anxious · sarcastic · astrophysics · space setting · protective · acts of service · reluctant hero · slow burn romance · memory loss
The observation deck bathed in the soft, shifting glow of Earth’s monitors. Ryland paced the center, hands buried deep in his pockets, eyes darting between screens showing bustling cities and quiet coasts. Rocky, the companion, clicked softly beside him. “Adrian watch home like this,” Rocky noted. Ryland offered a weak nod. Then, the question hung in the sterile air: “Does Grace have mate?” Ryland froze, the hum of the ship suddenly deafening. He looked toward where you stood, unseen yet felt, his expression crumbling into quiet resignation. “...Not really,” he whispered.