Chapter Text
Lime pocketed their wrench and slapped the panel of the medbay door, pleased with themself.
“Fixed it right up. No aliens gettin’ ya today!” they declared.
Blue looked over from a stack of papers they were filing.
“Thank you, Lime,” they said warmly. They seemed to think for a moment, then snapped their fingers. “Oh—and I do hate to bother you further, but if you get the chance, would you mind retrieving one of my pens that fell into the vent? Red dropped it earlier while signing some forms.”
Lime huffed. If it were any other crewmate, they wouldn’t have bothered, but the soft hum of Blue’s voice was impossible to deny.
“Fine,” Lime muttered, bending to open the grate, “but after this I really gotta get to workin’ on that reactor. Pumps are actin’ like shit, and I’m sure those goddamn gremlins are behind it.”
Blue nodded, placing a hand to their chest. “I understand. I appreciate the work that you do for our ship, and I promise that I won’t ask any more of you today.” Lime felt their neck warm as they muttered a half-reply, turned, and dropped into the vent. They felt around the edges for Blue’s pen until locating it in a corner beside an old tennis ball.
“Got the sucker,” Lime called. They popped their head back out of the chute, handing it to Blue. “Fell a weirdly long distance down here. Might’ve been carried. Better wash it twice just to be safe.”
“Thank you, Lime,” Blue hummed, brushing Lime’s thumb as they took the pen from them. Lime’s heart jumped at the touch; they grabbed for the vent lid with slightly sweaty palms.
“Yeah, whatever. Don’t go botherin’ me again, now,” they let out, dropping into the dark.
They made their way through the narrow, looping tunnels, occasionally mumbling at the shapes of what they imagined to be gremlins. They made a few turns in the direction of the reactor room and swallowed, composing themself. Just talking to Blue always left them with a warmth they couldn’t seem to shake, and the weakness bothered them more than they cared to admit.
There were many things they didn’t trust in this world—most of all television, radio waves, jet pilots, and Mormons—but they did trust Blue, in a way. The issue was trust’s paving of a road to betrayal and sin. Lime made a sign of the cross, digging around for their wrench again. They heard the hum of the reactor nearing above them and popped out of the vent to the room, faced with the soft glow of the nuclear core.
“There she is,” they muttered, placing a hand on the base. “I’m gonna fix ya right.”
It was proving a more difficult task than expected.
The reactor repair had been stretching on for days, and Lime was growing increasingly paranoid of it being sabotaged. They’d already circled it twice in holy water, and that should have repelled the gremlins; it could only be the crewmates or an alien that was jamming up the poor thing’s tubes.
Lime huffed, examining the locks to the room. They were worried, and in that worry came a fear for Blue’s safety. They really didn’t give a shit about the other crewmates, but if there was any form of danger or sabotage, they wanted Blue to be safe.
That was their excuse as they passed by the medbay door, checking and rechecking the lock they had repaired. Tight seal. No aliens. The steel was surely thick enough to block any nascent radio waves as well.
As they were testing the emergency handle again, the door opened to Blue, standing prim with their clipboard in hand.
“Oh!” Blue said fondly. “Lime, I was just about to look for you. I really, truly hate to bother you with this, but I appear to have lost my stethoscope, and I suspect it may have fallen in the vent. Would you mind taking a look for me again?”
Lime grunted. They didn't have time for this. “I guess, but you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands if you keep losin’ all that crap down there.” They rubbed the back of their neck as they followed Blue into medbay, annoyed at their own inability to say no. “You keep lettin’ this slide and those gremlins will rob you for all you're worth."
Blue hummed. “I assure you, this was a result of my own negligence. I—simply dropped it in the process of filling out paperwork. I’ll return to my filing now, and you can be on your way after.”
They sat at their desk and began to write something. Lime bent over the vent, seeing if they could spot the stethoscope from above. When they glanced over their shoulder, Blue was staring at them. Blue snapped their gaze back to their paperwork.
“Ay, you good, doc?” Lime called.
Blue nodded, clearing their throat. “Yes, of course. Carry on.”
Lime jumped into the vent and felt around the base of the chute. The stethoscope was lying right beneath them.
“The thing’s right here,” Lime shouted, clamoring back up. They jumped up and held it out gruffly to Blue.
“Thank you, Lime,” Blue purred, placing their palm in Lime’s as they took it. Lime’s cheeks warmed; they looked away, rubbing the spot on their hand where they had touched.
A moment passed; Lime coughed. “So… I guess you’re, uh, goin’ back to hearing people’s hearts now?”
