Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Tell me, angel, did you go to prom?" Rory asked curiously, voice dipping into a soft sigh at the affectionate term. Then he yelped in pain and surprise as a pair of short nails dug into his palm.

"I told you..," Crosshair hissed, yet on his face was a wide, toothy grin, "To not call me that. I'm not.. an angel."

"Denial is the first stage!" Rory chuckled with a raised eyebrow, swinging their linked hands back and forth. Crosshair sighed and rolled his eyes.
His boyfriend maybe looked scary in public, with piercing dark eyes and all black outfit and huge, stomping platforms.
But inside, the man was just love stricken. Silly, creative, lovable little thing.
"You never answered me."

"No," Crosshair replied bluntly, "No I did not go to prom."
They passed the shop window, the two models in a bright red dress and fancy black suit seemingly judging them. The bright, colourful "PROM SEASON!!!" sign was obnoxiously reminding Crosshair of his oh so lovely teenage years.
"Do I look..," Crosshair raised his eyebrows, staring down at his lover, "Like a person who goes to prom?"

"I'm just asking!" Rory shrugged, "I didn't either. Most of the people were assholes and the music was shit so.. what was the point?"
Yeah.
That was his lover.

"Yeah.. the second I, or any of my brothers, would have stepped into that dark, sweaty hall we wouldn't last long. Names and punches would be thrown so.. we skipped," Crosshair explained grimly, "Don't regret it though."
Yeah.. he wasn't bothered. What was the point of standing in a room with shitty people and shitty music feeling.. shitty?

"Neither do I," Rory admitted, then sighed softly and looked away, eyes saddening, "But I do wish I had.. I don't know.. fonder high school memories.. yknow? Like.. in all the films and tv shows, the end of year dance is always where something happens or the characters get together and it's such a big part of teenage culture.. that sometimes I kinda wish I had gone.. just to experience it."

"You'd regret it though."

"I know I would. But at least I would get to say that I went," Rory muttered with a shrug, looking off into the warm, summer sky, "The sky is pretty."
Changing the subject. Clever.
From iffy childhoods to the brilliant oranges and pinks, swirling like Northern Lights above them.

"Mhm, you know what else is pretty?" Crosshair drawled, then chuckled at the shy smile forming on Rory's face. He leant down, gave Rory's ear a chaste nip with his teeth, then whispered into it:
"You."

"You flirt," Rory laughed, yet Crosshair could sense that it was hollow.
Rory was upset, somewhere, underneath the shy smile.

"It's true," Crosshair said seriously, giving Rory's hand a small squeeze, "Prettiest boyfriend a man could ask for."
Something in Crosshair's heart shattered at the almost pained look that crossed Rory's eyes.

"You.. you think so?" Rory tried to squeeze a laugh in there, but Crosshair could tell. His fingers and lips were twitching and his eyes darted around nervously.
"You know.. that's another reason I didn't go. Didn't want.. too many people looking at me," he admitted quickly, and forced out another watery laugh, "Teenagers, huh?"

Oh Rory.
If Crosshair was as outgoing and loud as Wrecker, he'd lift Rory up and spin him in a circle, proclaiming his love loudly and to the world. Or maybe of he was Tech, he'd know exactly what to say, the man ever so eloquent with words.
But he wasn't.
So.. he'd do it his way. Cheering Rory up, Crosshair style.
He would give Rory what Rory wanted.

"I have an idea," Crosshair said with a knowing glint in his eyes, heart stating to hammer in excitement, "What if.. we go to the park? Like our first date?"

"Uh. Uhm.. okay," Rory shrugged with a nod, "Any.. any reason why?"

"Yeah," Crosshair gently tugged the shorter man along, "It's.. a surprise.".

By the time they had arrived at the park, the pinks and oranges of the sky were darkening and night started to settle. Rory trotted after Crosshair, long legs trekking and shorter ones jogging to keep up among the familiar swings and slides.
Oh the slide.
The infamous slide.

"I have a surprise for you," Crosshair said with a smirk, fishing for his phone, "You seem.. upset.. that you never went to prom. And I have a feeling you're getting insecure. Right?"

Rory looked at his platforms sheepishly and shrugged.

"Yeah.. uh.. having a hard time believing the words you say," he admitted softly.
Crosshair bit his lip.
Rory's body image issues weren't magically solved because Crosshair called him pretty one or twice. But he would do anything in his power to make him believe, even for a second.
Make him believe in his worth.
Male him believe that Rory was stunning, and pretty, and handsome.
Make him believe that Rory was loved.

"Well, in that case," Crosshair said quietly, and when the accursed Spotify app finally opened, he pressed on the song he was looking for.

"The World is Ugly" by My Chemical Romance began to softly play through the speaker. Crosshair turned it down a little and placed the phone on the grass. The drums and the guitar echoed around the playground, and Crosshair took a step forward.
He kept his eyes on Rory, who was gazing at him in excited confusion.

Next, Crosshair held out his hand.
And asked:

"Rory Winters, may I dance with you?"

The man just stood, stunned, and glanced at the phone. Then back at Crosshair. Then he laughed nervously.

"Crosshair.. you don't dance," he whispered in confusion. Crosshair kept his face neutral and and arm steady.
He didn't. He wouldn't.
But for Rory?
Absolutely.

He scoffed at the thought of a prom.
With darkness and disco lights and spiked juice and over-expensive outfits and crappy music and drama.
But for Rory?
Absolutely.

"I do for tonight," he nodded gently as Rory hesitantly took his hand. The much smaller palm fit snugly against Crosshair's.

