#sidewei

[cheion-writes]

For Keith and Chen, @echoise

For Basil and Chen, @handern

For Dima and Chen, @tinta--branca

[nhasachquan]

m!sidestep/steel (smut)

ao3 link

You don’t waste time with idle chat, Chen is not one for it and you are too horny to care at this point. So you kiss and stumble backwards, thighs bumping against table on your way there. It will leave a bruise but you don’t mind. Bruises is nothing.

You fell down to the soft mattress, your belt lost somewhere on the floor, along with Chen’s shirt. His skin is warm under your fingertips, the lines of scars bumping, sending electricity, lightning your senses. His breathing is hard and fast on your face. He can’t wait. You can’t wait.

The clothes comes off with struggle, he practically tears yours off. The man is impatient, if you haven’t given him the lube, you suspect he would just go like that. Who cares about the pain? Just pleasure. Just the need to get off. Just to fuck.

He is heavy on top of you and it’s perfect. He is trying to take control and it’s fruitless.

He sinks down and you both groan out loud. Too much. Everything suddenly becomes too much. And Chen is not waiting for that too much to past. Too much is never enough. He is already moving. His face contorts in pain. He is struggling to remain in control.

But he can’t. Because he is not in control. You pull his head down, reminding him of that fact. And you calm him down, fingers stroking his sweaty back. Like calming down a big stallion.

“You are not enjoying this.” You says to him and glance down to look at his flaccid cock in between you.

Chen grunts, pulling your attention back to his mouth, fingers digging into your shoulders, leaving bruises, marking skin. “Shut up. I’m old.” He says between kisses. “I don’t need to get hard to enjoy this.”

“It’s hurting you.” You says again, letting his tongue dominate yours as he rides you with force that’s hurting the both of you.

“Shut up.” And you understand, because sometimes, you need to feel pain too. To feel real, alive. But the difference between you two is, he is actually alive. You are just operating. Or is that how Chen feels too? Can he even tells where skin begins and metal ends on his body? Is that what makes him feels like a machine rather than a human being? Is that why he is out, looking for someone to take to a cheap motel, to kiss, to fuck?

It’s *the* night, too.

Is it for Anathema? Or can it be for you? Such stupid thought, of course it is not for you.

“You are tight.” That is an understatement. You know somewhere in between, Chen is already bleeding down there. This is bad, the situation is dire but this is what he wants. Who are you to stop him?

“Shut up.” He might hit you. Would that be nice? Is that what you want?

“Li.” You almost pat yourself on the back. When Chen’s scent is all around you, intoxicating you, suffocating you, you still manage to remember his fake name. What is the point of lying though? The moment he takes off his clothes, his secrets are out. So why bother? Is he testing you? Does he know? That you are actually the kid Ortega brought to the Gala? Is that why he is here, to tell you off? Ah, good old time.

“What?” He is close, you are close too. And when you roll your bodies, he is caught off guard. His instinct kicks in and he swings, would have hit you had you not leaned away. You chuckle and take hold of his wrists, pushing them up on top of his head, holding them down and trapping him there. He is letting you. Wei Chen is relinquishing control. Has he grown too tired of being in charge all the time? Or this is just how he has always been? Interesting nonetheless.

His mouth tastes like yours now. It’s nothing new anymore yet, you can’t stop.

Relief pushes in like waves, hitting hard and washing away everything, leaving your mind white and blind.

“What is your plan?” Chen asks while you are still coming down from the ecstasy. His voice is rough, hoarse.

You push yourself of him, reaching for the pack of cigarette that has been stomped over. Luckily, it’s still usable. You light it up and take a drag. Chen is still watching you. Of course he knows you are that kid.

“Nothing.” You shrug. Which is a half lie, half truth. You didn’t plan for tonight and no, you have never a spontaneous man. Maybe it’s because you have been staying inside Eden for too long, it’s bleeding over. But when you saw Chen sitting at the bar, head hung low, drink in hand, you couldn’t help it. It was dumb, really. Though, you don’t regret it.

“Bullshit.”

You don’t say anything else, just pull another drag of cigarette before putting it on Chen’s lips. He takes it and let you roll him to his side, there is a red spot there, not big and you know there is some too on the condom.

“Don-“ But before he can finish, you have already dropped down, thumbs carefully pushing in and spreading it out. Sure enough, you spot the tear.

“I’ll go buy something for that.” You tell him and let go of the older man. He is flustered but he hides it well. Ever the cautious man. You don’t care though, because you know, once you are out of this door, he won’t be here when you come back.

