#yeah collin giving io the flower she wears was never planned so writing this was LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCUSE ME THIS IS NEWS TO ME

[pikkissis]

I'm Here For You

Following the aftermath of an expedition, Io wrestles with the loss of her Pikmin / Upon her failure to show during a morning meeting, Captain Shepherd alerts one of her officers, Collin, to check on their new recruit.

-

ANYWHOSIES! Little writing thing I've had sitting for... maybe a month... blah, loss, trauma. Feelings of anxiety, panic, torment. but .... yas.... the fic is in the title of this OR below the keep reading!

also, i included the same little note on ao3, but... ahem ahem, collin refers to io as "poor kid" but she's 25... she's just considerably younger than her fellow officers.

2,954 words! YYAAYY My college essays WISH I spent that much time on them.

God Bless!

-

Blinking her eyes open in a soft, dazed flutter of her eyelashes, a slow, deep breath takes her subtly by surprise - which, in turn, becomes a sharp gasp.

Delicate sunlight had poured in through the window, pooling at her legs; at the touch of her covers, she kicked it from her feet. The morning before, one which seemed like a thousand years from this one, she would've already sprung out of bed before the sun managed to peek inside. 

A small voice reasoned, "What about today?" 

She felt her head beginning to swirl, from an indiscernible numbness to a looming, eerily subtle pressure, as if it were desperate to escape.

From what? These things hadn't reached her body; she couldn't feel a thing, not a sigh, not a heartbeat. It was silent. Her body was tense - yet, as quickly as she noticed the silence, her blood ran cold as dread seized her. Her memory came to and began clawing at the curtain of sleep; the recollection of what was lost to yesterday. The realization beckoned her childish nature to hide herself under the covers, desperately to say, "it was just a dream".

Io whimpered, unprepared as grief clasped at her throat. 

The marvel it was to sleep,  Io thought, having had no memory of when it came to her. Throughout the night, she wrestled with its allure - refusing to let her body release its tension. If she let go, the thoughts would flood in. No, the thought to let go - to give in, it seemed, it would devour her. Such as it was, a lie. A lie that there was any option. 

What compromise is there? Io blinked, staring off. What rest could she beg for, what could she possibly ask for? Not rest, not relief, not peace, no... what is there to beg for? But for - A cold, sharp sensation prickled inside her chest. Io winced, quickly sitting up in the hopes to alleviate it; yet, her heart began to race as she sprung from bed. Landing onto the floor, now feeling the cold, metallic surface of the ship beneath her. 

" They're gone, " A thought rushed in. 

Her legs wobbled, the weight was too much to bear. " Where are they? Are they missing? Why aren't they home? "  She caught herself, placing a hand on the closet ahead of her.

" They're gone, for good, forever. " 

A bright image blanketed over her, a recollection of their bright eyes - how they looked up to her. Their small voices chattering, ringing in her ears, as if they were beside her; the room began to spin, in its place was their presence, their memory, as if she could reach into the day before and pull them into her arms. 

"I should've never let you go," She stifled a sob.

The weakness in her legs seized her and they gave in, swallowing her into a pitiful sight. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around her legs as if it were her last breath, grasping at what she thought were her Pikmin. Her ears pricked at the ringing, wrestling with their voices, her fingers now gripped into her skin.

 "Come back to me, please... please don't be gone, don't be gone" she felt the words escape her in desperate, inconsolable repetition.

Suddenly, the door beside her slid open with a soft hum, offering a distraction to her torment. With her head between her arms, her ears stood up attentively as her breathing ceased, curiosity spiked at the sense of someone’s presence. Nevertheless, a gentle gasp took her by surprise, assuring her that someone was there. Yet, she was still.

"Io?" 

That voice.

Io sprung up, stammering. "Sir!" Her sudden movement caused her to stumble back.

