Archive of Our Own ^beta

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The captain let go. Mark flew into the wormhole after begging the captain to let go of him, that he could fix everything. In the end, they believed him. Mark ended up fixing everything, the warp core was gone and so was the crystal. The next thing the head engineer knew, he was in his cryo pod. The computer saying that the software update was complete, something Mark had heard over and over before. It was gonna be different though. Everything was gonna be ok! The male stepped out of the pod, getting two mugs of coffee ready. He knew how hard it was to get used to coming out of cryo sleep.

With both mugs of hot coffee in hand, he waited for the captain to come out. To see their beautiful and/or handsome face greet him. As everyone went over their stations the captain still hadn't come out. Mark set down the full mug and the empty one, having already drunk all of his. He went to CC to see what was taking so long. She gave him a little bit of a side eye, not wanting to deal with his shit but even she noticed that the captain shouldn't be in cryo for that long.

“That's odd…let me see what's wrong” CC said as she looked over the captain's pod. Nothing was wrong with it, it was like they were just stuck inside or they didn't want to come out. CC opened up the door to see the captain, they didn't open their eyes or even reacted to the door being open. Mark took their hand and he felt his heart drop. It was ice cold, usually cryo wouldn't freeze you.

“Get me medical, NOW!” He yelled at the woman as she ran frantically. Mark gently took them out of the pod, placing them on the hard floor. “Captain? Cmon this isn't funny!” HIs fingers get against your wrist, hoping to feel a pulse. Even just a faint one…he didnt feel anything. Mark felt his blood go cold as CC came back with medical. Everything went in slow motion for Mark, Burt pulling him back as he thrashed to stay by the captain's side. They stuck together for so long, it can't end like this! Mark cried out as they were put in a black bag. CC looked down to her feet, Burt looked desivated, and Gunter hid his tears with his sunglasses. Mark was the worst of them all, trying to go after the bag, wanting to go back in time to save you. But the damage was done, with the crystal gone and blackhole fixed, Mark wasn't immortal anymore. And neither were you.

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There was a funeral held for you when the Invincible finally made it to its destination. The atmosphere was heavy as the colonies of people woke up, the crew helping them get adjusted to being on their feet again. Mark was nowhere to be found when they landed, he was stuck in the captain's room, dressed in his formal uniform.
“I wish I told you how I felt before everything happened,” The engineer said to the empty room. Inside the room was a big plush bed that was made, photos of Mark and the captain hung along the wall, along with photos of the whole crew when they first took off. There was a diploma showing that you had graduated from the space academy. Random trinkets from places you've been, littered the dresser along with the night stand. On the right was the closet with uniforms hung up and casual clothes. On the left was the bathroom, the mirror had motivational messages written on it. Mark wondered how many speeches you practiced in front of there. He remembered making you laugh whenever he came bursting in, or when you both would just spend some time together. He smiled gently at the thoughts.

“Head engineer, it would probably be best if you get going” The computer reminded Mark of the funeral he was supposed to be at. “Of course” He said in a soft voice as he left the room, knowing he would be back just to reminisce.

As he left the ship, CC was the first one to greet him. “How are you holding up?” It was the first time she didn't say a snide remark, just getting right to the point. “Not that great...I miss them a lot,” Mark said, looking toward the strange colored ground. CC frowned and wrapped an arm around him. “We all miss them, it was unfair how they were taken from us so early” Mark felt a pang of guilt, it was his fault they were gone right? If he just accepted that he couldn't fix it then maybe they would still be here now.

“Yeah” The female led him to the service, tons of chairs set up for the crew and colonies alike. A framed picture of the captain smiling made marks heart ache. What he wouldn't give to see you smile again. Mark took a seat as Burt went up to the stand, everyone quieted down as he looked at the casquet. He too was in his formal wear, like the rest of the crew.

