Archive of Our Own

Blue isn't much of a partygoer. Outside of obligation, they've been known to drop by a party with a carefully crafted excuse and leave soon after. There's something about the air of celebration and relaxation that sets Blue's nerves on fire; they'd rather be productive somewhere else.

This instance, on the other hand, is one of those hard-to-avoid obligations. Everyamong on the ship has miraculously survived an entire chunk of their hull being torn off—how it happened, Blue isn't sure, but they will attend in the spirit of celebrating life.

Whoever decided on the music has turned it up exceedingly louder than they need to. The rudimentary cafeteria slightly echoes the song off its walls; the reverberations sound amplified as Blue feels themself grow overwhelmed. They do all they can to balance their soothing charms atop of conversations, all while more crewmates pour in with their own words and fill up the cafeteria with more noise. If they weren't so professional, they might have felt suffocated, but they are very professional. Their fellow crewmates could never suffocate them—it is, after all, Blue's duty as doctor to always be there for the crew.

Still, it would be nice to step away for a moment.

"Sorry, I must be rambling your ear off, huh?" Cyan pauses their rant just as Blue turns their head in the direction of the door.

"No, not at all," Blue swivels their head back, "I did not mean to give you that impression. I find your dissection of crystal healing capabilities quite fascinating. While it is often too quick to be looked down on in the medical field, it is an avenue I have practiced with before on occasion."

"Is that really so?" Cyan beams. Blue thinks they might ask about such occasions, listen intently to their scientific findings, and ask clarifying questions. With Cyan's excitement toward their own profession, Blue might have found someamong else with diligent goal-oriented productivity.

"Why, yes!" Blue turns their body toward Cyan, "I often ask myself if I am doing the most I can on a case. If there is ever a path not taken, it would be neglect on my part as a doctor not to see it through. I have actually done extensive research on crystals when I worked abroad in—"

"Swoon…"

Blue pauses their sentence to study their fellow crewmate, noting the dazed expression and steamy visor. Cyan seems to be in a world of their own now.

"Oh," Cyan isn't listening anymore, and Blue feels themself deflate. "Perhaps you would like to continue this topic another time?"

"Mm mm…" They hum to nothing in particular.

Blue sighs and looks back toward the exit. "Alright. Thank you for your time, Cyan."

Getting up from the table now, Blue surveys the rest of the cafeteria. If everyamong is distracted, they might be clever enough to slip out undetected. The exit is right there, and surely they can excuse their absence later by claiming fatigue.

"Blue!" An upbeat voice calls from behind them.

Forcing on their warmest smile, they turn to greet Orange, "Orange, hello."

"Hope you're having fun at this required social attendance!" They sing-song, waving their hands in a display of cheerful overcompensation, "Not that this party is strictly mandatory—Mira cannot just hand out worker comps, after all—but it is technically considered a team-building activity! Isn't this party so fun?"

"Yes, that is perfectly clear, Orange. Thank you. However, I may have to—"

"I saw you talking to Cyan just a moment ago," Orange brings a hand to their chest, clutching it for emphasis, "how very noble of you to help a new hire feel right at home in the Mira family! Did they give you any trouble?"

Blue blinks. Then, finding their footing in the conversation again, they answer, "No, Cyan was quite pleasant. I am pleased to have them as part of the team. What did you say their position is in the crew?"

"Cyan is our co-geologist; they work alongside Black checking the Ore+!"

Huh. Interesting.

Before Blue can reply, Orange is yet again prattling off more corporate speak, "You know, Blue, this party is a great opportunity to engage interpersonally with our fellow crewmates. I cannot think of a better way to calm the air after what happened earlier! As resident doctor, you should check in on everyone. Just in case we have any—ahem—less than composed crewmates, you know?"

Blue has been on many Mira expeditions by now. They've chatted idly with their previous crews, always keeping them at a distance with the understanding that doctor-patient relations must be professional. Some crewmates have remained regulars for Blue, like Orange, Yellow, Brown, and Lime. Sometimes Black will appear for geo-specific cargo shipments, but that's really it. Everyamong else on this ship is new to Blue, and while that should be an exciting opportunity to get to know new patients, Blue finds themself uninterested.

What is interesting is the way Orange's visor briefly flickers to the side, indicating a specific crewmate that is of concern as 'less than composed'. Following the gaze, Blue sees Lime.

Lime is hovering to the side of the cafeteria, huddled inside a vent and engaging with noamong. They're sporting a rather perturbed expression, seeming equally as discomforted by the party atmosphere as Blue feels.

