Core Memory (Lolix)

Chapter Ten

The automatic lights flickered on. They were a more quiet form of an alarm to alert Locus when to wake, and when to sleep. Even though he had his schedule ingrained into his mind, sometimes he let himself work a little too hard and needed a bit of a reminder to back down and rest.

Though, he didn't particularly want to get up, releasing a groan when he was temporarily blinded by the lights above him. Something felt off though. There was a bit of weight on him, something practically tying him down to the bed that wasn't there any other nights. What could it have been?

Letting his eyes adjust to the light before doing anything else, he looked down at the pressure he had felt before realizing what it was. It was Felix.

He was practically cuddled right into his side, an arm lazily flung over Locus's stomach as if he were holding on to some stuffed toy. He couldn't help his face burning up at the sight.

The night before, the lights had shut off on schedule to announce their needed rest. There was only one bed though, and two people. Both he and Felix insisted on not taking the bed, Felix wanting Locus to stay since it was his, and Locus wanting Felix to take it instead since there was no way he would be comfortable enough on the floor. He remembered Felix's suggestion, that they both just take the bed as a compromise so they wouldn't have to argue any further. There was no shame in it, no embarrassment, just someone who wanted to go to bed without any problems. For some reason, he agreed to it.

Though they both had turned away from one another to make it less awkward, Felix had his side, and Locus had his, obviously, that hadn't lasted long at some point over the course of the night.

It was weird seeing Felix so peaceful looking. Even before, when they shared the same quarters during the war and during their time in the UNSC, or the same room during their mercenary days, they always slept separately, and even though Locus was the first one up, he never had the time to even give Felix a glance. He wondered if Felix had slept as peacefully as he did now before, or if the blessing of no memories of a horrible past shielded him from having anything other than a good night's rest.

He pursed his lips as he gently picked up Felix's arm, removing it from on top of him so he could get out of bed. He didn't want to wake the other, especially since he still wouldn't have any use of him on the ship. Gently placing the arm back down onto the bed once he was up, he sighed.

Another long day of being in space, just like before. The only difference being that he now has company.

They would also have to stop at a nearby planet for food. Sure, Locus had grabbed some supplies and food back on Chamber, and he still had the bag of candy that Felix had bought him, but they were to keep his stomach busy enough for him to reach the next planet. Plus, he was sure Felix hadn't brought anything with him either in that bag of his, so the sooner they get to the next planet, the better.

He made himself comfortable in his position at the front of the ship, right at the desk, before he tapped into the holographic map. Any dangerous planets were immediately a no-go, not wanting to get stuck in some sort of war or even simply getting mugged by some pathetic being in a side-street.

There were a few good candidates, but the closest and safest seemed to have been Eridanus. They could take a quick stop at Elysium city, get some food, and be on their way.

After setting their destination, Locus glanced back towards the bedroom, a part of him wondering just how long Felix could stay knocked out undisturbed.

---

Turns out the answer was until they reached a whole new planet. Locus would have thought Felix's stomach would get the better of him and wake him, but he was proven wrong. They had made it all the way to the docking ports of Elysium before Felix had finally opened his eyes, but even then, it was Locus who had to shake him awake.

"You're not going out in your armor are you?" Felix had asked, opening the door of the bedroom to step out after he had gotten himself dressed in a new pair of clothes. He wore a simple, white hoodie, with his varsity jacket on top of it, with grey jeans and his shoes from before.

"Is there a problem if I do?" Locus questioned, his eye skimming over the other's outfit before returning his face.

"Don't you think it's a bit intimidating? Especially if we're just grabbing a bite to eat?" Felix paused, glancing back into the room, "Hell, do you even have normal clothes to wear?"

Locus simply didn't answer, only letting out a grunt as he emptied his bag from before so they could bring it with.

"Oh my fucking god, you don't have anything? Really? Not a single piece of normal clothing beside the shit you wear to bed?" Felix asked incredulously, "We're going to go shopping after we eat."

"We will not. We came here for food, and a few more supplies, that is it."

"Oh, kiss my ass, will you? We're getting you some clothes, hell, I'll even pay for what you pick."

"I said no, Felix."

"Isaac, or are you going fucking senile?"

Locus sighed.

"If it gets you to shut up, fine."

"Great! Now, where are we heading?"

Locus gently rubbed at his temple, besides the insistence of using a new name, Felix was really as annoying as he was before. "According to the GPS, there's a little fast-food breakfast place nearby. It'll be a bit of a walk, but nothing too long and difficult for you."

Felix huffed a small laugh as he gently punched Locus's arm, "Don't you go thinking that I can't handle a bit of walking. Once I get this fucking brace off I might even be able to kick your ass once day."

"You wish," Locus muttered, opening A'rynasea's doors for Felix to head outside.

Hopefully, this trip wouldn't take too long.