Alex wondered silently why he was doing this, why he was bothering to check in on her. But something inside of him had convinced him of the importance of returning to Sophia's room, if only to look at her in a fit-less sleep. But after he slowly pushed open the door to her room, he couldn't help but notice the soft cries coming from where she lay, curled into a ball. He padded over to the side of her bed, where he could see her face in greater detail. The tear stains upon her cheek were fairly visible in the dim light, even though most of her face was buried into her pillow. She didn't acknowledge his presence in her room, though Alex was sure she had heard him enter. Her crying ceased as soon as she realized someone else was in her quarters. She looked up from her dampened pillow, the fear in her eyes clearly visible to Alex. She hurriedly tried to wipe away the tears that clung to her eyelashes, not fully succeeding even with her most vigorous efforts. She looked away, embarrassed of her own weakness, though he showed no reaction. He remained motionless and mute, watching her with an intent stare.

Suddenly, with no warning, he sat down on the edge of her bed next to her, lowering himself to her level, his towering height no longer a factor of intimidation. She looked at him, shocked, and unsure of what his might action might be. He had always been so cold to her; why would he come back? He kept his gaze down on the old mattress, not wanting to meet her eyes, not sure that he could explain to her why he was here. There was no logical reason; the only thing that had made him come to her was the emotional pull, which was beyond Alex's scope of understanding. When he finally did raise his eyes to meet hers, she had moved away slightly from him, still slightly afraid of his reaction. He silently berated himself for scaring her further; that was not his intention. He meant to comfort her, not bring her back to the state of terror he had originally found her in. Not sure what else to do, he moved to her side, wrapping his arms around her softly and bringing her to his chest. Her eyes widened, but the only sign of shock Alex could feel was her sharp intake of breath. Her shoulders were tense; she was unused to such a submissive position, not used to this softer side of Alex that no one had ever been allowed to see before. Gradually, she relaxed, her senses returning, and pressed her forehead against his chest. She wasn't sure what had made him act in such a way, but she would not be the one to question it. For one night, she would forget the jaded captain who piloted the heartless monstrosity Silvana, and take comfort in the arms of a man whose embrace could wipe any fear from her heart. She would stay with him, with this changed man, and let him hold her, touch her, do whatever he pleased. For she had given him her heart since long ago, and to finally be noticed by him was more than she could ask for.

A/N

Thank you to

Alory Shannon and

Vea Universe

Who reviewed my second chapter