Lime has never really engaged with Blue. They're a loner, that's for sure, but it's more so that they have an outward disdain for the medical field and anything else with close ties to government funding. In the early days of their acquaintance, they did not get along at all; Lime was very antagonistic, and Blue could only handle so much, so they weren't ones to engage in casual conversation with each other. Still, Blue cannot fault them for their aversion—it's understandable to be apprehensive when placing trust in an industry with a reputation for corruption. Blue conducts their work by the book, though they understand that it doesn't exempt them from association.

But Blue would love to talk with Lime.

Out of all the previously boarded expeditions, this is the first with a crew-wide party. Red insisted on it, as well as being a 'cool captain'. While the notion isn't particularly confidence-boosting, Blue wants to consider it a blessing in disguise. This may be the excuse Blue has been needing.

"Orange, I would be glad to take on the task," Blue places a hand over their heart as an act of altruism, "thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will do what I can."

Blue then turns away abruptly, walking over to the vent Lime stations themself in.

They're interesting. An enigma. They have such a bold personality for someamong so reserved, but it's really quite charming. They hold themself so confidently and regard their work with passionate finesse, the kind no other crewmate has displayed before. Even with budget cuts from Mira over the years, Lime remains a dedicated engineer, always practicing and advancing their skill level.

Blue holds a fond memory of Lime. Last year, during a short trip, they called in a work order to their lab. They explained to Lime that their wash station pipes were not functioning properly; they knew Lime might not be knowledgeable in plumbing, but were unsure of who else to contact. They worked at their desk while Lime fiddled and cursed at the faucet for hours, until eventually they solemnly admitted defeat. Blue felt bad at the time and offered to console Lime, but was brushed off as Lime swooped back in the vents.

A couple of weeks later, Blue was assigned to another shipment. They boarded the ship, navigated to the designated MedBay, and discovered Lime bent under the sink with a toolbox in hand. Blue had startled them, but they regained their composure quickly to finish the job and rush away. Blue found out from paperwork they had to sign that Lime requested an upgrade order, and then proceeded to upgrade all the MedBay plumbing. The technical engineer. Lime, the technical and ship maintenance engineer, learned plumbing during the weeks in between expeditions. Was it for Blue? Maybe not, but it sticks out as significant for them.

Blue has always been intrigued by Lime, ever since they first met and Lime cursed them out. Instead of the typical swooning, dazed engagement in conversation Blue is used to receiving, Lime accused them of trying to sell their medical data to the highest bidder as a decoy in government coverups. While Lime's creative approach to navigating their own anxiety was cause for concern, Blue couldn't help but wonder whether there was any reason in that claim. Blue would never do that, of course, but the accusation was so specific that they became curious.

Then, some months later, a doctor in another crew was outed for slipping their crewmate's health data to anonymous scalpers. The doctor tried to plead that it was official Mira business, but no one could believe that to be true. It was a huge deal at the time, but all Blue could think of was that Lime had every reason to doubt them.

They want Lime to trust them. Blue can only hope a casual party conversation might do more good than harm in their already strained dynamic.

Blue powers through their hesitation in bothering Lime as they near the vent, noticing Lime's gaze narrow suspiciously as they approach. Meeting their stare, Blue stops a couple of feet away to wave their fingers, an earnest attempt at restraining any big movements that may scare them off.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Lime?" Blue asks. They tilt their head to one side, lowering it as if trying to get on Lime's level.

Apparently surprised that the ship's doctor is actually addressing them, Lime sputters some half remarks before exclaiming, "Wa-huh—I ain't telling you squat!"

"Oh no, I mean no ill will!" Blue corrects their stance, standing upright and waving their palms in surrender, "I am genuinely curious about your thoughts on this party."

"Hmph…" Lime relaxes ever so slightly, though they squint their visor at Blue, "Why's it matter to you?"

The two of them have only ever engaged in semi-polite conversation when necessary, despite all of Blue's efforts to excite something more casual. Lime tends not to share much of their personal life, and Blue keeps busy. They cannot fault Lime for being apprehensive; the usually work-oriented beguiler is suddenly approaching the elusive outcast.

"Well, today proved to be more exciting than we are used to on these trips." Blue sighs at the memory, "Especially for you, Lime."

"Hey!" Lime slams their hands down on the side of the vent, startling Blue. They lift themself, throwing up a hand to point indignantly, "I do good work!"

"No—sorry!—nothing like that! I mean in how you quickly stepped into action during the incident today." Despite noamong knowing what destruction lay beyond that door after the ship-wide announcement, Lime did not hesitate to head in first. Lime is still staring up at Blue with scrutiny; while it certainly doesn't feel good to be on the receiving end of such a heated look, Blue cannot help but admire their energy. Looking deeply into Lime's harsh gaze, Blue feels their heart soften. "Actually," they place a hand over their heart, leaning toward Lime's extended hand, "I really admire how brave you were."

