Red Horizon (The Martian Fanfiction)

Chapter 21

As they stepped inside the Hab, the warmth that greeted them was a sharp contrast to the bone-chilling cold of the Martian night. Olivia shivered, though it had less to do with the temperature now and more with the aching stiffness settling into her injured leg. The cold had exacerbated the pain, making each step feel heavier, harder to bear.

Mark noticed her wince as she took a step forward, her hand instinctively reaching out to brace herself against the nearest surface. Without hesitation, he moved to her side, offering his arm. His expression was soft, understanding, as he gave her a reassuring nod. "Come on," he said gently, "let's get you warmed up."

Olivia allowed herself to lean on him, her pride taking a back seat to the overwhelming ache in her leg. Mark guided her slowly across the room, his arm steady around her waist as she limped toward the small kitchenette. Each step was a struggle, her muscles protesting every movement, but Mark's presence at her side made it bearable. He didn't rush her, didn't make her feel like a burden. He simply moved with her, his quiet support unwavering.

When they reached the kitchenette, he carefully helped her into one of the chairs, making sure her leg was propped up on a nearby stool. "Stay here," he said softly, his voice low and comforting. "I'll get you something warm to drink."

Olivia nodded, leaning back in the chair as she let out a slow breath. The warmth inside the Hab was beginning to ease the tension in her body, but the throbbing in her leg remained, a dull reminder of how much her body still had to recover. She flexed her fingers, feeling the stiffness in her joints as she tried to shake off the lingering cold.

Mark moved around the small kitchen with quiet efficiency, his movements deliberate as he boiled water for tea. Olivia watched him through half-lidded eyes, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over her despite the discomfort. There was something soothing about the way he moved, the way he cared for her without a second thought.

A few minutes later, Mark returned with a steaming cup of tea, the faint scent of herbs filling the air as he set it down gently in front of her. He pulled up a chair beside her, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed as he handed her the cup. "Here," he said, his voice warm and gentle. "It'll help with the cold."

Olivia wrapped her hands around the cup, the warmth seeping into her chilled skin. She took a small sip, the hot liquid sending a comforting heat down her throat and into her chest. The simple act of drinking tea, of sitting beside Mark in the quiet safety of the Hab, felt like a reprieve from the harshness of the world outside.

Mark watched her for a moment, his eyes soft as he studied her face. "How's the leg?" he asked, his voice quiet but laced with concern.

Olivia let out a small sigh, her fingers tightening around the cup. "It's... sore," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "The cold made it worse."

Mark's expression softened further, his hand resting on her knee in a gesture of quiet comfort. "You don't have to push yourself so hard," he murmured, his thumb gently brushing against her leg. "I don't mind helping you around, Livi."

His words settled over her like a warm blanket, easing some of the frustration and guilt that had been building inside her. She had hated feeling like a burden, hated relying on him for so many things. But in that moment, with his gentle reassurance, she realized that he didn't see her that way. He didn't mind helping. In fact, he wanted to.

She smiled softly, looking up at him with gratitude in her eyes. "I know," she said quietly, her voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Mark."

Mark smiled back, his hand still resting on her leg, and for a brief moment, the world outside—the cold, the isolation, the challenges they still faced—faded away. All that mattered was this moment, this quiet connection between them as they sat together, the warmth of the tea and their shared presence enough to push back the cold.