Since We're Heading Into Colder Weather, How Would Cayde Spend A Snow Day With His Favorite Guardian?

Genji x gender neutral reader

Part 2 of journey to forget

Part 1 // Part 2 (you are here) // Part 3

Challenge (day 5: regret)

Requested: No

Word Count: 896

Overtime, Genji and (y/n) had become friends.

Genji felt bad not telling them who he was, but he was still afraid. Their relationship back in Blackwatch wasn’t at all nice.

Genji had envied them. They were high in Blackwatch’s ranks, charismatic and athletic, and had always managed to win against him at sparring.

Not to mention their beauty.

Continua a leggere

genji dating headcanons

before the younger shimada became a cyborg he was an incorrigible flirt and once the two of you begin dating it begins to show again

he’s thoughtful and almost playful about it. say you mention how pretty some flowers you see are, expect a bouquet of them in your room the next morning.

if you ask him about it, he’ll act aloof.

“hm? you found flowers in your room? is someone trying to take you from me?”

it will take him a while before he will show his dragon to you outside of battle. it’s a display of trust and intimacy to him so don’t be offended if you ask early on and he refuses.

once he does let you have an up close view of his dragon, you may be surprised by how warm and accepting it is of you. genji’s dragon is an extension of him and his feelings so expect it to circle and wrap itself around you.

another milestone in your relationship is when genji reveals his face to you. while he has come to terms with his altered existence, he knows his face is rather marred.

pepper his face with kisses while insisting that he is beautiful and he may tear up.

if you’re an overwatch agent, he tries not to be overly protective of you.

he knows you can take care of yourself and he knows he must focus on the task at hand rather than fuss over you but there are times he can’t help but take out some enemies for you.

if you are in immense danger and need help, he becomes an unstoppable force. he will not show mercy to those who hurt you.

he’ll train with you, although working out is a bit different for him. (personally i headcanon him having a piece of his admdomin, everything below the knee, and an entire arm missing)

zenyatta adores you and is glad his pupil has found love. zenyatta invites you to morning meditation with the two of them!

hanzo won’t admit that he has any thoughts on the matter but he is secretly very glad that genji has someone who makes him so happy.

genji thinks it’s very cute when you kiss his face plate, especially if you kiss his cheek area.

genji isn’t the jealous type but if he hasn’t been able to spend very much time with you for a prolonged amount of time, expect him to sneak into your room and whisk you away on an impromptu excursion for the night.

since genji doesn’t take his mask off often, he opts to keep his hands on you when you are together rather than kiss you (although if you ask him to remove it he’ll gladly oblige). his cold fingers will place themselves on the curve of your spine, interlock your fingers, and just trace shapes on your arms or palms.

he doesn’t really feel cold often but on the off chance he does if you offer him one of your hoodies (even if it’ll be small on him) he will BLUSH and gratefully accept it. it may not do much but the gesture will touch him.

he’s a big fan of kissing your shoulders and collarbones when he removes his mask. he adores it when you kiss his face and chest.

he gives really good massages despite his mostly metal body.

when he makes you blush he may lightly tease you “oh do you have a fever, love? should i go grab mercy?” you’d punch him if he wasn’t covered in metal.

it’s so sweet, knowing that you love me

Everything feels better when Genji is with you.

( genji shimada x gender-neutral reader | ~0.8k words )

content: emotional hurt/comfort, some fluff, established relationship (can be read as either romantic or platonic, whichever you’d prefer :)) genji loves u <3

etc: divider by cafekitsune; tagging @angelshub @bitchcraftinc @enchantedforest-network @ghostqueue; cross-posted on ao3

“I have not seen you around recently.”

You look up to find Genji leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest. Quite some time has passed since you first met him. If you were younger, you would’ve jumped out of your skin at his unexpected arrival, but you didn’t. Instead, you didn’t bat an eye, far too jaded to be surprised by anything anymore.

“I’ve been busy,” you say.

Your words feel practised, dishonest, though they aren’t entirely false. Between the increasing Null Sector attacks and the pressure Soldier: 76 has been putting on you, time has felt like it’s been slipping out of your hands. You wish you could be as uplifting as Lena, or maybe as relaxed as Cassidy. It’s never been in your nature to relax, you suppose, having been raised in a disciplinarian family. Yet here you are, curled up in your blankets as you wallow in self-pity, looking the most pathetic you ever have in front of him. 