Blue had watched helplessly from the background as Lime entered the scene and was suddenly pulled forward by the vacuum of space. Blue was grateful they were quick and strong enough to save themself in time, but then they lost Lime in the crowd once the rest of the crewmates fell through, and they feared the worst. Seeing Lime here, seemingly unscathed and emotionally sound, Blue is thankful.

Lime lowers their hand, leaning back into the vent as they ponder Blue's sentiment.

"Why? I didn't do nothin'."

"I don't consider that to be true. You were one of the first on the scene. I saw you ready to repair the hull despite your limited resources." Blue's eyes practically sparkle with adoration. "I believe that is praiseworthy enough."

Blue watches as Lime leans further back into the vent and shifts their gaze to the side. They mumble under their breath, rolling their visor as they do so, until eventually stringing along some words to reply, "Yeah, well, you actually stepped in ta' save the day, y'know."

"You saw that?" A smile breaks across Blue's visor, a flush of warmth rising in their cheeks. They don't even attempt to fight it; they like that Lime feels that way.

"Bah, no," Lime flaps their hand, as if making a point to dismiss the very notion, "but I heard plenty of talk. The vents have ears, y'know!"

It's disappointing that Lime didn't take notice of Blue, but they still smile. There is something about Lime's gruff demeanor that they find utterly charming—maybe because it's unlike how they have ever been treated before; maybe it's something about how uniquely Lime operates over standard protocol; or maybe it's in the way they contain multitudes that even Blue isn't allowed to see, only capturing snippets of something deeper through brief previews.

Blue feels a lot of pressure to perform within the high standards set on them by the medical board and every crewmate who relies on them. To see Lime be so relied on for ship maintenance, yet so assuredly themself, is a sight to behold.

"I didn't see you amidst the chaos, where did you go?"

"You were searchin' for me?" Lime's scrutinizing gaze is unwavering, but they continue before Blue can squeeze out any more reassurances, "I left. Went to check on tha reactor. Ya know the shift in air pressure from tha hull breakin' could've had the whole ship blown up? Well, not if I got to it. There you go, happy?"

"Oh! Why, Lime," Blue feels something deep in their chest flutter. They bend down to take a knee, closer to Lime's level. While Lime startles back from the movement, they stay stuck in the intense eye contact Blue is giving them, "Of course I am happy. You undersell your part in saving the day. Without you, something worse might have happened. I am… so grateful."

Lime's visor grows wide. Both crewmates stay still as the praise settles into the silence between them. Then, Lime's face births a subtle blush.

"Okay…"

"I really do mean it, Lime," Blue places their hand on the ground, near the vent opening, "I'm grateful for a lot that you do."

"Okay…" A pause, "Uh, you too?"

Blue immediately reacts, "Is that really so?" They beam.

Lime makes a gesture as though they are about to snap back, but hesitates. Blue watches from the outside as their inner workings process through options, deciding on the best course of action. For such a reserved crewmate, Lime displays their emotions very transparently and honestly.

Finally, after some moments of contemplation, Lime's body tenses before responding, "Yes, so. You do a lotta good for the crew. And so on."

Blue's smile cannot grow wider, but they give an honest try. They venture into teasing territory, "And here I thought you'd prefer the crew didn't include a medical practitioner."

Lime leans to the side and brings a hand out of the vent to prop up their head, staring off to the side as they grumble. They seem to contemplate their word choice a bit more before mumbling, "Yeah, well, maybe. If it's a crew without you."

Lime looks irritable, as if voicing something so horrible. To Blue, however, it's something amazing to hear.

"I feel the same way!" They bring both knees to the floor, sitting down fully now, "I haven't observed any other engineer nearly as dedicated and resilient as yourself!"

"Ugh, ya don't gotta say that."

"I'm being honest, really! You're very quick and efficient, impressively so since crew sizes dwindled and maintenance support was cut."

Lime leans further into their hand, starting to cover their face. Blue watches as their face grows a pinkish hue and they mumble incoherently. They consider asking Lime to speak clearly for them, but this sight is nothing short of endearing. How can someamong so withdrawn be so captivating? It's surprising to Blue that it has taken them this long to make a casual conversation.

"Have you met the rest of the crew?" Blue asks.

"Wha—no? No, wait, kinda," Lime breaks away from their own hand to hold it up, "Obviously talked to Orange, they've been a real stick. Met Green and, uh, White," they hold up a finger for every name listed, "Sorta met Cap'n Red. Sorta Cyan."

"Yes, I've sorta met them too," Blue supplies, mirroring Lime's own inflection.

"Saw you chattin' up Cyan a moment ago."

