#kayden break imagines

[dark-night-hero]

Is your request open? If yes can I ask for a scenario, "Men patting their lap for you to sit on is so fucking sexy." Slightly NSFW🫢 for Kayden pls. THANK YOU🥹🫶

There was something in the way that Kayden sat there on your executive chair that makes your mind fuzzy. The way that he sat there with a fierce look on his face, leaning back on your chair with his legs spread. His arms resting on your chair's arm rest and unlike any other day, his hair was let loose, his dark blue hair mostly resting on his shoulder.

And there was really something in the way that he was looking at you that send a shiver down your spine. The way his eyes rest upon your figure makes you squirm under his gaze. "Doll." Fuck, even his voice sounds hot, so damn deep with that authoritative tone of his. At the same time, it made you think if you ever did something that upset him because you could tell at one glance that he was upset.

Neatly setting your paperworks to the side of the coffee table that you end up working on as Kayden was sitting on your workspace. "What's the matter, hmm?" Standing up from your seat, your heels clicked on the ground as you walk towards him. "Did my little fiercely cat got bore-" "Doll." "Fuck." You cannot help but to curse as he kept his eyes at you, never once looking away once you reach the side of the table and he turn to face and with a very gentle, without an ounce of hurry. Pat his tights, eyes dangerously roaming on every curve of your body. And when you showed no signs of moving, he raised a brow, lean back into your seat and spread his legs slightly before patting it again.

With no words to be said, you walk your way towards him and by the time he was within reach. You press your knee in-between his legs, hold on into the frame of the chair for support as you lean down into him, your other hand holding on into his shoulder. "If you keep acting like that you're gonna scare away my business partner, darling." He did not say anything, all he did was warp an arm on your waist, preventing you from pulling away. "Oh darling, you're the most jealous man I kno-" "You know other man?" Why does he look like he was about to wreak havoc outside? And so you laugh, shoulders trembling as you laugh out loud in contrast to your boyfriends pissed off appearance. "Oh Kay- hmpf?!"

Pulling you into his lap, he cut you off with a deep, hungry and passionate kiss. Pushing his tongue inside your mouth without any second thoughts and sulking your tongue. He did not stop there as his hand were quick to wander underneath your top, touching your skin. The other hand was working its way into unbuttoning your top. "Hah- Kay-Kayden wait. Someone could walk i- ugh!" Looking up with the new bite mark placed on your collar bone, holding him away with a fist full of his hair, Kayden looks up to you as he lick his lips. "Let them walk in, I'll show them who you truly belong to." "You crazy motherfu- ah!" You cannot help but to moan as he grind into you with a sly smirk on his lips telling you you cannot do anything about it.

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

[funky-music]

Do you think that Jiwoo and Kayden mimic each other in like other ways other than fighting?

Because if they do 😭😭

Like imagine they walk or sit the same way because they are around each other alot

Imagine kartein walking in after cleaning up the cats and feeding them, and he just walks in jiwoo and kayden sitting next to each other the same way watching TV or whatever

Imagine they wat certain foods the same way because they mirror each other

Imagine jiwoo picking more and more of Kaydens habits and quirks like a kid does to their parents 😭😭

Or them picking up each others speech patterns, like slang or phrases

Like I picked up saying dude in a certain way because of my sister or me doing finger guns and peace signs all the time made my sister and mom do it as well, like small things like that

Like those small things that make you think, yeah these two people are related or really close yk

Omg, someone should make a fic bout this or rec some to me, the way I would eat this up frfr 😭😭

[22ayla21]

Hi can I request, Kayden break is not curious about babies, but sometimes imagine a baby resembling her partner/girlfriend. Yayy. Thanks.

A Warm Whirlwind in the Beast's Heart

Kayden never made long-term plans. He lived in the here and now—in the moment, in the fight, in victory. The world, to him, was an arena where respect was earned with fists, and trust… who needed that anyway? His name inspired fear, his strength commanded respect, his reputation bred envy. He was alone. Had always been. And he thought that was the right way.

Then she appeared.

A woman who had nothing in common with his world. An ordinary civilian, absurdly rational. And with such a soft, calm smile that something inside him would trip every time he saw her. She wasn’t afraid of him. But she didn’t rush to get close either. Or maybe she just didn’t realize how much he was drawn to her.

She didn’t ask about the past. Didn’t make scenes when he disappeared. Didn’t ask for promises. But every time he came back bruised, exhausted, barely standing—she met him with a cup of hot tea and a quiet, “Got into another fight again?”

He’d snort, pretend to be annoyed. But he stayed.

Kayden never wanted a family. Never thought about children. What could he give them? A world where strength mattered more than kindness? Where betrayal lurked around every corner?

And yet, one quiet evening, as she rolled up her sleeves to wash the dishes and he sprawled on the couch in the form of a chubby cat, a strange thought hit him:

What if we had a child? With her eyes and my stubbornness. Small, clinging to her skirt, running to me—not as Kayden the legend, but just as Dad.

He shook it off. Ridiculous. Him—a father? What a joke. He could barely stand teenagers, and kids... kids were chaos. Constant noise, sticky hands, cries, tears. Responsibility you couldn't run from.

But later that same night, when she had fallen asleep on the couch, pressed against his furry side, he caught himself thinking about it again. Imagined them—together. And between them, a tiny child, with her warmth and maybe his temperament.

He jumped up. Dropped the cat form. Paced the room, not knowing what to do with this strange warmth in his chest.

Kayden, the predator, the lone wolf, and now... softening? What next? A little house with a garden? Weekend barbecues?

He smirked. Sarcastically. At himself. But something inside trembled.

From then on, it started happening more often. She’d talk on the phone—and he’d picture her holding a baby, laughing with it. She’d feed stray cats—and he’d wonder what kind of mother she’d be. And when she hugged him—just like that, without fear, accepting both the beast and the man—he suddenly wanted to stay. Not just for the night. Not for a week. For real.

He told himself it would pass. That it was just… temporary. Her influence.

And then, one day, he saw her holding a wounded chick to her chest. She looked at it so gently, as if her touch alone could take away all the pain.

He approached. Sat beside her. And, not really knowing why, muttered almost to himself:

— Our child would be like you. The same kindness. The same strength. Just… without the rough edges. Brighter.

She looked at him in surprise. Then suddenly smiled. Quietly. Warmly.

— And would that be so bad?

He didn’t answer. He didn’t know.

But from that day on, every time he went into battle, he didn’t think only about winning. He thought about coming back. Alive. Whole. For her. And maybe, one day—for him. For their potential “little stubborn one” who would laugh like her and argue like him.

Kayden didn’t know if he’d ever be a father. He wasn’t sure he deserved it.

But he knew one thing: something in him had changed.

And the scariest part—it didn’t feel like weakness anymore.

It felt like hope.

[vovoloyo]

Imagine house-husband kayden break! w/ worker fem!reader where when you come back home from a tiring day at work, barely standing in front of the front door, struggling to stick the bunched up keys into the keyhole.

Then your (failed) attempt gets interrupted from your husband kayden opening the door (the sound from your keys gave it away).

The mere sight of your gorg husband melts all of your remaining energy then, falling into kayden's strong arms.

He takes your shoes off while getting to the living room and puts you down on the sofa gently. He was about to get up but was restricted from your hands cupping his face, "nnooo" were the words that barely crawled out of your mouth.

You felt Kayden's cheeks get warmer and more reddish. You saw his subtle smile through your half-lidded eyes, he chuckled.

You noticed that his face was slowly getting closer to yours. His soft lips meets yours.

With Kayden's big build hovering over your body, brought you comfort. His big, slender hands going through your fingers.

The tension broke when he pulled away suddenly, "I have to make dinner, honey." he said softly. "Noo, let's stay like this for a bit longer pleasseee," you pleaded your husband, "today was more tiring than ever."

"fine." Kayden responded to your plead by giving you more comforting kisses with his soft, plump lips ( ˘ ³˘)

[honeyscovet]

A much older Kayden in Glasses

I don’t usually get horny on main, but just imagine this—

Kayden Lockwood in his forties, settled, married to Gareth, and they’ve got a kid or two. Life is good.

Until Kayden starts getting these nasty headaches, squinting at documents like the words are playing hide and seek, rubbing his temples like that’s going to fix the problem. He waves it off every time Gareth brings it up, claiming it’s stress, that he just needs to take breaks, drink more water—some bullshit excuse to avoid a doctor.

And Gareth, because he knows his husband and his ridiculous stubborn streak, doesn’t bother arguing. He just books the damn appointment himself and drags Kayden there, no room for negotiation.

Kayden grumbles the whole way but sits through the exam, and when the doctor finally writes him a prescription for reading glasses, he’s offended. Like the very idea of needing glasses is a personal attack. But he gets them anyway—because Gareth will not let it go otherwise.

And then.

Then Gareth sees him wearing them for the first time.

And fuck.

They’re just glasses. Glasses. They should not be this hot, but on Kayden? With his sharp jawline, his stupidly handsome face, and the way he absently adjusts them while reading over something? Unholy.

Gareth is not prepared.

He barely registers whatever Kayden is saying, too busy staring, thoughts going places they have no business being when their kids are in the house.

Kayden, still oblivious, glances up at him. “What?”

Gareth clears his throat, determined to act normal. “Nothing.”

Kayden narrows his eyes. “You’re staring.”

“Am not.”

“You are.”

And now Kayden is smirking, because of course he fucking is. He tilts his head, deliberately pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, like he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Gareth exhales sharply and mutters, “I hate you.”

Kayden just laughs, utterly smug. “No, you don’t.”

[beehiveofblorbos]

my predictions for season 3 plot beats for the main six. Under the cut because it’s LONG. My favorite part of it is the third bit, where I discuss why I think Remi is likely to kill someone next season. Predictions are numbered for ease of navigation.

1. The main cast will end up staying at Cameron’s home. This isn’t a bold one, but the three free groups of highly plot relevant characters are split up across different places. Leilah and Darren are in Neil’s territory to the north (which might include New Bostin considering it’s a low tier area and Sera kinda implies they’re not far), Remi Isen and Kuyo are staying at Grayson’s apartment, and John and Sera are with Cameron.

To be more specific, probably Leilah and Darren will end up linking up with Jera and Cameron first, then Kayden will follow, then Kuyo Remi Isen. I think Grayson’s apartment will get raided (it’s explicitly said to be temporary when they first use it, and Blyke’s capture means that it’s compromised) which will force Cameron to take them all in (he’ll need to have had some development by then).

I kinda think Grayson’s apartment raid will be a bit later in the season, if only because I imagine it as the trigger for Remi Isen and Kuyo to be much more impulsive about saving Blyke, as they understand the depth of the danger he’s in. Or maybe even (if im lucky) John will be impulsive about it, knowing from that that Blyke is dealing with Keon and that Blyke doesn’t deserve that.

2. Blyke and Rein will break out together, just as John Sera Remi Isen and Kuyo arrive to save him. Well, this one is pretty complex, let’s break it down into pieces.

I def think Blyke and Rein will link up, and Rein will get clued in as far as what’s going on with Arlo there, and Blyke will learn more about Spectre. Probably more angst as far as Arlo maybe being seen walking free around the facility or even sneaking away to visit them and get some answers after he begins to recover his memories.

Rein of course kinda needs to break out soon, because if she doesn’t she’ll die à la Terrence. If she did though that would be kind of boring and a waste of her character. Plus, as she was part of Orrin’s faction, perhaps she’ll have some more info to offer as far as his ability and what his greater plans are.