Doesn’t matter. Nothing is. Not even your aching heart.

“It’s a sad day.” You hear him whisper when you close the door.

Sad day indeed.

[teamcorvid]

The inevitable Heraldkiss and it's close cousin BST-wise

[technologicalnoiz]

I need that scene with Cy and Steel but I'm not quite confident enough in my ability to draw it well! 😫

[cheion-writes]

Steelstep ♟

What if we ruin it all, and we love like fools?

And all we have we lose?

And I don't want you to go but I want you so

So tell me what we choose

[cheion-writes]

" I can't breathe." maybe steelstep?

SideWei it is! I’m on an angst roll today.

TW: Character death.

“I can’t breathe.”

It’s the only thought that fills your mind as you cradle a hand around your broken ribs. Your chest burns with an intense fire and you cough wetly, a thick liquid filling the insides of your helmet. A pained groan hisses through your clenched teeth. The Rat-King chitters worriedly, curling protectively around your mind, but it’s too little, too late.

You hear footsteps sound beside you but you can’t summon the strength to move.

“It’s over.”

A familiar voice. It’s sad. Resigned. Devoid of the warmth and concern you’d come to know in those small, intimate moments, devoid of the unwavering protectiveness that had once showered you in its embrace. You feel like crying but you have no more tears left to shed.

“I’m sorry it has to end like this.”

The voice continues to speak, words laced with regret. You know it speaks the truth. He didn’t mean to get carried away. He didn’t mean to let you fall (again). He didn’t mean it, but here you are regardless, broken and bleeding on the ground, your body a shattered mess even though your helmet remains miraculously intact.

You try to choke out a reply; I didn’t mean to as well, I swear I didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt. it was an accident and I’m so, so sorry but all that comes out is another weak cough. You vision blanks out for a long moment; it won’t be long now.

“I’ll take off your mask so you can breathe easier, alright?” he asks quietly. A sob rises in your throat. You don’t want him to. You don’t want him to see.

It’s a startling revelation. 

Because wasn’t this what you’ve always wanted? To be stopped? To have it all end? To let them feel the same pain you had been forced to endure through no fault of your own? To smirk and gloat once they find out the truth?

But…no.

You don’t.

It all changed because you never were supposed to fall for him; he never was supposed to feel the same for you.

Through your dimming senses, you feel his hands curl around your helmet. You feel him give a sharp tug. Then all of a sudden your face is exposed to the cool evening air, the breeze a gentle touch upon your cheek.

Through your muffled ears, you hear the gasp, the thunk of the heavy metal as the helmet falls to the ground. You feel him fall to his knees, feel his fingers brush against your forehead.

“No. No no no.”

It’s a strangled mantra, words spoken in desperate disbelief.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. It’s a harsh, broken sound.

You feel his hands around you, tiny droplets splashing against your cheek. When you open your bleary eyes, you find yourself gazing into the despairing eyes of the raven-haired man you’d come to know and love, the stoic soldier who’d somehow found his way into your heart.

It’s the last thing you ever see.

[cheion-writes]

Smiles

How Steel tries to make Sidestep smile, or how Steel realizes he is slowly falling deeply in love.

Steel/Sidestep. Steel!POV. Spoilers!

No angst – not this time. Yep, I decided to stop being an ass to Steel. For now.

Thanks @auroriane for beta-reading! :)

----

0.

Seven years ago, they fell.

You never see them again.

Then one day, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, they reappear. And when you realize just how shattered they feel, you find that nothing's right in your world.

1.

They're a wreck, eyes dark-rimmed and exhausted. They're looking at the dogs, expression far away, stance hunched, small and vulnerable in a way you've never seen them before.

Fear. Misery. Desperation. Pain.

Spoon whines; he too senses something is wrong. You pace forward hesitantly, expecting them to react and shy away from you but they remain frozen; it's never happened before.

You don't know why that makes your heart clench painfully.

So, you reach out for them. Maybe you're worried. Maybe it's just the guilt. Or maybe it's something more.

They turn to you and you see their eyes... eyes so haunted it makes them look much older than they really are.

Your heart tightens.

Then, loving, tender-hearted Spoon jumps up and licks their face, yipping joyfully and covering them in slobber. You see their momentary surprise, the flash of a smile on their face before it's blown away in the wind.

You find yourself wishing to see them smile again.

2.

You meet them one afternoon as you're walking Spoon. He must remember who they are for he barks happily, pulls the leash out of your hands, and dashes forward.

You almost miss the tiny smile on their face at his furiously wagging tail. Their soft laugh as he rolls onto his back and exposes his belly in its full, furry glory.

