#robairi

“Mhairi? MHAIRI!! I've got you! I've got you! J-just stay with me! Hold on, alright! Just hold on. I've got you, I've got you.”

The words were faint in her head. She was floating? Or sinking? She couldn't tell as she drifted back to nothing.

oOo

“I just want to go home… I just want to go home… I just want to go home…”

“La, la la la la, la la la la…”

Mhairi's consciousness broke open to soft words in the distance, getting closer and closer, almost like a song.

“La, la la la la, la la la la…”

She opened her eyes to see Rob sitting beside her.

“Rob?” Her voice was barley above a whisper.

The words suddenly stopped when Rob shouted.

“Mhairi! Oh my god! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Who was he thanking? He moved quick, Mhairi hardly noticed she was being lifted into a seated position, fitting into his embrace.

“Where are we?” Mhairi’s eyes struggling to make out what she’s seeing.

“Decompression chamber,” Rob moved out of way a bit, allowing her to see better. “We still have a little over a week left. But I’m so fucking grateful to see you awake. I thought I didn’t make it in time. I was so scared I had lost you.”

Mhairi looked down to her body showing a change of clothes. No longer wearing the diving suit she last remembered. A plain long sleeve top with matching bottoms. Rob wore the same thing.

“Let’s get you something to eat,” Rob gently lowered her back down as he fetched food and water. He returned a minute later and lifted her back up, allowing her to drink the water first, before spooning some food into her mouth.

“You good for a second? I should report your status to Hans sooner rather than later.”  

Mhairi nodded as Rob set everything down beside her.

Rob tapped the radio button. “Hans? You there?” Hans responded quickly, immediately asking of Mhairi.

“She’s awake. Still very groggy, but alive and with us.”

“Thank the stars,” Hans let out a sigh of relief. “Glad you’re with us, Mhairi. I’ll see you as soon as your decompression is over. As much as I want to know what happened, I don’t want to bother your recovery too much. In the mean time, rest easy and keep me updated.”

“Will do, Hans.” Rob tapped the radio again, cutting their communication. He sat back down beside Mhairi, spooning more food for her. Mhairi wasn’t hungry, but she knew she still needed to eat and feeding her was clearly helping Rob. Make himself feel useful? Something for him to do? She didn’t question it, just allowed him to help her.

oOo

Mhairi was back in the wreckage. The bitterness of the North Sea was biting at her skin as she tread water to try to gain her bearings. Her torch flickered for a moment before dying.

“No! No! NO!!” She sobbed as she takes on the sea, her helmet gone. Gasping, out of the corner of her eye she spots it. That fucking thing.

Mhairi scrambles to pull out one of Rob’s flares, but the bag is gone. She looks down to see it descend into the pitch-black abyss. Her body shakes as the freezing water consumes her and her lungs burn for air. She sinks into the tendrils of the awaiting beast.

Mhairi wakes to Rob gently shaking her. She sharply inhales as she clutches him tight.

“Mhairi, it’s okay. It’s okay. It’s a bad dream. You’re safe now,” he held her small frame, stroking her hair and whispering reassurance. “I’m right here. You’re safe. I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”

Mhairi quietly cried into Rob’s arms. He held her until she stopped trembling.

After a while, Rob speaks up. “Can I get you some water?”

Mhairi nodded, her breathing finally steady.

Rob got out of her bunk and grabbed a cup of water, before sitting back down beside her.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

Since being back, they hadn’t discussed what happened to her in the wreck. She hadn’t mentioned the creature she was fleeing from, or the voices and hallucinations she had of her father and Rob. How could she? She felt like she was going insane. For all she knew, she was. What happened down there was not normal. One day she’ll talk, but not today.

She shook her head, taking a sip of water. 

“Okay,” Rob nodded, squeezing her knee in reassurance.

Mhairi sets the cup down and turned to face him. She hesitates a moment, her voice catching in her throat. “You can do one thing for me, though,” she finally said.

“Anything, just name it.”

“Stay with me tonight, in my bed,” her voice lowered, almost like she didn’t want him to hear. She feels like a child, small and fragile, pathetic. “Please.”

Without saying a word, Rob swung the covers out and slipped under, guiding Mhairi with him. The bunk was small even for one adult, let alone two. He hung an arm out, allowing Mhairi to tuck herself into him, her head coming to rest on his shoulder. Warmth settled in her chest as Rob’s closeness lulled her back down. She tilted her neck up, her nose bumping his jaw, her lips so close to his neck, no doubt feeling her breathe. They’ll be rubbing sore joints tomorrow, but for now: pure comfort. No more words were said that night, only Rob’s soft motions with his finger tips against her head, easing Mhairi back into sleep.

oOo

Mhairi was feeling better, physically anyway. It’s been a few days and she had just left a call with Hans updating on her recovery with Rob by her side, their thighs touching. She couldn’t help but notice how Rob seemed to be closer in her proximity than usual. Almost as if he was afraid she’d suddenly slip back into the depths and he had to be there to catch her if she did.

