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By the end of her shift, Julia was nearly dead on her feet. Dreadnought playing meant a packed house, rowdy patrons, and never-ending drinks to make and serve. She dragged herself through the corridors to her quarters.

At this hour, the station was much quieter.

Most people were sleeping, and the few who weren’t were generally station staff.

It was weirdly comforting, being up and around when everything was calm and quiet.

She’d always been a night owl, which had made life interesting when she was in the military.

She’d always felt out of sync with everyone else, though she absolutely thrived during night missions.

And when she’d finally been assigned to serve in space, which was her goal, she’d felt like she was home.

When she got to her quarters, she noticed a package at her door. It was one of the sleek white metal containers used for sending interstation mail. She grimaced. She hadn’t been expecting anything, so this likely meant she’d have to contact the delivery system to report the mistake.

Tomorrow. She was tired and starving.

She picked the package up as she put in the code to her quarters, surprised to see that it was addressed to her.

Shower first. Then whatever this was.

She went into her bathroom and took a quick shower, then changed into her soft, comfortable sleep pants and top. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun, then went back out to her living area and brought the package to the table she usually ate at.

Her stomach growled. She usually had a quick bite during work, but it had been so busy tonight she’d barely had a chance to breathe, let alone eat.

She pressed her fingerprint to the spot on the package that ensured only the person the package was meant for would be able to open it, and the container gave a small “beep,” indicating she could open it.

When she did, she saw more small white containers with lids.

At that moment, her communicator buzzed and she looked at it.

“You were very busy tonight at work. My fault. Eat something before you go to sleep. I ordered some of your favorites. -Andethor

She set her communicator down onto the table, then started taking out containers.

Each one, when she opened it, revealed another of her favorite foods.

A variety of cheeses and crackers in one, a container of almond chicken and rice, which had been her go-to meals growing up on Earth.

A fruit salad, another container with spicy roasted vegetables, one with cherry pie, and another with a selection of chocolates.

She shook her head and picked up her comm again.

Thank you. I was starving. You know this is more than I can eat tonight, right?

He responded a few seconds later. I know. But now you have some treats for tomorrow too.

She shook her head and looked at the selection of food he’d sent. He’d nailed every single one of them. How did you know what to pick?

I pay attention. Now eat and relax. Thanks for dancing for me.

She rolled her eyes, unable to stop the grin on her face, and set her comm down again.

She grabbed the container of almond chicken and the piece of cherry pie, setting them aside to eat now, then put the rest away for the next day.

She carried her surprise dinner and dessert into the living room, plopped down onto the sofa, and put on one of her favorite shows, watching happily as she ate.

He was a pain in the ass. And too handsome for his own good. But any male who knew enough to send food at the end of an exhausting day had a few points in his favor.

She’d just finished the pie, feeling full, content, and sleepy, and picked up her communicator.

Dinner was perfect. Thanks again.

Anytime, Jules. You missed your usual snacktime because of how busy it was tonight.

She shook her head. You noticed that?

There was a short pause. Like I said. I pay attention.

What could she say to that? Julia set the comm down on the table as she looked around her living space, trying to think about anything but the way her body heated at those three words:

I pay attention.

She’d been in her last relationship for three years. He’d had no idea what kind of food she liked, almost actively choosing restaurants she hated. He never noticed when she was tired or stressed or feeling lonely or touch-starved.

She had no misconceptions about Andethor. He was a musician, and a gorgeous one, and one who traveled a lot. He’d just gotten very good at charm and was used to getting what he wanted. For some reason, he’d set his sights on her.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

She laughed and stood up, bringing her dirty dishes to the kitchen to wash. Like all take away containers on the station, these would be returned to the kitchens, sanitized, and then sent out with the next order. Very little waste when you live in the middle of space.

She finished cleaning up, brushed her teeth, then crawled into bed, happy to finally cocoon herself in her blankets.

She was just about to drift off when her comm buzzed.

Her first instinct was to ignore it. But, a career in the military ingrained that you never ignored communications, and she still hadn’t quite managed to shake that habit.

Julia groaned and stuck her hand out of her warm, cozy cocoon, grabbing her comm to read the message.

At least it wasn’t a video call. She definitely wasn’t in the mood for that.

She read the beginning of the message, then sat up. It was from her friend, Agatha, who’d moved to the station a few months ago to work in sanitation.

He’s cheating on me. There’s no way he’s not.

, the message read, and Julia groaned.

Agatha had been in a very tumultuous relationship with one of the human guys in engineering for the past few months.

If she could have polite screamed “stop seeing him, for fuck’s sake!

” at her adorable, sweet, funny-as-hell friend, she would have.

But that would be rude. And Agatha was a grown woman who could make her own choices.

What makes you say that?, Julia messaged back.

He’s not answering my calls. Not answering the door at his place, and I saw a woman leaving it a couple hours ago. Still no response from him.

Julia sighed. Some men deserved to have their dicks removed and thrown out an airlock. You know what I’m going to say here, she replied.

I know. Dump him and never think of him again. But nobody does what he does when things are good

Julia rolled her eyes, even more grateful now that it wasn’t a video call. She did not want to hear about Agatha’s sex life. Her advice to start trying out dildos, because they were less work and probably just as satisfying, had made it so Agatha hadn’t talked to her for about a week.

So what are you going to do?

There was nothing for a couple of minutes. I don’t want to DO anything right now. I feel like shit.

Julia pantomimed throwing the comm across the room. In the end, she messaged back, I know it’s hard and you feel like shit. I hate that he makes you feel this way.

Thanks, J. I’m gonna go take a long hot shower and let you get some sleep.

“ Thank fuck,” Julia muttered to herself. She told Agatha good night, then put her comm back down determined to absolutely NOT look at it again, no matter what was going on.