hiii, i reeeaallly liked your "how good they're at cuddling" post and wanted to ask the same but maybe with Stardust Raphsody: Anthem crew, maybe?
I like the way you think, anon. Me personally? Pyke fan forever.
I've never written for them before, so anyone is welcome to correct me if I'm wrong or if you have a better idea. I'm all for constructive criticism.
If you are looking for more Stardust content, feel free to request it, or go check out @curvydave because I cannot recommend them enough. Especially for my fellow Pyke lovers!
No matter what, thanks for the request and hope you enjoy it!
Pyke doesn't really start cuddles. He just sort of ends up with you tucked against his side and never questions how it happened.
He's not particularly clingy, but he's almost always aware of where you are. Cuddling feels like an extension of that awareness.
His favorite position is one where he can keep an arm around you while still looking like he's doing something else.
If you're reading, watching a movie, or even working on separate things, he'll gradually pull you closer without ever making a big deal out of it.
The more tired he is, the softer he gets. Most people never see that version of him. If something has his danger sense going off, expect him to become noticeably more affectionate.
Not because he's scared, but because having a hand on you makes it easier to relax.
Sometimes he'll absentmindedly rub circles against your arm or shoulder while thinking.
Score: 9/10 (comfortable, protective, and surprisingly soft once his guard comes down, but you usually have to be the one to start)
Rett Indigo:
Rett is the kind of cuddler that makes you accidentally fall asleep.
If there's a couch available, he has already mentally assigned the two of you spots on it.
Loves having an arm around your shoulders while you're both doing your own thing.
Doesn't need cuddling to be the center of attention. Half the time he's reading, tinkering, or talking with the crew while you're curled against him.
His touch is incredibly grounding. He's the type to absentmindedly rest a hand on your knee or your back just because he likes knowing you're there.
He gets caught off guard by how much he enjoys physical affection. Every single time.
Hank somehow always ends up involved.
Score: 9.5/10 (peak "fall asleep on the couch together" energy, loses half a point only because he's occasionally too awkward to start)
Ziggy Woog:
Ziggy operates under the assumption that if you're within arm's reach, you should probably be touching.
Hand-holding inevitably evolves into leaning against each other, which evolves into cuddling.
Cannot sit still.
Will play with your fingers, trace shapes on your arm, braid your hair, fiddle with your sleeves, or generally find something to do with his hands.
Somehow ends up halfway in your lap without either of you remembering how it happened.
Loves sharing blankets because he can use them as an excuse to scoot closer.
Has absolutely no shame about the fact that he likes being near you.
If you stop touching him unexpectedly, he'll notice within seconds.
Score: 9/10 (adorable and affectionate, loses one point because occasionally you would like circulation in your limbs)
Ko Tetsutora:
Ko cuddles with the same confidence she does everything else.
There is no hesitation. If she wants you closer, she simply brings you closer.
Frequently drapes an arm around your shoulders, hooks an arm around your waist, or outright pulls you into her lap.
Very physically reassuring. She always seems to know exactly where to place a hand to make you feel safe.
Doesn't understand why anyone would want less physical affection.
If somebody interrupts, she doesn't move. They can work around her.
Being held by Ko feels a bit like being claimed by a very affectionate guard dog.
She'll absolutely use you as a pillow and expect you to do the same.
Score: 9.5/10 (warm, confident, and impossible to feel unwanted around, loses half a point because personal space becomes a distant memory)
Pixel Pop:
Pixel treats cuddling like a competitive sport.
If there is an opportunity to climb on you, she will find it.
Loves being carried, sitting on your lap, draping herself across your shoulders, or generally existing somewhere in your personal space.
Constantly moving, talking, laughing, and adjusting positions.
Every cuddle session somehow turns into a conversation about three unrelated topics and a story she forgot to tell you earlier.
Makes affection feel effortless and fun.
Has a tendency to wrap herself around you and then refuse to move because she's comfortable.
Definitely gets a little smug when other people realize how cute the two of you are together.
Score: 9/10 (pure sunshine and affection, loses one point because sometimes you are being cuddled by a tornado)
I'm biased, so I don't have the heart to score them lower. If you have scores of your own, do let me know!
Once again, thank you for the request and thank you for reading! If you have any notes about the writing, feel free to let me know, as I strive to get better, and this is my first time writing for these characters.
Feel free to leave me any requests for what you want to see next.
for the mini fic series, can i request pyke and pink please? (or green, if you aren't doing pink) hydrate or die straight, or whatever that saying was !!
Absolutely!! Went with pink on this one <3 (and YES BOSS o7 finally, something in my system other than an energy drink)
'The weather here is nice at night,' you think to yourself.
