The Long Signal: Chapter 5
Title: The Long Signal
Chapter: 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi
Fandom: Glamnation
Word Count: 5251
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Stupidity. Sexy eyes. Buttsex! Haha J/K.
Summary: Techie Tommy sets out on a voyage to a presumed well known section of the verse. Following the guidance of Adam, the research team leader, Tommy both finds and loses those things most precious to him out in the deep dark space.
Disclaimer: This shit ain't real, yo. Don't get uppity and start thinking it is.
---
Day 45
Not a lot to report. I’m kind of bored. The others are having a blaaaaaast though, fuckers. I guess a lot of their predictions were right or something, I don’t know. They keep talking about all these publications they’re going to do and how like… they’ll make the news or something. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all kinds of glad for him, uh them, but yeah. Boring for me. Sorta. But I don’t think he wants me to talk about that.
…
Ahem, yeah, aaaaanyways. Trip is going fine. Maybe I’ll have something more interesting to tell you tomorrow.
---
Adam couldn’t lie and say he hadn’t been at least a little bit excited to see Tommy work when he’d been invited by Lane to the training session. He’d had his doubts about Tommy but they were changing. He couldn’t make any convictions about his expertise of course; he hadn’t ever seen him work after all. But he had been worried about his attitude. At first glance he seemed like someone who made trouble for the sake of making it and nothing else and that wasn’t someone Adam wanted on his ship. He was a divaperfectionist and he wanted things to go smoothly, something that the addition of Tommy didn’t guarantee. But after the centrifuge fiasco, Adam was a little less concerned.
When Lane had given him and the others the option of watching Tommy during his simulation he honestly couldn’t pass it up. She promised it would be a good show, something he didn’t exactly understand given that he figured it would have all been routine. Everything else seemed to be, though Adam was pretty ignorant when it came to this whole process. This was his first time, maybe there was more to it than he thought. As acting captain he had a duty to know how his crew worked under pressure and since Tommy was the only wild card in his otherwise well balanced operation, he felt an obligation to go watch. That and he was just damn curious.
So he’d shown up. And he wasn’t the least bit disappointed.
Before it had all started Tommy had seemed a little apprehensive, his normally quick witted temper a little subdued. Adam didn’t know why and he didn’t bother trying to guess. Tommy was a mystery to him, but one he would figure out later. He had too much on his mind, as it was, to worry about the complexities of the man with the wild hair and dirty mouth. For now he would just observe his technician at work so that, hopefully, he could lay some of his own apprehensions to rest before the trip actually started.
The simulations began in what he would assume to be a routine manner. Tommy was in a simulated WhiteCat, given a problem and forced to fix it. Adam doubted he’d have much need beyond keeping the ship in working order. And as bad as it might sound, Adam really hoped they’d have no need for Tommy. But still, they had to test him. By about midway Adam was growing a little bored. His team was chattering amongst themselves as they watched the video of Tommy working off and on. He, himself, couldn’t find the attention to participate in the fun banter of his friends (most probably at the expense of the blond they were supposed to be watching) and while he was sometimes lost in thought, he ultimately kept his focus on his technician.
This was how he was the first to be clued into the difference and importance of that final simulation. He knew Lane had something up her sleeve - that wicked look in her eyes at the beginning of it all clued him into that - but he hadn’t been sure what she was actually going to do. As Tommy worked through the first few minutes of this exercise Adam began to wonder if this wasn’t it. Things seemed terribly similar to one Tommy had already gone through but Adam couldn’t be sure since he hadn’t been paying enough attention and they’d gone through so many already. Tommy seemed confused though, and so Adam stood straighter, watched more closely.
When all hell broke loose Adam was at full attention. His friends were too. Their voices were one on top of another in the background of Adam’s senses as he watched the room start to tilt and Tommy go siding. He winced when he slammed into the wall and then looked back to see if this was what was supposed to happen. Were they supposed to hurt their own crew? Wasn’t that a little counterproductive, you know, to the ultimate goal of keeping your employees well? Lane didn’t seem fazed, up in the control room, and so Adam turned his attention back to the screen, blocking out the rapidly diminishing sarcastic quips by his friends and instead just watching the disaster scenario unfold on the screen.
When it was over, Adam felt as breathless as Tommy looked. He’d been gripping the railing tight, his jaw clenched as he watched Tommy get thrown around that room for who knows how long. He felt protective, something he was going to solely attribute to the fact that he was captain and Tommy was his crew (not because he maybe liked the guy) and he had to hold himself back from moving right in there and pulling Tommy out himself. It probably would have been a near fatal mistake by the look Tommy had on his face when he stormed out of the room. Pissed wouldn’t even begin to describe how the guy looked and Adam felt bad for the person who would soon be receiving it. When Tommy stalked (because stormed also didn’t properly describe the way Tommy’s lithe body moved in his fury, not that Adam was watching or anything) up to the control room and started laying it into Lane, Adam felt less bad. If she knew that was how the scenario was going to go, maybe she deserved a little backlash.
“God, what I’d give to be a fly on THAT wall.” Neil whispered into his ear. Everyone in the room had fallen under an anxious silence when Tommy had emerged and the only sounds in the room were coming from the simulation room righting itself.
“No shit.” Adam whispered back, his eyes glued to the scene up there. Part of it was yelling, both Tommy and Lane yelling at one another, and then Tommy’s demeanor visibly changed. It was like all the anger just sucked up into him, his face going terrifyingly calm. The blond’s jaw was still painfully tight but when he took a step towards the woman in front of him he seemed level, too controlled. He only said a few more things, through grit teeth no less, and then waited. Adam was holding his breath and his chest grew tight until Lane said one more thing and then Tommy left. He was still stalking and people moved out of his way. Despite being skinnier than a twizzler, Adam was sure he was a scrappy devil and if someone stood in his way they wouldn’t for long. Before he knew it, though, his own feet were moving, heading by the table where Tommy’s jacket was and then to the door Tommy was aiming for.