“We have lost a dear friend, someone who always made the right choices and looked out for us like we were a family. I like to believe we are. It's hard to believe that our beloved captain is gone though. They were always so full of hope, putting a smile on everyone's face whenever they walked into a room.” Burt gave a small sniff as he held back the tears that threatened to flow. “But most of all they were the best captain a crew could ask for. No one would be able to replace them” He dabbed his eyes and cleared his throat. “If anyone would like to say anything please come up now” Burt just looked like he wanted to get out of there quickly so he could cry in peace.

As Burt left, Mark took the stage. A few stray tears fell from his eyes. “I knew y/n before the Invincible, we were roommates at the space academy. Their laugh was always so contagious and it hurt to see them sad.” It was Mark's turn to hold back tears but he was unsuccessful. “I don't know where I would be without them, probably still on Earth doing nothing with my life” He choked back a sob as his mind went to the last time he and the captain saw each other. They smiled at their head engineer, trusting him enough to let go. At the thought, the tears never stopped coming. “I owe my life to them, and I wasn't able to save them, '' Mark whispered as he got off the podium, quickly making a break for it back on the ship. He didn't care about who called after him, he needed to be alone right now.

The head engineer went right into the captain's room, falling to the floor as he broke down. “Fuck! It should've been me, not you! I built the damn worpcore, I caused this mess! If anyone should be dead it's me!” He cried out, his salty tears falling onto the floor. He yelled until his voice became raw, thinking it would bring them back but it never did. “I love you, y/n” As Mark said that something beeped, the computer saying access granted. His eyes went to your tablet that lit up. It was a video, of you. Mark hesitated before pressing play.

“Well hello my head engineer! I figured it would be you since no one else should be able to access these. One of two things happened, we finally told each other our feelings or I’m dead” The males heart ached, hearing that the captain felt the same way about him. “I'm just gonna take a guess that I’m dead since I honestly don't think I’ll ever be able to tell you my feelings” They gave a nervous chuckle as their nose scrunched up. It was one of the things Mark loved about you. “Anyway this is what I wanted you to see. Ever since the academy I’ve been making little captains logs I guess. I figured you would want to see them since I’m dead and shit. I’ve lost count of how many there are but go nuts Mark. Just don’t show anyone else. Some are really awkward” Mark gave a small laugh as the captain's eyes brightened. “I love you Mark, no matter where we both are, I’ll always love you” The video stopped and the male started to cry all over again. “I love you too Y/n”

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Mark couldn't remember when he fell asleep or when he got into the captain's bed but he woke up, staring at the white ceiling. He took a deep breath through his nose, the smell of them making his heart ache before he let out a breath through his mouth. He hadn't seen the other videos yet, knowing it would take awhile because of how many there were, also because of the fact that he really wasn't mentally ready for it.

Mark laid on the bed for a while, pretending that you were right there with him. His mind conjured up the captain waking him up and running their fingers through his fluffy hair. There was a time where they would both just lay next to each but that time was long gone, making Mark miss it.

The head engineer only got up because he was needed at the bridge, surprised that everyone wasn't setting up on the planet. He noticed that he was still in his formal wear and went to get dressed. He moved slower than usual, not really wanting to interact with anyone but the person who was gone. His footsteps were soft as he went to the bridge, his eyes glazing at the different rooms.

When Mark opened the door, his eyes were met with CC, Gunther and Burt. They looked at him with guilt which made Mark slightly angry. Why did they look at him like that? Yes it hurt that his best friend and crush was gone but he didn't want to be treated differently because of it!

“Why are you guys here? Aren't you supposed to be helping the colonists?” Mark said with a tired voice. CC spoke up first, “With the passing of Y/n…we need a new captain. Or else headquarters will send someone or we’ll have to return to Earth” That made Mark furious, gritting his teeth, “It's barely been a day! They already want a new captain!?” Burt looked a little nervous like he was about to poke an angry bee hive. “We believe that you should be the new captain, given that you were their right hand man and that the computer was programmed for yours and y/n's voice” The head engineer felt his stomach quease at the thought of being captain, he remembered what happened to the first invincible, the crew most likely believed that he had grown since then. It hurt though, to think that already they needed a new captain.