The wall of the hotel is firm against your back as you lean against it, taking in the cool night air. The heat was blistering in the daytime, but now with the dual moons overhead, its calmed to a comfortable temperance. As the days go on, it seems like every bounty is a little more dangerous than the last, so when you get open-and-shut cases like these, it's a bit of a treat. Stars know you all need it.
The crunching of gravel beneath boots brings you out of your thoughts, the familiar rhythm alerting you to Pyke's approach as he rounds the corner and takes up a spot against the wall beside you. A comforting presence, its not long before you fall back into your own thoughts, savoring the peace he always seems to bring with him. In the back of your mind you vaguely recognize him lighting up a cigarette, before shoving his hands into his jacket pockets -- casual as ever.
It wasn't always like this -- once, there was a time where you struggled to gauge the silence, but now those worries seem so far away. You didn't really understand the true experience of a comforting silence until you met him. Still, it's all the more a treat when you two do chat. And its just then that he speaks, as though having read your mind.
"Any idea what this thing actually is?"
You look over to him, and dangling from his middle finger is a keychain -- a very cute, and very familiar keychain. You grin, so fond that it makes your heart flutter in your chest, and its then that he tosses it over to you. It lands in your hands perfectly, and you take the time to admire it closer.
You had been looking at the little critter in the earlier half of this bounty -- just a quick glance at the mini stuffed animal while casing your target. You can't imagine it held your attention for more than a few moments, and yet like always, Pyke had caught on to your interest. And that's just the thing -- that attentiveness, these small acts of kindness… they've been more frequent lately. Its like any time you avoid buying something for yourself, Pyke will come in at the last seconds before you leave to hand that very thing over to you. Its sweet, painfully so.
You turn the keychain, admiring its tiny face; it's chubby little body; the fluffy tail, and poorly-sewn dots for eyes... It's adorable. Positively adorable. I mean really, is there anyone in the multiverse who doesn't love…
"A shrewell," you smile, "Didn't know you liked the cute and fuzzies, Pyke. Putting this one on your keyring?"
The comment gets a huff of laughter out of him, and you take that as a win.
"Seriously though, thank you," you say, "how do you always know when I'm holding back on buying trivial shit like this, huh?"
He shrugs."I like to think I know you pretty well."
And with that he flicks the ash off his cigarette, not elaborating any further.
This time its your turn to huff out a laugh, and you twiddle with the plush's rounded ears as you try to figure out your next words. Truthfully, the thing is only worth a couple of bucks -- Hell, the shop he got it from probably overpriced it. But the idea that he's thinking of you…
"Yeah, you do. Thanks, Pyke."
"Don't mention it."
Prompt: Pink- Kindness
Future pink requests might connect to different prompts! <3 Thank you for reading, and happy pride! <3
wait omg x reader fics for stardust???? do you have any headcanons for the rhapsody crew and PDA? ty, love your fics!
Thank you!! It's been nice getting back into the swing of things -- was very fun to work on this. Enjoy!! <3
Pyke Starfall
He's not big on PDA -- when you're in a public place, its usually for a bounty, and well… he's not keen on putting an unnecessary target above your head if he doesn't have to. It's unlikely that you'd ever get into a situation where that information could be used against the two of you, but still, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you get too close while on a job, he might tap your shoulder or nudge your leg with his own to remind you of the situation, although if you're nervous and seeking comfort, he's good about pulling you aside to somewhere private to make sure you're doing alright.
This all being said, he's also just very secure in your relationship. He doesn't feel the need to "stake a claim" or what have you -- you two chose each other. That's the long and the short of it. If you seek out affection in front of the crew while on the Rhapsody though, he won't deny you. And Hell, he's not above tugging you into his side during movie nights, or what have you. Affection is a vulnerable thing, but he knows you're safe with the crew... even if he gets teased a little for being a softie.
That being said, on the rare occasion that he gets jealous, he might put an arm around your shoulder, or a hand on your waist. He'll also occasionally guide you through crowds with a hand on the small of your back, but at that point, there's usually something triggering his danger sense, and he just wants a hand on you in the event that things go south. So really, its less about PDA, and more about safety.
Rett Indigo
Much like Pyke, he's not one for PDA. His train of thought is similar -- if you're on a bounty, having the enemy know that you're each others' weak points could give them an advantage, and he doesn't want to put either of you at risk. If you're not in the thick of it, he might lay a hand on your leg beneath the table, or something similarly subtle, but that's about as much as you'll get while you're "on the clock." That being said, it's very comforting, and you never take those little gestures for granted. He's got this sixth sense for when you're getting nervous, and his touch is oh, so very grounding.
