Blackwatch Fluff HCs

gently hands you Cayde x Fem!YW for star gazing

here you go, anon, thank you for the request :) hope you like it and hope i captured cayde as well as you like him! :)

i'm going to motivate myself to write some 500 or so word ficlets, using this lovely prompt list. this collection will featuring various destiny ships and friendships :) if you want to see a particular ship for a particular prompt, feel free to send me an ask! It all happens in November - NaNoWriMo Mini Edition 2022 AO3 p.s. skipped prompts 3 and 5 for the time being, but they are in the works :)

6. Stargazing

You never quite forget the beauty of stars as you travel through space on a daily basis. They shine and glow a myriad of colours, and they are dead and reborn every time you as much as blink. But it is possible to forget to take a minute or two to pause and to watch as a whole realm of them expands across the night sky, comets crossing the dark expanse and stars lining up in constellations.

Two figures are seated on a mossy overlook, a grand view open in front of them, the Milky Way in all its glory. Each takes in the view and breathes in the cold nightly air. Every now and then one raises their arm, a dark shadow against the sky, pointing out something unreachable.

“Thousands of years, and we see the same stars they used to watch in the good ole days. I don’t know if it’s daunting or impressive. Kinda both.”

The Guardian looks at Cayde whose blue eyes glow slightly in the dark of the night as he speaks. 

“I guess this is how it all started out?” she says thoughtfully, pulling up her legs against her chest.

“Huh?”

“When people started watching the stars and eventually it led us to other planets, and then - the Traveler.”

“Wait, wait, wait, I have a better idea. They find the Traveler, then the Darkness also watches the stars and finds us, then Eliksni, Cabal, am I forgetting anyone?”

The Guardian scoffs, laughing.

“How is this a better idea?”

“I’m not done yet! So, there is also the Hive, all of them watching the stars. But it doesn’t matter, because in the end–”

Cayde pauses, looking at her with a sudden turn of his head, thoughts swirling in his gaze before he turns to look back to the sky.

“In the end?”

“In the end, it doesn’t matter, because you and I beat them. And there is no one that can really stop us. Well, maybe an extra spicy ramen, but that would be only a delay.”

The Guardian looks at Cayde, smiling still. She bites on her lip and bumps against his side lightly.

“Is that all you really meant to say?”

His fingers fidget slightly, and she keeps on smiling, pleased with the way she can coax him into becoming… mushy. Which is surprisingly easy, knowing the right words.

“No, but if I say it, I’m going to blush, and we can’t have that.”

She leans her head against his shoulder, watching the stars.

“There, I’m not looking now. You can say it.”

She feels his cool hand slip into hers, and his exo-fingers wrap around hers almost softly.

“In the end, it doesn’t matter, because the stars lead to me meeting you.”

The Guardian closes her eyes. She takes a moment to savour those words, to remember their echo in her head.

“Can I look now?”

“Absolutely not,” he responds quietly as she presses closer against his side, their hands never apart.

The Thirteen Prime Zodiac

In my Embers-verse Cybertron has a pretty long history, which I’m still fleshing out, a part of that is a zodiac based on the Thirteen Primes!

By the time that the Cybertronian Autobot-Decepticon War, a.k.a. The Great War, occurs the Thirteen Primes & anything associated with them are largely considered to be myth & legend.

The Thirteen Zodiac is considered to be archaic & is largely disregarded, though there are certain groups who still pay it mind. Amongst these interested groups are scholars, the religious, mystic enthusiasts, & fans of the legends of The Thirteen.

It was once believed that a newspark’s personality and fate could be predicted through the star sign they had been born under. The star signs are as follows:

Prima - The Judge

Vector Prime - The Tempest

Alpha Prime - The Scribe

Solus Prime - The Forgemaster

Micronus Prime - The Loyal

Alchemist Prime - The Wizard

Nexus Prime - The Guardian

Onyx Prime - The Masked

Amalgamous Prime - The Trickster

Quintus Prime - The Traveler

Liege Maximo - The Deceiver

 Megatronus - The Fallen

Thirteen - The Forgotten

Below is a brief description of a few traits associated with each sign. More in depth writing concerning the traits and fates associated with each sign will come soon! As well as information concerning which signs belong to notable Cybertronians!