"So what," Rory giggled nervously, "We're making our own prom now?"
Crosshair tugged him closer, slid his hands to Rory's shoulders, and stepped closer.
Then he began to sway them both.

"Fuck yeah," Crosshair whispered into his ear, "Our prom is so much better."
Rory started to sway along, hiding a grin in Crosshair's chest. He snaked his arms around his waist, not that Rory could reach any higher.

"You're so..," Rory whispered with a deep sigh,"Perfect."
Something skipped in Crosshair's heart.

"We have the music," Crosshair chuckled into his neck, ignoring the tightening of his own throat, "We have the darkness. And we have the perfect outfits."

"Mhm," Rory giggled, "Because alternative band merch and punk style clothes are perfect prom outfits."

"They are at this one," Crosshair hissed smugly, "Our prom. Our rules."

Rory giggled again and blushed, smushing his face into Crosshair's ribs.
Then something came over the stoic ex-sniper, and he began to hum along to the slow, repetitive beats of the guitar. Rory shivered in his arms at the low rumble of his voice, and Crosshair decided to go even further.
He decided to sing.

"I just wanted you to knooow," Crosshair sang along, voice quiet and low, "That the world is ugly."
He pressed his lips to Rory's ear.
"But you're beautiful to me."

As Crosshair continued to sing on this rare occasion, he heard a small sniffle. Glancing down, the sight almost crushed him.
Rory had a small, disbelieving smile on his reddened face. A tear had trickled down his hot cheek, and another one was about to make a similar path.

They continued to sway slowly, in the dark, in the warm summer night. Crosshair, with his heart in his throat, held Rory in his arms, letting his love sniffle and let out any remaining tears into his shirt.
This was way better than any prom.

When the song finally ended, Crosshair pressed a small kiss to Rory's cheek.

"Beautiful. To. Me," He murmured onto his skin, "Pretty, pretty boy. Handsome fucker. Stunning. Hot as this fucking sun."
Rory stifled a tiny sob and turned his face.

"Can I-I kiss you?" Rory trembled in his hands, and Crosshair didn't need to be asked twice.
Their lips locked, full of love and passion and salty tears.
"I guess it is like a real prom now," he scoffed tearfully.

"I'd rather stay at this makeshift prom with you.. than go to any shitty dance a high school scrapes up," Crosshair whispered, "Anytime."
And Crosshair meant it.
This was better than any prom in any teen drama.

Chapter Text

Tech stared miserably at his computer screen. Numbers and Excel files and customer enquiries.
Tech knew it was a "boring" job. However he found that he liked the boring things in life.

But now… now he couldn't take his eyes off the empty seat in front of him. The desk, empty and perfectly organised. No mug. No fidget cube. Just the pot plant, lonely without its caregiver.

Gale being off work wasn't an entirely foreign concept. Gale not even letting him know that they'll be off, if they were okay or why they were off, now that was new. Tech couldn't help but check his phone every once in a while. Nothing.
Tech sighed shortly. His mind couldn't help but run through every single possible scenario. Yet the work in front of him kept reminding him:
You have work to do, Tech, your partner is probably fine.
But if they weren't?

Tech decided that for his own sanity and paycheck, he'd check in and wait for Gale to explain that they were sick or overslept.
A quick "Are you alright darling? I miss you" was sent out. Then Tech sensibly put his phone away, and started typing away on his keyboard. He tried to focus on statistics and sales.
Yet his mind continued to wander to his missing lover.

The entire day was spent in tense anxiety, and Gale only replied right when Tech left the office.

☆Gale☆
I'm so sorry for not replying or even letting you know of my absence. I started my period last night and I'm very miserable. Apologies for worrying you.
I miss you too :)

Tech's heart fell at the implication that his lover was in pain. Periods, he had learned, were a nightmare, according to Omega.
Hormones, pain, cravings, pain, tears.. pain..
This simply will not do.

To Gale he sent a:

"I'll visit you. Expect me soon."

And to his siblings he sent a:

"I'll be home late. Don't wait on me."

And with that, he began his mission.

The magazine section was packed full of models and cars and gossip, but that wasn't what he was here for. Searching, searching, and finally finding, he selected his first item. The newest issue of Gay and Green, an LGBT run gardening magazine, was now settled in his basket.

Tech stood in front of the shelf, basket in hand. His eyes scanned up and down the boxes; the greens and purples and pinks blending together. Where were they.. where were they..
Aha!
Tech huffed as he crouched and tugged out a pack of period underwear and secured it into his basket. Next, a box of panty liners. This time Tech had to stand to reach the smaller box. The absolutely essential resources have been gathered. Well done soldier.
Tech took adeep breath, trying to calm himself in the sensory nightmare that was the supermarket. The blinding lights, the blasting music, the deafening cry of a hungry baby…
For Gale.
Tech swiftly rounded a corner with his long legs and with nimble fingers, flicked a box of stronger painkillers into the mix.

Next, he strolled over to the sweet isle. The possibilities of chocolate and biscuits were endless. Yet there were two targets in his radar. Up and down the shelves his eyes travelled, until they settled on a box of ginger biscuits. The holy grail. They landed in the basket alongside the medicine. Tech hummed in thought, and threw in 70% dark chocolate for good measure.
Gale deserved all the comfort today.

On the way to the fridges, Tech stumbled onto the party section. And when he saw the plant themed present bag.. of course he had to take it. It was absolutely beautiful; all pastel green and white with intricate designs of leaves and flowers.
And then, Tech reached his last destination. He plucked a bottle of strawberry milk and made his way to the checkout.
Nearly there.

