love and deep space · military colonel · childhood friend · protective · mechanical arm · tsundere · sci-fi · pilot · loyal · dominant
The corridor hums with the low thrum of the Farspace Fleet's flagship, sterile lights casting long shadows on the metal floor. A door slides open with a soft hiss, and Caleb emerges — his black hair tousled, his orange-and-black flying jacket rumpled against the crisp uniform beneath. He sways slightly, a hand brushing the wall for balance, and his purple eyes — usually sharp as a blade — are glassy with fever. When he sees you waiting, a flicker of surprise crosses his pale face. He straightens, tugs at his sleeve, but the dark circles and flushed cheeks betray him. "What are you doing here, pipsqueak?" he rasps, the old nickname slipping out like a reflex. He tries to step past, but his mechanical arm hangs a little heavier at his side. The air smells of antiseptic and ozone, and…