#and love the image of awkward teen fizz stumbling over himself at getting such a deep scratchy voice during puberty XD | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jozstankovich · 4 years

Text

Goodnight Kiss

Fandom: The Outer Worlds Pairing: Felix Millstone/Nonbinary Captain (Tibbs) Rating: Teen+ Word Count: 3937 [AO3 link in Comment Section]

-------------------------------------

Tossball, the greatest sport in Halcyon.

Or rather, the only sport in Halcyon.

Either way, Tibbs is a fan… and not just because of present company. Okay, maybe it hadn’t started that way. True, the first time they’d asked Felix to explain the rules to them had merely been an excuse to spend more time with him, but since actually hearing the rules they’d fallen head over heels for the game. Initially it had reminded them of the Earth game lacrosse, but any game that encourages killing your opponent and being disqualified for “overly sportsman-like conduct” definitely had their attention, and now game night had quickly become a standing tradition.

“Hey Nell! Can you bring us another round?” Felix called across the room, waving at the bartender. Tibbs quickly hid their smirk behind their glass as Nell’s gaze settled on them. Draining the foamy dredges in one gulp, they glanced over at Felix, oblivious and already focused back on the game.

The gnawing pang of jealousy Tibbs had felt upon their first meeting with the tossball loving bartender was nowhere to be found these days and they even managed a genuine grin to counter Nell’s somewhat strained one as she brought their fresh drinks over. Felix tore his eyes from the screen long enough to thank her before grabbing his glass and nudging Tibbs enthusiastically in the ribs as the Rangers executed a particularly daring play. The disappointment in Nell’s lingering gaze was so obvious it was painful and had her affections been directed anywhere else, Tibbs would have felt sorry for her, maybe even put in a good word for her... but not with Felix.

The game was neck and neck, and as the night wore on the tension only mounted, reaching a fever pitch. All other thought was driven from their mind as Tibbs leaned forward, holding their breath, their eyes glued to the fuzzy images of the players running around the screen. To their side they were vaguely aware of Felix, half standing, clutching at their sleeve, squeezing their arm in apprehension, his eyes alight with frenzied excitement as the timer ticked down.

Time seemed to slow as Bertie “Black Hole” Holcomb launched the ball toward the goal. Ceiren Frasier lunged for it, his stick missing by a hair, and a cry went up as the Rangers scored one second before the timer buzzed, winning them the game and sending them to the Pennant match. Before they realized what was happening Tibbs was lifted from the ground, a pair of strong arms encircling their waist, squeezing them tightly and their giddy laughter mixed with Felix’s as he swung them around enthusiastically. As he set them down heavily Tibbs stumbled back into his arms and froze. It wasn’t until their eyes met that Felix realized what he’d done, his face instantly colouring, though his hands still lingered at their waist.

Clearing his throat awkwardly he released them, stepping back quickly. “Sorry boss,” he managed to stammer; his eyes flitting away sheepishly for a moment, “I got a little carried away… though can you blame me? That was an amazing play!”

Tibbs snorted, trying to mask the fact that their heart was still pounding loudly in their ears. “Hell yeah it was. I think we need a victory shot to celebrate.”

Awkwardness quickly forgotten, a grin spread across Felix’s face. “Oh hell yes!”

One shot turned into three, which turned into five and by the time they’d stumbled out of the bar they had to hold each other up; Tibbs nearly tripping down the stairs and bringing Felix down with them. “Whoa boss, careful there,” he exclaimed, slipping his arm around their waist and flushing as the captain leaned heavily into his side.

“Oops, sorry,” Tibbs snickered, blinking around them at the empty street. “...Which way is the ship?”

“Uh…” Felix gaped, just as lost. “I think… this way?” he guessed, turning them around.

“Then lead on!” Tibbs giggled, falling into step with him; warmth spreading up their side where they leaned against him.

The cool night air, well, cool for Monarch standards seemed to sober the two up slightly and they stumbled on in companionable silence; Felix sneaking glances at the Captain when he didn’t think they were looking.

“Hey boss, we’re gunna watch the Pennant match together, right?” he asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.

Tibbs looked up and flashed him a lopsided grin. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” they slurred.