He doesn’t seem bothered by it, something you can’t decide whether to feel thankful or upset about. Guilt begins to seep into your system as he takes a seat on the edge of your bed. As if he can sense your spiral into pessimism—he probably can, he’s known you for long enough—he laces his fingers with yours, the metal cool against your skin.

A beat of silence passes.

“Genji?” 

He hums, waiting for you to continue.

“I’m sorry.”

You don’t like him seeing you in such a state. Genji caresses the back of your hand with his thumb, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. It’s hard to discern what he’s thinking. He’s been keeping his mask on more frequently, just out of habit, but a part of you wishes you could just see his eyes on you one more time.

“I know you didn’t mean to ignore me,” he speaks up, turning his head in your direction. “But I have missed you. That’s why I came here.”

You manage a weak smile. “I missed you too.”

“Cassidy has been asking for you as well.” There’s an amused lilt in his voice. “He said it’s sad not having his favourite sharpshooter around.”

That gets a chuckle out of you. “His favourite sharpshooter?”

“Yes. And mine too.”

Heat rises to your cheeks at how easily he says it. The fact that he’s holding your hand isn’t helping much, either. Still, it amazes you how a simple two words can make you feel the lightest you’ve ever been. You missed this. You missed him.

“Don’t say it like that,” you mumble, flustered. “I’m trying to mope, Genji.”

“I am not allowing it.” He lets go of your hand and you’re already missing his touch, your bottom lips slightly jutting into a pout at his sudden movement. It doesn’t last long, though, now that he’s shifted his position so he’s laying his head on your lap. “And I was only telling the truth.”

“Shut up.” There’s no actual malice in your words. Even without your other hand coming down to cup the side of his face, you think he knows that very well too. “You can’t just come in here and get me all soft and mushy, you know. You’re so mean.”

“I am mean?” he retorts in mock offence. “I tell you that I miss you, but I am mean.”

“Yeah. The meanest.” You giggle, bringing his hand up to your lips to press a gentle kiss on it. With a pleased sigh, you feel your worries ebb away and let yourself sink into the comfort he brings you. “I’ll probably come back tomorrow. I’m feeling better anyway—”

“You will come see me first, yes?”

You playfully nudge his head away, avoiding his gaze again because somehow it’s like second nature for him to make you feel this way. Like you’re a blushing protagonist of a romance story. In a last ditch attempt to keep your cool, you clear your throat and say in the most deadpan tone you can muster.

“Actually, I think I’ll see Winston first.”

“You would prefer him over me?” You can practically hear him sulking. “And you say that I am mean.”

You find yourself smiling at how natural it feels to fall back into this kind of rhythm with him despite all your setbacks and isolation. It makes your heart swell in joy, being cared for and understood by someone like him. 

“Hey, get up,” you urge him gently. He does so without question, though he still tilts his head at you curiously. You scoot forward, finally leaving the mass of blankets to throw yourself in his arms, pressing a kiss to where his cheek would be. “I love you, Genji.”

He lets out a content sigh. “I love you too. You don’t have to push yourself so hard.”

You fall into a comfortable silence. In the embrace of the one you love, you’re slowly lulled to a peaceful slumber until he speaks up again, this time sounding genuinely concerned.

“But you will come see me first tomorrow, right?”

Your laughter is all he hears.

Hiding Underneath the Sheets

OW Hazard x Reader (Slight spice at the end)

A/N: I wanted to do a lil comfy fic again but with a hint of spice at the end to test the waters (I’m still not ready to write smut)

Summary: You have sometime for yourself at the hideout but turns out your not alone

────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────

The Phreaks’ lair had a strange kind of charm: a mix of grunge, neon lights, and chaos that only a group like them could pull off. Tonight, it was unusually quiet. The others had decided to hit up some underground party downtown, leaving you in the lair by yourself. You’d stayed behind, citing the bitter chill of the evening as your excuse. Wrapped in layers of blankets on the oversized couch in the living room, you had everything you needed—a steaming mug of cocoa and the lair’s giant projector playing your favorite movie.

You were so absorbed in the flickering images on the screen that you didn’t notice the soft footsteps behind you. A low chuckle broke the silence, sending a jolt through you.

“Didn’t think anyone else was stayin’ in” Hazard’s voice drawled, thick with his Scottish accent.

