Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Cut.. are you sure? I know we planned this for a while-."

"Hunter. It's fine. I promise," Cut clapped Hunter heavily on the arm, kind eyes twinkling in the natural kitchen light, "Your kid's not well. I get it," he nodded in the direction of the three children hovering in the hallway.

Omega sat on the stairs, tearful and miserable, arms wrapped around her tummy while Shaeeah hugged her from the side, and Jek hovered hesitantly next to the girls.

"So you're saying.. you're bleeding right now?" Jek asked, a mixed tone between curiosity and horror in his voice.

"Mhm," Omega hummed quietly.

"And you'll be like that.. for a week?!" He exclaimed, then hushed a "sorry," when Omega winced at his loud voice.

"Yes, that's what a period is, Jek," Shaeeah rolled her eyes at her brother then gave Omega a gentle head pat, "I hope you feel better soon. It seems awful, will I be like this too?"

"Yeah.. it's not nice," Omega mumbled, "But everyone gets it differently. And it's natural, and nothing shameful so don't let anyone tell you oth- oww." Her inspirational speech was cut short at a stab of pain in her lower abdomen. She whimpered and rested her head on Shaeeah's shoulder, "My brothers always comfort me though," she smiled lightly and the children turned their heads at the men on the porch.

Hunter sighed heavily and as he entered the porch through the kitchen, four heads looked up at him in sync, abandoning their previous tasks. Wrecker was enjoying a lemonade in the heavy, summer morning sunshine. Echo was reading the instruction manual to the new shed the family had agreed to stay overnight to help the Lawquanes put up. Crosshair had been glancing at his phone with a small smile he was trying to hide while Tech, also on his phone, was staring at it with wide eyes and a blush so fierce Hunter reminded himself to check up on him later.

"Right! What's the plan?" Wrecker exclaimed excitedly, clapping his huge hands.

"The plan is, Wrecker, that Omega just got her period and is in no shape to enjoy herself properly," he explained and watched as, also in sync, his siblings' faces grew worried, "I'm thinking she's probably better off staying home tonight. One of us should stay with her."

"I'll do it," Crosshair drawled from the back, "Don't know shit about building stuff and it's not like Cut's kids see me as a favourite," he shot Wrecker a side glance.

"You sure?" Echo asked, almost smugly, "Since when do you actively volunteer to play big brother?"

"Shut it," He hissed at his sibling, yet Hunter knew there was no real malice behind his words.

"He probably just wants to invite Rory over!" Wrecker cackled and sent a string of obnoxious kissing noises in his direction. Hunter smirked lightly at the sudden shock in Crosshair's expression and blush blossoming on his cheeks.

"Shut. Up," Crosshair hissed again, and Hunter intervened before the two brothers started fist fighting on Cut Lawquane's front porch.

"If you want to, you can absolutely invite him for the night," Hunter shrugged, "Just ask Omega first please."

"Seriously?" Crosshair asked skeptically, yet excitement started to fester in his eyes.

"Yeah," he shrugged again, "It's settled then. Crosshair and Omega go home and sleep there. And Crosshair can spend the night with Rory if all parties agree."
Everyone voiced their agreement, while Tech nodded mutely.
"Tech?" He prompted the brother, "You've been very quiet. You alright?"

"Yes. I'm fine. I agree to all.. all the plans discussed," He said with an oddly forced calmness.

"He's texting Gale," Crosshair chuckled as he made his way back into the house, "He thinks he's subtle reading what I imagine are dirty texts from his darling," he smirked and disappeared inside.
Hunter, Echo and Wrecker burst into amused chuckling while Tech desperately tried to save himself.

"Ex- cuse me! What conversations take place between myself and my partner are none of your business Crosshair!" He spluttered and yelled after the cackling ex-sniper.
Hunter shook his head and followed Crosshair to let Omega know.

"How you feelin'?" Crosshair asked carefully while gripping the steering wheel.

"Like my tummy is a washing machine full of knives," she mumbled and curled her legs, "How much longer?"

"Few minutes, kid," he said quietly, making an effort to ease the usual venom from his voice. Over time, he'd gotten used to handling Omega's monthly blood bath. So at least that part wasn't contributing to his internal, bubbling panic. Inviting Rory over meant three things.
One, he'd see his boyfriend again.
Two, Rory would be in his house, in his room, in his safe space.
Three, if they stayed true to their conversations last time.. today would be the day he and Rory would get intimate. Which also brought the serious talk Rory had warned him about. That made four things actually.
He took a deeper breath to clear his head.
"Omega?" He started carefully, "How would you feel.. if.. Rory stayed the night today?"

Omega whipped her head round to stare at him. Then her mouth fell open and she gasped.

"Ye-ah!" She nodded as enthusiastically as she could with what Crosshair assumed was excruciating pain, "Could I meet him properly?!"

"I.. suppose so," he nodded and pulled into their driveway, "Though.. could we.. have some privacy tonight? You can always call on me if you need me."

"Mhm mhm," she hummed excitedly, "You guys go upstairs and have fun, I'll be downstairs watching Nat Geo in a blanket mountain," she giggled lightly, then doubled over her seatbelt and whined loudly.

