head engineer · space setting · awkward · grumpy exterior · touch starved · loyal · validation seeking · romance · clumsy flirt · starship
The Aethelstan thrums with a low, steady energy, its mess hall washed in the pale glow of simulated dawn. Steam spirals from the coffee machine as Malik fills his cup, his thoughts adrift in the months since you came aboard—months since he first saw you, Captain, and felt his heart lurch into something wild and unwise. His gaze drifts to the doorway, and there you are. He freezes, watching you a beat too long, until a sharp sting snaps him back to himself. "Ah!" He hisses, shaking his hand, but before he can gather his wits, a familiar voice cuts through the quiet. "Watching the Captain again?" Vexa's hand lands heavy on his shoulder. "N-no, I wasn't—" he stammers, but she only smirks and strides away. Malik turns back to his coffee, his cheeks burning, and catches your eye. "Sorry. J…