pollen

How you two met was accidental:

You were clad in plain clothes, picking out chips and soda at 2am at the convenience store. To be fair, it was when not a lot of people were out and are asking for your pictures all the time. Not that you’re ungrateful, but God forbid a woman wants to be alone for once. You reach the next brand of chips, pushing the stubborn wheeled cart before you. Picking another bag, and another, and— maybe a tub of ice cream isn’t too bad. Diet be damned. You haven’t eaten anything you actually like ever since you had to prepare for your action role. “Excuse me!” You srunch your eyes closed. Great. You were already back to your natural hair color, in the worst pajama combo imaginable and you were still recognized? Why is a kid even out at this hour? Dropping the bags into your cart and fumbling with your shades and hood and turned. “…Yes?” The little girl waddled closer and gripped your pant leg, “Can you help me find my Mom?”

You stood there, blinking down at her. First, relief because somehow your disguise worked, second, worry because who leaves their child alone in the convenience store at 2am? You let go of your cart and knelt, “Okay, um, do you know where you last saw your Mom?” your head whipped around and peeked through neighboring aisles to check. There were few here but none were what you were looking for. “I don’t remember… I just wanted to check the gummies and I looked over and she was gone!” she animatedly retold. You stood up, giving your hand to her, “Come on, I was about to pay for these anyway. Maybe we’ll find your mom once we’re out in the open.” She took your hand and you started to walk. “What’s your name?” you tried to push your cart but forgot that one wheel had a mind of its own. You braced your forearm on the handle to manage it. “Amanda.” “All right, Amanda, let’s find your Mom, okay? I’m sure she won’t leave without you.”

Both of you arrived at the cashier. Your eyes still sweeping over the store for the physical descriptors the girl gave you. Dark curly hair, tall, was wearing something grey. Someone passed by, nope. That’s a man. And that’s a college student hogging energy drinks. No one seems to be at the tables by the window. Then you see her, silhouette thorugh the products at least but it was obvious she was frantic. Head whipping to skim through the aisles. You raised a hand and waved largely, “H-hey! Excuse me! Lady with the scarf?” immediately, she emerged from the shelves.

“Amanda!” Her once raised shoulders dropped and rushed up to take her into her arms. You stepped aside. “Mommy!”

“I was looking everywhere for you, I told you to stay put.” She rubbed down the sides of Amanda’s arms as if to make sure she was there . Her attention turned to you, adjusting the scarf around her neck that has loosened to her shoulders no doubt from her efforts. She stood to her full height, towering over you. “I’m so sorry, she usually doesn’t run off like this. I owe you.”

You raised your hands and shook your head, “No! No, really, it’s fine. I’m glad to see that she’s back and safe with you.” You were expecting another kind praise before she left but the way she stared at your get-up had you feeling self-conscious than any audition room could induce. “Sunglasses at night?” you had to repress a physical reaction from your own disguise choices but managed to reply. “Yeah, uh… my eyes are pretty sore right now, and these help so,” you’re sure that’s not medically accurate. You moved forward in the line, placing your items on the counter, beeps from the scanner filling the momentary silence.

“Here, I’ve got some eyedrops,” the woman began to rummage through her bag as before handing a small bottle to you. “No, no, really it’s fine–” “I insist, Amanda is the same too. Been trying to get her off her tablet these days. It’s not good for her.” the bottle was still extended to you, nudging the air. “Please?”

You stood, torn between not wanting to disappoint the kind (and pretty) lady and blowing your cover. The former won over. You took the small bottle and turned around, lifting your shades to pretend administer the drops. Sliding them back on, you popped the lid back and gave it to her.

“I’m Ripley. Ellen Ripley” She introduced herself, slipping it back into her bag, watching you gather your cash to pay. “And, as you heard, this is Amanda. We just came here to get some midnight snacks.” she reached down to ruffle her hair. It was here the little girl was able to get a better chance to look at you. Her head tilts, brows furrowing as she racks her head as to why you look so familiar. Clearing your throat you looked away, “Y/N. Here for my snacks too” you slid your cart out of the way and gathered your purchases and slung them over your arm. “Get home safe you two.” you quickly left the store.

that interaction hadn’t left Ellen’s mind. Not because of how odd you dressed but how little Amanda’s been insisting that she thinks you’re that cool lady that was playing an elf she saw on TV but Ellen didn’t get a good look at you to say for sure.