Mark's anger went away the more he thought about the situation. “I want a week to decide. Computer tell headquarters that we need a week” The computer responded with a ''of course” as the three nodded. “Until then I want to be left alone, you're free to help the colonists or grieve. I dont give a shit” With that Mark left them, not wanting to hear another word.

Mark entered the captain's room, locking the door behind him. In his hand was a protein bar and a mug of coffee. He took a seat on the bed and laid against the headrest. Looking over at the tablet, he debated on whether or not to open Pandora's box. Mark's curiosity won as he took the tablet in his hands, playing the oldest video.

The screen showed off your face as you gave a small smile. “I’ve decided to make Captain's logs, well hopefully I'll be a future captain. I mean I am at the best space academy there is! Oh wait! Here's my room” You showed off your small but comfortable dorm. There was a bunk bed, a small closet, a desk and a few nicknacks that belonged to you. “I haven't met my roommate yet, I heard their name was Mark? I don't know, kinda sounds like a douche name” Mark laughed as the video ended, clicking on the next one.

This one started with you and Mark showing up on the screen. “So what is this for? Some project?” Mark asked, looking like a kid with his spiked up hair. You just rolled your eyes. “Nono it's kinda like a video log but I call them Captains log. Yes I know I’m not a captain yet but I can dream” You said with a shrug as Mark chuckled. “So what, you just want me to talk to it?” You gave a quick nod. “Uhhh ok, well I’m Mark. I’m from Ohio and now I’m here! And this idiot’s roommate, I’ve also wanted to see space for so long, ever since I was little. I just hope my dream comes true.” You looked at Mark, smiling widely at him. “We’ll both achieve our dreams Mark, I know we will”

The video ended and present Mark gave a sad smile, remembering their college days. “We both achieved our dreams”

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Your laugh echoed throughout the room, the sunken eyed head engineer watching you. Mark had spent the last two days just watching the logs. He would get up to go to the bathroom, eat, and drink but other than that he was just in your room. The logs felt like an escape from the harsh reality, when the videos ended Mark would remember what happened. Only to go back watching the logs. Some would say that this was unhealthy, that he should be moving on. But how was he supposed to move on from someone who gave him so many memories?

You were laughing with Mark, both of you playing Slenderman. Mark was giving you hints on what to do, telling you to not look at him in the eyes. “What if he just needs some love! Plus maybe he's really handsome!” You argued as your character looked straight at Slenderman, only for him to kill you. You gave a frown to Mark as he snatched the controller from your hands.

“Y/n, you probably think that about everyone. Maybe some people are really out to get you.” the male said as he started up another game, immediately going to get the drawings. You waved off what he said like he was crazy.
“If I’m gonna be a good captain, I’m gonna have to listen to everyone's opinion and try not to see the bad. It’ll just cloud my judgment” You gave a small shrug as Mark looked over at you. He gave you a smile before going back to the game.
“You're right, you really will make a great captain someday”
The head engineer put down the tablet and rubbed his eyes. He went into the bathroom, seeing himself in the mirror. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair going in all kinds of directions. Long story short, he looked like an absolute mess. Mark took a deep breath, closing the door and stripping down. He turned the shower on and stepped inside, hissing at the coldness before going warm. As the water ran over the males body, he started to clean off his tired body. He washed, rinsed, lather and repeated before stepping out of the shower. A towel was wrapped around Mark's hips, water dripped from his hair. He wiped off the steam from the mirror, the reflection looked kinda better. He actually looked like he cared about the world.

Mark went to his own room, putting on some sweats and a casual shirt. His plan was to do what he did the two days before, those were changed when the computer said he was needed at the storage area. Mark let out a loud groan, “I thought I told them that I wanted to be left alone” He grumbled all the way to storage, once inside his eyes met with Macks. Of course he should've known it was Mack. That motherfucker always loved to tell the head engineer what he did wrong and how he would be a better leader.

