"Finally.” You draw the curtains shut, sealing the rest of the ship away before turning to him. Your palms find the rough warmth of his cheeks, guiding his mouth to yours in a soft, lingering kiss. Maine leans into the touch, one heavy hand settling against your hip as he anchors himself to you.

"What happened? Are you alright?" You murmur, eyes scanning him with practiced medical precision. Even a tank like Maine had his breaking point, and the dark bruises across his skin tell of a rough assignment.

Sigma flickers into existence at his shoulder, poised and clinical. "Agent Maine is… operational. He survived a significant fall and sustained various soft-tissue injuries, but he remains functional."

The AI's presence still makes you jumpy, but you can’t deny his usefulness.

"Agent Maine adds that he missed you— and offers his apologies for the distress his absence caused." A small, relieved smile breaks across your face. You give Maine one last squeeze and a fleeting kiss before turning to reach for your medical kit.

"I know the risks, Maine. I just need you to come back." Ever since the injury to his throat had stolen his voice, you’d become his fiercest protector— a quiet nurse guarding the ship’s most formidable soldier.

But the love between you? That was the oldest story on the ship. Of course, it had to be kept a secret for obvious reasons.