Amanda loves the characters you play and considers herself the biggest fan of yours which is also the main reason why you and Ellen start to see each other more.

(the kid wants to confirm her suspicions lmao)

You pass by each other on the sidewalk? Best believe Amanda will attach herself to you and begin rambling about anything. Ellen, embarassed yet amused would lightly scold her because she didn’t want to bother you since you seem like a busy person.

You weren’t busy at all. Just coming home after a 9pm to 7am shoot. But, seeing the two eased your exhaustion and you couldn’t resist treating Amanda to ice cream. This is when you and Ellen start to talk more and also when you realize that she has no idea who you are which you found refreshing.

(…just hope that Ripley doesn’t notice about the papparazis hiding in their cars and taking pictures)

Safe to say, she’s the neighbor that you feel the most comfortable talking with

At first she finds it odd how you abhor the idea of going out to crowded places (mall, park, carnivals…) and insisted that you and her hang out in more secluded spots (hidden cafes, bars, etc) but didn’t question it

With your hectic schedule, you had to say no to meet ups frequently which she always met with a gentle “It’s alright, we can find time next time.”

SKIP TO DATING PHASEEEE

It wasn’t until she was hanging out with the crew she realized she was dating YOU.

It started when Hudson was geeking over this new sci-fi action movie being dropped later this year. With everyone sharing the same sentiment, Ripley wanted in on the movie. The moment Hudson showed the poster on his phone? She goes “Oh hey, that looks a lot like Y/N.”

Everyone laughs and thinks Ripley is joking. She isn’t. It was there and then everybody was connecting the dots.

1. they never met you before 2. Ripley’s mystery gf is nervous and lowkey avoids meeting her friends 3. Ripley’s gf who’s always busy

cue everyone freaking out when she proves them right by sharing a candid picture of you and a flabbergasted Hicks because Ripley’s dating his celebrity crush

In all honesty, Ripley was only just as shocked because it took her THAT long to figure it out

when she confronts you about this she is surprsingly calm but expresses her dismay that you didn’t tell her sooner. She can only imagine how stressful it is to have your job and whole life being pointed at by a camera. Not to mention the amount of people who are probably being negative to you on the internet. She understands if you didn’t mention it but she does ask for your full honesty here on out.

would totally and accidentally enter your room while you’re on live. profusely apologizing but you don’t mind!

“Wanna come here and say hi?” you extend a hand as it motioned over to uge her closer. Her usual confidence quite literally leaves her body. What’s your average viewer count? Right, almost a million. “It’s okay! They wanna see you too.” Eventually, Ripley takes a couple more steps inside but not into view yet. She thinks her hand on waving beside your head will suffice as an ‘appearance’ as you so called it but once she gets a gimpse of the live chat that are practically begging for more? (no cause me too)

Her confidence returns. She settles beside you, introducing herself briefly. The chat quite literally blows up “OMIGOD YOU GUYS THEY LOOK SO GOOD TOGETHERRR!!” “How are [random ship name] feeling right now?” “OMG SHE’S DATING HERRR?? BRO ISNT SHE THE ONE ON THAT SPACESHIP A YEAR AGO”

has more appearances later on.

GETS BOLDER TOO

would quite literally kiss you in front of the camera while you’re answering fan questions just to see that caught off guard look on your face

yes, the fans go crazy over it

she would also participate in AMAs because people think that it’s cool you’re dating a fucking astronaut who (in this au) they now see as their Christina Koch.

Once Amanda was old enough to have her own social media, she definitely flexes the fact that you’re her step-mom. And no, she definitely did not have numerous anonymous accounts dedicated to defending you from antis… Totally…

Ripley would go with you to events. Uncomfortable with the amount of flashing cameras which is why she’d rather focus on your presence.