He didn’t even stop, still dressed in his simulation jumpsuit and tugging his leather jacket on top of it. He yanked his collar till it sat how he liked, Adam assumed, maneuvering the halls in the most sporadic manner ever. Adam followed, relatively quiet with only the muffled tut tut of his boots on the ground. They wove their way through the stations halls and if Adam were actually paying attention to anything but Tommy, he’d be worried that he was lost. He didn’t know if Tommy was even aware of him, let alone where they were walking but he was going to try and offer his help even if it killed him.
By the tension still wound up in all of Tommy’s body, it might very well do that.
Finally, just when Adam started worrying that he should speak up, Tommy stopped. He didn’t turn around, didn’t say anything right away so Adam waited, worrying silently over his bottom lip.
“I don’t want to fucking talk so go back to your god damned friends and have fun laughing over what you just saw.”
Woo, venomous. He was like a pit viper right now and that really shouldn’t be attractive. “I’m not talking,” His voice was calm, that was good. “And I don’t think anyone will laugh about that. Can you turn around?” He wanted Tommy to both see that he wasn’t mocking him and that he was alone. He needed Tommy to trust him.
“No.”
Fantastic. “…Okay.” He couldn’t push; if he pushed Tommy would bite. He stayed quiet, though he didn’t leave, waiting to see what Tommy’s next move would be. Would he turn around and slug Adam? He sure seemed like he wanted to. Or maybe he would just like… break down right here. That would be weird but Adam didn’t know Tommy well enough to know how he was going to react next. Should he just leave him alone?
Who was he kidding, he couldn’t do that. He would just worry too much.
Tommy surprised him out of his thoughts when he started walking again but Adam deftly followed, making no more noise than he had before. They ended up at some sort of dead ended and it was then that Tommy just sort of… deflated. It was like his body was unused to holding that much tension and energy and it was calling it quits. His shoulder sagged, his head dropped and Adam couldn’t help himself as he reached forward and gently took Tommy’s hand in his own. His thin fingers were warm from being balled up. They were calloused too and Adam had to wonder why. It was just something else to catalogue into the confusing cabinet that was Tommy the Technician.
Tugging him gently he was surprised at how easily Tommy followed his guidance. This gave him more confidence to lead him away, holding his hand still and resisting the urge to pull him close. He was a hugger, he couldn’t help it. He led Tommy to one of the many changing rooms located around the building and sat him on the bench. Tommy was so compliant, it was sad really. Adam’s fingers slipped into the back of Tommy’s jacket, tugging on the collar to pull it off. Tommy got the message and worked his arms back carefully to help. Adam knew it was an effort. Tommy had been thrown around that room so much that he had to be sore by now. He wouldn’t be surprised if he was black and blue under all of his clothes. Not that Adam was thinking about what was under all of Tommy’s clothes or anything. He was completely focused on making sure he was okay.
Honest.
When the jacket was off Tommy started talking. Knowing that he needed to get it all off his chest, Adam didn’t try and stop him, just letting him rant as he went about grabbing the first aid kit and a washcloth from one of the shelves by the sinks, wetting it before returning to Tommy. He matched the blond’s position and straddled the bench, scooting forward as much as he could. Adam agreed with Tommy on most of what he was saying, knowing that what he’d been through wasn’t fair, and he vocalized his agreement. He wasn’t sure talking at all was the right thing to do so he just reached forward and began dabbing at Tommy’s wounds to clean them.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I know. Hush up, let me just take care of you.” Adam couldn’t help the smile that hit his own lips at the blush creeping up Tommy’s face but he smothered it quickly, falling quiet now and just working to patch Tommy up as best as he could. He went on autopilot after a while, dabbing, cleaning then dressing his wounds, even wrapping a few nasty bruises even if they hadn’t been bleeding. He might be over doing it but his mother hen instinct was in full swing and he was going to indulge it. Tommy certainly didn’t seem to mind as he leaned into the quiet space between them. Adam ended with his hand on the back of Tommy’s head, gently stroking through his surprisingly soft hair. The first thought to creep up into Adam’s mind unbidden since they’d gotten in here was that Tommy was like a cat and he had to stop himself from laughing out loud at the idea even as Tommy seemed to just melt under his finger tips.
“Sorry I was a little bitch yesterday.”
At this Adam did smile, his eyes closed and his head shaking. He took a moment before opening his mouth to speak, needing to be sure he wasn’t going to laugh when he did so, but right as he did someone walked into the room and broke the intimate calm that settled over the room. It startled Tommy and before Adam could really stop him he was up and babbling and then darting from the room. Adam let out a huge sigh, his shoulders sagging before he shot a glare to the man who had come in. Adam shook his head then stood, making his way out of the room too.
-
The night was spent dodging questions from his friends and quelling the anxiety he felt for what was to come the following day. Tommy said they were probably just going to be doing personality tests and Monte had assured him earlier that they weren’t going to like, hypnotize his childhood secrets out of him or anything. Even if they were going to try and dig into his subconscious, Adam wasn’t really worried. He had nothing to hide. But he was still anxious. It just wasn’t about the tests. He was nervous to see Tommy, nervous to see how the other would react. Something had changed the day before and Adam wasn’t sure how Tommy was going to react to it. He also wasn’t sure how he wanted Tommy to react to it. If they both just ignored it and played it off like nothing had happened then maybe the trip would go smoother. But part of Adam didn’t want Tommy to ignore it. It wasn’t as if they’d professed their love for one another or anything. But there was no denying that some sort of connection had been made. Adam would be foolish to claim he didn’t want to explore it but he was also nervous. This risked the integrity of his expedition.
It was a wonder he wasn’t dizzy with all the thoughts spinning around in his head. Maybe he was over thinking all of it. Maybe he should just see how Tommy reacted and work from there. If Tommy seemed indifferent, then he’d let it go. If Tommy showed any signs of recognizing what happened, then Adam would pursue the connection. He would just have to wait and see.
Unfortunately he wouldn’t get that luxury as he didn’t see Tommy at all that next day. If Tommy was avoiding him, he was doing a damn good job because Adam didn’t even see him in passing. He vaguely wondered if the blond even came in today but at some time in the afternoon, right before he went in to start his third round of questions he heard Monte talking to him on a radio communicator tucked into his ear. He wanted to go over and ask but he knew that it might raise more questions than he was willing to answer. And if Tommy WAS avoiding him, then he might not want Adam inquiring about him so much.