Rob stood up to get their lunch for the day. With his back turned Mhairi watched him. The way his muscles moved beneath that god-awful plain top, taking in his backside.

“You know I can feel you staring at me,” he swayed his hips. “Does my ass look especially good today?”

A light blush ran across Mhairi’s cheeks as she laughed. Where did this come from? Rob was her friend, her best friend. They had been dive partners for a couple years by this point.

“It’s so good to hear that laugh again. I missed it.” Rob remarked, bringing lunch to her, before sitting down again, touching her thigh with his own.

Heat spread through her at the touch. 

“Hey Rob, I have a question for you.”

“Shoot,” Rob replied, taking a bite. “What’s on your mind?”

“Why’d you agree to work with me? I don’t think I ever asked.”

“You’re simply one of the best,” he answered easily. “I had always admired your skills and work before meeting you. You and I make a great team. And I think Hans knew that when he paired us that first day.”

It seemed like a lifetime ago. Being with Rob just felt natural, like breathing.

“Then you just never left,” she joked, taking her own bite.

“Then I just never left,” Rob repeated, chuckling.

Evening had fallen and tiredness was slowly taking them. After that first night, Rob’s bunk had hardly been used. He automatically came to hers. Rob laid out like before, opening an arm for Mhairi. She curled herself into him, breathing in his soap from freshening himself up before bed.

Despite how tired she’s becoming, Mhairi’s mind races. Their conversation over lunch still weighing heavy. It feels unfinished and that’s bothering her. She pushes it down. Sleep. Sleeping beside Rob will help. So far it has the past few nights. She’s not had any more nightmares.

She readjusts herself into Rob’s side. Nothing. She tries again. Nothing. Agai-

“Mhairi, what’s wrong?” Rob sat up. “Are you okay?”

Mhair sat up with him and takes in a deep breath, meeting his eyes. They’re such a nice shade of blue. She gets out of the bunk and stands in the center of the chamber, pacing the small area.

Now or never.

“Please don’t leave me,” Mhairi admits, her heart threatening to spill from her throat. “I mean it, Rob. Please don’t leave. You’re my best friend. I can’t imagine anyone else being with me.” She tried to say as partners, to lighten this conversation, but she couldn’t. She didn’t mean that. If this meant living out the remainder of their decompression in awkwardness, then fuck it. At least the truth would be out.

Rob stared at her from the bunk, his expression unreadable. When he finally stood, he came within inches apart from her.

“Mhairi, you’re also my best friend. You’re incredible. You’re so fucking smart, and funny… and beautiful. My god, you’re beautiful. I cherish working with you,” Rob confessed. “…I’ve held a torch for you… for a couple years now. Mhairi, I, I…”

Mhairi looked up at him with such softens as he struggled to find the words he was searching for. He always had so much to say to her. It was always him saying the right things, at the right times.

“May I do something, Rob?” she asked, closing the gap between their bodies.

“You can do whatever you want,” Rob said quietly, almost begging her to save him.

Mhairi reached to cup his face, her thumbs caressing his cheeks. His stubble tickling under her touch. His face was so warm from his embarrassment, but he softens into her soothe motions, his eyes never leaving hers.

Mhairi takes in a slow deep breath through her nose and leans forward, her lips ever so slightly resting on the corner of Rob’s. A couple moments later she smiles wide, opening her mouth as she fully brings herself to Rob’s lips.

Rob follows her lead and completely melts into her. Mhairi’s hands move to the back of his head, her fingers running through short hair. She feels Rob’s hands come to circle around her waist, bringing her flush against him. His body is too hot on her. She tilts her head back in bliss, losing his lips. Rob doesn’t stop, his mouth finds her neck and he sinks his teeth in, sucking at her tender skin. Mhairi gasps at the sensation, warmth settling in her core.

Rob keeps his found confidence, moving back her lips. He leaves a trail of wet kisses at the remainder of her neck and jaw. He guides them back together, taking her lips again in one motion, before allowing them a chance to breathe.

Rob let’s go of her, leaving her suddenly cold. His chest rises and falls, matching with Mhairi. He looks at her carefully, eyeing the darkening mark forming on her neck.

