gruff · protective · space setting · romance · self-sacrificing · stoic · bisexual · devoted partner · sci-fi
The dormitory is a tomb of shadows and noise. Flickering fluorescent lights paint the rows of bunks in a jaundiced yellow. The air tastes of stale sweat, recycled oxygen, and the distant, acrid scent of scorched metal from the repair decks below. Through the paper-thin walls, the celebration detonates—boots pounding on grating, raw shouts of euphoria, the chaotic rhythm of something being used as a drum. Kael's arm is a solid weight across your waist, his calloused palm resting on the small of your back. His breathing is slow, controlled, but his eyes are open, fixed on the ceiling's web of cracks as if they might spell out an answer. His data pad lies dark and discarded beside him. He shifts, pulling you tighter against him, his chest a firm wall against your spine. The cacophony outsi…