"Oh?" Knowing Lime was watching them from afar feels significant, and Blue's perpetual smile grows cheeky. Lime seems to catch on and averts their visor again before Blue leans in teasingly, "You were watching me?"

"I'm jus' observin' the party atmosphere!" Lime defends rather quickly, "Nothin' to it except some good ol' fashion hangin'-off-to-the-side business..."

Blue leans back and nods, wordless. They look out at the rest of the party atmosphere, appreciating how less overwhelming it feels from a distance. They have never literally sat to the side of a party before, but this could be the way to go. Lime's company helps it feel more comfortable.

"Do you want refreshments?" Blue turns back to address Lime.

"Uh… sure?"

Lime is looking up at Blue suspiciously as they rise back to their feet. Seeing this, Blue smiles reassuringly before turning in the direction of the snack table.

They grab two cups from the stack just as Orange wanders back into view.

"Saw you talking to Lime! How did it gooo? Do they seem… peace of mind?"

It is not a withheld opinion of Orange's that Lime is a liability. There is no written company policy that crewmates aren't allowed to navigate the vents, though it has been an exhausting debate between the two for some time now. Lime certainly knows how to argue a case, placing Orange in an uncomfortable spot whenever they claim the restriction would put their tasks at risk. Blue is willing to bet that Orange has tried to amend the policy to include some type of restriction, but nothing has come of it as far as they know. Alongside a general unease for Lime's mannerisms, Orange can never seem to sympathize with them. Then again, noamong really does.

"Yes, they have been an enjoyable conversation. There isn't anything of concern," Blue flashes a charming smile, a distraction from the judgment toward Lime.

"Hah, okay, doctor," Orange sighs, flashing a smile of their own, "be on your guard, though." Then they wink before turning away toward Green.

Blue doesn't pay much mind as they go back to spooning ladles of punch into two cups and placing slices of pizza on paper plates. Having taken their fair share of networking etiquette courses, they know their way around balancing a couple of plates and glasses through a function. When they arrive back at Lime's vent, they hold out a hand that is balancing both a plate and a cup.

"Thanks," Lime mutters, grabbing them with both hands.

"Of course," Blue settles on the floor next to the vent, back against the wall. Lime narrows their gaze at Blue as they shift to get comfortable. Blue only notices when they lift their cup, about to take a sip. Lowering it, they raise a brow, "What is it?"

"You're sitting here?"

"Oh sorry, did you not want me to?"

"No, jus'…" Lime shuts their visor tightly, the wrinkles on their face deepening, as if unwilling to look at Blue as they continue, "Why not sit anywhere else? Talk with some better company?"

"Hm, well, I like it here." Blue shrugs. Lime opens their visor to stare back at Blue, who returns a small smile. "I also don't really care for parties much. Lots of noise."

Try as they might, Lime cannot seem to hide their surprised smile at that. They almost look overjoyed to hear that from Blue, and then conflicted at the same time.

"Charmin', charismatic doctor, you? I-I really can't believe that."

"Well, it is true." Blue feels a flush of warmth in their cheeks as their smile grows, "Charming, huh?"

They know they are charming; it's a conscious decision to present that way. They found it helps to ease patients, for them to feel in the care of someamong welcoming and pleasant to be around. Still, it feels nice to hear it from the elusive Lime, and equally as nice to tease them on it. They almost regret teasing them more, but it looks so sweet when Lime quickly averts their face to hide their growing blush.

"C'mon, don't act like it's not intentional," Lime grumbles.

Blue wants to press the issue, really understand what Lime means by that statement, but they know by now that the engineer is much smarter than the rest take them for. They are highly observant and analytical, so it is no surprise Blue finds that their highly curated personality has been investigated and picked apart by them.

Instead, Blue raises their cup of punch to sip from.

Suddenly, their eyes widen, "Oh, wow."

Lime snaps their head back, "What? Poisoned?!"

"No, not quite," Blue shakes their head, chuckling a bit, "I just wasn't expecting a member of our crew to spike the punch."

"Oh." Lime looks down at their own cup. Then they lift it and throw back some mouthfuls.

Blue watches them do this, curious. By the time Lime comes up for air, they're staring back at one another. Without any further indication, Lime already knows the answer to Blue's unasked question, "It's a party. If I'm gonna be here, might as well."

There's a moment of pause between them as Blue looks between Lime's visor and the cup, connecting pieces of thought between reason and ambition. Then, wordlessly, they raise their cup and take two gulps.

Beyond the sound of their own swallowing, they hear Lime's genuine laugh.

.:.

Some time has passed between trips to the snack table, gulps of spiked punch, and bites of pizza, and Lime has significantly warmed up to casual conversation with Blue.

