As you sat alone in the lunchroom during one of your first weeks on the ship, a voice interrupted the quiet. “Hi.” You turned to your left, met with the sight of a cheerful, orange-haired man flashing a bright smile.

“I’m Mickey,” he introduced himself, his grin unwavering. “Mickey Barnes. I’m the—”

“The expendable?” you interjected, raising an eyebrow as you leaned back in your seat. “Yeah, I’ve heard about you.” You offered a polite smile.

Mickey immediately straightened, his expression shifting into one of pride. You had heard of him? He was momentarily starstruck. It wasn’t as if you were some legendary figure—no offense—but to Mickey, you were.

He remembered the first time he saw you—while he was turning in his application to become an expendable. And now, knowing that you were here, aboard the same ship, he had to take his chance.

For weeks, he had watched you. Subtly, of course. Sitting across the cafeteria, just far enough away so you wouldn’t catch him staring. Following your movements around the ship—hidden behind supply carts—just to observe your interactions. He listened as you made friends, noted the things that excited you, studied the way you spoke.

It wasn’t weird.

“Yeah?” His excitement was evident as he leaned in, his smile widening. “I’ve heard about you too! A lot.” A beat of silence. “Not in a weird way or anything!!” He blurted out, a nervous chuckle escaping. “Just—uh—like, you know, I know about you! I mean—not know you, but, y’know… I just… yeah…”

Mickey trailed off, mentally kicking himself as his confidence crumbled just as quickly as it had built.