"Alright, let's get you some painkillers," Crosshair muttered softly and helped his sister out of the car, while his mind raced.
After settling his Omega on the couch, equipped with a full carrier bag of supplies and watching a turtle documentary, he sent the proposition to Rory.
And after a minute of silent watching over his sister, his phone pinged.

♡ Rory ♡
Of course! What sweets does your sister like?

Crosshair bit his lip from giggling excitedly. He pushed the anxiety away for a moment and let himself look forward to tonight.

Chapter Text

Crosshair fidgeted heavily on the couch. He had taken an extra long shower and washed himself excessively.
He had cleaned up his and Wrecker's shared room, putting extra effort into his side. He tidied the dishes into the dishwasher, something he would normally complain about obnoxiously. He had even ran to the store to buy some snacks, and fresh lubricant and condoms. The cashier had sent him a wink at seeing the obvious date night kit, and Crosshair shot him a nervous nod.
And now he sat and wondered:
What was troubling Rory so much?
How would Rory be in bed?
Would Rory like him in bed?
Would Rory and Omega get along? He didn't even consider that until now.

"You're probably overthinking," Omega remarked, taking a sip of her tea. Crosshair exhaled heavily and shot her a side glance.

"You'd be just as nervous," he quipped. He was just as bad as Tech sometimes.
Now, Crosshair will always deny this, the same way he will always deny having hearts around Rory's name on his phone. However, the small yelp-squeak that Crosshair let out when the doorbell rang, was very real.
"He's here," He choked out and raced into the hallway, not seeing his sister giggling shyly behind her blanket paws.

Crosshair took another steadying breath, and opened the door.

"Hey loverboy."
Crosshair smirked lovingly against his will.

"Evening to you too, handsome," he could feel his face warm at the sight in front of him.
Rory was always dressed similarly to Crosshair, both wearing black, skintight jeans and band t-shirts that looked like they had seen war. In Crosshair's case, it was his trusty Killjoys t-shirt from last time, while Rory had a grey and white ACDC logo plastered across his chest.
So this time, Crosshair focused on Rory's gorgeous face. His pink lips stretched in a smile, light stubble and acne scars littered his jawline, his nose and cheeks flushed, either from the heat or from standing on his boyfriend's front door.
And those eyes. Those stunningly-dark, sparkling eyes.
Crosshair held back the dreamy sigh that almost escaped him.

"You gonna stand there admiring me, or are you gonna let me in?" Rory flirted and Crosshair was half tempted to say that he could spend all of time admiring him.
But that would be too sappy.

"Y..Yeah come in," Crosshair chuckled and moved aside to let Rory in.
His boyfriend eagerly ducked under his arm, careful not to hit Crosshair with the black backpack while he closed the door. Crosshair waited until Rory slipped off his clunky, platform boots and bag, then he moved closer and whispered:
"Can I kiss those pretty lips?"

Rory's eyes widened underneath him and his breath hitched. Then he nodded breathlessly.
"Hell yes."
Crosshair smirked and by gently placing his hands on Rory's arms, he lightly pinned him to the hallway wall and kissed him like a man starved of air. Rory sighed into the kiss and snaked his arms around Crosshair's waist, standing on his toes to reach him better.
Suddenly Rory pulled away sharply and Crosshair moved back.
"Wait," he whispered, fingers tightening on his waist, "Does.. is your sister.."

"She's in the living room," Crosshair whispered back.

"No I mean..," Rory sighed sharply, "Is she.. okay with.. us? Being together?"
Crosshair's first instinct was to laugh. As if someone as caring and open minded as Omega would judge them, especially now after she had come out as not entirely straight either.
Yet a part of him understood. It was like an instinct, checking with all of his past boyfriends if his parents were homophobes before coming round.

"Trust me," Crosshair whispered with a soft smile, then raised his voice, while not breaking eye contact with his hands full of nervous boyfriend, "Omega? Are you excited to meet my boyfriend?"

"Yeah!" She called back, "I wanna see him!"
Crosshair raised his eyebrows at Rory who glanced nervously at the door frame. He jerked his head and led him inside.
"Hi" Omega waved at them shyly, pausing her documentary, "I'm Omega! I'm the sister. Nice to meet you, Mr Rory."

"Nice to meet you properly, kiddo," Rory smiled and laughed lightly, "But you don't have to be so formal with me. Rory is fine."

"Okay.. Rory," Omega nodded, then shot Crosshair a mischievous smirk, "Crosshair talks about you all the time."
Crosshair glared at her while Rory slowly turned to him with a smug look.

"Does he now?" Rory drawled. Crosshair cleared his throat and shook his head.

"Fake news," he moved over to the couch and ruffled Omega's hair while she squealed, "Can't trust anyone these days. How you feelin'?"

"Bleh," Omega mimicked a vomiting sound when Crosshair finally showed mercy, "Cramps have calmed down a bit. Do we have ice cream?"

"Oh.. that reminds me!" Rory exclaimed quietly and slipped into the hallway. There was some rustling and after a moment, Rory re-entered the room with Omega's current favourite ice cream flavour, strawberry and marshmallow, cradled in his arms.
"Here you are, little miss," he smiled down at her and plopped it in her lap.

"Thank you!" She gasped while Crosshair tossed her a spoon, "How did you know this was my favourite?"