“What do you want Mack?” Mark said begrudgingly. Mack chuckled, looking at the head engineer up and down.
“Really let yourself go since our beloved captain passed huh?” Mark clenched up his fist, would it be worth it to punch this smart ass in his face? In Mark's mind, yes it would be. But he needed to keep his cool..for now.
“You didn't answer my question ASSISTANT head engineer” Mack fummed slightly as Mark laughed in his mind. He loved reminding the other of his position and how it really wasn't that important.
“Actually I called you here to talk about that. I heard that you might be the next captain so I guess I’ll just have to be the next head engineer. And I’m sure I’ll get all the benefits that you did, right computer?” Mark's eyes widened as the computer confirmed what Mack had said. He felt like he was cornered. Either he would have to let someone else be captain or, the worst possibility, let Mack have control of the ship. Mark gave a small, hateful smile.
“That's MIGHT Mack. Now if you'll excuse me I have things to do and so do you” Mark walked away before Mack called out. “Sure! Have fun letting yourself deteriorate!” Mark just hated Mack even more.

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Mark was stressed, stuck in a way. He only had a few more days to decide if he wants to be the next captain. And if he said yes then Mack would be the next head engineer, with all the power that Mark has. No he couldn't change the computer settings because Mack wouldn't think that's fair and then report him to headquarters. He was at a loss on what to do, even with the crew he believed that none of them would really be fit to take on the role of captain. Hell, even he didn't fit the criteria, you did. With what happened before and what Mark knew, you still put the crew first. You wanted to save everyone from the blackhole, even with all the mistakes you made, you wanted everyone to be left alive. Mark was wrong to accuse you of ruining everything when he ripped out the crystal, he wished he could have apologized before you left.

Mark's eyes went over to the tablet that was left on the bed. Your scent was fading from it everytime the head engineer laid on it or slept on it. He hated how it was fading, the smell of you brought comfort to him. The scent brought him back to the academy days of when you hugged him, or even when he was hugged on the ship. It was one of the things that he missed about you. Hell he just missed you in general. That's why he decided it was finally time to visit you.

With the tablet in hand and a few things in a backpack, Mark ventured out of the ship. He groaned as the sun blinded him, but was surprised to see how the colonists were coming along. There were layouts of new buildings, walls already up. There were tents spread around for everyone to stay in until the buildings were up. Children were running around the safe perimeter, giggling as they did. Gunther, Burt and CC were helping out the town, noticing Mark as they all give him their own version of a smile. Mark gave them a small wave as he ventured away from the makeshift town.

A dirt mound stood out and a wooden grave was there, with the carved out words of ‘rest in piece Y/n L/n’ Your birthday and death date were on the bottom along with saying how great of a captain you were. Gifts from the crew and different colonists were littered around the grave. Some were cards of thanks and others were flowers or stuffed animals. Mark took notice of the children's cards along with Burts poem of thanks. He couldn't help but smile at the sight, taking a seat right next to the grave.

“Yeah yeah I know. I should've been here sooner, it's just been…hard without you here to say the least. I felt like you always knew what to do, how to cheer people up, how to make me feel better” Mark was met with silence, taking out his water bottle he took a few gulps of it. “I've been watching the captain's logs. I remember you talking about them, it feels like a lifetime ago.” With how many alternate universes you both went through, it really was a lifetime ago. “My favorite so far is probably when you recorded us playing Five nights together and you laughed at me saying I am the king of Five nights at freddys” His mind echoed with your laugh, like you were still around.

“I miss you captain. I don't know how everyone else is taking it but I swear you took my heart with you when you left.” The head engineer felt a lump in his throat as he tried to swallow it down. He had already cried so much, how did he still have tears? “I should've told you how I felt, how I fell in love with you back in the academy. Fuck I’m an idiot!” He dung his fingers into his hair, tears slipping from his brown eyes. “I want you here y/n, I want to be able to hug you again, kiss you if you'd let me, go back to how things were before” He choked and looked at the grave, a reminder that this was reality.