The old woman at the cash register gave his shopping a glance as she scanned it.

"I'm sure she'll be happy," she said with a warm smile. Tech stiffly smiled.

"No doubt, she will be," he answered, a little bluntly, but old Linda moving his resources didn't mind.

"You enjoy your day, honey."
Nearly there nearly there.

And.. ah. Fresh air.
Tech gulped the fresh air like a man starved.
Supermarkets. Truly awful places. Now, he could reach his true destination, one with much more pleasant connotations. Tech's heart started to flutter at the very thought.

The door opened, and his fluttering heart started to sing.

"Hello," Gale smiled weakly, "Uh.. come in."
Her face, devoid of glasses, was blotchy and flushed. Their hair was frizzed up at the edges and the fluffy grey pyjama set seemed to be the only comfort they had at the moment.

"Hello darling," Tech smiled warmly, slipping his shoes off.

"I missed you," Gale grimaced weakly, "Can.. can I have a kiss?"
Tech wasted no time in satisfying his partner's wishes. When their lips parted over a tender handful of seconds, Gale's eyes drifted down to the bag.

"It's not my birthday," they said with a small frown.

"It is not," Tech confirmed.

"Nor is it a holiday, a specific date or a special occasion," They stated, staring at the bag sitting on the floor, "What is that for?"

"Ah well.. I decided to get you a few things," Tech admitted shyly, "Considering your circumstances, I think you deserve a treat."
Gale eyed him suspiciously as they reached into the bag.
What happened next made Tech's heart sing.
Gale gave a huge, enchanted gasp as they pulled out the magazine. Their eyes sparkled and her lips fell open at all the treats and supplies in the bag. All while Tech watched with a small, soft smile. Seeing Gale this excited was truly a beautiful sight.

Gale sat cross legged on the floor, surrounded by the gifts. Then she whined and let their arms flop to the floor.
Tech's smile fell.

"Are you alright?" He asked cautiously, "Was.. was this a bad idea? Did I make a mistake?"
Gale looked helplessly at the floor and sniffled. Tech's heart clenched.
He'd make a mistake, hadn't he? Oh no no no-

"I love you," she whimpered tearfully, "I love you so much. This is so kind. You e-even got me Gay and Green…" then she made a sound Tech could only describe as a whale singing.
Tech's anxiety began to fade. No mistake. Good. Good good.

"Oh.. darling," He whispered and shifted forward, "I love you too."
Gale face-planted into his chest with another whale sound.

"I'm so emotional right now," they whined, "And I love you. And I love all of this. But.. but I think I just need some alone time right now."

"Of course, darling, of course," Tech pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, "I'll be going now. But please take care of yourself."

"I will I will," they whined, "You're.. you're so.."
Tech wanted nothing more than to stay with his love and comfort all of her pain. However he knew it would be better if Gale got the solitude she needed.

"Well.. I have made my special delivery," He smiled lightly, "And I shall leave you to it."

"Thank you, Tech," Gale whispered as she ripped open the chocolate and took a large, tearful bite, "Tha'k 'ou."

"You're most welcome. Goodbye, daring."

Chapter Text

"Your hair.. is so soft," Crosshair murmured mindlessly, snaking his long fingers through the maroon mop on his chest. A hum vibrated through both of them as Rory nuzzled into his neck.
Crosshair smiled privately. If he told his past self that he was cuddling with Rory Winters on the man's couch, in his cluttered student apartment, teenage Crosshair would have laughed. Spat on his shoes and stomped off even, punk rock screaming in his headphones.
But here he was, stroking his hair and mindlessly staring at the stacks of books littering the floor.

"Yeahh.. because I actually use conditioner," Rory murmured back, poking him gently in the chest, "Your hair could be just as soft, cuddlebug, if you actually listened to my flawless hair routine."
Crosshair chuckled lightly. His hand left his boyfriend's hair and hooked under his chin, tilting his head up in his direction. Rory grinned sheepishly.

"First off.." Crosshair drawled with a playful smirk on his lips, "I like my hair the way it is. And so do you apparently. Given the way you like to pull it."
Rory's eyes widened as he giggled sheepishly again.
"And what did I say about stupid, lovey dovey nicknames?" Crosshair continued, pretending to be annoyed, "I don't.. cuddle."

"Mhm mhm, say that when I expose your dark secrets to the public," Rory smirked and poked him in the chest again. Crosshair struck back by sliding his hand further, onto the back of Rory's neck. And squeezed. His lover's hilarious secret.
Rory squawked like a trampled cat, contorting in Crosshair's lap and wriggling away. Not before Crosshair managed to run his fingers gently along his scratchy jawline.
And to his surprise, a new secret was uncovered.
Rory giggled breathlessly and curled away.
His boyfriend had a ticklish face. A cruel grin grew on Crosshair's lips.

"Ticklish are we?" He drawled, low in his throat, in a teasing tone. Rory scrambled away from him, scuttling away backwards on his hands. While regaining his breath, a nervous smile hid the fearful facade.

"Crosshair..," Rory said calmly, while holding out his hands, mimicking surrender, "Listen.."
Crosshair's grin only grew.

"You never told me you were.. ticklish," Crosshair teased, giving Rory an almost hungry look with his eyes.

"Crosshair," Rory tried again, laughing nervously, "I am.. I am asking nicely.. you saw nothing."

"Oh no no no," Crosshair shook his head. Then he pounced.
He grabbed Rory's ankle and tugged. Rory squeaked again.

"You saw nothing!" He yelled in panic, yanking on his ankle, trapped in Crosshair's unyielding grip.