Continua a leggere

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee father/son appreciation post

Just some wholesome gifs of O.P and Bumbles being the best father/son duo ever:

Genji x gender neutral reader

Part 3 of journey to forget

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

Challenge (day 6: recovery)

Requested: No

Word Count: 706

Meditating helped a lot in the journey, it helped them calm down a lot and think things through correctly, without regret or praise, just acceptance.

There were a lot of things they’d learned to accept already, but it’d nearly been a year since they came to the monastery.

There were still a lot of things they thought about with regret, things that would take a lot of time to accept but that was a normal thing, a thing that with steady process could be accepted.

Continua a leggere

Phantom Pain

Genji Shimada x Reader

Most of Genji's time at Overwatch has mostly been the same. He always would go to Dr. Ziegler, when something would happen with his many prosthetics. Missing an arm and 2 legs was something he never really could accept. His reflection always put him off even after coming to terms and accepting his new life. Genji still was able to do what he was able to before, I infact better with his range of motion heightened in his legs, making jumping easier and his jumps holding more power than they did before. But there would be days he felt the loss of his limbs, stings of pain would shoot through his missing extremities. Aches would plauge his day. Sometimes, it would just be a feeling for a moment, and others it would last for hours with seemingly no end to the pain. Those days were always his worst.

Angela always helped him, always giving him explanations on why it's happening and she would treat him the way she could. Genji always knew it was something to expect. In fact, when he first woke up with his limbs replaced, he was told the news and what to expect. But with how much mirror therapy and medications sometimes they never worked, Genji hated the fact they never truly worked.

He knew stress could impact the severity of how painful it could be. Meditation was something that grew to be just as important as training for him. Genji thought he was at peace with himself, with his life, but deep down, he was still lonely. He went from a man with a family, maybe not a good one, but Hanzo was there when he was younger and had the time. And Genji would always have a girlfriend, someone to talk his mind to and someone to be there for him. At Overwatch, that wasn't there.

Sure, at Overwatch, he had friends. Angela was friendly, and so was everybody else. But he never had someone close to someone who made that spark in his heart and someone to hold close.

Those days where he would lay there in pain, each stump of his throbbing made it hurt to walk or let alone stand in place. His whole body ached, the metal feeling like in was still his flesh, and every single cell was in pain. He just wished someone was there for him. He wished he wasn't so alone. Meditation felt impossible, and he just needed to be grounded. But nobody could willingly hold someone more metal than skin. He was accepting of himself, but that didn't hold true to everyone.

Genji kept everyone's at arms length. The only individual he spoke his mind to was Zenyatta, and even then, it wasn't about his love life. Any desire he pushed down, he focused on the blade rather than his heart. That was until he saw someone who caught his eye.

Usually, he would be cordial with anyone he saw as attractive, but he couldn't shake it away when talking to you. The way you smiled at him, the way you played with the hem of your shirt when talking to him, the way your face flushed when he said your name. You blushed when he spoke, and he couldn't help but smile when you did. Weeks passed and you two continued to get closer and closer, he didn't open up much but you could tell he was comfortable around you. He loved how much you had in common, a similar sense in humor and a bond over shared interests.

Genji had caught feelings, and as a leap of faith, he asked you to go on a date. Of course, you said yes. It was Genji, after all. He brought you to a secluded spot out of the city, a place with a perfect view of the night sky. You saw his face for the first time, and after that, you two were inseparable. Eventually, he would start staying the night at your place, always helping with any chores or watching a show together. Nights every once a while turned to once a week, and then all of a sudden, your boyfriend was living with you.

Genji was a joy to live with. He did his part of chores, and rent was always paid in time. But some days, he would be slightly off. He always would brush you off, either saying its pain from training or a rough nights sleep. Eventually, he would say it was medical things to do with his injuries, but it was nothing to worry about. He was used to it. He told you of his past, his near death, and the remnants of his body after his fight. He told you about phantom pain, but brushing it off by saying he has medication for it and you never really questioned him. Genji was an honest man and partner. He never had a reason to be dishonest.

But one day, you both were home. It was one of those days he seemed off. Genji looked horrible. His face was pale, and he was distant. He was just laying on your shared bed.

"Genji, what's wrong? You can tell me."

Genji's eyes shifting slightly to look up to you, he gulped for speaking.

"It's nothing.. just health things."

He told you about his flare-ups of pains, the feeling that his body was still one piece, and it would feel weird or hurt. But you never saw him like this before. You sighed before sitting the bed beside him, running fingers through his hair.