So he just stayed quiet, went through his tests and tried to put the blond from his mind. Monte was right, the tests were pretty rudimentary. There were some weird questions here and there but he figured that all of it was for the best so he answered everything as honestly as he could. KLARC wasn’t going to be held liable for anything other than the sanity of their technician so Adam wasn’t surprised when the tests ended early that afternoon. If Adam and his crew went batshit crazy then oh well. KLARC was only worried about making sure Tommy got batshit crazy as well.
With the early release for the day, Adam had hoped he’d get to run in with Tommy but he was left disappointed. To get rid of the sour mood slowly settling on him, he finally took his team up on their offer to go out for the night. He needed a stress free evening anyways. They drank, they danced, he made out with a few too many people and even took one home with him. All in all it was a good night and he went back into the agency in better spirits than when he’d left it the day before.
They weren’t doing anything strenuous that morning and Adam was glad for it. They’d be shipping out soon so today would be spent leading Adam and his friends through the ship, showing them the cargo hold, the bridge, the galley plus all the other small areas that they’d be occupying for a few months. The ship was small and Adam was pretty sure that it might cause some problems, living on top of one another like that for so long but he had faith that they were close enough to overcome the problems that might arise from it.
Once they were given the full tour they split up to explore their individual rooms. Adam got his own room, since he was awesome. Also, captain. It wasn’t huge but at least it was private. There were two other rooms, two to each room. With three guys and one girl left to split it up, there was a chance that it could get messy but Mallory was kind enough to say she’d share with Tommy since neither Neil nor Zach really wanted to. Adam thanked her and promised that if she needed a night alone or if Tommy caused her any problems that she could have his room from time to time. He didn’t foresee Tommy messing with the girl but he wanted to reassure her regardless.
From there Adam had to run through some simulations of his own to prove that should something happen, he really could fly the Skipper as he’d claimed back in the meeting. KLARC wasn’t going to lose a perfectly good ship due to trusting someone they barely knew. He didn’t have any problems. While he didn’t have a lot of experience flying ships, the University did require all up and coming captains to take a few flight classes so Adam knew the basics. He did and they were happy enough with that, sending him off after clearing him in his file. They were out for lunch after that. Adam opted out of going out with the rest of them for food, saying he wanted to stay behind and get to know the ship a little better. That was only half true, but no one had to know.
Grabbing a small snack from the cafeteria he headed back to the hanger where their ship was being tuned and tested. He smiled to the people milling about, biting into his apple as he walked up the ramp into the ship. He had to duck through the entrance and he shuddered to think of how many time he’d be slamming his forehead into that throughout their trips. Some day it did not pay to be so tall. He was glad that most people were working on the outside or underside of the ship as this allowed him some privacy to walk through the hold of the ship without interruption. His boots tutted quietly against the grating as he ducked into the different rooms, just exploring the ship, his ship. He’d assumed the title of acting captain already but it hadn’t sunk in yet. He still just felt like Adam, and this still just felt like a dream adventure. It wouldn’t really sink in yet till they launched.
“You lost?”
Adam jumped at the voice, he couldn’t help it, dropping his nearly finished apple in the process. Cursing he threw a glance over his shoulder as he bent to retrieve the now inedible piece of fruit. Tommy looked amused and if Adam wasn’t secretly glad to see him, he’d want to slap that look right off his face, the snarky brat. He huffed as he swiped the apple, moving to toss it in one of the garbage bins before turning to the blond. He watched him for a moment too long, taking in the relaxed stance of the man. He didn’t seem nervous or tense but he wasn’t as stuck up as he’d been before. He just seemed… calm. It was a look Adam liked on the man.
“No, just looking. I figured I’d take a private tour while everyone was away, get a feel of the ship by myself. I’ve been on a WhiteCat before but never as a captain. It’s different.”
Tommy nodded as if he understood, pushing off his resting place against the frame of the doorway leading into the cockpit. “Well don’t let me interrupt. I was just on my way out anyways.”
“No, you’re fine.” He spoke a little too fast and he mentally slapped himself, hoping he didn’t sound desperate. “I mean, you don’t have to leave on my behalf…” Finishing lamely, his hand rubbed at the back of his neck, glancing up at Tommy. Tommy was watching him, scrutinizing him as Adam had done earlier, and for once Adam seemed a little nervous under the blonds gaze. “What were you doing in the cockpit?”
Tommy had his arms crossed and remained quiet for a moment longer before looking over his shoulder, attention affectively diverted. Adam was glad for this, though he didn’t know why.
“Just looking. I don’t usually get a chance to spend much time in them. I’m usually down below with all the wires and shit, not up here.” He shrugged one shoulder before moving in and plopping down into the copilot’s chair. Adam moved into the doorway, looking in. “Don’t be afraid, captain.” Tommy teased and Adam stuck his tongue out at him before moving to drop down next to Tommy. “Very mature.” Adam heard him mutter it and couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning back and just looking at the flight controls. Unlike Tommy, he DID feel the need to talk and it was a struggle to stay quiet. “So…” Oops, slip of the tongue.
“So.” Tommy sounded amused. Adam cut his eyes over to see that the other man was smiling which earned him a similar reaction from Adam.
“Fine, I’ll just ask and you can deal with the awkward.” Adam said haughtily. “How are you feeling? You were pretty banged up last time I saw you. And where were you yesterday? I figured I’d see you but you weren’t there.”
“Slow down, cowboy.”
“Captain.”
“… Huh?”
“I’m not a cowboy. I don’t even think they exist anymore. But I am a captain.”
“And a pretentious little bitch.”
“It comes with the title, get over it.”
They both watched each other for a long moment before busting out in a fit of giggles. Adam enjoyed the scratchy, throaty laughs coming from Tommy though they ended too soon.
“Okay, captain.”
“That’s better.”