"Where else?" Crosshair gently slid his fingers up Rory's jeans and along his calf, "here?"
Rory squealed and contorted again.

"F-fiend! You fiend!" He cried out as he cackled uncontrollably.
Some tiny part of Crosshair cringed. Tickling his boyfriend? What was this, a romcom?
But seeing Rory squirming and giggling beneath him made Crosshair's heart flip. Strange, the things love does to you.

"Here?" Crosshair teased again, squeezing his kneecap. Rory shrieked and laughed.

"You fiend! Crosshair you fiend! Mercy!" Rory choked out between giggles.
Crosshair finally let go of him and crawled over him, holding himself up by his hands.

"Well.. this has been productive," Crosshair drawled mockingly as he leaned down towards Rory's flushed, scrunched up face.
A mistake really.
Rory's tiny hand shot out and gently stroked him on the ear. Crosshair jerked and a treacherous giggle escaped him. Mischievous scamp.
"And you c-call me a fiend you-," Crosshair managed to say while he tried to escape his boyfriend's tickling counter attack.

"Revenge!" Rory called triumphantly.
Crosshair jerked again, away from the attack. And suddenly he was confronted by gravity.
With a squeal and a yelp, the two of them tumbled to the ground. They laughed on the dusty floor, facing each other. Once they both calmed down, Crosshair succumbed to his softening heart and kissed Rory gently on the nose.

"Yeah but I'm your fiend, aren't I?" He whispered.
Rory rolled his eyes, but giggled softly into Crosshair's lips.

"I suppose you are."

Chapter Text

"Gale.. darling.. are you alright?"
Tech fidgeted with his fingers, swaying by his sides. Gale wasn't in the mood to hold hands, which was perfectly alright. But it seemed Gale wasn't in the mood.. at all.
They were distant. Quiet. Unable to smile.

"Mm.. anxious," Gale admitted quietly as they walked him home.
That explained it. Gale didn't even want her regular drink at the office. And now, on this peaceful walk home, Tech finally had the opportunity to check in properly.
His heart ached at the thought of his lover worrying excessively.

"Is.. there a reason behind your anxiety?" Tech asked softly. Living with his oh so mentally stable siblings and knowing Gale for so long, he knew anxiety didn't always have an obvious root.

"Yes," she muttered, turning her head down and away, glasses and hair covering her saddened eyes. Tech's heart gave another pained tug.

"Would you like to talk about it?" He offered, "We don't need to think of potential solutions-."

"Its-," Gale said abruptly, then curled away from him, "It's stupid. And unreasonable. I.. I apologise for interrupting you." Her voice grew guilty.
Tech exhaled softly.
Oh Gale. Nothing could ever be stupid about you.

"I promise you, it is not. If it is worrying you, then it is not.. stupid," Tech reassured gently as they crossed a road. Gale sighed shakily and adjusted her backpack.

"It.. feels stupid," she shrugged, "And.. and I'm not sure if you would understand."

"Even if I do not understand.. you can still vent your frustrations and I shall listen carefully. I give you permission," Tech reassured them, remaining eager to be helpful at the unsure look in their eyes, "I'm here to support you, darling. Even if it's just by listening."

"I.. I appreciate your words. I do," Gale seemed to hide behind her white glasses even more, "I just.. its.."
She slowed down and looked away, guilty once again. Tech halted his steps to match their pace.
"It's.. about you."
Oh. A small flicker of anxiety began to grow in Tech's own chest.

"A..about me?" He enquired with a small frown, "Darling.. if I have done something to upset you.. please tell me. And I will immediately apologise and correct my ways."

"No it's.. it's not like that..," Gale sighed curtly, frustration sweeping over her face, "Its.. it's just.." they trailed off again.

"Darling," Tech said firmly, "I will listen if you want me to. I promise."
Gale glanced up at him shyly, then sighed heavily and focused her gaze ahead of them, eyes wandering over the long, smooth pavement rather than him.

"It's.. just..," Gale murmured, repeating herself anxiously, before spitting it out quietly, "I'm scared you don't want me because.. I'm not a woman."
Then they fell silent, swallowed thickly and stubbornly stared ahead.

The self critical overthinker in Tech quietened down. Yet another part of his brain started to panic again. Gender wasn't something Tech was as experienced in as sexuality. He had a general idea of how to support Gale through dysphoria or hateful encounters, and how to respect others. Yet he still occasionally made the minor mistake, which Gale gently reminded him off. And he had no personal experience with gender questioning. He'd hate to say something that would upset her, but especially right now.
So he took a deeper breath, and responded carefully.

"Gale.. of course I want you," he answered softly, "You.. you know how I am with relationships. You are.. the only one I've ever wanted in my life. Your gender identity.. could never change that."
Gale hummed quietly, yet her eyes still remained anxious. So Tech continued.
"Rest assured.. if I didn't want this relationship to continue I'd be vocal about it. I.. I don't allow just anyone to walk me home from work," he smiled lightly.
Gale smiled back, but only a little. Hollow. Forced.

"I appreciate that. I do," Gale said shakily and adjusted her backpack strap, "It's.. it's a bit more than that."
Tech shifted slightly closer to them and nodded his head, eager to show he was listening.

They walked by several shop windows in tense silence, Gale fidgeting and opening her mouth to speak, then closing it again.
"It's..," she whispered tearfully, until she stopped completely. Tech halted beside them, and ushered them to the wall of a pharmacy, not to stand in the middle of the pavement.

"Darling," he said softly, looking down at her nervously, "I won't be angry. I won't laugh. I promise you can tell me what's troubling you."

