#(gender neutral

Your first night sleeping aboard the Hail Mary was strange, to say the least. When Rocky had volunteered to watch you sleep, confusion crossed your expression. What in the world did he mean by watching you sleep? Were they those kinds of people? Suddenly you were very scared to even be standing here.

"Watch me sleep?" You questioned, your head tilted as Rocky seemed to nod in your direction, skittering through the xenonite tubes to move closer to you to ensure he didn't lose sight of where you were, as if he couldn't see through the walls. Like Grace had told you before, privacy is a premium when Rocky was around and you began to realize that in full.

"Yes! Rocky watch sleep. Make sure wake up." He confirmed. Grace would look up from the microscope he was looking through, looking from Rocky to you before he looked back into the lenses with a light chuckle.

"I forgot to tell you about that. Eridians don't sleep like we do; They become paralyzed, in a way. If danger comes around while they sleep, they wouldn't be able to tell so someone always watches over others while they sleep. Rocky does it for me, and I do it for him, it's been a thing ever since I met him. Now that there's more of us, we all kinda just… Do it. Don't worry, you'll get used to it before you know it." Grace explained as he continued his work. Simon even gave a nod of agreement from where he sat beside Grace.

"It's weird but you eventually get used to it. It's calming in a… Very weird way." He'd shrug his shoulders. You would let out a quiet 'ah' and would slowly nod, turning your attention to the Eridian that seemed to be looking at you expectantly, ready to skitter through the tubes and into the dormitory to watch over your sleep for the night.

"I understand now. Well, let's get going then." You'd motion with a wave of your hand to Rocky, asking him to follow along as you made your way out of the lab. The thudding of Rocky crawling through the tubes echoed behind you, along with the chants of 'I watch Red! Red sleep good!'. Ever since then, you all managed to come up with some type of system that allowed one of you to remain awake while the rest slept. Tonight was no different then any other night.

Grace, Rocky, and Simon had gone to bed, leaving you awake to do as you pleased. After you had convinced yourself that everyone would be alright if you had slipped out for a few minutes, you quietly made your way out of the dormitory and into the 'don't go crazy room' (A wild nickname, you had commented one day after Grace had told you what he began to call it), your head tilted as you used the laptop Grace had taught you to use to flick through various locations on Earth that peaked your interest.

One second you were in a bustling city, the sound of various vehicles honking and conversations reaching your ears; You weren't fond of the city, too many noises and it always seemed so overstimulating. With a click of the mousepad, you were transported high into the mountains; You never knew mountains could grow to be so tall. Another click and you were now within a wide open field with flowers scattered about and the sun setting in the distance, the faint rustling of the grass making your body ache to feel the wind against your skin again. The more you explored, the more you began to think that Earth was a very interesting place with so much variety to it; It honestly made you wonder if Grace missed what he had left behind. You'd have to ask him if he ever felt up for talking about it.

As you continued to scroll through the laptop, the grunts and groans of Simon reached your ears. Your body stilled, your head whipping around to face the series of corridors that lead back to the dormitory. Did something happen? Maybe he was just waking up from his sleep? No, that wouldn't be right. It had only been an hour since they had gone to bed, he wouldn't be well rested yet. You quickly put the laptop aside, making your way down the now dimmed corridors and back into the dormitory. Once there, you took notice of Grace and Rocky, both still fast asleep in their respected beds. Simon on the other hand was tossing and turning, his face and body covered in what could only be sweat. Panic began to rush through you, adrenaline beginning to pump in your veins as you made your way over to his bed. Was he sick? Did something actually happen while you were gone? You'd quickly move to his bed, your attention immediately drawn to the hushed whispers he spoke.

"Please! You promised- You promised I'd be free afterwards!" He seem to be pleading with someone about his freedom and it made your heart ache in your chest. Whenever Simon wasn't around, Grace would fill you in on the very small details of Simon's past, wanting Simon to tell you about it all whenever he was ready, but Grace didn't want you to be around without being somewhat informed so you knew what topics to talk about and which to avoid. You'd swallow hard as you watched Simon's head thrash against the pillow, his hair falling wildly against the pillow as his hand gripped the blanket that seemed to be barely covering him now. It was a nightmare, not some sickness that suddenly overcame him. He was having a nightmare and you needed to wake him up now before he hurt himself or worse, anyone else.