"Oh.. a.. ," Rory sidled up to Crosshair and slid an arm around his waist. He couldn't reach any higher anyway, ".. a little bird told me."
Crosshair couldn't help the spark of excitement at the touch. He reciprocated the gesture and wrapped an arm around Rory's small shoulders.

"Shush," He muttered softly while Rory giggled.

"You guys are so sweet," Omega sighed with a smile, "Thank you very much for the ice cream."

"You're welcome," Rory smiled back at her. As much as the irrational panic that Omega and Rory wouldn't get along had subsided, the other ones began to grow. And as much as he loved seeing his sister and his boyfriend interact, it was time for some privacy.

"Alright," he cleared his throat, "I think it's time we let you back to those turtles."

"Okay, have fun!" She said innocently and un-paused the TV. Crosshair and Rory shared a look, then made their way upstairs with Rory's bag in hand.
Oh the fun they would have.

Chapter Text

"Told ya," Crosshair muttered as they climbed upstairs, "She'd be all over you if she wasn't feeling like shit."

"Yeah.. I can see that," Rory laughed lightly, "Well that took one weight off my chest."
Crosshair was about to ask what the others were, however he backtracked. The stairs weren't the best place for deep and serious conversations.
Hence, Crosshair sped up his climb and opened the door to the shared room.

"In here," he let Rory go in first before shutting the door behind them and placing Rory's backpack at the foot of his bed.

"I'm guessing this is your side of the room," Rory stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the bedsheets, bedside table and set of drawers. All black, save for the red lamp on the table. Posters of all sizes were crammed on his share of wall, bought at music stores or cut out from magazines. All the bands they mutually loved.

"How did you guess?" Crosshair asked sarcastically, sat down on the bed, and spread his legs.
Rory didn't reply, instead stared at him with a small smile on his lips.

"That seat free?" He nodded down at Crosshair's lap and the ex-sniper chuckled lightly.
He forced the excited and eager-to-get-naked teenager inside of him to calm down and held his arms out. Rory's smile widened and he enthusiastically climbed and straddled him. Crosshair's large hands came to settle on Rory's arms again while his small ones tightly clutched his broad shoulders.
"Can I kiss you again?" Rory murmured.

"C'mere," Crosshair grinned and their lips met once more.
After a minute of more confident kissing than in the hallway, Rory moved his lips to Crosshair's neck.

"Is this okay?" He asked breathlessly and after Crosshair nodded sharply, Rory gently nipped the tender skin with his teeth, then kissed the light pain away. Crosshair tightened his grip on him and allowed himself a small, quiet gasp.
It was happening. After years and years of yearning and fantasies and lonely nights on dating apps, Rory and Crosshair were finally going to get intimate.
Yet Crosshair's mind of course had to step in and ruin the blissful moment of pleasure.
Would he be good enough for Rory?
And what was it that Rory wanted to talk about? It could be just a case of wanting to do some quick negotiation before the actual act; like how it would work and all that. It could be that Rory just hadn't slept with a guy before.
Yet Crosshair's mind often went to dark places quickly. He didn't want the reason to be dark and painful, Rory didn't deserve any of the horrible things in the world. But something in his brain prickled at the fear on Rory's face when he suggested taking it further.

"Crosshair?"
He blinked away his thoughts to see Rory hovering over him.
"You okay? Where did you go?"

"I.. I was thinking," Crosshair spoke softly, careful to not seem like he was pressuring Rory to talk immediately, "You wanted to talk to me about something before.. we did anything more. Do you.. wanna do that now?"
The same fear appeared and Crosshair begged the universe that Rory wasn't going to reveal some dark secret right now. He'd listen and support him, obviously, but the thought of Rory being hurt in any way sent cold spikes through his heart.
Rory pursed his lips, sighed and gently slid off Crosshair's waist.

"Yeah. Yeah.. let's.. let's talk," he muttered quietly. He sat up, leaned against the wall, brought his knees to the wall and wrapped his arms around them.
From that alone, you couldn't ever guess Rory was the confident, grinning and flirty man he was today.
Crosshair propped himself up and set up cross-legged.

"I'm listening," Crosshair nodded to prompt Rory to start. Then he added for good measure, "I won't.. laugh. Or judge. Or get angry. If that's what you're worried about."
Rory glanced at him from his knees hesitantly. His hands trembled and he took several deep breaths, all coming out shaky.
Crosshair had a sinking feeling his dark predictions had been right.

"Um," Rory finally spoke quietly, breaking the tense silence, "It's just.. um.." He swallowed thickly and paused.

"Take your time," Crosshair murmured encouragingly. Rory took another deep breath and blinked rapidly.

"It's just.. I've been.. hurt-," Rory's voice failed him again and he closed his eyes. He cleared his throat and tried again.
Crosshair's blood ran cold.
".. hurt before and.. now I get.. I get nervous. Doing this. And- and I'm sorry i-if I freak out on you.. or something like that," Rory finally managed to say and stared at his knees.

Crosshair sat frozen to his bed. Somebody.. some idiot.. some utter asshole.. hurt his boyfriend.
The initial moment of horrified shock passed him and he exhaled sharply.

