was playing a game, Fred, George and Lee made their appearance in the Hall doorway with loud laughter. You groaned, letting your hair fall into your face as you poured yourself a cup of tea, wishing more than anything that they wouldn’t spot you.

“Mornin’, Y/N!” Lee sat across from you, a big smile on his face. You couldn’t muster the same expression, your lips curved downwards into a scowl. Of course they’d come sit with you. Everyone else at the Gryffindor table was either a first or second year. Clearly, the universe was testing you.

“Hi, Lee,” you gave a forced smile, taking a sip of your tea and keeping your eyes away from the twins that sat on either side of him.

Although you were fine with George sitting across from you, you couldn’t bring yourself to face Fred. Whether it was due to your dislike of him or the fact that you just had a dream where you had been in love with him, you couldn’t tell. But your heartbeat was starting to quicken — and you were not liking it.

“Awfully silent this morning,” Fred smirked, resting his elbows on the table.

You stood up abruptly, gulping down the last bit of tea in your mug, “Maybe I just don’t want to talk to you.”

“Oh — you wound me,” he placed a hand over his heart, “Are you bothered by me?”

“Well, if you saw yourself how I saw you, could you blame me?” you scoffed, placing your hands on your hips, “My morning was going fine until I saw you. Time for me to leave.”

George and Lee snickered as Fred’s smile faltered, his eyes glued to you as you scurried quickly out of the Great Hall, wishing more than anything that Fred didn’t get you as huffed and flustered as he did.

Damn him.

You couldn’t stand him. Him and his bright hair. Him and his freckled cheeks. Him and his warm eyes.

Yep, the dream didn’t change anything.

——

You were rather glad the sunshine continued to peak throughout the day — especially as you walked down to the Quidditch pitch. Playing in rain and snow was fun, sure, but there was nothing like playing on a clear, fresh day.

“Glad the weather is nice,” Ginny said from next to you as if she were reading your mind, “Should make finding the Snitch easier.”

You grinned, “Always glad when the sun’s out.”

She chuckled and opened the tent flap, letting you head in before her. The rest of the team hadn’t arrived yet which you were thankful for. It would give you time to get changed and mentally prepare before the rowdiness began. You loved most of the team to bits, but they could be quite loud. Especially the one person on the team that you didn’t like.

You seized your Quidditch robes and promptly changed into them, stepping out of the private room and immediately slouching your shoulders.

Your peace and quiet hadn’t lasted long. Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, Harry and Ginny were huddled together, laughing loudly as they each began to prepare for the game.

“Oh, Y/N, we’re going over today’s plan!” Angelina waved you over, motioning for you to join. You did as the captain said, standing close to Ginny and as far from the grinning twins as you could.

“Now, this one here,” Angelina pointed to a badly drawn diagram on a crumpled piece of parchment, “Is called Bollocks, and it’s when—,”

“Sorry,” George snickered, lifting his hand to cut her off, “You named a play Bollocks?”

“Problem?” Angelina placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow, challenging him, “It was one of Wood’s old plays and might I add, it always worked brilliantly.”

You rolled your eyes at the immature reaction from the twins, wishing they’d pipe down so you could actually focus.

Fred was next to speak, “Course it was Ollie. Lad always had such wonderful names for everything.”

“Excuse me,” you found yourself speaking up, not even sure where your voice came from, “Can you stop being immature for three seconds so we can listen to Angie and maybe win this game?”

Narrowing his eyes at you, Fred scoffed, “And what exactly is it that’s set you off today? Always something, isn’t there?”

You blinked rapidly, “What?”

“You’ve always got something to say,” he continued, “Bit annoying, really.”

The tent was silent, the team stepping back slightly as if trying to avoid being caught in the crossfire. You felt your blood being to boil. Fred had never actually snapped back at you before — and for some reason, you genuinely disliked it.

“I—” your voice trailed off as you realized you didn’t even know what to say. You almost felt bad. Which was rare. You never really felt bad for telling Fred off. He usually always deserved it. Why did you feel that way this time?

“Anyways,” Angelina took her place once more, trying to cut a knife through the palpable awkwardness that was now floating around the tent. 

You were still looking at Fred, who was now facing away, his jaw clenched and his cheeks flushed. Never had you seen him this put off.

Angelina continued to explain the game plan, but you were too consumed with unwanted guilt to pay attention to every word. Why had this argument left you with such a bitter feeling? You weren’t normally left feeling sour after any sort of encounter with Fred. Was it because he actually looked upset? Was it because you felt bad? Did it have anything to do with your stupid dream?

No, no. Can’t be the dream. It was just a dream.

She finished up her speech and you took your place behind Alicia, grabbing your broom and ready to make an entrance onto the pitch. But, after your standoff with Fred, all excitement that you previously had was gone. If anything, you would much rather run back to the castle and hide away in your dorm room right about now.

“You alright?” Ginny leaned over, “He’s not actually mad, y’know? Just loses his temper sometimes.”

“I feel bad,” you whispered back, your grip on the broom tightening, “I’ll apologize later.”

Ginny smiled at you, not able to say much more as the lot of you walked out onto the field and came face to face with your opponent. The loud cheers from the crowd helped lift your spirits slightly, but you couldn’t help sneaking another peak at Fred. He was laughing at something Angelina had said, all traces of his previous anger gone.

Maybe Ginny was right, perhaps he wasn’t angry. You felt you needed to apologize anyways, but hopefully it would be forgotten and things could just go back to normal. Whatever normal was.

The whistle blew to signal the beginning of the match, causing you to kick off the ground and take off, ready to bring to life your game plan with your fellow Chasers. You pushed past your bad feelings and focused solely on the match ahead, causing Gryffindor to take an early lead.

Ten minutes in and you were up thirty to zero, two of those goals scored by yours truly. You celebrated both with the rest of the team team, noticing, however, how Fred didn’t come to join both times. He seemed rather thrilled when Alicia scored, though.

Why was this bothering you?

You shook your head and continued the game. Another ten minutes in and Angelina put another one in, leaving you guys up forty to nothing.

You were ready to execute another play — Bollocks, specifically — when you heard your name being shouted.

“Look out!” Ginny’s eyes were wide as she called out to you.

You gave her a puzzled look, ready to turn around and see what she was pointing at, but you didn’t have the chance to do so.

The Bludger knocked into your arm, causing you to completely lose balance and topple off of your broom. Unbearable pain spread throughout your body, the point of contact on your arm throbbing violently as the world around you spun out of focus. The entire audience gasped as you began to plummet towards the ground.

Sixty feet? Seventy, maybe?

You could hear people shouting your name but you couldn’t open your eyes, bracing yourself for impact. Your head felt heavy, your heart skipping beats.

You tried to squint your eyes open, but all you could see was the blue of the sky and something orange and red flash by.

That was the last thing you saw before your vision went dark.

——

The Hospital Wing at night was usually deserted. The moonlight would shine through the windows onto the empty beds and Madam Pomfrey would retire to her room early. But not tonight.

Tonight, they were all gathered around you.

“Are you sure you feel okay?” Megan asked, seated by your side and holding your hand tightly in hers, “It was really scary to see you fall.”

“I’m fine, Meg,” you replied with a low chuckle, your voice coarse from having been asleep — or passed out — for a few hours, “I don’t even remember hitting the ground.”

“That’s because you didn’t hit the ground,” Ginny sat down on the other side of the bed, arms crossed and a light smirk on her lips, “You got saved before you made impact.” She looked tired, but you were incredibly glad she was here.

“She’s right,” Megan piped up, now wearing the same smirk, “Madam Pomfrey say you passed out due to the Bludger impact and the speed in which you feel. Hitting the ground had nothing to do with it because you didn’t hit the ground.”

You looked between the two, your eyebrows furrowed and your mind not fully wrapping around their words. You had to have hit the ground, right?

“How did I not hit the ground?” you coughed slightly as you spoke, reaching over to the small table next to you and grabbing your glass of water, taking a small sip to hopefully soothe your throat.

“Fred caught you,” Ginny replied tentatively.

You spat the water back out, spraying the bedspread and probably Megan and Ginny’s faces as well, “I’m sorry — what?”

Megan answered, wiping at her eye, “Yep. He caught you right as you passed out.”

You stated at them, your eyes feeling as if they were as wide as saucers. There was no way Fred saved you, was there? Was he the flash of red and orange you had seen?

“Why’d he do that?” you asked with interest, placing your glass of water back down to avoid spraying anyone else with your shocked spitting.

Ginny was about to speak, but the doors to the Hospital Wing opened and she muttered a sly, “Ask him yourself.”

You looked over, and sure enough, Fred was walking in. Accompanied by the rest of the team, yes, but your eyes went to him and only him. Clearly, he could sense your stare, as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck once arriving at the foot of your bed.

“You caught me?” you asked, ignoring whatever it was that Angelina had just asked you.

Fred’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he shrugged, “Yeah. But it’s not a big deal.”

Angelina pursed her lips from next to you, rolling back and forth on the balls of her feet. The group all shared a look and decided to leave the two of you be, slowly slipping out of the Hospital Wing.

You noticed, yes, but were too busy saying, “Thank you.”

Fred cupped his ear and leaned forwards, a hint of a smirk on his lips as all traces of awkwardness seemed to dissipate, “Sorry, did you just thank me? Blimey, must be the end of times.”

You shot him a look, rolling your eyes and dropping your head back down onto the pillow, “Just accept my thanking and be on your way.”

“I actually brought you something,” he lifted his finger, reaching into the tiny pocket on his chest, pulling out a boxed chocolate frog, “Here. For you.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, crossing your arms, “I don’t trust it. It’s coming from you.”

“I promise, I didn’t do anything to it. And the other one I gave you was fine, wasn’t it?” he smiled, walking over to the side of the bed to sit on the chair, still holding out the small box. His smile was genuine — but he still had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Fine,” you snatched it from him, “I’ll trust you just this once. Because I’m hungry..”

“I got it from Honeydukes yesterday,” he said, leaning back in the chair and lifting his legs, resting his feet atop your bed. You glared at them as you popped the chocolate into your mouth, letting the sweetness soothe you.

“See?” he smirked, raising an eyebrow, “You can trust me.”

You looked over at him, taking in his relaxed, causal state and the bright look in his eyes. You had always seen him looking as if he were hiding a dragon in his trousers — you couldn’t remember a time you’d seen him so casual.

His red striped shirt brought out the warm colours on his face. He looked effortlessly charming. It was annoying, really.

“I guess I can,” you smiled back, no hint of hostility in your voice, “Thank you.”

He took his feet off of your bed and pretended to bow, “You are infinitely welcome.” You chuckled, shaking your head and turning away from him, continuing to suck on the candy. It was changing flavours the longer it was in your mouth; it was beginning to taste like lemon.

“I can bring you some more tomorrow,” he grinned, standing up and shoving his hands into his pockets, “I need to meet up with George. Do you have a candy preference?”

You blinked up at him, “You’re coming back tomorrow?”

He shrugged before nodding, “Might as well. Gotta come see my favorite grouch.”

“Oh, shove off,” you scoffed, dropping your head. For some reason, him saying he was coming to see you tomorrow sent your heart into a jolt. You tried your best to brush it off, but as you glanced back up at him, the same thing happened. You suddenly felt awfully giddy.

“What kind of candy do you like?” he asked again, giving you a more serious look, “It’s the least I could do for not knocking the Bludger fast enough.”

You placed a finger to your chin and tapped, pondering over his question, “I like chocolate. But you already know that.”

He nodded curtly, taking a dramatic bow, “Chocolate it is.” You couldn’t hold back a laugh, covering your mouth and tossing your head back. Fred chuckled too, beginning to make his way towards the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” he gave you a little wave, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, you git,” you replied with a grin, laughing slightly as you watched his lips curve upwards before he stepped outside of the Hospital Wing, closing the door quietly behind him.