He can get a little caught up in his head about relationship things -- he enjoys affection, but he's a bit awkward in that delightful, middle-aged man kind of way. He won't initiate PDA, but if you do (granted, if you're not actively on a bounty), he absolutely will not deny you. In fact, he revels in it. Just... quietly.
While on the Rhapsody though, he's basically always got a hand on you if you're not doing anything. His favorite place to be is on the couch with an arm around your shoulder, and a happy Hank in one (or both) of your laps.
Ziggy Woog
Chronic handholder -- if he doesn't need both hands for his digi-pad, then you can bet everything he's going to be holding your hand. Doesn't matter where or when, and he doesn't give a fuck if people make comments, either. He likes to be close to you, and he doesn't care if hand-holding is seen as "childish," or whatever it is people want to say. Whenever he holds your hand, he'll also play with your fingers, and tap out sporadic rhythms on the back of your hand. ADHD much? If he needs both his hands though, he half expects you to lean into him, and if you don't, he'll just lean into you.
Unlike Pyke and Rett, Ziggy doesn't really think about the potential of you being used as a weak point when it comes to bounties. It's not that he's unaware of the risk, it's just… I mean, when things get violent, it's not like the bounty is going to have time to single one of your two out. And I mean, he'd defend everybody with his life -- this is his family, after all.
While Pyke and Rett have forbidden him from being too open about your relationship online, you absolutely have matching social media accounts that he's unwilling to delete. He'd scream your relationship from the digital rooftops, if he could. He absolutely brags about your relationship to anyone that will listen.
Ko Tetsutora
Oh, she doesn't give a fuck about public vs. private. She's always got some sort of hand on you, typically around your waist, shoulders, or in your back pocket. She doesn't get why you guys should have to stifle yourselves just because other people can't handle the thought of two people being in love. Now granted, she's not going to shove her tongue down your throat in the middle of the supermarket, but she has nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, she's ecstatic that she gets to show the world that you're taken by one another.
She gets pretty defensive if people say shit, especially if you're a visibly queer couple. (Which regardless of your own gender, she's butch in the way that makes it impossible for you two to look like a straight couple.) She's not going to start throwing hands right off the bat, but the combination of her words and physique really make people reconsider their words.
She's got a good sense for danger, and PDA ramps up when she gets the feeling that a fight's about to break out. You can tell because her hand moves to somewhere that's easier to guide you, if need be. She knows damn well that you can handle yourself, but if shit hits the fan, she wants to make sure you're in a good position to kick some ass.
Pixel Pop
PDA is her middle name! If you're tall enough, she's basically always riding on your shoulders or on your back. If the latter, she likes to wrap her arms around your neck, lean her head on your shoulder, and chatter while you walk. And for the former, she'll look up over the crowd and tell you what's ahead while scratching your scalp affectionately. She absolutely loves the feeling of loving and being loved, and she expresses that a lot through her physicality. Although if you're closer to her size, or if she's otherwise unable to be carried, she likes to hold your hand or link arms with you.
She's so bubbly as well that if you're holding hands, it's pretty impossible to avoid swinging your interlaced hands a bit. She makes life feel so fun, that even if you're not usually a PDA person, it's easy to just fall into step with her and let the sunshine wash over you.
Very loud and proud about your relationship, for a mix of reasons. Part of it is that she doesn't really have any shame about being in love, and she doesn't see any reason to hide her natural inclination to be near you. And another part of it is… she does get a little jealous. And yeah, maybe staking a claim on you quiets that possessive part of herself. But hush, you don't need to know about that.
Hiii! Hope youre well! I was wondering if you have any hcs for domestic moments with pyke starfall? Love how you write him!
Thank you so much!! Last couple months have been crazy, but I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things :) And I absolutely do! Small post for now, got lots of stuff with Pyke planned, haha. Enjoy!
In general, Pyke tends to preempt your wants and needs before you've even consciously recognized them in yourself. He knows you, and so you'll never have to worry about getting up for seconds, or to refill a glass. You'll also never have to worry about running back to the ship for a forgotten phone or pair of keys. Although funnily enough, he'll quietly hold onto it until you forget and ask to turn back, before handing it over with a smart-ass "already got it."
He's always up before you -- its a mix of his insomnia and his natural rhythm. He can be convinced to stay in bed for a little while longer to cuddle if you cling to him enough, but otherwise he's rolling out of bed to go make breakfast for everyone. On that note, you never have to pour your own coffee/tea -- it's always at the perfect temperature when you come out, and just the way you like it.
Similarly, he almost always brings you a companion glass of your preference whenever he grabs himself a drink -- alcoholic or otherwise, that's just part of the whole preempting thing.