Mark slowly gained his composure as he took the tablet. He swallowed hard as he pulled up the next video. The room was dark, only to be lit up slightly by the lamp that was turned up. The male noticed himself in the background fast asleep as you sat down in front of the camera. Your hair was a slight mess, looking like you had just rolled out of bed to record your thoughts.

“I can't sleep. My mind keeps racing, thinking about him. I feel like a broken record, thinking about our memories together over and over. I’m gonna go crazy” You said in a hushed voice in order not to wake your roommate. “I dont know what it is, his goofy laugh, his stupid smile and his hair that I want to run my fingers through…but hes my roommate! I'm not supposed to like him” Mark realized that this was a confession video, that you fell in love with him back at the academy. He looked over at the grave like you were supposed to rise from the dead and answer all the questions he had.
“I’m sure after we graduate we won't see each other again. We would probably be a good team, an unstoppable force. As a couple or just as friends” You turned towards the sleeping figure, smiling slightly to yourself. “I shouldn't deny it. I’m in love with my best friend” The video stopped, more tears ran down Mark's red cheeks. He regretted not telling you even more.

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The sun was setting on the day, making the head engineer frown slightly. He had been watching more videos, noticing how differently you acted around him after you logged your confession. You were definitely more blushy and a little bit nervous like you just met him. Mark mentally slapped his past self for not noticing but at the same time they were approaching graduation.

Mark finished that last video, looking at the grave one last time. “This was fun, maybe I’ll come back tomorrow.” All that Mark heard was the wind blowing. He lugged the backpack, heading back to the ship. Before he went inside he was stopped by CC. “Hey Mark, can I talk to you?” Mark repressed the aggravated sigh but nodded. CC followed him in and they went to a meeting room. One where the captain would talk to everyone who was the head of their stations and get their opinions on different ideas.

They both took a seat and Mark noticed the sadness in CC eyes, he knew what was coming. “Mark I understand what your going through and I know that-” Mark gritted his teeth, looking at her with fire in his eyes. “Shut the fuck up. You don't understand what I’m going through! No one does!” He yelled, making CC flinch slightly.
“Then why don't you tell me?” Mark scoffed and leaned back in his chair. “You would put me in a mental hospital if I told you. But I'll give you the short version, it's my fault the captain is gone. I built the warp core! I WAS THE REASON THAT THEY DIED! ITS ALL MY FUCKING FAULT!” He gripped the armrests, digging his nails into the leather. “TELL ME CELCIONNA HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITH MYSELF KNOWING THAT I WAS THE ONE WHO KILLED THE ONE I LOVED?!” Tears were streaming down Mark's cheeks as CC looked guilty. She hesitantly took Mark's hand, rubbing it gently.

“You slowly move on, you don't forget about them but maybe think about the good things. I know that the captain wouldn't want you to be like this, to be this sad about their death” Mark wanted to yell more, wanted to scream that they weren't here to tell him what to do. But all the came out was a choked sob, before turning into actual sobs.

Mark felt CCs arms wrap around him as he cried into her. “I just miss them so much, and I didnt even tell them how I felt” He said, letting out a muffled wail. No matter how much CC and Mark bickered, they were there for each other. If CC didn't care about him, she wouldn't be here right now, hugging him as he cried. It did hurt her to see him like this, always upbeat and outgoing but the passing of the captain really put a dent in the head engineer.

After about ten minutes of Mark crying into CC, the sibs became small whimpers. The female looked down at him, rubbing his back. “Do you feel any better?” Mark just gave a weak nod as he pulled away from CC. “Yeah, I’m sorry you had to see that” She shrugged and waved it off. “Don’t worry about it, what are friends for right?” Mark smiled slightly, thanking her as he went off to the rooms.