Oh , the sight of him… she thought. It twisted a knot into her stomach, submerging her into a pit of warfare. Everything familiar, his soft features, warm gaze, and soothing voice… doubled that with a dreadful sense of understanding. Hide it, hide it! She scrambled to cover her face, wiping at her tears vigorously. 

He didn't move. With a glance, he steadily analyzed the room - from her original place on the floor, to her bunk, then onto her.

"You're... undressed."

Io felt her face grow warm in embarrassment, "Yes, I… I am, I..." Her mouth quivered under the weight of her grief. She bit her lip in the hopes the discomfort would console her for a moment. In front of him , of any officer that would visit her, a moment was all she needed. 

"I'm, I'm so-" She began, but before she could muster another word, he took a step closer. Io immediately stepped back to accommodate him, but he nodded towards her, closing in the gap once more.

“The Captain asked for you …” He lingered, a hanging note of anticipation keeping her on edge. “Uhm… it seems I was right to worry.” 

Please don’t tell me…  Io instinctively glanced off, looking wherever, Whatever , another thought chimed. Don’t tell me everything you know, don’t speak of it, don’t say it, please … and another, don’t tell me I’m right - tell me it’s a dream, tell me it was a dream. She shuddered, a gasp escaping her. Her hands quickly slid up to her arms, a weakened step back, “Please, please, please” a voice, barely above a whisper. 

“Io…?” His voice softened.

Her ears wriggled at his softness, wide eyes now darting to him. A twinge of fear encapsulated her; his eyes , she thought, dare she look into them? No, she bit her lip again, her gaze falling onto his hand. A sense of ease rested on her, subconsciously counting each finger, inviting her to study the seam of his glove. In gentle persuasion, her eyes followed up onto the sleeve; deep, deep blue. Then, onto his arm, leading upwards to the metal band positioned comfortably at his neck. Io thought she heard the officer say her name once more. As much as she tried to avoid it, her eyes lurched onto his own. Whatever Io had anticipated to find, she was uncertain; yet, what she discovered was merely a furrowed expression.

“I'm… I'm sorry-” She managed, blinking away, uncertain of how long they had remained in silence.

He reached his hand to her, resting it on her shoulder. “Easy… you're not in trouble…” 

Io's eyes widened at his closeness, his nearness overwhelming her. He closed in, his hand sliding from her shoulder then onto her back, and delicately nudged her into a tender embrace. 

“It’s okay, Io…” In a soft murmur, “You’re okay.”

His warmth surrounded her, her weakness now melting onto his strength. Her legs began to wobble once more, a deep, deep sob shaking her frame. 

“Collin?” His name slipped from her, sounding more broken than she anticipated.

Io felt his embrace tighten around her, his hand now supporting her from below; she became lost in the feeling of his hands, the way his fingers molded to her form. Without the need to hold herself up, her body succumbed to an unpleasant sob. She nosed into the nook of his neck, concealing a wail into his shoulder. Collin turned his head into her, squeezing the recruit.

-

After a little while, Collin returned to Io. As he insisted for her to rest, Io clung to him desperately, eager to be at his beck and call. Reasonably so, the recruit was alone in her room. In a miserable way, he observed. She shouldn’t be left alone. Not now, not when she’s so vulnerable. The officer twisted around, looking for wherever she had run off to. 

Surely she’s not lost?  

As he marched down the corridor, somewhat urgent to find the cadet, a glimpse of something caught his eye. It's not as if it were stark in contrast to the interior of the ship, its pearly white form could've easily blended in. But it didn't. Collin slowed, it was organic. It was precious. 

A flower. 

He steadied his breathing at the sight of it. Ever so delicately, it rested atop an untouched surface. Luckily, as the in and out onboard the ship was near chaotic and incessantly busy - however, the flower remained. Initially, it fascinated him when it was discovered in such pristine condition… not one petal curled, burdened, or torn.