He says he doesn't care how you decorate shared spaces, but he does have a really good eye for color and design. He doesn't go out of his way to make the space feel lived in with trinkets and art -- that part is up to you -- but great at the rest. It can be a bit difficult to get him to go pick out furniture and paint colors -- he tends to deflect most opinion-seeking questions with "whatever looks good to you," but if you send him out alone to get things, he'll make the Rhapsody absolutely gorgeous.
He's also really good at assembling normal furniture… super techy stuff though, not so much. He kind of avoids super high-tech things in general -- he doesn't get why your fridge needs to be "smart."
If he has nothing else to do in the day, he'll stay in a pair of grey sweats and a tight-fitting tanktop. And when doing chores, he'll pull his hair back into a low ponytail, and… woof. His sweats tend to ride a little low, which means you get a peek at that pretty v-line of his while he's working, and-- My lawyers have advised I say no further.
He really likes older media, and its so nice to just curl up with him to binge-watch an old favorite of his. If you're lucky, he might even give you some oddball trivia about it. Laying in his arms at the end of the day, his hand moving up and down your spine, voice rumbling in his chest as he talks… it's very soothing.
Absolutely! Shorter post for today -- trying to catch up with the combo of missing a couple days, and work being a nightmare... but rest assured, I've always got more Pyke in the works. Enjoy! <3
He's a bit of a melancholic drunk, which is precisely why he draws the line at getting tipsy. The days of being a reckless party animal are long, long behind him now -- not that he was ever all that wild, but still, you could have gotten a song or two out of him in his early 20s. But today, his ideal night of drinking involves laying on the couch while watching old episodes of whatever sci-fi show's decided to pop up in his memory.
Not that you're complaining, of course. While he doesn't get drunk enough to completely lose his inhibitions, he does get a little bit more touchy and sweet. A hand that might casually rest around your shoulders while sober will start to absentmindedly trace circles on the skin, or wander up and down soothingly.
If you're really adamant about going to a bar though, he'll oblige you… just don't expect to be climbing the rooftops or anything afterwards. He doesn't drink nearly enough to lose his wits -- especially when out in public -- and he's not afraid to put you on a leash if he's got to. Not in the hot way either, much to your dismay -- he's just trying to keep you from smoking 100 drunk cigarettes, and from wandering into traffic.
…He's not above drunk walking to get food, though. He's too cool to admit it, but he does love the way the alcohol makes the city lights look brighter, and how you cling to him a bit more while you walk. That's as far as drunk adventures go with Pyke though. Your company is thrilling enough, and Stars know you two get into enough trouble with your… unique profession. Why bother making more trouble?
Prompt: Red - Adventure
Future red requests might connect to different prompts! <3 Thank you for reading, and happy pride! <3
Smoke break with Pyke? Maybe even lighting one cigarette of another?
I am. So horrendously down bad. I know I've said this so many times, but this request Did Something To Me.
1.5k, exactly what it says on the tin -- enjoy!!! <3 <3 <3
Whoever thought that charging a buck fifty for a lighter would put people off smoking was an idiot -- but whoever decided to pass legislation for it should be drug out into the street and shot. Your head hits the brick wall with a gentle thud, hands falling to your sides as you finally give up your search for a lighter. The unlit cigarette rests between your lips as a cruel reminder of relief, quite literally a breath away… if only you had a light.
Its not that you can't afford one, obviously -- the windfall from your last bounty could set you up with enough of 'em to blow up the whole damn planet you're standing on now -- its just that ever since that damn bill passed to prevent the clerks from handing 'em out for free with each pack of smokes, you've been having a hard time remembering to buy one. Call it habit, you suppose.
Rain falls endlessly over the neon city below, creating a shimmering rainbow across the landscape as you peer out from your little space under the awning. The chattering of your companions, separated by just a single wall, intertwine gracefully with the soft pattering of raindrops to create a scene that, if not for the headache blooming just behind your eyelids, would be peaceful.
The motel you've all found yourselves in tonight is passable, thankfully. It feels odd to go for smaller bounties like this again, especially in the midst of the complicated mess you've found yourselves enmeshed in, but little expenses add up, and you'll be damned if you make Hank go without his Digibones. Besides, as much as you love the thrill of going after some grand, deadly criminal… its nice to go after someone a little lower-stakes, sometimes. You'd kill for another night at the Golden God, but beggars can't be choosers, and at the very least you're glad there's enough of a roof outside of your shared room to keep you dry for a quick smoke.
Your eyes flutter shut as you take it all in -- the passing of cars down below, the organic static of rain on the pavement, the dulled voices of your friends talking and laughing away… despite how hectic the last few weeks have been, you always have the presence of mind to count your lucky stars for how much you still have… even though you still wish you had a light on hand. You take the cigarette betwixt your fingers and push yourself off the wall, finally resigning yourself to the walk of shame of having to go and grab one from inside -- but then, just as always, one particular Solari answers your prayers.