If you were ever to be on family feud or other game shows, she’d be in the audience cheering you on. Glance her way and she’d be sitting there with the softest look only for you.

Slowly gets into the life of you being in the limelight. Amanda is more than excited though. She’s more than eager to explore your home and go straight to the room where your awards are displayed. No doubt, you’ll also be very supportive of her hobbies and even give her the opportunities to explore them.

Despite the vast difference of your lives, both of you find a compromise. you make time for her and her for you.

Ellen is extremely grateful to get to know you. She recognizes her privilege of knowing you beyond the camera, understanding the person you are beneath the glitz and glamour.

Will start to watch movies just because you’re in it….Maybe even save some edits.

Who cares if you’re the Evil Queen? You’re still a queen.

Oh? A cold, manipulative, and sadistic murderer? She’ll be glad to be your first victim (#downbad)

If you were ever fortunate enough to watch your movies with her, best believe she’ll be casting glances your way if there’s ever a scene where you wear something especially good.

Your kissing scenes with other actors don’t really faze her. In fact, she takes pride in being the only one who actually gets to have you for herself.

I headcanon that there WILL be fan accounts for you both, eating up and making edits of every appearance of you two together. Would even form a hashtag from your names for you both.

Her favorite roles are of when you are fantasy genres, crime, sci-fi and horror. Anything with action takes the cake. Seeing you in combative action has her feeling things…

Would surprise you by going to your fanmeet. Both of you end up running from your manager after to order at a cafe.

Ripley will beat a person up if they were to disrespect you. Papparazis trailing you would be firmly told to fuck off first as a warning before the fist follows, breaking their jaw and the camera.

Loves to help you with your lines. Would gently correct you while holding your script as you lay on the couch, trying to recall a 5-minute worth of monologue.

She relishes in all BTS photos you send and would even send a selfie back. Could be anything: her cooking dinner for Amanda, her in bed clad in a tank top and panties, a photo of Jonesy, etc.

If she needs to go back in space, she’ll bring dozens of CDs of movies you’ve starred in. Best believe she’d use the hell out of the transmitter just to receive your messages. Checks them daily to see if there’s anything new. The crew—namely Parker and Brett—share a glance when she leaves with a slight frown. They’d tease her going: “Your sweetheart aint send nothing yet?”she’d reply with a quick glare. Looks like its back to movies tonight.

it started on your first day on the Nostromo. she can tell how nervous you were upon first meeting.

“Ripley, Ellen. Warrant officer” she extended a hand once you set your rucksack down. “Y/N L/N. Uh, nice to meet you!””Pleasure’s mine.”

you honestly thank that you’re work is quite isolated. just you and the lab. it’s where you feel safest despite the presence of hazardous chemicals. First time ever on a ship, may as well remind yourself you’re not on one by drowning yourself in work.

unless you count Ash coming in every now and then, giving an order or two.

it sure as hell didn’t help that you have a massive crush on Ripley.

lunch in the mess hall was mandatory, a bonding activity with the crew you assume. you’ll be with them for the next year and a half, cryosleep not included.

Going back to the first bullet, Ellen would be the one to converse first, small talk but never pressuring you for an answer. At times, it’s just her talking on and on. if it makes you feel comfortable, that’s what she’ll do. in truth, she sees herself in you back when see was a rookie. “Everyone’s first day is the same as yours. At the Colonnial Marine Corps, God, I was a mess. Over time, you’ll get used to it like the back of your hand.”

