─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SEASON 2 EPISODE 5

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Location:

System: Alpha Centauri

Faction: United Colonies

Planet: Jemison

Place: New Atlantis

A/N: We're almost at 1k votes and we only just started season 2. That's awesome, and 3k reads already??? This was just a passion project, I wasn't expecting it to get many reads at all, but we already have several thousand not too long after its launch. Thank you guys so much for your support!

Let's keep voting so we can get 1k! If we keep getting 25-30 votes each chapter, I'll keep updating more than once a week!

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Jimin

It was Jimin's first official training day.

Being a Vanguard meant most of the work was voluntary, but he still had to do training. That included exercises and flight training. Currently, he was in the MAST building's training center. Both rookie and elite Vanguard were there. Y/n wasn't his trainer, much to his dismay. As much as Commander Tuala approved of their relationship, he had to separate them for training just in case of bias. That was fair enough. Tuala had already let them go on a mission together, so training without her wasn't a huge deal.

Actually, yeah, it was. Jimin missed her already.

Was Y/n in the same room within seeing distance? Yes. Did Jimin miss her anyway? Also yes.

However, beyond that, there was an issue. Jimin's trainer was the single most insufferable person in the entire known galaxy. Jimin would rather throw himself off a balcony than perform even one more sit-up for the man in front of him.

"I've eaten burgers bigger than you. You gotta bulk up, Park," Jungkook said as Jimin groaned and finished his set.

Y/n was the one giving him flight training, but anything regarding military policies and physical work was handled by none other than Jeon Jungkook. They had selected him for Jimin for a multitude of reasons. One was they had a working relationship in the past, which meant there was a better chance of synergy. Truthfully, Jimin thought Y/n had something to do with it. He couldn't blame her. As much as Jimin knew he was a badass, he admitted he wasn't easy to work with. At least Jungkook knew how to put him in his place. Kind of.

Kind of.

"I want you to repeat these exercises on your own at least four times a week. Switch your diet to natural foods and don't eat any Neon junk for a while," Jungkook said, and Jimin huffed.

"Do you Vanguard know how to have fun?"

"I'm not Vanguard, you're just so problematic they called me in to train you."

Jimin grinned until it crinkled his eyes. "I love myself so much."

Jungkook ignored him and went to get drinks for them. That left Jimin sitting on the mat in the training room. Much to his amazement, the training center wasn't huge. It was a decent size, sure, but not the mass Jimin had been expecting. It had four walls and a roof like everything else, only UC-themed.

That made Jimin want to die a little.

Or a lot. Maybe a lot.

Still, the center had countless machines Jimin didn't recognize. Jimin had always been fit due to his career "choice." Running from security led to incredible stamina and agility. He remembered he used to run with a gang, and they had spent two months practicing jumping between roofs and climbing up and down stairs faster.

Despite that experience, Jimin didn't know what the machines were. He hadn't gone to any gyms. Hell, he didn't know if Neon had any. When you lived in crippling debt with more gang wars than anyone could count surrounding you, gyms were the last thing on your mind.

The entire training center was a different color scheme than the UC Vanguard pushed. They typically had the blacks and crimsons, but the center was all white with a floor made up of a blue mat. The machines added a silver contrast that popped when compared to the rest of the space. The only other notable area was the drink stand in the far left side of the room, where Jungkook had gone.

There were a dozen other Vanguard inside, including Y/n. She was helping a new recruit get started with his exercises. The blonde man brushed off her help each time. Jimin didn't know why, but he had a feeling he didn't want to.

Another Vanguard approached Jimin while Jungkook was absent. The Vanguard was a woman with a front tooth that stuck out from her upper lip and caused dried blood to settle on the lower one. Her eyes were mismatched with the left being a sharp hazel and the other being a sky blue. Short but curly brunette hair shaped her round face, but what drew his attention was the giant mole next to her pointy nose. That mole felt like it was larger than the entire training center.

"Um... hi," Jimin said, clearing his throat.

Not only did he not wish to interact with any woman who wasn't Y/n, but he also didn't like social interaction. Speaking to others was exhausting. Although he was more of an extrovert thanks to his ability to charm others and his desire to see the entire galaxy, he was more introverted when it came to people themselves. Jimin didn't exactly have friends. There was a reason for that.

She quirked one of her bushy brows. "You're the rat, aren't you?"

"I don't know, I think I'm staring at one right now."

