"hey," blake breathed. it was rare after missions, especially missions as shitty as today, that the captain would approach you. or anyone, for that matter. he'd usually run off to his private quarters and then the showers long after everyone else had left.

more recently, he seemingly was trying to be more social. joining everyone in the dining hall and sticking around after drills, even if all he did was stand there and fiddle with his gear or clean his weapons.

"good work out there, alright?" he clapped your shoulder. maybe he even cracked a smile beneath that mask; a mask you'd never seen him not wear. and he touched you? said you did a good job? who was this man and what had he done with your real captain? "once you've done and washed yourself up, swing by my quarters. there's something i'd like to discuss with you. without the prying ears and eyes of our mates."