Author's Note:

I still don't know if anyone is reading this, but I finished another chapter, so why not? I forgot to say it in the first Author's Note, but I own nothing. Except my cat. All rights for Starship go to the lovely Team Starkid, and any Harry Potter references or mentions belong to J.K. Rowling and her talented imagination.

Taz woke up slowly, and was confused when she felt something heavy lying across her midsection. Her confusion mounted when she felt a warm thing against her back, snuggled around her like a cocoon. She wasn't scared, though, and realized as her consciousness returned the reason for her calmness. The events of last night came flooding back with sudden force, and made her smile. She then realized that it was not just some thing wrapped around her, but that it was Up's warm, muscled, and good-smelling body. She then recognized the taboo situation this put the two of them in with the rest of the Academy. Taz sighed heavily, but made no effort to move from Up's arms.

Up was roused from sleep by a small movement against his chest. It wasn't unpleasant and it made him curious to see what moved. He cracked one eye open to see Taz's sleep-mussed dark hair and small body curled beneath his arm on the bed. He shifted, pulling Taz closer to him than before. Up's chest was pressed entirely to her back, and she shuddered slightly out of pleasure.

The single shudder sent waves of pleasure through Up's body. This animalistic reaction made him pause. This can't possibly be wrong! It feels so right… But she's still a teenager. I'm an adult!

Taz was wide-awake now, shocked that her body had betrayed her to Up in such an obvious way. She could tell he was awake too, thinking hard about something. She moved around a little, finally turning over to face Up. He jumped, clearly not aware that she was no longer asleep. Realizing the situation they were now in, he toppled out of bed and hit the floor. He tried to recover quickly, but couldn't do anything with those chocolate eyes gazing happily into his own. He tripped over his words (as well as his feet) and finally managed a "good morning!"

Taz looked at him carefully, confused about his reaction. She recovered much faster than Up had though, a slight crease in her forehead the only thing that could give her away.

Up's awkward behavior persisted for years. As soon as he felt like he was getting too close to Taz, he would get clumsy and tongue-tied. Taz became so used to it that she thought it was normal. It still frustrated her to no end sometimes, because despite her tough, badass exterior, she was a girl with insecurities. He must not want jou to get de wrong idea. He doesn't want jou to think dat he likes jou! That's why he pushes jou away all de time. But jou can't help it dat Up is so caliente! It is all Up's fault. Damn him!

Despite Taz's frustration and Up's oblivious nature, the two remained the best of friends and were well known at the Academy for their supreme combat skills. Taz completed her third year at the academy without difficulty, and quietly turned eighteen three days before graduation. Up was the only one who knew, and she refused to accept any gifts. He pressed her, saying that it was important! She was coming of age! She was an adult now! But she refused more vehemently, intensity blazing in her eyes. Up knew at that point that she wouldn't back down, so he had to. They celebrated quietly, just watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Up's couch and talking late into the night.

On graduation day, Up stood in the audience and cheered the loudest as Taz got her Starship Ranger badge. His heart sank, though, when he realized she would receive her assignment and commander in a few days. She might leave him! He couldn't bear the thought.

The day was supposed to be all smiles and congratulations for Taz. While on stage receiving her badge, the thought hit her that in a few days she might never see Up again. She held it together long enough to sit through the ceremony, but ran off immediately afterwards, not even waiting for Up.

Up watched Taz sprint out of the auditorium and disappear around a corner. He stood up quickly and ran after her. He checked every part of her room, but couldn't find her anywhere. He was about to give up when he heard the stream of Spanish curses and quiet sobs coming from behind the door connecting Taz's room to his own. Up knew immediately that it was Taz, but was slightly shocked and bewildered by the reason behind her tears.

A brilliant thought came to him so suddenly that he stumbled under the realization. IT'S MY FAULT. Taz is crying because of me. Because of my stupid façade in an attempt to convince myself that I didn't care like that. But I do. I love Taz. I love her with every fiber of his being. Up sighed in defeat for a moment, thinking of unrequited love, but realized that Taz wasn't a kid anymore. She was an adult, so they could do whatever they wanted. Up almost exclaimed with excitement but realized he should probably talk to Taz.

His stomach twisted into uncomfortable knots as he realized there might be another reason for Taz to cry. Up's fears of any other reason dissipated almost immediately as he opened the door to his room and saw Taz curled up on his side of the bed, clutching his pillow and crying softly, then swearing at herself for being such a wimp.

She heard the door and mumbled "go away" as Up approached her. He knew her too well to obey, and he climbed up next to her on the bed. She began to shift away, but Up snagged her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. She struggled, but was weak from crying and soon resigned. Taz flopped back pathetically against Up's chest, unwelcome tears still rolling down her cheeks. It was all Up could do to not wipe them away, but he knew it wouldn't help anything.

So there they sat, Up trying to protect Taz's small frame from the world. Taz seemed to know what he was thinking, and sniffed once to momentarily collect herself. "Jou know what, Up? Jou may be trying to help, but jou can't protect me from jourself."

And then they lapsed back into silence.

Sleep came eventually, but the pair never moved from their positions on the bed.

A/N: Thanks for reading! If you are reading, recommend to your friends! PM or review any time! Shout out to AlreadyOnMars for being awesome! :D