"I can help you, just say the word, and I'll do it."

You felt Genji melt into your touch, a soft hum coming from him.

"Just hold me.. please."

You shifted so you were lying down beside him, his back facing you. Wrapping an arm around his stomach, you nuzzled into the back of his neck, his black hair tickling your face. You felt Genji's body relaxed a bit. You ran your hand up and down his stomach, which seemed to relax him more. He let out another content hum, his human hand reaching to pat your arm.

"Thank you, this.. this helps. It helps me alot more then anything else I've tried for this."

Genji never really went too far into what it was like. You only knew what the internet had to say of what it was like to feel phantom pain. But anything to help your boyfriend was something you were willing to do. Hearing his fast-paced breaths turn to slower and more relaxed ones was enough to make you want to stay there for him. And the soft snores that came from him after only a couple minutes was enough to make you want to stay there forever.

Harmony

SPOILER WARNING

FOR THE FINAL SHAPE ENDING

This will be my Guardian x Cayde

i was sobbing while i was writing this, enjoy!

They did it, they won!

The witness no more! Star was releaved as she held her gun with one hand, and her left one held out as her Ghost floated up.

Her Ghost is cracked up, and the noises he made, made her worry as she watched him suddenly lost its shell and all of a sudden she stumbled back, gasping for air.

She.. lost her light- but then she noticed her ghost fell to the ground as she yelped- "No!" she fell to her knees and held her ghost-

Nonono.. they cant be gone no..

When all of a sudden an enemy growled out from afar and shot her-

Making her gasp and fall to her side in pain.

The Ex hunter Vanguard rushed in and shot the falled enemy in the face and worriedly look over to his favorite Hunter-

He rushed over to the girl and quickly knelt next to her, his concern for her well being evident on his metalic face. "Are you okay?" he asked urgently, his gaze taking in her state. He could tell she was gravely injured, her body already weakened by the shot.

She yelped in pain as she held onto her lightless, unresponsive ghost as she is bleeding out.

she cant be healed. not witouth her ghost.

His metalic heart ached at the sight of her suffering, the fear and helplessness in her voice tugging at his heartstrings. He knew there was no way to heal her, all of this felt like a sick joke, like they just swapped places in the Prison of Elders.

"Easy, easy," he said softly, his voice gruff but filled with a gentle concern as he rested a hand on her shoulder. "Just... try to stay with me, okay?"

he carefully helped taking her helmet off to help her breath, maybe a little bit more easier.

she sobbed as she held onto his arm, her blood staining his armor as she held her ghost out.

"My Ghost- he- please-" she coughed , the bullet hit her chest, the irony of the situation is unbearable..

Cayde's mechanical heart sank as he watched her struggling to hold onto both life and her fallen ghost, her body weakening with every passing moment. He held onto her, his grip tight and steady as he tried to provide what little comfort he could.

all of a sudden they.. are in a white void of the Traveler.. just like when he first saw sundance, listening to the light.

The strange transition to the white void of the Traveler startled him, his eyes darting around. The Traveler's glowing, endless light filled the space, and for a moment, Cayde felt... a presence.

Sundance.

What she said.. 'whats come from the lught, returns to the light' it makes more sense..

Cayde's eyes saddened as the words of Sundance echoed in his mind, the realization hitting him like a Arc punch in the gut. The Traveler's presence seemed to intensify, as if acknowledging his thoughts.

Maybe.. he can save Star.. oh but she'll hate the idea.. of course she will. She just got the hope that he's back.. but she'll be ok.

He looked down at Star, her grip on him still firm as she fought to stay alive. He knew what he needed to do.

He's made out of light.. his light can save her Ghost.

And her ghost can save her.

The sound of her coughing up blood made him hold her close as she sobbed 'i dont want to leave you.'

Her words cut through him like a knife, her desperation and fear palpable in her weak, trembling voice. He couldn't bear the thought of letting her end like this, not now, not ever.

"I know, I know," he whispered soothingly, his grip on her tightening as he tried to keep her grounded, to give her something to hold onto. "I won't let you die."

He made up his mind then and there. He would save her, no matter the cost.

With a boost of determination he wrapped an arm around her to keep her close to him, and his other hold onto her Ghost with her, their fingers almost lock together.

As he held her against him, her body trembling with every labored breath, he couldn't help but think of the words he'd wanted to say to her all this time.