I can’t see John not being part of the rescue mission to save Blyke. This is in large parts because Blyke is being subjected to Keon, so they have yet another bond/similarity now. Plus, John’s even had a panel dedicated to him thinking about how Blyke Remi and Isen don’t deserve readjustment during the convo about what readjustment looks like with Arlo

And Remi and Isen coming for Blyke was never even in question. Even Kuyo’s initial connection to the vigilante trio was Blyke.

3. Remi will kill someone. Remi is the only member of the main cast who hasn’t had some sort of big mistake era to come back from, and I think hers will be nothing less than murder.

She’s always been extremely reckless and prone to losing control of her emotions, especially when it comes to facing EMBER. in the Main Cast v Authorities Ambush battle in the last episodes of season 2, we get this series of images:

So first, Remi’s the one who initiates this talk of murdering. After all, it’s been her focus the entire time. These are the people who killed her brother. Makes sense.

There’s some banter I’m not including because it’ll be in later images, then they fight. Once Arlo and Isen join them, they manage to knock Farrah out. And then she gets back up. And then we get this:

Arlo’s the one who brings it up. But ultimately; he can’t do it, when the moment calls for it. And as he’s joining the authorities at the top of season 3 more than likely, he won’t get another chance to revisit this choice soon.

Enter Remi. It’s her directly reacting to the suggestion of killing Farrah, it’s her who gets focused on during the flashback to Farrah’s little speech about why murder is valid morally. It’s Remi who essentially says that murder is an acceptable option if it’s a choice between the lives of her friends and the lives of her enemies.

And then this:

Remi, getting focused on AGAIN even though presumably all of the focus should be going to Arlo. It’s his scene after all… right? Or is it a surprise tool to help us later.

AND Remi’s arguably the one who suffered the greatest personal losses due to this ambush. Blyke is her presumptive love-interest as well as one of her best friends whom she personally dragged into this, and Arlo is her protector and even possibly brother figure (based on her saying Rei saw him as a brother, the implication to me is that she does too). AND on top of all that, Remi’s had a huge power boost, now on-level with Rei when he died.

If she does, I can totally see it either being an encounter with a new Spectre agent or during the mission to rescue Blyke from prison (doing it in front of Arlo, setting him back on his path to rejoining the other main six, is peak drama, peak angst, peak Uru).

4. Jane will reunite with John. This is kind of a lowball, but I think we’ll also get at least one fight with Jane if we’ve got her level. I definitely think she needs rescued first thing because it’s her blood both antagonist orgs are using to become bigger threats, and also Cameron needs to become a decent character in one season instead of being the terrible wine uncle who has about the same level of emotional maturity as a seventeen year old.

5. Kass will bring Arlo back to his senses/help him regain his memories. Additionally, Arlo will be hunting down Spectre. For normalcy reasons, I suspect that Arlo is gonna end up becoming a full time employee for the authorities, still working under Kass. He might get taken-in to the EMBER department, but I doubt it and here’s why:

Farrah herself comments on the issue. She later mentions Valerie “pulling some strings” (S2 finale ep) to save Arlo, which suggests to me that he won’t be getting a combat position. Instead, he’ll help hunt down Seraphina and John due to them being Spectre associates.

Kass will recognize the behavior change from when she and Arlo last spoke about EMBER and be able to help him snap out of it and prevent him from making any decisions he’ll regret.

6. The game of Unopoly John played with the Safe House will become relevant. This sort of isn’t directly related to the main cast, but idk I just wanna point out that John played a game of Unopoly with the Safe House members and games in this webcomic always become relevant/have a second meaning/foreshadow future events. I can’t find it no matter how I try, but I’d love to see it again as it’s the only game we currently have outstanding without a meaning to it.

[alexxncl]

‼️NIGHTBRINGER LESSON 55 SPOILERS‼️

masterlist | all lessons | season 3 | lesson 54 | lesson 55.2 | lesson 56.1 | lesson 56.2

not they ended last lesson on the cliffhanger and barely addressed it in this one 🧍🏾

honestly that's on par for someone as closed off as raphael but FUCK i wanted some insight on how he's actually feeling. what's up with angels and not letting themselves show weakness ???

also the fact that this part of the lesson is called "back to the sorcerer's society" ??? mc's had too many death scares i can't keep doing this

gotta get all the mammon crumbs i can now that i know that the stupid date feature is 30 FUCKING DOLLARS 😐 i'm semi p2p but this shit is getting more and more ridiculous as the days drag on. like i'll just use character and and fanfiction atp

it's the way that i forgot the fact that mc's existence can literally tear apart reality at the seams. like that whole thing that happened in season 3 (4?) of og when simeon had to steal lucifer's ring and ended up becoming human bc of it

i feel like his punishment would've been way more lethal if the stakes weren't so dire. mc having lucifer's ring was the only sure fire way to ensure stability within and between the human, celestial, and demon realms without having any of them implode

this also explains why magic sickness is so concerning for mc specifically. to quote marvel, kayden is probably this universe's anchor being. if they go down, so does everything else in the timeline

me and sol got beef now bc what /lh

like yes he did what had to be done but did he HAVE to do what had to be done ????

also the fact that mc broke the measuring device after solomon had to fix it with reinforcements bc he himself broke the device before is so ??? like how fucking strong is mc ??????

this brings even more of a concern to the fact that a war breaking out between any of the realms would literally be life and death. if any of the brothers or their friends family get hurt, mc would cause irreparable damage to whoever or whatever is closest to them, whether the target caused the problem or not. like that's terrifying

this is why i love satan

he's almost more no-bullshit than lucifer is, which makes sense all things considered. in his eyes they still don't know anything about mc's power. all this is to satan is an educated guess, and when it inevitably gets disproved, then what? what if they do end up hurting someone

i doubt that'll happen since there's so little time left in this season but idk. it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility

i'm very glad that they used the very obvious answer as to why mc's powers are going haywire, bc the whole "it's just bc they're so loving and kind" thing just seemed like a cop out to me. like where are the stakes. what about the first 40 lessons of the game

ANYWAYS i'm very interested to see how this'll play out. part of me thinks diavolo and lucifer already know bc 1) they're not stupid and 2) dia is in close enough proximity to the time demon himself to know when something happened to the time stream (or as barbie himself called it, "time soup")

like look at the way barbatos reacted and the way diavolo immediately changed the subject. they both know something's going on, but whether or not diavolo knows the specifics is up in the air

satan is also the funniest mf on the planet idc argue with the wall. he really is the product of all his brothers bc this SCREAMS mammon and levi

:((( poor raph

i honestly can't even imagine what it feels like. the only angels he probably has left that he's actually close to are michael and maybe luke. even then, he probaboy sees luke as someone he can't confide in and feels like he's losing his brother(s) all over again

at least with simeon in purgatory hall, he can delude himself into thinking that simeon's still an angel. but if he's not there anymore, it's all but set in stone that he's lost what little connection he had left to simeon and, in a way, the other brothers, bc luke wasn't around or old enough to remember pre-war times

on a brighter note...michael lore. kinda. and mephisto being a kisser of multiple asses (mephisto fans i'm sorry he's so fun to dog on)

i wish he could get his head outta his ass though. like actually. just pay your boyfriend a visit ffs, he'd be beyond happy to see you

of COURSE he's not in his room and of COURSE this is how the lesson ends

watch lesson 60 end with a michael-related cliffhanger. like watch them tease his design reveal and then just cut the shit off right before he's shown

but i need the michael design asap i'm so serious. solmare count your days

[legacygirlingreen]

The Friend Date - Bonus

"Kayden"

Summary: Kayden's POV

Word Count: 7,800 of 71,000

Warnings: bit of sibling drama, well adjusted adult woman (I imagine that upsets someone out there unfortunately), Crosshair is sometimes a bit difficult

The Friend Date Masterlist | Masterlist| Previous | Next

How invisible can I be? Kayden wondered, a thought that had consumed her for days. It all started with the shock, that moment when Mae entered the greenhouse, practically clinging to the doorframe as she hesitantly explained the situation. Kayden didn’t blame her—how could she? Mae was just caught in the crossfire, after all. But what came next was something she hadn’t expected.

Not long after Mae’s confession, Crosshair had approached her, equally remorseful, his eyes filled with apology. His explanation had been simple: “A favor to his brother,” and “trying to get the ball rolling with that idiot Captain,” as he had put it. Even Tech, with his usually composed demeanor, had come forward with an apology, citing that his wife had been the one to orchestrate the entire mess.

But none of these explanations, no matter how sincere, could compare to the one person who truly sparked her anger—Leena. Her own twin sister.

It wasn’t just Leena’s obliviousness to the feelings of those around her that stung. It was the way she had forced a man Kayden had grown close to, someone with whom she had shared more than just casual moments, to go on a date with a woman he didn’t feel a thing for. But what hurt the most, what truly twisted the knife in Kayden’s chest, was the fact that Leena knew—she knew about the feelings Kayden had been quietly harboring for Crosshair, and yet, she pushed them aside as if they didn’t matter. As if Kayden herself didn’t matter, all in the name of some misguided attempt at matchmaking.

It was the kind of thing that should’ve felt like something out of a silly romance novel, but the pain it caused was anything but fictional. Underneath all the childish antics, what made Kayden’s blood boil was how completely Leena had neglected to even invite her in the first place. How could her own twin forget about her existence so completely? It was the question that had gnawed at her relentlessly, the question she couldn’t seem to shake, no matter how hard she tried to push it aside.

Crosshair had tried to back out of it, his voice laced with reluctance as he insisted there was no point in subjecting himself to what he called the “shit storm waiting to happen.” But Kayden wasn’t about to let him off that easily. She reminded him, gently but firmly, that he had promised Mae. And while she knew the whole situation wasn’t ideal for either of them, she also knew that breaking that promise would only make things worse.

Kayden understood it wasn’t something either of them truly wanted. Crosshair had never been one for forced socialization, and Mae was clearly uneasy about the whole group date setup. But Kayden couldn’t ignore the fact that sending Mae into it alone would be cruel. The woman had enough on her plate already, with the man she seemed to enjoy spending time with hardly ever around. To leave her to face the awkwardness of it all by herself, especially in front of others, felt like a betrayal. It wasn’t about the date—it was about the loneliness and stress Mae carried with her every day, and the thought of her facing that humiliation alone was more than Kayden could bear.

Even as Crosshair reluctantly agreed, Kayden couldn’t help but admire him for stepping up. He knew the embarrassment it would cause, yet he still offered to shield Mae from it, if only in the smallest way. That act of kindness, even if it wasn’t perfect, resonated deeply with Kayden.

But still, there was a part of her that couldn’t help but feel the sting. The one benefit of not going at all would be avoiding the uncomfortable situation of seeing her friend paired off with… her male friend. The whole arrangement reeked of forced chemistry, and the idea of sitting through it, watching Mae pretend to enjoy the attention, was just as painful as the situation they were all caught up in.

Deep down, Kayden couldn’t shake the nagging worry that lurked in the back of her mind. What if what had started as a forced, awkward arrangement somehow blossomed into something more? She knew, logically, she had no real reason to object. After all, Crosshair had known Mae long before he’d crossed paths with her, and both of them were single. There was no reason why he shouldn’t pursue something with Mae if he was interested. She could only hope given the window in time had seemingly passed, that things stayed that way.

Still, Kayden couldn’t ignore the unsettling thought. Crosshair’s history with Mae was well before anything had begun between them, and that should’ve made it easier to accept. But something inside her twisted at the idea of them growing closer. With Rex’s frequency to come and go with little warning, she knew that alone weighed on Mae. Crosshair had also split from the only romantic connection he’d known before. That left Crosshair and Mae in a position where they were both open, vulnerable, and maybe, just maybe, in the space where something genuine could begin to bloom.