Pyke shoulders open the motel door, his own smoke placed between his lips as he fans out a match, having served its purpose. You're so lost in your thoughts that the words that bleed through the open door fail to register as anything comprehensible in your mind, although the same can't be said for Pyke as he waves dismissively over his shoulder with his spare hand. The rest of your companions laugh raucously at the motion -- some more than others -- just before the door closes, leaving the two of you together in the peaceful outdoor ambience. He nods over at you in silent greeting, leaning against the wall in a position not too dissimilar to the one you were just in.
You smile sheepishly at him, and lean against the wall once again in a mirror. "You wouldn't happen to have another light on you, would you?"
"Shit," he casts a glance at the dead match between his thumb and index, before loosely stuffing it in his pocket, "that was my last one."
"No worries," you grin, "guess that new bill's been kicking both our asses, huh?"
He huffs out a quiet laugh at your words before taking a quick drag. Its the briefest of things, more for something to do in the interim of thinking and speaking. Smoke and steam mix in the cold air as he exhales, wisping in a beautiful mix of white and grey before disappearing into the night.
"Yeah, I guess so," he says, before the two of you fall into a comfortable silence.
You twiddle your cigarette between your index and middle, throwing a look at the door -- truth be told, you had somewhat been hoping Pyke would bail you out of this one. You're sure someone's got a lighter between the lot of you -- its a good tool to have, even beyond a bad habit -- but still, it feels more… appropriate to ask Pyke for one. You've been taking smoke breaks together for so long that the routine of tossing over a lighter, or leaning in for one of his matches just feels natural.
Or maybe you're just trying to avoid another lecture from Ziggy. Its probably that. Best not to think about it too hard.
You sigh. "Give me a few, I bet Ko's probably got one. Keep my spot warm for me, will you?"
You reluctantly push yourself off the wall -- this time ready to actually commit to the walk of shame, now that your real out has fallen through -- but he just glances over at you, squinting his eyes for a second in that way that tells you you've said something either incredibly stupid, or something he just doesn't care about, before shaking his head in a quiet "no." He gestures you closer, and like clockwork, you oblige him: You're not sure if he's got some trick he's never told you about, or if he was just fucking with you about not having another match, but there's this implicit trust you have in him that you don't even think twice before moving closer.
Only "close" doesn't seem close enough for whatever it is he has planned.
You stand just a couple feet away, dart held aloft, but then he gently pushes your wrist to bring the smoke up to your lips. You take the cue, taking it into your mouth… and then, he steps closer. So close you're practically chest to chest, one boot placed between yours with the other on the outside, and your head swims at the near-contact-- it's not like you've never been this close to him before, but something about this seems so private, so intimate, and there's just something about him that--
Everything seems to happen in slow motion. He takes one last drag off his cigarette and turns his head to the side to blow out the smoke, angling himself in just the perfect way that the lights of the city below seem to illuminate him with an iridescent shine that highlights the angle of his jaw, and the dip of his collarbone peeking just above his shirt… his pastel pink skin, slowly darkening at the tips of his ears… He turns to look at you again, eyes roaming across your face in thought… the light still hitting just right to show you how his Adam's apple bobs as he swallows…
Then he leans down…
"Breathe," he says.
You do. You do without a single question in your mind.
He places his smoke between his lips again, now close enough that the ends of yours and his meet in the middle -- and just as his chest subtly begins to rise alongside yours, the cherry red dot of smoldering paper and tobacco starts to glow brighter. Your eyes meet beneath fluttering lashes, neither of you quite ready to look away from the other. Its hypnotic, the way he captivates you, and you don't know whether to curse or bless the cold wind that comes by just a second later as he shifts his weight and moves his hand closer to your face to shield the burgeoning flame from the chill.
The whole ordeal lasts only a few seconds, but it feels like a lifetime… and then, smoke fills your lungs.
Maybe its just optimism clouding your judgement, but when you part, you're sure Pyke lingers near you for just a second longer, stares at your lips for just a little too long to feel like this was a favor between friends… but if any of that really does happen, he says nothing as you both return to your spot against the wall. Only this time, your shoulders brush as you stand together, staring off into the neon horizon.
"Thanks," you murmur.
"Anytime."
Your face is warm beyond belief, and you force yourself to stare dead ahead, if only to save yourself the embarrassment of melting at the sight of him once more… and your resolve to save face only doubles when you turn your head a fraction too close and catch him watching you in his peripherals. You feel warm. He's warm. God, you're fucking losing it. Your head swims with a pleasant fog, nerves buzzing as the nicotine finally enters your bloodstream and starts working its magic… but you get the sense that its a little more than that.