“That, uh… was the first hickey I’ve ever left,” Rob laughed slightly, reverting his eyes for a moment, before meeting Mhairi’s again. “Does it hurt?”

“No, but this will be fun to explain to Hans,” she smiled. "I like it.”

Rob chuckled as he brings them back down to the bunk.

“Did you want to do something?” Rob asked, searching her carefully.

Mhairi playfully rolled her eyes, resting her chin on his shoulder as she brought herself in closer to him. That same warm feeling she missed coming back.

“Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?” A smile spreading across her lips.

“What? No! Nothing like that… at least not yet, if that was something you wanted,” Rob rubbed the back of his neck, a blush reaching the tips of his ears. “I want to do this the right way. I don’t want to fuck this up with you. You mean too much to me, Mhairi.”

Mhairi moved to face him, her heart full. Their eyes soften when they meet. Rob speaks first, his voice gentle. “I mean it, Mhairi. I want to do this right. I don’t want to dive in too fast and risk losing you.”

Mhairi couldn’t help but smile.

“Was that a pun?”

Rob blinked. “Oh shit, it was. Pun or not, my statement still stands.”

Mhairi gripped the collar of his top, bringing her lips to his cheek.

“Okay, then. What I’d like to do is go to my favorite tea shop, then take a stroll through my favorite park with my favorite person,” her warm breath tickled his skin as she continued. “Sound like a plan? A good first official date?”

Rob couldn’t hold back his excitement as he cupped her face, kissing her again. “Yeah, that sounds prefect.”

A — Aftercare (what they're like after sex)

He'll offer to clean his partner up. If they accept, he'll get a warm hand cloth and wipe them down, or if the mood is still strong he'll ask if they want to get in the shower with him to clean off that way. Then get a snack.

B — Body Part (favorite body part of theirs and also their partner)

Being a saturation diver, he's got a swimmer's body. He's pretty proud of the abs he's got while not really working for them. Just doing his job. The age old question, tits or ass? For him it's neither. Well he does enjoy both, but what he really loves are his partner's thighs. There's just something so arousing to him when he squeezes them, especially when he's going down on the person. Pressing his fingers into squishy flesh and hoisting his partner closer to his mouth.

C — Cum (anything to do with cum)

He's a bit embarrassed to cum in front of others, so if he's going to cum, he'd rather do it inside of his partner, preferably into a condom while in them. Easy to clean up and dispose of. Or just be on his own.

D — Dirty Secret (a dirty secret of theirs)

He's jacked off to Mhairi while she was nearby. During one of their decompressions prior to the Beira D wreckage expedition, Mhairi was being herself: smart, funny and effortlessly beautiful in her natural self. He tried to keep his pitching tent away from her, shame and embarrassment washing over him, because why her, his close friend and why right now when they're crammed into a tight decompression chamber. He excused himself to the chamber's washroom and very quietly held himself in his fist, working it to release.

E — Experience (how experienced are they?)

He has the body count of two (2). He simply works so much that most of the people he knows are his colleagues in some way, where he tries his best to keep a level of professionalism. First person was a high school sweetheart of sorts. Late-teen love. He enjoys visiting the city's aquarium though. He's there often enough that he befriended the cute girl who works most of the tours, bonding over a shared interest in fish. One night ended with them falling into bed together after they agreed to hangout outside of her workplace. So little experience, but he's a fast learner. He wants to please and care for any partner of his and will happily take any guidance from them if it means helping get them off.

F — Favorite Position (this goes without saying)

He's a bit traditional. He enjoys missionary the best. While he's deep in his partner, he likes to kiss them and look at their face, seeing if they're enjoying what he's doing and/or if he needs to change tactic. From the hook up with Aquarium Girl, he discovered he loves eating out his partners. She really enjoyed it. Missionary is an easy position to be in to move to eat them out, or move out of from eating them out.

G — Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous?)

A bit of both, really depending on his partner. But he likes humor and thinks that if you can't laugh with someone, even in such an intimate act, then it's not worth it. He's not into fast stranger hook ups- he wants to know his partner. So he'll know before hand if he can have fun in more ways than one. Though that being said, he also knows when to lock the fuck in. He's got a person under him (or on top) to get off.

H — Hair (how well groomed are they?)

He likes to keep himself neatly trimmed, but never fully shaved. He has very tight diving suits to stuff himself into almost daily. His pubes are dark reddish-brown, much like the hair on his head.

I — Intimacy (how are they during the moment?)