“I’m fine.” Tommy started, kicking his feet up onto the dash in front of him. Adam watched him slide down in his chair some more too, tucking himself into an adorable little ball of blond and skinny, his jacket bunched up under his shoulders. “Yeah, I’m banged up and I still have a few cuts,” He motioned lazily to the one on his cheek. “But it’s not bad. They’ll probably be gone by the time we ship out. So you don’t have to worry. I was around yesterday but I got the personality things done early because they’re stupid and I was here before everyone else so I got them out of the way.” He shrugged.
“You don’t seem like a morning person.” Adam was laughing a little when he said this, having turned his chair to prop his feet up on the arm of Tommy’s. Tommy smirked and shook his head, draping an arm over Adam’s ankles.
“I’m really not. I usually hate waking up early. But since I didn’t sleep I can’t really say I exactly woke up, you know? I just… stayed up.”
“Insomnia?”
“Yup. As much as I hate it, I usually get an ass ton of shit done which is good I guess.”
“I guess. That still sucks though, the insomnia.”
“Eh, I’ve gotten used to it. You’d think that after all these years, they would have cured that shit. I guess they were too concerned with cancer or something. AIDs. Polio.”
Adam laughed at this and shook his head, rubbing his eyes. “First… I think they eradicated Polio back in the 1900s. And second I think it’s okay that they’ve come up with some pretty potent cures to cancer and AIDs.” He looked over to Tommy who let out a big heavy sigh.
“Yeaaaaaah, fine. Whatever. Hurrah, we get to bareback without worry! But come on man, I get sleepy. I wanna sleep.” And to finish his very intelligent reply, he stuck out his bottom lip in a pout.
Adam couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing, actually doubling over both in shock and amusement at what had just come out of Tommy’s mouth. “Did you seriously just cheer at being able to bareback?” He asked between guffaws. Tommy chuckled but nodded, leaning his head back and watching him with a smile. “Oh, shit, you are something else, Tommy Joe. Something fucking else.” He wiped carefully under his eyes, clearing away the laughter tears without smearing his eyeliner before looking to Tommy again.
“I’ll take all that,” he waved his hand at Adam’s reaction now, in a circle. “As a compliment. But no, seriously. I am glad they cured all that shit. I mean we still have some bad bugs flying around, probably worse now that they’ve gotten resilient or whatever the fuck viruses do, but it’s nice to see medical research never went to the shitter.”
Adam was quiet a moment before he broke a big grin. “That was deep Tommy. I’m impressed.”
“Oh fuck off.” He laughed and pushed Adam’s feet off his chair.
Adam just smiled but didn’t comment on the blush that might have hit Tommy’s cheek, instead just swinging his feet right back up, waiting till Tommy draped his arm back over his ankles and then settling down into his chair more. “We have to get a bunch of vaccines and shit right? Preventative measures or something?”
“Yeah, you guys do, tomorrow. I don’t. I go out in space too much so I get them all regularly anyways.”
“Lucky fuck.”
“You know it, bitch.”
“Well you are aware that just means you have to come hold my hand through it all then, right?”
“What? Why can’t you get Mallory to do it? She’s the girl. That means she’s all sweet and motherly and full of feelings and shit right?”
“That’s derogatory and offensive and I won’t allow it on my ship. Plus, you’ll quickly learn that Mallory is a devil underneath all that sweet veneer and will probably be there laughing at me when I get a bunch of shots in my butt.” She would too, the bitch.
Tommy laughed at this, rolling his eyes. “How about Neil?”
“Would you want to hold your brother’s hand?”
“Assuming I had a brother? No. How about Zach?”
“Nah, he’d refuse just to torture me. Face it, pretty, you can’t escape your hand holding duties.”
“What if I want to be the one laughing at you?”
“Nope, not gonna happen.”
“Oh yeah? You gonna stop me?”
Adam felt the grin slowly spread over his lips and he looked up to meet Tommy’s eyes, not saying anything. Not vocally at least. Everything he needed to say he was saying with that look and by the way the smile slid off Tommy’s face as he licked his lips, Adam was sure he understood just fine. Adam tilted his head a little and lifted a brow, dropping his legs and enjoying the hard pound they made echo around the room. “You don’t think I can make you do it.” It wasn’t a question. His eyes flicked just momentarily to the up-down bob of Tommy’s adam’s apple before they were back on Tommy’s.
“Nope. I don’t think you have it in you, captain.”
Adam grinned at that and leaned in just a little more. He felt triumphant when Tommy leaned in too, the other man’s lips parting just a little. Adam was able to feel Tommy’s breath on his own lips and he caught the faint smell of coffee, something he found strangely attractive.
“You two done fucking around in here? Neil’s getting on our asses about packing.” It was Zach. The soon to be dead Zach.
Disappointed didn’t begin to describe how Adam felt when Tommy pulled back and looked away, though he could tell Tommy was probably feeling the same thing. Adam shot Zach a look that clearly said ‘thanks a lot for the ultimate fucking cockblock’ but Zach only returned a smile, stepping aside when Tommy got up to leave.
“Tommy wait.” Adam swiveled around to look at the technician.
“Yeah?” He tipped his head back but didn’t look at Adam.
“You going to be there tomorrow?”
The smile that hit Tommy’s face this time was troublesome and as he cut his eyes across to Adam, Adam could clearly see the challenge written in them. “Maybe. We’ll see.” Do your worst. Adam only grinned at his retreating figure.
Challenge accepted.
---
Author’s Notes: This chapter totally got away from me. I guess that’s what happens when you go over a month without writing anything to a story like this. I hadn’t realized it’d been so long so first, I’m sorry. And second I hope this makes up for the random break I took there. Between finishing my undergraduate degree, moving back home and getting sick (twice, I might add!) I hadn’t found a good amount of time to sit down and just write these guys. I did a few one-shots but nothing for this. But the lull is over! Yay. And I can happily say their muses are kicking strong. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take this chapter and I definitely didn’t expect it to end up here but I’m really pleased with the outcome. I didn’t want the story to just end up somewhere without any character/relationship development. So here’s a butt ton of witty banter for ya. Witty banter and bedroom eyes. What more could a girl ask for, eh? I don’t know when the next chapter will surface for sure but definitely sometime next week so keep an eye out for that. Until then, cheers my lovelies!
Credits:Glamily belongs to themselves. Space belongs to Vader. Everything else belongs to me.