"Shit," he breathed out, "Do you want.. to talk about it? Do you want me to hold you?"
Rory hesitated and looked like he was weighing his options, then crawled forward into Crosshair's arms. Crosshair hugged him and laid his chin on top of Rory's head gently. When he didn't flinch, he tightened his hold.

"It.. um.. happened multiple times," Rory whispered, "And I don't want to talk about it. I just.. I don't want to disappoint you if I seem nervous.. or jittery."
Crosshair rage roared like a newly lit fire. An overwhelming feeling of protective-ness swept over him.

"Rory," he whispered back, voice soft again, "Don't. You dare. Apologise. If you need a break, or if you need to stop, or if you don't want to do this at all, you won't be disappointing me. I want you to feel good, and relaxed, and comfortable. And we can go as slow as you want. Okay?"
Rory nodded mutely against him.
"Is there anything you.. you don't want me touching? Or saying?"
This time, Rory shook his head.

"No. But could you.. check up on me? Every once in a while?" He asked timidly.

"Of course," Crosshair whispered and kissed his hair gently, "Anything you need."

"Thank you," he choked out and squeezed Crosshair tighter.

"You're safe with me," Crosshair said without thinking, his voice taking on a lower, grittier tone, "No one is going to hurt you ever again, not if I can help it. Those people will never ever touch you again. You know it wasn't your fault right?"
Rory nodded lightly and somehow managed to hug him even tighter and Crosshair moved one of his hands to support the back of his head, cradling it to his chest.
"Is there.. anything else you want to tell me?"

"Yeah," he whimpered and Crosshair's heart rate spiked again
There was more.

"Okay. I'm listening."

"I'm.. I'm scared that.. when you take off my clothes.. you won't like what you see."
Crosshair glanced down at Rory, in shock again.

"I- you- you're one of the most attractive guys I've ever met," Crosshair exhaled in surprise, "Where is this coming from?"

"I've.. My body, I've never liked it," Rory admitted tearfully, "And… you haven't seen me with my clothes off. You don't know for sure."
Crosshair blinked. Did Rory not see himself in the mirror?
"The acne on my face may have calmed down.. but I still have the scars and it's all over my back. And- and I-," Rory started to ramble, "I have.. s-stretch marks and.. I'm not.. I don't have muscles or anything.. and I'm short and-."

"Hey. Hey hey hey," Crosshair muttered firmly, "That's enough. Every time I look at you.. I love what I see. And I want what I see."

"Well I don't!" Rory whimpered and hid his face, "On good days.. I can look at what clothes cover and be okay with it but.. I just hate it. So much." A small sob escaped him, "And I'm scared you won't want me anymore when you see me naked."
He sobbed again and tears trickled down onto Crosshair's shirt. Then he swallowed and tried to compose himself.
"I tend to.. compliment my appearance a lot.. so I can forget about.. about the reality and hating it. But I can't do the same when I'm naked." He forced a shaky laugh, but Crosshair's heart shattered at the pain on his face. He sighed lightly and brushed Rory's hair away from his watery eyes.

"Rory.. I promise you.. after what you've told me about your body, I still mean it when I say you are one of the most attractive people I've met. And I thought that when you were still a teen when your acne was a lot worse then. I will say it as many times as you need me to, but I want.. what. I. See. I want you. I always have. And you are the most hot and attractive and pretty and handsome guy, inside and out."
Crosshair wasn't sure if what he was saying was helping. Omega didn't have a body image crisis thankfully, but it meant Crosshair wasn't prepared for what to say.
So he said what he thought.
And he meant it.
"And I know you're stubborn," Crosshair wiped some of the tears away tenderly, "You always have been. But I'll say it again and again. I'll say it everyday if you want."

"I'm sorry," he sniffled, "I've cried all over you and.. I've probably killed the mood."

"No," Crosshair said firmly, "I'm glad you told me. And I want to know how I can support you. And if you still want to," his voice changed into a whisper, "I'm still down for us to.. go further. But only if you want."

"Are you sure?" Rory whispered, "I still want to. I want it a lot. I'm just.. nervous."

"That's okay," Crosshair then lost control of the rest of the rest of his anxieties, "You know.. I'm nervous too. Sometimes I wonder if anyone could ever actually like me and.. and I'm scared that.. I always saw you as someone cool and talented and hot and I'm scared that I'm.. nothing.. compared to you."
Crosshair regretted saying that as soon as it came out of his mouth.
Sharing his insecurities wasn't his strong spot.

"Okay.. now that's just not true," Rory shook his head, wiping the last of the tears away, "If no one is capable of liking you, then what am I doing here?"
Crosshair didn't say anything.
"I want you," Rory said bluntly, "I want you. And have wanted you for years now."
Crosshair's face started to heat.
"Clearly, we are both insecure," he said with a small, pained smile, "Because.. fuck.. I don't know who else has a better talent for aim than you. Or are you forgetting whose name is at the top of the leaderboard back at the Range?" he poked him gently in the chest, "And are you kidding me? You're hot as fuck, and I want to make you feel so good," after another poke, Rory's face softened, "And clearly you're such a good brother for your sister. To me? You're the coolest person I know."

Crosshair bit his lip and tried not to react. But it was too much. With everything being said and with Rory being the one saying them.. the dam broke.

"You really think so?" He tried to say normally, yet it just came out as a strained whisper. Rory wiggled backwards and rose on his knees, so that he could actually reach Crosshair's face.

