SPIDER CALLING QUARITCH “DAD" ON ACCIDENT SPDIER CALLING QUARITCH “DAD" ON ACCIDENT SPDIER CALLING QUARITCH “DAD" ON ACC— I know someone probably sent an ask like this but imagine the REACTION, THE BUTTERFLIES Miles would get at his son saying the word 🥹🥺
Personally, I headcanon it happening when Spider is drunk, OR (if we are being super angsty) when he is begging for Kiri's life (this was said in an anon which I now can't find, so credit to Nonnie). But if Spider were to say it accidentally, I imagine it would go something like this:
Spider fought to keep his heavy eyelids open as the sun began to set on the watery horizon. He was sat in one of his favourite spots on the Sea Dragon - right at the bow, with his legs hanging freely over the edge. The orange and pink clouds cast bright reflections in the calm waters that stretched ahead of the vessel.
Heavy footsteps behind him alerted him to Quaritch's presence. He knew it was him without having to look. A second later, the recom had sat down next to him, joining Spider in staring out at the vast ocean.
"Not thinking too hard are we?" Quaritch said in lieu of 'hello'.
"Hmm," Spider nodded, not really sure what Quaritch wanted.
"You did good today, kid," Quaritch was leaning back on his hands, watching Spider closely for a reaction.
"I'm honoured," Spider replied flatly.
Quaritch chuckled, apparently amused the fact that Spider possessed a sense of humour. "Just trying to be nice."
Spider looked sideways at the man, who he was shocked to find was staring at him with... fondness. It felt strange... weird. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. No adult had ever looked at him fondly. It was fine - he didn't need or want them to, but now that one was, he didn't know how to react. He prayed that he wasn't blushing as he returned his gaze to the brightly glistening water and colourfully streaked sky.
"Thanks, I guess."
Quaritch heaved a great sigh. "You've gotta teach me some more Na'vi sometime."
Spider pursed his lips, considering this. He did like teaching Na'vi - he'd teach it to anyone and everyone if he could - but Quaritch was using it against the People. Not because he actually liked the language. "Maybe." He paused. "But your accent is crap."
That brought another smile out of Quaritch, and this time Spider couldn't help but join him. The pair met eyes and Spider awkwardly looked away, unwilling to let Quaritch see that part of him.
"Well, that just proves I need more practice then, doesn't it?" Quaritch said, still amused. "How do you say 'thanks'?"
Spider rolled his eyes at the sea. "Irayo."
"Well. Irayo, Spider."
Spider reluctantly grinned, unsure whether he was laughing at the man's pitiful attempt at the Na'vi syllables, or something else. Maybe he just enjoyed this. "Nìprrte."
Quaritch clearly didn't know what he'd said, but that didn't stop him from shuffling a couple of inches closer and putting a tentative arm around Spider's shoulders.
Spider tensed. This was new. They hadn't done this before.
He remained on edge for a few moments, then decided Quaritch clearly didn't mean any harm by it, so he relaxed minutely under the touch.
Minutes passed, without either of them speaking. Spider didn't want to be the one to break the silence. Then, (he wasn't sure what came over him) he realised he'd leaned his head into Quaritch's side. Strangely, he wasn't really that embarrassed anymore. He was too tired. The Sun was on the verge of disappearing over the horizon now, and Spider felt his heavy eyelids begin to droop as the clouds turned from pink to orange to yellow. When he next opened his eyes, only a purple haze remained of the dusk.
Noises from behind them brought both back to reality. The soldiers were closing the exposed top deck for the night, and the recoms were loudly grumbling about going inside for dinner.
"Come on," Quaritch spoke, "Dinner. Let's not have you falling asleep on me here."
"Thanks da-"
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Fuck.
Spider stopped himself before the whole word had slipped out, but the one syllable that had managed to escape was enough.
Quaritch froze, turning to Spider.
Spider froze, staring at Quaritch.
Quaritch had his mouth parted, gawking at Spider as if waiting for him to finish.
Spider's mind had emptied. What had he just said? What had he done? Fuck, he couldn't believe this. It had just slipped out, traitorously, and now everything was ruined. Spider couldn't look at the man any longer - he quickly stared at the ground instead, starting to get up and pretend that nothing had ever happened.
Was ignoring it making it worse?
Would addressing it be better? He didn't think he could face it.
Quaritch still seemed dumbstruck, and Spider wasn't going to wait around for him. He crossed to where the rest of the recom squad was gathered without a word, and when he realised they were all waiting for Quaritch before going for dinner, he decided to screw that.
"See you guys there," he muttered, letting Wainfleet know where he was going before disappearing into the airlock.
As soon as he could, he whipped his mask off and threw it aside, almost running to the bathroom.
He got to the sink and splashed cold water on his face and neck, as if that would erase the memory of calling the recombinant version of his genocidal mass-murdering maniac father dad.
Fuck.
Did he even mean it? If not why had it slipped out? Spider had never accidentally called Jake dad, or anyone else for that matter. If he really was beginning to see Quaritch that way, then what did that say about him? His insides suddenly felt extremely unpleasant. He stared at his dirty reflection. Sweat and sea air had done a number on his face, and the few blue stripes that remained were faded and smudged in places. He looked a state.
How was he ever going to face Quaritch again? He couldn't go back out there. He couldn't.
But he must. What was he gonna do, stay locked inside a bathroom for the rest of his life? Fuck.
He ran his hands over his face and hair, attempting to make himself look slightly more put together. He took a deep breath, trying to control his heart beat, and with a sudden surge of determination he turned and pulled the door handle.
He didn't know how Quaritch would act when he joined them, but Spider tried not to think about it. As far as he was concerned, he was going to act perfectly normal, like nothing had ever happened. They'd never have to talk about it.
He desperately hoped that Quaritch was thinking the same.
Please ignore the fact that the Sea Dragon doesn't have a bow with railings that you can sit and watch the scenery on
Nìprrte: you're welcome
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