The woman fell quiet at that and scowled. Her mouth fell open to speak, but she didn't say another word for a long moment. They ended up having a staring contest. Or, at least, that was what Jimin assumed based on the way she didn't blink. Maybe she was more of a reptile than a rat.

"I just came to tell you Freestars aren't allowed on any of the machines. Not until you complete training."

Jimin leaned back and licked his lips. Sweat covered his forehead from all the exercises Jungkook had Jimin doing, and it was only going to get worse when they went to the range. Oh, and the studying. The very thought of studying galactic law made Jimin want to ram his ship into an asteroid.

AKA: He didn't have time for this woman.

"I don't care," Jimin said, and the woman rolled her eyes before taking the hint and departing. Just in time, too. Jungkook returned with his eyebrows knitted together. Jimin cut him off before he could get a single word out. "I'm Freestar, remember? They don't like me."

"I'm not a UC native, but they treat me well."

"Yeah but you're factionless, bunny man. It's better to have no affiliation than be on the opposing side. You're also Commander Min's pet. You think they're gonna give you any disrespect after what SysDef did to the pirates?"

Jungkook sat next to him and handed him a cup of water. "You're the one who did that. It's not fair. You did all the risky work, yet we get all the credit."

Jimin took the water, chugged it, then snorted. "You think the UC will let the galaxy know a Freestar native, let alone a Freestar from Neon, saved the Settled Systems from pirates? I'm half-surprised they didn't shoot me and have a SysDef officer take the credit for the work I did."

It was the truth. Only higher-ups in the UC knew the true extent of Jimin's part in the SysDef journey. Others, like the Vanguard pilots in the room with him, didn't know he had a large role. All they knew was he was a criminal Commander Min took a chance on and he helped destroy some pirates. Not that he had located the Legacy and obtained it, not that he had killed both of the Fleet's commanders, not that he had gone undercover. The achievements got torn away from him, and although Commander Min and Jungkook fought to get Jimin recognition, the most Jimin had received was a hefty pile of credits from the Legacy.

Jimin couldn't complain. He got the riches but not the fame, and that was for the best. Sure, having appreciation would be nice, but his face being plastered all over the Settled Systems wasn't as amazing as it sounded. He had superpowers. If public spotlight was on him, all it would take was one slip up, then news of his powers would get out. So maybe it was for the best.

Jungkook hung his head. "I'm sorry, it's not fair."

"Don't be," Jimin said with a tongue click. "Let's just move on. What's the next part?"

That led to Jungkook taking Jimin to the range. It was a tiny room attached to the center, and it had four targets on the other end of the room at varying distances marked by the meters. There was a small half-wall separating Jimin and Jungkook from the other end of the range, and behind him was a table with a variety of weapons.

"Vanguard volunteers are pilots, so shooting isn't your specialty," Jungkook said as he picked up an AA-99 and tossed it to Jimin, who caught it. "But learning the basics is-"

"I know how to shoot an AA-99, Jungkook. It's literally my weapon of choice. Did you not see the armed robberies on my record? I learned how to shoot before I learned how to tie my shoelaces."

Jungkook wordlessly snatched the AA-99 back, cleared his throat, then stood at attention. "Maybe we should talk about the law instead. The Freestar and UC have very different laws, and how they're enforced varies depending on the place. In the UC, there are faction-wide laws, system-wide laws, and planet-wide laws. The faction laws are laws everyone in the faction has to follow regardless of if you're a citizen or not. System laws are for the individual systems, so Alpha Centauri has its own set of laws while Sol has a different set of laws. Planet laws are specific to what planet you're on. Here on Jemison we have far different laws than Triton."

Jimin held up his tiny index finger. "Triton is a moon, not a planet-"

"Okay smartass, it's a general term for any mass of rock holding life. The point is, everyone has to follow faction laws, but each system and planet makes its own laws. It's a hierarchy. You follow the faction laws anywhere in the faction, you follow system laws of the system you're in, and you follow planet laws of the planet you're on. Got it?"

"Obviously, that's how the Freestar is."

"Oh really? Does that mean Neon allows stealing?"

Jimin pouted. "Neon is a city, not a planet. The planet is Volii Alpha."

"That's a stupid name. Neon should just be the whole planet name, it's what everyone remembers you for anyway."