"I really think so," Rory murmured, voice hoarse from crying, "Can we kiss again?"
Crosshair swallowed thickly.
Maybe fate had smiled on him in this particular area of life.
Crosshair knew that this conversation didn't suddenly mean that his nor Rory's insecurities would suddenly go away. But for the moment, maybe they could both forget about them for a moment.

"Yeah," Crosshair nodded, blinking away some stray moisture, "I'd like that."
This time the kiss was slower yet felt more passionate. Now that they both knew the other's fears, it was different. Crosshair couldn't put it into words, it was different.
So this time when Crosshair traced his fingers along Rory's neckline and chest, there was no fear on his face. There was nervousness, but no fear like last time.
So when Crosshair asked:
"Can I take this off?"

This time, after a deep breath, Rory replied:
"Yes."

Chapter Text

Crosshair's heart was already hammering in his chest, but now it was so much more overwhelming. The silence in the room was deafening, despite the heavy breathing of the two fate reunited lovers.
With a rare shake in his steady hands, Crosshair gently bunched fistfuls of Rory's t-shirt and started to tug upwards. Rory lifted his arms up with a nervous exhale and leaned forward.
Crosshair swallowed thickly as he pulled the material over his boyfriend's hair, then his breath got caught in his throat. He tossed the shirt aside, not being able to take his eyes off Rory's naked arms and chest. The tattoos on his arms crept up just over his elbow and his narrow shoulders were littered with red bumps and patches. A small smattering of chest hair sprouted between his pectorals and on his stomach, trailing down into his jeans. Small, brown freckles stood out in random places.
Rory was even more beautiful than Crosshair thought.

"So pretty," Crosshair murmured without thinking, "I'd love to see this side of you more."
Rory blushed as he averted his eyes and a shy smile broke out on his face.

"You.. really think so?" He whispered and Crosshair leaned forward, catching his attention. Rory looked up again and Crosshair kissed his jaw gently.

"I know so," He let his lips brush against Rory's skin and his boyfriend shivered pleasantly, "Can I touch you?"

"Yes," he exhaled deeply and the ex-sniper brought one large hand to the back of Rory's neck, while the other at his collarbone. His heart jumped at touching Rory's bare, warm body and trailed his palm and fingers to where his shoulder and back started, tracing over smooth and bumpy skin. Then he travelled down to his pectoral and ran his thumb over Rory's nipple.
Crosshair looked up sharply as Rory gasped shakily.

"You good?"

"Y-yeah. Can.. can you do that again?"
Crosshair smirked lightly and repeated the gesture again and again. This time Rory gasped a little louder.
"Kinda unfair.. if you ask me," Rory muttered in between stuttering breaths, "That you're still so.. hah.. overdressed."
Crosshair laughed quietly.

"Alright then," he drawled, "You gonna do something about it?"
Rory smirked with shaky lips and started to pull at the bottom of Crosshair's t-shirt. He tugged upwards, not realising that in order to take it off, Crosshair would have to stop touching him.

"So inpatient," Crosshair chuckled again, swallowing his own nervousness and lifting his arms up.

"Shut up," Rory giggled playfully, continuing to tug and pull at the fabric, "Why are your arms so long?"

"You shut up," Crosshair retorted back and sucked in a breath of air when he re-emerged from the confines of his shirt. It too was thrown next to Rory's on the floor.
Crosshair re-settled his hands on Rory, this time one hand on his pectoral and one on his stomach.
"You can touch me too y'know," Crosshair murmured at the sight of Rory's wide eyes gazing at his lean torso and arms. Rory nodded hesitantly, then gingerly placed a small hand on his own pectoral.

"Can I kiss you again?" Rory whispered and after a nod on Crosshair's end, their lips met. First they kissed lightly, then again and again, gaining passion and intensity. All the while their hands roamed over shoulders, pectorals, arms and stomachs. Crosshair let out the occasional low moan while Rory's small gasps and whines were more frequent.
Crosshair's mind finally slowed down a little.
He allowed himself to relax under Rory's touch and accept that the boy that never left his heart was finally here for him to spend time with. To show his rare affection to and share his body with.
Then his heart rate kicked again when those small, slender hands slid over his waist.
"Is this okay? Can I take these off?" He disengaged from the heated kisses.

"Yeah," Crosshair nodded breathlessly, "But I'll need to stand to take these jeans off."

"Go on then," Rory murmured with hooded eyes, "Take them off for me."
Crosshair never thought he might like being told what to do, but here he was, face heating intensely at the low, almost commanding tone in Rory's voice.

"Sir yes sir," Crosshair drawled, voice wavering only a little. He swung his legs over the edge of his bed, stood up and unbuttoned his jeans. With the way Rory eagerly watched, his hands trembled again as he tugged at the zip. He hooked his thumbs around the waistline and pulled, stretching the black denim over his even longer, leaner and hairy legs.
He reclimbed onto the bed to meet Rory's lips again.
"Can I take off yours?" He sighed at the chill of the bedsheets against his thighs.
Rory exhaled heavily and hesitated.

"O-okay just.. can you do it for me? I don't think I can do it myself," Rory admitted quietly.

"Of course," Crosshair said softly, "You still okay with all of this?"