A pang of regret stabbed at his heart as he knew time was running out. He needed to say it, needed to make sure she knew.

"Star," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "There's something I never told you... something I've always wanted to say..."

A pained gasps left her as she looks up at him with pained gaze of wonder, but also with tears in her eyes. "C-Cayde-"

He met her gaze, his expression filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. Her breathless gasp and tear-filled eyes tugged at his nonexistant heartstrings, but he knew he had to say what needed to be said.

"I... I care about you, Star," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "More than just a fellow Guardian. You... you've become so much more to me...but you already knew that didn't you?" his face plated shifted with a saddened smile.

Her eyes widened as she gripped on him, almost tearing into his armor. "N-no-" she coughed trying to breath-

"Wait n-no stop- i just got you back-" the sudden realization made her struggle and try to get out of his arms but it just ended up with her in too much pain as she couldnt move- "please d-dont-" not like begging him would make him stop.. knowing what he's planning to do and she dont want him to, but she dont have a choice when she's the one dying in his arms now.

He held her tightly, her attempts to struggle against him makes him feel guilty. but he have to remind himself that he would do this for her in a heartbeat.

He could see the guilt in her eyes, her desperation and panic clear on her face.

"Please, listen to me," he pleaded, his voice urgent and filled with anguish. "I won't let you die, not like this. This is my choice. My light."

His voice determined brave, as the grip on her hand with her Ghost in it tightened, aswell as his hand on her arm to hold her, his mwtal face rest on her forehead.

He knew what it would cost.

"Cayde-" she crocked gasping as she tried to grasps some air as it gets more and more hard to do so.

oh.. how caring she is.. its one of the reasons why she is his favorite..

He gently cupped her face in his robotic hand, letting go of her Ghost carefully, his thumb stroking her cheek gently as he tried to steady her breathing. The sight of her struggling to breathe, the pain etched on her face, tore at his very soul.

"My precious Diamond," he whispered, his voice softened with emotion. "If there's even a tiny chance to save you... you know damn well I will do it."

Leaning his head closer he rested against her forehead, careful with his horn. "Let me do this for you."

Devotion, bravery, sacrifice...

Its almost annoying to know the Guardian tenets all remind her of him.

Devoted, to stay by her side no matter the cost.

Brave, for he is willing to jump into dangerous situations. Literally.

Sacrafice.. thsts always his thing. Willing to take the bullet or blame for you no matter what. Either from an enemy or from an angry Zavala.

that's him-

Now his Death once more.

She will mourn him again.. but maybe she'll embrace the fact he will live with her in the light. he's never truly gone when he lives inside her heart, and everything else he left behind.

"Noo.." she cracked as tears run down her cheeks like waterfalls. Its unfair, she already have a hard time breathing, now she need to try breath trough her sobs.

Her tears broke his heart, each one feeling like a dagger to his soul. But he couldn't back down, not when her life was at stake. His sacrifice was the only way to save her, and he was ready to make it.

"Hey..." he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow. "You know i'm never truly gone..And when you miss me," he held his broke Ace to his original Ace he left behind for her. "Just remmember, you bound to me now." he cracked a half joke with a breathy chuckle, resting his face to hers. "Wife of mine."

She leaned into him, hardly able to fight against him as she clinged onto him with one hand, and her other held her ghost.

one of his hand holding her body safely against his chest, the other returning to holding her ghost within her hand.

She felt more weaker in his arms and his grip tightened on her to keep her there.. alive..

With one glance up He saw a transparent version of his Sundance nodding at him..

Then he looked at Star and close his eyes once more, then open them as he felt himself flicker away slowly.. his light.. embraces her ghost with a blinding light..

"I love you... always will.." her silent confession was in her slow breath as she slowly loosing her vision from blood loss.

As his body shimmered and flickered, the light from within him slowly transferring to her ghost, he felt an aching in his chest. He held her gently, his hand brushing strands of hair away from her face.

Her whispered confession echoed in his ears, a bittersweet pride in his heart. He smiled weakly at her words, his voice barely audible under the weight of his sacrifice.

"I know," he murmured, his voice determined with a mix of sorrow and acceptance. "I do too.."

as she gazed up with a breath caught in her lungs painfully, she noticed how the traveler light thats surrounds them is covering Cayde up, like the light giving him wings, almost resembling an angel..

wich made her eyes sparkle.

