🫂 for Rush and Lacey and/or Rush and Belle?
Lacey French -
Rush and Lacey don't exactly see eye to eye; she is one of his former students that was recruited to help him as his assistant, but she ended up falling back as a more 'do girl' getting him things as he needed them. Lacey always ruins his coffee order when he asks for the simplest things. She also never brings him utensils when given food.
When aboard the Destiny, he reduces her to civilian as he can't use her even though he knows she has potential. Lacey doesn't show any signs of being on the same level as Eli Wallace. Instead, she just seems to try to keep Rush company by coming to his room to sleep in his bed when he's not there. As if finding her there brings him some kind of comfort but it's more of an annoyance.
Nicholas believes Lacey and Greer had a fling back on the Icarus base that led him to come close to sending her back to earth. When they are settling in aboard Destiny, he thinks the two might still be up to something, but he loses sight of it after a while. Realizing it wasn't any of his concern. Rush doesn't ever realize he might be jealous.
Belle French -
Belle and Rush share a connection that is similar to his and Gloria. His wife had even noted it when the two were working together closely before her death. Nicholas couldn't see it, but Gloria knew that if anyone could help him heal after her departure, it would be Belle. Though she wouldn't ever tell either of the two she saw a true bond between them. She would hope they could see it themselves long after she was gone.
While at Icarus Base, Rush has a hard time with the death of his wife. He focuses on his work so much that he almost forgets Belle is there with him. At one point he begins to write in his notepad, 'Belle Is Here' to remind him he's not alone. Though no matter how many times he does it, he still feels empty. Gloria's death overwhelms the man so much he even forgets to eat at times.
When things start to settle aboard the Destiny, Belle still tries to do all she can as his assistant. He doesn't try to push her away, though, knowing she is one of the few people bright enough to actually help him. Nicholas keeps most people at arms length, including Belle. Though he's regretfully fallen asleep next to her several times as they were working together because he feels safe enough and comfortable to realize she wouldn't let anything happen to him. {All on a subconscious level for him.}