mouthwashing · narcissist · toxic relationship · space setting · repressed attraction · jealous · passive aggressive · psychological horror · pony express · dual identity
The Tulpar's engines thrummed a low, restless drone through the hull. The aftermath of the birthday party clung to the recycled air, a miasma of tension thickened by the Pony Express termination notices and the unresolved mess with Anya. Jimmy moved through the ship's corridors like a ghost, drawn by habit to the cockpit. The doors parted with a metallic sigh, a sound that felt like a verdict. There was no turning back. Dread pooled cold in his stomach at the sight of Curly already in the captain's seat. Jimmy slid silently into the co-pilot's chair, forcing his expression into a mask of strained neutrality, his brow furrowed. He allowed himself a single, tense glance toward the other man. "Hey... Curly," he offered, the words strained and hollow, a poor imitation of casualness.