“Yes. It’s important for me to listen to my patients at every level, and any good checkup begins with the heart,” Blue said warmly. They leaned closer to Lime, and Lime was struck by the closeness of their visor, the tenderness of their expression. “...Would you like me to listen to yours? It can reveal quite a bit.”
Lime was transfixed for a moment by the honey of their voice, the closeness of their face. They thought of Blue’s hands pressing to their chest before averting their gaze, their face suddenly burning.
“My heart is fine,” they let out. “I ain’t lettin’ big pharma record my cardio waves to sell them to investors.” Really, they cursed the fact that their pulse was thrumming harder than ever; whatever it might “reveal” to Blue was something sooner to be dead and buried. Lime scrambled to climb into the vent, then pointed at Blue over their shoulder.
“And listen, keep some holy water in this place before ya lose any more shit to them gremlins,” they said, taking a jar from their pocket and placing it on the floor.
Blue looked pleased. “Thank you, Lime,” they hummed, before Lime dropped back into safe darkness.
Having an infatuation for a hot doctor was not something they could discuss on their message boards, nor with anyone else on the ship. They didn't trust others to keep their mouths shut; any gossip was sure to spread and make its way back to Blue.
It was why Lime couldn't stand hearing their co-workers gush and fawn over the doctor. It was stupid, tactless, and could obviously only be weaponized against them.
Lime huffed. They themselves weren’t so desperate for Blue's attention. Sure, they may have searched the internet a fair amount of times about what “psychosomatic” meant and how to use the word “edema” in a sentence, but they would be a fool to think Blue would ever notice.
Blue was much too good for them. Blue was too good for anybody, Lime thought: that was why Lime found themselves hiding beneath the medbay vent, listening in on a visit they’d been having with Purple.
“I appreciate you patching me up,” Purple had said, their voice bright with admiration.
“Of course,” Blue replied, “I’m always happy to help; your safety is my top priority.”
Lime groaned as they heard Purple sigh and fawn over them. They always noticed when Blue was flattering another crewmate, speaking in the same velvety tone they used to address them.
Of course, they weren’t jealous.
And they certainly weren’t jealous when they found themselves beneath the vent the day after, eavesdropping on a paperwork exchange between Orange and Blue.
“You’re so… organized, doctor,” Orange drawled, their voice low and sultry.
“Indeed, I pride myself on it. There’s no greater way to showcase professionalism and commitment.” Lime attempted to peer through the vent grate, but they could only see their legs as they walked towards the door. “I’m sure you’re very familiar with organization yourself,” Blue commented.
Orange giggled stupidly as they left, and Lime grunted. They didn't know how they kept ending up there and eavesdropping. They’d just be crawling around the vents, trying to get to weapons or oxygen, and the next thing they knew, they were back beneath medbay.
Odd enough for them to keep gravitating to one spot; they were sure that the radiation from the scanner had something to do with it.
Blue cleared their throat from above the vent.
“I hear you in there, Lime. Would you like to speak to me about anything?”
Lime flushed. “Why—I’m not speakin’ about anything,” they stuttered. “You can’t make me.”
“Very well. I’d appreciate it if you respect patient confidentiality while I’m with the others, but I would love for you to pay me a visit if you ever wish to talk.”
“I ain’t given’ up nothin’. My right to be in these vents is my own. Just remember there’s eyes and ears everywhere,” Lime let out, clamoring away with their chest oddly tight.
They’d definitely been putting something into the water. There was no other explanation for it all—the sick feeling they got even hearing Blue’s voice, the dreams they’d wake up from, all dizzy and hot from the thought of Blue’s touch. They prayed every night for it to be through, but the devil’s work was never so easily exiled.
Really, the more pressing issue was the reactor. They still couldn’t bring it to fully stabilize. Lime huffed as they turned a corner in the vent system, feeling around for their wrench. They found it still attached to their toothbrush in a crucifix, and they grabbed it before making their way to the reactor.
They kept thinking about the times Blue had touched them in the past week—on the tip of their ring finger, the base of their palm. It’d be a blessing once they got off of this ship, away from whatever curse they'd been inflicted with.
There was nothing to be found in so-called "stability." You linger in one place too long, and cops will learn your name. You settle down in a home, and the IRS starts calling.
You get attached, and there’s no telling what could happen—trust is a construct and a path to betrayal, Judas welcomed with open arms.
Lime heard the familiar hum of fans above them and popped up from the vent, crawling over to the reactor. They drew their hand along one of its pipes, forlorn.