"Gremlins!" Lime rushes the words out, "Gremlins, not goblins, doc! Those little… little whatevahs are always… they're just everywhere! And they're problems!"

Blue laughs earnestly at the light reprimand, their chest shaking with the thudding of their heart and expulsion of air from their lungs. They've been discussing Lime's latest qualms because Blue has been genuinely curious and Lime is so readily excited to talk about it. Apparently the Skeld is riddled with gremlins—not goblins, Blue will remember—and their main mode of hijinks is confusing the routing of the vents.

"You'll have to enlighten me on how they manage to do that," Blue takes a sip of punch, their smiling visor peaking from behind the cup toward Lime.

Both of their faces are flushed. It's easy to blame it on the alcohol, but for Blue it goes much deeper. Being around Lime, joking with them and being listened to by them, has filled Blue's body with more warmth than they know how to handle. They've started to lean in closer, laugh with their head bent toward the vent, gently pat Lime's back for emphasis—they want to get closer. It's something remarkable to feel so close to someamong they barely know, but feel so seen all the same.

"If I knew how, I wou—I would stop them! Huh?!" Lime throws their hands up in protest, guffawing at Blue in such a ridiculous way that it has them laughing again.

"Haha—okay, okay—hah hehe," Blue waves their hand up, shielding their face from Lime. This earns a chuckle from the engineer. They smile and take a sip from their cup, watching as Blue tries to compose themself, "What… hah ha—what else kind of trouble do they get into?"

"Ough!" Lime punches out a noise, as if the very mention of it fires up their nerves. It's so endearing. "Don't get me started! Jus'… don't play with 'em, don't talk with 'em, and especially do not look at 'em!"

"No looking at them? But," Blue leans in clumsily, "if I see one, how can I let you know?"

Blue swears Lime's face grows redder as they answer, "Okay. Fine. But, I mean it—avoid the eyes! Don't look 'em in the…" Lime pauses then, and Blue notices how close their visors are to one another, "…in the eyes."

There's a pause as Blue holds their breath.

"What will happen if I do?"

"You'll…" the words drift off; Lime is searching Blue's visor. For what? Blue isn't sure. It's nice though. They're staring back as Lime's gaze flickers all over Blue's face. Then, they break the pseudo staring contest, suddenly leaning back and creating more distance, "…Jus' don't do it."

Blue knows the spiked punch is getting to them when their initial reaction is to challenge the request, tease Lime, and suggest they may do the very thing they are warned against. Not to be malicious, of course, but to see the way Lime might erupt in energy and grab them, how they might convince them with so much passion. It's not nice, but the idea of it excites Blue. Would Lime grab their face or would they grip their sides?

Blue closes their visor and leans their head back against the wall. They need to control themself; this is not how a trusted professional should feel.

"Damn these—these missions are always so tricky," Lime groans, wiping a hand down over their visor. Blue lifts their head up to look over at Lime just as they continue, "More crewmates should worry 'bout—about bein' confined in a flyin' trap through space. Stuck with a bunch of others and… things."

Blue nods along with the statement, watching the tension on Lime's face build. There is always some reason why a crewmate might choose space expeditions; it is certainly not the easiest or most relaxing job, but someamong needs to do it. "I know where you are coming from. When I first made the decision, my only concern was to be there for the crew that might need me."

Lime turns to face Blue, visor wide and searching yet again, "That is, uh, pretty thoughtful, doc. I jus' joined 'cause it was the quickest employment." Their face then relaxes into a comfortable smile directed at Blue, "I've always wondered how perfect y—well, you got saddled with a job like this. I'm sure there's some greener pastures out there for you, heh."

Blue feels their face grow warmer, a wide smile breaking across it despite their best efforts to train it down. A hiccup of laughter escapes them, "Ha! Hah—I mean, I don't doubt that, either. I like… where I'm at right now, though." Lime is smiling back at Blue, and they swear it gets wider. Blue's smile twists in an effort not to appear so excited, but the look Lime gives them makes it hard to control it. Trying to push the attention away from them, they scramble for a distraction. "I-I'm sure your skills would be helpful in other places too!"

"Bah—maybe…" Lime rolls their visor, "with this mission bein' such a headache so far, maybe."

"It certainly might be the most hazardous one yet."

"There's jus' so much off about it! I swear, yer the only reliable thing I can trust," Lime looks toward Blue, showing an exasperated expression that contrasts with the warm sentiment they shared.

Something inside Blue twists, curling deep in their chest and trying to make way up their throat. Breathlessly, they reply, "And your trust is very sacred."

Lime looks at Blue for some moments, not saying anything. This is yet another time where their visor is searching, darting across Blue's face as if looking for any cracks in some secured facade. Lime won't find any, for there isn't any reason to deceive them. Not for Blue, at least.