You find yourself chuckling as they reach out and give him a rub. But when they (reluctantly) disengage and wave goodbye, you see the smile falter and fall.

And you find yourself promising to bring those smiles back again.

3.

One day, they corner you in the Ranger's base. They look particularly miserable; their vulnerability and exhaustion radiate strongly in waves.

Sadness. Despair. Regret. Pain.

What they speak, their words are halting. They ask if you could go to the dog park. If you could bring Spoon.

You don't know why you're disappointed they didn't just ask for you. But still, you barely hesitate before you agree. You don't know the reason why.

By the time you arrive, they're there by the tree. They turn to you and you sense their immediate relief when they spot Spoon.

You watch as they collapse to their knees and envelop him in a hug. Spoon whines, leans in, and nuzzles their cheek. You see the watery smile upon their face, and you find yourself wishing that it was you they chose to hold.

And when you realize with a start that their smile has never reached their eyes before, you find yourself vowing to make them truly smile.

4.

You ask them out one day, if they'd like to walk Spoon with you. Yet, as shocked as you are by your own words, it's more than made up for by the surprise that lights up their face.

Wonder. Gratitude. Relief. Hope.

"I'd like that very much," they say, their tentative smile sending your heart aflutter.

It's the first time you've made them smile. You hope it will not be the last.

5.

You see them more often now. They feel lighter. Less burdened.

On one of your walks (without Spoon), you find them unconsciously drifting closer to you. And as you gently brush your hands against their knuckles and slip your fingers into their own, you see a tiny smile form upon their lips.

But still, it doesn't quite reach their eyes.

6.

You're with them one night, staring off into the ocean. They're sitting beside you; they’re close, so very close.

"Why do you want to be with me?" they ask quietly.

"Because I care about you,” you say.

They smile, though it's a sad, bitter one. "Why do you care for something that isn’t real?"

You interlace your fingers with their own, trying to ignore the brokenness in their voice. "You’re here. You’re real. This is real.”

They pull away. They don’t meet your gaze. “I… you should leave, Chen. Go back to Ortega. Go back to your team.” Their voice is small. Exhausted.

Pain. Despair. Loneliness. Resignation.

Your heart stutters at that. Taking their chin in your hands, you gently turn them to face you. “Why would I when you’re the only one I need?”

You glimpse a flicker of something in their eyes, but as fleeting as the sun on a cold winter’s day, it fades away.

7.

"Wei? Can I ask you something?"

They're at your apartment. Their eyes dart nervously back and forth, their hands fiddling with their sweater. They look worried. Stressed. Afraid.

Is someone after them?

You rise to your feet, the unspoken question on your lips but they shake their head.

"No, I'm fine. it's just..." They take a deep breath and lick their lips. "If... if I'm not really what you think I am... will you still care?"

The question takes you by surprise, but your reply comes easily; the words are heartfelt after all: "I always will."

You hear their sniffle, sense the desperation in their eyes. "Really?"

Hope. Uncertainty. Longing. Fear.

Their wretched voice tears at your heartstrings. Nodding firmly, you place an arm around their shoulder. "Whatever it is... you will always be you. Nothing will change that." Nothing will change how I feel for you.

It makes them smile briefly, though it vanishes all too soon as their growing fear returns.

"Then...there's something I need to show you."

8.

They remove their sweater. They remove their shirt.

And for the first time, you see them for who they really are. You see the secrets they've hidden for all their life.

Your attention is drawn first to the scars – and there are just so many, far too many; oh, just what horrors have they suffered? – before your eyes land on the orange tattoos that mark every inch of their body.

You swallow hard.

You know those colours. You know those designs.

They're... they're a regene.

And finally, everything falls into place. Finally, you understand why they avoided cameras and hospitals like the plague. Why they refused to submit to those background checks. Why they wore layers upon layers in the dreadful heat of the sun... Why they never could bring themself to smile...

You see them begin to tremble at your extended silence.

Self-loathing. Disgust. Pain. Fear.

Swiftly, you step forward and envelop them in a fierce hug, rubbing tiny circles onto their back. "I know how hard this must be for you… but know this: regardless of where you were from, you've the biggest heart I've ever known. You're human in every sense of the term, and don't you dare think otherwise."

You feel them crumple. You feel them wrap their arms tightly around you, tears soaking deep into your thin shirt. You hold them close and refuse to let go; you never will again.

"Thank you," they say hoarsely.

You’d like to think they smiled then, but you can't tell from the tears in your eyes.

9.