You turned, meeting his sharp, brown eyes. He stood there with his signature cocky smirk, hands stuffed into the pockets of his gray sweatpants. The dim neon lights from the lair’s decor highlighted his messy blonde hair. You had no idea he hadn’t gone with the others.

“Could say the same about you” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. “Didn’t think you were the type to skip a party.”

Hazard shrugged, plopping down onto the couch next to you, much closer than you expected. “Wasn’t feelin’ it. Guess I’m nae the only one in hermit mode tonight, eh?” He grabbed a blanket corner and tugged it over his legs without asking. You rolled your eyes but didn’t protest.

The two of you sat in companionable silence for a while, the movie’s glow casting soft shadows on his face. You could feel his presence, almost too aware of the way he lounged—completely at ease, like he owned the place. Not that he didn’t; Hazard had a way of dominating any space he was in.

As the movie’s credits rolled, Hazard shifted, resting an elbow on the back of the couch to face you. “So, what’s yer deal, anyway? Thought ye’d be out there tearin’ it up with the rest of ‘em.”

“Not really my vibe tonight” you said with a shrug. “Besides, it’s freezing outside.”

Hazard’s smirk widened. “Ye’re one of those folk who’d rather cocoon up than brave a wee bit o’ frostbite, huh?”

“Absolutely” you shot back. “Some of us like bein’ comfortable.”

“Comfortable’s overrated” he said, leanin’ a bit closer. “But I’ll give ye points for the blanket fortress. That’s dedication.”

“Thanks…?” You eyed him suspiciously. He had that look on his face—the one that meant he was about to stir up trouble. And sure enough, he leaned back and stuck out his tongue, flashing something you’d never noticed before. Was that... a tattoo?

“Wait, what’s that?” you asked, leanin’ forward to get a better look.

Hazard’s grin turned downright wicked. “Oh, this?” He stuck his tongue out again,showing off a small, intricate design inked on the surface. It was hard to make out, but it looked like some kind of stylized spiked… skull?

“You have a tattoo on your tongue?” you said, incredulous. “Who does that?”

“Cool folk” he shot back, clearly amused by your reaction. “Bet ye’ve never seen one up close before.”

You snorted, trying to act unimpressed. “And here I thought you couldn’t get more ridiculous.”

Hazard’s eyes narrowed playfully, his smirk turning into something more mischievous. “Careful” he said, leaning closer until his face was just a breath away. “Ye keep lookin’ at me like that, an’ I might think ye’re interested.”

You could feel your face heatin’ up, and before you could stop yourself, you ducked under the covers. “Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope!” you mumbled, yer voice muffled by the blankets.

Hazard’s laughter rang out, low and teasing. “Hidin’ now? C’mon, don’t tell me I’ve embarrassed ye.”

“I’m not embarrassed!” you shot back, peeking out just enough to glare at him.

“Sure ye’re nae” he said, his grin widening. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he shifted closer and grabbed the edge of your blankets. “Guess I’ll hae to come in an’ get ye out myself.”

“Wait, what—” Before you could protest, Hazard slipped under the blankets, his movements swift and deliberate. You tried to squirm away, but the couch didn’t give you much room to escape. In the chaos, you ended up flat on your back, Hazard loom—no, wait—looming over you, one arm braced on either side of your head.

“Caught ya” he teased, his voice low and smug. He was so close you could see the faint freckles on his nose, the sharp glint in his eyes. His cocky grin was firmly in place, but as the seconds ticked by, his gaze flickered down to your face—and froze.

Your cheeks were burning your wide eyes staring up at him in shock. Hazard’s smirk faltered, his usual confidence replaced by something uncertain as he seemed to realize the position you were in. His body was pressed against yours, his face just inches away.

For a moment, neither of you moved. Then, Hazard’s grin returned, softer this time, as his gaze lingered on your lips. “Y’know” he murmured, his voice low and warm, “Ye make it really hard to stay outta trouble.”

Before you could process his words, Hazard closed the distance between you. His lips crashed onto yours in a kiss that was surprisingly gentle, though there was an undeniable hunger behind it. The taste of him was electric, sending a rush through you that left your breath shaky.

Just as you thought he might pull back, his lips began to trail down the side of your neck, slowly, deliberately, pressin’ soft, lingering kisses against your skin. You gasped, your breath hitching at the sensation, and you felt a shiver run down your spine as he continued, his lips warm and teasing against your throat. His kisses were soft at first, almost like a whisper against your skin, but then, they grew more insistent, the touch of his lips making you whimper involuntarily.