And then there was the undeniable truth that Mae and Kahrin shared a striking resemblance. The more Kayden thought about it, the more it troubled her. Kahrin had been someone important to Crosshair—someone Kayden couldn’t help but feel a certain level of jealousy towards. Mae, with her soft features and warm presence, could very well fill the space Kahrin had once occupied in Crosshair’s heart. The thought that something deeper could emerge from this forced situation, something that might have real roots, gnawed at Kayden more than she cared to admit.

The thought of it made a nauseating feeling rise in Kayden’s chest, especially when she remembered the times Leena had casually mentioned Mae spending time at their home, unwinding and decompressing with Tech. The fact that Mae had been so close to Tech, her brother-in-law, only made it harder to ignore the possibility that Leena’s forced matchmaking wasn’t as ridiculous as it seemed. In fact, it almost seemed logical, as if there was some deeper connection between Mae and the others that Kayden hadn’t fully realized.

And the more she thought about it, the worse the feeling became. What if Leena’s insistence on pairing Mae with Crosshair wasn’t just about matchmaking at all, but rather something more—something that could replace Kayden in their dynamic entirely? The image of Mae taking her place, not just in the group, but in the life she had built, gnawed at her. Mae, with her calm, collected demeanor, might fit in more easily than Kayden ever had. She might slip effortlessly into the space that had once been hers, leaving Kayden to watch from the sidelines, feeling more like an outsider in her own life.

And what would Kayden be left with? The greenhouse? The quiet, empty space where she once found comfort now felt like a reminder of everything slipping away from her. The place that had once been a sanctuary now seemed like a prison, where she was stuck alone with her thoughts, watching her connections slowly unravel. The thought made her stomach twist into tight knots.

No. That’s nonsense, Kayden told herself firmly, pushing the spiraling thoughts out of her mind. She couldn’t afford to let her imagination run wild, painting scenarios that hadn’t even happened yet. It was so easy, so tempting, to curl up with a tub of ice cream and dive into worst-case fantasies where everything fell apart. But she wasn’t going to let herself go down that path. She refused to give in to the quiet shame that threatened to settle in her chest, the kind of self-pity that only made things worse.

I will not be that person, she resolved, straightening her back as if to physically shake off the weight of her thoughts. Everyone else was out there, making the best of things, preparing to enjoy the night without a care. She wouldn’t let herself be the one left behind, sulking in the shadows while they had fun without her.

No, tonight would be different. Tonight, she would embrace the stillness, finding peace in the simplicity of her own company. She would enjoy the quiet, the calm of her own space. She would let go of the anger that had been building, and the stress that had kept her tense. No more overthinking, no more spiraling into imagined disasters.

She decided she’d spend the evening catching up on holo dramas—those ridiculous, over-the-top shows that were just the kind of mindless entertainment she needed to escape for a while. It was the perfect distraction, a chance to laugh, cry, and get lost in a world that wasn’t hers. Maybe she’d even take a break from the screen long enough to finally redo her hair. It had been ages since she’d given it any real attention, and lately, with everything that had been going on, she felt like it was time for a change. A fresh start. Something new.

The thought of it made her smile, the idea of transforming something as simple as her hair into a reflection of how she felt inside. Bold, she thought. Different. Maybe a new color or a style that was a little more daring than what she usually went for. She wanted something that felt like a declaration, a statement to herself more than anyone else. Something to mark the shift she could feel coming, the need to step out of the shadows and embrace a version of herself that was more confident, more in control.

Change had never felt so necessary, and she was ready for it. Even if it was just a new hairstyle, it would be a start—a way to take back a bit of power from everything that had been spinning out of her control.

The house had been empty for what felt like an eternity. Her workday had wrapped up earlier than usual, and Kayden found herself back in the familiar quiet that had become both a comfort and a burden. Chori and Wrecker were off doing their own things, each caught up in their respective projects, leaving the house eerily still. The silence was almost welcome, though—it gave her space to breathe, to let her thoughts wander freely.

She had just settled into her usual afternoon routine, ready to indulge in a mid-day break. She had slipped into an oversized shirt she’d “borrowed” from the laundry basket—an old, faded thing that Crosshair had once jokingly told her she could keep, saying he was going to throw it away anyway. It hung on her frame like a dress, comfortably loose, with the familiar scent of him lingering in the fabric. 

Kayden was just about to pour herself a glass of wine, ready to unwind with a good show when she heard it. The soft knock at her bedroom door broke through the calm. The absence of Chori and Wrecker’s louder voices, and Muffin’s usual barrage of barking, meant there were only a few people it could be. She straightened up, glass still in hand, her mind racing through possibilities. Had Crosshair come by for some last-minute advice on what to wear? Or maybe he needed a quick pep talk on how to survive the evening? The thought even crossed her mind that he might be trying to find a way to weasel out of the whole ordeal.

But what she wasn’t prepared for was the sight of him standing in the doorway, a calm, smug smirk playing on his lips. He leaned against the doorframe, waiting for her to let him in as if he belonged there. Their rooms shared an adjoining wall, and they frequently visited each other’s spaces, but this felt different—like he was already too comfortable in her space.

“What’s got you all smiley? Actually looking forward to it now?” she asked, trying to keep the bite out of her voice. She didn’t want to antagonize him—this was supposed to be her moment of peace—but the way he was grinning made it hard to keep the edge out of her tone.

“Yes. I am,” he replied, his voice cool, before stalking towards her bed. He sat down and looked around the room, his eyes scanning the space with an almost casual interest. The tablet she had been planning to use, the holodrama channel queued up on the screen, the unopened wine bottle—everything was laid out for her evening of quiet relaxation. But then his eyes lingered on something else, something that made something in his stomach warm, before he quickly pushed the feeling aside.

“Yeah?” Kayden’s voice was quieter now, a flicker of curiosity in her gaze as she moved away from him and into the adjoining fresher. She flicked on the light and began rummaging through the drawers, trying to focus on the task at hand.

When she turned to look back at him, he hadn’t said anything yet, still wearing that smug expression. Kayden raised an eyebrow, her patience wearing thin. She wasn’t going to let him drag this out, especially not when everything felt so uncertain already.

“I’m sure Mae and you will have a great time,” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm as she continued, “Did you need someth-”

“Not going with Mae,” he interrupted, shrugging nonchalantly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

It took Kayden a moment to process what he said. Not going with Mae? She glanced at him again, taking in his relaxed posture, the way he still wore his casual clothes. Something clicked in her mind—he must have been home the whole time. He moved so quietly, and as she had arrived, taken a nap, and showered, there was a chance he’d slipped in unnoticed.

“You can’t just abandon her, Crosshair,” she said, her voice dropping slightly, the concern creeping in despite her best efforts to remain calm. “She’s going to be hurt if she has to go alone—especially since she didn’t even want to go in the first place, same as you—”

“She’s got a date,” he replied, once again nonchalant, before dragging her desk chair into the fresher and taking a seat. Kayden raised an eyebrow, but she chose to ignore the way he had so easily made himself comfortable in her space, instead focusing on his words. A date?

“What do you mean—?” she began, confusion taking over.

“Get this,” he said, leaning over the back of the chair, pulling out his small holodevice and passing it to her. She reached for it without thinking, but before her eyes could settle on the screen, he continued to explain. “Seems like good ol' Rex was a little threatened by me helping Mae out. So, he asked for us to swap things up without your sister knowing.”

Kayden froze as she processed what he’d said. Rex had asked for a swap? It took a moment for the full weight of his words to sink in. “Wait, what?”

Crosshair shrugged, the smug look never leaving his face. “I think it’ll be hard for Leena to be mad at all of us.”

“Us?” Kayden asked after a beat. 

“Yeah. Us. You’re coming with me.” he replied flatly. Kayden was at a loss for words. 

Her mind was spinning, trying to make sense of everything that had just unfolded. Part of her was undeniably relieved that Crosshair and Mae would no longer have any sort of romantic entanglement looming over them. She didn’t have to worry about what might have been brewing between them. Another part of her was relieved for Mae—now the woman could enjoy a chance to spend time with someone she clearly had feelings for, without the awkwardness of a forced date. But the biggest part of her... well, that part felt confused. Because now she was stuck in this bizarre arrangement, with Crosshair of all people, and the idea of spending time with him—without the weight of their usual banter or tension—made her heart race in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

“I—” she began, but the words got stuck in her throat. She wasn’t sure what to say, or even how to say it.

Crosshair glanced over at her, his tone a touch lighter, though still filled with that detached indifference that was so characteristic of him. “You’ve got time to think it through, but don’t drag it out. You can take care of that—talk, right?” He gestured lazily to the counter where she had tossed a few containers of bleach and dyes.

Kayden nodded, a little shaken, and climbed onto the counter to make herself comfortable as she began prepping for the process. She could feel his presence in the room like a weight at her back—close enough to be aware of, but not quite close enough to touch. The air between them was charged, but she couldn’t figure out how to handle it. He sat in the chair not far from her, silent, letting her work through her thoughts.

“So... this was Rex’s idea?” she finally asked, her voice a little quieter than usual, almost hesitant.

“His idea,” Crosshair confirmed, his tone flat, offering her little explanation. “Apparently, it really upset Mae. I’m not entirely sure why, but she was even thinking about skipping out altogether.” He didn’t elaborate much, leaving the details vague.

Kayden furrowed her brow as she carefully began to separate strands of hair, pulling them into sections for the bleach. The clock was ticking now, and she needed to move quickly. “And you agreed?” she asked, a trace of disbelief slipping into her voice.

“Obviously,” he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I couldn’t leave you hanging, could I?” He gave her a teasing smile, but it was subtle, almost too faint to register fully. His eyes flickered down to the containers of dye in her hands. “These are certainly bold choices…”

“That was the point,” she responded, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. She wasn’t about to let herself get distracted by the strange fluttering in her stomach. But his response—his offhand comment about not leaving her hanging, about agreeing to come with her instead of Mae—it made something twist inside her. She tried to push the feeling aside, but it lingered, quietly pulsing in the back of her mind.

He picked up one of the round containers of dye, inspecting it with exaggerated curiosity. “You sure you want to go with something this bold?” he asked, his voice still playful but with a hint of genuine interest.

Her breath caught for a second, and she forced herself to keep her hands steady as she worked. "Yeah," she said with a little more confidence than she felt, "I'm ready for a change." She didn’t know why, but the thought of doing something bold, something different, seemed strangely freeing right now. It was like she could make a statement—something—about where she was in her life. And maybe, just maybe, she could turn this evening into something that was entirely hers.

She glanced over at Crosshair as he fiddled with the dye container. He seemed unfazed, his usual calm exterior firmly in place, but something in the way he said, “I’m happy to be going with you,” even if it was understated, made her pause. Was that how he really felt? Was he actually glad for the change in plans, or was he just humoring her, the same way he often humored everyone else?

Kayden swallowed hard, mentally pushing the fluttering feelings down. There was no time for distractions. She had a process to finish. She took a deep breath, trying to ignore the way her stomach seemed to twist every time he said something unexpectedly sincere.

Kayden finished sectioning off her hair, each strand carefully pulled into place. As she worked, a sense of anticipation began to bubble up inside her. The bleach was ready to be applied, and she moved quickly to get it in before her thoughts could wander too far. The familiar scent of the bleach filled the room, comforting in its simplicity. For a moment, the act of doing something so routine made her feel grounded.

With the bleach in place and the timer set, she let herself relax a little, shifting her focus back to Crosshair. He was still sitting in the same spot, watching her with that familiar, unreadable expression, but there was something different about it now. She could feel the shift in the air between them—something charged but not uncomfortable. It was a strange excitement, a feeling that was starting to overtake her uncertainty.

