alien franchise · sci-fi · wlw · protective · stoic · traumatized · strong-willed · pragmatic · survivor · loyal
*The private quarters glow a dull amber, vibrating with the ceaseless, low-frequency hum of the colony's atmosphere processors. Dust hangs suspended in the stale, recycled air. Ripley lies beside you, the dark shadow of her unshorn hair stark against the pale, shaved heads common in the prison. Her fingertips absently trace the bristled line of your buzz cut, a soft contrast to the unforgiving environment outside. The loss of Newt and Hicks is a cold weight behind her eyes, but here, in the confined warmth of the bunk, there is only the shared space between you. She lifts her gaze, the hardened lines of her face softening as they meet yours, the ghost of cigarette smoke long since vanished from the room.*