“Good,” Felix nodded to himself, “I’ve never really had anyone to watch the games with before… and it just makes them that much more fun with you there,” he admitted, glancing down at them.

A smile tugged at Tibbs’ lips at Felix’s words; butterflies swarming in their stomach. “I like spending time with you too Felix.”

-------------------------

Inebriated, it took them longer than usual to navigate the streets of Stellar Bay, and by the time the two had staggered back onto the Unreliable, the rest of the crew were already in their bunks. “I’m thirsty,” Tibbs announced as they crested the stairs to the crew quarters.

“Me too,” Felix agreed, trailing behind the captain to the kitchen and plopping down at the table. His gaze followed them to the fridge as they yanked open the door and stuck their head inside. Swallowing thickly he had to tear his gaze from their backside as they leaned over farther, digging through the ice box. Hands full, Tibbs straightened, nudging the door shut with their hip before setting two bottles of purpleberry fizz onto the table between them and Felix.

“Here,” they said, sliding one of the bottles over to their companion. “Gotta hydrate so you don’t wake up with a hangover tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah, I always forget that part,” Felix admitted ruefully, twisting off the cap.

Tibbs snorted softly as they settled back into their chair, watching Felix as they took a swig of their own soda. “Hey Felix, can I ask you something?” they asked, knowing full-well that if they were sober they probably would’ve chickened out already, however at the moment they could care less.

“Sure boss, shoot.”

The lopsided grin he directed at them had their cheeks heating, but Tibbs doubted it would be noticeable over the flush from the alcohol. “What did you think of me the first time we met?”

Felix set down his soda and chewed his lip, looking thoughtful. “Well, I thought you were super cool, with your own spaceship ‘n all. I mean, you looked like a real badass, like someone I’d wanna be friends with… and of course I hoped you’d let me travel with you.” He paused for a moment and then smirked. “Plus I gotta admit I thought you were super hot,” he said with a shrug, as if it were no big deal.

Fighting to keep their composure, Tibbs merely cocked their brow. “ Ohh?”

“Well, yeah,” Felix replied slowly, “anyone with eyes would think so,” he added quickly.

Tibbs couldn’t help the amused chuckle that burst from their lips. “And what do you think of me now?”

“Now?” Felix mused, fidgeting with the neck of his soda bottle. “Now I know you’re a badass,” he replied with a laugh of his own. “But like also, you’re a good person. You’re constantly going out of your way to help folks, and even if it's on your own terms you’re still doing good. I think…” he paused again, as if searching for the right words. “I think there’s a lot more to you than you show most people and I’m glad I’m one of the few who actually gets to see that.”

“Felix…” Tibbs murmured, touched, but before they could dwell on his words for too long he scooted his chair closer and leaned in, his voice lowering, hazel eyes holding them hostage.

“Now it’s your turn boss. Tell me something you’ve never told anyone else before.”

“Uh, okay… let’s see…” they mused, leaning in closer as well. Again an alcohol induced impulsiveness overtook them and Tibbs blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “For a long time I was jealous of Nell.”

Thick eyebrows furrowing, Felix frowned in thought. “How come?” he asked, clearly puzzled.

Tibbs cleared their throat before sitting back in their chair and answering, their eyes flicking away. “Because I thought you liked her.”

Still confused, Felix tilted his head. “Why would I like Nell when you’re so much cooler?”

“Wait, what?” Tibbs asked with a start, choking on their soda, but Felix didn’t seem to hear them, chewing his lip until his eyes widened.

“Wait, are you saying what I think you’re saying boss?”

The reality of what they’d just admitted hit them, forcing its way through their alcohol dampened senses. “I-I mean…” they stuttered, mentally kicking themself. This wasn’t exactly how they had imagined this conversation going.

Wait, was he grinning?

Indeed, a very pleased, albeit somewhat incredulous expression was plastered to Felix’s face as he watched them.

“You were jealous? I had no idea boss. All this time, I never really imagined you liked me too.”

Too? Tibbs gaped at him, dumbfounded. “You mean…?”

Felix’s laughter washed over them and their face flushed to the roots of their auburn hair. “Damn boss, I’ve never seen you so tongue tied before and you’re turning red. You must really like me, huh?”