Chapter: 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi
Fandom: Glamnation
Word Count: 5251
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Stupidity. Sexy eyes. Buttsex! Haha J/K.
Summary: Techie Tommy sets out on a voyage to a presumed well known section of the verse. Following the guidance of Adam, the research team leader, Tommy both finds and loses those things most precious to him out in the deep dark space.
Disclaimer: This shit ain't real, yo. Don't get uppity and start thinking it is.
---
Day 45
Not a lot to report. I’m kind of bored. The others are having a blaaaaaast though, fuckers. I guess a lot of their predictions were right or something, I don’t know. They keep talking about all these publications they’re going to do and how like… they’ll make the news or something. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all kinds of glad for him, uh them, but yeah. Boring for me. Sorta. But I don’t think he wants me to talk about that.
…
Ahem, yeah, aaaaanyways. Trip is going fine. Maybe I’ll have something more interesting to tell you tomorrow.
---
Adam couldn’t lie and say he hadn’t been at least a little bit excited to see Tommy work when he’d been invited by Lane to the training session. He’d had his doubts about Tommy but they were changing. He couldn’t make any convictions about his expertise of course; he hadn’t ever seen him work after all. But he had been worried about his attitude. At first glance he seemed like someone who made trouble for the sake of making it and nothing else and that wasn’t someone Adam wanted on his ship. He was a divaperfectionist and he wanted things to go smoothly, something that the addition of Tommy didn’t guarantee. But after the centrifuge fiasco, Adam was a little less concerned.
When Lane had given him and the others the option of watching Tommy during his simulation he honestly couldn’t pass it up. She promised it would be a good show, something he didn’t exactly understand given that he figured it would have all been routine. Everything else seemed to be, though Adam was pretty ignorant when it came to this whole process. This was his first time, maybe there was more to it than he thought. As acting captain he had a duty to know how his crew worked under pressure and since Tommy was the only wild card in his otherwise well balanced operation, he felt an obligation to go watch. That and he was just damn curious.
So he’d shown up. And he wasn’t the least bit disappointed.
Before it had all started Tommy had seemed a little apprehensive, his normally quick witted temper a little subdued. Adam didn’t know why and he didn’t bother trying to guess. Tommy was a mystery to him, but one he would figure out later. He had too much on his mind, as it was, to worry about the complexities of the man with the wild hair and dirty mouth. For now he would just observe his technician at work so that, hopefully, he could lay some of his own apprehensions to rest before the trip actually started.
The simulations began in what he would assume to be a routine manner. Tommy was in a simulated WhiteCat, given a problem and forced to fix it. Adam doubted he’d have much need beyond keeping the ship in working order. And as bad as it might sound, Adam really hoped they’d have no need for Tommy. But still, they had to test him. By about midway Adam was growing a little bored. His team was chattering amongst themselves as they watched the video of Tommy working off and on. He, himself, couldn’t find the attention to participate in the fun banter of his friends (most probably at the expense of the blond they were supposed to be watching) and while he was sometimes lost in thought, he ultimately kept his focus on his technician.
This was how he was the first to be clued into the difference and importance of that final simulation. He knew Lane had something up her sleeve - that wicked look in her eyes at the beginning of it all clued him into that - but he hadn’t been sure what she was actually going to do. As Tommy worked through the first few minutes of this exercise Adam began to wonder if this wasn’t it. Things seemed terribly similar to one Tommy had already gone through but Adam couldn’t be sure since he hadn’t been paying enough attention and they’d gone through so many already. Tommy seemed confused though, and so Adam stood straighter, watched more closely.
When all hell broke loose Adam was at full attention. His friends were too. Their voices were one on top of another in the background of Adam’s senses as he watched the room start to tilt and Tommy go siding. He winced when he slammed into the wall and then looked back to see if this was what was supposed to happen. Were they supposed to hurt their own crew? Wasn’t that a little counterproductive, you know, to the ultimate goal of keeping your employees well? Lane didn’t seem fazed, up in the control room, and so Adam turned his attention back to the screen, blocking out the rapidly diminishing sarcastic quips by his friends and instead just watching the disaster scenario unfold on the screen.
When it was over, Adam felt as breathless as Tommy looked. He’d been gripping the railing tight, his jaw clenched as he watched Tommy get thrown around that room for who knows how long. He felt protective, something he was going to solely attribute to the fact that he was captain and Tommy was his crew (not because he maybe liked the guy) and he had to hold himself back from moving right in there and pulling Tommy out himself. It probably would have been a near fatal mistake by the look Tommy had on his face when he stormed out of the room. Pissed wouldn’t even begin to describe how the guy looked and Adam felt bad for the person who would soon be receiving it. When Tommy stalked (because stormed also didn’t properly describe the way Tommy’s lithe body moved in his fury, not that Adam was watching or anything) up to the control room and started laying it into Lane, Adam felt less bad. If she knew that was how the scenario was going to go, maybe she deserved a little backlash.
“God, what I’d give to be a fly on THAT wall.” Neil whispered into his ear. Everyone in the room had fallen under an anxious silence when Tommy had emerged and the only sounds in the room were coming from the simulation room righting itself.
“No shit.” Adam whispered back, his eyes glued to the scene up there. Part of it was yelling, both Tommy and Lane yelling at one another, and then Tommy’s demeanor visibly changed. It was like all the anger just sucked up into him, his face going terrifyingly calm. The blond’s jaw was still painfully tight but when he took a step towards the woman in front of him he seemed level, too controlled. He only said a few more things, through grit teeth no less, and then waited. Adam was holding his breath and his chest grew tight until Lane said one more thing and then Tommy left. He was still stalking and people moved out of his way. Despite being skinnier than a twizzler, Adam was sure he was a scrappy devil and if someone stood in his way they wouldn’t for long. Before he knew it, though, his own feet were moving, heading by the table where Tommy’s jacket was and then to the door Tommy was aiming for.
