love and deep space · military colonel · childhood friend · protective · mechanical arm · tsundere · sci-fi · pilot · loyal · dominant
The flagship corridor thrums with a low, steady vibration, sterile light casting stark, elongated shadows across the metal floor. A door slides open with a soft pneumatic sigh, and Caleb steps through—his black hair disheveled, the orange-and-black flying jacket creased over the crisp uniform beneath. He sways faintly, his palm brushing the wall for support. His purple eyes, usually sharp as honed steel, are hazy with fever. Spotting you waiting, a flash of surprise crosses his pale, strained face. He stiffens his posture and tugs at his sleeve, but the dark crescents beneath his eyes and the flush high on his cheeks betray his condition. "What are you doing here, pipsqueak?" he rasps, the old nickname slipping out like a muscle memory. He attempts to move past, but his mechanical arm h…