Jimin couldn't argue with that. Volii Alpha was an ocean planet, which meant the only thing there was Neon and oil rigs scattered around the rest of the planet. There was no surface other than water. The water was rough and often smashed into the city. Tsunamis were common due to the high underground volcanic activity, though Neon had been built to withstand the most intense waves. Even mega tsunamis didn't stand a chance against Neon's architect. At most the water would seep through the few openings around Neon and wash people away, though all the openings were near Ebbside. And lord knew no one in Neon cared about Ebbside.

"Whatever," Jimin said while crossing his arms over his chest. "Let's move to the next part of training. Preferably the training where Y/n is my teacher."

"Well, you're in luck. If you can shoot, know the law, and do your exercises, all that's left is the flying. Let's go to the simulators."

Jimin agreed, though he didn't want to. For once, it wasn't because of Jungkook. It was because of the stupid metal box of doom he had to go in to descend to the simulators. He cursed and kicked the metal the entire way down. Jungkook laughed at him, which resulted in Jimin flipping him off.

They made it to the simulator room. Inside were more Vanguard who sneered at Jimin when he walked by. It was as if Jimin wore a glowing sign that said "Neon street rat here," and that was what caused all the stares and whispers.

Hey, at least that meant he was popular.

"Y/n is finishing up training, but I'll let her know you're ready for her," Jungkook said as they approached the first simulator pod. It was the same one Jimin had used to pass the initial Vanguard exam. "Before I go, we need to talk."

"Oh, that makes it sound like we're in a relationship. Sorry, Jeon. I'm in love with another: Neon. Ever heard of her?"

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Shut up, it's important. I'm joining your crew."

If Jimin were drinking, he would have spat it out.

"Excuse me-"

"Shush," Jungkook interrupted. There were a few Vanguard pilots lingering around, and they laughed at Jimin and Jungkook's conversation. "Commander Min and Commander Tuala agreed you need extra supervision. I'll be joining you on your ship during your entire training period."

Jimin sighed. "Wow, you must be super bored without any pirates to kill."

"Obviously, but that doesn't change how you need extra supervision. I'll be sleeping on your ship from now on. Any questions?"

Oh yeah, a good four hundred. How the fuck was Jimin supposed to do Constellation missions if Jungkook was onboard? Jimin would have to explain the whole superpowers thing, otherwise it'd be too risky. If they ran into more Terrormorphs, which was likely, Jimin would need his superpowers to dispatch them. That meant Jungkook would find out either way. Great. Jin knew, now Jungkook was going to find out.

Wonderful.

Beyond that, what if Y/n and Jimin escalated their relationship? He had a feeling that wasn't happening anytime soon, and he was in no rush regardless, but they had gotten pretty heated not too long ago. Heated enough that he was rubbing his knee against her and listening to her pretty moans. If that went further, would Jungkook be right next door tuning in to the fantastic channel called 1-800-Jimin's-Getting-Laid?

"None," Jimin said with a tight smile. "But be warned, I'm going to ignore you when I'm spending time with my girl. We like to sit in the cockpit and stargaze. Don't interrupt us."

"That's... surprisingly cute. Don't worry, I'm not going to interfere with your relationship. I'm just there to make sure you aren't breaking rules."

"Can't Y/n do it?"

Jungkook teetered back and forth on his feet. "Well..."

"What?" Jimin asked in a rushed voice, his eyebrows shooting up.

Jungkook pulled Jimin into the simulator pod and out of earshot of the other Vanguard pilots. As soon as the door shut, Jungkook pressed his ear against it. Then, he nodded and whipped around to face Jimin.

"The higher-ups don't trust her," Jungkook said, and Jimin almost blew up at that.

"What?! She's one of the best pilots you UC dogs have and you're doubting her?! She fought in that final battle for SysDef, she discovered the Londinion Terrormorph with me, she stays loyal to her faction-"

Jungkook cut Jimin off. "They don't trust her, not me. I trust her more than most people in my life. It's just... she's a Universal."

"That doesn't matter! If anything, that's one of the reasons she's such a good person!"

"I know, I know," Jungkook muttered. "There's nothing wrong with being a Universal, but the others don't think the same as me. They think she'll crack, not to mention her bias toward you. You need someone there who can judge you unbiased."

"Don't tell me Commander Min doesn't trust her."

"He... does. Mostly. I'm sorry, Jimin. The UC military isn't kind to Universals, and that includes Commander Min. He trusts her, but he's not going to take any risks."