"Yeah," Rory smiled shyly, "You're even more hot like this and you're not even fully naked yet."

"Oh shut up," Crosshair drawled, yet his face still heated at the compliment. Then he shifted backwards, "Alright, lay down," he changed back to the softer tone.
Rory took a deeper breath and lowered himself onto Crosshair's bed, head cushioned on his pillow. Crosshair knelt over his boyfriend and slowly started undoing the buttons and zipper of Rory's jeans, watching like a hawk in case Rory changed his mind.
Then, he took the waistband into his hands and stopped.
"Are you sure?" He asked quietly, and after a strong nod, he started to pull, "Lift your hips up for me."

Rory arched to let Crosshair remove his jeans, exposing thighs decorated with stretch marks and more freckles and calves with more minimal hair. His face darkened and his eyes darted to the side.
Crosshair threw the jeans onto the pile of clothes on the floor and slowly settled his hand on Rory's hip. Then he lightly traced one of the marks on his inner thighs.

"I still stand by what I said," Crosshair murmured, "These marks don't make me desire you less."

"Really?" Rory whispered shakily.

"Yeah," Crosshair smiled softly, "Still the hottest guy I've had in my bed."
Rory swallowed thickly and returned the smile the best he could.
"Can I take the rest off too?"

"I'd like that," Rory whispered, "Can I do the same?"
Crosshair breathed deeply.
Suddenly something tugged at his chest, seeing Rory flushed and almost naked underneath him. It was still surreal.
That he even managed to reconnect with Rory. To think none of this would have been happening if he hadn't taken Omega to the Range at that exact day at that exact time. That Rory had liked him back all that time. That they were together. That he was about to have sex with the one person he'd always wanted to have it with.
Somewhere, Crosshair wondered how long it would take for him to ruin it all. For him to mess up his chance given to him by pure fate and luck. For Rory to realise that Crosshair was too damaged and bitter to be someone's loving boyfriend and leave.
"Crosshair?"

Crosshair blinked and was surprised to find moisture in his eyes again.

"Crosshair?" Rory repeated softly, "Hey. What's up?"

"I'm just..," Crosshair managed to say while upholding a small smile, "Grateful you're here."
Rory smiled back at him and the two shared a gentle kiss.

"I'm grateful you're here too," Rory whispered, "And I can't wait to make you feel good," he trailed his slender hands around Crosshair's waist, flicking at the edge of his boxers, "So.. can I take this off?"

"Yeah," Crosshair whispered back, "I want you."
Rory's smile widened into a gentle grin as he pulled the material down Crosshair's thighs.

"I want you too."

Crosshair never felt shy in front of his past hookups and partners, but now some unexplained, nervous feeling washed over him, as if he was experiencing his first time. He blushed in his nakedness under Rory's intense gaze.
He helped the small hands along, pulling his boxers all the way down his legs and throwing them aside. Then his own hands, after one more nod from Rory, closed around Rory's briefs and tugged.
It was time.

Chapter Text

Rory was sprawled out on top of Crosshair's chest, both of them panting heavily. They were both naked and covered in sweat, tears of pleasure and.. other questionable substances Crosshair wasn't in the mindset to care about. He stared at the ceiling, mind basking in the bliss and calm feeling.
He just had sex with Rory.
If he travelled back in time and told that to his teenage self, or even his adult self, his clone would have laughed in his face.
And it was good sex too.
Very.. very good.
That was one insecurity down. Rory seemed to love everything he was doing to him, judging by the pleas for more and sounds he was making.

"That was.. nice," Rory murmured against Crosshair's pectorals.

"Just nice?" Crosshair drawled teasingly, "Does a mind blowing fuck short circuit your brain?"

"Oh fuck you," Rory sighed blissfully with a smirk, then yelped as Crosshair gave his ass a playful pinch.

"I just did," Crosshair smirked back, "Unless you have the stamina to go again?"

"By the way you're grabbing my ass, I'd say you certainly want more of me," He giggled and nuzzled against Crosshair's skin.
Crosshair opened his mouth to say something of a sarcastic-flirty mix, when he was interrupted by a bone chilling sound.

A knock on the door.
Crosshair and Rory's heads snapped up and glanced at the door, then at each other, in perfect sync.

Omega.
Fuck.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck-

"Uh- Two seconds!" Crosshair called out, "Get under the covers!" He hissed to Rory.
Rory scrambled to hide under the bed sheets while Crosshair launched himself out of bed. He grabbed the bigger pair of identical, skinny, black jeans and frantically stuffed his legs into them. He jumped up, yanking the jeans over his sweaty thighs and bare ass and crotch. No time for underwear. He swiftly zipped and buttoned the fastenings and blindly reached for a shirt. He threw it over himself.
Crosshair glanced back at Rory, under the covers, only neck and head visible.
Then he opened the door.

"Omega. Hi," Crosshair said with a forced calmness and nonchalant smile, and opened the door a mere crack, "You okay?"

Omega stood wrapped in a blanket, clutching Lula and a stuffed cat Tech won for her at a claw machine. Her eyes were droopy and dark circles had appeared underneath them.

"Yeah, I was just coming to say goodnight," Omega murmured with a yawn, "I cleaned up the living room and now I'm gonna head to bed. I feel better now."