As Mark stopped at the captains quarters, he thought for a moment. CCs words of slowly moving on echoed in his head. Maybe this was the first step to it. He continued on and went to his own room. He took a deep breath before letting out a long sigh. He dumped his backpack on the side, putting the tablet on the nightstand as he got ready for bed.

Mark slipped into his bed, the covers were slightly cold but it didn't really bug him. He took the tablet and watched the next log.

“WE MADE IT MARK!” You cheered, having a graduation cap and gown on. Your smile was so bright as Mark appeared on the video. He was wearing the same outfit as you, a huge grin on him. “WE DID IT!! YOU'RE GONNA BE A CAPTAIN AND I'M GONNA BE AN ENGINEER!!” You laughed boastfully, practically jumping up and down. Present Mark remembered this day like it was yesterday. After graduation you helped each other pack and played video games. It was like a party just for the two of you. Mark thought he wasn't gonna see you again after that day, but he was glad that wasn't the case in the end. The video was over, noticing there were only five more videos left and then you would be gone. And he was ok with that.

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It was the first time Mark fell asleep in his own bed, but it was ridden with nightmares. The pain that came with eons of working on the warp core, knocking out his captain the one he trusted so much. His mind was clouded, not really thinking and thought everything was the captain's fault. Mark finally woke up in a cold sweat, immediately noticing that he was in his quarters. He rubbed his head, groaning softly. It was four in the morning, only a few more hours until everyone else woke up. His eyes went over to the tablet, picking it up and playing the next video.

You were in a different setting then the dorm room that Mark was used to, maybe an apartment? He could tell that a few years had passed, just by looking at you. Your face looked older, more handsome and/or beautiful. You looked more like the present captain. You gave a sigh as you rubbed your left eye, as if you've been crying. “I got a letter today, saying that a company I’m just gonna call headquarters had requested me to be the captain of a ship called the invincible two.” Mark thought that you would be happy about this, being captain was your dream. You continued on “I heard what happened to the first one, and I know who built it” You let out a humorless chuckle. “Mark Edward Fischbach. I didn’t think I would see him again but here I am, being requested to be the captain of his new ship. It should be a good thing and in a way I’m excited but I know my feelings will come about again.” You paused for a minute.

“My feelings never left. Even with not seeing each other, I know I have feelings for him. How could I not? Mark just always seems so happy, the way his eyes light up, and his pink lips that just seem so…kissable. He probably had a glow up over the last few years, maybe has a partner now” Mark was blushing hard at your words, seeing you frown at the thought of him being taken. “I’m gonna take the job, this is my dream and I’m not gonna let my stupid feelings get in the way”

The screen went black, Mark seeing his red face on the screen. He felt slightly guilty that the captain almost didn't become the captain because of him. Even if they got together, it would have gone against protocol. Mark would have fought it for you, after all you were the love of his life.

Mark plugged in the tablet, turning it back on as he played the next video. You were in your captain's uniform, looking nervous but also excited. “I guess this is the official captain's log. In an hour I get sent to be the invincible, my first ever ship. I’m so nervous but it'll be worth it. I’m excited to see my crew, the people I'll see for the rest of my days? Maybe, I’m mostly excited to see Mark, see how much he's grown” Mark could see a blush creeping up on your cheeks before you cleared your throat. “Anyway I guess I’ll see you on the other side huh?” The video ended and Mark turned off the tablet, rubbing his eyes.

He forced himself to get up, changed his clothes and decided that he needed something to do. He was the head engineer after all. He opened his tasks on his datapad, smiling slightly where he saw that he was needed to fix things. It gave Mark a sense of purpose, wanting to help those in need.

The first task he had was checking on the invincible engine, just in case it was needed in an emergency. There was still so much that hasn't been explored on the planet, they didn't know what enemies could be lurking in the shadows.Mark grabbed his toolbox along with a rag that he was planning on using for the grease. He walked into the engine room, asking the computer to put on his work playlist.