"Y/n isn't a fucking risk, she's my girlfriend!" Jimin shouted, shoving Jungkook back. "She's dedicated her life to this cause, how dare he doubt her for even a second."

"I agree with you, okay? But taking your anger out on me won't change anything. I know you'll make a damn good Vanguard, and I know Y/n is the best we got, it's just the higher-ups."

"The Cabinet?"

"Some of them, yes. They're split on what to do about Y/n. Based on the votes from other Vanguard, she should've been kicked out ages ago. Commander Tuala is the only reason she's still here." Jungkook grabbed Jimin's shoulders before he could storm out of the sim. "She doesn't know that. She thinks she's barely held on, not that she's already been voted out more times than we can count. Don't tell her."

"Bullshit, you think I'm hiding that from her?"

"You have to. Her performance is good, but if it slips because of emotional distress, then even Tuala can't do anything for her. She'll be gone. Do you want that for her?"

"You underestimate her," Jimin whispered in between heavy breaths. "She can handle it. She has a right to know."

"I know she's a strong person, but you don't know her past like I do."

"You wanna fucking bet? That's my girlfriend you're talking about. You weren't there when she screamed from her nightmares, or when I held her while she cried in my arms, or when she told me about all the horrors the Freestar caused the UC. You weren't there. I was. I'm not keeping a secret from her."

"Jimin, I don't doubt you know a lot about her, but I've read her file. I've read everything. It goes beyond just the War. Do you honestly believe she's told you everything about her past?"

Jimin stayed quiet and leaned against the wall, and his eyes remained on the metal ceiling with many fading lights. They danced between the dark crimson of a typical cockpit to a bright white that illuminated every inch of Jungkook's sharp face and doe-like eyes.

"Just go get Y/n," Jimin said, and Jungkook hesitated before obeying.

Jungkook departed the simulator, as did Jimin. He didn't want to be in that suffocating room any longer. Not when he had countless topics to ponder. For the time being, he wouldn't tell Y/n. But just for a little bit. At least until he got a few flight lessons in, then he'd tell her. That way Jimin would be more settled in and the attention would be less on Jimin and Y/n.

It pained Jimin to admit it, but Jungkook had a point. If Y/n's performance dipped even slightly, there was a chance her career would end. Jimin couldn't have that. Currently, all the focus was on the newest recruit: the Neon street rat dating Y/n L/n. No shit they were looking for any excuse to get the couple kicked out. So, he'd keep his mouth shut. That was something Jimin sucked at doing, but he'd try it. For now.

Jimin regretted leaving the simulator. When he stepped out, the Vanguard pilots outside were chuckling to themselves and casting glances in Jimin's direction. Jimin noticed the lockers in the corner and went to investigate. They were bulky metal structures that had all the Vanguard suits in them, and Jimin spotted one with his name on it. No vandalism yet.

Yet.

The locker had no combination. That meant it slid right open, and Jimin noticed a beautiful navy blue and crimson spacesuit waiting inside. It had thick armor and an enclosed helmet that would hide his gorgeous face. Although that sucked, the helmet was stronger and could withstand more bullets and blunt force, so that made up for it. Along with that, the spacesuit came with a boost pack. Yay. Jimin could fly. Somewhat, anyway. It was a basic boost that wasn't as effective as Hoseok's had been, or Y/n's for that matter, but it was enough.

Jimin went to touch it, but he heard snickers behind him. Stiffness infected his body. That was when he noticed it: the smell. Growing up on Neon, he had grown nose deaf to the aroma of bodily fluids and overall grossness; however, in the clean air of the Vanguard simulator room, he caught a large whiff of it. Then, he saw the stains on the sides of the fabric.

Ah, great. They had pissed on his spacesuit.

A close-up of a UC Vanguard suit

☆☆☆

Jimin hated being away from Y/n.

Groans and grunts left his mouth as he lay face-down against one of the many couches in the Lodge. He could hear the faint hum of Sarah's yoga music upstairs, but he wished he could hear Y/n's voice instead. She had Vanguard duties to attend to. While Jimin was a Vanguard, he wasn't on the same level as Y/n and wouldn't be any time soon. He was Captain Park, she was one of the higher-ups in the entire Vanguard. That meant she often handled new recruits and trainings.

The SysDef mission gave her more time with him than usual. Thanks to the pirates being gone, Y/n had to spend more time doing casual Vanguard activities. That often included helping with training or running to get catering for the meetings. Her and Tuala were the only two Vanguard allowed in higher-up UC meetings, yet they had reduced roles.