Your smile fell as he left, bringing up the blanket to wrap around you, suddenly very aware of how alone you were in the room. Apart from Madam Pomfrey — who was reading a rather large book on the other side of the room. The silence was unnerving and you decided to just sleep it off.

You shut your eyes and let yourself fall into a deep, deep sleep.

——

“You’re joking!” you said through a mouthful of chocolate, your eyes wide.

“Nope,” Fred grinned, “Not joking.”

“How could you do that? You traumatized poor Ron for life,” you said, finally swallowing the chocolate in your mouth so you could breathe through your laughter. 

Fred shrugged, “He deserved it.”

You shot him a look, “He was six. I hardly believe he deserved it.” Popping another bit of chocolate frog into your mouth, you raised your eyebrows as if challenging him.

He let out a low chuckle before taking a bite of his own chocolate frog. True to his word, Fred had shown up that evening with a bag of Honeyduke’s sweets, splitting them into piles between the two of you. Madam Pomfrey was not exactly overjoyed by his appearance — considering his appearance came with noise and food — but she told him he was allowed in for two hours.

You were being discharged tomorrow, anyways. There was no use moping and sulking about with only one day left here. Classes would resume and things would go back to normal.

“You have chocolate on your nose,” he pointed to his own nose as he spoke. You flushed, quickly raising your hand to try and wipe it off.

“You missed,” he smirked, sitting up and leaning forwards, reaching his hand out to touch your nose. As he made contact, you cheeks became incredibly warm. You tried your best to brush it off, but as you looked up into his warm eyes, you couldn’t help it. He was gazing down at you, fingers trailing from your nose down to your jaw before he retracted his hand.

You let out a small cough, purposefully ruining the moment, “What are you looking at?”

“Sorry,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, “It’s just — do you have to be so painfully beautiful?”

Although you were neither eating, nor drinking, you felt yourself choking on air. You averted your eyes away from him, looking at the ground for a good moment as your head wrapped around what he just said.

“Right,” you scoffed, cheeks burning, “I think you’re the one who hit your head.”

He let out an awkward chuckle as he leaned back in his chair, “Deny the compliment all you want. Doesn’t make it any less true, y’know.”

Why was Fred making you feel like this? Obnoxious, loud, arrogant, cocky Fred Weasley. Cute, charming, funny — no.

You couldn’t think of him that way. You had practically sworn to yourself that you’d never end up liking him. You couldn’t just change your morals now. Who does that?

“Thanks,” you muttered, fidgeting with your fingers under the blanket. You didn’t know what to say, you could barely muster the word ‘thanks’ in the first place.

It was odd. Just yesterday, you had snapped at him for being childish. For making a joke. But now, only a day later, you were here. Fighting back a grin and a blush at his compliment as he smirked over, clearly pleased by your reaction as he bit into another sweet.

Considering Fred hadn’t seemed to be your biggest fan either, you wondered why he suddenly felt open enough, confident enough, to compliment you so casually. What had changed? Why were the two of you so relaxed around each other?

Too swarmed with your own confusing thoughts, you hadn’t even noticed the two hours fly by. Fred left not long after, a smile on his face as he left his pile of candies behind for you.

Candies. That’s what was to blame. The sugar. That’s why your heart was violently beating against your ribcage, why your mind was fuzzy, why you had the urge to ask Fred to stay.

The candies were to blame. That’s the only reasonable explanation.

It had to be the candies.

——

The next few days went by in a blur. You were feeling back to normal, which you were awfully thankful for. Madam Pomfrey had fixed you up in a jiffy and sent you on you way after two days in the Wing being monitored closely under her watchful eye. She wasn’t impressed with how many chocolate frogs you had managed to eat, but she was glad you were healed and ready to take on the world again.

Ginny and Megan were glad to have you back — girls night just wasn’t the same without you, they said. And you were glad to see them again too. Although it was only two nights away, you had missed their company.

However, as glad as you were to no longer be confined to your tiny single bed, you felt as if you were missing something. You knew deep down you were missing Fred’s presence —even though you tried to deny it to yourself. He had been nice company while you were being healed and you kind of wished you could get some more alone time with him.

You had seen him around, sure. He was always there during meals and you’d come across him in the common room. Each time he’d send a smile your way and if you were lucky, he’d strike up a quick conversation after asking how you were feeling.

As much as you hated to admit it, you found yourself looking for him when he wasn’t around. You found yourself looking over anytime someone entered the room, hoping it would be him. You’d scan the hallways looking for his bright red hair —

“Looking for me?” a voice snapped you out of your thoughts.

Rather ironic, you thought as you looked up into Fred’s eyes, his head peeking over yours as you sat down for dinner.

“You wish,” you scoffed, fighting a blush that would give away the fact that yes, indeed, you were thinking of him. He didn’t need to know that, though. Would only boost his huge ego and no one wanted that.

“I always wish that,” he smirked as he sat down to your right. Oh, how you wished Fred was a lot less charming than he was. Damn him.

You reached across and grabbed some food, piling it onto your plate without another word. You could feel Fred’s eyes staring at you, your whole body felt like it was burning under his eyes.

“Stop staring,” you turned to face him with your eyebrow raised.

“Sorry,” he raised his hands, “Hard not to.”

You wanted to retaliate, but your voice was lost under Lee and Ginny giggling across from you. When had they even come in? Were they here the whole time? And why wasn’t George with Fred?

“Young love,” Lee clasped his hands and sighed, looking over to Ginny, “When will these two realize their feelings, Ginerva?”

Ginny batted her eyelashes in an equally dramatic manner, “Oh, I don’t know, Lee. Maybe they just need a push.”

Both you and Fred were glaring daggers at them. You hoped the stare you were giving Ginny would cause her to drop the subject, but clearly, it only egged her on. She sent you a wink, laughing as un-subtly as possible.

“Oi, no one asked for the two of you to pipe in,” Fred shot a look at Lee, also hoping to silencing his friend, his cheeks tinted with pink.

You looked away from Ginny, picking at your plate, embarrassed by the obvious attempt to get you and Fred to talk. Would you two even be compatible? 

Would the two of you be a good couple?

“I think we would,” Fred grinned, nudging you in the side.

You turned to face him, eyebrows furrowed, “We would what?”

“You asked if we would be a good couple,” his grin was taunting, his eyes brighter than you’d ever seen them.

“Did I — Melin, did I ask that aloud?” you asked, horrified and humiliated. There was no fighting the blush on your cheeks now. Oh, how you wished you could climb into a hole and completely disappear. 

“You did,” Fred scooted closer to you, “And might I add, it was rather cute. We would make an excellent couple, Y/N. You already love telling me off.”

You didn’t know how to reply to that, completely and utterly shocked that your mouth had the audacity to voice your thoughts without your permission. Why? Why did this have to happen to you?

Fred, noticing that you weren’t going to speak, decided to take initiative, “Well, since that’s all in the open, would you like to accompany me to Hogsmeade next weekend? As a date.”

You looked up to him, the blush now gone as your face lost colour, completely caught off guard. Fred was blunt, yes, but you didn’t think he’d actually ask you out. You figured this weird thing going on between you two was just due both of you feeling guilty? Was this even real?

Did you ever think you’d want to go on a date with Fred Weasley? Bloody hell, no. But now, did you want to go on a date with him? Of course you did. 

“I’d love to,” you replied quietly, not even sure you had said the words.

Fred’s beaming smile alerted you that he had heard you. He wrapped his arm around your shoulder and brought you close to him, but you were too starstruck by the idea of going on a date with him to retaliate.

He was warm, comforting, and you really did enjoy it.

“Go team,” Ginny grinned, fist-bumping an equally pleased looking Lee.

Fred leaned over with a wide smile and whispered in your ear, “Remember when you hated me?”

You scoffed, pulling away as a smile played at your lips, “Shove off, you git.”

—

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[cal-kestis]

You Will Never Be Alone Again | Din Djarin x Fem!Reader

(Epilogue of The Aftermath of Losing Everything)

moodboard/sketch/gifs made by me, please don’t repost :)

Summary: Each morning, he’s there, holding you with his smiling lips pressed against your neck and his heart beating against your chest.  (Set after S2) Rating: M   Word Count: 3018 Warnings/Tags: Soft!Din, FLUFF, no use of ‘Y/N’, suggestive content

[PART I] // [PART II] // [PART III] // [Read on AO3] // [Series Masterlist]

xi. 

It’s strange not waking up by yourself, strange to feel blanketed in a kind of warmth and comfort, not even the early morning suns could radiate.

Sometimes, you think this must be some wild fantasy, a sweet sublime dream that could evaporate into smoke if you dare open your eyes.

But each morning, he’s there, holding you with his smiling lips pressed against your neck and his heart beating against your chest. It’s no secret you love him, it’s written all across your face even with a peripheral glance. Falling for him happened fast and a long, long time ago. Yet in these quiet moments when you’re in the place between wakefulness and sleep, you think you’re still cascading over the crest — falling for the tiniest pieces of him that others would need a magnifying glass to see.

Like those delicate wrinkles that frame the corners of his brown eyes when he looks at you, the way they deepen as he smiles. It’s hard to describe how beautiful those lines are… what they mean. Wrinkles don’t develop overnight. No, he’s smiled enough times for those creases to permanently etch themselves into his skin. It makes your heart soar knowing that, despite all he’s been through, he’d allowed himself those sparse moments of happiness. You’ve hopelessly fallen in love with the lines beside his eyes, evidence that a bright side can exist even in the darkest of hours. 

And still, perhaps something you love even more is the way he kisses you until you forget every night you’d ever lay awake feeling alone in the universe.

It’s all so strange in the best, most beautiful way.

Din has given you so much and you only hope he can see your heart, the words carved on it — poems about him, his eyes, the charming lines that tug at the corners. You hope he can see how you’ve kept every word he’s every whispered against your skin, how you’ve inscribed them onto your beating soul: secrets and promises only the two of you will ever get to know, your own name scribbled by his lips a thousand times. You’ll treasure the invisible markings forever. Your heart’s covered in him and you just hope he can see.

With Din, life seems more meaningful, peaceful, beautiful… full. And though frightening shadows still lurk, you know you don’t have to face them alone.

Of course, there are times you worry, moments when he still seems trapped in his head, sinking into deep waters with that silver ball clutched in his hand. But he has you now, his liferaft, one with patched up holes and dents that will always come to pull him back up to the surface.

On those nights when he gets lost in the treacherous tsunami of his mind, you try to give back to him everything he’s so generously offered you. And even as you draw rasped sighs and choked cries and broken moans from his lips, your fingers painting patterns across his body… you know what heals him most are the moments after: the way your breath slows down to match his, how your lips press so gently over his eyelids until they close and project dreams of you as he sleeps.

Meant for me, he’d once said. Or maybe, meant for you.

—

xii.

In the sacred moments you and Din have to yourselves — no quarry to chase, no demons to face — you find yourselves on beautiful secluded planets like this one, surrounded by towering trees and lush rolling hills and long blades of grass and calm creek cadences. Somehow, each new system is more stunning than the last, and every time he opens the ramp to his ship, he intently watches your wonderstruck reaction as your eyes take in a fantastical new planet and gorgeous environment.

Visiting new planets off-duty comes with its own routine. He walks with you as you explore with wide eyes, sits beside you when you find a colorful plant to draw, lifts his helmet ever so slightly when the desire to kiss you — your cheek, your temple, your shoulder — becomes too overwhelming. And when night falls, you both retire to his ship, where he can freely remove every piece of armor and kiss every inch of your skin until it’s all you can dream of.

Since the confrontation at the Imperial base, Din’s also taken it upon himself to train you. Not in the ways of the Jedi, of course. That, you’re learning to study on your own. Din trains you like a Mandalorian — a zealous approach to weapons and warriorship. He’s a patient and compassionate teacher, and it only ties your heart to his in a tighter knot. With his gentle guidance, handling a blaster is hardly an obstacle and it only takes a month or two before you become well-acquainted with the darksaber he’d hidden in his storage cabinet for so long.