He didn’t even stop, still dressed in his simulation jumpsuit and tugging his leather jacket on top of it. He yanked his collar till it sat how he liked, Adam assumed, maneuvering the halls in the most sporadic manner ever. Adam followed, relatively quiet with only the muffled tut tut of his boots on the ground. They wove their way through the stations halls and if Adam were actually paying attention to anything but Tommy, he’d be worried that he was lost. He didn’t know if Tommy was even aware of him, let alone where they were walking but he was going to try and offer his help even if it killed him.
By the tension still wound up in all of Tommy’s body, it might very well do that.
Finally, just when Adam started worrying that he should speak up, Tommy stopped. He didn’t turn around, didn’t say anything right away so Adam waited, worrying silently over his bottom lip.
“I don’t want to fucking talk so go back to your god damned friends and have fun laughing over what you just saw.”
Woo, venomous. He was like a pit viper right now and that really shouldn’t be attractive. “I’m not talking,” His voice was calm, that was good. “And I don’t think anyone will laugh about that. Can you turn around?” He wanted Tommy to both see that he wasn’t mocking him and that he was alone. He needed Tommy to trust him.
“No.”
Fantastic. “…Okay.” He couldn’t push; if he pushed Tommy would bite. He stayed quiet, though he didn’t leave, waiting to see what Tommy’s next move would be. Would he turn around and slug Adam? He sure seemed like he wanted to. Or maybe he would just like… break down right here. That would be weird but Adam didn’t know Tommy well enough to know how he was going to react next. Should he just leave him alone?
Who was he kidding, he couldn’t do that. He would just worry too much.
Tommy surprised him out of his thoughts when he started walking again but Adam deftly followed, making no more noise than he had before. They ended up at some sort of dead ended and it was then that Tommy just sort of… deflated. It was like his body was unused to holding that much tension and energy and it was calling it quits. His shoulder sagged, his head dropped and Adam couldn’t help himself as he reached forward and gently took Tommy’s hand in his own. His thin fingers were warm from being balled up. They were calloused too and Adam had to wonder why. It was just something else to catalogue into the confusing cabinet that was Tommy the Technician.
Tugging him gently he was surprised at how easily Tommy followed his guidance. This gave him more confidence to lead him away, holding his hand still and resisting the urge to pull him close. He was a hugger, he couldn’t help it. He led Tommy to one of the many changing rooms located around the building and sat him on the bench. Tommy was so compliant, it was sad really. Adam’s fingers slipped into the back of Tommy’s jacket, tugging on the collar to pull it off. Tommy got the message and worked his arms back carefully to help. Adam knew it was an effort. Tommy had been thrown around that room so much that he had to be sore by now. He wouldn’t be surprised if he was black and blue under all of his clothes. Not that Adam was thinking about what was under all of Tommy’s clothes or anything. He was completely focused on making sure he was okay.
Honest.
When the jacket was off Tommy started talking. Knowing that he needed to get it all off his chest, Adam didn’t try and stop him, just letting him rant as he went about grabbing the first aid kit and a washcloth from one of the shelves by the sinks, wetting it before returning to Tommy. He matched the blond’s position and straddled the bench, scooting forward as much as he could. Adam agreed with Tommy on most of what he was saying, knowing that what he’d been through wasn’t fair, and he vocalized his agreement. He wasn’t sure talking at all was the right thing to do so he just reached forward and began dabbing at Tommy’s wounds to clean them.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I know. Hush up, let me just take care of you.” Adam couldn’t help the smile that hit his own lips at the blush creeping up Tommy’s face but he smothered it quickly, falling quiet now and just working to patch Tommy up as best as he could. He went on autopilot after a while, dabbing, cleaning then dressing his wounds, even wrapping a few nasty bruises even if they hadn’t been bleeding. He might be over doing it but his mother hen instinct was in full swing and he was going to indulge it. Tommy certainly didn’t seem to mind as he leaned into the quiet space between them. Adam ended with his hand on the back of Tommy’s head, gently stroking through his surprisingly soft hair. The first thought to creep up into Adam’s mind unbidden since they’d gotten in here was that Tommy was like a cat and he had to stop himself from laughing out loud at the idea even as Tommy seemed to just melt under his finger tips.
“Sorry I was a little bitch yesterday.”
At this Adam did smile, his eyes closed and his head shaking. He took a moment before opening his mouth to speak, needing to be sure he wasn’t going to laugh when he did so, but right as he did someone walked into the room and broke the intimate calm that settled over the room. It startled Tommy and before Adam could really stop him he was up and babbling and then darting from the room. Adam let out a huge sigh, his shoulders sagging before he shot a glare to the man who had come in. Adam shook his head then stood, making his way out of the room too.
-
The night was spent dodging questions from his friends and quelling the anxiety he felt for what was to come the following day. Tommy said they were probably just going to be doing personality tests and Monte had assured him earlier that they weren’t going to like, hypnotize his childhood secrets out of him or anything. Even if they were going to try and dig into his subconscious, Adam wasn’t really worried. He had nothing to hide. But he was still anxious. It just wasn’t about the tests. He was nervous to see Tommy, nervous to see how the other would react. Something had changed the day before and Adam wasn’t sure how Tommy was going to react to it. He also wasn’t sure how he wanted Tommy to react to it. If they both just ignored it and played it off like nothing had happened then maybe the trip would go smoother. But part of Adam didn’t want Tommy to ignore it. It wasn’t as if they’d professed their love for one another or anything. But there was no denying that some sort of connection had been made. Adam would be foolish to claim he didn’t want to explore it but he was also nervous. This risked the integrity of his expedition.
It was a wonder he wasn’t dizzy with all the thoughts spinning around in his head. Maybe he was over thinking all of it. Maybe he should just see how Tommy reacted and work from there. If Tommy seemed indifferent, then he’d let it go. If Tommy showed any signs of recognizing what happened, then Adam would pursue the connection. He would just have to wait and see.
Unfortunately he wouldn’t get that luxury as he didn’t see Tommy at all that next day. If Tommy was avoiding him, he was doing a damn good job because Adam didn’t even see him in passing. He vaguely wondered if the blond even came in today but at some time in the afternoon, right before he went in to start his third round of questions he heard Monte talking to him on a radio communicator tucked into his ear. He wanted to go over and ask but he knew that it might raise more questions than he was willing to answer. And if Tommy WAS avoiding him, then he might not want Adam inquiring about him so much.