Hazard chuckled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against your neck as he kissed his way down further. “Ye’re nae gettin’ away that easy”

His eyes locked onto yours again, a smug, satisfied grin tugging at his lips. “Guess I’m nae the only one stayin’ in tonight after all.”

You were too stunned to reply, your heart hammering in yer chest, as you stared up at him, flushed and trembling from the kiss. Hazard chuckled, brushin’ a strand of hair from your face. “Don’t go hidin’ under the blankets again” he teased softly. “I might just have to chase ye all over again.”

=================

You didn’t remember falling asleep, but the warmth of the blankets and the lingering haze of Hazard’s presence must have lulled you into slumber. When you woke up, Hazard was still sleeping on the couch, next to you. The neon glow of the lair cast faint colors across the room, and the faint hum of machinery filled the silence. Stretching and rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you wrapped a blanket around yourself and shuffled toward the kitchen, craving something to drink.

Boomslang was already there, leaning against the counter and nursing a mug of tea. Her dark curls were tied back loosely, and her sharp, inquisitive eyes flicked toward you as you entered.

“Morning, sleepyhead” she greeted, her Scottish brogue softer than Hazard’s but still distinct. “Didn’t expect tae see anyone else up this late.”

You mumbled something incomprehensible in reply, too focused on rummaging through the cabinets for a mug. You could feel Boomslang’s eyes on you, sharp as always, as you moved around the kitchen.

When you finally turned to lean against the counter, sipping your drink, her gaze narrowed. Her head tilted slightly, a knowing smirk curling her lips. “You’ve got somethin’ on your neck.”

“Wha—” You froze mid-sip, nearly choking on your drink. “What do you mean?”

“Come here” she said, setting her mug down and motioning for you to step closer. Reluctantly, you obeyed, and she reached out, tilting your head to the side to get a better look. Her smirk deepened as her fingers brushed just below your jaw, right over the faint sting of skin that felt far too sensitive.

“Well, well,” Boomslang drawled, her tone laced with amusement. “Looks like someone had a bit of fun last night. Bite marks and hickeys, huh? Dident know ye were the type tae let Hazard sink his teeth in.”

Your face went hot, and you pulled away, covering your neck with your hand. “It’s not—it’s nothing!”

Boomslang raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Nothin’ huh? You want to explain why you look like you went a round or two with a hungry wolf? Or do I have to guess?”

You groaned, turning away to hide your face. “He’s such a menace” you muttered under your breath, more to yourself than to her.

Boomslang snorted, clearly enjoying your embarrassment. “But seems like you didn’t mind too much, judgin’ by how your blushing to your ears.”

You groaned again, hiding your face behind your mug. “Not a word to anyone” you warned, your voice muffled.

Boomslang laughed, the sound rich and teasing. “My lips are sealed. For now. But you might want to invest in a scarf. Or explain to the rest of the crew why Hazard’s marked you up like his favorite chew toy.”

Her teasing lingered in the air as she sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving you to stew in your flustered thoughts—and the undeniable evidence on your neck.

=================

You were still trying to process Boomslang’s teasing as you stood in the kitchen, sipping your drink and hoping the heat in your cheeks would fade. The last hing you expected was for Hazard to stroll in, his usual cocky swagger softened by the grogginess of just waking up. His eyes found you immediately, and he gave you a lazy grin.

“Mornin’, sunshine” he drawled, his voice rough from sleep. He raked a hand through his messy blonde hair as he made his way to the counter, grabbing a glass. “Thought ye’d still be curled up oan the couch. Ye move quick.”

You swallowed hard, keeping your gaze firmly on your drink. “Needed something to wake me up” you muttered.

Hazard leaned back against the counter, glass in hand, and gave you a slow once-over. His grin widened as his eyes landed on your neck. “Well, whit d’ye ken?” he said, his tone thick with teasing. “Looks like I left a wee bit o’ evidence, aye?”

Your cheeks burned as you tugged the blanket tighter around your shoulders, glaring at him. “You think?”

He chuckled, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. “Couldn’t help masel’, love” he said, voice lowering with that familiar mischievous lilt. “Ye looked too good no tae leave ma mark.”

You tried to stay composed, but the memory of his lips trailing along your neck sent a shiver down your spine. “You’re unbelievable” you muttered, but the heat in your voice betrayed you.