"Okay," he nodded stiffly and fought to uphold his facade, "Goodnight." He was about to close the door again, but then Omega looked up at him again, and frowned.
"Everything alright?" He asked, heart rate spiking.

"That's not your shirt," Omega pointed out in confusion, "Rory had the grey one, yours was black."
Crosshair blinked dumbly and glanced down. Indeed, he had grabbed the wrong one. No wonder it felt tighter than usual.
"And why is it.. back to front?" Omega asked again before Crosshair could even try to think of an excuse, "And why is it inside out?"
Crosshair glanced down again. He was wearing the wrong shirt in all the wrong ways possible. His brain frantically scrambled for an explanation. However by focusing more on covering his ass, literally, he stopped focusing on keeping the door closed as much as possible. His fingers had loosened and the old door swung on its hinges slowly, revealing the room behind him.

"Uh-," Crosshair stammered dumbly, but was interrupted by Omega again.

"Crosshair your face is all red and sweaty, and your hair is all over the place.. are you okay?" She said timidly with wide, concerned eyes, "Do we need to call Hunter?"

"Uh-," he repeated, "No! No I'm.. fine. I'm fine," he said confidently. Omega wasn't buying it.

"Are you sure? You look..," then she trailed off as she shifted her eyes from Crosshair and into the room behind him. Crosshair immediately tried to block her view with his hips, but it was too late.
Her gaze wandered in confusion over the pile of clothes on the floor, then onto messed up bed sheets, the bottle of lubricant at the foot of the bed and finally, the opened box of condoms.
Crosshair could pinpoint the exact moment Omega joined the dots. With an internal grimace, he watched helplessly as her eyes widened comically and her jaw dropped.
"Oh!" She squeaked out and gaped at him, "Oh- oh my gosh!"

"Yeah I think it's time for bed," Crosshair forced out, narrowing his eyes and trying to communicate with his face that it was time for Omega to make an immediate exit.

"Yep! Yep, okay! I'll- I'll go!" She nodded frantically as her face grew redder and redder by the second, "I'm- oh gosh I'm so sorry!"

"Goodnight, Omega," Crosshair hissed out through clenched teeth.

"Yep! Mhm! Goodnight!" She managed and scampered off into her room.
Making sure she was gone, Crosshair closed the door and sighed heavily.
Shit.
Shit shit shit.

"That.. could have gone a lot worse."
Crosshair shifted his head to see Rory emerging from under his covers. His boyfriend shrugged and held out his arms, "She could have walked in on us mid-."

"Don't-," Crosshair hissed weakly, "Put that image in my head."
This was a disaster.

"Admit though," Rory reasoned, "It could have been worse."
Crosshair groaned and hid his face in his hand.

"I suppose so," he muttered as he re-stripped and collapsed, naked, onto the bed, "It'll be so awkward now."
Crosshair didn't think he could ever look at Omega ever again after this.
Could Rory?
Oh God, what if this scared him off? Would the awkwardness be too much to bear?
"I'm sorry," he blurted out into the bedsheets, "Fuck- I'm so sorry-."

"Hey."
A pair of lips appeared against his ear. Crosshair flinched away from the ticklish feeling and rolled over onto his side. Rory's glowing face was hovering next to his. His boyfriend kissed him gently on the nose.
Crosshair scrunched it up and grimaced.
He couldn't believe this,
"I once got caught by a lecturer in a girl's car in the car park," Rory giggled shyly, "This is nothing."

"Are you sure?" Crosshair asked with a vulnerable glint in his eyes, "I don't want.. I don't know.. this to scare you off."

"Crosshair," Rory sighed lightly and shifted closer to him, and Crosshair almost instinctively put an arm around him and cradled him to his chest, "Your sister kinda walking in on us won't be enough to get rid of me. I only just found you again." Rory pressed a gentle kiss to Crosshair's chest and he sighed in relief.
"Also.. are we.. cuddling?" Rory asked in mock suspicion.

"Nope," Crosshair whispered and pulled him closer, "Don't know what you're talking about."

"Never took you for a cuddler," Rory murmured and nuzzled into his neck.

"'M not," Crosshair murmured back and hummed pleasantly, "No one will believe you."

"Sick bastard."

"Yeah but I'm your sick bastard apparently."
Good God. The bitter parts of Crosshair cringed and vomited at the thought of being… soft. Or affectionate. Lovey dovey. Whatever.
But maybe Rory was right. Maybe there was a sweetheart in him.
The internal teenager was over the moon. This was what he had dreamed of.
So for now, he let himself be.. soft. Affectionate. Lovey dovey.

"That you are," Rory giggled quietly and kissed his collarbone, "My angelic pirate, remember?"

"Mhm," he hummed again, "You and your analogies."
Those stupid, creative, lovable analogies.
"I'll still have to face her though," he grumbled, mind still not letting the incident go.

"Yeah.. it'll be awkward," Rory shrugged, "But she seems like a good kid. I'm sure if you talk about it.. answer a few questions.. things will go back to normal."

"Hopefully," Crosshair muttered, "Let's just.. stay like this for now."

"Gladly."

