If it wasn't for Carl, Grace would never have understood Simon when he confessed.
Demi!Carl confessing to AroAce!Grace because as much as everyone teases him about being married to his job, this science teacher has made him so much of his world. Most bodyguard jobs run into the client's need for privacy but outside of his own house, Grace invites him to things. Movies, dinner, and both even make jokes about making a baby together, sharing pictures of the astrophage.
Carl isn't a yearner. He gives it 14 days and 8 hours to make sure it isn't a passing fancy, to not lead Grace on. Grace is so apologetic, telling him that he should be interested, that he should reciprocate, that he likes him more than he liked his ex-girlfriend and it should mean something.
Carl smiles, stops the spiral and tells Grace the truth. He confessed because he wanted to develop the relationship properly, either as partners or co-parents (which makes Grace laugh instead of cry and that's a beautiful sound) and yearning gets in the way of developing anything real. They become best friends to the point that when Stratt gives him the news, he sacrifices their friendship so that Grace can be betrayed as gently as possible, by someone who cares as much for Earth as him.
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AroAce!Simon confesses to Grace because he is scared of being alone. When there is no joint mission or partnership - either in Eden or in prison, he is alone, and they will be on Erid in two days. The idea of two domes reminds him of two cells, two subs, even as Rocky insists on a bridge and visits. Rocky will have Adrian so that must mean that Grace is his only option.
Grace is as scared as the day Carl confessed, but finds himself pulling from the strength from his old friend to ask questions. To see if Simon is avoiding 'complications', and he is. Simon, unlike anyone else - and maybe it is the trauma of space - wants the exact things as him. Knowing exactly when and where he can find someone when he needs him, and the ability to be close. Grace walks Simon through understanding, like Carl did, the options available and is relieved when Simon is relieved, who had been ready to sacrifice to stay close to someone who had sacrificed in other ways for him.
Grace is happy, and he knows who to thank. He hopes Stratt shares the video log with Carl (and whoever was lucky enough to find such a good friend and partner.)