"Simon." You'd call out to him, moving a hand to gently touch his bicep, though that didn't seem to pull him out of it so you'd move on. Your hand traveled from his bicep to his shoulder, your touch becoming more firm as you called his name again, this time a bit louder alongside a small shake of his shoulder "Simon. You need to wake up."

It didn't work and now you were panicking; Just how deep into this nightmare was he? You would keep one hand on his shoulder, shaking it with a bit more force while you moved your free hand up to his face to gently cup his cheek, being careful of the sharp teeth that stuck out from his cheek. "Simon please- You're scaring me- Wake up." You pleaded in return, watching as he continued to thrash against the bed, his face contorting in what looked like pain as his pleas became more desperate. You'd tighten your hold on him yet again, fingers digging into his shoulder now as the hand on his cheek was pressed more firmly against him.

You're about to open your mouth to shout at him now before he'd suddenly gasp and sit up, his arm reaching out to wrap around your throat without any form of hesitation. A wince would escape you as his hand clutched tightly at your throat, your eyes blown wide as you released your hold against him only to now grab at his hand to try and pull it off your throat, but a small wheeze would escape you as you felt his grip begin to tight and threaten to crush your wind pipe. You knew Simon wasn't weak by any standard, you'd seen him move things around the lab with barely any effort, but this was something else entirely. Simon was still stuck in whatever nightmare he was having and whoever he saw, he thought you were them in this very moment.

"S-Simon- It-It's me-" You'd wheeze out, digging your nails into his arm as you attempted to use pain to bring him to his senses, but it wasn't working. You could hear your heart thumping in your ears, you'd feel the tears begin to well in your eyes, and you'd feel the burning in your chest as the lack of oxygen began to catch up with you. You'd stare into his eyes through his messy hair, trying your hardest to breathe as you noted just how dark his eyes were; It was as if the void of space had taken over his very eyes, absorbing any and all light that dared to look into them. You attempted to speak again despite the pain your body felt, attempted to reason with him, but he'd tighten his hold around your throat at your attempt. The corners of your vision were beginning to go black, your grip slowly loosening around his arm as you let out a quiet, weak cry of his name.

"Simon! Let go!" Grace's voice reached your ears, though it was faint and sounded rather distant. He must of heard the commotion and woken up because one second you're on the verge of blacking out and the next you're suddenly collapsed on the ground, quickly inhaling oxygen as if your life depended on it. Jokes on you, it really did. You'd cough and roll onto your side to lay on the ground for a bit longer, trying to collect your barings as your vision swam. Grace now stood where you once were, having a tight grip on Simon's wrist as he glared down at the dark haired male. It was as if a light switch was flicked, because Simon's eyes were suddenly bright; Whatever darkness once swirled in his eyes had long since gone and he was finally taking in the scene before him. Grace in front of him, hair a complete mess with a serious look Simon swore he'd never seen on Grace's face before while you lay on the floor behind him, trying to gather your senses as you'd cough and wheeze in the oxygen that surrounded you all.

"What.. What happened?" Simon questioned as Grace slowly let go of his wrist. He could've sworn he was back in the Iron Lung, back in that blood ocean and was arguing with Ava over the speaker-

"N-Nightmare." You wheezed, rubbing at your throat as you turned your gaze to Simon, streaks of tears now staining your cheeks. Grace turned to kneel beside you, helping you sit up before he began to look at your throat with squinted eyes; Sure he didn't need the glasses all the time, but trying to see in dim lighting didn't help him much right now. Regardless, he was able to make out the general shape of a handprint around your throat. It'd bruise for sure, but there seemed to be no other serious damage. He'd make a mental note for Armando to do some scans later. Simon, on the other hand, felt his stomach drop, his blood running cold as he stared at your weakened form; A nightmare? He had a nightmare? Right, it made sense. He was saved by Grace and Rocky from the blood ocean, he now lived on the Hail Mary alongside both of them and alongside you. You were trying to wake him from the nightmare, trying to save him, and instead he hurt you.

"I.. It was so real…" Simon began, moving his head into his hand as he rubbed at his forehead, feeling the sweat that covered his skin as his head. You'd carefully get up with Grace's help, a quiet conversation happening between the both of you as you got to your feet. 'You alright?' 'I'm fine, really. Let me help him.' 'Red he hurt you! I don't think that's a good ide-' 'Shit happens, now move.'