"Do you really think this will work?" they whisper. "Sometimes... sometimes I look at you and the only thing I recall are the times you didn't trust me."

Your blood freezes over; you had feared this would happen.

"I'm sorry I doubted you," you reply softly. "Seven years ago, ... I'm sorry for failing to trust you… to save you… to find you."

Your eyes are watering now, but the words continue to tumble forth like a raging river, unimpeded and untamed. "I'm sorry it took me this long to realize how foolish I have been, for never considering why you needed to hide. And… and if staying away is better for you… if this apology is seven years too late-"

Your throat locks up; please, please I don’t want you to leave. But if this is what will help you heal…You choke down the bile and force yourself to continue.

"-then...then I'll let you go."

You lower your gaze, close your eyes, and wait.

...

...

You feel them take your hands into their own. You feel their fingers find you chin. And when you open your eyes, you see their sincere, tear-filled eyes gazing deep into yours.

"It isn't too late," they say. “I’m not going anywhere you can’t follow.”

You choke out a sob. There's so much you wish to say, so much you wish for them to know. You want to tell them they're the most courageous, empathetic and compassionate person you have ever known. You want to thank them for forgiving you, for accepting you, for loving you. You want to promise to never leave them, to be there by their side forevermore.

But in the end, you simply say the three words that matter most, the three words that encompass all that you promise and feel.

"I love you."

And, finally, finally, you see them truly smile.

It's a genuine, beautiful smile, and it's the loveliest thing you've ever seen.

Faith. Hope. Joy. Love.

And finally, at long last, all is right in your world.

[cheion-writes]

Steel: In Soo's last letter to me, he told me that although we couldn't have a future together, he hoped that I'd find someone special. Someone who could do what he couldn't. Someone who could make me happy.

Steel, looking at sidestep: He'll be happy to know that I won't have to continue looking anymore.

------

Sidestep: You may be a man of steel, but you don't have to always pretend that your heart is made of steel too.

------

Steel: For the longest time, I taught myself to be strong. I taught myself not to love again. But for you... I am willing to try.

[cheion-writes]

Trope 2/25: Food

Pairings: @ratastrofiend‘s Marco and Steel

Fandom: Fallen Hero

There's breakfast waiting for him in the morning. It's a simple meal; coffee with a slice of toast. 

Chen doesn't speak of it when Marco settles in the chair beside his own, and neither does Marco ask. 

"I'm not hungry," he wants to say. "I don't have to eat."

But despite the voices in his mind, he finds himself reaching out. His fingers curling around the slice of toast.

Chen watches in silence as he devours the toast in tiny bites, as he sips hesitantly on the coffee. Not a word is said until the plate is clean. Until the cup is drained.

"You finished the toast," he says simply when Marco dusts the crumbs from his lips with a napkin.

"I did."

"And the coffee."

"It would seem so."

Chen laughs at that. The rare smile on his face causes Marco's stomach to do a flip, the flutter in his heart intensifying when Chen leans forward and lays a gently kiss upon his cheek. 

"Thank you," Chen whispers.

A smile graces Marco’s lips as he kisses back. His long arms easily wrapping around the man before him. And as Chen returns the embrace, he finds himself marvelling at just what he’s done to deserve the love of this wonderful man. To glimpse the softer side of this stoic soldier few ever have ever seen before.

"Thank you." Marco murmurs. It’s a soft whisper, words encompassing far more than he can ever bring himself to say.

Chen’s only response is to tighten his arms around him.

Neither of them speak much after that. They know that neither of them are good with emotions and words, but they know it does not matter. Because there's a connection they share that transcends far beyond what telepathy may bring. A bond that lets them see deep into the other's heart.

Because the one they have come to know and love is right there before them, and they know that neither will ever let go.

It’s a thought they both take comfort in as Chen pulls Marco close, as he lays another kiss upon his cheek. In turn, Marco rests his hands on his chest, spindly fingers tracing the ridges where mod meets skin. They remain that way for a long while, neither of them relinquishing their hold on the other. 

And doesn't escape them that their hearts feel far calmer, lighter, and freer than they've ever been when they were once alone.

[cheion-writes]

Trope 9/25 - Pleading

Fandom: Fallen Hero

Pairings: SideWei

Devy from the Discord: what if at some point Chen thinks you mentally manipulated him into developing a crush on you?

__________

“How do I know you didn’t manipulate me into feeling for you?” 

The unexpected question throws you off-guard, and you gape back at him. 

“What?” you ask, unconcealed shock and disbelief bleeding through in the single word. “I did nothing like that!” 