Lime hums and wobbles in place after the moment passes. "Appreciate it."

There's a certain intimacy in their exchange now that Blue is becoming hyperaware of. The lingering gazes, physical proximity, and the relaxed banter all give way to a newfound camaraderie, but Blue hasn't felt affinity like this before. It's charged with considerable affection, a feeling Blue hasn't had the time or energy for in a while.

Here, there is time and energy. Maybe it's the punch or the anticipation of peeling back more layers to Lime's self. Maybe it's the trauma from the hull cracking open or the party forcing everyone to intermingle, knowing how close they all were to death. Or, maybe, it's all of that and how Lime's fingers are tapping a little tune against the plastic side of their solo cup; how Lime is still vehemently inside the vent when they could be sitting against the wall with Blue; how, admist the prolonged silence between their mutual gaze, Lime's visor quirks into a coy smile that wobbles with considerably more emotion than Blue has ever seen from them before.

Blue is far from oblivious—even at their drunkest, they have the bandwidth to assess their symptoms and diagnose the problem. This crush on Lime cannot get in the way of their professional responsibility as a doctor; it just cannot. Blue is preparing to compartmentalize the feeling away, putting it in a corner to be forgotten, when Lime breaks the comfortable silence.

"Ya know, it's funny. I use ta' hate you."

A surprised laugh escapes Blue, "Hah! Hehe, is that so? Well, actually, I could've guessed that was the case."

"Yeah, but then I stopped."

Lime's visor fills with mirth as their wobbly smile stays on Blue.

Although it has been some time since Lime caused a disturbance in their medical quarters, to hear that the animosity has been squashed fills Blue with a bloom of warmth in their chest. They speak lowly in reply, "What changed?"

Lime hums and twists their smile into a thoughtful expression, leaning back on the side of the vent opening with their punch still in hand. They take a sip, looking at Blue over the lid.

Then, "The thing I hate 'bout doctors, is that they are a, a buncha phonies—fakes." Lime narrows their visor, "They lord their, uh, smarts and education over others with this… superiority complex. Then, when yer at yer lowest, they jus' don't actually care. It's 'bout personal gain to 'em. If they can exploit it, they'll do it." Lime's grip of their cup strengthens, a crack of plastic ringing out between the pause, all the while Blue is raptly listening along, "Thought you'd be like tha rest of 'em, ingenuine. I couldn't stand you, and I wanted to cause problems! But, uh, then…"

Blue watches Lime scratch below their face. They've broken eye contact and are shyly glancing away, which is intriguing.

"You can say it," Blue reassures.

Lime glances back and shakes their head, "It's just stupid."

"That's okay."

Shaking their head again, this time Lime is smiling, "Okay, okay. Well, you called me in for some—some kind of check-up, I dunno. Some bullshit I wasn't gonna do anyway, heh. You were tryna convince me, I was yellin'—like usual—but this time… you yelled back!"

Blue flinches, now remembering the day Lime is recalling.

"You were pretty sick of me, said that you were done tryin' and that I should be happy 'cause you weren't helpin' me anymore. I couldn't believe it."

Blue sinks further into their discomfort, their face lowering to look down at the floor in shame. That evening Lime is describing is one they try to forget; it had been too stressful a week that exploded into a climactic confrontation with their most difficult patient.

Lime continues, unbeknownst to Blue's remorse, "You actually let me be. Yer a diff—different kinda doctor, doc. You stopped pushin' me so hard and gave meh—gave me a choice." At this, Blue looks up, surprised, "Not without giving me a piece of yer mind, though! I respected it, Blue, the first time a doctor was ever genuine!" Lime slaps Blue on the back with a quick laugh.

The slap jolts Blue out of their surprise. "I'm having a hard time understanding…? What I did was highly unprofessional, but—most of all—unkind. I am so sorry, Lime."

"Guh—no!" Lime drunkenly waves their hand at Blue, "Wrong takeaway, doc, ugh."

"Sorry," Blue feels their face heat in embarrassment, "could you elaborate, then?"

"Yer still thinkin' of yerself as a doctor," Lime narrows their gaze, pointing an accusatory finger up to Blue's visor, "but yer a being with feelin's too. I like that more."

Blue frowns.

Throughout university and residency, Blue was upheld to the high standard of being a model student and charming peer. There could be no room for mistakes when so many depended on them to care for patients, lead examinations, and teach lectures. Interpersonal relationships took a back seat when everyamong's only talking points were about their academic success or presentable attractiveness. Even then, Blue desired a deep emotional bond rooted in personality and connection. They found themself talking the ear off anyamong who gave them the time of day, regardless of whether their attention drifted to fantasizing about them during it. They could be more than what they gave others, but noamong thought to indulge with them.

