New Fic: Bearly Midnight

[jackwabbit]

Bearly Midnight

Fandom: Star Trek Discovery
Rated: G
Category: Triple Drabble. Culmets. RickyVerse. Angst. Grief.
Time Frame: Post-“Despite Yourself” and Pre-“Saints of Imperfection.” You know. That time.
Spoilers: “Despite Yourself,” I suppose. But mostly just general series knowledge only through S1.
Summary: They say that time is a healer. And it is. But it’s also a cruel mistress. And sometimes, it’s both. Simultaneously.
Note: Another Ricky story, because I just can’t help myself. I’m a bit sorry for this one, honest. But it’s what my brain gave me. Sorry/not sorry. Hugs?

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It’s dark when Paul wakes, and for a moment, he’s disoriented.

He glances at the chrono on the wall, confused as to what might have woken him.

When he sees the time, it suddenly all makes sense.

It’s just after midnight, and he remembers now why he went to bed early.

It’s stupid, really, on a ship the size of Discovery, with such a varied crew, that they still assign importance to these things.

But still, it is a new year, and while the soundproofing on the ship is good, it’s not that good.

So if he listens for it, he can hear the quiet rumblings of gatherings even now. And he’s sure the striking of the hour, with its celebratory cheering, is what woke him.

He sighs into the darkness, pulling the blankets tighter around his body and closing his eyes against the assault of a sudden memory.

Hugh, more than a few years ago, right in the thick of a traditional New Year’s Eve – more than making up for so many years spent studying quietly while others partied.

A ghost of a smile plays across Paul’s lips after a moment.

It still hurts to think of Hugh – he suspects it always will. But that had been a good night. For one thing, they’d won a dance contest, despite Paul’s hesitation in entering. Paul can still feel their celebratory kiss. He can see Hugh’s outfit, too – which reminds him of something.

He rolls over, feeling under the covers, until he finds what he’s looking for.

Then he pulls Ricky out from near his knee and tucks him properly under his arm.

The bear’s presence calms Paul, and soon, he starts to drift off again.

But before he does, he whispers to the ship’s night, bittersweet.

“Happy New Year, Hugh.”