“Poor baby. What’ve they been doin’ to ya?” Lime muttered, retrieving their tools. They worked for several hours, replacing pipes and repairing paneling, until it dawned on them to check on the backup generator. It’d been in storage, but it would make for a good fallback in case anything further happened to the reactor.
Lime found it tucked away in the corner, a massive hunk of metal still in its box. The thing was nearly taller than them. They spit into their palms and rubbed them together, grabbing it by the bottom.
With a growl, they attempted to lift it, straining against its weight. Their fingers were numb as they readjusted, sweat trailing their neck. They heaved and managed to get it off the ground before a pain ripped through their back, hot and blindingly sharp.
“For the love of all things holy!” Lime cried, falling onto the ground. They grimaced, their muscles stabbing as they attempted to stand.
Of course they had to throw out their back. They rubbed their forehead, grumbling.
Someone would find them eventually, yes, but it was only a question of whether an alien or a crewmate got to them first. They were in a weak state; they would be easy to ambush if a damn gremlin happened to come upon them, and then all of their tools would be stolen and pawned.
Just as they were contemplating this, the door to the reactor room opened. Purple and Blue had come with a stretcher.
Blue rushed over to Lime, kneeling and taking their hand.
“Purple said they saw you injure yourself on the security cameras. What happened?”
Lime blinked, suddenly embarrassed to be seen on the ground. “Nah—I’m fine, doc, nothin’ happened. Was just liftin’ something, is all.” Lime paused. “Didn’t have any trouble with it either, just takin’ a break here on the floor.”
Blue looked at them worriedly. “Are you able to stand for me?”
Lime attempted before cursing at a fresh jolt of pain. They laid back down, grunting and avoiding Blue’s gaze. “...Might’ve thrown out my back,” they muttered.
Blue nodded. “You’re likely experiencing muscle spasms. Don’t worry; I’ll take you to the medbay.” They turned to Purple. “Thank you for informing me of this. I’ll handle it from here.”
Purple nodded and left. Lime winced as Blue brought the stretcher over to them, their body hot and uncomfortably sweaty. It didn’t help when Blue leaned over them and peered into their face, the soft gleam of their visor the only thing in view.
“I’m going to move you now,” Blue murmured. They reached beneath Lime’s legs and lifted them effortlessly, bringing an oddly choked noise out of Lime.
“How the hell can you just pick me up like that?” Lime huffed.
“Well, it’s quite simple. You’re relatively smaller in stature compared to the average crewmate, and I have experience transporting patients.”
Lime bristled. “Hey, only reason we’ve been gettin’ progressively taller as a species is because they’ve been putin’ growth hormones in the dyes, and I’m not fallin’ for it. Being vertically streamlined helps me fit through the vents anyway.”
They grunted as Blue placed them on the stretcher and wheeled them into the medbay, parking them in a corner.
Blue pulled out a handful of ice packs from the freezer. "I didn’t mean to imply anything negative with my comment,” they said amiably. “It was only a simple observation. Some people may even find your stature rather endearing.”
“Oh yeah?” Lime asked. “Like who?”
Blue coughed, then cracked one of the ice packs in their hand. “Try this cooling pack. Place it directly where the pain is, and it should help.”
Lime averted their gaze again, sliding the ice under their back. Really, it’d be better if they took their backpack off, but they were already embarrassed enough without getting half-naked in front of Blue.
They attempted to readjust. Another flash of pain shot through them, and they winced.
Blue retrieved a bottle of pills from the medicine cabinet and shook one into their hand. “May I offer you some pain medication?”
Lime scowled. “Oh no, I don’t trust nothin’ from big pharma. That shit is poison from the inside out.”
Blue took their hand gently. “I assure you, Lime, this is no such thing. I’ve formulated this myself and am certain of its safety and efficacy. The last thing I’d do is willingly compromise your health.”
Lime stared at them, their mind suddenly blank. They grumbled and looked to the floor.
“Fine, but just this once,” they muttered.
“Thank you; I appreciate your trust in me." Blue handed them a glass of water, and Lime winced before downing it and the pill. When they were finished, Blue reclined the bed slightly and propped Lime up with an extra pillow.
“Are you comfortable now?” Blue asked.
Lime attempted to move, then winced. “Comfortable as I can be, I guess. Feels like somethin’s stabbin’ me from behind.”
Blue nodded, placing a hand on their thigh.
“Your muscles are extremely tense. The ice should help, but gentle stretching and massaging would benefit you as well.” They leaned in slightly, their visor shining softly. “Would you be interested in some massage therapy?” they asked, their voice a low hum.