When he’d finally told you the story of the ancient weapon of legend, gravity had seemed to press harder against his back, making his shoulders slope and his head hang even lower. Because, on the day he’d parted with his son, he’d not only removed the mask of his Creed, he’d also acquired the crown of a cursed planet. And he still doesn’t know which one weighs heavier atop his head.

After that, you’d dedicated yourself to training with renewed vigor — wanting to be prepared if ever the target on his back brought upon old Imperial enemies or new ones who sought to usurp him from the throne he never wanted.

Today, much like the other times you’d trained with him, it’s mostly just chopping at trees and bushes. You can’t deny how much stronger you feel just holding the Mandalorian weapon and knowing you can defend yourself even without the Force.

There’s a part of you, however, that feels like Din’s holding back. Whenever you’d asked when you’d be ready to spar with him, eager to test your newfound skills against something that can actually fight back, he’d simply readjusted your stance with gentle hands and asked you to show him the different sword strokes he’d taught you.

“Very good,” Din praises as you step forward and swing the darksaber through the air, slicing clean through a thin branch.

“Well, that tree had it coming,” you scoff, crossing your arms with over-exaggerated toughness. “I’ve had enough of your bark, tree. It’s about time you leaf.”

“Puns. You’re upset,” he says, not a question.

“I’m not upset,” you lie, trying to put on your best sabacc face. But his helmet tilts in a way that’s far too knowing for a darkened, T-shaped visor, and you sigh in defeat under his scrutinizing stare. “Fine. I just… I just think I’m ready to up the ante here. And I feel like you’re holding back.”

He stares at you for a moment, studiously looking you up and down.

“Your posture is too slouched,” he explains, changing the subject again. “Go back to ready position.”

“Don’t do that,” you heave out another exasperated sigh.

“Ner kar’ta...”

“No, don’t ‘ner kar’ta’ me. Just because you’ve got this shiny sword,” you argue, the glowing saber humming in your hand as you brandish it back and forth, “and you’re technically a king or whatever—”

“Mand’alor,” he interrupts. “And I’m not.”

“—doesn’t mean everything you say is law. I want you to fight me. I’m ready,” your voice softens, stepping closer to him as your pleading hands wrap around the back of his neck. “I want to really learn from you.”

“We’re not doing this,” he answers, despite willingly staying trapped in the cage of your arms.

But you don’t back down. Instead, you lean forward, lips barely a hair's breadth from his helmet before you boldly kiss the spot where his mouth would be, lingering and watching how the tinted panel fogs up. The print of your mouth marks the dark visor and it makes you grin. 

“Fight me, Mando,” you whisper, all sultry bravado laced with a tease that prickles the skin beneath Din’s armor.

“Ready position,” he rasps like he’s annoyed at himself. 

A metallic, musical sound rings in the empty forest as he unsheathes the beskar spear behind his back. And like a giddy child, you bounce on your feet and step backward, swinging the darksaber in your hands before taking your stance. 

Din stands sturdy just a few feet away, spear gripped tightly in his gloves. He slowly lowers himself, knees bent just slightly, an air of strength and confidence surrounding him. Then, hardly perceptible, he nods.

You dig your heels into the soil, your boots squashing the grass below your feet. With your legs spread wide, you draw the darksaber up to the side of your head, the blinding glow casting a white halo on your cheek. Narrowing your eyes and taking a deep breath, you charge forward at lightning speed, zeroing in on the shiny armor in front of you.

At the last second, Din dodges your attack, stepping to the side and watching as you rush past him. You somehow manage not to trip over your own feet and hastily twirl around to face him again. But Din’s already got the point of his spear aimed at the side of your throat.

“You’re relying too much on your speed,” he explains, spear hovering just below your ear. “Size up your opponent first. Figuring out their weakness is more valuable than using up all your strength. Go again.”

You huff at him but get back into ready position, breathing deep in through your nose and out through your mouth. This time, you take a moment to assess him for weak spots. There aren’t many of course, not visible at least. But you decide the side of his stomach is your best bet.

The moment he nods his head, you take a leap forward and twist your wrist, swinging the blade toward his waist. His spear spins swiftly to block the strike, your weapons meeting in a clash of sparks and high-pitched whistles. You summon all your strength to push the saber against his spear, watching as the silver metal turns orange under the intense laser’s heat. And just when you feel like you’re gaining the high ground as Din’s body bends under your advance, he sweeps his boot beneath you and you fall backward, losing grip of the darksaber.

“That was better,” he says with approval, scanning your body as you lay on the ground and groan loudly. “You okay?” He gently wonders, coming closer and extending a gloved hand toward you.

With shaking fingers, you reach for him. And the moment you feel his grip tighten around your hand, an idea sparks. Without another thought, you yank him forward onto the ground beside you. He lets out a surprised grunt when he hits the dirt and you take full advantage of his shock, straddling his hips and trapping his arms beneath your legs. You extend your hand out to the side and, within seconds, the darksaber comes flying back into your fist. With a bright flash, you ignite the laser blade near his throat.

“That’s cheating,” he says, but you can hear the proud smile in his voice.

“I simply assessed my opponent’s weakness,” you grin, retracting the saber into its hilt and leaning down until you’re nose-to-nose with his helmet. “Just so happens, his weakness is me.”

“Good girl,” he says, and you can’t fight the way his praise sends a fluttering warmth to your belly.

You kiss his helmet again with an exaggerated smacking sound before getting off of him and saying, “Let’s go again.”

Din spars with you for nearly two hours, offering gentle advice each time he bests you (which is most of the time) and showering you with praises whenever you find a way to get the upper hand. It fills you with unmatchable strength and confidence.

“That’s enough for today, verd’ika,” he says, slightly breathless as he brushes dirt off your clothes. “It’s getting dark. Let’s head inside.”

You smile at him, filled with an intense urge to kiss him. So, you reach for his helmet, slowly, just in case. His head turns left and right, checking if the coast is clear, before nodding. You lift the beskar slightly, just enough to reveal his mouth and his neatly-trimmed mustache, and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

“Thank you, Din,” you whisper as you set his helmet back in its place. You can almost see the bemused look on his face as he stares at you.

And as you walk back to the ship, a re-energized bounce in your step, you decide to tease him one last time, turn around, and smirk. “Meet you in the fresher.”

— 

xiii.

Din’s hair hangs in waves over his forehead as he gazes down at you, leaning on his left forearm to stay suspended over your body. 

He smells delicious, like his herb-scented soap and the delicious meal he’d cooked for you tonight. His skin is glazed in a radiant sheen and his eyes somehow glow in the dim lighting of your shared quarters.

You’ve learned to appreciate rare nights like this, when there are no jobs to keep him away from you for days at a time. When your eyes get to unabashedly roam over the golden expanse of his skin, without heavy armor or layers of cloth in your way. When you get to listen to his voice for hours on end as his hand traces lines and circles into your skin.

“What are you thinking about?” You ask him, noticing how his entranced stare focuses on your lips when you speak.

He strokes a calloused finger over your cheekbone, then under the curve of your lips, until his thumb finds a resting place over your chin and gently swipes back and forth.

“You,” he answers honestly, leaning down to kiss you, tasting your smile on his tongue. He lingers there for a long moment, hanging from your lips like a man on the edge of falling though he’s already fallen countless times before.

“That’s all?” You whisper, feeling his hot breath brush against your mouth.

He rests his forehead against yours, his nose rubbing along the side of your own.

“And how much the kid would have loved this planet,” he continues wistfully. “Running through the grass and catching frogs or whatever he could eat.” 

Your soft laugh is bittersweet as he reminisces over his son, the corners of his eyes wrinkling mere centimeters from your face.

“Thinking about how he would have liked watching us train together. He’d probably cheer for you to win,” Din chuckles when you scrunch your nose and shake your head doubtfully. Then, his face softens and his eyes glisten. “Grogu would have loved you.”

An errant tear falls from Din’s lashes and drops onto your cheek, and there's little you can do to keep your own from getting mixed in — a tiny melancholy river forming atop your skin. Your hands cup either side of his face, and you lean forward to kiss the spot where the tear had left a small trail right below his eye.

“In some ways, it’s like I know him now,” you murmur against Din’s cheekbone. “Because I know you. I can feel it — the pieces of you that will be part of him forever. I would love him too. I already do.”

He whispers your name again and again, and each time, it’s like he’s making a wish on a star. 

“Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum,” you whisper, kissing his lips sweetly.

When you draw backward against your pillow, he latches onto your mouth once more and kisses you until you’re breathless.

“There aren’t words, ner kar’ta, ” he says quietly, fingers brushing gently over your hair. “Nothing can explain what you mean to me.”

When Din makes love, you can feel nothing else but him — his body, his soul, his heart. Every touch and movement is energized by a deep intention to let you know what he sometimes struggles expressing in words. But you’ve become fluent in him, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt how each kiss translates to: I love you.

Each thrust of his hips means: I want you.

Each ragged moan reveals: I need you.

Each soft caress says: I’d do anything for you.

And each time his forehead meets yours, he declares: I have found my family.

As you both try to catch your breath, he flops back down onto the bed beside you. He hums happily when he feels you hold tight to him, squeezing his middle with your arms and placing a kiss over his heart.

“Good night, Din,” you mumble, yawning as you nuzzle your face against his chest and bury yourself deep beneath the covers.

“Sweet dreams,” he says, pressing his lips into your hair.

You tilt your chin up just slightly, wanting the last image you see before you drift off to be his beautiful face. But his stare is far away, lost in thought once again. You follow his line of sight, beginning at his shining eyes and landing on the collection of drawings hung beside his door. And the pictures that reflect in his glossy irises are the finished portrait of him beside the sketch of you and Grogu displayed proudly in the center.

Someday, you swear to yourself, those images will be more than just pencil scratches on parchment. Someday, your small chosen family will be whole.

When you close your eyes — your head resting over the warm skin of his chest, his heart marching steadily under your cheek — you dream of the day Din and his son finally reunite, with you standing by his side. And even if that’s still a far-off fantasy, you can rest easily knowing two things for sure:

Tomorrow, you’ll wake up wrapped in Din’s arms. And, for as long as you live, neither of you will ever be alone again.

End Note: Thank you to anyone who's read this story. It's been a labor of love for me and I'm especially grateful to readers who left encouraging feedback. As for me, I'll be around. I'm working on another Javi x Reader story (inspired by yet another TS song — off evermore this time). If you haven't read my other one, please check it out! It's called "If I Could Never Give You Peace." Talk soon! Mando’a Glossary: Ner kar’ta = My heart (kar’ta = heart [kah-ROH-ta]; ner = my [nair]) Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum. = I know you forever [nee kar-TILE garh dah-RAH-soom] ⎿ “It's the same word as 'to know,' 'to hold in the heart,' kar'taylir. But you add darasuum, ‘forever,’ and it becomes something rather different.” — Republic Commando: Triple Zero Verd' ika = Little Warrior (affectionately) [vair-DEE-kah]

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Taglist: @sarahjkl82-blog @pedro-pastel @mavendeb @tailormotelkamzoil @unexistant @karkii @hwjdykqueillmjwkqu @httpwale @chiara-cannot-sleep​ @niiight-dreamerrrr​

[fabulouspotatosister]

occupational hazard

summary: The best place to be when danger arises is by the Doctor’s side, but sometimes danger comes just by being at his side.

word count: 11, 934 (oof)

warnings: swearing, illness/poisoning, one character is kind of a creep

a/n: here it is.... finally.... the inaugural Long Fic for 11... i have “connections” (on ao3) for 13 and now i have this!! this took way too long to write because i kept getting distracted watching critical role, but now it’s finally done and i can... move on... anyway i hope you all enjoy!!

gif by: @dobrien

---

“…and this - should be Lobar Three!”