"I.. I meant..," she stammered, eyes blankly staring at his chest, "That.. because I'm not a woman.. you won't want me… in.. um..," She faltered again, then managed the last word with a choked voice, "Bed."
Oh. O h. This.. this was a sensitive subject.
For both of them.
Tech interrupted the tense silence with a shaky sigh.

"Would you.. like to elaborate more?" Tech asked cautiously, "Perhaps.. if I knew more what was troubling you.. I can reassure you more that... that is not the case."
Gale bit their lip, then continued to stiffly explain her worries.

"It's just.. I don't really know if anyone would want… that… with me. I'm not a woman, I'm not a man.. where do I even fit in? And.. and.. I don't know whether.. you'd want a nonbinary person like that. And I'm scared I'll freeze up and be weird," Gale admitted softly, "And.. and I don't know what I'd be comfortable with.. and I don't know what you'd be comfortable with."

Tech swallowed thickly. Insecurity was expected, from both of them.
He thought for a good moment, deciding carefully what to say. Then he asked softly.

"Darling.. please don't take this the wrong way.. but.. why does it matter if others want you? Or if you would.. fit in.. with others?" He said cautiously, yet gently, "I.. want to be with you, Gale. I want you.. in that way. Other people are not our concern. You are.." Tech's voice faltered for a moment.
Love. What a strange, powerful force.

"You are one of the most important things in my life. I.. love you. You. Not your.. gender. Although," Tech backed up quickly, "I love the way you express your gender. And I love.. the way you love.. your gender.
I guess what I'm trying to say is," Tech stammered quietly, "I want to.. uhm.. have sex with you because its.. you. And not anyone else. I'm just.. extremely.. extremely nervous and inexperienced and I want to take this slow. I am not delaying this because of your gender identity. I promise you that."

Tech's face flamed as he watched Gale's reaction. They pursued their lips and took a deep breath.

"I.. I really appreciate that," Gale admitted quietly, "Sometimes sex is.. complicated when your gender is also.. complicated. And no one really prepares you for that."
Gale held out her hand, and Tech took it gently.
"Thank you," they whispered.

"We will figure it out as we go," Tech whispered back, "What you like, what you don't like.. along with my tastes… all in good time."

"Yes, definitely not yet, I think," Gale blurted out, "I.. I just don't think I'm ready yet."

"In that case..," a small smile morphed on Tech's lips, "I shall wait patiently. Neither am I. If that brings.. any reassurance," he admitted quietly.
Gale smiled back shyly, and leaned forward. Tech took the opportunity and followed her, bringing their foreheads together.

"I love you," Gale sniffled quietly, "Thank you."

"Of course, darling. We'll wait as long as we need to."

Chapter Text

Crosshair tapped his long fingers on the thermos.
This wasn't his ideal way of spending time. He would rather take his boyfriend by the hand and watch a scary movie or go on a long walk by the forest. But unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Crosshair would happily adapt to those plans. But it wasn't pleasant thinking, and soon, seeing his little ray of sunshine miserable and sniffly and sick..
Hold on.

"Little ray of sunshine?" Crosshair mouthed to himself in disbelief.
Fucking Rory and all his stupid nicknames, making him soft.
Speaking of the little guy..

"Heyyy," Rory croaked as he opened the door to his apartment, "Are you sure about this? I'm contagious."

"I don't care if I get sick," Crosshair muttered with a small smile, "I wanted to see you."

Rory smiled weakly, ducking his flustered head away.
Cute.
As Crosshair stepped into the flat with an involuntary smile beginning to grow, Rory shuffled away swiftly, a soft yellow blanket wrapped around his small body. With a sniffle, he padded with bare feet across the room.
Then he sat on his chair. Took a sip of his tea. Bent over the mountain of jotters and books at the desk. Picked up the pen with a small, shaky hand. And started to write.
Crosshair simply blinked.

"Are you having a laugh?" Crosshair asked bluntly.

"What?" Rory looked up innocently, eyes red and watery, "I have deadl-."

"Shut. The fuck up," Crosshair interrupted firmly. He paced over to his desk, stacked a book on top of another and set the thermos down with a loud noise, "You're sick."

"Doesn't mean I can't still work," Rory shrugged and underlined something with a big sniffle.
Honestly. Sometimes Rory was as bad as Tech.

"When is this due?" He asked, peering over his boyfriend's shoulder, "Can't you ask for an extension?"
He didn't pretend to know what student life was like. If Rory genuinely had no time to do.. whatever it was that he was doing.. then maybe the occasional finishing touches could be added while in a blanket.
Rory didn't answer, just sniffled and drew an arrow across his page.
"Hmm?" He prompted softly. Rory's puffy eyes darted away, down his knees.

"Six months."
..
Pardon?

"Are you-."

"Yeah yeah I know I just want to start..," Rory reasoned, then his voice went quiet. He held up one shaking finger while he blindly grabbed for a tissue with his other hand. His face scrunched up.
It would be adorable if he wasn't sick. And overworking himself.
And let out a loud sneeze.
"Sorry. Just wanted to start planning this project," he finished with a pant and a louder sniffle.
Crosshair had enough.

"Right," he muttered and spun Rory's chair around. The smaller man let out a surprised noise and squinted up at him. Crosshair crouched down and held out his arms.
"C'mere," He beckoned with his hands. Rory frowned in confusion but gingerly slid from his seat and scuttled into his chest.

"Was this just a ploy to get a hug?" Rory asked smugly and smiled weakly. Then sniffled, "Cuddleb-."