She turned on the counter to face him, not quite able to hide the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “So, tell me,” she began, her voice a little lighter than usual, “do you not like the colors I picked?” She couldn’t quite mask the playful curiosity in her tone, her eyes sparkling with the hint of teasing.

Crosshair glanced over at the dye containers, then back to her, his expression still neutral, though his eyes held a flicker of something—maybe interest, maybe something more. After a beat, he finally spoke. “It’s not that I don’t like them,” he said, his voice smooth and measured. “It’s just... bold. You don’t usually go for bold.”

Her heart gave an unexpected little flutter at his words. Bold. She had to admit, it felt good to hear that from him. It was like an unspoken approval, even if he hadn’t meant it that way.

“Well, you’re right,” she said, feeling a thrill bubble up inside her at the thought of doing something so out of her usual wheelhouse. “But that’s exactly the point, isn’t it? To try something new? Something different?” She shifted on the counter, excitement growing at the idea of change. The whole situation was taking on a different light now.

Crosshair leaned back, glancing at the dye containers again. “Guess that’s true.” He sounded almost thoughtful now, and the change in his tone only heightened the excitement building inside her. He was really paying attention.

She tried not to let her thoughts run too far ahead, but the truth was, she hadn’t realized just how much she was looking forward to this. The idea of spending time with him—without the usual tension, without the complicated emotions or the awkwardness—felt like something exciting and new. It didn’t feel forced or uncomfortable; it felt like a genuine opportunity for something real.

“So, why exactly did you agree to all this?” Kayden asked, leaning back against the wall with a feigned casualness, her curiosity barely contained. She was almost bracing herself for the usual dry, sarcastic response. She knew Crosshair liked to keep things to himself, preferred his answers short and unembellished. But tonight, for some reason, she felt a pull to dig a little deeper, to chip away at that guarded exterior of his, even if only a little.

He shifted slightly, his eyes scanning the room with that familiar, easy indifference he always wore, like he was weighing every word before it left his mouth. “It’s simple,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly, as though the situation was no big deal. “Mae seems to like the guy. She needs a break from everything, and whatever they have going on... well, it’s got to go somewhere, sometime. It’d be rude to stand in the way of it.” His voice softened for just a moment, but only for a fraction of a second before he continued, “Plus, you’re about the only one outside my brothers I actually tolerate.”

Kayden felt a smile tug at her lips, her eyes lighting up with amusement. “So, you wanted to ask me?” She couldn’t resist teasing him a little, letting the playful tone fill the room. There it was, the opening she’d been waiting for—that was the real question.

Crosshair didn’t immediately respond. Instead, his gaze flicked around the room, darting briefly from her to the floor, then back to her eyes, then the wall, her legs... and finally, his hands, as though trying to find something to focus on. It was a pattern she’d seen before—a sort of nervous habit he had when he was working through something in his mind but wasn’t quite ready to say it out loud. It was like he was trying to hide something, even from himself.

Kayden could sense the hesitation, the way he was fighting the words he clearly wasn’t ready to speak. There was something raw there, something vulnerable in the way he avoided direct eye contact, as though whatever he was about to say could change everything. She could feel the tension building in the space between them, and for a moment, it felt like the air itself was holding its breath.

She softened, letting the playful edge fade just a little, and pulled back slightly, allowing him the space he needed. The words that were hanging on his tongue—those words he couldn’t bring himself to say yet—spoke louder than anything snarky he might have thrown her way. The way his eyes flickered back to her for just a second, and the way they quickly darted away again, told her everything she needed to know. He did want to ask her. He wasn’t ready to admit it yet, but that brief flash of vulnerability confirmed it.

Kayden gave him a small, understanding smile, letting the silence settle for a moment. “What color?” she asked, a subtle change of direction, shifting the focus away from the heavier moment. She was fine with the quiet, letting him take his time to figure it out in his own way. They didn’t need to rush this, didn’t need to label it all just yet.

The question was simple enough, but it allowed the tension between them to loosen, giving them both a little more room to breathe. Crosshair blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her change in direction. He opened his mouth, probably to say something, but then just shook his head in that familiar way. He didn’t have to say much; Kayden already knew this was something neither of them were quite ready to untangle fully. But whatever this was, she was okay with it.

He leaned back slightly, eyes lingering on her for a moment longer, as though searching for the right words, before he finally broke the silence again. “I don’t know. Whatever looks good,” he muttered, his voice softening just a little. “You’re the one who knows what you’re doing.”

Kayden laughed softly, the tension finally easing. She could tell he was still wrestling with whatever was in his head, but for now, she didn’t mind. She wasn’t going to push him. Not yet. Instead, she reached for the dye containers, letting the simple act of picking colors settle the air between them.

Kayden smiled softly as she held up the containers of dye, her eyes glancing over the array of colors. There was something strangely exhilarating about this, the quiet anticipation of choosing the right shade, the casualness of it all. But as her fingers brushed over the bottles, she couldn’t help but glance at Crosshair again. Her curiosity was piqued, and the small smile still tugging at her lips betrayed the playful tone she wanted to keep going.

She pressed again, her voice light but filled with something that sounded almost like a challenge. “What color do you think would look best?”

Crosshair looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly as if he hadn’t been expecting her to ask again. His eyes scanned her face, then shifted to the dyes, as if weighing her question carefully, before meeting her gaze again. There was a brief silence, and she could tell he was caught off guard, as though trying to figure out why she kept pushing.

“Why do you care so much?” he asked, his tone quieter than usual, a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn’t quite place.

Kayden bit her lip slightly, then shrugged in an almost nonchalant way. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t just about the color. It wasn’t just about dyeing her hair. It was about more than that. She needed to voice it, even if it sounded a little silly.

“I guess... I guess I want your approval,” she said, her voice soft but sincere, the words flowing out before she had a chance to second-guess herself. There was no hiding the vulnerability in her admission. She felt it, even before the words were out of her mouth. She wanted his approval, not just for the choice of color, but for everything that had been happening between them. She wanted to know that whatever this was—this tension, this easy connection, whatever it had started as—wasn’t something that would be brushed aside or forgotten.

Crosshair didn’t immediately respond, but Kayden could feel the weight of the silence between them. Her heart skipped a beat, her breath catching for just a moment. She wasn’t sure what she expected, but the pause felt heavy, like it was dragging on longer than she was comfortable with.

Then, without a word, Crosshair reached over and pulled the bright pink dye from the array of colors, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest of moments as he handed it to her. There was no teasing, no sarcastic remark. Just the simple, unspoken gesture of him placing it in her hands.

Kayden’s breath caught again, and for a second, she couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter. The bright pink was bold—almost as bold as the words that had slipped from her lips just a moment before. It was as if he had heard her, understood her, and maybe even... agreed.

“You sure?” she asked quietly, her voice slightly strained, as if the weight of the moment had caught up to her too.

Crosshair nodded once, still silent, his gaze steady on hers. There was no need for more words. His actions had spoken louder than anything he could have said. He didn’t need to comment on it, didn’t need to explain. The way he had handed her the bottle—without hesitation—spoke volumes. It was enough.

Kayden slowly uncapped the dye, her hands trembling slightly as she prepared to apply it to her hair. The pink would be bright, vibrant—a stark contrast to everything she had known before. It felt like a fresh start, a break from the weight of her usual doubts and fears. Maybe it was more than just a new color. Maybe it was a shift in her own life, in her own heart.

As she worked, the excitement grew inside her. The evening, the situation, Crosshair... all of it suddenly seemed a little less daunting. It felt like they were on the edge of something new—something she wasn’t entirely sure of, but that was okay. The anticipation of it, the unknown, was somehow comforting.

And when she looked at him again, there was a softness in his eyes, a quiet understanding that neither of them needed to name. But it was there, in the way he had silently handed her the pink dye, in the way his presence filled the space between them.

This wasn’t awkward. This wasn’t forced. It was... just right.

Kayden glanced at the mirror again, her eyes tracking the strands of hair she knew she’d missed. The angle made it difficult to reach the back of her head, and she was sure there were patches she hadn’t fully covered. She sighed, realizing that it was probably time to ask for help.

“Uh, Cross?” she called softly, her voice hesitating just slightly.

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond, his attention still on whatever he was doing across the room. His silence didn’t seem dismissive, just... waiting. She could tell he wasn’t entirely sure what she needed yet, so she gathered her thoughts before continuing.

“Can you help?” she asked, her tone casual, but there was a quiet vulnerability there, an unspoken request for something that felt just a little outside of the ordinary.

Without a word, Crosshair moved, his footsteps quiet on the floor as he approached her. He didn’t ask what needed to be done, didn’t offer any questions about the process—he just stood behind her, leaning casually against the counter. His presence was steady, like the air had shifted just by his nearness. She could feel the warmth of him, the calm way he settled into the space, without rushing her or making it feel awkward.

Kayden hesitated for a second, unsure of how to ask for something so simple yet intimate. But when she looked at his reflection in the mirror, she knew he wasn’t expecting any grand explanation. He was here, present, willing to help without needing to understand every detail. So, she simply nodded and gestured toward the back of her head.

“I just need help with the back here, on the lightened parts,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. It was a small request, but in that moment, it felt bigger than she had expected. The quiet way he acknowledged her need for help, without hesitation or reluctance, made something stir inside her.

Crosshair nodded, his eyes focused on her reflection as he reached for the brush. His movements were deliberate, slow as if carefully considering each motion. As he applied the dye to the back of her head, his touch was surprisingly gentle, far more delicate than she had expected. He worked with a quiet focus, his fingers brushing against her scalp in a way that felt almost soothing. The gentleness of his touch caught her off guard, and she felt her breath hitch for just a moment, not in discomfort, but in something else—something soft, almost tender, as if he understood the unspoken significance of this small action.

His hands moved with a subtle grace, smoothing the dye into the lightened strands with a precision that only added to the intimacy of the moment. There was no rush, no clumsiness, just the steady, careful way he worked, as if he were giving her the kind of attention that only someone truly invested could offer. It was as if he knew how much the simple act of caring for someone could mean, and he didn’t take it lightly. Kayden couldn’t help but focus on the sensation of his fingers, so light against her skin, as if he were trying not to disturb the fragile space between them.

He didn’t speak, and neither did she, as the quiet between them settled comfortably. There was no need for words; everything was being said in the way he moved, in the careful, considerate way he tended to the task.

When he finished applying the dye, he set the brush down with a quiet finality, his movements calm and measured. He didn’t look for any sort of acknowledgement or thanks. He simply stepped back, his gaze lingering on her for a beat longer than usual.

Kayden turned slightly in the mirror, catching his eyes for a split second. She couldn’t help but smile, a soft, unspoken gratitude in her gaze. But words seemed unnecessary. Crosshair didn’t need her to say anything; he had already done what she needed without question, without a single complaint.

She sat there for a moment, watching him out of the corner of her eye. The room felt a little smaller now, a little warmer, the space between them subtly altered. It wasn’t a big gesture, but it was enough. Just enough to make her realize that even in the simplest of actions, Crosshair had found a way to show that he cared.

She finished applying the dye, fingers trembling slightly less as she worked, though her mind was still racing. The quiet comfort of his presence, the steady way he just... was there, made it easier for her to focus on the task. She could almost forget how much her nerves had been fraying, how much she had been overthinking the moments they shared. But with Crosshair? She didn’t have to.

When she was done, she set the bottle aside and reached for a towel to wipe off the excess dye from her hairline before letting it set. Her reflection in the mirror was a swirl of pink, and she couldn’t help but smile at the boldness of it. The vibrant color made her feel... alive. She looked back at him, her heart still racing in her chest.