 The Doctor spreads his arms with a flourish as the TARDIS lands, its wheezing noise reverberating throughout the console room. The Doctor pirouettes around the console with the grace of a giraffe and slams down a lever – the TARDIS stills.

 A small laugh makes its way out of your mouth. “Should be?”

 ���Yeah, should be. Moderate climate, beautiful mountain ranges, and gorgeous views thanks to its unique atmosphere,” the Doctor continues, dancing towards the doors. “Get ready for the sunrise of a lifetime!”

 He says it like a cheesy tour guide, flashing you one of his manic grins before he peeks his head out of the door.

 A beat of silence. You hear him groan, then he sticks his head back in.

 "Not Lobar Three," he says sheepishly, "Lobar Four. I missed."

 "You missed?" You dash away from the console to stand next to him and gently elbow his side. He mutters a soft "ow". "Oh, one day I'll learn how to drive the TARDIS, and you're going to be sorry."

 "Oi, don't diss the driver," the Doctor says indignantly, his mouth curling into a frown - though one that's probably more embarrassed than upset. It's fun to see the Doctor flustered, all frowns and furrowed brows, arms crossed over his chest. You decide to try again.

 You grin widely, moving closer into the Doctor's side. His mouth hangs open a little bit before he frowns again. "Maybe I should get try and get River to teach me, you've got her on speed dial right -"

 "No, no, no, you are not getting River involved in this," he grumbles. "And I do not have her on speed dial. At least it's inhabited. Come on!"

 The Doctor swings the doors open, and a bright white light spills through. Carefully, he steps out of the TARDIS, and you follow suit.

 You look around, your gaze travelling along smooth marble walls interrupted by framed portraits of wintry landscapes. Several green potted plants stand next to a stone desk. Right next to the empty desk is a shelf full of brochures - the Doctor shuts the doors behind him and runs to the self, plucking a brochure and flipping through it.

 "Doctor, where are we?" you whisper.

 The Doctor doesn't look up from his brochure. "Like I said, Lobar Four. Fourth planet in the Lobar system, very touristy, and also very cold, on account of it being farther from its system's sun -"

 You sigh, interrupting him. "No, I meant where exactly are we?"

 "That is a question I can answer."

 You turn your head towards a low, rumbling voice - your gaze focuses on a bear-like creature, standing on two feet, walking slowly towards you. Something about its presence is quite commanding, and you stand a little straighter. "Welcome, strangers, to the P'kone Mountain Resort. What is your business here?"

 "Hello!" the Doctor says cheerfully, stuffing his brochure into his jacket. "I'm the Doctor and this -" He pats your shoulders and you smile politely - "is my companion. We're just having a look around. Lovely resort. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. ...?"

 "The Doctor!" The creature's eyes widen, and he steps forward, bowing his head. The many chains on his suit strike each other and make jangling sounds. “I did not expect such an esteemed visitor to arrive. I am Merban, and the pleasure is all mine."

 "Oh, esteemed visitor?" The Doctor bows back, then glances at you - you fumble and bow awkwardly. If your bowing is offensive at all Merban doesn't say anything. "What's the occasion, Merban?"

 Merban straightens, folding his hands - paws? You'd have to count how many fingers he had - behind his back. His white fur almost makes him disappear into the white marble walls, but the many golden accents on his maroon suit shine under the lights. "We are having a political summit regarding our planet's trade. You may join us, if you like - dinner is just beginning."

 "Dinner?" you ask, then cringe at the way your voice echoes in the space. Merban nods slowly.

 "Yes, child," he says, a gentle smile spreading across his features. "We would be very humbled to be in your company."

 "Oh, his company, not mine," you laugh, gesturing to the Doctor.

 Merban frowns, tilting his head to the side. "No, your company is appreciated as well. We Lobarians have heard many stories about the Doctor and his companions. How they travel together, spreading kindness amongst the stars. You play a very integral role in those stories. We will honor you just as much as him."

 You feel your face grow warm. You glance at the Doctor and he smiles at you, a proud gleam in his eyes. "Oh. Well, uh - thank you," you manage, your voice small. "Yes, we'll join you. Please, lead the way."

 "Very well." With another polite nod, Merban turns on his heel and starts walking into the hallway behind him.

 "Honored? Me?" you gush, walking not too far behind Merban. You're only human, and although the Doctor's always said that humanity's brilliant, there's still a tiny part of you that jumps in joy at the praise. "They tell stories about you and I'm a part of them?"

 "We're a package deal, you and I." The Doctor shrugs, but there's still a smile playing on his lips. A package deal. Never one without the other. You soften at the thought. "Word gets around quickly. You get used to it."

 "Oh, I think I never will." You try to swallow a laugh, but it bubbles out of you anyway. "Spreading kindness amongst the stars is such high praise. I didn't think we were doing that."

 The hallway widens into a large room, and your breath catches in your throat. Intricately carved pillars curve upwards into a domed ceiling, leading to a shimmering centerpiece hanging in the middle of the room that seems to shift in the wind. Scattered around the room are circular tables, decorated with a silken cloth that reflect the lights beautifully. There are a few Lobarians at every table, all dressed in formal wear lined in gold, all of them prim and proper in their seats.

 "Friends and allies," Merban announces, "I proclaim the arrival of two very esteemed guests, the Doctor and his companion!"

 A bout of polite clapping spreads across the room before it quickly falls silent again. Merban leads you to a longer table set on a stage - a Lobarian with fluffy brown fur dressed in an azure suit quickly leaps up from his chair to greet you and the Doctor.

 "Hello!" he says brightly, taking your hand in his - five fingers, so not paws - and shaking it vigorously. "I'm Koramaz, it's so nice to finally meet you." He jerks his thumb behind him at another Lobarian with similarly colored fur, who rises from his seat to join Koramaz. "That's my assistant, Orvin. Why don't you say hello?"

 "Greetings." Orvin reaches out to take your hand, the faint gleam of a ring shining on one of his fingers. He presses his mouth against the back of your palm - you raise your eyebrows at him and he laughs, a low sound. "I'm sorry. Traditions travel far and wide across the cosmos. I was told about this human one. Did that offend you?"

 "N-no," you stutter out. The Doctor moves to stand behind you, placing his hands on your shoulders.

 "Lovely to meet you both," he says. You nearly miss him grumbling something under his breath.

 Merban settles into his seat. "If you are finished with your introductions, shall we begin?

 Koramaz smiles, his teeth bared. And they're sharp. "Of course, Merban. Shall we?"

 Merban offers that you sit beside him - Koramaz insists the same thing. In the end, you and the Doctor end up at the center of the table, with Koramaz on one side and Merban on the other. You watch as elegantly dressed Lobarians float into the room and begin handing dishes on silver platters to the guests, spinning around every table like the service is one big choreography.

 "So - about this political summit," the Doctor begins, leaning back into his chair and clasping his hands together, "what's going on? Why don't you fill me in on the details, Merban?"

 "Our planet is currently divided into two factions," Merban explains. He nods up at one of the servers politely as they set down a plate in front of him. "I am with the Protectionists. We wish to keep our planet's economy independent. That involves increasing restrictions and taxes on foreign exports."

 "And I," Koramaz starts, waving away a server, "am with the Expansionists. We want Lobar Four to be seen on the galactic stage! Opening our doors to foreign trade has to be the best way. Don't you agree with me, Orvin?"

 Orvin just hums in reply, the blue cloak resting on his shoulder swaying with the motion.

 It's only now that you notice how the room is divided in two - the ones wearing blue sitting on one side, and the ones wearing red sitting on the other. It's also only now that formality of the event hits you. The Doctor in his suit and bowtie fits right in, but you - you're in a shirt and pants. You reach up the grab the hem of your shirt, anxiously running your fingers over the fabric.

 "Preposterous," Merban mutters. "Lobar Four is not yet ready for that kind of progress."

 "If we're not ready now, then when will we be ready, Merban?" Koramaz counters. "Hmm? What do you say to that?"

 "Well, progress is subjective, when you really think about it," the Doctor says. "It all depends on what your goals are, and if your goals differ, then so does your idea of progress. I suppose that's what makes this so difficult."

 "Spoken like a true public speaker," you whisper, leaning in.

 The Doctor chuckles. "I was on Aristotle's debate team."

 Koramaz turns to face the Doctor, his eyes glinting. "Say, Doctor, why don't you put in a good word for us? Everyone here trusts you a lot, and I'm sure you agree with me. Opportunity for all, and all that."

 The Doctor smiles and shakes his head. "Sorry, I'm not really one for politics. The gossip can get a bit -" He grimaces slightly - "much. More of a negotiator. I don't really interfere."

 You snicker at that. Really?

 The Doctor narrows his eyes at you. Hush.

 "I'm sure you lot can come to a compromise," the Doctor says. Merban scoffs.

 "Compromise has no place in Koramaz's vocabulary," Merban says. Koramaz shrugs at that, raising his palms in the air. "The boy has a one-track mind, as the young ones say. I can only hope that these talks go peacefully."

 "Yes, we only want the best for our planet." Koramaz nods slowly. He glances at Orvin, his gaze hidden by his fur. "It's a shame you won't put your two cents in, Doctor. But rest assured, we'll come to a conclusion by the end of the night."

 A small tap on your shoulder makes you look up at one of the finely dressed servers. They carry a small tray filled with glasses of a rose-colored liquid. The server nods at you, then the drinks. "Would you like one?"

 "Sure, thanks." You reach up and take one of the glasses - the rose-colored liquid sparkles, and when you smell it, it does smell faintly of roses. "Is it alcoholic?"

 "It is a wine from our territory," Merban says, "a gift from my faction to Koramaz's for all of us to enjoy."

 Koramaz swirls his own glass of wine. "It's a wonderful gesture. What about you, Doctor? Will you drink?"

 The Doctor waves off a server, shaking his head, but he's got his own glass too. "Nah, I don't drink. But I do love to hold the glass in my hand, it makes me look cool."

 Your laughter is what sets the whole table off - Koramaz chortles, and even Merban gives a low chuckle. The Doctor smiles, proud, raising the glass like Gatsby at one of his parties. It's enough to make you laugh again, steadying your hand so you don't spill your drinks.

 You raise the glass to your lips and sip the wine - it tastes fizzy, and burns your throat when you swallow, but it isn't bad. The Doctor frowns like a disapproving parent, pointing his sonic at the glass. You raise your eyebrows at him as he skims over the readings.

 "What?" you say, lowering your glass.

 "I don't want you getting drunk, this is a diplomatic affair," the Doctor says quietly.

 "Okay, Mr. Grumpy Face. You're no fun." You take a big gulp of wine and then immediately regret it as it burns even harder in your throat, blazing a trail of fire all the way down to your stomach. You cough, your face twisting into a grimace. "Don't laugh."

 "'Course not," the Doctor says, laughing. "Are you okay?"

 "Fine!" you splutter. It still burns, and you pound your fist against your chest. "Ack. I shouldn't have done that. Don't go all 'I told you so' on me and tell me that the wine isn't safe for human consumption."

 "Oh, it isn't," the Doctor says nonchalantly. When you stare at him, your eyes going wide, he laughs. "Kidding! I'm kidding. Look at you, all panicked with your big eyes."

 You groan and the Doctor laughs again, louder this time. Your annoyance drops at the joyful sound and you smile, biting your lower lip. You're out of place in a super fancy alien dinner party, and yet the Doctor is still squarely by your side, his laugh like an anchor amongst all of the extraordinary things happening. You file that nice thought away for later, to admit to him in a more vulnerable moment.

 "And now, a dance," Merban announces, raising his glass, "to cement peace between our two factions. Koramaz, if you will?"

 "Of course." Koramaz rises and makes his way to the very center of the room - the guests dressed in blue all form a circle, and the guests dressed in red partner up with them.

 Orvin extends a hand to you. "Wait. Before you join the dance, I have a gift for you."