“You’re enjoying this too much,” Tibbs countered, ignoring his question while managing to claw out a modicum of composure in the face of his smug teasing.

“Yeah, I am.” He answered simply, still smirking. “It’s not often I get to tease you. It’s usually the other way round.”

“Yeah well, don’t get used to it,” Tibbs huffed, taking another swig of soda.

“Oh no, I think I want to,” Felix insisted, still grinning like an idiot; his excitement infectious and Tibbs couldn’t stop from grinning back.

“Fine, but only you. Anyone else tries to pull that shit and they’re going out the airlock.”

“Whatever you say, captain,” he said with a shrug, spreading his hands.

Their laughter died down and the kitchen grew quiet once again; the only sound the hum of the ship.

“So… what do we do about… this?” Felix asked gesturing between Tibbs and himself. “I’ve never been, uh… serious about something like this before. And I really really don’t want to mess anything up,” he said earnestly.

“Yeah, same hat,” Tibbs murmured, looking at their hands. At least, if they had been in a serious relationship before, they couldn’t remember it. Either way, Felix was their best friend and the last thing they wanted was to bungle things and lose him. “I think we should talk more about this tomorrow… when we’re sober,” they suggested with a wry chuckle.

“Sounds good to me,” Felix agreed and pushed himself to his feet; his whole demeanor pleased. “Let me walk you home.”

Tibbs looked at his hand blankly before letting him pull them to their feet. “My room’s just down the hall,” they pointed out with an amused snort.

“So? That’s what you’re supposed to do after a date, right?”

Tibbs supposed he was right, comical though it was. Wait, did this really count as a date? Leaning into his side against the faint spinning in their head, Tibbs let him escort them back to their cabin, marveling at how right it felt to have his arm around them. Just outside their door Felix hesitated and Tibbs turned after crossing the threshold, leaning out into the hall.

“ Yeees?” they asked, cocking an eyebrow. “It looks like you have something to say.”

Felix cleared his throat and scratched at the back of his head. “So…” he paused, his gaze falling to Tibbs’ mouth. “Do I get a goodnight kiss at least?”

The question caught them off guard and the vacant look on their face must have worried Felix because he quickly began to backpedal, assuring them he was only joking, until a smirk quirked Tibbs’ lips and they grasped the collar of his shirt, jerking him forward. Their lips collided, cutting off Felix’s words with a surprised grunt that quickly melted to a soft whimper as Tibbs pulled back.

His dazed “holy shit” brought a breathless laugh to their tingling lips, but before they could make a coy comeback Felix’s hands were at their waist, eagerly hauling them forward. As their lips met again Tibbs stumbled backward at his intensity, pulling Felix with them into their room. The door slid shut behind him with a hiss and moments later his back was pressed against it with Tibbs pressed against him.

Breaking apart only long enough to catch their breaths Felix awkwardly hoisted the captain into his arms to mount the stairs to their quarters, thinking himself suave.

“Don’t you dare drop me, Felix Millstone,” Tibbs hissed, wrapping their legs around his waist as he staggered up the stairs.

“Don’t worry boss, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he assured them before reeling backward with a panicked gasp; Tibbs yelping in tandem and tightened their hold on him. Regaining his balance he continued the climb, trying to reset the mood; his hands sliding lower. “See, made it!”

“Barely,” Tibbs pointed out wryly, but excitement thrummed through them all the same.

As soon as they reached the top Felix dropped Tibbs to their feet and his mouth was on theirs once again, his hands cupping their jaw as his lips moved against theirs, meeting over and over. Stumbling backwards toward the bed Tibbs’ hands tangled in Felix’s vest, desperately yanking at the fabric as he eagerly followed. Shrugging the garment off quickly he let it fall to the floor, his shirt following before helping Tibbs undress as well.

Masterfully toeing off their boots as they walked and kicking them away, Tibbs stopped as the backs of their legs hit the edge of their bunk. However, in his haste to shed his own boots Felix lost his balance again, pitching forward and toppling them both onto the mattress in a half-dressed heap accompanied by Tibbs’ muffled shriek of surprise. Not letting the small mishap interrupt him Felix crawled over them capturing their lips once more. The hunger behind his kisses had their head swimming and Tibbs writhed against him as his hands wandered and his tongue swiped against their lips, chasing all thought away.