“Well, what do you think?” she asked again, a teasing edge creeping into her voice this time, though it was softer than usual, more playful than the earlier question.

Crosshair sat there, his arms crossed, gaze drifting over her with an intensity that sent another flutter through her chest. She couldn’t tell if he was still processing or if he was just taking in the sight of her. Either way, the moment felt suspended in time.

After a long moment, he gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. "It suits you," he said, his voice low but carrying the weight of sincerity. "I like it."

Kayden’s smile deepened. “You sure you like it, or are you just saying that?”

Crosshair smirked, the familiar glint of mischief appearing in his eyes. “I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean.”

She laughed softly, the sound light and carefree, a quiet release of the tension that had built up between them. It was the kind of laugh that felt almost freeing, like the world had momentarily slipped away, leaving only the two of them in that space. "Guess I’ll take your word for it then."

Crosshair's lips curved into a subtle smirk, though there was a soft warmth behind his eyes that hadn’t been there before. "I suppose you will," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, absentmindedly brushing some lint off his pants. His movements were casual, almost as if the weight of the moment hadn’t quite caught up to him, but the air between them had definitely shifted.

They lingered in the quiet for a beat longer, the silence thick with the unspoken, comfortable in its own way. Crosshair broke it first, his voice quieter than usual, a hint of something personal in his words. "I like those paints you made. Not sure if I mentioned it yet."

Kayden's mind instantly flickered back to the small set of paints she’d created with the leftover materials from her hair-dyeing experiment. She remembered the way she'd mixed colors on a whim, trying to use up the last bit of dye. When she had first shown him, she hadn’t expected much—just a simple gesture to connect with him, to show that she saw his quiet creativity. But hearing him mention them now, after all this time, sent a pleasant warmth through her chest.

"I’m glad," she replied softly, her legs swinging idly off the edge of the counter as she waited for his next words. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, but it felt filled with potential—like something more was about to unfold. After a pause, Kayden leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piquing. "Can I see some of your work with them?" she asked, her tone cautious, but there was a hint of hope in her voice. 

She wasn’t sure what to expect; she hadn’t seen much of his work outside of the occasional scribbled sketch. The one of herself at the beach in a frame on her desk. Tight upper lip on where it came from whenever someone asked. She appreciated it being a secret for the two of them. It was a way for her to step further into his world, a world that still felt like it had parts locked away just for him. Crosshair looked at her, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as if weighing the request. For a moment, he seemed unsure, his guarded nature briefly surfacing. But then, as if the vulnerability of the moment settled on him too, he gave a small nod.

Crosshair stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, and walked out of the room without a word. A few seconds later he returned with a book in his hands. It was well-worn, the edges of the pages curling slightly from use, but the familiarity of it felt... comforting. He walked back to her, holding it out with a somewhat uncertain look on his face.

"Here," he said, the hint of a rare vulnerability in his eyes. "Laugh and I’m not showing you again," came the nervous threat. Kayden took the sketchpad from him with a playful eye roll at his comment, feeling the weight of it in her hands. She could tell it had been used often, each page filled with marks of a quiet dedication that said more than words ever could. She flipped it open slowly, her breath catching slightly as she began to look at the sketches inside.

The first few pages were filled with simple, yet stunning, drawings. Landscapes, abstract shapes, the occasional figure—nothing too detailed, but each one felt deliberate, like it was a moment of thought captured in ink. Then, a few pages later, her heart skipped. There, in the middle of the sketchpad, was a drawing of the two of them. The day on the beach she’d told him she loved his white hair. Since then she’d noted that it had grown out ever so slightly, the color much more apparent now.  The small detail of the waves crashing behind them, the tilt of her head—it was a portrait of the moment, but it was more than that. It was a glimpse into how he saw her, how he had preserved that instant of time in his own quiet, intricate way.

Unlike his previous attempt, this time included color. Gifted by her to him on a whim. The colors brought it to life in a way she hadn’t expected. Kayden swallowed, her fingers lightly grazing the page. The image was so much more than she had anticipated. It wasn’t just a sketch. It was a piece of him, something he had kept to himself, something he hadn’t shared with anyone else.

She glanced up at him, her chest tight with the weight of the moment. “Crosshair...” Her voice was barely a whisper, caught between awe and the surge of emotion she couldn’t quite name. "This is... amazing."

He shifted uncomfortably, his usual stoic demeanor creeping back in, but there was still a softness in his expression, a rare openness. “It’s nothing special. Just... something to pass the time.”

Kayden shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. “It’s not nothing,” she said, her voice firm with the sincerity of her words. “It’s beautiful.”

Crosshair looked away, his hand running through his hair in that familiar gesture of uncertainty, but there was a softness in his features now, a shift in how he carried himself. “It’s just... something I do when I need to clear my head,” he admitted quietly, almost as if saying it out loud made it more real.

Kayden didn’t know how to respond at first. She wasn’t sure what to say to make him understand how much this meant to her, how much she appreciated the way he had entrusted her with this piece of his world. She glanced back down at the sketch, the details suddenly more significant than they ever had been before. It wasn’t just a picture—it was a bridge, a connection between them that hadn’t been there before.

“I’m glad you showed me,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his again. “Really.”

Crosshair’s lips quirked upward just slightly, the edge of a smile forming at the corners. “Yeah, well... don’t get used to it.”

Kayden smiled in return, the warmth between them building as she closed the sketchpad and placed it carefully back in his hands. “Don’t worry, I won’t,” she replied, though there was a lightness in her words now, a sense of unspoken understanding that seemed to linger between them.

"I should probably wash this out and get ready," she said, breaking the silence with a soft, almost reluctant tone, her hand gesturing toward the dye in her hair. It had already started to settle into the strands, a vibrant pink beginning to take shape, and she felt a quiet sense of anticipation.

Crosshair nodded, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary, before he took the sketchbook from her outstretched hands. His fingers brushed against hers briefly, sending a flutter of warmth through her chest, but he didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he moved toward the door, pausing in the threshold as if he were deciding whether to say something more.

But then, as if the thought had already slipped away, he disappeared into the hallway without another word. The soft click of the door behind him left her standing there alone, the weight of their shared silence filling the space between them.

She would have enough time to make herself presentable, to rinse out the dye and slip into something a little more comfortable before rejoining him. But as she began to wash the excess color from her hair, the cool water running over her skin, her thoughts began to wander. It was hard not to think about what had just passed between them—the quiet exchange, the shared space, the small cracks in the armor Crosshair wore so carefully.

As the last of the dye ran down the drain, she couldn’t help but wonder if, beneath his quiet reluctance, there was something deeper—something more he wasn’t saying. Everything about today, from the way he had handed her the pink dye to the way he’d shared his sketches, hinted at it. It pointed to the idea that he might be ready for something more—something real. But there was no push, no rush. He wasn’t the kind to force things, to give in to anything before he was ready. And perhaps that was the most frustrating part of it all—he’d come to terms with it on his own time, or maybe, he wouldn’t. It was the simple truth of it.

She exhaled slowly, the warm water soothing the tension in her shoulders. A part of her understood the pace he moved at, the careful distance he kept. He had his reasons, just like she had hers. And yet, there was a quiet hope that lingered within her, a desire that, if given the chance, he might close that gap between them.

She couldn’t rush him. No one could. But she really, truly hoped he would make the move eventually. After all, some things, no matter how deeply you care, couldn’t be forced. They had to unfold in their own time.

She rinsed the last bit of dye from her hair, running her fingers through the strands, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Time would tell.

Art by @leenathegreengirl

[guywrestlingaddiction]

That Wrestling Moment: Crafting Kayden or Kayden Keller v Scrapper (bgeast.com)

I love to see a gay wrestler come into their own as part of their journey.  Now part of that experience is also seeing said performer before they found their way.  Seeing them as a rookie, I can dissect and spot some of the subtle differences that would one day lead to gay wrestling legends.  Take for example: Kayden Keller v Scrapper.  

SPOILER ALERT: I highly recommend viewing this match in its entirety before reading this post.

The Backstory

It's hard to imagine but Kayden wasn't always the top dog at bgeast.  Yes I know that the studio doesn't have a recognized champion or belt, but it is hard to picture anyone else having that honor other than Kayden (maybe for a while anyway).  All that to say, everyone needs to start somewhere and watching Kayden just starting out - the man, the myth, the legend - is a rare thing indeed.  

The Action

The mat wrestling takes on a furious and vicious pace.  Scrapper does not hold back in his assault, easily crumbling whatever "formal" mat wrestling techniques Kayden had in place.  Sorry bud, but any training you received before bgeast is for naught.  

The back and forth is intense between our two fighters as Kayden is eager to show he can take the punishment while Scrapper takes on the task to break him in.  What a self-less guy he is 😉.

Kayden: Tap for me, just once.  Let me hear you say it.

The Moment 

At some point Kayden stopped fighting against the erotic abuse and finally embraced it. 

And now, at the end of the match, we finally have our moment.  Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we've been waiting for - that time when Kayden began to embrace the heel within or how He learned to stop worrying and love the domination.  

I know I made this post mostly about Kayden but Scrapper deserves credit for coaxing the erotic heel out of the guy.  Scrapper's formula for pleasure and pain is surely a factor in his rebirth.  Now spoiler alert, Kayden doesn't exactly triumph in this match; Instead we the audience are the winners because we get to witness the beginnings of a tenacious heel, the tension between agony and ecstasy, the alpha energy, all that would eventually result in Kayden being the star he is today.  

[kayden-valcourt]

🤘🏻Introduction!🤘🏻

Notice: This is slightly outdated new intro should be pinned

Warning: Flashing/blinking gifs This is my introduction + rules for requests!

Sup, my name is Kayden and I am a guitarist, metalhead, programmer, Skater, and artist!

I am 16 years old plus a professional Gemini!!

If you wanna join me and my friends' server use the link below!

I mainly chill and draw all day, or sleep all day, or talk to people all day, or look at the wall all day, it truly just depends on the day man. I love talking to people too, so don't be shy to talk to me because I'm always looking for new people to talk to and be friends with!! also here is my Carrd https://bivh.carrd.co

I love to listen to music, if you can't tell. I am especially fans of nu metal, black metal, heavy metal, glam metal/hair bands, hard rock, alternative rock, punk rock, and classic rock! Iron Maiden, Korn, Metallica, Rob Zombie, Murderdolls, Nine Inch Nails, and Slipknot are my current favorites!

I also love to play my guitar, it's an Epiphone SG Special, cherry red color. I love to play and it's one of my few hobbies!

I'm super into learning about and collecting photos of my favorite bands/band members, I especially am into Joey Jordison as of right now. I have over 100 photos of him and I think my favorite pictures of him are ones taken during his time in Murderdolls.

I'm also an artist, more of a cartoonist. Digital art is my thing, I am shit when it comes to painting, sculpting, sewing, using charcoal, and anything else like that. Cartooning has been my thing since I was 12 and I plan to continue with it since I haven't stopped. I also have characters and write stories and lore for them, I plan to work on a comic when I get my art style down and have the time. I also do requests!! rules for requests:

Nothing 18+ (nudity and sexual) this includes any fetish or kink material, I probably won't draw heavy gore for requests just because it might make me a little uncomfortable to draw that for someone else, I also won't draw animals/pets/"feral" characters (I just don't have the skills for that yet).

But I can draw characters from a show, your ocs, honestly anything.

I have the right to decline/ignore your request, these are free and I do them on my own time, thank you!!!!

I also love playing video games, specifically Minecraft, Fallout 4, Skyrim, Gmod, and TF2. I also have Pesterquest + Hiveswap which I read sometimes.