Her grip on her ghost and the remaining part of Cayde tightened as she forced herself to burry her face in his neck one last time..

She wished this was just a sick nightmare and she will wake up in her bed with his Ace of Spades gun, and just ended up crying herself to sleep once more reading his journal..

but she knows she isnt dreaming.. she knows this is real.. and she hated it but she knews that he had to do this.. he wouldnt have stayed anyway.. she know he never wanted to hurt anyone by being back.

but the moment they shared she'll treasure it forever..

watching him flicker into pices and loosing his form she used her last strenght and kiss his cheek before she lost her sight.

As her lips pressed against his cheek, a wave of tenderness washed over him. It was a simple gesture, but in that moment, it held a world of meaning. He could feel the love and caring behind her touch, and in return, his own affection for her flared within him once more.

"My favorite little Light."

He held her tighter, his arms encircling her body as he felt his form start to fade away completely. The light enveloped him, lifting him away into the Traveler's embrace.

The white voide no more. they are back at the battle field they killed the Witness.

Suddenly her Ghost comes back to life gasping, look around and find his guardian on the ground unmoving.

"Guardian!" it exclaimed, floating to her side. "Hold on, please!"

It hovered over her motionless body, its tiny form thrumming with light energy as it tried to heal her wounds, doing what he always done, bribg his Guardian back.

she suddenly gasped as she clung to her chest, he resurected her.

she was breathing a little heavily as she looked around and see her Ghost floating above her..

"You okay.." she sadly smiled reaching up and hold onto her small companion.

Her ghost gently nuzzled against her hand, its small frame shivering slightly.

"There you are," it replied with a bit of relief in its voice. "what.. happened to you?"

He few closer to her to look at her face with a hit of worry.

she sat up and realized she had something on her chest... Its..

Cayde's harmonica.

oh..

Her fingers traced the outline of the harmonica, her touch gentle yet mournful. The sight of the Diamond and Ace mark on it was like a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifice he had made.

Her tears fell onto the harmonica, their trails glistening on the surface like tiny, sorrowful diamonds.

Her ghost hovered closer, resting against her shoulder as she clutched the harmonica tightly. He could feel her pain and grief, mirroring his own sadness at the loss of her former Hunter Vanguard.

Without a word, the ghost pressed its tiny frame against her cheek in a gesture of comfort.

She looked down at the harmonica in her hand, tears still welling up in her eyes as she mourned his loss. But as she held the instrument tightly, a sense of determination stirred within her.

She may have lost him, but she still had a part of him. She would carry on.

For him.

Bayverse Prime NSFW headcanons

Lord help me. I've fallen helpless to this big metal daddy

In these scenarios, reader is cybertronian.

1 - We all know Bayverse Prime is considered the most violent reincarnation of Optimus Prime--which is true at times. However, when it comes to you....he is the sweetest most gentle mech there ever was. You should expect Optimus to be as gentle as he can be with you during sex. Unless you ask him to be a little rough.

2 - Every touch, every squeeze, every thrust-- he has to hold back his immense power as to not harm your smaller frame. Sometimes it's exhausting for him, so naturally he loves when you take over and ride him. He'll watch you with those beautiful ocean blue optics as you press down on his chest and move your hips in the most painstakingly pleasurable and sinful way. His large hands grasping your hips as you do so.

3 - Prime is always so busy and stressed that really the only thing that he can use for stress relief is you. Naturally with being the leader of the free galaxy comes many frustrations. He absolutely adores when he can come home at night and make love to you. He'll do it in many ways. He likes to switch it up. For example, sometimes he'll lay you down on your back and watch you squirm for his shaft, or he'll bend you over and watch your hands try and find something to grasp as he slams into you from behind. Hell, he will even sometimes take you roughly against the wall.

4 - He almost always has to hush you with his hands though. The pleasure he gives you is other wordly--but your relationship needs to stay a secret for the good of both of you. You understand this. He's a Prime for gods sake. He can't have his men knowing he's fragging the only femme bot on their team. Just doesn't look good on his armor.

5 - Optimus isn't just fragging you though. He loves you. He is eternally grateful that you have returned his feelings and is honored you would let him pleasure you like he does.

6 - His favorite position is probably missionary. Prime is old fashioned. He likes something to get the job done, but he also loves watching your facial expressions as he plows into you. It gets his engines revving.

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.

Sonic, Knuckles and Shadow as humans!