"Vivid." You corrected Simon as you moved to kneel in front of him now and away from Grace, gently taking his hand away from his head to hold it in your own. "Not real, it just felt real." You'd squeeze his hand, to which he'd return the feeling. Despite him hurting you, you would continue to trust him; He didn't do it on purpose, he didn't do it with malicious intent. He did it out of fear, a reaction that he thought was best for the situation presented to him. He was in fight or flight and you couldn't blame him for it.

"Come on. Let's go cool off." You tugged on Simon's hand, pulling him out from the bed and onto his feet. The coolness of the floor caused a shiver to run through Simon as he stood. The sensation was certainly needed, it was helping him become grounded in the moment. To remind him that this was real and what he was dreaming about just moments ago was nothing more than a dream. Grace would watch you two quietly, now sitting back on the edge of the bed.

"Do I need to come with in case somethin happens again?" Grace questioned with a small yawn, moving a hand up to rub tiredly at one of his eyes but you would shake your head, looking at Grace and offering him a small smile. "No, we'll be alright. Go on back to bed." Grace didn't need to be told twice after that. He'd give Simon one last look to ensure he was alright, that he wasn't stuck in whatever state he was in earlier before he'd move himself back into bed. You would lead Simon away from the dormitory and into the don't go crazy room.

Once there, you'd have him sit along the walkway and told him to stay where he was before you left the room just as quickly as you had entered it with him. It couldn't have been more than five minutes that he sat there and yet to him it felt so much longer then it was. It gave Simon time to think on his actions, think on what just happened and think about whether it would happen again; His past was filled with nothing but pain and violence, it was bound to follow him no matter what corner of the universe he decided to call his home. He'd make a face at the thought before he'd turn his attention to the side as he heard your footsteps and you'd reappear within the room, some spare blankets in your arms along with what looked like his pillow.

"Here, stand up for a second." You requested to which Simon would follow your orders with some confusion. You would drop some of the blankets onto the walkway, taking one of the more softer ones and wrapping it around his shoulders as best you could. Once the blanket was around him, you'd take the remainder of the blankets and make what would be a makeshift bed along the walkway. You would sit once it was all to your liking, taking his pillow and placing it in your lap before you'd pat it, looking up to Simon now. "Come on." Simon would frown in response, glancing at the pillow then towards you as he adjusted the blanket around him with his one arm.

"Red, I don't think-"

"I don't care what you think, Simon. Now lay down and put your head on the pillow before I make you." You demanded, your eyes narrowing on him. Simon would sigh in response; He wouldn't argue with you, not after what he did to you at least. He'd move to lay himself down against the makeshift bed, his head now resting upon the pillow that rested in your lap as he moved the blanket to now lay over him. You would let out a content hum, gently moving your hand into his hair to move it away from his face.

Simon would tense at the action, not used to such soft touches but he'd slowly lean into them. You gently leaned over to the side, your hand never leaving his hair as you continued to comb through it, as you would use your free hand to scroll through the laptop you had pulled closer just moments earlier. You were searching for a specific video, one of the few videos that Grace had played before and Simon seemed to really enjoy it. It took some time and the more time it took, the more confused Simon became until the video suddenly appeared on the screens around you both.

It was a view of another wide open field, mountains far off in the distance along with what looked to be a small cottage off to the side with smoking coming from it's chimney, but the part of the video that really stole the show was where the camera had been placed. It was situated to look as though whoever watched was resting under a large oak tree, it's branches spread far and wide with it's bright green leaves providing ample shade to the grass below it. The faint sounds of the wind rustling through the leaves could be heard along with what Grace had described to be birds chirping in the distance. It was calming, soothing, and just what Simon needed.

You wouldn't say anything as you let the video play and kept your eyes glued to Simon to see his reactions. Your fingers never stopped combing through his hair, never stopped gently scratching his scalp whenever you returned to the roots of his hair to repeat the process again. At some point, you even moved your free hand to gently rub at his back to add onto the soothing comfort you provided. 'No wonder you became a medic, you know exactly what people need and when they need it.' Simon thought for a second.