Hiii, I've read a bunch of your Uprooted and Icebound stuff recently and I gotta say I genuinely adore your writing! I also noticed you said in your pinned post your writing for sdr:a, and I would like to ask for a fluffy little Pyke x reader(masc is preferred, but I'll be okay with gn) because I NEED to kiss him and love on him so badly and I haven't found a single fic where I can do that yet. It's okay if you can't/won't for any reason(no need to respond if that's the case), I just figured I'd take the chance while I have it :)
Oh, absolutely I can write this!! Reader is referred to as boyfriend once, no pronouns or features described (beyond being tall enough to rest your head on his shoulder.) No warnings, just fluff, established relationship -- I'm so deeply in love with him, its unreal. Enjoy!
Space travel is a odd thing -- you're not a stranger to it, not by any means, but there's a million little logistical quirks that you never really consider until you're a thousand miles into the void. On the ground, the rising of the morning sun simply feels like an immutable fact, an unshakable routine that guides all life…. but out here, it doesn't happen like that. Or at least, not in the same way. The cycling of night and day might be different, and yet, the perfect cycle of waking and resting continues regardless. Etched into your DNA, the body doesn't care that you're a countless miles away from your place of birth, far enough from any star bright enough to guide the conscious mind into order -- your home is among the stars, and you're content to listen to the natural intuition of the flesh when it comes to instinctual things like rest.
Most of the time, anyways.
You yawn, pulling Pyke's jacket a little tighter around your body, letting the remnants of his cologne wash over you as you stumble towards the kitchen. Its earlier than you'd like, but the absence of warmth from the other side of the bed always seems to wake you sooner or later; and truthfully, an early wakeup call like this usually wouldn't be so bad… but you might have stayed up later than you intended last night. You blame Ziggy -- it's certainly not your fault that the onboard WiFi is so good now.
You throw a quick wave to Rett as you pass through the living room and he raises his coffee mug to you with a gruff "g'morning" in return, before turning back towards the bay window to watch the passing of aether currents. You imagine he'll probably be filing into the kitchen soon enough, if the pleasant scent of eggs and bacon wafting through the air are any indication. And speaking of…
The pleasant sight of Pyke greets you as you cross the threshold, managing a small array of sizzling pans. Donned in just a tank, his gauntlet, and a pair of sweats that ride low on his hips, he's a beautiful sight for this early morning. And his hair, still messy from sleep, is done up in a low ponytail; although clearly he didn't brush through it before wrangling his locks into an updo, as several frizzy strands manage to escape and fall delicately over his cheekbones -- pretty as ever, although you imagine you'll want to fix for him before it gets too late into the morning.
He's still as he works, occasionally shaking the pans or nudging something around with the spatula gripped loosely in his hand -- you'll never understand how he so effortlessly avoids the grease splatters from the bacon pan, and he refuses to tell you. Not that you're complaining, of course: you think its just another excuse for him to make you breakfast in the morning, and well, you're not about to take that away from him.
You stand there for just a moment to take in the scene -- the low music that emanates throughout the ship creates a soft, homely sort of atmosphere. Knowing the luck of your crew, you'll all be entangled in some sort of shenanigans before the day is through -- its not long before you reach the next planet to take home your bounty of the week after all -- but right now, looking at your lover, it feels like this peace could last forever.
Its only seconds that you're gazing at him, but even that feels like too long as your body is all but pulled towards him, as naturally as gravity tethers the planets to the sun. Loving arms find their way around his slender waist, and with your chest pressed against his back you can't help but let loose a sigh, having finally, finally reunited yourself with the warmth you've been missing so dearly. A single kiss to his jawline and then you're resting your head on his shoulder, eyes fluttering shut as you bask in his presence.
"Good morning," he murmurs, pressing a brief kiss to your forehead, before you feel him return back to his task. You can only hum quietly in response, feeling drowsiness overtake you once more. The steady rise and fall of his back, the quiet tunes, the subtle crackling of food on the stove… its all so soothing. Could fall asleep like this if you wanted to, honestly -- stars knows he's strong enough to keep you upright if you did.
"Tired?" he asks, briefly snapping you out of your stupor.
"Mmhm."
He huffs out a breath of amusement at your response -- its felt more than heard as his back shakes and his chest deflates with a rush of air before…
"Told you not to stay up so late."