 He unclasps the pin that holds his shoulder cloak in place - it slides off his shoulder, the fabric shimmering in his hands - and throws it over your shoulder. He leans in close to pin it, his fur just tickling the skin of your neck. It looks a little strange, the beautiful piece hanging off of your casual clothes, but Orvin looks proud. "Perfect for a beauty like you."

 You smile shyly at him. "Thank -"

 "Yes, thank you very much," the Doctor says quickly. He shoots a polite smile in Orvin's direction before he practically drags you away. "You didn't have to say yes," he says, his grip tight around your wrist.

 "I didn't?" You pry your hand out of his grasp. The cloak sways as you move, cold like metal as it brushes against your arm. "It's a really nice cloak, though."

 The Doctor huffs. "It's finely-woven chainmail - the metal links are as tiny as thread. Makes it look just like normal cloth. Lobarian craftsmen do not mess about. Symbolic Lobarian attire, the one-shoulder cloak, common throughout the whole system."

 "Symbolic of what?" you ask. The Doctor sighs, his brows pinching together.

 "It's an old symbol, it doesn't matter." You shoot him a look, trying to give him your best puppy-dog eyes - the Doctor holds your gaze before he sighs again, deeper this time. "Oh, you - alright, it means you're unbound."

 "Unbound?"

 "Unmarried, without a partner, whatever you want to call it!" the Doctor says, his voice climbing higher. "Single. I don't know."

 You watch the Doctor, shoulders slumped as if in defeat, his hands thrown up in the air in frustration - if you didn't know any better, you'd say he looked a little -

 "Raise the music!" Koramaz bellows, and the music grows even louder. Everyone starts to sway, some joining hands, some pulling each other close.

 At Koramaz's announcement, the Doctor relaxes slightly. He extends his hand to you, bowing slightly like a proper gentleman - "Shall we dance?"

 "Aren't you a terrible dancer?" you ask, placing your hand in his.

 The Doctor smirks up at you, and your heart stutters in your chest. "You've never seen me waltz."

 You breathe out a laugh as the Doctor steps closer to you, your hand still clasped in his. You bring your free hand to his shoulder - the Doctor, not taking his eyes off you, lets his hand come to a rest on your waist.

 And oh, his eyes. Have you ever really looked at the Doctor before today? Like, really looked at him? Has his face always looked like that?

 He said you were unbound but you certainly don't feel that way - swaying with him, the Doctor feels like the only thing keeping your feet on the ground. You blink up at him, at his hair that just looks perfect for running your hands through and his eyes that seem to hold everything.

 You haven't been looking. Now you're looking and you really like what you see.

 You exhale through your mouth at the realization, and hope that the Doctor doesn't hear. He's humming along to the music, happy enough. "Doctor?" you ask, jumping a little at the way your voice comes out strained.

 The Doctor hums in response, a note of the song. You swallow. What's brought this on? Is it the alien wine you've just drunk? It probably is. Liquid courage. "Have I ever told you that I think you're really -"

 "Excuse me," a Lobarian next to you coughs, "you'll have to pass her along."

 You feel the Doctor's hand tense against your waist. "What?"

 "We're meant to dance with everyone," they explain. "The dance can't continue until you pass her along. Sorry."

 Something flickers across the Doctor's face, too quickly for you to figure out what it is. He lets go of you, pushing you gently away from him, and you think you catch him frowning as you're passed along.

 It's easy enough to engage in light conversation with the Lobarians who dance with you. Most of them are overwhelmed at your presence, others are adorably curious about human customs. They ask questions about climate and plants, some of them tilting their heads in confusion at the idea of a "summer". A few remind you too much of old economics teachers.

 You've just finished talking with a tall Lobarian woman when she spins you and passes you along to the one beside her - strong arms catch you, and you look up at Orvin's face.

 "My cloak suits you well," he rumbles, smiling.

 "It does," you say brightly. "Thank you, it's beautiful."

 Orvin hums, intertwining his fingers with yours. You jump at the intimacy of the action, but his hold is too tight for you to pull away from it. "Do you know what it means?"

 "Y-yeah, the Doctor explained it to me."

 "Then you must know what I think of you," Orvin says. His hand, once settled on your waist, starts drifting towards the small of your back - you shudder at the touch. "Do you know what it means when it is given to someone?"

 "No," you squeak out.

 Orvin's pulling you closer, your bodies nearly flush with one another. "From one unbound to another… I think you know what I mean."

 "I'm not sure I follow," you say, leaning away from Orvin's face, which was now very close to yours. His teeth are just as sharp as Koramaz's. "But I'm - I'm not unbound."

 "Well, you might not be - but maybe your partner isn't here." He leans in closer to you and you stiffen. To anyone watching, Orvin might as well be dipping you, but all you want to do is kick him and run away. "Why don't we have a little fun?" he whispers, his breath tickling your ear.

 There's something almost predatorial in Orvin's gaze that sends your poor heart into a frenzy. Sharp teeth and something sharp digging into your back. You squirm in his grasp, trying to find safety - the Doctor. You meet his gaze from across the room, and you have to blink at the intensity of his glare.

 Orvin can't see it, but the Doctor is burning holes into his back.

 "I'm not unbound," you repeat, trying to put a little fire in your voice. The Doctor's gaze flickers from Orvin to you and he shoots you a polite smile, but the look in his eyes hasn't gone. My anchor, you think. "The one I'm bound to is right behind you."

 Not entirely the truth, not entirely a lie either. Maybe it's a wish.

 A few seconds pass, the silence between you and Orvin heavy with tension. He turns his head to face the Doctor, and then he laughs. The sound sends shivers down your spine.

 "Alright," he finally says, "I assumed. I apologize."

 You'd better be sorry is the first thought that crosses your mind. Orvin shifts his hand away from the small of your back - a sharp pain pierces through your skin. You suck in a breath through your teeth.

 "You alright?" Orvin moves his hand back to your waist. "Are you hurt?"

 "I'm fine," you say. The pain is gone as fast as it came. "Probably just static."

 Orvin looks down at you curiously, but nods. He pulls back from you, getting ready to pass you to your next partner, and you spin, and spin, and, spin, and hang on, should you be spinning for this long or -

 "Woah, woah!"

 You're spinning. You're still spinning. Or is the room spinning? You blink slowly, your eyelids heavy. Maybe it's the wine, the one glass of Lobarian wine you had that's messing with your system. Maybe the Doctor was right, maybe it really wasn't good for humans. The room lurches forward - or maybe you do.

 "Hang on, I've got you."

 The Doctor. You're back in his arms, still swaying slowly to the music, which sounds so far away now. Has someone stuffed your ears with cotton? You lean forward and rest your head on his shoulder, pressing your forehead against his tweed jacket.

 "I saw you stumbling," the Doctor says, his voice quiet near your ear. "What's going on? Have you had too much to drink? I told you -"

 You groan, cutting him off, your stomach roiling. "I don't… feel good. I feel like..."

 You grip against the Doctor slackens, and you fall - the cold marble floor doesn't greet you. Instead, the Doctor's arms wrap around you before you can collide with the floor.

 You can faintly hear a gasp spread throughout the entire room. The music's stopped, too. You want to apologize for ruining everyone's fun, but all that comes out of your mouth is another weak groan. You squeeze your eyes shut, but the room's still tumbling. So dizzy...

 Koramaz's voice drifts in. "Oh, no. What's wrong? What's happened?"

 "I don't know, I need to find out first," the Doctor says. You feel him pull you closer, letting your head rest against his chest. The double beats of his heart join the pounding in your head. "She said she wasn't feeling well, why would she be not feeling well..."

 "There is an infirmary, in the hotel," Merban suggests. A furry hand pushes the hair away from your face. "She can be taken there until she is well again."

 "Right, since you all have great service." The Doctor's voice waver's ever so slightly. You reach out, your hand wrapping around one of his braces. "I'll go with her. I'll stay until she's better."

 Please, you try to say. It comes out like a strangled noise in the back of your throat instead, but the Doctor seems to understand. You feel his lips press against your hair. Don't leave.

 "No, Doctor," Koramaz says gently. "This could be really serious. There might be a criminal in our midst. We need you here, to answer some questions."

 Merban speaks up. "Koramaz, are you insinuating that -"

 "No, I'm just being thorough."

 "And if I won't?" Something dangerous plays at the edge of the Doctor's voice. His hold on you tightens.

 "Do not worry." Merban's voice is calm and steady. "Rest assured, your companion will be provided the best care that we have."

 Koramaz speaks again, and you feel yourself being moved, away from the Doctor - a whine bubbles out of your mouth, your hands still searching for where the Doctor is. No! "Orvin'll help take her to the infirmary. Won't you, Orvin?"

 Not this bastard again… "As you wish," Orvin says. He scoops you up and lifts you. Everything lurches at the motion, and you groan again, dizzy, confused, and maybe just a little bit scared.

 Their voices get farther and farther away, but even though all the nausea there's a thought, clear as day, nagging at you in the very back of your mind.

 "H-hang on," you mumble. "Guys, I don't think I'm drunk..."

 --

 The Doctor tries to swallow his jealousy as he watches Orvin walk away with your limp form in his arms. That's not what he's supposed to be feeling right now, but he can't help the ugly feeling that's snaked its way into his hearts.

 You'd looked radiant tonight. The sight of you in Orvin's cloak - although a little bit annoying - is something that he's sure is etched in his brain. You'd looked like royalty in the blue piece. He’s seen a lot of royalty, and they’re absolutely nothing compared to you. And you looking up at him, almost dreamily, face flushed with alcohol, is not something he'll forget.

 But he can't get the way you reached out for him out of his brain, either. The way you gripped one of his braces for dear life, the way your hands reached out blindly through your confusion, looking to him for comfort.

 Not jealous, he tries to convince himself, worried. He's better at that anyway.

 "What's going on?"

 "Let me see, let me see!"

 "They've just carted her off..."

 The Lobarians start muttering amongst themselves. After you'd fallen into his arms, they'd scattered, grouping back into their respective factions. The beautiful palette of reds and blues divided again. It's funny what fear does to a people.

 "Now, now, everyone, calm down," Merban says. "There is no need for panic. Fear and suspicion will only make our investigation harder."

 "Fear and suspicion?"

 "Merban's right, we need to stay as calm as we can -"

 "No, we need to start asking questions!"

 Murmuring spreads through both factions. The Doctor watches Merban, hands held out, trying to placate everyone - and Koramaz, shifting on his feet, mouth bared in what almost looks like a snarl, his sharp teeth reflecting the light and making him look even more vicious. He can sense it, Koramaz's anger, and he takes a careful step backward. The whole thing is a puddle of gasoline, and if Koramaz says anything, there will only be ashes left behind.

 "Now, have any of you here seen anything suspicious during tonight's proceedings? Anything at all?"

 Most of the Lobarians shake their heads, looking at each other with wide eyes. The Doctor's seen this before - classic political intrigue. Two factions with a rivalry. It's something he'd love to solve, if he wasn't dealing with the nagging worry slowly climbing up his throat.

 Suddenly, Koramaz snarls, pointing a finger at Merban. "If anything, you're the suspicious one!"

 A collective gasp. There it was. Now there was a fire.

 Merban raises his hands, shaking his head. "Koramaz - you must be mistaken. As I have said, we all need to stay calm, and -"

 "No, we aren't going to stay calm," Koramaz grumbles. "Who invited the Doctor and his companion to the dinner? Whose territory was that wine from? Hmm?"

 There's another gasp, and another wave of panicked muttering. Merban sighs. "Koramaz, please. Let us talk about this."

 "They're the ambassadors of the universe, well known through time and space!" Koramaz voice shakes with emotion, his entire body trembling. "You did this! You tried to poison a visitor - a potential ally in trade, an opportunity - to keep our planet independent! Your cruelty knows no bounds."

 "Koramaz - no -" Merban begins, but soon enough his voice is drowned out by the sound of yelling and fighting. "Koramaz!"

 "Doctor, look at him!" Koramaz shouts, glancing at the Doctor with wild eyes. "Don't you see how guilty he is?"