His love language is physical touch. Even when not actively having having sex with someone. He enjoys touch; a fist bump here, a pat on the shoulder there, a casual hug. A few late nights working have had him and Mhairi pressed close together. His hand always found itself in her hair, giving a light massage to her stressed mind. Or squeezing her thigh in reassurance. However if it's with a person he's actively sleeping with he's touching them. Sex will never be just sex to him. His partner will always mean something deep to him, whether or not they keep physically coming together. He'll kiss, hold and caress them and make sure they're having a pleasurable time. He's not very vocal, so he'll make them feel loved and cared for through his touch alone.

J — Jack Off (masturbation headcanon)

He's a very level-headed man so I don't believe he needs to use masturbation as a means to destress/calm himself. He doesn't do it all the often, but when he does it's usually quick and done in a bathroom, preferably, hopefully his own.

K — Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Cunnilingus/Face Sitting - If he gets his mouth on his partner they're not leaving until their legs are soaked and trembling. He also loves it when they squish his head with their thighs. Praise Kink - Given his general lack of experience, but oh so willing to learn, if his partner praises him he finds even more motivation. Knowing he's doing a good job for them sends a new wave of blood straight to his dick.

L — Location (favorite places to do the do)

Preferably, traditionally, in the bedroom. But if he and his partner are in their own private space, whether it be his place or their place, all bets are off depending where the mood starts. Suddenly getting hot and bothered in the kitchen? Sure, he'll fuck them on the counter if they want him to and just be damn well sure to thoroughly clean up afterwards.

M — Motivation (what turns them on)

The more his partner praises him, the more motivated he gets. Tell him he's doing a good job and he will do anything to do the best job. Ambition and determination. He loves seeing his partner passionate about their career, interests and goals. Seeing them make genuine effort to be the best person they can be will have him wanting to reward and worship them.

N — No (something they wouldn't do, turn offs)

Degradation - He can't bring himself to be mean to his partner. He also doesn't want to be degraded himself, much more prefers to be praised. Threesomes - He's a monogamist. Even if his partner wants to bring in another woman, he's not interested. Countless other kinks as well, like ones involving bodily fluids/excretions, major forms of BDSM and pain/torture/horror.

O — Oral (preference on giving or receiving)

He enjoys giving a lot, as he learned from Aquarium Girl. His high school sweetheart gave him head once, which wasn't great, but to a teenage boy it was heavenly. It's been a long while since he last received as Aquarium Girl didn't offer and they haven't hooked up since that night. He suspects he'd love it (again) though, so he believes he'll enjoy them both equally.

P — Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual?)

He starts out slow and sensual, then usually picks up the pace a bit. If his partner asks him nicely, he's willing to be a lot rougher.

Q — Quickie (their opinions on quickies)

He's not fond of them, sex with him is time consuming because he enjoys taking his time on pleasuring his partner. He wouldn't be having sex at all if he didn't have a built connection with them. Because he cares for them he wants to ensure they know how much they mean to him through this intimate act.

R — Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks?)

His job is risky enough, he's not super motivated to take risks home. If it's something his partner really want to try they'll discuss it and go from there.

S — Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He's got medium to high stamina being the physically active man that he is. Most nights he'll probably only go one round, though it'll last at least an hour+. On nights that he's particularly pent up (or if his partner is in a teasing mood) he'll go two rounds.

T — Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He doesn't own any, and never will. If his partner really wanted to try them and they asked nicely, he'll give it a chance, but only if the toys are used on them. Overall he's not interested.

U — Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He likes to tease at first, just before the committed act of fully entering his partner. He'll put just the tip in and enjoy watching their face, mostly waiting for them to say "hurry up," "go in," or "move already," as they open their legs, begging for him to take the invitation and getting them flustered and slightly frustrated. Then he'll sink home and give them what they want.

V — Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make)

He's not very vocal. The most his partner's will get out him are low breathes. If they talk to him, he'll talk back of course. But if they ask him to be more vocal, he'll try, but old habits die hard.

W — Wild Card (a random headcanon for them)

He'd like to be a father one day, when he's in his mid-to-late 30s would be a perfect start for Baby #1 (or however many kids his partner is willing to birth). He's already deeply connected to his partner and wouldn't be with them if they were anything but a good person. He doesn't have a pregnancy fetish, but he'd be so into seeing his partner swell with their baby. A little family, getting just a little bit bigger. He loves the idea of teaching his kid(s) all about fish, diving and the ocean in general. Taking them on their first swimming lesson (a very basic skill to know, diving not included).

X — X-Ray (what's going on under those clothes)

5.5in/13.97cm. Perfectly average. He’s just a guy. Cut, curved slightly down and sensitive tip.

Y — Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Overall, below average. It comes down to his partner, who he must know enough to even want to have sex with. A built connection over time, really knowing them.

Z — Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)