A tinge of guilt creeps up in his eyes, though it’s overshadowed by suspicion once more. “How can I believe you’re telling the truth?” 

A part of you shatters at the palpable distrust laced in the question. You reach out for him but flinch when he pulls away, the none-too-subtle rejection far more painful than any physical blow he’s ever landed on you. 

“I didn’t do it,” you repeat, voice soft and pleading, eyes moist with unshed tears. “I didn’t do it.” 

He does not respond, and a part of you shatters even more at his continued silence. 

Blinking fiercely, you will away the tears that threaten to fall. “I know I’m a telepath, and I’m sorry I can’t change that,” you say quietly. “But I didn’t do anything to you. I wouldn’t.”

When he continues to remain silent, a desperate need for him to believe blooms within you. Stepping up to him, your voice dissolves into a choked sob as you forcefully grasp his hands and stare deep into his eyes. 

“I won’t do anything like that to you. Can’t you see that? Can’t you feel that what we have is real?” 

You’d always believed that the time you spent together meant something. That the smiles, the hugs, the kisses were as real to him as they were to you. 

But when he averts his gaze and pulls away once more, you know you have your answer. 

Something inside you shatters at that realisation. And this time, you don’t bother to stop the tears that fall from your eyes. 

“I know that… maybe I’ve lied about many things,” you say softly, your voice trailing off for a moment as a sob escapes you. 

“But I really loved you Chen,” you continue in a soft whisper. “I never lied about that.” 

You push past him before he can reply, your feet pounding hard against the pavement as you run for a destination you don’t know. 

And when you look back once, through your blurry vision, you swear that you can see him frozen and staring at you, the tears and regret in your eyes reflected just as clearly in his own.

[cheion-writes]

A Valentine’s Special!

Sidestep and Steel really do care for each other. They just need some help recognising that. 

Thanks @auroriane for being an awesome beta as always! Any remaining mistakes you see are my own. The complete list to all my fics can be found on my Tumblr :)

1. Sick Days

With Sidestep: 

Your cough harshly as you wrap the blanket tighter around yourself, feeling utterly and completely miserable. You shouldn’t be sick; you aren’t supposed to get sick. But yet, here you are, nose stuffed, head pounding, and throat as scratchy as sandpaper. Of course, it wasn’t as bad this morning – not until you got caught in the rain on your way to the Rangers base. 

You had arrived drenched, sneezing and coughing, and Steel had taken one look at you before hustling you into one of the private rooms to rest. You blame your fever-addled mind for agreeing to his offer. For letting you actually fall asleep. For imagining that look of concern on his face when he came in to check on you. 

Rubbing your eyes tiredly, you swing your legs off the bed with a sigh, sending out a prayer that you can sneak out without alerting any of the others. 

You freeze as your eyes land on the doors. There’s a blue flask on the table next to it; it wasn’t there before. Where did it come from? Who put it there? The only one that came in was Steel a couple of minutes ago, and… 

...

Oh. 

Cheeks reddening, you slide off the bed and patter to the door to pick up the flask. Your eyes immediately find a handwritten note by its side: 

‘Here’s some apple and pear pork rib soup. It’s good for your throat.’ 

You don’t notice the smile on your face as you pop open the cap and enjoy the steam that curls comfortingly around your face. As you slowly sip the admittedly good broth. 

As you tell yourself that increasing warmth you feel in your belly is simply because of the soup.

---

With Steel: 

“So, Soup, huh?” Ortega’s face sparkles with amused delight as he stares at you. 

“It’s. Just. Soup.” you growl, refusing to meet his eyes. 

“Right…” he drawls. “Let’s ignore how you drove all the way to that expensive Chinese restaurant to get it, shall we? How worried you looked when they first came in... how you oh so gently covered them with that blanket when it had fallen off the bed…” 

“I would’ve done the same for any of you.” 

“Right…keep telling yourself that Chen.”

2. Mods 

With Steel: 

You grimace as you step into the base, your arm joint aching and throbbing dully. You’re trying to hide it as well as you can but obviously it isn’t enough, for their lips instantly pull down into a worried frown when they notice you. 

“Are you alright?” You shake your head, your candid honesty somewhat surprising you. “Bad joint,” you mutter. 

Their concerned eyes scan you for a moment before they rise to their feet and gesture to their chair. “Sit,” they say. “I think I can help.” 

You’re surprised when you acquiesce without a single protest. As their gentle touch brushes against where mod meets skin, you hope they can’t feel the shudder that ripples through you. Throughout it all, they pointedly ignoring your gaze, and you can’t help but notice their pulse fluttering tremulously as they tinker around with the mod.

