Humanity had finally established its first colony on a distant planet, a place with better living conditions than the crumbling Earth they still called home. It had been an almost forgotten dream, achieved in the middle of the night while Art lay under the covers of his crowded bunk, with you pressed against him. He’d woken to the sound of shouting, the voices of his fellow workers echoing through the dorm as they celebrated.

Repairing shuttles had always been dangerous, and the pay wasn’t worth the burns that lined Art’s arms from constant exposure to faulty equipment and poor protection. His company was employed through The Federation. Though, with all the grand promises The Federation made about providing a better life for those humans still surviving, Art doubted they’d willing be accomplices to the grueling lifestyle he endured.

He rolled over and reached for his data pad, squinting against the bright light as he read the alert. Ezuno. A viable planet, only two galaxies away. It would take upwards of five years for untrained humans to be able to settle there‚ hardly enough time to save the credits needed for two tickets. And there was no way he would leave you behind. Not when you’d been his life’s anchor ever since the two you found each other.

Art shut off the screen when he felt you stir beside him. As if hiding it could somehow protect you. He knew you too well—you’d suggest he go without you, that at least one of you should have a shot at a better future. But he couldn’t accept that. You were always too selfless, but when it came to you, Art was just the same.

“No,” he whispered, curling you closer, pressing his forehead to yours. The noise from outside—the cheers and the laughter—still filled the corridors, but he barely heard it over the quiet storm brewing in his thoughts. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t bother. I’m not going anywhere without you. I’d rather we stay here together than leave you behind. What kind of man would I be if I did?”