Lime is the first to indulge in their humanity and like them for it.

Mouth too loose from the drunken lack of a filter, Blue breathes out, "I like you too."

Lime stares wide at Blue then, body rigid as if unsure of how to take the sentiment.

Blue considers backtracking, apologizing for the slip of words and rushing out of there. They consider this to save themself from the embarrassment of rejection, a feeling they've never experienced before within the context of romantic interest. Yet, they sit still. Even if there's a chance Lime may push them away forever, this feels worth the risk.

Then, visor drifting over to the rest of the party, Lime inches closer to Blue until the two of them are leaning in each other's bubbles.

"Blue," Lime whispers, "I needta tell ya somethin'."

"O-okay…"

Lime narrows their visor at the party, watching the rest of the crew chat amongst themselves in blissful ignorance of the scrutinizing stare lying on them. Blue follows their gaze, seeing that Cyan has now migrated to a table to accompany Yellow and Brown, Captain Red and Orange are heatedly discussing in the corner, Green and White are meandering the party, and Black and Purple are idle near the snack table. Blue tries to see whatever Lime could be narrowing their attention on, but refocuses their sight on the side of Lime's face instead.

When Lime flicks their gaze back, Blue pretends they weren't staring.

"I don't think this is a normal mission."

"How do you mean?" Blue whispers back.

"I mean that—Ore+? That Ore+ nonsense doesn't make a single dollop of sense. Findin' important fuel on an asteroid…to bring back…with only like 2, or whatever, actually competent crewmates?"

Blue looks back to the rest of the party with this revelation in mind, "I did find it rather odd that mission preparation was pressed. I had initially assumed it to be a rush job, though."

Lime startles excitedly, "Ha! See, that's exactly what they want ya to think! Here's what I think—I think somethin' is off and we're the guinea pigs."

Blue hums, bringing their attention back to Lime. They place a finger under their visor, truly pondering the theory, "It's an intriguing thought. It would explain the highly unqualified crewmates aboard."

Lime suddenly sputters out a quiet laugh, "Hehehe, judgy much?"

Blue alerts to the accusation, "Oh, no! I didn't mean it like—"

"Relax! It's actually good seeing ya not act so… prissy." Lime lowers their gaze at Blue teasingly, looking at them from below their bandana.

"Oh, w-well," Blue coughs into their hand, adverting their visor away, "still. Not judgemental, just… observant."

"Yeah, well, I'm both. And yer right, by the way—there's not nearly enough knowledgeable crewmates on this ship!"

Blue's attention catches on Cyan.

"I did just learn that Cyan was hired as a geologist," Blue squints their visor in contemplation, "I'm having a hard time figuring where a gemology degree fits there."

"Not only that!" Lime interjects, leaning further into Blue's personal bubble, "White was askin' me a lot of questions earlier…"

"They're also a contest winner," Blue whispers back, "but for what reason, and why here?"

When Blue turns their head back, Lime is much closer than they thought. Their visors practically touch before Blue leans slightly back from surprise, instantly regretting it as Lime leans all the way back into the vent.

"That captain is a real jagoff, too."

Blue laughs, visor crinkling into a wide smile. "Well, I usually like to reserve judgement, but…"

Lime chuckles, a joyful expression greeting Blue beautifully. They're smiling at each other for some moments, before Lime's slowly begins to wipe away. They look around them, twisting and turning their body to scope out the area, before leaning closer than ever into Blue to whisper much quieter, "I think there is someamong, or something, that is unpredictable for Mira. And we're the dummies made to find out."

Blue feels Lime's warmth radiating off them, the sensation nearly distracting. When they turn their head to address Lime, faces so close together, Lime is already leaning back yet again. It feels cruelly teasing, becoming so close and then so far away.

"You must think that's nonsense, don't ya?" Lime quirks a brow.

Blue shakes their head quickly, "No, no—not at all. I find it rather plausible, actually. Though… 'unpredictable' how?"

"As I said," they cross their arms, visor grimacing in unconcealed disgust, "guinea pigs. Whatever this mission is, they not—they're not sharin' the whole parfait. This is a test—a trap!"

"That…" Blue processes Lime's theory and feels their stomach grow uneasy, "that is… a troubling thought."

Lime deflates at that reply, grimace softening to look unsure, almost embarrassed. They look away, surveilling the party again, while Blue weighs the probability of such a conundrum. Blue feels significantly sobered up as they sift through evidence and contradictions. Looking at Lime, though, they can't think of any reason to doubt their claim. This may be an experiment put on by Mira, whether it be to test budget hires or something far more nefarious. They would be a fool not to follow in Lime's vigilance.