 “There,” they say after a long while. “Is it better?” Slowly, you try moving your arm, heaving a sigh of relief when you realize the bone-deep ache has vanished.

“Yes, much better,” you reply, a fond smile of gratitude spreading across your face. They beam in turn, and it’s a long while before you both turn away.  

---

With Sidestep: 

“You two looked comfortable,” Herald’s voice is the epitome of glee as he corners you in the hall. 

You roll your eyes. “I just don’t like to see any of you hurt.” 

“Really?” he grins. “I mean…you were looking at each other for such a long time. And I haven’t seen you smile like that before…” 

“I’m just relieved he’s fine.” 

“Right…” 

“There’s nothing more to it, Herald. Nothing at all.”

-

3. Nightmares 

With Steel: 

 It’s the whimpers that first alert you something is wrong. They’re lying curled up and vulnerable on the couch, tears streaming down their cheeks as they whisper a plea for help. You hear Ortega’s name upon their lips, and once or twice, you think you hear yours as well. 

“Please… Ortega… Chen… please, please don’t let them take me,” they sob. “I can’t go back, I can’t…” 

You swallow hard as their sobs intensify. Silently, you reach out and gently slide a hand under their shoulders, lifting them slightly off the couch. Their head falls into the nook of your chest, but caught in the throes of the nightmare, they do not wake. A wave of fierce protectiveness overwhelms you as you feel the shudders and sobs wracking their fragile form. “Be calm,” you hear yourself saying. “I’m here. And I promise you: nothing – no one – will harm you, not as long as I’m here.” 

Slowly, impossibly, you feel them relax in your embrace, their breathing slowly evening out. You don’t let go; not until the choked words stop, not until their whimpers finally quieten. “Sleep well,” you whisper as you lower them back down and drape the blanket over them once more. I’ll be here when you wake. 

---

“So… Care to tell us why you spent such a long time with Sidestep last night?” 

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, Angie.” 

“Of course not. We all know what’s going on.” 

“For the last time, nothing is happening between us.” 

 - 

4. Even Heroes Need Saving

With Sidestep: 

 It's a particularly nasty part of town and as luck would have it, you had all bumped into an anti-Ranger group as soon as you arrived. Apparently, their dislike of the Rangers was particularly intense for a certain Marshal. 

As you trail worriedly behind the stoic man, you note the clenched fists and locked jaw, the supremely-concealed pain in his eyes as the crowd continues to jeer. 

"He should retire." 

“Even the others are all better.” 

“Just an old soldier pretending to be a hero.”

You find your rage rising at their poison-barbed words, until you can take it no more. 

“Shut the hell up!” you yell as you whirl around, eyes dark and terrifying and blazing with fury. They immediately fall silent and take a step back at your outburst, but you are far from done. 

“Marshal Steel saved my life and the lives of hundreds of others in his time as a Ranger! He saved hundreds more in his time as a soldier! He probably saved your sorry asses countless of times, not like any of you deserve it! He cares more for others than for himself, he always strives to do his best, and he will always be there for anyone no matter the cost to himself!" 

You take a deep breath, your voice rising as you bellow out the final words. “He is the most courageous, compassionate, and self-sacrificial man I've ever known, and he's a better hero than any of you will ever hope to be! So don’t you dare speak otherwise!" 

At the end of it all, the thoroughly chastised and intimidated group is tripping over themselves to escape your wrath. 

Satisfied, you nod, dust your fingers and turn to face Steel… only to see him staring open-mouthed at you. “I never knew you felt that way about me,” he says quietly as a blush creeps up his neck.

“Yeah, yeah," you reply, turning away so he won't see the heat upon your face. "You better remember it because I’m not saying it again." 

You don't need to look up to feel the shy smile that spreads across his face as he hurries after you. 

---

“You do know there are videos of you defending the Marshal going viral online, do you?” 

“It’s just because those people got on my nerves.” 

“Sure…. if you say so…” 

“Why doesn’t it sound like you believe me?” 

- 

[Interlude] 

 i. 

“You got me… a cactus plushie?” 

“It’s for Spoon. You did say he always ruins those.” 

“Oh… thank you, then. I’m sure he’ll love this.” 

---

“Hey Sidestep? I heard you got something for Steel-” 

“It’s just a plushie! For Spoon!” 

 ii. “I’m fine, Chen. You don’t have to stay.” 

“It’s alright. You look like you could use some company.”