Hazard’s smirk softened, his mismatched eyes locking on yours. “Aye, but ye didnae mind, did ye?” He brushed his fingers lightly over your neck, tracing one of the marks. “Did it hurt, love?”

You hesitated, the ghost of his touch making your skin tingle. “Not exactly” you admitted quietly.

“Good” he murmured, his tone gentler now, but still laced with his usual charm. “I’d hate tae think I did somethin’ ye didnae enjoy.”

Before you could reply, his grin turned devilish again, his voice taking on that familiar cocky edge. “Y’know,” he said, leaning in close enough that you could feel the heat of him “I reckon ye wear ma handiwork pretty well. Suits ye.”

You swatted his hand away, cheeks flaming as you tried to maintain your composure.

Hazard chuckled “Well, then” he said, gesturing toward your neck with his hand “guess I’ll just need tae work harder, won’t I? But for what it’s worth, love, I think I’m off to a pretty decent start.”

You groaned, hiding your face in your hands, as Hazard’s deep laugh echoed through the room, leaving you flustered and far too aware of the marks he’d left behind.

Ok consider this... Hazard gets sick and refuses to admit he needs to be cared for until he all but passes out from fever and then gets all flustered and sappy when his S/O starts doting on him and forcing him to lay down and rest.

Fever

Hazard x Reader

A/N: Writing this as I have a cold is great therapy ngl anon, nice ol’ blanket and some soup.

Summary: some of the phreaks have been noticing that hazard hasn’t been taking care of himself lately…even when he’s sick

Hazard was as stubborn as a mule—and twice as proud. You’d noticed something was off for days now. His usual sharp movements had grown sluggish, his voice rougher, and his face was a permanent shade of red. But every time you tried to confront him, he’d brush it off with some gruff excuse.

It wasn’t until Boomslang, ever the watchful eye, cornered you in the hallway that you realized just how bad it had gotten.

“Hey” she called, her voice calm but firm. She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “I think you need to check on Hazard.”

You blinked at her, confused. “Why? What happened?”

“He’s been sick for days” she said, her expression unreadable. “I told him to rest, but of course, he blew me off. I saw him nearly fall earlier. He’s too stubborn to admit he needs help.”

“That does sound like him” you muttered, already heading toward where you’d last seen him.

Boomslang called after you, her tone dry. “Good luck. He’s impossible.”

When you found Hazard, he was exactly where you expected—still working, hunched over a desk with sweat dripping from his temple. His movements were jerky, and his shoulders sagged under what seemed like the weight of the world.

“Hazard” you said, stepping into the room.

“I’m busy” he snapped, not even looking up.

“You’re sick” you countered, your voice firm.

“I’m fine” he barked, his thick Scottish brogue rougher than usual. His accent always deepened when he was agitated, and now it rolled off him in waves. “I’ve nae got time fer this. There’s work tae be done.”

“You can’t even stand straight” you said, moving closer. “Boomslang told me you nearly fell earlier.”

His glare could’ve melted steel. “That wee tattletale’s got nae business stickin’ her nose in! I told her I dinnae need help, an’ I dinnae need yours either.”

You didn’t argue with him. Not yet. You just stood there, arms crossed, watching him sway on his feet like a leaf in the wind. His pride was his worst enemy, and you knew the only way to break through it was to let him run himself into the ground—literally.

It didn’t take long. Not five minutes later he stumbled mid-step, his knees buckling as his body gave out. You darted forward, catching him before he hit the ground.

“Jesus, Hazard!” you snapped, lowering him onto the couch. “What did I told you?”

His eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused but still defiant. “Ach, dinnae fuss over me” he muttered weakly. “It’s just a wee fever.”

“A ‘wee fever’ doesn’t make people pass out” you shot back, pressing a cool cloth to his forehead.

He flinched at the touch, his face flushing even more. “I’m nae some bairn who needs coddlin’” he grumbled, though his voice lacked any real bite.

“Well, you’re acting like one” you said, dabbing at his sweat-soaked skin. “You should’ve come to me, Boomslang or hell even Susie the moment you started feeling like this. But no, you had to be all macho man about it.”

Hazard groaned, his arm draping over his eyes as though to block out your scolding. “Yer nae gonna let this go, are ye?”

“Not a chance” you said, your tone softening. “You scared me, Hazard. You can’t keep pushing yourself like this.”

For once, he didn’t argue. Instead, he let out a resigned sigh, his brogue softer now. “Yer too good tae me, love. I dinnae deserve it.”