You groan, peeling your eyes open to shoot him a half-hearted glare, although you don't lift your head from his shoulder just yet -- still too comfortable to bother. A smirk toys at the edges of his lips as he very, very pointedly avoids making eye contact with you, and you don't fail to notice how pointless that one, particular shake to the leftmost pan was. Bastard. You flick his waist and push your chest more firmly into the hard planes of his back, settling yourself more concretely against him.
"You should be nicer to me," you grumble, "save the lecture for when I've had a cup of coffee, at least. What, I don't get boyfriend privileges before…"
You glance at the clock, squinting at the neon LEDs.
"…8am?"
Its only then that he looks at you, craning his neck to make proper eye contact. Those pretty, sunshine yellow eyes bore into yours as he gives you "that" look, that quiet little message of "shut up" that you've become oh so fond of over the years, and you can't help but grin. That's your Pyke, alright. He softens just a touch at that, moving his hand to squish your cheeks and place a kiss to your waiting lips.
"Yeah, you've got…" he glances at the clock himself, "…fifteen minutes to kill."
He reaches over, shoveling a healthy amount of food onto a plate, before holding it out for you to take -- first as always, and just the way you like it.
"Go on, eat before everyone else gets up," he says, turning back to his task as you disentangle yourself from his form… although not before pressing one last kiss to his cheek, one he accepts with a soft smile.
Its strange how the body can operate on such perfect instinct, so aware of night and day, even when untold miles away from any place where such a word has meaning. But… maybe its not so strange after all. If there's anything, anyone, bright enough to rival the sun…
i'd love to see your version of when/how they realize they have feelings for you for the Stardust Rhapsody crew! at least pyke and ko 🥺
Oh anon, I am so glad you gave me the excuse to put pen to paper on this. Had an absolute blast working on this -- Pyke and Ko are below, but let me know if you'd like to see anyone else! I started working on the others too, but I just got too excited and had to put these two out, first.
[NOTE: Pyke's section has some vague spoilers for EP 6, and maybe a bit beyond depending on how you look at it. Ko's got some loose spoilers for either EP 3 or 4, but it's not as explicit. Enjoy! <3]
Pyke Starfall
Fucking… damn it.
He sighs, taking a deep pull from his cigarette. He should have seen it coming -- really, he should have. The feelings have been bubbling for so long, and he's always known he's had a bit of a preference for you, it's just… he didn't think he would ever feel this way again. Not after her. It was easier to tell himself that you're just a good friend, but now its like the universe is singing your tune, and there's not a single way to drown it out.
Truth be told, it eats him alive for a while. There's so much guilt weighing him down, that frankly, the idea of moving on feels like an insurmountable task -- its like a betrayal, even.
For a long time, nothing changes. He doesn't avoid you, but he doesn't try to woo you either -- for all intents and purposes, he's just regular old Pyke. Particularly keen eyes might clock that he's smoking a little more than usual, but he's a chronic chainsmoker as is -- its easy to play it off as stress from the recent run-ins with The Scarlet Eye, and any further questioning is immediately shut down by Pyke himself.
No -- it's only once he reconciles with his past in full that he's able to finally take a deep breath and let himself feel. And when he does, it's almost overwhelming -- not for you, but for him.
He hasn't flirted with intent in fucking years, and every little thing you do just drives him up a damn wall. The feeling of your fingertips brushing against his own when you hand him a mug; the warmth of your thigh pressing against his own as you all sit down together for movie night; the knowing little side-eye you give him whenever Ziggy starts on some rant that you just know is going to piss him off… it all sends his heart pounding out of his chest, and he can't tell whether he loves it or hates it.
Before he came to terms with the depth of his feelings, it wasn't unusual for you two to just fuck off together just to hang out. Hell, he'd do the same with Rett and Ko too. But now with you its a little more frequent, and little more intentional. He plays it all about as cool as he can, but you know him, and you know when things are different.
You notice how he stands a little closer to you, and how he starts to look at you more than he does the horizon.
You notice how he stops asking for your lighter, and instead has you light it for him. How he peers at you from beneath his eyelashes when you cup your hands around the flame, coaxing the paper and tobacco into a smolder while he holds the filter between his lips. How readily he'll do the same for you, if you share the habit.
You notice his soft smiles when he thinks nobody's looking, and the faint flush that decorates the tips of his ears whenever you're being sweet on him. How thickly he swallows, when you brush a few stray strands out of his eyes.
Pyke has always held a certain type of softness for you. He's always remembered your favorite snacks, and how you take your coffee in the morning. He's always been the first to motion towards the exit when he notices you're getting tired of a situation, and he's never once forgotten to grab one of those dumb little trinkets you're obsessed with while he's out and about. It all comes as naturally as breathing to him, so really, it shouldn't stand out when he continues to do them. And yet, even this seems a little different.