 --- 

 “So... I saw you sitting so close to them in the park today.” 

“They looked like they needed a friend… why are you looking at me like that?”

- 

5. The Rangers Act

With Sidestep: 

“You’d best come at once.” 

Ortega’s terse voice rings in your ears as you tear down the sidewalk towards the Rangers base, as does a single thought that echoes on repeat  in your mind: 

"Please, please let him be safe.”

Ortega had sent you that call an hour ago, informing you that the Marshal was hurt and that it was of paramount importance that you turn up at the Rangers base as soon as you could. Subsequent attempts to contact them had failed, and you found your anxiety growing as time ticked by. 

Please don’t let him be hurt. I can’t bear it if he is. 

It’s a startling revelation, but it doesn’t make it any less true. 

As you screech to a halt in the hall, a sigh of relief escapes you as you spot a rattled but otherwise uninjured Steel. 

"Chen, you're alright!" you sigh as you dash to him, wrapping your arms around his broad chest. He hugs you back just as tightly, and you miss the moment his fear melts into relief, and then into confusion. 

“Wait… I thought you were the one injured?” 

“Me?” you repeat. “Ortega told me that you were hurt so I had to come here at once!” " 

His eyes widen in confusion. "But Herald called me…. He told me you were hurt and that I should prepare the ops room for surgery..." 

"What?!” 

The word escapes you in an undignified, high-pitched yelp. Just what are they playing at? What's with telling you and Steel such crazy lies, getting you both here alone and- 

Oh. OH. Oh no they didn't.

You see the moment Steel comes to the same realization as you do. 

“They set us up, didn't they?” you moan as you bury your face into his chest. 

“It would seem so,” he chuckles in fond exasperation. You notice he makes no move to push you away. 

You groan even louder. "I'm going to kick their ass for this.”

Steel laughs. "That’s something we can agree on." His eyes soften. "But for what it's worth… it’s made me realize what I should have long ago: that I can’t bear losing you." 

You heart skips a beat at his words. Exhaling lightly, you pull him in close, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat as you finally allow yourself to admit the truth you’ve been denying for so long. “I can’t bear losing you too.” 

He smiles softly at that. His fingers cup your cheek in a gentle touch, and his voice drops into a tender whisper you’d never once heard him use before. “You know… I think I like you very much.” 

You huff out a breathless laugh, your cheeks heating up as you gaze into his earnest eyes. “I think I like you very much too.” 

He chuckles and leans in close until your foreheads meet; you’re closer than you’ve ever been before. There you remain for a long while, simply drinking in the presence of each other. Then, his fingers grasp your chin, and you find yourself gazing deep into his eyes once more. Slowly, you feel your eyes drift shut as you lean in even closer, as does he. 

 When you finally press your lips upon his own, the touch is gentle yet deep, hesitant yet intimate. 

And when the kiss finally breaks off, you realize that his cheeks are just as flushed as yours.  “So…does this mean you’ll go out with me?” he asks with a small smile. 

You find yourself smiling back. “Yes. Yes, it does.”

[cheion-writes]

“Unlike me, you have friends” with sidestep and steel

I used an OC m!Sidestep with this; hope that okay! :) @rimetin this is for you!

Warning: Spoilers!

______

"We're not too different, you and I."

It must've been the wrong thing to say for Keith make a noise that sounds like something in between a sob and a laugh.

"Not too different?"

He turns to face him, and Steel is struck once more by the resentment and brokenness in his eyes, the sheer pain that screams loud and clear in his vulnerable stance.

"Maybe you think by being modded you can understand. But newsflash, Chen: there's one thing that I'll never be. One thing I'll never have.

His voice turns cold and resigned as the trademark mask slips on once more. "You're human. I am not. You're a Ranger. I am not."

His voice begins to tremble as he continues to speak, intricate cracks slowly dissolving the front he's struggling so hard to maintain.

"When you're hurt, you have friends to care for you. I do not. When you're outmatched in battle, you have friends coming to your aid. I do not."

He takes a deep breath, the mask dissolving entirely as a shuddering sob ripples through his form.

"You're never alone. I always am, always will be. That's how we're different, Chen. Because unlike me, you have friends."

Those broken words make Steel's heart clench in sadness at fury at what he's been led to believe, what was failed to prevent. It's what prompts him to reach out as he sees the tears begin to run down Keith's cheeks, as he hugs his knees to his chest and buries his head in his hands. As the blanket curled around his body falls and his eyes once more takes in the sight of his skin, blemished and maimed in more ways than one.

Placing a hand upon his shoulder, Steel take a moment to find the words before he speaks.