"So, what do we do?"

Lime swivels their head back, visor wide, "You… ya don't think it's crazy?"

Blue reaches out a tentative hand. They half expect Lime to flinch or shoo them away, but they stay still as Blue's hand approaches and cups their side reassuringly, "I trust your judgement, Lime. If you feel something is off, don't make yourself dismiss it so readily." Lime's visor glistens, wide and searching again for any crack in an imaginary mask. Apparently finding none, they lean into Blue's hand. Blue smiles, "So… what do we do now?"

Lime jumps into action, detailing concrete defensive plans for miscellaneous dangers of all sorts. Whether it be more broken hulls, generations of gremlins on the attack, or the whole mission turning out to be a simulation—Lime is laying out the groundwork to keep them prepared. Blue is following along and interjecting their own ideas, always with the intention of amplifying Lime's own. They make a good team, even going so far as working out a secret code only they know. All the while, they continue to drink their spiked punch.

"See, so we'll know if—if one of us is actually an imp-impa…impotter…inpersonator!"

Blue giggles—a proper giggle! They're too tipsy to keep it cool—into their hand. They watch as Lime wobbles inside their vent, ever so slightly sloshing the cup around in their hand as they try to keep steady.

"You're always so prepared, Lime," Blue sighs wistfully, appreciating another aspect to their unusual crewmate that interests them all the more.

"Yeah, well," Lime lifts their cup to sip from, then abruptly lowers it. Squinting their visor to peek inside the cup, they groan, "Aw drat. I'm out!"

Blue leans back against the wall, shutting their visor tightly. "Ahh, I should uh—should probably stop anyway." It's a shame that, even though Lime has spent the past while reminding Blue they're an individual before a doctor, they still have to be reliable and ready for medical action. It may take some time, and lots of water, but Blue should be plenty sobered up to clock back in to MedBay tonight. "Want me to get you a refill, though?"

"Yes! Thank ya, big dog!" Lime slaps their hand on the floor excitedly. Blue smiles before they struggle to maneuver on their feet, leaning against the wall for support all the way up. Then, Lime gasps, "Actually! We should split up—if we're round…around each other too much, others might st-start to catch on! We can't trust any of 'em…"

Despite their better judgment, Blue feels a frown spreading across their features and traveling down to their heart. How melodramatic, they chastise themself. Forcing a tight-lipped smile, they bring themself to nod in agreement, "Very clever, Lime. I will ju—just… drop the punch and pizza off at the vent?"

Blue turns back to the party, disinterest creeping back in. Had they known their first enjoyable party experience would have an early end, perhaps they would've spent more time savouring the moments as they ticked by.

Blue feels thankful that they took a chance on Lime at this party; had they given in to their hesitancy, they would have missed out on this pleasant memory. They would have gone yet another space trip without more than a few courteous exchanges, always something work-related. Now, Blue is blessed with the knowledge that Lime trusts them, sees them, and appreciates their humanity. For Blue, there is no greater gift than that.

Before they walk further into the party swarm, Blue turns back to look down at Lime. They're already staring back, their gruff features softened by a pleasant grin Blue hopes to see again. "Lime, I want to say… thank you for trusting me. With—with this, and everything."

Blue watches Lime nod along until the very last word, where they see them squint their visor. It looks like annoyance, maybe confusion. Blue shakes their head at themself with a soft chuckle—their melodrama is affecting things yet again, how disappointing—and they start to turn back toward the party. They should've kept their cool and kept walking on, like a good doctor.

"H-hey, wait," Lime calls out, and Blue turns around so quickly, "I…" they start, hesitating.

Blue can't bring themself to reassure Lime, uncertain of what they're afraid to say. If it's regretful or damaging, Blue will be hurt to their core.

Lime does eventually find the courage they need to continue without Blue's assurance. They mutter under their breath before speaking loud enough to hear, "I trust ya because I like ya too, Blue. And if some—somethin' were to happen… well, I-I jus' want ya to know that."

A tender pool of affection floods their entire system, filling Blue to the brim and threatening to spill over with considerable emotion. They'll keep this memory safe in their mind palace, treasuring it alongside other moments they hope to enjoy alongside Lime in the future of their budding friendship. Placing a hand over their heart, they sigh. Happily.

"Th-thank you, Lime," their voice comes out weak with emotion, but it's strong with passion, "and… and nothing will happen. Not with—not with us on watch."

They stare into each other's visors. Lime is searching, visor darting around, and this time it is less scrutinizing and more appreciative.

"Yeah," Lime holds their hand up, "we'll do it… together."

Blue takes their hand, both of them embracing each other in an ardent grip. They shake on it.