 The Doctor stays silent.

 "Everyone, are you feeling well? Have you had any of the wine?"

 "You bastards!"

 "We're just trying to help Lobar Four!"

 Koramaz goes still in the middle of the chaos. The Doctor narrows his eyes at him - narrows his eyes at the way he takes a deep breath in, adjusts his suit, and relaxes as soon as the first stone has been thrown. He storms off, disappearing into the throes of panicked and angry Lobarians.

 The Doctor moves to stand next to Merban. The Protectionist leader looks absolutely frazzled, his once pristine fur now sticking out at unnatural angles.

 "Merban," he says, and Merban jumps at the sound of his voice. "I'm sorry, you lot are really being quite noisy. I think I'll head back to my ship now, if that's alright with you."

 "No, Doctor, we -" Merban sighs, ragged. "I may need your help. You must be concerned for your companion. If you cooperate with us, I'm sure we can find a solution."

 Concerned is an understatement. "I'll be here," he says, placing a reassuring hand on Merban's shoulder. "But I won't be of any help while you're all squabbling. I'll stay out of your way until this all dies down."

 Merban relaxes ever so slightly, and the Doctor gives him a small smile. Slowly, he nods, placing his own hand on the Doctor's shoulder. Merban's touch is firm, but his gaze wavers. "Of course. Feel free to leave, Doctor - but do come back. We will let you know when we need you."

 "You're a good man, Merban," the Doctor replies. "Thank you."

 The Doctor waits until Merban lowers his hands, and watches him as he plunges into the crowd of arguing Lobarians, his deep voice rising above everyone else's.

 Good show, Doctor. Time to make your escape.

 He slips into another corridor as quietly as he can, the sounds of petty words being thrown at one another getting softer and softer. He walks towards the lobby, where the TARDIS is parked, anxious hands fidgeting to keep his mind off the first thing it drifts to - a worst case scenario.

 But of course, it does. The Doctor just doesn't want to bring those thoughts to the front of his mind.

 His worry is practically clawing out of his throat now. The Doctor fights it first. Merban had promised you'd be safe, but Koramaz - Koramaz hadn't made any promises. Only threats. He stops fighting his fear, his hands curling into fists.

 The Doctor turns on his heel and walks the other way.

 He thrusts his hand into his jacket, and with a soft cry of "a-ha!", pulls out a brochure. It's the same brochure he'd picked up when he landed - it's shiny, reflecting the light into his eyes, and also very informative, as all good brochures should be.

 He turns it over in his hands. Printed on the paper is a map of the hotel, a tiny glowing blip on the paper marking where he's standing.

 The Doctor opens his mouth to explain it to you, paper-thin optics with a built-in directional tracker, waiting for your excited response - then he falters. It's quiet. You're not going to respond because you aren't there, right by his side, where you should be.

 Problem number one. The rest, he can deal with later. Finding the area on the map labeled "Infirmary", he sets off in that direction first.

 The Doctor walks silently though the hallways, sonic screwdriver held up like a weapon. He won't boast about it, but Time Lords have better hearing than humans - not the best, but still quite good. He can still hear the distant sound of raised voices, but he tries to focus on something else. He tries to see if he can hear you, your voice, your breathing, your heartbeat, anything of yours that he can recognize.

 Nothing.

 He looks through the glass doors of the infirmary - and they're empty. He peers in further, and there's still no sign of you. None of the beds have a pillow out of place, and the staff inside are too busy tending to other people.

 Not jealous, not jealous, worried, starts to sound quite bad in the Doctor's head. Jealousy would have been better than this.

 The Doctor lifts the map to his face again, squinting at the tiny text printed onto it - Infirmary, Function Halls, Private Rooms. The private rooms don't look too far away from the infirmary. A guess won't hurt, the Doctor thinks.

 Then, close by - the sound of a clattering doorknob. And voices. Faint groaning.

 "Doctor..."

 Then a faraway thud, the sound of something soft falling to the floor. Like a body.

 Maybe this guess would hurt. The Doctor runs towards the source of the sound, one of the private rooms, and presses his ear against the door. What he hears next makes his heart twist painfully in his chest.

 It's you, it's your voice. It's too faint for him to make out any words. The Doctor grits his teeth as he presses his whole body against the door.

 It doesn't budge. He tries the doorknob - locked. Anger joins his repertoire of already jumbled emotions, setting his hearts alight with a white-hot anger that he hasn't felt in a very, very long time. He points his sonic at the doorknob, gripping it so tightly he can see his knuckles turn white - the door swings open and he very nearly drops the device.

 "Help," you mutter weakly, sprawled on the floor. "Help me."

 "No, no no no -" The Doctor drops to his knees beside you, sweeping the sonic over your body - the whirring noise makes you furrow your brows, and he apologizes under his breath. He has a feeling he's going to be doing a lot of that. He skims through the readings, his hearts pounding out of his chest at every point of data.

 He tucks his sonic back into his jacket and gently turns you over. You roll onto your back and groan, your arms hanging limp at your sides.

 "Hey," he murmurs, his vision going hazy. He blinks quickly. Not now.

 Slowly, he wraps his arms around your shivering form. You're shaking like a leaf in a storm, and you feel impossibly frail in his arms. A sob makes its way through your trembling lips, and the sound rips the Doctor's hearts in two.

 You had just been smiling, laughing, dancing with him minutes ago. Now you're sobbing in his arms. The Doctor swallows.

 "Doctor?" you mumble. You're looking into nowhere, your eyes glassy. "I need to - need to find the Doctor..."

 Now you were just being cruel. "It's me," the Doctor chokes out. He blinks the tears out of his eyes, again, but he can't stop the few that slip out. "I'm here, I'm right here. I'm so sorry."

 "Sorry?" Your cheeks are shiny. "Wha… what for?"

 This. Everything. The Doctor reaches out to wipe your tears - and he jerks his hand away. You're burning up, sweat beading on your forehead, your hair sticking to the damp skin. Even Orvin's chainmail cloak has absorbed some of the warmth.

 "Nothing," the Doctor whispers. He takes your face in his hands and presses a kiss to your forehead, even though heat is coming off you in waves. "I'm going to take you home, okay? You're going to be alright. I promise."

 "Home," you slur, your head lolling, "yeah, home sounds good."

 The Doctor doesn't like making promises. He's too afraid of what happens when he can't keep them, but he swears he'll fulfill this one. You lean into his touch and sigh, that one puff of breath scalding the skin of his hands.

 Your eyelids flutter as you head comes to rest on the Doctor's chest. Another round of shivers wracks your body, and the Doctor tightens his grasp on you.

 As gently as he can, he rises to his feet. The motion makes you whimper, and you curl up in his grasp. He sets his jaw and steps out of the room.

 You mumble things under your breath as the Doctor weaves through the hallways, making his way back to the TARDIS. Back home. He doesn't want to listen, because your delirious mumblings make his hearts hurt terribly, but he does catch a few. A few "sorry"s, a handful of "hurts", the occasional "ow", and "I tried to warn him".

 "Tried to warn me about what, sweetheart?" he coaxes when you mumble it for the third time. You blink up at him blearily, recognition flickering in your tired eyes.

 "M'not drunk," is your breathy response. "Didn't feel drunk. Felt sick. My back… hurts."

 "Your back?" the Doctor asks. You groan in reply, and when the Doctor jostles you experimentally that groan tapers off into a weak cry of pain. It's too much for his hearts. "Was it the wine? Do you think it was the wine?" he tries, following another lead.

 "My back," you insist weakly. "Dance… he was too close..."

 The TARDIS comes into view, and the Doctor quickens his pace. Just a few more steps and you'll be home, safe -

 Merban nearly runs into him. His jaw drops open at the sight of you hanging limply in the Doctor's arms. "Oh, goodness," he gasps, "what's happened to her?"

 "I don't know," the Doctor growls, the anger in his hearts a roaring fire. "How about you tell me why she wasn't in the infirmary? Or why she was all alone in a locked room with a raging fever?"

 "Doctor, I -" Merban stutters. "I was under the impression she was being cared for."

 "Well, your impression was wrong."

 Koramaz appears behind Merban, and his eyes widen in shock. He reaches out for you, and something in the Doctor snaps - he isn't allowed to get close to you like that, no one is! He steps back quickly, shielding you in his arms.

 "No, don't you touch her!" he snarls, suddenly much older and ancient and dangerous.

 Koramaz stops in his tracks. The Doctor glares at him, breathing heavily, watching as he stumbles backwards. There's a sick satisfaction building in him at the fear in their eyes - and the Doctor realizes that maybe, just this once, he doesn't mind being ancient. He doesn't mind being dangerous.

 But then you mutter something disjointedly, shift your frail body in his arms, and it's all wiped away like writing on the sand. The anger gone in just a moment, replaced by a fear that keeps him rooted to the floor.

 "Doctor, what are you doing?" Merban asks softly.

 The Doctor looks down at you. He's always scared, but not like this. Never like this.

 "I'm being selfish," he says, and he disappears into the TARDIS.

 --

 “Have you done it?”

 “I have.”

 “Good job.”

 Voices drift into your hearing. All you feel are sensations – incoherent and choppy, like someone had deleted entire minutes of your memory, scenes jumping from one to the other. Being scooped into someone’s arms, carried into the dark. Silken sheets brushing against freezing skin. Something thick and heavy being laid over you, suffocating you –

 “Make sure she isn’t found until later. You know the plan. You know what he needs to think.”

 The voices are familiar. Should you be alarmed? You feel like you should – but you can’t be. It’s too cold to feel anything else at all. There’s a soft click, and then laughter. Low laughter, laughter that’s too threatening to be kind. The sound sends shivers up your spine.

 A small part of your mind’s still awake, and its screaming at you to get the hell up. You roll, and twist - then you fall, and the bed disappears from underneath you. You’re weightless for a second before your elbow collides with the floor. You’re too tired to even cry out in pain.

 A thought pushes through your mind as you reach up at what looks like a doorknob – find the Doctor. He’s home, he’s safety, he’s everything. The doorknob rattles once, twice, nothing.

 “Doctor,” you manage, and then –

 Another voice drifts in. Warm and comforting. Soft against the sharp pain.

 “Hush, I’m here,” the voice says. Something cold presses onto your forehead. A bead of liquid trickles down your temple and disappears into your hair.

 “Where…?” You draw in a slow breath, your head lolling against a surprisingly warm pillow. You want to open your eyes – look upon your savior, as dramatic as that sounds. But your eyelids are so heavy, and you give up before you can even try.

 “It’s alright, you’re safe, you’re on the TARDIS.” This time it’s hands, a palm pressing against your forehead, gentle fingers pressing onto your neck, both of them blessedly cool. You sigh and lean into the touch.

 “Try to rest – you’re still burning up.” The hands retreat – then they come back, brushing against your cheek. The touch says a thousand words that you’re too tired to understand. “I need to figure out what they’ve put in you before…”

 Silence for a moment.

 “…I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.”

 Darkness swallows you before you can say anything back.

 You come to consciousness like a computer waking up – every system flickering to life one by one. Touch comes first – you’re in a soft thing, a comfy thing, a bed. The faint hum of the TARDIS reaches your ears, low enough to be calming background noise. Sight is the last thing that comes to you as your eyes flutter open.

 This isn’t the medical bay. It’s missing the sterile white walls and clean lines you’re used to waking up to when your adventures go inevitably south – and this isn’t your room either. It’s big and barely decorated, and while most of the rooms on the TARDIS feel old, this one feels older than most.

 “You’re awake!”

 The Doctor comes into your vision. You notice three things – one, his jacket’s gone, the sleeves of his button-up rolled up to his elbows. Two, this bed you’re lying in? Huge. Three – the Doctor’s eyes are very, very red.

 “How are you feeling?” he asks.

 “Not – sure,” you reply, your voice hoarse. “Confused. How long have I been out?”

