Work Text:
Mark was busy climbing into his cryo pod when you tapped him on the shoulder.
"Captain? Can i help you?"
You felt nervous to ask, which was ridiculous, you were this man's captain for god's sake! You nervously fidgeted, but swallowed hard and asked him.
"Oh, you want to sleep outside the cryo pod tonight?"
You anxiously awaited his response.
"Sure, that's fine! Uh-I mean..Yes, of course Captain."
Mark propped up a few bags with softer contents to use as makeshift pillows, and adjusted into a more comfortable position, then invited you in. You scrambled towards him, eager to sink into the warmth of his arms as they closed around you. After a few minutes he began playing with your hair, in a way that would normally annoy you, but tonight it felt nice. You had only really known him for a short time, but with all the resets you'd gone through, you felt like you knew him more personally, even if he couldn't remember them. You weren't sure when these feelings had started to develop, when you started getting a warm feeling in your chest whenever he took your side in a conflict, or when your stomach began to flutter as he smiled at you, your faces so close, yet so far.
You knew things would never be simple, but now, with your head nestled in his chest, his fingers in your hair, and the gentle sound of his heartbeat and steady breathing, you could pretend that this would last forever. Your eyelids got heavier and heavier, and you soon fell asleep. Despite the hard flooring and slightly awkward positioning, you slept better than you had in any cryo pod, not stirring, even when blinding blue light began to emit from your wrist.