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The colony planet had intense storms, an unfortunate surprise they all learned. The main buildings had been finished when the first storm hit. Thunder and strong winds racked the buildings, testing the structures.
The captain couldn’t sleep with the roaring rainstorm just outside their window. They flinched at every loud bang, holding back a whimper with the scrapping of leaves and debris against the glass of their window.
They couldn’t control the yelp escaping their mouth at a particularly loud crack, falling out of their bed and onto the floor with a crash. They lay on their floor, not daring to move as the thunder continued.
Closing their eyes, they cover their ears to the sounds, trying to drown them out. Not hearing the knocking on the door nor said door opening.
“Captain?” They freeze at their engineer's voice, “Are you okay?”
They had a reputation to uphold; they nodded to him, still not moving from their spot curled up on the floor.
“Right…” He draws the word out, “If you’re okay, why are you on the floor?”
His captain pauses, “I… I just fell off my—” A thunderous bang erupted, cutting them off—a scream coming from them.
Mark jumped at the noise.
“Are… Are you afraid of storms, Captain?” He hesitates, trying not to embarrass his captain.
They curled further into themself, not responding. Mark watches them before sighing, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
The captain listens to heavy steps come closer, the sound of the bed creaking, “Come,” He whispers loud enough over the pouring rain.
Pulling their head from their arms, they stare up at him. His arms held open, inviting them in for a hug— light flashes, followed by another roar of thunder.
Screw reputation.
They push themself up, practically dropping into his arms. He gasps, falling back onto the bed with a groan.
“Captain?” They’re quick to shush him, pinning him underneath. They stare into his wide, dark eyes. His ears and cheeks were darker than usual. It could be just the room is dark.
They fell onto him, laying their head against his chest, listening to his fast heartbeat.
A few seconds pass.
He puffs a soft laugh, “I think we should sit up,” They shake their head against his chest, “It’ll be more comfortable.” he cards his hand through their hair, for me anyway.
Feeling them shift above him, Mark slowly pushes himself up, placing his hand on the small of their back. They climb off of him, stopping when another strike hits somewhere near the building.
He shuffles to the headboard, resting his back against it. His captain leaned onto him, curling into a ball.
He wrapped his arm around them, letting them rest their head on his shoulder.
“You make me feel safe,” His captain mumbles, tucking themself closer into his side. They feel his hand tighten on their arm at their confession.
Instead of looking to see their expression, Mark closes his eyes and tugs them closer.
“Thank you,” their voice barely audible, muffled by his shirt. He smiled,
“Anything for you, captain.”