 The Doctor doesn’t answer that. He sits down on the bed instead, pulling your arm gently from under the blanket with a practiced ease. He rolls up your sleeve and peers at your forearm, his gaze steady and laser-focused on one spot on your arm.

 The Doctor’s mysterious, but sometimes he can be easy to read. It isn’t hard with his face – he doesn’t shy away from emotions, and even when he tries to, they slip out of the mask he tries so hard to maintain. There have been quiet nights on the TARDIS after those botched adventures, that have started with anger and ended in tears from the both of you.

 You flick your gaze from your arm to the Doctor’s face, and really look. Even through the thick haze that lays like fog on your mind, you can see his eyes, red-rimmed and sunken, and the way his jaw is tight and his shoulder are squared with a tension you’ve seen before.

 He must be angry, you think, angry that I’ve gotten hurt, somehow.

 “Good,” the Doctor finally says, looking up at you with a tired smile. “The antidote seems to be working – I made it with your blood, by the way, so if you feel a little lightheaded that’s on me.”

 But there isn’t any anger in his eyes. There’s no storm, no fire. Just… exhaustion, and maybe a hint of relief as he looks at your face.

 You must have missed it.

 “What happened?” Your mouth doesn’t form the words quite right, and you catch the way the Doctor’s lips curve up fondly.

 “You were poisoned,” he says, running a hand through his hair. It’s messier than it usually is, and his bowtie’s askew too. He turns away from you before you can reach up and fix it.

 “Poison?” you ask. You struggle to connect the dots in your head, your mind still running too slow for your liking. “Someone poisoned me?”

 “Not organic, not one you can buy either. Unprofessionally made, cobbled together in a back alley.” The Doctor’s gesticulating wildly now, moving his hands around in the air – without his jacket, he looks much smaller, and a little ridiculous. Then you wonder where his jacket is. “Something like this, you’re not looking for an easy kill – you’re just looking for results.”

 “Yeah, they got results,” you groan. Every part of your body aches, and trying to reach any thought is like swimming in an ocean of molasses. “They definitely got results.”

 You press your palms against the bed beneath you and push – and the world tilts at the movement, a sharp and sudden pain piercing through your lower back. You fall back against the mattress, the air leaving your lungs.

 The Doctor whirls around, and before you can blink his hands are frantically hovering over you. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

 “My – back,” you grit out, your head still spinning. “Ow.”

 The Doctor’s already wide eyes widen even more. His hands, once reaching out, pull back to rest against his chest, tightened into fists. “When I found you, you – you kept warning me about your back, telling me your back hurt, and I couldn’t look because I was too –”

 His voice breaks, and he trails off. He stares, eyes full of unshed tears, and swallows his words instead.

 “Never mind,” he says quietly, shaking his head. “Let me have a look.”

 Steady hands help you into a sitting position, even though the pain bares its sharp teeth every time you shift. You cling to the Doctor, fabric bunched up in your hands. He has to gently pry your grip open so he can move, and crouches behind you.

 Still lost in a haze of pain, you can only blink blearily into the distance. You barely feel the Doctor’s fingers slowly curling around the hem of your shirt, or the way hits your bare skin as he pulls it up slightly. But you do hear a sudden exhalation of breath, and the whir of the sonic as he passes it over your skin.

 After that – silence. Uncharacteristic silence, a silence that’s almost deafening as the Doctor skims through the readings.

 “What is it?” you venture.

 Another moment of silence. Then – “A puncture wound. So small you can barely see it.” The Doctor’s fingers brush over it, and you shudder. “It’s… an entryway. The source of the poison.”

 The Doctor moves, and then he’s right by your side again, gently pushing you back onto the bed. He’s sad, you can tell that much, but his eyes have a familiar storm brewing behind them. Just lying in wait to rip and tear into everything in its path. The smile on his lips does nothing to hide that.

 “Right. You –” He points at you, standing up – “should be getting some rest. I need to take care of things with the Lobarians – y’know, stuff. Diplomatic stuff. Important… stuff. I’ll be back.”

 Something in you stirs – not anger, because he doesn’t need it right now, worry – and your hand shoots out, weak fingers wrapping around the Doctor’s wrist. “Let me come with you.”

 “You’re supposed to be healing, not running off with me,” the Doctor says, his voice soft but admonishing, “It’ll be really boring, I promise -”

 “Isn’t that how this whole thing started?” Your grip tightens around his wrist. “Me running off with you.”

 The Doctor looks down. “I invited you.”

 “And I said yes,” you whisper. You tug gently, and he sits onto the bed with a soft thump. You know this Doctor – and right now he’s volatile. Letting him leave would be like a match to gasoline. “Listen, I don’t want you to do anything stupid.”

 Please stay goes unspoken. I care about you goes unspoken, and about a million other things too.

 The Doctor sighs, but there isn’t any edge there. “I can never say no to you, can I?”

 “Nope,” you say tiredly, popping the “p”. The Doctor laughs. Anything to make you stay.

 The Doctor settles into the bed beside you, and as if on cue, the lights dim. The TARDIS’s humming grows even softer, fading until all you can hear is the sound of the Doctor breathing beside you.

 “She’s being awfully nice,” the Doctor whispers beside you. “She’s spoiling you.”

 “She likes me,” you reply. “Jealous?”

 “Only a little bit.”

 You hum in response. The darkness is already lulling you back to sleep, but you shift and nuzzle into the Doctor’s side. You feel him go still against you, against the sudden affection, but you don’t let up – you cuddle closer to him, you ear close to his chest.

 You should be embarrassed. You’re probably embarrassed. But the relief you feel at getting the Doctor to stay by your side is clouding your judgement, and then there’s also the whole getting-poisoned-thing. You can imagine the look on the Doctor’s face – eyes wide, cheeks red, mouth parted like he can’t think of anything to say.

 But he loves surprising people. “A few days,” he says quietly.

 “What?” you mumble into his chest.

 “You were out for a few days.” The Doctor shifts, wraps an arm around you. “I’m answering your question.”

 “Oh.”

 Snuggled into his chest, you can hear the sound of his heartbeats. Their rhythm pulls you closer to sleep, and your eyes slip shut.

 Then you hear the Doctor sniff, feel his breathing hitch, and suddenly it’s your turn to go completely still against him.

 “I didn’t want to scare you,” he continues, sounding so impossibly small. “You were in and out of consciousness while I worked on the antidote. You -” A ragged sigh, then a soft whisper of your name - “you nearly died.”

 Fear grips your heart tightly, squeezing dangerously – partly because of the fear of dying without being aware of it at all, and mostly because of the fear that coats the Doctor’s every word. You would have left him all alone, and if the distant storm brewing in his eyes is any indication, he would have done something much worse than stupid.

 “I’m sorry,” is all you can say.

 “No, don’t be, don’t be,” the Doctor murmurs. His lips brush against the top your head, and he pulls you even closer to him. “Please don’t be sorry. You did nothing wrong. This is my fault.”

 “It’s not…” you begin, but the Doctor shushes you, and runs his fingers through your hair. Every motion pulls you deeper into sleep, and although you have a thousand things you want to say, you’re fading.

 The last thing you remember is a whispered apology.

 It's cold when you wake up again. You shift in the bed, trying to snuggle against something that should be behind you, but there isn't anything there. You blink the sleep out of your eyes and sluggishly reach out, letting your arm flop against the empty sheets, searching for warmth.

 Your eyes shoot open. Empty sheets.

 You turn your head to the side to find the spot beside you empty, the sheets smoothed out like a certain Time Lord had never even been there. Even your blanket's smoothed out, pulled over your shoulders and up to your chin like a parent would do.

 It shouldn't hurt, waking up alone. It always happened. The Doctor isn't yours - he's always moving, always running, and someone like that can't ever be tethered, especially not to you.

 But it does, and you find tears pricking at your eyes at the thought. If he can't be yours, then you can't be his either, and that means -

 "No, you listen to me!"

 You push yourself up. The pain in your back is still there, but it's a dull pain now, and certainly nothing compared to way your heart's started hammering in your chest.

 That's the Doctor's voice in the distance, loud and ringing and angry.

 You throw the blanket off your legs and climb off the bed. Your bare feet press against the cold wooden floor, and the chill sends another burst of clarity to your mind. He's out there, alone, and furious. Never a good combination for the Doctor, historically, you think, reaching up to rub your arms.

 Your gaze falls onto a crumpled pile of tweed fabric slung over one of the chairs. Picking it up, you run your hands over the fabric. It feels sentimental, doing that, like interacting with a memory. The things this must have seen...

 It's too big for you when you throw it over your shoulders, but it feels like him and smells like him, so it's enough. You wrap the Doctor's jacket tighter around yourself and stumble out of the room.

 The sound of arguing drifts down the TARDIS hallways, and it's hard to make the Doctor's voice out from all the overlapping voices. The Doctor was right, though - the TARDIS is kinder today, and the hallways don't wind as much as the usually do. It's a straight shot to the console room. The voices get louder as you get closer to the door.

 "Y'know, the funny thing about politicians is that they lie."

 "Doctor -" That's Koramaz - "you have to believe me; I would never lie to you!"

 "It's in your business to lie, part of the job description really. Why wasn't she in the medical bay? Why was the door to her room locked?" The Doctor's voice gets louder as he speaks. "If I didn't think so highly of you, I'd think you were trying to leave her for dead!"

 There's a sigh, and Merban speaks - "Your opinion of us shouldn't have to change, Doctor. Let's keep this amicable."

 "Amicable?" the Doctor asks, incredulous. "Ha! We'll see about amicable when I find out what you've really done - no one hurts the people I love and gets away with it!"

 Fuck. You run up to the doors and try the doorknobs - they're locked. Fuck!

 The Doctor's voice is dark, darker than you've ever heard it before, his words laced with an anger usually reserved for only the cruelest of beings. He knew he would leave, and he knew I'd follow him - the nerve of the man! Your sweaty hands slip against the metal doorknobs and you swear under your breath again. You press against the door, but it doesn't give.

 "Please," you beg, looking up at the TARDIS's engine. It hums lowly. "I know you're listening. Please, old girl, before he does anything he's going to -"

 The TARDIS doors swing open, a gust of wind pushes you out the doors and you stumble out of the ship and back into the P'kone Mountain Resort.

 "...regret."

 A wave of silence crashes over the room. Everyone stands frozen in time, still dressed in all their finery - Koramaz and Orvin standing side-by-side, hands raised in the air; Merban with an arm outstretched, held up protectively over the other Protectionists; and the Doctor, because he is the Doctor, standing proud in the middle of the room. Jacketless.

 The Doctor's head whips towards you and his gaze softens, his eyes raking over your form. "Are you okay? What are you doing up?"

 "I'm fine," you say, waving away his fussing hands. "What are you doing?"

 "I thought I told you to rest," he says. Something cold cuts through his voice, and you narrow your eyes at him.

 "I thought I told you to stay," you shoot back. The Doctor closes his mouth. You peer into his eyes, finding the fire that's infamous for, and counter it with your own. He shrinks against your glare.

 The room's still divided, glittering red against shining blue. The Lobarians whisper to one another, and while you can't catch what they're talking about, you can make a guess. Time to put on a show.

 Orvin steps forward from the crowd, wringing his hands together. "Are you well, now? We were so worried about you."

 The words drip out of his mouth, sickeningly sweet like honey. You remember the glint of his teeth when he smiled at you on the dancefloor, and the sharpness of his hand against your back. He was too close, much too close.

 Two can play at that game. You bare your teeth in a smile.

 "Thank you for your concern," you say sweetly, walking up to him. The Doctor reaches out, tries to stop you, but you shoot him another look. "Might I say, you're a wonderful dancer."

 "Oh, well, thank you," Orvin mutters. He swallows and clasps his hands together tightly in front of him. "So were you."

 "Yeah?" Your smile grows wider, and Orvin shudders. "You know, you're a great dancer, but a terrible fucking liar."