Collin winced at the memory, reminded of the pitiful sight of when Io discovered it. Their previous expedition was a success, he reflected, it was of opportune timing. It not only posed himself as a reputable instructor, but also offered their newest member a semblance of good influence – his mind wandered. Good influence , he reminisced, feeling warmth swell inside his chest. Perhaps he was a little proud of his quality, his work ethic… to improve the team was one thing; to start anew, however, with an impressionable recruit. Oh, was he thrilled to start her off properly - all of her questions ringing in his head even a week later, as if he wished to answer them with more detail and insight. Inevitably, he sighed, in a pitiful, familial longing for the other officers. 

Not that… anyone is necessarily a bad influence, Collin corrected himself, blinking at the thought of one of their lazier officers. 

Perhaps…  

At the very least, he hoped the basics of all that he taught stuck with her. Now stepping closer, Collin gingerly cupped the flower. That among other things , he frowned, his attention falling onto the flower once more. This was unplanned. As quickly as it happened, as quickly as they were gone. Io and her Pikmin, swallowed up. In a cruel twist, Io wasn't nearly as bothered about being in the belly of the beast as she was to find her Pikmin weren't spat up beside her. He felt a deep, dull, sigh linger inside his chest, unwilling to accept the reality of what had happened.

To think this belonged to you, Collin grimaced. 

Without much say-so, an image of Io’s form as she embraced the flower tore at him; his fingers curled around the receptacle. Collin recognized how deeply it affected her, reminiscing on the previous moments she shared with her Pikmin. The expedition, only the two of them, the mission was to redirect the S.S Shepherd's signal - a mission estimated to last a day or two. Nevertheless, days turned into weeks. What was merely a mission, however, developed the bond she shared with these Pikmin. The games they played - in between his interjections, reminding her to work - he smiled, he admired its lighthearted nature. Their purpose called for their attention elsewhere; yet, this made each day new and exciting. Time cut too short, however, and the same Io shared with her Pikmin. Collin learned how much she adored them, eagerly observing their adoration for her in return. Such as in the way they'd fan their leaves against her, to which Io would go into a fit of giggling and hug them. He shook his head, recalling the following memory where she attempted wriggling her own ears in return, to which the yellow Pikmin would copy her in fascination. His free hand twitched, urging to reach for his tablet. He recalled previous records Io had initiated on his tablet by accident, not the last record nor the first, but a handful of files Collin would dread to reveal to her. 

How much more for her own tablet? He glanced downwards, hesitant. He flexed his fingers, debating whether to review these recordings. Turning his head away in defeat, he decided against it. 

Poor kid…

The loss stripped her of her bearings, the bright and eager, ready-for-anything recruit now tormented and broken. Perhaps there was a way to encourage her? He tried the thought. Not in any sense to blanket over her loss, but to inspire her. To remind her that, maybe, her Pikmin are still at her side. 

Maybe… He held the flower closer. 

A soft voice caused his ears to perk up. 

“Collin? Are you busy?”

As delicately as he picked it up, Collin set the flower down, concealing it with his body as he turned about to face her. In a bright tone he chimed, “As long as there’s someone to rescue, we’ll always be busy.” The officer smiled, hoping for a more optimistic flare to the dreadful reality of his statement. Nevertheless, he took note of her uneasy expression and cleared his throat. “Uhm.. well, yes –” Io immediately bowed her head, cautiously stepping back, which caused Collin to backtrack, waving his hands.

“I, er, I was looking for you, actually” He offered his hand to her, hoping it’d reassure her. Her features lit up at his offer.

“Oh? For uh… for what?” Her hands folded together and rested at her chest, balled together. 

Her body language was easy to read, a subtle frown tugged at him. One hand reached behind him, lingering on the flower, as anxiety prickled inside his chest. He studied her, taking note of how fragile she was… as if one word could break her. This too, in what should convince him otherwise, encouraged him in what he intended to do next. A petal found itself between his fingers, he smoothed over it, thumbing over it in contemplation. 