So he just stayed quiet, went through his tests and tried to put the blond from his mind. Monte was right, the tests were pretty rudimentary. There were some weird questions here and there but he figured that all of it was for the best so he answered everything as honestly as he could. KLARC wasn’t going to be held liable for anything other than the sanity of their technician so Adam wasn’t surprised when the tests ended early that afternoon. If Adam and his crew went batshit crazy then oh well. KLARC was only worried about making sure Tommy got batshit crazy as well.
With the early release for the day, Adam had hoped he’d get to run in with Tommy but he was left disappointed. To get rid of the sour mood slowly settling on him, he finally took his team up on their offer to go out for the night. He needed a stress free evening anyways. They drank, they danced, he made out with a few too many people and even took one home with him. All in all it was a good night and he went back into the agency in better spirits than when he’d left it the day before.
They weren’t doing anything strenuous that morning and Adam was glad for it. They’d be shipping out soon so today would be spent leading Adam and his friends through the ship, showing them the cargo hold, the bridge, the galley plus all the other small areas that they’d be occupying for a few months. The ship was small and Adam was pretty sure that it might cause some problems, living on top of one another like that for so long but he had faith that they were close enough to overcome the problems that might arise from it.
Once they were given the full tour they split up to explore their individual rooms. Adam got his own room, since he was awesome. Also, captain. It wasn’t huge but at least it was private. There were two other rooms, two to each room. With three guys and one girl left to split it up, there was a chance that it could get messy but Mallory was kind enough to say she’d share with Tommy since neither Neil nor Zach really wanted to. Adam thanked her and promised that if she needed a night alone or if Tommy caused her any problems that she could have his room from time to time. He didn’t foresee Tommy messing with the girl but he wanted to reassure her regardless.
From there Adam had to run through some simulations of his own to prove that should something happen, he really could fly the Skipper as he’d claimed back in the meeting. KLARC wasn’t going to lose a perfectly good ship due to trusting someone they barely knew. He didn’t have any problems. While he didn’t have a lot of experience flying ships, the University did require all up and coming captains to take a few flight classes so Adam knew the basics. He did and they were happy enough with that, sending him off after clearing him in his file. They were out for lunch after that. Adam opted out of going out with the rest of them for food, saying he wanted to stay behind and get to know the ship a little better. That was only half true, but no one had to know.
Grabbing a small snack from the cafeteria he headed back to the hanger where their ship was being tuned and tested. He smiled to the people milling about, biting into his apple as he walked up the ramp into the ship. He had to duck through the entrance and he shuddered to think of how many time he’d be slamming his forehead into that throughout their trips. Some day it did not pay to be so tall. He was glad that most people were working on the outside or underside of the ship as this allowed him some privacy to walk through the hold of the ship without interruption. His boots tutted quietly against the grating as he ducked into the different rooms, just exploring the ship, his ship. He’d assumed the title of acting captain already but it hadn’t sunk in yet. He still just felt like Adam, and this still just felt like a dream adventure. It wouldn’t really sink in yet till they launched.
“You lost?”
Adam jumped at the voice, he couldn’t help it, dropping his nearly finished apple in the process. Cursing he threw a glance over his shoulder as he bent to retrieve the now inedible piece of fruit. Tommy looked amused and if Adam wasn’t secretly glad to see him, he’d want to slap that look right off his face, the snarky brat. He huffed as he swiped the apple, moving to toss it in one of the garbage bins before turning to the blond. He watched him for a moment too long, taking in the relaxed stance of the man. He didn’t seem nervous or tense but he wasn’t as stuck up as he’d been before. He just seemed… calm. It was a look Adam liked on the man.
“No, just looking. I figured I’d take a private tour while everyone was away, get a feel of the ship by myself. I’ve been on a WhiteCat before but never as a captain. It’s different.”
Tommy nodded as if he understood, pushing off his resting place against the frame of the doorway leading into the cockpit. “Well don’t let me interrupt. I was just on my way out anyways.”
“No, you’re fine.” He spoke a little too fast and he mentally slapped himself, hoping he didn’t sound desperate. “I mean, you don’t have to leave on my behalf…” Finishing lamely, his hand rubbed at the back of his neck, glancing up at Tommy. Tommy was watching him, scrutinizing him as Adam had done earlier, and for once Adam seemed a little nervous under the blonds gaze. “What were you doing in the cockpit?”
Tommy had his arms crossed and remained quiet for a moment longer before looking over his shoulder, attention affectively diverted. Adam was glad for this, though he didn’t know why.
“Just looking. I don’t usually get a chance to spend much time in them. I’m usually down below with all the wires and shit, not up here.” He shrugged one shoulder before moving in and plopping down into the copilot’s chair. Adam moved into the doorway, looking in. “Don’t be afraid, captain.” Tommy teased and Adam stuck his tongue out at him before moving to drop down next to Tommy. “Very mature.” Adam heard him mutter it and couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning back and just looking at the flight controls. Unlike Tommy, he DID feel the need to talk and it was a struggle to stay quiet. “So…” Oops, slip of the tongue.
“So.” Tommy sounded amused. Adam cut his eyes over to see that the other man was smiling which earned him a similar reaction from Adam.
“Fine, I’ll just ask and you can deal with the awkward.” Adam said haughtily. “How are you feeling? You were pretty banged up last time I saw you. And where were you yesterday? I figured I’d see you but you weren’t there.”
“Slow down, cowboy.”
“Captain.”
“… Huh?”
“I’m not a cowboy. I don’t even think they exist anymore. But I am a captain.”
“And a pretentious little bitch.”
“It comes with the title, get over it.”
They both watched each other for a long moment before busting out in a fit of giggles. Adam enjoyed the scratchy, throaty laughs coming from Tommy though they ended too soon.
“Okay, captain.”
“That’s better.”