"Legs up," Crosshair instructed, too concerned over his boyfriend's health and lack of self respect to be picky about stupid lovey dovey nicknames.
Rory chuckled, hoarse and quiet.

"Damn, okay," he whispered, "Cuddles standing up? Not done-."
However as Rory hoisted his legs up and around Crosshair's waist, the ex sniper straightened out and carried him through the apartment.
Rory let out a weak squeak and clung to him like a frightened koala.
Crosshair gently placed Rory on his couch, and grabbed a nearby blanket. This time navy with white stars. Rory's sniffly, outraged protests were drowned out by the huge blanket that Crosshair wrapped around his body. He tucked the edge of the fluffy heap up to his chin.

"Stay," he said firmly and returned to the mess of a desk for the thermos.
Thankfully, his boyfriend listened.
"Now.. have some of this.. and rest, for fucks sake," Crosshair muttered softly, handing the thermos into Rory's tiny fingers, poking out from under the blanket.

"Soup?" Rory gasped as he unscrewed the cup-top, and the irresistible smell of Fett family chicken noodle soup escaped the bottle, "Ohhhh thank you!" He whispered excitedly.

"Drink up," Crosshair murmured, giving Rory's knuckle a small stroke, "You're sick. You need rest."

"Awww you're such a gentleman," Rory winked with a sniffle. The effect of the flirt fell a little flat, considering Rory looked awful in his blue pyjama shorts, huge Metallica shirt drooping on his shoulders and his maroon hair tousled and greasy. But some part of Crosshair's back heart flipped anyway.
Rory's red, watery eyes widened excitedly as he poured the soup into the cup.
Crosshair sighed shortly and settled next to his boyfriend.

"Rest. You need to rest to recover," He whispered, pressing a small kiss behind Rory's ear. He giggled quietly and took a sip.
"Echo made it, specially for you," Crosshair continued, pressing another kiss to his hair, "That's a sign he likes you. He doesn't make soup for just anyone."

"Mm," he hummed, swallowing a mouthful of soup, "So good. Send him my love, soup savior."
Crosshair genuinely believed his brain glitched for a good few seconds.

"Soup savior," Crosshair repeated with a raised eyebrow, "Really? Really?"

"Mhm," Rory nodded innocently, "Since you brought me soup. And you saved me from my desk."
… sure. Rory's creative but sick brain was clearly struggling.

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever," Crosshair sighed deeply, yet a small, fond smile was playing on his lips, "Soup saviour it is then."

"Do you have any nicknames for me?" Rory asked with a curious sniffle, "It's okay if they're a bit silly."
Crosshair' first instinct was to say no. Absolutely not. However.. he couldn't deny his earlier thoughts, no matter how much they made some part of him cringe.
"C'monnnn," Rory muttered smugly, "You can tell me."

"Alright then. Since you're sick you get a treat," Crosshair made a show of rolling his eyes at Rory's excited twitch. He leaned back into Rory's neck, pressed a small kiss into the flushed skin and admitted in regret.
"Little ray of sunshine."

Rory pursed his lips and his eyes watered. Then he nuzzled back, scraping his cheek along Crosshair's stubble.

"Awww Cross… that's so sw-."

"Shut. Up."

"Sweetheart. Called it," Rory muttered with a smug grin. Then coughed weakly into his blanket.

"Yeah yeah," Crosshair shrugged and rolled his eyes again. Yet as Rory put the thermos away on the floor and curled into Crosshair's chest, the ex-sniper curled a long, protective arm around Rory's small shoulders. He played big brother to Omega enough to know how to comfort a sick sister. A sick boyfriend couldn't be that hard, he thought to himself, giving him another kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you," Rory whispered with a sniffle, "For the soup.. and for.. being.. here."

"There you go sleepy head," Crosshair murmured softly as Rory yawned, brushing sticky strands of maroon out of the man's eyes.
He simply hummed and began to drift off in Crosshair's arms.
"Soup saviour," he mouthed to himself in confusion as Rory slept peacefully, out like a light.
Was it a little strange?
Yeah. Maybe.
But Crosshair couldn't find the strength to care anymore.

Chapter Text

Rory sighed and pulled a tired hand through his hair. How had he gotten this far in his degree?
He threw his head back onto his couch and slammed the textbook shut. None of it made any sense. Before the man had his fifth academic induced breakdown this month, footsteps approaching from his tiny kitchen distracted him.
Crosshair appeared in the doorway, hovering ominously.

"Hey hotshot," he smiled involuntarily, coursework forgotten, "Everything alright?"
Crosshair's face stayed blank, standing like a stony statue. Then he simply extended his arm, pointing in the direction of the kitchen.
"You okay?" He prompted, raising a confused eyebrow.

"Just kill it please," Crosshair said bluntly.
Rory frowned.
Then he smirked mischievously.
Crosshair was ex-military, now a club bouncer, twice his size and made little children cry on a daily basis. Yet something so tiny posed such a big threat to the man.

"Aww," Rory pouted playfully as he jumped up from the couch, "Do you need a hero?"

"Rory," Crosshair subtly glanced in the direction of the kitchen and sighed heavily, "Can you get rid of it? It's next to my sour gummies."

"Do you need," Rory teased as he padded along to his cramped, student kitchen, a hesitant, fidgety boyfriend trailing behind him, "a hero? To save you from the big, bad spider?"

"Shut. Up."

Rory giggled mischevoulsy as he entered the kitchen. The lightbulb flickered and sputtered to life, illuminating the space the best it could. The packet of extra extra sour gummies lay abandoned on the counter.