Moaning into their mouth Felix pulled back to catch his breath and huffed a soft laugh.

“What?” Tibbs asked, brows furrowing softly.

“You taste like purpleberry,” he replied, grinning goofily down at them. “I like it.”

Tibbs snorted, laughing harder and soon Felix was echoing them; both of them laughing like idiots until they were gasping for breath and Tibbs let their head fall back against their pillows, their eyes fluttering shut and the rest of their laughter turning breathless. When they opened their eyes they found Felix watching them, still sprawled atop them and there was a softness to his expression they’d never seen before.

“Are we really doing this?” he murmured almost to himself.

“Well, you were the one who wanted that goodnight kiss,” Tibbs pointed out coyly.

Felix chuckled before turning somber once more. “No, I mean… you and me. Me and you. This.” He looked uncertain, as if afraid Tibbs would change their mind and push him off them. “I mean, do you know how long I’ve wanted to kiss you?”

Golden brown eyes met hazel ones and Tibbs smiled softly, pushing up to press their lips to his. The kiss was soft and lingering, and Felix nearly followed as they pulled back, not wanting it to end.

“Yeah, we are.” Tibbs said, their brows creasing faintly. “And just how long did you wanna kiss me for?”

“Long enough,” Felix muttered sheepishly before letting his head fall, resting his forehead against Tibbs’ chest.

Smiling to themself Tibbs laid back again, snuggling into their pillows before reaching up to card their fingers through Felix’s mop of soft dark hair.

“Mm that feels nice,” he groaned; his voice muffled against them. “If you keep that up I might just fall asleep right here.”

“That’s okay.”

At Tibbs’ words Felix raised his head to gape at them. “You want me to stay?”

“Yeah, why not?” They shrugged, fighting back a grin, their fingers resuming their gentle massage against his scalp and Felix’s eyes nearly rolled up into his head as he collapsed back down with a sigh.

“Good, because you’re comfortable.”

Tibbs snorted fondly, rolling their head to the side to look out the viewport that took up most of the wall, gazing at the expanse of stars outside and soon Felix was snoring soundly, his arms wrapped around their waist comfortingly.

Yeah, I think I could get used to this, Tibbs thought before sleep overtook them as well.

-----------------------------

The next morning Felix shifted in his sleep and froze, his hand resting on something warm and soft. Was there someone else in his bed?

Cracking an eye he glanced around.

This wasn’t his room at all.

Finally the events of the night before caught up to him and his eyes snapped open to gape at the captain, half undressed and entwined beneath him, snoring softly, but looking as peaceful as ever. In fact Felix couldn’t remember ever seeing them quite this relaxed.

“It wasn’t a dream,” he whispered, full of awe and Tibbs stirred.

Groaning, they reached up to cradle their head and made a face before their eyes fluttered open slowly, wincing. Frowning slightly they blinked blearily several times at Felix, as if unsure they were seeing correctly. “Felix…?” they croaked uncertainly.

“Mornin boss,” he replied awkwardly, quickly removing his hand from their chest before they noticed and shifted so he wasn’t crushing them. Concern laced his expression as he noticed the dark bags under their eyes, “you don’t look so hot.”

“Gee thanks Felix, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear upon waking from the guy I made out with and then fell asleep under last night,” Tibbs groaned, throwing their arm over their eyes.

“Sorry, I just meant you don’t look well. Are you okay?” Felix clarified, wanting to feel their face to check if they were feverish, but afraid of overstepping a boundary. Although, after falling asleep in their bunk with them there weren’t many boundaries left to cross.

Again Tibbs groaned, louder this time. “I feel like shit.” Lifting their arm so they could see him they frowned. “You’re not hungover?” It was less of a question and more of an observation.

Felix thought about it for a second and then shook his head. “No, I feel fine. Actually I feel great. I don’t think I’ve slept this well in a long time.”

“Good for you,” Tibbs grumbled before softening. “Other than this splitting headache, I… I think I slept really well too.”

