#ch:sam

As their eyes landed in mc and there's no escape until they are satisfied

GLEESOURCE GET TO KNOW EVENT | fave dynamic by votes

thank you for giving me this scenario, it's one of my favorites :)

Alex

When you say that you're going on a date with someone else, Alex doesn't outwardly react. Why would they? They've been expecting this, mentally and emotionally preparing for it. Alex has been standing next to you for years and you've never looked at them as anything other than a friend. Don't get them wrong, they love being your friend and they will never ask for anything more if you don't want it. And clearly you don't want it. So, they'll smile for you. They'll tease you about your date. They'll ask if you need any help finishing getting ready. It doesn't matter if they feel like you've put a gun to their stomach and pulled the trigger. It doesn't matter if their breath keeps catching with barely-contained tears. You, you're the only thing that matters. If this means you'll be happy, well. They'll be okay.

Sam

Sam raises their eyebrows and puts on a suggestive smile when they first walk in on you all dressed up. When you tell them it's for a date, however, their face immediately drops. Of course. Of course someone as incredible as you would have people lining up to take you out. Almost frantically, they run through all their interactions with you--every lingering glance, every potential flirty comment, every too-loud laugh. They thought, they had thought that maybe. . . there was something there. They may not be the best at picking up more subtle cues, but. Maybe they've been wrong this entire time? They can't decide if them completely misinterpreting everything is more painful, or them being right but you still wanting to go on a date with someone else. You're looking at them curiously and they realize they've been silent for way too long. But what can they say? They mumble an excuse and turn around to leave the room, flinching but not stopping in their stride when you call out to them.

Nereus

"I see," is all Nereus says when you tell him you're going on a date. This is good, he thinks. This is for the best. The casual flirting of the past few months has been fun, but he knows it can't go any further than that. He knows, but it doesn't stop him from clenching his fist tight enough that he feels even the slightly dulled tips of his nails break through the skin of his palm. He can't imagine anyone is good enough for you. For a moment he lets a wave of bitter anger and disgust wash through him at the thought of someone making that kind of presumption before he clamps down, hard, on those emotions. He excuses himself, citing not wanting to make you late, and heads into the nearest washroom. The water swirling into the sink basin is tinted green when he runs his hand under the stream but it quickly turns clear again. He studies the pinpricks on his palm, already healing over. He almost wishes they wouldn't, so he could keep the reminder to stop wanting what he can't have.

Katalina

Katalina's face had already closed off when she spotted you in your formal clothes and when you tell her that you have a date, she doesn't seem surprised. Katalina likes to flirt. She likes to fuck even more. Feelings had never been a part of the equation for her and even though she's never been anything but upfront about that, she's left more than one lover in a tear-filled mess. She's never understood it, can't imagine why anyone would want to tie themselves to any one person. Not once has she ever regretted walking away from someone. So, when you gather up the last of your things and wave goodbye to her, she doesn't understand the hot, vibrant pain that shoots through her chest. She lays a hand on her sternum and takes a deep breath--the pain lessens but doesn't go away altogether. With furrowed eyebrows, she watches your retreating back until you disappear into the elevator. No, she's never regretted walking away from someone, but. . . it almost felt like regret watching you walk away.

--

sure can!!

from least to most angsty

sam -> alex -> katalina -> nereus

alex and katalina are actually pretty neck and neck, just for different reasons. and all of the routes will have some element of angst, so sam-mancers aren’t totally safe >:)

Is this meant for deep romance? I'm doing this for deep romance.

Alex

When Alex first catches sight of you, they stop and stare for a moment in shock. As soon as they take it all in, however, their face nearly splits from how huge their smile is. They step up to you, looking around to make sure no one is paying attention, before softly touching your chin so they can turn your head this way and that. “You look incredible,” they breathe, quiet enough that just the two of you can hear. For the rest of the day, you catch them staring at you, eyes soft and mouth parted like they almost can’t believe you’re real.

Sam

An incoherent yell from across the CIC makes you look up from your datapad. Sam is standing outside the entrance to the cockpit, pointing directly at you with their eyes wide. When you make eye contact, they walk as quickly as possible without outright running until they’re standing directly in front of you. Despite their dramatics, they’re gentle when they take your hand and guide you through doing a little spin. When you turn back to face them, they’re smiling brightly at you. “I love it, sunshine,” they say, tangling their fingers with yours. 

Nereus

Nereus blinks at you blankly a couple of times, until his eyes suddenly light up in recognition. "Captain!" he says, sounding surprised. He strides up to you, staring intently at the top of your head. He starts to raise his hand, but pauses. "May I. . . touch your hair?" When you give your assent, he lightly runs his fingers over what's left of your hair before cupping your cheek. "You look beautiful, as always." His lips part in his approximation of a human smile and he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

Katalina

how does everyone feel about pet names? what would they like to be called? what would they call the mc in return?

is this me trying to find out how i can sweet-talk nereus? perhaps

glad to see someone finally asking the hard-hitting questions, with no ulterior motives whatsoever

Alex

ADORES pet names

to call you: their absolute favorite is 'my love'. 'sweetheart' is also a big one for them

to be called: unless you're on duty, they'll let you call them anything no matter how "embarrassing" it is. will melt if you call them 'my love' back, though

Sam

doesn't mind pet names

to call you: they're most likely to use 'sweetheart' or 'sunshine' when being serious. BUT is also a huge fan of silly pet names--'honey bunny', 'pumpkin pie', 'cutie-patootie', 'sugar lips', 'hot stuff', etc

to be called: would love it if you called them silly stuff back, but isn't really picky

Nereus

is a little confused by pet names

to call you: honestly, probably just your first name. if you really wanted him to come up with something, there's a word in his language that he would use

to be called: doesn't understand why you wouldn't just call him by his name. could grow to appreciate more straightforward pet names like 'love' or 'darling' once you've explained it to him

Katalina

HATES pet names (until you're deeper into the romance)

to call you: some of the classics like 'babe' or 'baby', but also a fan of 'sweet cheeks' if she's feeling especially mushy