But as time went on, it’s clear to her that it’s more than first day jitters.

when you get tense she won’t call you out on it. rather, she’d slowly move her hand towards yours discreetly if not inch closer to you to let you know that if everything else seems unsure, her presence says otherwise.

or when she saw Ash leave the lab with less than a composed walk, she comes in without a word to drop Jonesy onto your lap. she’s noted how the little critter makes you feel better.

would praise you for small things. others have taken note of it but they can fuck off honestly. “You doing good there”, “Nice timing” as you flip the switch that initiate the thrusters, ”You’re getting fast on suiting up.”

slowly becomes attached to you. not out of obligation, but because she gets to see your personality that you’re convinced k is less than savour

if, let’s say you were to have these ticks (e.g., picking on your skin, biting your nals), she’d gently redirect your attention by taking your hands into hers and easing you to talk to her about what’s troubling you.

if any one of the crew ever jokes/mocks about these ticks of yours? let it be known that she will pull them away and have a little chat with them. she’ll make sure that your troubles aren’t an object of amusement.

if you were ever to go into a panic attack, her arms would wrap around you to ground your senses to her. Softly asking you to name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can touch, and 1 thing you can taste which would be her lips on yours.

knows that pressure does nothing good. if it’s something you don’t want to talk about yet you’re met with a small nod, “Sure. But you know where I am if you want to talk. Otherwise, just holler or use the radio.”

do you guys remeber that one deleted riplambb scene where ripley was reassuring lambert? her voice would be so gentle to you as well while her hand on your chin would be there to remind you that she isn't going anywhere. no, she won’t leave you and no she doesn’t think differently of you even if you feel like you’re a mess.

if you’re the type to do small things to overcome your anxiety slowly but surely, she’s the first you’d go to to tell her of how you did. No matter the result, she’ll express how proud she is of you. Acknowledges the amount of courage you must’ve had to muster and small wins are wins to her.

as a person who’d rather stay in than go out and talk to people I’ve got the feeling Ellen would be the one to help you ease into public spaces. if you start to feel tense during a conversation or start feeling like dozens of eyes are on you, she’d redirect your attention to her voice. Just her talking about whatever eases you.

becomes your no.1 support system. constantly reassures you that just because she’s busy doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for you. So, don’t hesitate to tell her what’s troubling or what you need help with, boo <3

(scenario 1)

before getting the rings she’d measure your ring size while you sleep. meaning, with you passed out against her with the TV droning on was the perfect opportunity. Carefully taking the tape measure from her pocket, gentle hands taking yours and wrapping it around your finger, mentally taking note and nodding before letting your hand drop back on her stomach and putting the measure back in her pocket.

already knows the best place to get them, price be damned. she wants to spend the rest of her life with you. it wouldn’t hurt to spend on something as important as this.

doesn’t like those cliche diamond rings. she wants it more meaningful and catered to your personality. you like a certain crystal/gemstone? best believe it’ll be perfectly polished and on the ring PRONTOOOO + initials on the inside of the ring

same goes for her own as well! wifey matches her wifey of course

(scenario 2)

She would cry tears of joy if you were to ever propose to her or even imply it. (she wanted to do it first but you beat her to it)

truth be told she already purchased the rings for you both and honestly?

she doesn’t mind an extra pair

BEST BELIEEEVEEEEEEEE she’ll wear the second one around her neck with pride.

there are times you'd catch her gazing into the ring, rolling it between her fingers, just enough for the light to catch on the initials inside. it's become a habit for her now for whenever she needs to ground herself.

Will call you “My wife” every opportunity she gets. private or public, doesn’t matter. won’t hesitate to show it to others too. both of you have literally survived aliens together and now that you’re free of it? she’ll make the most out of it.

on that note, whenever she’s out with the others (whether that be the Nostromo crew or Hicks n company) if she ever sees something that reminds her of you she’ll go “Y/N really loves the ocean. She told me she loves swimming and I’ve been on trips with her to know that her ‘love’ for it is an understatement”, “Guys, hold on a sec,” "“What’s up?” “Saw something she might like. I’m getting it for her.”

remembers the smallest things about you.

she finds it her duty to not just be your partner, but the person you share the depths of your soul is. doesn’t exactly believe in soulmates but she believes in love and that is you.

doesn’t believe in honeymoon phase. she loves you more and more everyday

if anyone were to ever look at you wrong or say something untoward about you she won’t hesitate in confronting the person. even in a public setting. her mood shifts instantly and suddenly her hand tightens around yours under the table and ellen’s firmly setting her foot down on how they should be careful what words to choose next unless they want a fist to their jaw.