After he was done with the engine, he moved onto his next task. And the next. And the next, all of it giving the head engineer a sense of normality. Every time he crossed something off the list, it felt so satisfying. Everyone was on the planet, making sure that everything was running smoothly while Mark took care of his baby.

Mark was down to one of the last tasks, the day going by super fast. He went to the bridge, looking out the giant window that he flew out of in a few universes. He felt the captain's hand, holding onto his like his life depended on it. He didn't know it did at the time. The head engineers eyes looked over towards the cryopod, hoping that maybe the captain would just come out of it and hug him. It never happened.

Mark's task was to fix the control panel, Burt having noticed that a few wires were poking out. He got onto the floor, sliding underneath the panel. The male knew what Burt was talking about as soon as he slid under it. He put on different gloves, not really wanting to electrocute himself. The last thing the crew needed was another dead member. Mark unscrewed a panel and got to work, humming to himself. Once he was finished, the computer said memories restored. The male blinked confused, quickly screwing the panel back in before getting back up. The screen showed a would you like to see memories with a yes and a no button. Of course, Mark clicked yes.

The screen showed moments between the captain and the head engineer, even showing those with different universes. Mark was a little bit confused about that part but watched regardless. After the moments, CC, Burt and Gunter were shown on screen.

“I’m worried about Mark, yes he's an asshat but he's taking this worse than any of us” CC told the two boys.

“Probably because he was in love with them” Gunter pointed out, CC and Burt looking at him like he was crazy. Gunther rolled his eyes “you really haven't noticed how they look at each other? Mark even said that he trusts the captain more than himself. I felt like they were being so obvious to each other, even though the other couldn't see it” Gunther explained, lighting up his cigar and taking a puff of it. CC coughed at the smoke.

“If it was the case it would make sense. Mark looked at the captain like he wanted to hand them the stars, and the captain seemed like they would go to the ends of the earth for him…or universe” Burt explained, messing with his wrench a little.

“I don't think there is anything we can do about it now though. Mark has been in their room for days now, only really coming out for the essentials. I don't think asking him to be the new captain helped anything either” They all shuddered, remembering how made the head engineer got.

“Well let's leave him be for now. When he's ready we'll have some tasks for him to do, just to make him feel better. Don't cause anything but if something looks out of place just let him do it” Gunther suggested as CC nodded.

“Sounds like a plan” Mark felt himself smile, knowing that his friends, even CC cared about him. He was surprised that he didn't notice the signals the captain was giving him, but that's what love does. You don't think that the person you have a crush on likes you so you don't notice the small signals.
Mark checked off, fixing the control panel, feeling exhaustion take over him. He went into his room, taking a shower to wash off all the grease. It was almost time for dinner so real quick he watched a log.

This time, you were completely red in the face. It was dark but Mark knew you were on the invincible now and in your quarters. “Wow, ok so Mark had a HUGE glow up. Like glow up of the century. He grew out his hair and it's like his face changed a little and his eyes just got bigger. But holy shit, is he hot! He greeted me too and showed me around the ship. I'm sure he recognized my name but didn't really say anything. To be honest, I barely remember what he said during the tour, I was just watching him” You snickered slightly “He's got a nice ass too.” Mark's eyes widened as he blushed hard once again. “I really shouldnt be saying that about my head engineer/second in command but either way, hes hot as fuck” You laughed before the video ending abruptly, probably because you were being too loud and disturbing everyone else.

Mark snickered to himself before putting the tablet on the nightstand. He put on some casual clothes before leaving the ship and joining the colonists along with his crew for dinner. And to say the least, it was nice to be with his friends.

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Mark knew there were only two more videos to go, the week having almost ended. Tomorrow he had to decide if he was willing to take up the mantle as captain. He didn't think he would be able to, he wasn't as strong as the captain, he couldn't make the decisions that would impact everyone and have either good or bad consequences. There was just so much pressure to being captain, pressure he wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared for. Mark would have to figure this out later, right now he wanted to see you.

The tablet was back in the head engineer's hands, feeling an impending doom with the last two videos. He felt as if they were taunting him, with a slightly shaking hand, Mark pressed play.