 You grab Orvin's clasped hands and pull, prying his hands apart. Your fingers dig into his wrists, nails carving crescents into his skin, and he yelps.

 "Didn't we get close, Orvin?" you ask, leaning closer to him. Orvin's breaths come in short puffs, and behind him Koramaz's eyes are wider than dinnerplates.

 Glinting on Orvin's left hand is a ring, golden and intricately carved, a shiny red jewel set into the top. The Doctor comes close, leaning down to look at his hands.

 "Ooh, nice ring," the Doctor says, peering at the ring, understanding dawning on his face. "College ring, class of 4320 at the University of Neloba - good school, I was a professor there for a cycle. But -"

 The Doctor turns towards you, gives you a quick smile, then shoves his hand down the pocket of his jacket. He pulls out his sonic screwdriver, and with a flourish, points it at Orvin's ring. He holds it upright to read the results - and something dark crosses over his face.

 "It's a match," he says quietly, "to the poison in your system - by the way, mind if I take a look?"

 Orvin opens his mouth to protest, and you twist his wrists upward, his palms facing the ceiling. He makes another pained noise.

 The Doctor pulls the ring off his finger and holds it up to the light. Gently, he presses against the red jewel - and on the bottom of the ring, a small needle pops out for just a second before it disappears again.

 "Ah," the Doctor says simply, gesturing to Orvin with the ring still held between his fingers. "What do we have here?"

 "Orvin, how could you!" Koramaz gasps, his voice shaking with every word. "My own assistant, doing something so dastardly -"

 "Oh, THAT'S ENOUGH!" the Doctor roars, throwing the ring to the floor. You jolt, and the whole room seems to shake at the sound of his voice, loud as a crack of thunder. "Stop lying, stop acting - just stop! Why did you do this?"

 Koramaz shakes slightly, exhales, then goes completely still. If the Doctor's fire, Koramaz is ice, reflected in the pristine blue of his clothing. The Expansionists, standing near him, look like an ocean ready to swallow the Doctor whole. Slowly, he smiles, and spreads his arms.

 "You're a warrior, Doctor," he says, shaking his head. "You've destroyed. Razed down everything in your path. Sometimes..." He glances at Merban - "that can help people."

 "Koramaz..." Merban's jaw is hanging open. He shakes his head slightly, his eyes wide and unbelieving. "I did not think you were capable of such things."

 "You didn't think at all, Merban."

 "Help you," the Doctor spits, glaring at Koramaz. His hands are balled into fists at his sides. "What, so you wanted to turn me against the Protectionists? Was that it?"

 "Your anger is a weapon, and one I intended to use." Koramaz smiles again, but it's thin. "I had no choice. Like Merban said, I don't believe in compromise."

 The Doctor stares, fire burning in his eyes. Shoulders tense, he starts walking slowly, stalking Koramaz until there's barely any space between them, until he's cornered, nose-to-nose with the Oncoming Storm. The Doctor almost dwarfs Koramaz, his glare boring holes into him.

 "Funny, because I'm starting to think that too," the Doctor growls, his jaw set. He looks down at Koramaz like a predator to prey, and for the first time, you see genuine fear in Koramaz's eyes.

 "Doctor," you call out. He doesn't seem to hear. He's the Oncoming Storm now, surrounded by a hurricane of his own making. "Doctor!"

 "My anger? A weapon?" The Doctor's voice is cold and sharp, like knives trailing against skin. "Do you want to find out why, Koramaz?"

 You know why - you know exactly why, from stories weaved across time and space - Koramaz trembles under the weight of all the Doctor's sins, and the Doctor doesn't need to add another name to his list.

 You have to fight it. You have to fight against the blustering winds of his fury, but you push through - and your hand wraps around his. The Doctor faces you, his eyes shining with an anger that isn't entirely human, and you do the only thing you can really do -

 Pull him from the edge. Smile, and squeeze his hand tight.

 "Don't" you whisper, and although what you really want to say is still left unspoken, in that split second, there's no one else in the room. Just you and the Doctor.

 You're his anchor now.

 "You had a choice," you tell Koramaz, still clutching the Doctor's hand. "You thought that if you hurt me, you could make the Doctor do something terrible. But he's better than that. He's a good man."

 You look up at the Doctor. He's staring at you, gazing, a mixture of pride and sadness in his big green eyes. His lower lip trembles.

 Deep breath. Only the truth, now. "I know him."

 You can hear the faint murmuring of the Lobarians, and before your eyes the colors shift - the red mixes into the blue, Protectionists and Expansionists talking with one another, hands on shoulders, offering comfort.

 "What do we do now?" one of them asks, their hands tightly gripping the front of their dress.

 "You sit down," you say, and stand a little straighter. They're all looking at you now. "Reconvene. Actually discuss things instead of plotting and scheming behind each other's backs. Be better, for the future of your people. That's what this was all about, wasn't it?"

 One Lobarian bows. Then another. Soon enough, all of the Lobarians in the room are bowing to you, a show of respect and reverence. Even Koramaz is bowing, his face cast to the floor.

 You glance at the Doctor, smiling. I learned that from you.

 He smiles back, gentle. I know.

 Merban lifts his head, still poised despite his ruffled appearance. His eyes are damp, sorrow swimming in them. "Koramaz will be dealt with as best as we can. I am truly sorry for what we have done."

 "Occupational hazard," you reply, bowing back to him. "Learn from this, won't you?"

 "We will try." Merban nods slowly, and a tear slips from his eye. "I'm sure you understand now."

 "Understand what?"

 "Why you are a part of the stories," Merban says, bowing once more. As you stare at the Lobarians, all bowing in a show of respect and reverence, you do now.

 You turn away from everyone and tug at the Doctor's hand, as gently as you can. The storm in his eyes ebbs, leaving behind a slight drizzle. "Let's go home, yeah?"

 "Home," the Doctor echoes. "Home sounds good."

 --

  The Doctor doesn't say a word for the whole trip home.

 He's quiet as he walks up to the console, pushing buttons and pressing levers without the manic energy that he usually has. It's disconcerting, but not surprising, and you settle for leaning against one of the railings as he works. The TARDIS stays kind, and takes off without even a shiver.

 You keep your eyes on him as he pilots - watching him push in coordinates, swinging screens around - but the tension hasn't left his body. He's still wound up, ready to snap at a moment's notice, so you stay quiet. There's no sound but the hum of the TARDIS's engines.  

 Your mind drifts just as the TARDIS does, the room swaying slightly underneath your feet. This is what it's like, travelling with the Doctor in his magical blue box, and you know not every adventure ends well. Not every story has a happy ending.

 What was another near-death experience? You practically lived off of them, thriving off of the rush that filled you when you escaped danger by just a hair. Running and laughing together. But this feels different, you think, still watching the Doctor walk slowly around the console, because something's changed.

 But what was it?

 You pull the sleeves of the Doctor's jacket. He hasn't asked for it back yet, and a small part of you hopes that he never does. It's incredibly comfortable, and the only warm thing in the cold space between the two of you.

 The Doctor's eyes are dark, and the dim TARDIS lights cast shadows over his youthful face. The ship's lights and sounds were a tell if you couldn't figure out how the Doctor was feeling, and now they were completely in sync, darkness against darkness.

 He brushes past you and slumps into one of the chairs, crossing his legs. He shuts his eyes, presses a hand against his forehead, and heaves out a shaky sigh.

 "Are you mad?" you ask, your voice just above a whisper. The Doctor snaps his head up to look at you and he looks so weary, so old and so tired.

 "Mad? Of course I'm mad," he says, the edge in his voice still there, but fading away. "I'm cross. Extremely. That doesn't usually happen."

 You swallow, still gazing at him. His stare is intense, and he hasn't really looked you in the eyes since you stepped back onto the TARDIS. "I mean, are you mad at me," you add softly.

 The Doctor's eyes widen a fraction, and he sits straighter in the chair. "No," he says, "no, not at you. Never at you. Why would you think that?"

 You're quiet. You're never this quiet. You shrug, and the Doctor's jacket nearly slips off your shoulders. You catch it before it can fall - you also catch the Doctor's eyes tracing your form, his gaze stuttering to a stop at the sight of you in his jacket.

 You shift against the railing, pulling his jacker tighter around your body. "You okay?"

 "'Course I am," the Doctor replies, obviously not. He looks deflated sitting in the chair, his form almost swallowed by the seat. "I'm the king of okay. I said I was never gonna use that title again. Ignore me."

 You give him a small smile, and he lights up a little bit. "No, you're not."

 The Doctor frowns at you. "I am."

 "You always lie," you tell him, raising your eyebrows.

 The Doctor sighs again, but it isn't exasperated or angry - just defeated. He stands up in one quick motion, his hair flopping with the movement, and moves to stand in front of you. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself, and gazes down at you.

 "I'm sorry," he says slowly, and the words echo in the room. He's standing close enough for him to reach out, but he doesn't - instead, he keeps his distance, his arms hanging loosely by his sides. "It's my fault you got hurt."

 "It isn't," you protest, but the Doctor shakes his head.

 "It is," he insists, and something like desperation colors his words. "They hurt you because of me. They knew how much I cared and they weren't afraid to use that."

 "It's not your fault." You reach out and take his hands, shaking your head. "Caring isn't a weakness, you know that better than anyone."

 The Doctor stays silent for a moment. He's still staring, unnaturally still despite the tears that threaten to spill out of his eyes.

 "I should take you home," he whispers hoarsely, trying to pull his hands away from yours.

 "No!" you blurt, and the Doctor goes still again. "No," you say again, softer, and intertwine his fingers with yours.  

 "I can't promise to keep you safe," the Doctor mutters.

 "You don't have to." One by one, you lace your fingers together. His hands are bigger than yours, and he practically covers your entire hands with his. He watches you do this, his lips slightly parted, eyes sparkling with what looks like… wonder? "I want to stay with you. I don't care how dangerous it is, or how many times I get hurt - it's worth it."

 And you mean it, every word. Every bruise, every scar – just something that comes with the life that you’ve chosen with him.

 You stand on your tiptoes - the Doctor laughs quietly and leans down his head. You press a kiss onto his forehead, pouring everything you want to say into it, and hope he understands.

 The Doctor straightens, standing taller. You frown up at him and fall back onto your feet. "You're so tall."

 "Regeneration's a lottery," he says, and a smile - a real one - spreads across his face, like a sunrise warming the cold evening air. And just like a sunrise, the TARDIS's lights grow brighter, her humming and trilling like a triumphant symphony. "You're wearing my jacket."

 "I am," you say. You're still very comfy in it, and the Doctor notices, because his lips curve up in a fond smile. "Does a Time Lord giving someone their jacket mean anything?"

 "Why do you ask?" the Doctor asks, pulling his hands away from yours to smooth down the front of the jacket.

 "Well, Orvin's cloak meant something. Does this mean something too?"

 The Doctor's face goes red, and you have to push down a childish giggle as he flounders.

 "The Lobarian courting cloak means a lot of things," he says, waving his hands around, "It's a symbol for the heart, the soul, the being of a Lobarian. Giving all of you to another."

 You raise an eyebrow at him. "But I took your jacket."

 The Doctor's eyes glitter. "...Well?"

 Now it's your turn for your face to burn - you pull at the sleeves again, biting your lower lip. Your heart does flips in your chest, and you don't try to stop it from going haywire.

 The Doctor, with another laugh, scoops you into his arms - he wraps his arms tightly around you, pressing his face into the crook of your shoulder, his whole body shuddering as he breathes a sigh of relief. You place your hands in his hair as he finally unwinds, relaxes, and lets go.

 "Keep it for now," the Doctor murmurs against your ear, "I've got spares."

 You stay there for a moment, just holding each other as the TARDIS sings around you.

 "I’m not leaving you," you breathe out. "Package deal, remember?"

 The Doctor doesn't say anything, just nuzzles closer, and it's enough of a reply for you.