Io slowly blinked, the flutter of her eyelashes appearing as innocent as the day she arrived - his breathing hitched, causing him to look away. 

Would this make or break her? He closed his eyes, as if to take the chance. 

“Well… I,” He slowed, “I… I found your flower, Io…”

“My… flower?” Her voice quietened. 

Collin swallowed nervously, “Ah, yes, uhm…” He turned halfway, pulling the flower in between them. “I believe… this is yours… in respect to – ” 

Io’s eyes widened, hands urgently folding over her mouth. With a muffled gasp, she fell onto his bosom, grasping onto the arm holding the flower.

“We – we have it? I thought – I thought…” She studied the flower from in between his arms. Collin reared back at this, more so to accommodate her abrupt closeness; however, this was all for naught as she rested on him. He titled his head in curiosity. 

She paused, hesitant. Gingerly teasing at the petals, Io’s excitement fell into something indiscernible. 

Collin cleared his throat. 

“Why don’t you hold it?”

Io’s fingers folded in, her hand retreating to her chest. “I… uhm…” Her gaze lingered on the flower. While it was no surprise, Collin couldn’t help but wonder what was on her mind. Perhaps he could offer his hand to her, to pull her away from whatever it was. We’re a team, he wished to say, you’ll never be alone, Io. Oh, if only. Perhaps, maybe silence was what she needed; it wasn’t the silence of isolation, either. She was with him, and he was with her. Well, he was holding her; but, importantly, she wasn’t alone. He took a deep breath, accepting the silence, and allowed her room to pour out onto him.

“I’m scared…” Her voice, ever so quietly. “I don’t want to lose it. I don’t… want it to collect dust, or… or… I… I don’t… To be careless… uhm…” Her voice wavered.

Collin adjusted himself, “Don’t worry, Io… it won’t collect dust,” He assured her, humming in thought. What to do, what to do… not to collect dust, but to be with her… The officer scanned the recruit, from her hands, to her sleeves, stark in contrast to his own, then onto her eyes, when suddenly an idea came to him.

“Here,” He soothed. 

Io watched as he reached over, eyes landing solely on her folded hands as she felt him tucking the flower between locks of her hair. To hold it in place, he retrieved a hairpin from his own coiffure - to which he noticed a glint of amusement in her eyes when he pulled away.

“You have… a hair pin?”

Collin focused his gaze as he secured the flower in place, weaving the hairpin steadily in between.  

“Yes… I do. This thing would never last doing what I do…”

He heard her stifle a giggle, to which he smiled. 

Stepping back, Collin prodded at the flower, ensuring it was positioned snuggly. Beautifully, even. He blinked, his gaze fluttered onto her, surprised to find her looking up at him with wide eyes. Io sheepishly reached upwards and teased at the flower, also. If it hadn’t been for the flower, Collin would’ve stepped away, allowing more space to, well, suggest professionalism. This was unprofessional, rather.

To stand so close to her, a tinge of uncertainty tugged at him.

“Ah - well, there we are…”

Yet, before the officer could make it awkward - the cadet quickly wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling into his chest. A gasp escaped him; however, before he could muster a word, he felt her tremble. 

“Thank you… thank you… thank you,” She breathed.

Io strained, dropping her head low, as if in exhaustion, in defeat, shaking her head. “I couldn’t…” She began, but without thinking, Collin softly hushed her, hugging her closely. His hands draped around her frame, tucking her into himself safely, to hide her away from further insecurity, to give her assurance from anymore torment. 

The previous concerns, such of conduct between officers, oh, how it melted away at her touch. How it melted at the rise and fall of her chest, at the very scent of her. What is it to her? He thought, resting, as their bodies molded together. It’s important that she feels safe, that she is safe, what is a team if not to uplift one another? He felt Io woven around him, her hold on him tightening ever so subtly. A quiet whimper, a sob, escaped her - as much as he knew she tried to hide it.

I’m here for you.