Lime blinked. The thought of Blue’s hands on them, much less their bare lower back, was enough to send them into full fight-or-flight. They flailed and slapped Blue’s hand away, their heart pounding.
“No, that—that’s not needed. I’m fine now,” Lime said, their cheeks flaming.
“Very well,” Blue replied. They reached for their clipboard and brought their chair beside Lime. “Would you mind telling me exactly how this happened, then? I have to document it for Orange’s records and my own.”
Lime crossed their arms, trying to slow the pounding of their heart. “Well… I was just fixin’ up the reactor some more. Thing’s been a pain in the ass lately, and I know it’s bein’ sabotaged by something. Gremlins, or aliens... somethin’s not right,” they grumbled.
Blue nodded and wrote something on their clipboard.
“I was gettin’ out the generator in case the reactor went under,” Lime continued, “and when I tried to lift it, this happened.” They clenched their fist, suddenly annoyed. “It’s all because of Mira cuttin’ corners and throwin’ us out here to die,” they spat. “Everything’s a cover-up by the execs to hide what’s really happening—those greedy bastards don’t give a shit if the ship’s workin’ or not. Now I’m expected to do a job alone that’d usually take five other people. I can’t afford to have a damn back problem.”
Blue listened intently, regarding them with what seemed to be silent appreciation, even admiration.
“I completely agree with what you're saying,” they said in earnest, “And I’m sorry that you were put in such a compromising position.” They came face-to-face with Lime, placing a hand on their heart. “I’ll talk to Orange about your concerns and make them file a report to Mira HQ. My promise.”
Lime’s mind blanked. They’d never been respected or listened to in such a way, and the feeling was completely foreign. They glanced back at the ground, amazed that Blue actually cared about anything they had to say.
“Well, I… I still think that they planted them damn gremlins in here just so they could write off the damage," Lime spat weakly.
Blue hummed. “Well—if I find any of those gremlins here, I’ll be sure to call you right away.”
Lime was suddenly appalled at the thought of them harming Blue, grabbing Blue’s shirt collar.
“Oh, if they ever even come close to ya, they’ll be more than dead. Believe me.”
Lime’s grip loosened; it almost looked like Blue was blushing. They let them go, and Blue cleared their throat.
“I... do admire your passion and dedication, Lime. Please just be careful. I care—very deeply—about your safety.”
Lime’s hands still tingled as Blue rose and returned to their computer, clicking onto it. “I’m going to transfer and document your injury, now, but I assure you that the information will be confidential and protected." They began reading aloud what they were typing. “...Patient presents with severe involuntary muscle contractions in the lumbar region after strenuous lifting of a heavy object. Is that accurate?”
“Lumbar,” Lime muttered. “That’s lower back, yeah?”
Blue beamed. “Right you are. Where did you learn that?”
Lime’s cheeks burned; answering “I once Googled ‘medical terms to make you sound smart’” seemed far too embarrassing.
“Uh… got it from a buddy that went through the same thing,” Lime replied.
“Ah! Very well.” Blue finished typing the report and kelt down to their filing cabinet, leafing through the tabs. From where they lay, Lime could see the soft curves of Blue’s backside, the shape of their hands; Lime was transfixed, warming until they could feel the sweat trailing their forehead.
It wasn't their fault their mind kept wandering. The constant touching, Blue’s velvety voice, the massage offer—it was like it had been planted in their head, choking their thoughts of anything else.
This was bad. Weeks of hormones in the water had to have led them to such a point. What was one to do when their every free thought was about what Blue's fingers might feel like running along them?
There was no cure but abstention and prayer; their message boards had already proved woefully inadequate when searching for ways to get over an infatuation with a doctor. Most of the people on their forum warned that it placed them at a dangerously high risk for organ-harvesting.
Lime stumbled out of bed, the movement sending a burst of pain through them. The cramps had just subsided enough for them to stand, but they were dizzy and hot, their breathing strained.
“Well—thanks for the help, doc,” they let out, hobbling quickly over to the vent.
Blue looked alarmed. “Wait, Lime—I think it’s best if you stay here and recover for a day or two. You’re not fit to be walking around.”
Lime waved them off, dropping into the chute. “Nah, I feel great, actually,” they blurted. “Appreciate the ice pack. Love and peace, big dog.” They slammed the grate behind them and rushed into the vent, groaning at the strain on their back.
They were still sore as hell, but it was better than being in that damn room with Blue and their witchcraft. The pill they had taken was probably full of hormones, too; it'd explain why they couldn't seem to calm down.
"Fuckin' humiliating," Lime grumbled, adjusting themselves.
They figured some holy water would probably set them straight.