He still plays it cool, but its like he's caught between studying your reaction, and avoiding your gaze entirely. Suddenly, this isn't just something he does naturally -- it holds meaning. A lot of meaning.
Pyke Starfall is an absolute master at making plans -- no matter how impossible the task seems, if you give him enough time, he'll figure out a way to make even the most distant dream a reality. But for once… he doesn't really have a plan. It's clear to both of you that there's something there -- he knows you just as well as you know him, after all. One of you will confess eventually… or maybe one night the tension will just hit its limit, and you'll kiss under the cover of darkness and let your actions do the talking. Either way, everything will happen as its meant to… he just has to get his nervous system under control, first.
Ko Tetsutora
Wait, what the fuck?
Listen, she's not opposed to a relationship. She's not! It's just… weird, you know? She's here for a good time, not a long time… and a relationship kind of implies being around for a while, huh?
Alright fine, she'll admit it -- she is terrified of getting into a committed relationship. Ko "Knockout" Tetsutora doesn't do all that lovey-dovey shit. Its just… there's so many expectations put forth by society on what a relationship "should" be, and it all just sounds like a fucking nightmare, doesn't it? She doesn't want a white picket fence, doesn't want to be tied down, doesn't want to be stuffed into some pristine white dress to walk down a too-perfect isle in front of a bunch of people she doesn't fucking care about. Like, its cool for everyone else, but it's just not her thing.
And I mean even if it was her thing, what happens if shit goes wrong? Obviously you can handle yourself -- you wouldn't be running with them all if you couldn't -- but I mean, everyone she's ever loved has gotten hurt. Yeah, you're fine now, but what happens when she gets too attached? What then?
So in this way… she doesn't really clock her own feelings as "falling" for you -- not at first, anyways. That's a word they made up to sell those dating sims that Ziggy won't shut the fuck up about -- I mean sure she's attracted to you, but she's not "falling in love" or whatever. You're hot, you're funny, you're cool -- doesn't mean she's in love, it just means she's not an idiot.
Does she think about kissing you? All the time, obviously. Does she wonder how it would feel to have your hands card themselves through her hair? What it would be like to do it in return? Embarrassing to admit to herself, but yeah, it's a pretty persistent daydream. That's totally normal, that comes with like, most forms of attraction. And will she beat the fuck out of people flirting with you at the bar? Abso-fucking-lutely! You can't tell her they didn't have bad intentions, she knows a douchebag when she sees one.
This is one of those things where its obvious to everyone but Ko that she's head over heels for you, and its really only once she realizes that she doesn't have to adhere to society's definition of a relationship that she lets herself come to terms with the fact that fuck it, yeah, she's in love with you.
A future with Ko isn't about gold rings and beige townhouses -- its about living life to the fullest, and making it a better place. Its not rigid dates at five star restaurants or picture perfect bouquets on state-sponsored holidays -- its stumbling over each other at metal shows, kissing under the flashing lights, and long rides through the city. Ko knows what she wants, and she wants all of that with you.
If you accepted her advances before she came to terms with the depth of her affections, there's a pretty good chance that she's just going to ask you to go get food with her right after sex. But like, just you two, you know? On like… a date. You know, if you want. No big deal.
Even though she knows she's allowed to dictate what a relationship is to her… she also knows she's done this a little bit backwards. But hey, no time like the present, right?
Her hands gently roam across your thighs as she patiently waits for your response -- she might flush and start to backpedal if you take too long to respond, but when you say yes? Oh, she beams like the sun. She can't help but press a quick kiss to your lips before you two start scrambling to get dressed and dash off on her bike to the nearest fast food place.
(If the timing is just off and you happen to be on The Rhapsody at the time, you two will probably just raid the fridge, makeout and play video games for the rest of the night, and take up that offer of a date next time you touch down.)
If you managed to resist her charms… well, it's actually not that much different. She's always been a bit flirty with you, but now, there's just a touch more sincerity to it. What was previously just a fun little back and forth between you two slowly morphs into something a little more personal, a little more intimate. More offers to hang out one-on-one; more offers to backpack on her bike; more excuses to reach out to adjust your jacket, your hair, anything.
If you're the type to hold the seat when backpacking, she suddenly becomes very adamant that you hold onto her instead.
Still, its not long before she just bites the bullet and asks you out -- part of her has been pining for ages, even if she didn't have the words to describe it, so why the hell would she drag it out more? She'll ask the same question on the last day of a bounty -- Want to go get something to eat? Just you and me? -- in the handful of hours remaining before you all return to the skies.
And you know what? It's magical. If you told your childhood self that your first date with the love of your life took place while sitting on the curb, eating fast food, they'd probably call you a liar. But God, you can't imagine a better first date.