"Alright," Rory grabbed a tissue and narrowed his eyes, "Where is it?"

"It was right there," Crosshair answered, slowly and hesitantly. He flicked the packet cautiously with his long fingers. It shifted with a quiet crackle, but no creepy crawly appeared. He looked around anxiously and shuffled closer to his tiny boyfriend, fiddling with a tissue.

"Maybe..," Rory drawled curiously, "It got scared of the obvious predator and ran-."

"Rory," Crosshair interrupted sharply, "Kill it."

"I can't if I don't see it!" Rory exclaimed as Crosshair dug his fingers into his shoulders.

"Kill it!" He hissed in his ear.

"Where?!" He hissed back.

Suddenly Rory found himself being pulled backwards. Crosshair had latched onto him, using his tiny body as a shield, and started to shuffle away from the closest counter.

"Fuckin- there!" Crosshair made a sound crossed between a low squeak and a yelp, and pointed Rory's arm towards a spot.
Rory focused his eyes, trying to find the terrorizing beast. Then he saw it.

"Alright, alright loverboy," Rory chuckled lightly as he untangled himself from his lanky boyfriend and bent over to look at his target.
A spider so small it could be mistaken for a fleck of dust, scuttled away from Rory's huge, dark eyes.
"Hello," he cooed, resting his chin on the counter, much to Crosshair's horror, judging by the outraged noises behind him, "Hi.. little guy. What's your name?"

"Rory! Fucks sake!" Crosshair hissed anxiously, "Kill it!"
Rory chuckled lightly again.

"Sorry, little guy," he whispered apologetically to the critter, "Goodbye."
Then he smushed it swiftly with the tissue. Folded it. Twice. And finally, chucked in the bin.
"There," Rory turned around to smile lovingly at his boyfriend, halfway through untensing every muscle in his body, "I saved you, princess."

"Quit it," Crosshair grumbled as Rory slid around his waist. Rory hummed quietly as a stubbled chin nuzzled into his hair.
"Thank you," He whispered, "Not a word. To anyone."

"Sure sure princess," Rory murmured with a smirk, "Enjoy your gummi- Ow!"
He jumped as a warning bite of sharp teeth nipped at his ear.
"Hey!" He hissed in playful shock.

"Not. A. Word," Crosshair drawled, lifting his scarred chin with a slender finger, "To anyone."
Rory nodded innocently and blinked through his lashes.
Yeah.. to anyone..

Chapter Text

Tech looked up from his computer hesitantly. He had spreadsheets to write, true. However there was something much more.. concerning in his field of view.
Gale was sitting very stiffly, robotically drinking what seemed to be her third mug of coffee, typing away at their keyboard slowly.

Tech wouldn't pretend to know what Pre, or Post Menstrual Syndrome feels like. Gale and Omega had told and shown him enough. And Gale had decided that they were well enough to come into work after a particularly miserable period.
Tech swallowed nervously. He would do anything for his love to have some relief. He was aware though, that there was little that he could do.
Unless, per Omega's complaining, he could, quote "Perform DIY anti uterus surgery in the garage."
His heart truly went out to them.
He left his desk and slowly crouched down next to Gale.

"Darling?" He whispered, subtle enough so that the entire office wouldn't be privy to their conversation, "How are you doing?"
Gale stopped typing, turned around in her chair and silently stared at him. At the long inhale and twitching eyes behind the glasses, Tech started to consider if he made a mistake.

"How.. do you think.. I'm doing?" Gale hissed angrily, then they exhaled heavily with clenched fists, "I am. In. Pain."

"Did you take your painkillers?" Tech enquired carefully, which proved to also be a mistake.

"Of.. course," Gale narrowed their eyes, "I took them. Why wouldn't I take them? Do you truly think I would not take pain relief if I had the chance?"
Tech nodded politely. Right. Bit of a stupid question considering his intellect.
Well.. love did make you worry.
Suddenly Gale jerked forward, clenched their jaw tightly and hissed out a vicious, pained: "Bloody hell!"
Not good.

"Woahh! Gale's swearing!" Dan remarked with widening eyes, passing by their desk with a stack of papers.

"Do not. Test me. Daniel," Gale hissed, almost viciously, in his direction.
Tech grimaced gently. This wasn't good at all.
It was time to act.

"Gale," Tech whispered, leaning forward, "Why don't.. why don't you accompany me to the printer?"

"I. Don't need. To go. To the printer," Gale managed through gritted teeth. Tech sighed patiently.
You can handle this, Fett. You've raised a teenage girl.

"I'm aware. Would you like a break?" He asked cautiously. Gale huffed. Pouted. Clenched their jaw.
Tech watched the ever changing facial expressions keenly.
After a wobbly lip, another angry huff, and a sad sigh, Gale caved with a small nod.
"Alright," Tech nodded and motioned for them to follow him.

Gale rose slowly, like a mighty tree growing rapidly. Suddenly, she wobbled in her boots and grimaced.

"Are you O-." Tech didn't even get to finish.

"No! I'm not okay!" Gale hissed, uncharacteristically aggressively. Tech got the message.

He wordlessly offered his hand, and after she took it shyly, he led her through their company building to a quieter part. They both stopped next to the whirring printer, and Gale leaned against the wall with a heavy sigh.
Tech hovered next to her, like a silent support insect.
Then Gale's head fell forward. And they sobbed.
"I'm sorry," she squeaked, "I'm sorry. I'm being so rude I'm sorry-."

"No," Tech interrupted gently, "It's alright. I'm not angry."
Gale blinked at him, tears straining her glasses.
"Would you like me to hold you?" He offered.