Long story short: life sucked.

More groans passed his lips, and he wallowed in self-pity. His self-pity was interrupted by Sam Coe. Jimin recognized that deep laugh anywhere. Cora's little hiccup-like giggles followed, and he heard footsteps. Soon enough, Sam and Cora were in the library with Jimin. It was an empty Lodge that day. Sarah was upstairs taking a nap while Sam and Cora held down the fort. Jimin was only there because he was separated from his girlfriend, and without his girl, he felt like he couldn't do anything.

"Are you sleeping or regretting your life decisions?" Sam asked.

Jimin huffed. "Second one."

"What's wrong, buddy?"

"Y/n," Jimin said in a slur. He banged his head against the cushions. "She's doing Vanguard stuff, it's not fair. I want to do Vanguard stuff with her."

Sam sighed. "Your entire personality is Neon, hating the UC, and obsessing over your girlfriend."

Jimin lifted his head up and raised his tiny index finger. "Actually, that's not true. I also have daddy issues. Add that to the personality, then you got me all figured out."

Sam covered Cora's ears, and the young girl giggled. In a way, she reminded Jimin of himself. A child who loved her dad and looked up to him. That was what Jimin had been. Jimin had been his dad's Min Min, but the War changed that. Although he felt bad for all the chaos the United Colonies had been through, nothing would change the hatred he had for them.

Jimin got up and swung his scarf over his shoulder as he did. He approached Sam and pried his hands off Cora's ears. Then, he gave Cora a giant grin.

"What'd you read this week?"

Cora beamed. "Stay here, I'll go get it!"

Cora pranced off to retrieve her new book that Jimin had bought for her. Somehow, Jimin ended up becoming Cora's book buyer. After receiving the Legacy credits, he could keep Constellation running without Walter's help for at least another decade, but he opted to save his credits for other matters. Like buying his mother a house and funding Cora's education.

"Thank you for keeping her happy, bud," Sam said, patting Jimin's shoulder. "I didn't think you cared about kids."

"I don't, but Cora's sweet. No point being rude to her, especially when I have the credits to spare."

"Either way, thank you. She's never been this happy. Constellation pays well, but not that well. I've never been able to get her all the books she wants. You know how expensive those things are nowadays?"

"Oh I know," Jimin said in a chuckle, pointing to all the books surrounding them. "I sold twenty of them. Earned a fortune."

"You did... what?"

Jimin cleared his throat. "Anyway. I got a question for you."

If Jimin were speaking to Sarah, she would beat his ass for selling Constellation's precious books. In Jimin's defense, Sarah had agreed to let Jimin keep some books from Constellation's library. That meant he could do what he wanted with them, and he had. He had bought an abundance of alcohol with those credits.

Worth it.

"Go for it," Sam said, and Jimin nodded.

"Jeon Jungkook is joining my crew. Something about needing to monitor my Vanguard training. I know this is a big ask and you got your own adventures with your daughter, but maybe you can join my crew too?"

"Oh, gee, I don't know, buddy. I'd love to, but if you're doing chaotic Vanguard crap, I don't think it's a good idea to bring Cora along."

"I know, I know, but hear me out," Jimin said. He circled around Sam so they were directly facing one another, and Jimin held up his hands as if that made his argument stronger. "You're gonna be on a ship with the best pilot in the UC, a higher-up from UC SysDef, and a man with dashing good looks and superpowers. It's more dangerous for you and her to be exploring unknown systems alone than it is for you to be with us. Plus, you can stop using your creds on ship maintenance and save up for a trip with Cora."

Sam tilted his head. "Sure, but... Jimin, where's this coming from? Why are you asking me and not someone like Sarah? She'd be more useful."

"Cause you always have my back. You had my back when Andreja pointed a loaded gun at my head."

Sam shrugged. "Honestly, it would've been kind of funny if she shot you-"

"Dude. We're having a bro moment, don't ruin it," Jimin interrupted. Sam laughed before motioning for Jimin to continue, and he did. "Look, I don't have a pretty past, okay? I robbed people for a living and laughed at their suffering. I'm not a good person, but maybe I can change that. To do that, I need a good crew. You're handsome, intelligent, and a fantastic shot. Plus, Cora's the best. She has amazing taste in books."

"Woah, back up: did you just call me handsome-"

"Let's not worry too much about the details. Sam Coe, will you join my crew?"