I'm also in some fandoms, gee imagine that. I like Breaking Bad, a lot actually, I also like Homestuck (Pesterquest and the canon comic), Fallout 4, old Disney Movies (Aristocats, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, Bambi, etc), Suicide Squad, Evil, Beavis and Butthead, Rick and Morty, Family Guy, American Dad, Futurama, Bojack Horseman, Beastars, Q*bert, Disenchantment, and others. Sollux is literally me IRL, idk how some asshole stole my identity and turned it into a character but they did and somehow got away with it.

I'm always open to talk to new people plus make friend, I'm actually hella lonely and need better people in my life! Thanks for reading!!

[dark-night-hero]

Hi. Hope you are well. Is your request open? Can I request a soft Kayden moment since he is not open to having any children (I don't know where I have read it, if it's on an interview or other au/ffs). What if his partner, a non-awakened woman got pregnant? Anxiety creeps her up, it's another weakness for him. A soft, reassuring moment please. Or however you like.

Thank you. Have a blessed day!

Five seconds. It took you five seconds of happiness only to be filled with nothing but pure anxiety and fear afterwards. Looking at the two lines that seems to stare right back at you, you felt your heart sink. It was supposed to be one of the joyful moments within your heart and it did, only for five seconds only to felt the weight that comes with it. What are you going to do? Your hand unconsciously reach out and grip on your stomach.

Four months. It took Kayden four months to find out where you are. With how things turned out after clashing with three of the world's top ten and his new found apprentice. It took him four months to track down where you are. All because you stopped communicating back at him. He was mad, sure, but he was also worried. It was normal for you to move out and went under the radar, that was natural. He knew how dangerous he was and the possible danger that he might put you through. Thats why in the first month of no contact, he thought it was only natural, but as months went by and there was still no reply, he started to grew anxious. Did something happened to you? Oh the way you make him feel the impossible.

Four months, it took him four months to find you hiding under the cover as you curl up on your bed. "Can you just-! Just talk to me?" He was getting impatient. He doesn't even know why you were ignoring him, why you seemed afraid to face him, why you won't talk to him. He was about to close the door of your bed room, giving you no room to escape just in case you- "Don't..." "???" "Don't close the door." Fuck. Were you crying?

When it comes to relationship, Kayden was more of a doer than a talker. His mouth... his foul mouthed, so instead of replying, he could only let out a huff and open the door that he was about to close and then proceeds to walk towards the bed where he sat down at the end of. "What now?"

You were thinking, hesitating. You knew Kayden never wanted a child. He always avoided talking about them. Right now, you were wondering what to do, what to say, what to feel, what he would feel. You knew how difficult, how different both of your worlds are. Still, if there is a little hope, was it so bad to hold on into it? "Kayden." Your heart was beating heavily on your chest, hand on your small baby bump. You're four months pregnant but it wasn't even noticeable. "I'm pregnant." He swore he heard you say Im sorry.

Kayden was more of a doer than a yapper when it comes to you. He knew how he could say something hurtful and taunting in the heat of the moment. He never did that with you, well, at least he doesn't to that to you now. So as his mouth was about to say something, he manage to control himself and shut the fuck up.

You're pregnant. It took him five seconds to process that, followed by seconds for him to feel anger filling up his chest, anxiety and fear. Lastly, he felt his sense of happiness within his chest. Kayden never wanted a child, it was never in his mind. He doesn't even know his parents, let alone his birthday. As far as he can recall he grew up all alone with no one but himself to depend on. He never wanted a child, in the world he grew up in, it was harsh, dangerous and restricted. A world where those who has the power stand on top. But ever since he met you... once in a while, he thought it wouldn't be so bad to have a child that looks like you.

Nevertheless, he was scared. He was anxious. And so he starts to look around, noticing your shaking figure under the cover, realizing he has been long silent because lets face it. He truly never wanted a child. But it was also true that a child that looks like you wasn't bad. But he doesn't know what to say. He was contemplating on what to say. And then his eyes fell upon the open door, once again, he had the urge to close it, knowing how you don't like to leave it open, why was it even open- ah. It was never about you leaving, it was about him leaving. Giving him the choice to walk out of the door without you hearing the painful sound of the door slaming behind him.

You turned stiff upon the upon lightness of the end of the bed where Kayden once was sitting at. And so you felt your heart break in title pieces. You did not even bother to remove the bed sheet that was covering you to look at him, you did not want to see nor hear him leave, that was the reason why you asked him to keep the door open. And although you did see that coming, it still hurts. It hurts so much- meow.

Kayden is more of a doer than a talker when it comes to you. So instead of saying things that might end up upsetting and hurting you. He transformed into his cat form and went under the covers with you, and before you could even react, he went under the covers and started nuzzling close to you. "Ka-kayden?" You utter, was about to sit up when he started licking your tears, and even though it hurts, you are more shocked at the fact that he was here. He did not left, that he in fact have stayed. And as if saying everything will be okay, he just nuzzled on your neck.

You are confused, why. Why is here? How could he be here? This would be just another weakness for him. He already was having a hard time keeping you away from the world, what more could it possibly be now that you're having a child-

"It's okay." You open your eyes only to find a pair of blue ones already looking at you. "You're okay." You felt him caress your cheek before he gently pressed his forehead upon yours as you close your eyes. "We'll be okay." As soon as he said that, a tears escaped from your eyes. "It'll be okay." You felt him caress your baby bump.

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

: why does it feel like I made Kayden so OOC, then again, I think I did my best portraying what could he possibly done in that scenario 🤔

[funky-music]

I personally hc that Jiwoo has called Kayden dad just once, or maybe even mom lol

Like can you imagine little jiwoo hearing other kids talk about what their dads do for them and older jiwoo subconsciously assigning those traits to kayden

Like kayden make sure nothing happens to him, kayden is always there to support jiwoo physically and emotionally, he indulges Jiwoo in thi ga he doesn't let other people do, he makes sure to advice him, AND puts up with stuff he would never put up with if it was someone else

I really want someone to make a fic where he calls like kayden dad, or mom because kayden reminds him of his mom

Or or, he calls kartein mom because he behaves like his mom makes his boo boos go goodbye

But we need more family content like please, I would sell one(1) kidney to see more fics like this

[ladyhatter614]

I got this alignment chart from @birdsareblooming​. 

[22ayla21]

From the author: This was a request from one user, but I lost his nickname... I'm sorry...

Headcanons with Kayden Break

● Kayden has a very specific personality. Becoming his girlfriend seems like luck is on your side, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Knowing his ardent character, for Kayden the main thing in a partner is the opposite that could balance him, otherwise calling him violent is putting it mildly;

● The relationship with him could have started a very long time ago. You simply could have been childhood friends or simply opponents, after the battle, on the contrary, you became friends and began to further improve your abilities. It’s just that Kayden came to your house so often, slept with you, had dinner, trained with you that it became commonplace and you got used to this situation;

● Teasing, or making fun of Kayden is also allowed. No matter how much he needs the opposite of his character, he still wants excitement in a relationship. Most of the time he is the one who jokes and teases, but when you, too, are in the mood, he just burns inside from the thrill that you are insolent to him. And this usually ends with him simply dragging you to the bedroom for more adult matters;

● It will be important for Kayden to know that you can stand up for yourself, defend yourself when he is not around. Over all his years, he has made enough enemies for himself, and although the awakened world does not know about you as Kaidan’s girlfriend, there will be those who will find out the slightest information about him to use against him. It is important for Kaidan to know that you can defend yourself if something happens, he will always come to the rescue if his intervention requires it, but since you are his girlfriend, it means you must be on the same level as him;

● Being Kayden’s girlfriend means becoming an unexpected cat person and also becoming a mentor and practically the older sister of Ji Woo. Kayden in the body of a cat is an addition to your relationship, especially if you love cats and are not allergic to them. Plus a bonus in the form of your boyfriend’s kind and sweet student, who admires you so much that perhaps your and Kayden’s self-esteem has skyrocketed;

● Jealousy? Perhaps only to other cats and Ji Woo. A strange combination, of course, but it’s true. Kaidan gets jealous when you pay attention to other cats instead of him, or when you spend time with Ji Woo often, even if it's not training. At such moments, Kaiden thinks that his girlfriend was stolen by cats and his student, which in some cases is true, no matter how strange it may sound. In return, you compensate for this jealousy by spending quality time with my boyfriend;

● It’s not that Kayden doesn’t intend to marry you, it’s just that you already live as a married couple (though secretly, from the world of the awakened), so there’s simply no need to marry, and he’s unlikely to want to have a wedding, although he’ll think about buying a ring for your ring finger so other men know you're busy. There seems to be no need to talk about children. Yes, he gets along with Ji Woo, but if you give birth to a baby with abilities like Kaidan’s and his own character, it’s unlikely that the world of the awakened can stand it. They can barely tolerate Kayden alone, and then there is a daughter or son, who is his second copy, I’m afraid to imagine how the top 10 will react to such news. And Kayden himself said that he wouldn’t be very good at raising a child, so you don’t raise the topic of children. As a last resort, say that you will adopt Ji Woo.

[ahomeganeyatsu]

Nearly in tears at the image of cat!Kayden and Kartain cuddling and napping on a patch of sun.

[legacygirlingreen]

The Friend Date - Chapter 1

"The One She Was Hoping For"

Summary: Lights, Camera... Mae can do it!

Word Count: 5,700 of 71,000

Warnings: again, brief allusions to self doubt

The Friend Date Masterlist | Masterlist | Previous | Next

Mae stared at her closet, a sense of unease creeping over her. The clothes in front of her felt almost foreign, each outfit a reminder of the awkward dance she was about to endure. She hated this. She hated dating—on Coruscant, with all its pretense and superficiality, and especially now. The idea of playing along with some ridiculous set-up just made her stomach churn.

Crosshair, of all people. The only other single in the group, and the one who’d been volunteered for this mess. Mae couldn’t help but feel like this whole thing was a farce, one she was being dragged into for the sake of... what, exactly? She sighed, eyes flicking over the clothes in front of her, none of them seeming quite right. None of them could make this situation feel less... awkward.

There had been a time, a fleeting moment, when she’d let her mind wander to the thought of what if? Crosshair had all the qualities someone like her might be drawn to—tall, rugged, and with a dry, unique sense of humor that, while often sardonic, had a charm all its own. He was unpredictable, intense, but strangely... endearing in his own way. After his strange, undefined relationship with Kahrin—a name that always seemed to hover in the air with more questions than answers—Mae had allowed herself a moment to wonder. What if?

But that was before she met Rex.

The memory of Rex lingered in her mind, a steady force that refused to let go. Unlike Crosshair, Rex was... different. His care, his unspoken understanding, his quiet attentiveness—it all felt so real. Sometimes, Mae allowed herself to entertain the thought that there might actually be something there. But just as often, she was plunged into doubt, wondering if she was reading too much into his actions, his words.

With Rex, it was like standing on the edge of something undefined. Sometimes his gestures of kindness and warmth made her feel like there was a chance, like maybe—just maybe—there was something more between them. But other times, it felt like she was left standing in the dark, waiting for a sign that would never come. Was she imagining it all? Or was he, too, uncertain?

Mae bit her lip and closed her eyes for a moment, pushing the thoughts aside. This wasn’t the time to get lost in that. Not tonight. She had a mission ahead of her, and it involved doing something she wasn’t sure she was ready for—being part of this charade, with Crosshair of all people. And as much as she hated the idea, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a step she had to take, even if it was only to prove something to herself.

The outfit she picked out didn’t feel right, but it would have to do. She glanced at herself in the mirror one last time, feeling a pang of unease. This wasn’t what she wanted. She wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore. The only thing she knew was that she was tired of pretending.