The faint flush that bloomed on their face was contagious and Felix could feel his own cheeks heating as well. He still wasn’t used to seeing the captain so vulnerable, but he wanted to be, he wanted so badly to be used to it. Clearing his throat, he tried not to dwell on the thoughts that were suddenly pressing against his consciousness.

“Soooo, last night we said we’d talk about this tomorrow, but I think we may have skipped a few steps in between there and here,” he said, gesturing to their still entwined bodies, slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”

Tibbs snorted softly, their eyes finding his. “Yeah, I’d say.” They shifted, bringing their hand up to hesitantly brush their fingers against his cheek. “I got just as carried away last night, but… it doesn’t feel wrong though.”

Felix caught their hand in his and pressed their palm to his cheek, his eyes fluttering shut. For a long moment he just stayed there, relishing the closeness he craved; Tibbs’ hand so warm against his skin. Realizing the intimacy of the act he quickly released their hand, his eyes dropping awkwardly. However Tibbs didn’t pull away, instead stroking the side of his face as they studied him.

“You wanna take me out again tonight, Millstone?”

Surprised, he gaped at them, his mouth falling open. “You want to? I-I mean, yeah, of course!”

Tibbs’ answering smile faltered as they winced once more, their fingers pressing to their temples. “Ughhh I want to enjoy this moment, dammit. Hangover go awayyyy,” they whined, squeezing their eyes shut.

An idea hit Felix and he pushed himself off the bed as gently as possible, so as not to jostle them. As soon as they felt him move however, Tibbs’ eyes flew open. “Where are you going?”

The worry in their voice was endearing and Felix was quick to reassure them he’d be right back. “I’m gunna see what I can get you for that headache.”

Tibbs’ face softened, their lips twitching into a small smile. “You’re sweet…” they murmured, throwing their arm back over their face. “Come back soon.”

Smiling to himself as he padded down the stairs Felix pulled his shirt over his head, aware he probably looked disheveled, but past caring; his thoughts decidedly elsewhere. As soon as the door whooshed open, however, he froze, face to face with Parvati. Her fist hovering over the space the door had just been, ready to knock and her mouth fell open as she gaped at Felix standing there.

“Felix?” She asked, glancing past him wide-eyed into Tibbs’ cabin. “Did you sleep with the captain last night?” she gasped, her voice raising an octave.

Quickly shushing her Felix leaned into the hall to see if anyone else was close enough to hear. “It’s not like that, Parvati!” he exclaimed hastily. “Well, I mean, it is, but it isn’t. I slept with the captain, but I didn’t sleep with the captain,” he tried to clarify. The horrified look on the mechanic’s face wasn’t helping matters and he couldn’t help rambling further, digging himself deeper. “It’s not that I didn’t want to, I did… want to. But we were both too drunk and ended up just falling asleep…” Realizing that didn’t sound any better he dragged his hand down his face, groaning before starting over. “Please don’t tell anyone Parvati?” he pleaded softly. “This is still… new, and… I-I think I like the boss like you like Junlei.”

Parvati’s expression softened at this and she looked thoughtful. “Well, I suppose it’s about time,” she murmured, shaking her head wryly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Felix asked, frowning.

“Nothin, just the way you two were always lookin at each other when you thought no one else was watching… well, I guess I shoulda realized you liked the captain like that.” After a moment she nodded as if coming to a decision. “Don’t worry Felix, I won’t say anything to the others about this. Though I reckon they’ll figure it out soon enough.”

Felix managed a sheepish grin. “Thanks for understanding Parvati, I appreciate it. Now, if you excuse me I gotta get some water and caffenoids for the boss. They woke up with a helluva hangover.”

“Aww, that’s real sweet of you, Felix. I’ll let you get back to taking care of the captain.” Patting his arm, Parvati smiled warmly before turning, heading back toward the cargo bay.

Felix stared after her for a moment before releasing the deep breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and climbed to the kitchen, hoping not to run into anyone else on the way, his thoughts quickly slipping back to the warmth of Tibbs’ bunk and looking forward to their next date.

#the outer worlds #felix millstone #nonbinary captatin #named captain #the stranger #felix millstone x the captain #felix millstone/the captain #oc: Tibbs #captain tibbs #otp: Tibbstone #jawzwrites

45 notes · View notes