Despite all the comfort you were showing him, despite all your best efforts to bring him some sense of peace, his mind continued to return to what happened earlier. He had hurt you, his actions would be bruised into your skin for the next several days, and then they'd disappear physically. To Simon though, he wouldn't forget what he did; That image would be burned into his memory for as long as he lived and it'd join the other dark and haunting memories of his past. He could feel the tears begin to prick his eyes, could feel them begin to run down his face and soak into the pillow before a sob escaped his body.

"Shhh… It's okay, Simon… It was just a dream. Everything's okay now… Just let it out, alright?" You comforted him, watching as he continued to break down against you. It made your heart shatter to see him like this, to see him beating himself up over something that he had no control over in his moment of weakness.

"I… I can't…" He rasped, trying to calm his crying but it only seemed to grow stronger. It was as if everything that occurred to him thus far had decided to come crashing down all in this one moment. Everything that happened in his past, everything that occurred in the blood ocean, and what just happened now all merged into one being and broke through whatever wall Simon had worked so hard to built. You'd hum in response as he continued to cry into your lap, into the pillow you had placed there. He needed this, he needed to cry it all out even if it broke you in the process. He was always so wound up, so tightly bound and pent up in unexpressed emotions that you knew at some point would come crashing down one way or another. Earlier, they began to seep through the cracks in a form of violence, now they broke through in the form of tears.

"Deep breaths… Come on, breathe with me." You instructed him, guiding him through his breakdown as best you could. First you'd get him to stop crying after a couple more minutes, watching as he hiccuped and bit back sobs. "You're doing such a good job, Simon… Stay with me now, okay?" You would praise him before moving onto the next step which was matching his breathing with your own. You'd gently turn his head so he could watch you, his dark brown eyes glazed over with tears that all but seemed to refuse to fall. You'd hold his gaze as you'd slowly inhale then hold the breath for a few short seconds before, exhaling and repeating the process about another three more times until he calmed down significantly.

Now, he just looked extremely exhausted yet he looked at peace. A small smile graced your features as you leaned back to adjust your position into something a bit more comfortable.

"I'll watch over you. Get some sleep, Simon. You deserve it." You caught the way he looked up at you after you had spoken to him, his eyes swirling with exhaustion as they met your own gaze and you caught the way his mouth fell open to argue, but you'd beat him to the punch before any noise could even leave his throat. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Now sleep." You stated, watching as his mouth closed and he gave a small nod in response. Simon would shift around a bit, his head never leaving your lap as he got himself comfortable. The sounds of the wind rustling the leaves, the chirping of the birds, and your hand gently rubbing at his back brought him more peace then he'd ever be given in his lifetime.

"Thank you, Red… For forgiving me and helping me." He'd mumble quietly, another hum escaping you in response.

"You're welcome, Simon. Now sleep before I have to drug you." You joked, a quiet chuckle rattling through Simon's exhausted body. Before you even realized it, Simon had drifted off to sleep. The only way you realized this was the way his breathing had slowed and evened out, how his body went limp against you and he finally relaxed. You would watch him for a moment longer, moving a few strands of hair away from his face before you'd look back up at the screens once more, watching the video that played before you as you kept a close watch over Simon.

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"Simon? Red?" Grace's voice broke through the silence of the ship, the faint thudding of the xenonite ball filling the remaining silence behind him as Rocky rolled after Grace to find their missing companions, repeating their names after Grace had just said them in that automated tone to ensure they covered all the bases. Simon and Red didn't return to the dormitory last night and Grace began to fear the worse had possibly happened, but what he didn't expect was where and how he found them.

Standing on the edge of the walkway into the don't go crazy room, Grace immediately took notice of Simon who was still fast asleep, his head buried into the pillow that was within Red's lap. Red was, for the lack of better terms, contorted into a weird position so they could sleep on Simon's shoulder without the need for a pillow or blanket. It did not look comfortable by any means and Grace could already hear Red complaining about how sore they were when they woke up, but for now, he'd let them sleep a bit longer.

"Simon and Red sleeping? Question?" Rocky questioned, trying to look past Grace to see the two but he refused to move aside. Grace would turn on his heels, ignoring the faint twinge of jealousy he got from seeing Red so close to Simon, but he'd give a quick nod to Rocky anyway.

"Yeah, they're asleep. Let's let them sleep a bit longer and go get breakfast ready so when they wake up we can all eat." Grace spoke, guiding Rocky away from the two before Rocky could begin to shout to wake them up.