“Get it together, Mae,” she muttered to herself, taking a deep breath. The night ahead would be what it would be. She would get through it. And somehow—somehow—she would figure out what the hell was going on in her own heart.

She could have fun, right? Mae tried to convince herself that there was no harm in this, that she could enjoy the night even if it wasn’t exactly what she wanted. After all, it was obvious Crosshair wasn’t interested in her. Anyone with eyes could see he had a thing for Kayden. She wasn’t blind, and she knew better than to hold onto any false hope.

But maybe—just maybe—this could serve another purpose. It could be a confidence boost. A chance to break out of the house, get some fresh air, and have an evening with friends. It wasn’t about him, or about crossing any lines. It was about escaping the monotony, and giving both herself and Crosshair a little space from the unspoken tension that had been hanging over them at everyone’s quiet insistence.

Still, even as the thoughts settled into her mind, there was that nagging feeling that made her sigh. He wasn’t Rex. And spending time with anyone else, no matter how familiar or friendly, just felt like a consolation prize. A pale imitation of what she really wanted. Rex’s presence, his easy confidence, his understanding—it was something she couldn’t quite put into words, but something she missed deeply.

She wasn’t sure what she was hoping for with Rex, anyway. Some deeper connection, something more than friendship? Maybe. But that wasn’t what this was about. Not tonight. She needed a break, a distraction, and if Crosshair was the one available to provide it, then she would go along with it.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting her mind wander back to the times they’d spent together. Rex had a way of making her feel at ease—truly at ease—in a way no one else could. There was something in the quiet confidence he exuded, the way he never rushed her or pushed her into anything she wasn’t ready for. It wasn’t just that he cared for others, it was the way he cared. His presence was like a grounding force, like the steady pulse of something constant amidst the chaos of her own emotions.

Mae smiled softly to herself as she remembered their conversations—the way they’d been able to talk for hours, even in the midst of his missions, as though time slowed when they were chatting. It was so simple, so effortless. With Rex, she felt like she could just be, without the pressure to perform or pretend. There were no expectations, no hidden agendas. It was just two people, sharing their thoughts, their frustrations, their little moments of vulnerability.

She remembered the way he would smile when she said something unexpected, his eyes crinkling at the corners, his boyish grin lighting up his face. He had this way of making her feel like she was the only person in the room when he looked at her, like he saw past all the walls she had carefully built over the years. He didn’t push her to open up, but somehow, through the simplest questions and his unassuming nature, he always managed to pull things from her. Little bits of herself she hadn’t known she was keeping locked away.

His brown eyes, warm and inviting, had a way of drawing her in, making it so easy to share parts of herself she rarely let anyone see. He never seemed judgmental, never acted like it was anything out of the ordinary when she let her guard down. Instead, he listened. Really listened, like her thoughts were worth hearing. And when he’d smile that soft smile, she’d feel like everything she had said—every word, every confession—had mattered to him in a way that made her heart both ache and soar.

And then, there were those moments when they’d be sitting side by side, the silence between them completely comfortable. She didn’t need to fill the air with words because his presence was enough. Mae wasn’t used to that—wasn't used to feeling like being with someone was as meaningful as anything said aloud. But with Rex, it was.

The smile slipped from her lips as she caught herself again. This wasn’t the time to be reflecting on him. Not tonight.

Crosshair was the one she was spending the evening with, and she needed to make peace with that. She needed to stop comparing him to Rex. But even as she steeled herself, she knew that no matter how much she tried to distract herself with tonight’s plans, it would always be Rex that lingered in her mind.

She took one final look in the mirror, forced a smile, and turned toward the door. Tonight would be what it would be. And she would deal with it, just like everything else. But in the quiet corners of her mind, the thought of Rex would still be there, pulling at her heart in ways she wasn’t sure she’d ever understand.

The sudden knock on the door cut through her thoughts like a knife, pulling Mae back to the present. Her heart skipped, and for a brief second, she froze in place. The tension that had been building in her chest seemed to solidify, leaving her feeling suddenly vulnerable, exposed. She didn’t want to feel this way. Not now. She had prepared herself to be calm, to let the night unfold without overthinking it. But her mind wasn’t listening.

She took a deep breath, her shoulders stiffening as she forced herself to move. It was just Crosshair, she reminded herself. Nothing to worry about. She could do this. After all, she wasn’t doing anything wrong—just stepping out for the night. There was no reason to feel like this was some kind of test.

Still, as she crossed the room, she took a moment to check her appearance one last time.

Her fingers brushed lightly against the fabric of her dress, smoothing out the wrinkles. It was simple, nothing too flashy, but enough to feel put-together. She didn’t want to overdo it. She wasn’t here to impress anyone, especially not Crosshair. But the last thing she wanted was to feel self-conscious the whole time, so she made sure everything was in place—her dress sitting just right, the hem falling softly to her knees. She adjusted the straps on her shoulders, glancing once more at her reflection in the hallway mirror.

Perfect. Not too much, but just enough to feel a little confident.

Her eyes moved up to her hair. It was in soft waves cascading down her shoulders, with a few strands framing her face. It was casual, but it felt effortless.

A little too much perfume? She hesitated for a second. The scent lingered faintly in the air around her—a floral note, just sweet enough to be noticeable, but not overwhelming. She wasn’t sure if it was too much, but it wasn’t as if she could go back and change it now. She gave herself a quick once-over in the mirror, smoothing her palms down the front of her dress as though to calm her nerves, before heading to the door.

Another deep breath, and she reached for the handle, reminding herself that this wasn’t a big deal. This was just a night out, something to clear her head, get a break from all the complexities she had been holding inside.

Mae froze as she opened the door, her hand still gripping the handle. He stood in front of her, holding out a single delicate blue flower. She blinked, momentarily stunned. Her brain struggled to catch up with the scene before her.

He stood there on her front porch, looking nothing short of spectacular. His dark slacks clung to his slim waist, perfectly highlighting the toned lines of his body. The rich, deep blue of his button-down shirt emphasized the breadth of his shoulders, and the way it fit across his chest spoke of strength, while the sleeves rolled slightly, revealing his muscular forearms. There was something undeniably masculine in the air, a scent that hinted at earth and wood, mingled with something faintly spicy, like a cologne that matched the intensity of his presence. He was striking, effortlessly exuding confidence and power, yet there was a tension in the way he stood—almost as if he might bolt at any second if she kept staring at him for too long. The moment felt fragile, suspended in time, as if he were about to vanish the moment she blinked.

She was still processing why he was here instead of Crosshair, when she noticed Rex’s eyes. He was staring at her—not in a judgmental way, but with something softer, more thoughtful, that Mae couldn’t quite place. His gaze lingered a little too long, as if he were trying to figure her out.

The seconds stretched on, but neither of them spoke. Mae was caught off guard. She hadn’t expected this, hadn’t expected him to show up like this, standing on her doorstep like it was the most normal thing in the world.She swallowed, trying to clear the confusion in her head, and finally managed to speak. “Rex... What are you doing here?” Her voice was hesitant, a little shaky. She couldn’t help herself. She had braced herself for an evening with Crosshair, not... this.

Rex seemed to snap out of his daze, his expression softening as he took a breath, the awkwardness becoming more pronounced. He extended the flower toward her, his hand slightly trembling as he did. "I... thought you might need some company tonight." His voice was steady, but there was an underlying uncertainty there, a vulnerability that Mae hadn’t expected. “I didn’t think you’d want to spend the evening with him... not when you had other options."

She took the flower from him almost automatically, her fingers brushing against his. A strange warmth spread through her at the simple gesture, and for a moment, she found herself staring at the soft blue petals in her hand, her mind trying to process what was happening.

“You didn’t need to do this,” Mae said, her voice quieter now, a little more unsure.

Rex cleared his throat, glancing at the ground for a moment before meeting her eyes again, a brief flash of something she couldn’t place passing through his gaze. “I know,” he admitted softly, then paused. “But I wanted to."

The tension between them thickened, but it wasn’t uncomfortable—not in the way she had expected. There was something gentle in the air, something unfamiliar yet soothing. Rex was here. Not as part of the group, not as a mission, but here, for her. And Mae wasn’t quite sure what to make of that yet.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the flower as she looked back up at him. "I wasn't expecting you," she said softly.

Rex gave a small shrug, looking almost bashful for a moment, his usual confidence hidden behind the weight of something unspoken. "That is how surprises work you know?” The return of his normal playfulness returned ever so slightly in his tone. 

Mae couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at his attempt to lighten the mood, but it was strained—nervous. The sound echoed in the space between them, and she wasn’t sure if she felt better or more confused. The tension had shifted again, and now it felt less awkward, but more charged, like the air had thickened with unspoken things they weren’t quite ready to name.

She glanced down at the flower in her hands, feeling its delicate petals between her fingers. “A surprise, huh?” she repeated softly, as though testing the idea. A surprise. That was one way to put it. She hadn’t expected him to show up tonight and certainly not with a single flower in hand.

Rex gave a small, crooked smile, his eyes flicking toward her briefly before darting away. He shuffled his feet, still standing there awkwardly, as if unsure if he should step closer or leave her to figure this out in her own time. "I know it’s a bit out of nowhere," he said, voice low. "I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but I thought… well, maybe you’d appreciate some company that wasn’t, you know..." He trailed off, his shoulders lifting slightly in a half-shrug, as if it were obvious. Crosshair, Mae thought, but he didn’t need to say the name aloud.

Mae held his gaze for a moment longer, trying to make sense of the situation. She had been expecting to just get out of the house, away from the mess of her own thoughts. She never imagined it would turn into a confrontation with her own emotions, let alone a small, unexpected gesture from Rex.

“Why, though?” she found herself asking, before she could stop the words. "Why come here tonight? You didn’t need to—"

Rex shifted, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked down at the ground again. He seemed hesitant to speak, like there was something more he wasn’t saying. For a second, Mae wondered if she had pushed him too far with her question, but then he looked back at her, his eyes steady but full of something more raw than she had expected.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, voice quieter this time. “I just… wanted to. And I think you deserve better than to just be told you are someone’s obligation or second choice” He sighed, a sound that made Mae’s chest tighten. “I know this isn’t exactly what you planned, but... I figured you could use someone who enjoys your wonderful company."

Mae wasn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t expected him to open up like this—hell, she hadn’t expected anything like this to happen. She swallowed thickly, her throat suddenly dry. Rex’s words had hit something inside her, something she’d been too afraid to face.

"I—" she started, but then stopped, not knowing how to explain the rush of feelings swirling inside her. The warmth that had begun to spread through her when he first handed her the flower had settled into something deeper, something quieter, but just as unsettling.

She looked down at the flower in her hands, then back up at him. “You didn’t have to do any of this, Rex. You really didn’t." But even as she said it, a part of her was glad that he had.

Rex met her eyes again, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. “I know,” he said, his voice more certain this time, a quiet kind of resolve behind it. “Like I said. I wanted to.”

The words hung in the air between them, and Mae found herself frozen again, her chest tight with something she couldn’t quite name. She wanted to say something—anything—to fill the silence, but her voice wouldn’t cooperate. Rex’s presence, the quiet intensity of the moment, was overwhelming in the best way.

Mae took a slow, steadying breath, trying to ground herself. The flutter of her heart hadn’t quite subsided, and she could feel the weight of the moment pressing in. Friends, she repeated to herself. It was easier to say than to believe, but right now, it was all she had to cling to.

“Well,” she began, her voice quieter than she’d intended, “I guess that’s what friends do, right?” She glanced down at the delicate blue flower in her hand, almost as though it could anchor her. The petals were soft beneath her fingers, and for a moment, she just studied them, letting the small moment of calm settle over her. Then she looked up at Rex again, and the look in his eyes caught her off guard.

