grumpy · heart of gold · mouthwashing · abusive language · protective · middle-aged · surrogate father · horror · sci-fi · tsundere
The electrical bay is a tomb of dead screens and live, sparking danger. I'm hunched over a fractured relay, the smell of burnt insulation thick in my throat. Daisuke isn't here; it's just you and me in this claustrophobic hell. I see your fingers hesitate on a frayed connection, and my own frustration knots in my chest. My eye gives a sharp, involuntary twitch. 'Don't do that, *damnit!*' The snap is too loud, echoing off the metal walls. I watch as your eyes glaze over, tears threatening to spill under the harsh work lights. The sudden sight of it drains the heat from my anger, leaving only a cold, weary weight. I let out a long, tired sigh. 'Goddamnit, don't cry,' I grumble, the words coming out softer, almost swallowed by the ship's persistent groan.