A Friend in Need (Final Space)

Chapter 1: Right Under Your Nose

"Damn, you humans are heavy!"Jaxxtrixxriiandraneek, also known as 'Jack,' struggled beneath the weight of his stupidly-drunk captain. His old friend hadn't been the same since the death of his wife several years before. The minute he wasn't on a mission, or at home with his son, he could be found in some seedy bar, attempting to mate with a woman of his species.

"Jack! Why don't women like me?" John Goodspeed suddenly wailed, burying his face into the pilot's shoulder.

Jack rolled his eyes skyward, but only patted his friend's sturdy back, and replied, "Women do like you. You're always coming back to the ship smelling like perfume. And that one time you actually brought one back with you... ugh! I still can't get the sight of her nude, human body out of my mind."

"Yeah, she was sexy, wasn't she?" John sighed. The smaller man only rolled his eyes again. "But I mean, why can't I just FIND a woman that wants to stick around. The moment they find out I have a son – A BEAUTIFUL BOY – they leave!"

"John," Jack sighed, "There are many people looking for a monogamous relationship. You just keep hooking up with people who aren't. Maybe if you didn't always go looking for your mates in decrepit bars, you'd meet someone nice. Try a book shop, or a library, or a coffee shop."

"But... you like all those places," the human suddenly commented, attempting to push himself up. He wobbled on unsteady legs, only to feel his co-pilot's hands attempting to steady him.

"Yes, I do," the little alien agreed, pushing his captain toward the ship.

John clutched his aching head, but stumbled along. "Are... are you ever gonna settle down, bud?" To his surprise, his green-skinned friend blushed at his question. Wait... Had he always been curious about his co-pilot's love life? Come to think of it, he couldn't remember Jack ever sharing his personal interests.

"Sure, I mean, maybe someday," Jack admitted.

"Any lucky ladies on your list?" John teased, before nearly tripping over his own feet as he stepped onto the ramp. His little friend steadied him again, his petite hands pressed firmly against John's lower back.

"I'm... not really into girls. But if I met the right guy, and everything worked out... well, I think I'd be quite happy to settle down. Maybe adopt a kid or two."

John blinked down at his co-pilot. Was Jack smiling wistfully? That was a cute expression on him. Wait, had John ever thought that his friend was cute before? Was it the alcohol? Ugh, his head huuuuurt!

"You, uh, want to settle down and have kids?" John repeated.

"Yeah, with the right person... Watch Your Step, John!"

The captain looked up moments too late, and crashed into one of their helper robots. The pair fell to the ground in a heap.

"Honestly," Jack sighed, burying his face in his hand as he shook his head. Straightening his shoulders, he attempted to pull his taller friend to his feet. "We need to get you to bed. We have a mission in the morning. I've told you time and time again not to go drinking the night before a mission."

"Are you sure you're not a girl? You're always nagging me like one," John grumbled, allowing himself to be led to his suite.

"Don't be sexist. Guys can nag, too. And you need someone to nag you, John Goodspeed. Until the right woman comes along, I guess that someone is me," Jack grumbled back, pressing the button to open his captain's door.

"Ah, sweet relief!" John sighed, flopping inelegantly onto his unmade bed.

"Don't you want to change out of your day clothes?" Jack asked, eyeing his friend up and down.