“You deserve to be cared for” you said firmly, brushing a strand of damp hair from his face.

His cheeks darkened, though whether it was from the fever or embarrassment, you couldn’t tell. “Ye’ve got a way of makin’ a man feel like a right fool, ye know that?”

“Good” you replied with a smirk. “Now, shut up and rest you big baby.”

He huffed, muttering something under his breath in Gaelic, but he didn’t fight you. As the fever began to break, he mumbled a quiet, “Thank ye” before drifting off to sleep.

Boomslang was right—he was handy work. But he was your handy, and you weren’t going to let him go through this alone.

Learning to draw Cayde 💙🐔

You seem nice. I'd hate to kill you.

I will defeat you, then restore myself to the timeline.

"I'm letting go of that destructive anger. But I will continue to fight. Fight... with your wish in my heart. Your wish for everyone to have a chance to be happy."

Just confess already!!!

Hazard x Hopeless Romantic! Reader

A/N: This was going to be an oc x cannon fic but tbh I know some people feel like this for others and went WHY NOT

Summary: JUST TELL HIM ALREADY

You were nursing a cup of coffee at the dimly lit bar the Phreaks called their second home. The music was low, a rare lull in the usual chaos that followed the gang. Across the room, Hazard was playing darts, his sharp eyes focused on the target. Every so often, he’d crack a joke or smirk at something Boomslang said, his laugh echoing in the space.

You couldn’t stop staring, your heart doing that stupid fluttering thing it always did when he was near. But no matter how much you felt, you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything.

“You’re pathetic, you know that?”

The sudden voice beside you made you jump, nearly spilling your coffee. You turned to see Boomslang leaning against the bar, her ever-present smirk firmly in place.

“Excuse me?” you said, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t play dumb” she said, gesturing toward Hazard with his drink. “You’ve been making goo-goo eyes at him for months. Hell, maybe even years. When are you gonna grow a spine and tell him?”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “Not you too.”

“Oh, definitely me” she said, sliding into the stool next to you. “And you’re lucky, ‘cause I’m the nicest one in this group. If Susie were here, she’d—”

“If Susie were here, she’d what?”

You flinched as Susie appeared out of nowhere, her boots clunking against the floor as she crossed her arms and gave you a pointed look. “Don’t stop on my account, Boom. Go ahead, finish the thought.”

Boomslang grinned. “She’d give you hell, obviously. Right, Susie?”

Susie rolled her eyes and turned her attention to you. “Look, we’re not trying to be jerks. But seriously, what’s stopping you? Hazard isn’t a mind reader.”

“He doesn’t need to be” you muttered, staring into your coffee. “It’s obvious he’s not interested.”

Susie snorted. “Are you kidding me? Do you know how many times he’s asked me if you’re okay when you’re not around? Or how often he gets distracted during missions ‘cause he’s worried about you?”

Boomslang chimed in, “Not to mention the fact that he’s actually tolerable when you’re around. That’s a miracle all on its own.”

You frowned, your heart pounding. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?” Susie leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “Listen, I’ve been around enough people to know when someone’s holding back. Hazard’s got his issues, sure, but he cares about you. Probably more than he even realizes. You just have to give him a reason to admit it.”

You shook your head, your stomach twisting. “It’s not that simple.”

“Nothing worth having ever is” Boomslang said, clinking her glass against yours. “But you’re running out of time, sweetheart. Guys like Hazard don’t stick around forever.”

Susie nodded, her expression uncharacteristically soft. “I’m not saying he’s gonna disappear tomorrow, but life happens fast in our world. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance. And trust me, regret’s a bitch.”

You glanced back at Hazard. He was laughing now, leaning against the dartboard as another member of the crew tried (and failed) to beat his score. He looked so carefree in that moment, so alive.

“I don’t even know how I’d do it” you admitted quietly.

Boomslang grinned. “That’s the easy part. You walk up to him and say, ‘Hey, Hazard, I’m into you.’ Boom. Done.”

Susie smacked her arm. “Ignore her. Just… be honest. Tell him how you feel, no games, no excuses. If he feels the same, great. If he doesn’t… well, at least you’ll know, right?”

You swallowed hard, the weight of their words settling over you. They were right—you’d been holding back out of fear, but that fear wasn’t going to disappear on its own. If you didn’t take the risk, you’d never know what could have been.

“I’ll think about it” you said, your voice shaky but determined.

