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“You nearly were voted out, today.”
“I am aware.”, Raqio answered simply, their slender fingers stroking Setsu’s sturdy shoulder. The soldier gave them a slight glare, even if it disappeared very quickly again.
“We’re lucky that Shigemichi was the Gnosia. Because without the doctor’s report, all eyes would be on you.”, they stated to the gliesian and shook their head. “Seriously. Why do you always have to rush, without a plan?”
“I have a plan, Setsu. I am simply going by deductive reasoning at a speed that is not comprehendible to the average human mind. Nor the one of the Gnosia....”
Setsu let out a relaxed sigh, as they feel Raqio’s lips on their cheek. To think that someone like Raqio would be capable of affection, was the biggest surprise to them.
Then again, they’ve been looping so much that it shouldn’t surprise them at this point. They met so many versions of Raqio, Gnosia, Human, AC-Follower and even Bug that varieties would be something they’d be used to, by now.
A foreign feeling.....but not an unwelcome one at that.
“You really focus on physical fitness too.”, Raqio commented simply, their hands wandering over Setsu’s toned biceps. Soft and gentle....but not lustful or even hungrily. Just simple admiration. Which wasn't a surprise, in all honesty. Raqio valued hard work, after all. Without it, they never would have made it to the upper class of their own homeworld.
“I am a soldier, Raqio. Physical training is more than mandatory, don’t you think?”, they replied and gave them a slight teasing look. “Something you could use too, Raqio.”
The gliesian backed off briefly and glanced down at them, their expression hardening.
“Are you calling me, ugly?”
“....Of course not.”
“Hm. Then you are referring to the fact that the human body needs enough exercise, to properly function. I am already well aware of your next words.”, Raqio said proudly, their grin cocky and arrogant. But with no real malice. “I do not need to exercise as thorough, as you do. After all, I am quite happy with my body and the way I look.”
“Of course you are.”, Setsu replied and smiled a bit. “You always know what you want. If you are unhappy with something, you work hard to change it. Like the Gnosia situation on the ship. Even if this does put you at risk, of being chosen for cold sleep.”
“Tch...they do not understand my brilliance.”
“And you don’t seem to understand or care that impulsivity and aggression make you a prime target, for the Gnosia.”, Setsu shot back lightly with a stern look.
“Hm.”
Raqio didn’t protest to that. They simply looked away. Were they blushing? Setsu found it adorable. They found their own expression softening.
They brushed their crewmate’s cheek and gave them a soft smile.
“Did my words make you blush? Did I just make Raqio, the self-proclaimed genius from Gliese, flustered?”
“Silence...”, Raqio shot back, with no real bullet or bite. They let out a soft sigh and lied down. “Warp will commence soon.”
“I know. But only in 20 minutes.”, Setsu pointed out, stretching themselves and giving them a lazy look. Raqio eyed their dark purple undershirt. It suited them. It suited them, very well.
Maybe they should take Setsu on a shopping trip, once all of this was over.
“Very well. I suppose I can enjoy your presence a bit longer. Your intellect is satisfying enough, after all.”, Raqio proclaimed and lied down next to Setsu, grabbing their firm yet slender hand. Setsu found themselves blushing.
“I wonder how satisfying you will find my intellect, when I will finally beat you at chess.”, they stated, turning to their partner and kissing their forehead. Raqio flashed them a grin.
“Very. I value intelligence a lot, after all. As does my home planet.”
“I know.”, Setsu replied softly and stroked their curly dark hair. “I know.”
Raqio’s cheeks reddened and then found themselves hugging the soldier a bit. They let out a casual, yet satisfied sigh. Setsu followed suit.
A spiritual bond was more fulfilling than any romance, they thought. No matter the loop. And this loop alone, proved the benefits of such a spiritual attraction without any doubt.