Jimin held out his hand for Sam to shake, and the older man gazed at it before snorting and shaking it. A smile blessed Jimin's face, and Sam returned it. Right in time, too. Cora came stumbling back down with a hardcover book in her hands. She jutted it in Jimin's direction, but she froze when she spotted Sam and Jimin's interlocked hands.

Sam was the first to speak. "Sweet pea, you know how dad's ship sucks?"

"Obviously," she said with a tiny pout. "No amount of credits can save that thing."

Sam didn't even look offended, he just accepted it. "Well, we're moving to a new ship. Jimin's."

"About time. I thought you two were in love or something."

Sam dropped Jimin's hand and backed away. "Jimin is in love with Y/n."

"Oh, makes sense. She's pretty."

"The most beautiful woman in the galaxy," Jimin murmured before he could stop himself. That resulted in both Sam and Cora staring at him with no emotion in their eyes. Jimin was quick to kneel in front of Cora and change the subject. "So, what's the book?"

"Hamlet. It's Shakespeare."

Sam sighed. "I can barely read postcards."

"No wonder why you need me," Jimin said to Cora with amusement in his tone. "Your dad doesn't appreciate the fine arts like we do."

"Maybe not, but I appreciate fine men." Sam whistled and scanned Jimin up and down. "Tell Y/n she's got competition."

"You know, her and I were making out the other day, and she seemed pretty confident you had no chance."

"Oh yeah? And what do you think?"

"Ew," Cora said with a scrunched up face. "Never mind, I don't want to go on Uncle Min's ship if you two are gonna be gross."

Jimin wanted to argue that he was always gross, but he figured that'd get him nowhere. Instead, he ruffled Cora's hair, discussed the book, and waited for Y/n to return from her duties. Y/n knew Jungkook was part of the crew, but Jimin hadn't told her he was planning to recruit Sam. Not because he didn't want to, but because he was too focused on her beauty. Okay, yeah, that was cheesy as hell, but it was true.

Him and Y/n were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, and he adored every second. Being able to be cheesy and gross was the best part. Although they'd have to tone it down with new people coming on the ship, they could still be in love. Unapologetically so. To be fair, most of their relationship so far had been Jimin cuddling up with her and making jokes about how stupid Barrett was.

Twenty minutes later, Y/n came home. Jimin ran into her arms and picked her up to twirl her around. They weren't in public, but they weren't in private either, so Jimin didn't kiss her. He kept her close and held both her hands. As a middle ground, he resorted to kissing the backs of her hands and giving her a toothy grin.

"I missed you. How was the Vanguard?"

"I missed you too, Mimi. It was boring without you."

"Damn right, I make everything fun," Jimin said with a wink. He turned back to Sam and Cora and waved. "See you on the ship first thing tomorrow morning."

They said their goodbyes, then Jimin and Y/n went upstairs. As soon as they were out of view of the others, Jimin picked her up and carried her back to their room. Well, it was Y/n's room, but Jimin had stayed there so often they considered it "theirs." Jimin had began stashing clothes in her dresser. Sometimes she would grab his shirts on accident. There was nothing more adorable than watching her fumble to explain why she was wearing one of his shirts, only for him to ask her to do it more often.

Once they arrived, Jimin waited outside to give her time to change. Jimin had to change too; he had been in the same outfit all day, scarf and all. He took off his glove and scarf just in time for Y/n to beckon him back in. Upon entering, he noticed she wore cute black shorts with white strips on the side along with one of his white t-shirts. It was wrinkly from being shoved in a drawer, but somehow that made her look cuter.

"Is it okay if I change too?" he asked. Then, he smirked. "Y'know, I wouldn't mind if you watched."

She threw her Vanguard jacket at him, and he laughed as he dodged it. She didn't leave, but she plopped on the bed and didn't bother glancing at him as he stripped and got into sweatpants. He went to put on a turtleneck; however, he was interrupted by Y/n clearing her throat.

"Hi," Jimin said in a confused tone. He peeked at her and saw her bouncing to sit up and observe his bare chest. "Uh... earth to Y/n, you there?"

She fiddled with her fingers. "Maybe you shouldn't wear a shirt tonight."

"Oh really?"

"Well, I know you don't like to sleep with shirts on, you've only been doing it for me. Don't get all cocky, I'm making a huge sacrifice for you here. You should be thankful."

It was safe to say Jimin threw the turtleneck to a different dimension.