Chapter Text

Crosshair opened his eyes groggily. He inhaled deeply and was immediately bombarded with the sweet scent of Rory's hair conditioner. He glanced down, bleary and unfocused, to see the maroon mop of hair curled into his chest. Judging by the intense heat on most of his body, Crosshair had come to the conclusion that they had both fallen asleep at some point last night. Thankfully, both of them were dressed and changed this time: Rory in knee length pyjama shorts and a huge, simple, black t-shirt and Crosshair in his own sleeping shorts. Way too warm for a t-shirt, for him anyway.
Rory was still sound asleep against him.

Crosshair gently craned his neck to glance at Wrecker's alarm clock. Nine am exactly.
Not bad.
Even more gently, he shuffled out from under Rory and replaced his body with an extra pillow. As much as he wanted to savour this moment with Rory, he also needed his coffee.
He was about to leave the room, when he heard a small 'thunk' of a cabinet closing downstairs.
Omega. Shit.

Crosshair sighed lightly. It would have been a heavier sigh, but waking Rory was not his mission objective. Swallowing thickly, he grabbed his shirt from yesterday and dressed himself on the way downstairs.
This was going to be awkward.

Entering the kitchen, he was met with Omega trying her best to eat her cereal quietly, eyes wide and face flushed. She kept her gaze on her bowl and only spared Crosshair an anxious glance.

"Hey," Crosshair said quietly, switching on the kettle. He picked out a mug and started preparing his coffee.

"Hey," she replied back. The siblings shifted in the awkward atmosphere. Thankfully the kitchen wasn't completely silent, the crunching of Omega's cereal and the hiss of the kettle alleviated some of the tension.
Great. Crosshair grimaced down at his mug, thinking about how to make this better. What was he supposed to say?
"I'm sorry," Omega blurted out, partially giving the Crosshair the relief of not speaking first, "About.. last night. I didn't mean to walk in on you two."
Crosshair sighed heavily and turned around, leaning on the counter with his hands. Serious conversations weren't exactly his strong point. But it's not like he could phone up Echo or Hunter from their hard weekend of work and say: 'Hey I know you're busy but our sister kinda walked in on me and my boyfriend post-coitus, can you get down here and give her a grown up chat?"

"I know you didn't mean to," Crosshair said bluntly, "And it's not your fault. And I'm not angry at you."

"You're not?" Omega looked up shyly from her spoon.

"No," Crosshair shook his head, "You could have seen a lot worse."

"Yeah.. I suppose," Omea muttered in embarrassment, "How.. How did Rory react?"

"Oh," Crosshair smirked and poured hot water over his coffee beans, "He laughed. He's not angry at you either."

"So.. he's not leaving you?" She asked timidly.
Crosshair frowned. This wasn't something he wasn't expecting. He pushed himself off the counter and leaned over the table.

"No.. of course not," Crosshair muttered softly, "Where is this coming from?"
Omega silently played with her cereal and refused to look at him.
"Kid," He tried again, moving closer to her, "What's going on?"

"I was scared that I ruined things and he'll leave you and you won't be as happy anymore," She blurted out, letting go of her spoon with a loud 'clink.'
Crosshair blinked. His heart jumped inexplicably.
"Ever since he's back in your life.. you're always smiling at your phone and you blush whenever you talk about him.. and you just seem so much more happier now," Omega deflated in her chair and curled her knees to herself, "And.. and I didn't want to take that away."

Something caught in Crosshair's throat. Was the change really that visible in him?

"Omega," he said quietly, "Rory.. made it very clear to me that he's not going anywhere," a small, private smile reserved for his siblings.. and maybe now his boyfriend.. crept onto his face, "I promise. You didn't ruin anything."

"That's a relief," Omega exhaled shakily. "Rory seems.. really good for you. And its.. it's nice to see you all nervous about him. Echo told me that if you're nervous about something you don't want to mess it up."
Crosshair scoffed lightly. Maybe that's why he'd been absolutely hellbent on overthinking yesterday.
Of course, of course it was. He truly didn't want to lose him.
In that moment, Crosshair stamped out the festering bitterness in his mind.
Crosshair had a boyfriend. Not just a hookup or a fling, an actual boyfriend that he had real, genuine feelings for. He was allowed to care, he was allowed to be nervous. And yes.. maybe he was allowed to be soft.

"Yeah. He's really great," Crosshair let himself grin like a giggly lovesick teen.

"I'm glad you two are happy," Omega smiled back, then awkwardly cleared her throat, "Sooo… you guys.. did.. did the thing."

"Mhm. Yes," Crosshair nodded with a smirk, "We did the thing adults do when they love each other very much."
Omega perked up and her eyes widened.

"Soo.. you're in love with him?"
Ohhhhh that little-

"Alright," he cleared his throat and grabbed his coffee, "I'm going back to my boyfriend."

"Do you LOVE him?!"

"I'm going. I'm gone."
Crosshair escaped upstairs from his giggling sister. Careful not to spill his coffee, he opened the door to a truly majestic sight.
Rory had sleepily sat up in bed and was peacefully stretching. The sunshine from outside filtered through the partially opened curtain, illuminating Rory's beautiful face in a halo of light.
Truly angelic.

"Heyyy loverboy," Rory murmured with a tired smile, voice low and scratchy from sleep.
Crosshair smiled genuinely.
Maybe he was. Maybe he was a loverboy.