"You do have friends. You know Ortega is never going to let you go again. Herald will raise hell and high water to make sure you'll always be safe... and don't let Argent fool you. She may not look like she cares - but you know just as well as I do how protective she can be over someone she calls a friend."

Keith raises his head to stare at him through tear-filled eyes, eyes filled with so much desperate hope Steel know he's trying so hard to disallow himself to feel.

He know he can't let that continue.

So he takes Keith's chin in his hands and gazes into his eyes, speaking the words he hopes will convey all that he promises and feels.

"And I swear: I'll do everything in my power to make sure they'll never touch you again. You won't have to fight your battles alone anymore. Never again."

At that, Keith lets out a strangled sob and suddenly pulls him into a fierce hug. It makes Steel pause for a moment for he's never voluntarily initiated physical contact before.

Yet, not a moment passes before he hugs back just as fiercely, his fingers tracing the one-too-many ridges upon Keith's back, as he feels his fragile frame wrack with sobs.

"Don't leave."

The hoarse words are whispered into his chest, and Steel's own lifts them up in a promise he swears never to break.

"I won't."

Steel senses his watery smile, feels Keith's hands warm upon his chest as he closes eyes and simply breathes.

Slowly, impossibly, he feels Keith relaxing in his embrace, his breaths evening out. And Stee doesn't let go; not even until his sobs stop, not even until the whimpers quieten.

“Sleep well,” he whispers softly as he leans forward, his lips pressing lightly against Keith's forhead. "I'll still be here when you wake."

[cheion-writes]

I want it SideWei!

This song is for all the lonely souls out there in the night ! Waiting ! For a sign of their ship coming true! Waiting for their Spoon!

____________

You are my Spoon

Is it too soon

Believe when I say

I want it SideWei

-

But we are two worlds apart

Can't reach to your heart

When you say

You don't want me gay

-

Tell me Wei

Ain't nothin' but a Heartbreak

Tell me Wei

Ain't nothin' but a quick death

Tell me Wei

I'm hoping that I'll hear you say

I want your D Wei

[cheion-writes]

Steel/Sidestep is my otp and their theme song is

♫ You are my fire

The one desire

Believe when I say 

I want it SIDEWEI ♫ 

[technologicalnoiz]

Current wips

Justifiable Revenge (I may not post anymore til I finish it... Worked on later parts but am having trouble connecting it) EDIT: I’ve got the ending down but need to finish the middle...

Beyond Redemption part 4???

Ortega picking on steel about his crush on Cy

Ortega’s pov angst (where Ortega is still in love with mc but they are with steel now)

Flystep addiction (because i really wanted to write that too... so i’m doing them both. Might try to fit it with another bingo thing too)

The two sides of Cyrus

Locked up and left behind for the Farm (also not on my card but i have an idea so... tysm for sending it to me XD) (combined with sensory deprivation)

Bad things happen bingo prompts

Knife to the throat m!mortum/m!puppet

Clawing at own throat chargestep (i’m gonna have to let this one sit for a bit cause I don’t have any idea how to write it yet D: sorry about that! But i will get it done) EDIT: I Have started writing this one... Finally!

Touch starved Sidewei (but it ended up too fluffy so i’m not tagging it in the bingo) Didn’t actually write touch starved

broken ribs Chargestep

sensory deprivation the farm (this one is almost done)

Betrayal, Infiltrator Herald

Nightmares/comfort Chargestep f!Ortega/f!sidestep

Crying into chest (i’m gonna do steelstep cause I don’t think I could do steelchargestep justice...)

Anger born of worry, sidewei

[cheion-writes]

Current prompt list (updated!)

I'm getting more asks faster than I can write (thank you all for the lovely support!) and here are all the tropes that have been asked so far :) If you sent in an ask but don't see it here, do send it in again! Tumblr probably ate it. 

Shaking and Shivering - m!Sidestep/f!Ortega

Voice Breaking - FlyStep

Take me instead - SideWei or FlyStep

Hurts to Breath - ChargeStep

Coughing Up Blood - ChargeStep

Broken Ribs - SteelStep (I’ll incorporate coughing up blood into this one too)

Dying in their arms - m!Sidestep/f! Ortega

Taking the Bullet - ChargeStep

Tearful Smile - SteelChargeStep

Nightmares - SilverStep (f!Sidestep)

Older prompts (I'll use a trope on the bingo sheet for these too - sorry for the long delay!)

“Don’t you dare die” - ChargeStep or SideWei

"Coward. That's all you are. A coward." - SideWei