Jimin climbed in bed and hovered over her. Much to his amazement, she didn't fluster. Or, she didn't until she made eye contact with his bare skin. That made her avert her eyes and pretend his abs weren't right in front of her.

"You're cute when you're shy, honey," he said with a chuckle, rubbing her cheek with his thumb before laying down next to her. In a heartbeat, she jumped on his chest and snuggled her head against him. She did the leg thing and draped it over his waist, trapping him in place next to her.

"Mhm," she mumbled, though it sounded more like a drunken slur. "You're warm. Never wear a shirt again."

"Really? Not even in front of the Cabinet?"

She whacked his chest but made a cute giggling sound. "Goofball."

He kissed the top of her head and massaged her back. Jimin never minded wearing a shirt to sleep since it made her more comfortable, but he had to admit being able to air his chest out felt incredible. Plus, he had the added bonus of having the most beautiful woman in the galaxy all curled up against him. That was nice.

"I asked Sam and Cora to join our crew," Jimin murmured, and she hummed.

"It was only a matter of time- wait, what? Our crew? It's your ship, not mine."

"Yeah, but..." Jimin trailed off, and she peeped up at him at that. In the dim light of their room, her irises were dark, yet they sparkled so brightly at the same time. "It doesn't feel the same without you."

She broke out into a toothy smile. "Then it's a good thing I'm not going anywhere."

And he believed her. There would be countless obstacles hurled their way, Jimin knew that. With Terrormorphs on the rise and the Vanguard trying to vote her out, the odds were their relationship would come under fire. But they'd be fine. Jimin trusted her more than anyone. That included himself.

"Hey, we should sleep," she said as she pressed a kiss against his neck. "We have a long day tomorrow."

"We do?"

"Oh, I thought you already knew: the Cabinet wants to see us. They finished up the sample and want to start the next steps. Get your diplomacy pants on, you're gonna have to talk to House Va'ruun and the Freestar."

"Yaaay," Jimin said with an eye roll.

After that, they cuddled and prepared for bed. Waves of exhaustion washed over him, like the gentle beach on Paradiso. It pulled at his eyes and made the lids heavy. He shut them without protest. Still, he felt the need to keep speaking to her. She was like a drug. Maybe she was his version of Aurora, only she was far healthier and better than that shitty Neon drug.

"Are you sure this is okay?" He paused to motion to his bare chest. "You don't have to lie to please me. If I ever make you uncomfortable, tell me."

"Jimin," she whispered as she leaned up. She got on her elbows, and her face stayed a few inches above his. "Universals don't lie."

"You lied to Sarah about me."

"Fair, but I try not to lie, so please believe me when I say this is fine. You make me feel safe. I want to experiment a little, if that's okay with you."

"Of course," he was quick to say, placing his hand on her cheek. "But I don't want you to feel like you have to push yourself to please me. You're the one for me, Y/n. If you never want me to show my skin around you, that's fine. If you never want to have sex, that's fine too. I just want you."

She put her hand over his and grinned. "I want you too. All of you, including the skin and sex. You make me feel safe enough to want that, so thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you. Come here, honey."

She rested on him, and he kissed all over her face before keeping her close to his body. The truth was, no one had looked at him the way Y/n did. She was his rock. The one who believed in him when no one, including his own mother, did. If unconditional love existed, he knew this was what it felt like. Y/n kept him safe and happy. No matter what, she cared about him. Maybe she even cherished him.

"No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm in your corner, okay?" she said against him, and her soft breaths tickled his chest. His nose sucked in her sweet strawberry scent, though it was faded due to her working all day. A mix of strawberry and sweat hit him, and he swore it was the most glorious combination he had ever smelled. That resulted in him grinning until his eyes crinkled and a dimple poked against his cheek.

"Okay."

☆☆☆

Upcoming Destination:

New Atlantis (again again)

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SEASON 2 EPISODE 5

𝐄𝐍𝐃

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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A/N: This chap gave us a lil more development for the plot and characters, but the next chapter is gonna be a massive plot one, so prepare yourselves. Y'all got a two-chap break, now it's time to dive back in :)

The next two chapters are gonna be... something ;)

Chap names:

Episode 6 - And So It Begins

Episode 7 - Whispered Love

Maybe, just maybe, the episode 7 title isn't trolling you like the "Drunk Confessions" title did in season 1... just maaaaybe though, we'll see!