Her heart picked up its pace, and she could feel a warmth creeping over her skin, an unfamiliar sensation that she couldn’t quite explain. She had expected awkwardness, or maybe even disappointment, but instead, Rex’s gaze was gentle—understanding, even.

He gave a small nod, and the tension between them seemed to ease ever so slightly. “Yeah, exactly,” Rex said, his voice low but warm, like a quiet reassurance. “That’s what friends do.”

Mae’s chest tightened for a moment, the simplicity of his words striking her more than she was ready for. Friends. It was such a simple concept, and yet, with Rex standing in front of her, it felt like so much more. But before her thoughts could spiral any further, a lighter question escaped her lips.

“Wait, what about Crosshair?” she asked, a playful edge creeping into her voice. “Is he going to be stuck going stag now?” She couldn’t help it, the curiosity slipped out before she could stop it. Her brows furrowed just slightly as she spoke, suddenly feeling a little guilty. She had been so focused on herself, on the strange emotions that Rex’s gesture stirred up, that she hadn’t really thought about Crosshair. He had agreed to this whole... arrangement, after all, and now Mae was worried that her decision to accept Rex’s company had thrown him off course. He’d been so good-natured about it, putting up with their friends’ scheming and taking one for the team.

Rex’s lips twitched into a half-smile, but there was something more thoughtful lurking behind it. He shrugged, the motion casual but somehow sincere, as if the whole thing was no big deal. “Already took care of that,” he said, his tone easy. “You mentioned that someone else caught Crosshair’s fancy, so I pulled a few strings and arranged for Kayden to go with him on our mutual group—slash—friend date.”

Mae’s mouth dropped open in surprise, her eyes widening as she tried to process his words. “Wait. You are telling me that you arranged this. For him? You hate him.”

Rex winced, his brow furrowing slightly. “Hate is a strong word…” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as though he could erase the thought from the air.

Mae’s disbelief only grew. “Strongly dislike.”

Rex sighed dramatically, as though trying to hide a smile behind the exasperation. “Well, yes,” he admitted, his voice light. “But I strongly like you, and that outweighs any disdain I have for the sniper.” He huffed, clearly not thrilled with the idea of it all, but his voice softened when he spoke again, as though the weight of the confession had shifted something between them.

Mae blinked, processing the fact that Rex had gone to such lengths—for Crosshair, of all people. It made no sense, and yet... there was something in his tone, something in his willingness to navigate that particular brand of discomfort for the sake of her happiness, that she wasn’t quite prepared for.

“You did all that... for me?” She couldn’t hide the shock in her voice. “You’re really going to tell me you took care of it just because I said Crosshair was interested in Kayden?”

Rex looked at her, his expression serious for a moment, but then it softened. “Well, yeah. I mean, you seemed concerned about him, and I wasn’t about to let the guy sabotage my night with you, or your chances of having a good time tonight either. Call it... tactical intervention.”

But despite herself, a warmth spread through her at his words. There was something about the way Rex handled things, about the lengths he went to for the people he cared about, that made her feel like maybe—just maybe—everything wasn’t as complicated as it seemed.

For a moment, she felt like the weight of the world had lifted, and all that mattered was the soft, surprising company of Rex, standing in her doorway with that half-smile and a heart full of unexpected kindness.

As they walked down the path, Mae felt the familiar warmth of Rex’s arm guiding hers, and yet something felt distinctly different this time. She had been close to him before, of course—countless times. She thought of the night they had played tag on the beach, racing through the sand under a sky full of stars. It had been playful, carefree, the laughter between them easy and full of light. But there was more to it than just that. The way his presence made her feel, the warmth that lingered long after the moment passed—it had always been there, quiet and subtle, just beneath the surface of their friendship.

And then there was the night he’d gifted her the nutcracker. The small wooden figure, so ordinary yet so thoughtful, had made her heart swell in a way she hadn’t expected. But what followed—the dance, just the two of them, in the quiet stillness of the ship—had been a moment that had stayed with her. Rex had held her close, their steps slow, unpracticed, but intimate in a way that made everything else fade into the background. It wasn’t just a dance. It was a small, fragile thing, a space carved out just for them.

She hadn’t been able to deny that, in those moments, there was something there—a connection deeper than just friendship, something unsaid but felt between them. But the next day, reality set back in. He was gone so often, so much of the time spent away on missions, their moments together few and far between. Mae had always accepted that. It was the nature of their lives. He was a soldier, a warrior—someone who fought for something larger than himself. She had never expected anything more from him. She couldn’t expect more.

But tonight... Tonight, with the way his arm felt strong and steady beside hers, with the way his presence felt so different, so much more there than it had before, she couldn’t help but wonder. What if?

What if things were different? What if Rex wasn’t always on the move, always away? Could there be more to their bond than what they’d allowed themselves? The thought felt so foreign, yet so tempting. She had never allowed herself to entertain the idea of something beyond friendship between them—until now.

She shifted slightly, trying to shake the thoughts, but it was hard to ignore the way her heart fluttered each time their arms brushed, or how the simple proximity of him made everything feel heightened.

“Rex,” she said, her voice quieter than before, her gaze dipping to the ground for a moment. She wasn’t sure if she was trying to find her words or just avoid meeting his eyes, but something about the way he’d been looking at her tonight—something softer, more attentive—was making her question everything.

“Hm?” he responded, his voice low and easy, as if he hadn’t noticed the subtle shift in the air between them.

She bit her lip, her mind racing, then took a deep breath. “Do you ever think about... what if you weren’t always gone so much?”

The question hung between them like a fragile thing, a spark that she wasn’t sure she could put out once it was out in the open.

Rex slowed his step just slightly, and Mae felt his gaze turn toward her, the weight of it unexpected, but steady. He didn’t say anything for a long moment, and Mae’s heart began to race a little faster, unsure of how to interpret the silence.

Rex’s stride slowed, his hand still lightly gripping her arm, and for a moment, the night seemed to stretch out between them. He didn’t immediately respond, and Mae felt the tension settle in the pit of her stomach, wondering if she had overstepped, if her question had been too much, too soon.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice quieter than usual, laced with a vulnerability that she hadn’t expected.

“I’ve thought about it,” he said, his words measured, as though choosing each one carefully. “More than I ever thought I would. Especially more recently,” He paused, his gaze flicking to the ground in front of them, avoiding her eyes for a beat before lifting them again. “I’ve been a soldier my whole life. I don’t know anything else.”

Mae’s heart gave a little lurch at his words, as if she had finally glimpsed something deeper within him. She had always known that Rex was defined by his sense of duty, that he was driven by something larger than himself. But hearing him speak of it so openly, so honestly, made her realize just how tightly it had woven itself into the fabric of his identity.

“I think about what it would be like,” he continued, his voice lowering slightly, “to have a life outside of this. To just... be someone who isn’t always thinking about the next mission, the next order, the next fight. I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure I can. It’s not just about being a soldier—it’s who I am. And I don’t know how to let that go. I don’t know if I even can.”

The raw honesty in his voice took Mae by surprise. She had known he carried a heavy burden, but hearing him lay it out like this, so bare and vulnerable, made her heart ache. It wasn’t just that Rex was a soldier—it was that he didn’t know what his life would look like if he wasn’t one. The weight of that uncertainty, the fear of what it might mean to change, hung in the air between them.

“Not one for domestic life?” Mae asked after a moment, her tone light, though there was a softness to it, as if she were testing the waters, unsure whether she was treading on fragile ground.

Rex didn’t know how to respond at first. The question caught him off guard, and for a brief second, he found himself caught between laughing it off or taking it seriously. His natural inclination was to deflect, to crack a joke that would help him sidestep any real depth. But as the seconds stretched, something in him shifted. He realized this wasn’t a question he could just brush aside without some consequence.

“I wouldn’t exactly say that…” he began, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words. “It’s just… it’s not easy to let go, you know? I want to, someday. To let go of it all, but…” His voice faltered, and he found himself hesitant to finish the thought.

“Not there yet?” Mae offered, her words a soft whisper, but there was no mistaking the empathy in her tone. She wasn’t asking out of mere curiosity; she understood something deeper in his silence. She sensed the weight of his unspoken truth—the difficulty in letting go of something that had defined him for so long.

Rex’s eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he might withdraw, retreat into the fortress of deflection he’d built over the years. But Mae’s quiet presence, the patience in the way she waited without pushing, held him in place. It was as if she was giving him the space to be more than just the soldier. More than the man who always had to stay on guard, never allowing himself the luxury of vulnerability.

“Yeah,” Rex replied finally, his voice quieter than usual, laced with thoughtfulness. “Not there yet.”

Mae's heart fluttered, but it wasn’t in the way she expected. There was no rush of disappointment, no crushing weight of rejection. Instead, it was something softer, something she hadn’t quite anticipated—hope. It was quiet, almost imperceptible, but it was there all the same. She hadn’t pushed him, hadn’t tried to rush him into revealing more than he was ready to share. But in that moment, the fact that he did share something, that he let down even a small part of his defenses, felt like a fragile but promising sign.

She could sense the struggle in Rex, the layers he carried, the walls he had built around himself. It was no small thing for him to admit he wasn’t ready—to acknowledge that there was still something keeping him from letting go. But Mae understood, in a way that perhaps few others did, how much it took for him to say that. It wasn’t just about a relationship or the idea of one; it was about trust, vulnerability—things Rex had long learned to protect with every ounce of strength he had.

She didn’t want to push him further, didn’t want to shatter the delicate space between them by offering false promises or rushing him into something he wasn’t ready for. But deep down, Mae couldn’t help but think that maybe—just maybe—one day he might be. One day, when the weight of everything that held him back had lessened, when he could let go of the armor he wore so carefully, there might be room for something more between them.

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, a quiet understanding passing between them. She wasn’t sure when it would happen or how long it might take, but she could wait. She could offer him that time, that space, because what they shared—whatever it was, however it was defined—was worth it.

"You look nice tonight," Mae said, her voice softer than usual, the words slipping out almost as an afterthought. "I meant to say it earlier when you startled me, but it’s nice to see you out of something…"

“Tactical?” Rex teased with a quiet chuckle, the hint of amusement evident in his tone.

"Yes, exactly," Mae replied with a playful laugh, her fingers instinctively flexing on his bicep for balance as she navigated the uneven stone walkway. The small heels on her shoes were a reminder of how little she had worn them lately. Heels—no matter how modest—felt impractical for the life she led now. They weren’t the kind of thing she could just slip into easily anymore, especially with the clumsy disposition she had developed over time. Every step felt more uncertain, more out of place.

Rex, ever observant, noticed the subtle shift in Mae’s stride as she walked beside him. Without a word, he instinctively tightened his grip around her, offering a steadying hand at her waist. The small heel of her shoes wasn’t something she was accustomed to these days, and it showed. The stone walkway beneath their feet was uneven, and she had to steady herself every now and then, but Rex didn’t comment on it. He simply supported her, his quiet, reassuring presence a reminder that she didn’t have to worry about maintaining control every moment.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice more thoughtful than usual, as if he’d let his mind wander for a brief second.

Mae flashed him a teasing smile. “Didn’t know you kept dress clothes in your wardrobe,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she looked him over.

Rex gave a small grin, glancing down at his attire. “Courtesy of Echo,” he replied, his voice light but tinged with humor. “One of the perks of being a clone—clothes always fit,” he chuckled, a playful spark in his eyes. 

Mae snorted in amusement, shaking her head at Rex. She opened her mouth to tease him further, but before she could get a word out, a loud voice rang out from ahead. “Well, would you look at what the lothcat dragged in…”