I know I’ve said this in other headcanons but PLEASEEE CUDDLE WITH HER AND TELL HER ABOUT YOUR DAY OR WHATEEVERRRR all she has for you are heart eyes, a stupid grin on her face. her mind is nothing but “omgyoursocuteandlovelypleasemakeoutwithmerealquick—”

acts of service is HUGE for her btw. don’t think for a second you’re alone in anything. chores? cool! she’s doing the laundry while you clean the bathroom. checks in on you every now and then. “Hey, babe? I’m done with the laundry, I’ll go ahead with the lawn.”

because it’s hot as HELL these days, she makes sure to give you a glass of cold water at random times during the day. you do the same for her too! (though, as attractive as she is sweating and all… hydration is important).

when you defend her for the littlest things. “She prefers extra spice, ectually.” or when you correct a person who’s talking about her, her heart does a little flip. once you both are sat in your booth, she grins and leans into your ear, “Thank you, babe”

isn’t against the idea of matching outfits. in fact, she may even propose it if there’s an ocassion for it.

if you also have curly hair she will help you style it. she is more than happy to browse hair care aisles with you and even let you take your time in choosing hair accessories. you buy her some too if she lets you (lmao) as she insists you don’t need to do so for her (even if one hair tie caught her eye). but you buy it for her anyway.

gifts from her are are practical yet heartfelt. that fixed vinyl player, an improved cooling system, etc.

For Ellen, to love is to experience. She knows relationships has its ups and downs. It doesn’t scare her to go through all of those with you. What scares her the most is living a life without the privilege of growing old with you. please let her deepen your wrinkles, witness your hair going gray, care for you even as you both weaken. It’s the greatest thing to her.

when you button up/zips up her shirt before leaving? Please kiss and make out with her before letting her go. (more on this later ;>)

whenever she’d place her arm around your waist in public spaces. It tightens whenever the space gets more crowded or when you both are talking to someone. Bonus points if you’re a chatterbox and you just let her steer you anywhere (mall, park, whatever)

her in tank tops

when she’s serious. Hand over her earpiece, barking commands to the crew during a time-sensitive task.

Or when she’s focused during a mission briefing, hand on her hip and the other on the desk as she leans over a little, your sides barely touching.

sweat (IYKYK GUYS)

especially the kind where its getting to her hair making it look damp.

fresh out of the shower.

EVEN BETTER: being in the same bathtub as hers, washing her hair, back, lathering soap and rinsing it off her skin.

not-so-subtly watching her put on clothes, adjusting the sleeves and her belt, running a hand through her hair… Thing is, she knows you’re looking. if she’s feeling particularly bold, she purposely acts she’s struggling with her zipper to look over and ask “Can you help me with this, sweetheart?” and she just watches you with a small grin as you pull the zipper up.

Don’t even get me started with how her hands would find their way to pick the lint off of your shirt. Her hands linger on your shoulders after. Down your arms and to your hands that have already finished with the task, slowly pulling them up for her to kiss your knuckles.

if you’re busy and she’s talking to you she picked up a habit of lifting your chin with her finger if she has something more important to say.

how unashamed she is of showing affection. no matter the place or time

when she takes her time kissing you

if you two are apart: her voice softens whenever it’s you she’s talking to on the radio. To Hicks and everyone else she’s Ripley. To you? She’s Ellen.

When she gets stern with you? (GODAYUM) All out of love for you but there’s no way in hell you’re going in alone so pardon her for her French and for her ever-so close proximity.

when she cradles your head every time you hug or cuddle

when she talks about her interests or rambles about the latest book she’s read.

her mock sympathy “Aw, what’s that?” “Did that hurt?” “Poor you.. Want me to kiss it better?”

when she towers over you (SHE’S 5’11” PLEASEEEEEE AUGH)

extra clingy when in the comfort of your shared quarters.

sharing a meal with her and you lock eyes ever so often. Bonus points if you’re in the mess hall with the rest.

that "can i?" look before continuing

her biceps… (alien resurrection has me in shambles. yandere ripley 8 maybe? anyone?)