“I’m fine.” Tommy started, kicking his feet up onto the dash in front of him. Adam watched him slide down in his chair some more too, tucking himself into an adorable little ball of blond and skinny, his jacket bunched up under his shoulders. “Yeah, I’m banged up and I still have a few cuts,” He motioned lazily to the one on his cheek. “But it’s not bad. They’ll probably be gone by the time we ship out. So you don’t have to worry. I was around yesterday but I got the personality things done early because they’re stupid and I was here before everyone else so I got them out of the way.” He shrugged.
“You don’t seem like a morning person.” Adam was laughing a little when he said this, having turned his chair to prop his feet up on the arm of Tommy’s. Tommy smirked and shook his head, draping an arm over Adam’s ankles.
“I’m really not. I usually hate waking up early. But since I didn’t sleep I can’t really say I exactly woke up, you know? I just… stayed up.”
“Insomnia?”
“Yup. As much as I hate it, I usually get an ass ton of shit done which is good I guess.”
“I guess. That still sucks though, the insomnia.”
“Eh, I’ve gotten used to it. You’d think that after all these years, they would have cured that shit. I guess they were too concerned with cancer or something. AIDs. Polio.”
Adam laughed at this and shook his head, rubbing his eyes. “First… I think they eradicated Polio back in the 1900s. And second I think it’s okay that they’ve come up with some pretty potent cures to cancer and AIDs.” He looked over to Tommy who let out a big heavy sigh.
“Yeaaaaaah, fine. Whatever. Hurrah, we get to bareback without worry! But come on man, I get sleepy. I wanna sleep.” And to finish his very intelligent reply, he stuck out his bottom lip in a pout.
Adam couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing, actually doubling over both in shock and amusement at what had just come out of Tommy’s mouth. “Did you seriously just cheer at being able to bareback?” He asked between guffaws. Tommy chuckled but nodded, leaning his head back and watching him with a smile. “Oh, shit, you are something else, Tommy Joe. Something fucking else.” He wiped carefully under his eyes, clearing away the laughter tears without smearing his eyeliner before looking to Tommy again.
“I’ll take all that,” he waved his hand at Adam’s reaction now, in a circle. “As a compliment. But no, seriously. I am glad they cured all that shit. I mean we still have some bad bugs flying around, probably worse now that they’ve gotten resilient or whatever the fuck viruses do, but it’s nice to see medical research never went to the shitter.”
Adam was quiet a moment before he broke a big grin. “That was deep Tommy. I’m impressed.”
“Oh fuck off.” He laughed and pushed Adam’s feet off his chair.
Adam just smiled but didn’t comment on the blush that might have hit Tommy’s cheek, instead just swinging his feet right back up, waiting till Tommy draped his arm back over his ankles and then settling down into his chair more. “We have to get a bunch of vaccines and shit right? Preventative measures or something?”
“Yeah, you guys do, tomorrow. I don’t. I go out in space too much so I get them all regularly anyways.”
“Lucky fuck.”
“You know it, bitch.”
“Well you are aware that just means you have to come hold my hand through it all then, right?”
“What? Why can’t you get Mallory to do it? She’s the girl. That means she’s all sweet and motherly and full of feelings and shit right?”
“That’s derogatory and offensive and I won’t allow it on my ship. Plus, you’ll quickly learn that Mallory is a devil underneath all that sweet veneer and will probably be there laughing at me when I get a bunch of shots in my butt.” She would too, the bitch.
Tommy laughed at this, rolling his eyes. “How about Neil?”
“Would you want to hold your brother’s hand?”
“Assuming I had a brother? No. How about Zach?”
“Nah, he’d refuse just to torture me. Face it, pretty, you can’t escape your hand holding duties.”
“What if I want to be the one laughing at you?”
“Nope, not gonna happen.”
“Oh yeah? You gonna stop me?”
Adam felt the grin slowly spread over his lips and he looked up to meet Tommy’s eyes, not saying anything. Not vocally at least. Everything he needed to say he was saying with that look and by the way the smile slid off Tommy’s face as he licked his lips, Adam was sure he understood just fine. Adam tilted his head a little and lifted a brow, dropping his legs and enjoying the hard pound they made echo around the room. “You don’t think I can make you do it.” It wasn’t a question. His eyes flicked just momentarily to the up-down bob of Tommy’s adam’s apple before they were back on Tommy’s.
“Nope. I don’t think you have it in you, captain.”
Adam grinned at that and leaned in just a little more. He felt triumphant when Tommy leaned in too, the other man’s lips parting just a little. Adam was able to feel Tommy’s breath on his own lips and he caught the faint smell of coffee, something he found strangely attractive.
“You two done fucking around in here? Neil’s getting on our asses about packing.” It was Zach. The soon to be dead Zach.
Disappointed didn’t begin to describe how Adam felt when Tommy pulled back and looked away, though he could tell Tommy was probably feeling the same thing. Adam shot Zach a look that clearly said ‘thanks a lot for the ultimate fucking cockblock’ but Zach only returned a smile, stepping aside when Tommy got up to leave.
“Tommy wait.” Adam swiveled around to look at the technician.
“Yeah?” He tipped his head back but didn’t look at Adam.
“You going to be there tomorrow?”
The smile that hit Tommy’s face this time was troublesome and as he cut his eyes across to Adam, Adam could clearly see the challenge written in them. “Maybe. We’ll see.” Do your worst. Adam only grinned at his retreating figure.
Challenge accepted.
---
Author’s Notes: This chapter totally got away from me. I guess that’s what happens when you go over a month without writing anything to a story like this. I hadn’t realized it’d been so long so first, I’m sorry. And second I hope this makes up for the random break I took there. Between finishing my undergraduate degree, moving back home and getting sick (twice, I might add!) I hadn’t found a good amount of time to sit down and just write these guys. I did a few one-shots but nothing for this. But the lull is over! Yay. And I can happily say their muses are kicking strong. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take this chapter and I definitely didn’t expect it to end up here but I’m really pleased with the outcome. I didn’t want the story to just end up somewhere without any character/relationship development. So here’s a butt ton of witty banter for ya. Witty banter and bedroom eyes. What more could a girl ask for, eh? I don’t know when the next chapter will surface for sure but definitely sometime next week so keep an eye out for that. Until then, cheers my lovelies!
Credits:Glamily belongs to themselves. Space belongs to Vader. Everything else belongs to me.