The captain's blood shot eyes looked into the camera, tears running down your cheeks. Mark felt his heart clench, wishing he could travel through the screen and wipe away your tears. With a shaky breath you started to speak, “I don’t know what's happening, everything was fine, I fixed it all! But now I’m back, I’m back and the console was on fire, I lost Mark and-” You looked overwhelmed, more tears flowing from your eyes. “I’m so scared. I lost my best friend, the person I trust the most. I could have saved him!” the alarm blared, the computer warning the captain that different systems were shutting down. Mark could see them panic, looking back towards the camera. “I couldn't save him but I’ll save them”

The video stopped, Mark was staring at the captain's determined but also terrified face. He remembered the universe where the window broke and he was sucked into space. Mark felt his hand start to shake again as he felt his lungs start to collapse. The oxygen was being sucked out of him, all the sudden he was back in space. Mark's chest started to constrict, gasping for air, taking gulps but his lungs were not cooperating. The darkness started to close in, panic was setting in. The head engineer heard the computer say something but it was too far. He didn't know what was happening as hands grabbed his shoulders, another voice trying to reach him. Mark couldn't hear and pretty soon everything just went dark.

When the head engineer's eyes opened he was back in the warp core room, making him start to panic again but it wasn't on. Someone stood next to it, their gloved hand tracing the machine. “Crazy how this almost ended everything” the voice reached Mark's ears and his eyes widened. The being turned, having a small smirk on their face. “But you always did create amazing things huh Mark?” You said before Mark practically ran into you, his big strong arms wrapping around your waist. Mark took you in, your scent, what you looked like and just everything. His face was buried into your neck, your arms wrapping around his lower back.

“I missed you. Fuck I missed you so much” Mark whispered into you, feeling his cheeks start to get wet with tears. You, yourself started to cry with him, squeezing your head engineer harder.

“I missed you too Mark. I didn’t mean to just leave you like that” Mark shook his head, pulling away and putting his hand on your cheek. You leaned into him, his thumb wiping away fresh tears.

“Don't you dare. None of this was your fault. Yes things could've been done differently but…its in the past.” You slowly nodded, knowing Mark's uncertain voice at this point. Your eyes looked into his chocolate brown eyes, your hands going to his cheeks. You held him for a few seconds, memorizing every part of his face, before leaning in. Mark didn’t step away, accepting you. You continued to lean in, your lips connecting with Marks.

The kiss was soft, Mark's lips tasting like salt from his tears, yours weren't any better. You both moved in sync, feeling a hunger rise up in you as you jumped, wrapping your legs around Mark's waist. Your head engineer's arms went to your legs, holding onto you like you could disappear. You bit his lower lip, a signal to open his mouth which he obliged to. Your slick wet tongue slipped into his mouth, leaving no stone unturned in his mouth. Mark moved to the control console, throwing you against it as you continued to kiss. Your lips broke apart as Mark moved to your neck, sucking and nibbling on the skin. A small pleasurable moan escaped your lips as the male bit your skin. “Mark, Mark, fuck” you said with a groan, Mark stopped and looked into your sweet eyes. Another thing he missed so so much.

“Is this okay? Do you want me to stop?” Mark asked with concern laced in his voice. You looked at him, frowning slightly, putting your lips back onto his. Mark's heart raced, feeling as if this is a goodbye. You both parted, and with a sad smile, the captain disappeared. “Wait no. No. No, no please don’t go! Don’t leave me again!” Mark yelled out, looking around the room as if you were hiding. “Please come back!”

Mark gasped, shooting straight up. He turned and threw up on the side of his bed, coughing as the rest came out. His eyes started to look around, noticing that he was in the medical wing. The subtle bleeping and the oxygen flowing into his nose through a canal. No one was there with him, he was completely alone. Mark bit his lip as he tried to hold back his emotions. He ended up screaming and just like that everyone was in his room. Except for his captain.