Boomslang raised her glass in a mock toast. “That’s all we’re asking for. Just don’t take too long, yeah?”

Susie smirked. “And if you chicken out, don’t worry—we’ll happily push you in his direction.”

You groaned, but a small smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks… I think.”

As they walked away, you took a deep breath, your eyes drifting back to Hazard. The fear was still there, but so was something else—hope.

Maybe, just maybe, it was time to take the leap.

The noise from the bar faded as you stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around you like a welcome reprieve. You sighed, leaning on the railing, the weight of your thoughts pressing down on you. This was the only quiet spot, far from the crowd—perfect for what you were about to do.

You pulled your jacket tighter around you, gathering the courage once more. You couldn’t keep pushing it aside—tonight had to be the night. You were tired of hiding your feelings, of pretending you didn’t care. Hazard deserved to know, no matter what came next.

Just as you were about to speak, the door creaked open behind you. You turned to see Hazard stepping out onto the balcony, his eyes scanning the space for a moment before settling on you.

“What’re you doin’ out here?” he asked, his tone casual but curious.

You shrugged, playing with the hem of your sleeve. “Needed some air. A lot things have been… on my mind.”

Hazard’s brow furrowed slightly as he approached, his usual cool expression softening. “Ye a’right?”

You hesitated for a second, then let out a nervous laugh. “No, actually. I’ve been kinda a mess.”

Hazard stepped closer, now standing beside you, his presence quiet but steady. “A mess? What’s got you in such a state?”

You sighed, turning to face him fully. “Look, I didn’t come out here to waste time. I needed to say something.”

Hazard’s sharp gaze sharpened. “Aye? What’s on your mind, then?”

You took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage you had left. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while. And I can’t keep pretending anymore… I like you, Hazard. I like you more than I should.”

His lips twitched into a subtle smirk, and you could tell he wasn’t surprised—but it still made your nerves tangle. “Oh?” he murmured, his voice soft but with that familiar teasing edge.

“Yes” you continued, feeling more confident now that the words were out. “And… I don’t want to pretend it doesn’t mean anything anymore. I care about you.”

Hazard’s smirk grew, but it wasn’t mocking—more like… intrigued. “You’ve been carryin’ this for a while, haven’t you?”

You nodded, unable to hide the blush rising in your cheeks. “Yes. And I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I—”

Before you could say more, Hazard took a step forward, closing the small distance between you. His expression softened, his gaze steady. “You should’ve told me sooner, then.”

Your breath hitched. “I was scared. What if I messed things up?”

Hazard chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re braver than most I’ve met, Ach, I've seen ye punch guys twice yer size Luv. But you don’t need to worry ‘bout that.”

You frowned slightly, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before locking eyes with you again. “I’ve known for a while now… I’ve been feelin’ the same.”

Your heart skipped, the weight of his words settling in. “What?”

Hazard gave you a small, amused smirk. “Aye, I’ve been feelin’ the same way about you.”

For a moment, you were speechless. Your mind couldn’t process it.

“You’ve felt this too?” you whispered, disbelief washing over you.

“Aye” Hazard replied, his expression serious now, but with that familiar quiet confidence. “Just didn’t want to ruin what we had.”

You blinked, your mind reeling. You couldn’t believe it—he’d felt the same for so long, and yet, he’d never said a word. And now, here you were, finally hearing it from him.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” you exclaimed, throwing your hands up in disbelief. “Do you have any idea the amount of nights I’ve stayed up thinking about you!? I mean I must look like a damn dog waiting for y—”

But before you could finish, Hazard stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. He leaned in, cutting you off mid-rant with a soft, sure kiss on the lips—firm but tender, grounding and real.

Your eyes widened in surprise, but your breath caught in your throat, melting into the kiss. It was unlike anything you’d imagined—something more, something you hadn’t realized you needed.

He pulled back just slightly, his Scottish accent thick and warm as he murmured, “Now, does that feel like ruinin’ anything to you?”

You blinked, your heart fluttering wildly. No—this felt right. More than right. And you couldn’t help but smile, your hands gripping the edge of his shirt slightly.

“No… it doesn’t” you whispered, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest.

Hazard smirked again, leaning in just enough so his breath brushed against your ear. “Good. ‘Cause you’ve got me now, and I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

You felt a rush of relief—of certainty—that this wasn’t just a fleeting moment. This was real.

And finally, you let yourself believe it.