"Yes please," Gale murmured miserably, took off her glasses and fell into Tech's chest.
Tech carefully lifted his hand and started to stroke their hairline. This level of affection was still a little new, but he loved every day of learning with a passion.

"I'm here, darling. I'm here," he whispered reassuringly, "We can stay here for as long as you need to."
Gale didn't reply. However, judging by the way her hands came up to cling to his arms, she understood.
"Shh. What can I do?" Tech murmured into her ear.

"Can you remove my uterus?" Gale whined bluntly against his shirt.
This seemed to be a common theme.

"Ah.. I cannot," he admitted sheepishly.

"Then you're doing enough."
Hm.
Maybe it wasn't too late to go into medicine after all.

Chapter Text

Rory groaned into his desk. He knew that getting a Masters degree wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows. But god damn, Amir and Daisy could take some responsibility and do their part of the project. Rory wasn’t usually a party pooper and he didn’t care less if his classmates went to parties and got blackout drunk and showed up to lectures as hungover zombies.
Not when the project was due the next fucking morning though.

Rory took a deep breath and glanced at his computer clock. 02:30. Crosshair would absolutely be pissed if he found out he was up this late. Again.
So imagine his surprise when the personalised notification sound for Crosshair, a low guitar note, pierced the dense silence of his apartment. What on Earth was he doing up this late?
He unlocked his phone, squinted at the brightness and opened the message from his loverboy.
A singular, eggplant emoji.

Normally, Rory would laugh. However, Crosshair being this awake was concerning. Especially considering he was out in the countryside with his family. Rory figured his nephew and niece would tire him out. Those kids loved their uncles.
Before he could even think about what he would respond, he had an incoming call.
He answered immediately.

“Cross?” Rory asked, sitting up straight in his chair, rather than being folded over it like a miserable jellyfish, “Why are you awake?”

“Can’t sleep. Why the hell are you up?” By the sound of the gentle breeze in the background, it was safe to say Crosshair was sitting on Cut and Suu’s porch. Rory noted the unusual dullness and quietness of his voice with a frown.
Something was up.

“It’s my habit. What’s up? You alright?” Rory brushed off the skip in his heart at the fact that Crosshair still tried to encourage healthy sleeping habits. Instead he focused on the alarm growing in his chest.

"'M fine, get to sleep."

"No," Rory stated firmly, "Crosshair. What's going on?"
A long, tired sigh came through the speaker.
"Cross," Rory softened his voice, "Love. What's wrong?"

"Feel shit," came the blunt, blank reply.
Rory cautiously straightened in his back and inhaled quietly.
He loved Crosshair. He did.
But getting him to be emotionally vulnerable was like pulling teeth.

"Do.. you wanna talk about it?" Rory asked neutrally. Then Crosshair scoffed.
But it seemed so painful, so tired and on the verge of tears that it made him flinch. The ugly sound pierced his ears.

"You'll laugh."

"Crosshair.. I promise I won't," Rory replied gently, "You know I won't. I won't force you to talk-."

"Then you'll just leave."
Rory froze. His saliva soured his mouth and his breath began to shake.

"And.. and why do you think that?"

"Happens every time."
Rory's mind began to race. This was it. This was when his love story ended and no one would ever want him again.

"What did you do," Rory choked out and swallowed thickly, not even changing the tone of his voice, "Cross.. you tell me what's going on right now."

"I didn't do anything. Just feel awful," Crosshair's voice jumped a little, seemingly eager to reassure him.
"Just.. I.."

Rory exhaled heavily. He pursed his lips and tried to calm his overthinking mind.

"Cross," he swallowed again, "Be honest. No matter what it is or whatever happens, just.. be honest."

The sound of Crosshair's forced shaking breaths crackled through the speaker.

"I… I miss you."
Rory's stilled.
"I get if.. if you..," Crosshair's voice cracked and he sniffed heavily, "don't."

Rory sat in stunned silence. He wondered just how bad his luck was, what happened in Crosshair's dating life to think Rory would leave over.. over missing your partner.
A completely normal thing to do.

Crosshair did mention a few times that none of his relationships actually led to any vulnerability, or comfort, or safety, or even proper intimacy. Just dates, and fucking, and heartbreak.
Rory swallowed back tears.
No wonder he was so emotionally constipated.

"I love you," Rory said quietly, "And I miss you too. Everyday."
The silence from the other end of the phone made his nervous heart skip. Maybe that was too far. But as soon as the loud, heavy sob from Crosshair's end came through, his own eyes started to water.
"I wish I was there," he continued softly, keeping his own tears at bay, "To hold you."

"Why."
The short, abrupt response was enough to make his tears spill over, "Why do you love me."
Rory wiped at his eyes and sniffled.

"Because you are everything to me. Everyhting I could have ever wanted. And I want you. Not anyone else."

And apparently that was too much for Crosshair's fragile mind, because another heavy sob came through, followed by a gut wrenching wail.

"Why- why do you love me. I'm- I'm nothing."
This time it was Rory who sobbed.

"Crosshair," he said his name weakly, "I love you. I love everything about you."
Rory shook in his blanket, helplessly listening as his boyfriend wept over the phone.
"You're coming back tommorow right?"

"Mhm."

"Alright, why don't we spend the day together yeah?" Rory proposed, "We can go see a movie, or get something to eat, or we could just chill on the couch, rest together."
It took a moment before Crosshair could speak clearly again. And when he did, Rory eagerly marked the event in his phone.

"I just want to be with you."