No Cross content this week? Fine, I'll supply it myself.

This chapter. This CHAPTER. Been looking forward to this one for quite a while. At least the bottom bit. It's... well I'll let yall read it. It is a bit choppy, but I eventually will go back over it and revamp for the PDF version, plus I want to get moving with this fic since its about to get GOOD, so pardon the chop.

Onto the show!

Also where my fellow "former gifted children" fam?
Content warnings: Language, former gifted child burnout, feelings of inadequacy, self deprecation.

Arguing woke me up.

Again.

I felt like I had been here before.

Two days ago.

Except I didn't reckon it was over a broken plate this time.

Shifting in the large pair of arms that I instantly knew were Wrecker's, I blinked open my eyes and squinted at the scene before me.

Crosshair off to the side, helmet under his arm and a toothpick between his teeth, as Hunter and Tech faced off in front of him. Hunter's helmet also rested under his arm as the sergeant gestured frantically at the trail before him.

Not quite ready to tune in, I glanced up.

Wrecker was wearing his helmet like a hat again; I loved it when he did that. But I blinked in surprise at the moss laden branches of immense old growth spruce overhead.

This must be a short section of temperate rainforest. While magic leak environments were mainly caused by, well, magic, there were often logical effects too. Such as moisture from humid environments rising, condensing, and causing a great deal of rain over a certain area.

Such as this.

"Why did the trail fizzle?!"

Unhappy my speech understanding was back online, I focused back on the sergeant and engineer.

Tech, tapping away on his datapad, glared at Hunter. "How am I to understand how an ability given only to you works?"

"But it was right here! Shadow described to you what the clairvoyance looked like!"

Eh? How did Hunter get my ability after I passed out?

Hunter, visibly stressed, continued to gesture at the misty trail ahead. "Why would it have just vanished?"

Crosshair glanced back at me only to do a double take when he noticed I was awake. "Because we have our original guide back."

All heads jerked towards me. "Shadow!"

Quickly catching Wrecker's helmet as the man accidentally launched it forward off his head, I smiled weakly at the men as I repressed a yawn. "Mornin', boys." My ears then twitched back at Hunter's expression. "Oh no, not the glare of disappointment."

He groaned. "First, are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah."

"Good, 'cause I was just wondering what the fuck were you thinking?!" he yelled.

Oop, there it is. "I was not," I replied honestly.

"Clearly," Crosshair remarked, resting a hand on his hip.

Sassy sniper.

"Just... knew y'all were in trouble," I replied tiredly, adjusting myself in Wrecker's arms as I cradled his helmet in mine. "Did what I had to do to protect you."

"We're used to dangerous missions," Hunter shot back.

"Yeah?" I asked, exhaustion mingling with defensiveness to make me short tempered. "Your mission may be to get to the Vault, but mine is now to protect you four. And, buddy, ain't that a task and a half."

"Do you even know how worried I was? How worried we all were?" Hunter gestured at the other three. "We don't know anything about your species, Shadow. We didn't know if you were just unconscious or in a coma!"

"The god said she was just unconscious," Tech chirped.

Say what?! "Hold it, Max came back?"

"Yes, and he-"

"That doesn't matter!" Hunter snapped. "Shadow, you can't keep throwing yourself recklessly into danger like this!"

Crosshair stepped between us. "Enough."

Both Hunter and I stared at the sniper with unconcealed shock. Even Tech looked startled, eyes wide beneath his helmet.

"She passed out. Think that's enough punishment without you yellin' at her."

Twiggs was defending me?

What would even make him…

The pistol incident.

This exact situation had happened before, except Crosshair had been the one mad at me for getting hurt due to trying to protect them.

Crosshair…

He learned! He saw he made a mistake, acknowledged it, learned from it, and now wanted to stop it happening again.

The thought alone warmed me and I would have smiled were it not for the situation.

I met Hunter's eyes over Crosshair's shoulder, ears twitching.

He held my gaze for a few moments before he sighed and deflated. "I just want her safe."

Crosshair didn't hesitate. "And we don't?"

Guess my back wasn't the only thing that got stitched. Seemed like my relationship with Crosshair was fixed now too.

"Uhhh…" Wrecker cleared his throat. "Can we continue? Gettin' hungry."

Hunter's eyes traveled from Crosshair to me to Wrecker and then back to Crosshair again. "Fine. Shadow, can you see the blue tracker?"

I looked past him. "No, but I know this trail." Wasn't sure how, I just knew I did.

"That god healed your broken leg," Tech informed me. "He also gave Crosshair a blue diamond crystal for you to later use for recharging after a dragon transformation."

My eyes went wide. "Max gave you a blue diamond? That's one of the highest powered recharges there is!"

Damn, Maxy, what in the name of Aetheria do you have up your metaphorical sleeves this time?

"So you can shift into an Icespitter again?" Tech asked.

"Not just an Icespitter…" I replied. "A regular diamond would cover that just fine."

"Not just?" Hunter demanded.

I nodded. "Yeah. There's something else I can do." I looked at Wrecker. "Hey, let me down, big guy?"

"Would never let ya down, Squee," he chuckled, but slowly lowered me to the ground so I could stand again.

Legs stiff as all hell, I almost collapsed and probably would have if Wrecker didn't catch me. Leaning back against him, I sighed, "Thanks, mate."

"Will always catch ya."

"Ice, what is that other thing you can do?" Hunter asked.

Oh, just fuse with another person via a Mera Ki aka "Duel Soul" that has power levels off the fucking charts.

A blue diamond could cover a fusion with Trevor, as well as the aftermath split. That had to be what Max had in mind.

There was a big battle on the schedule, so the shift could be handy then.

But…

To get yelled at again for risking myself for the boys' sake?

I shook my head. "It's not important right now."

"Perhaps, but I would still be interested to know what a power source that large could enable you to do," Tech spoke up, hovering close as I took a few tentative steps forwards.

Tail tip twitching, I carefully replied, "If it becomes important, I'll share." I looked ahead up the misty trail. "C'mon. Wanna get to the trail shelter for the night, gettin' tired of all the fun."

Hunter jogged to my side. "It will put you in danger, won't it?"

"Like I said, if it becomes important, then I'll talk about it," I grumbled, fur bristling.

He caught my arm. "I'm just worried about you."

"Don't be," I said.

"You don't make it easy," he replied, but a weak smile accompanied his words.

I laughed dryly. "Feelin's mutual, Sarge."

His smile grew slightly and his hand shifted to my shoulder. "I'm glad you're back, Ice."

"You and me both, Sarge. Now, let's get ourselves to that trail shelter.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

She wasn't dead.

She wasn't in a coma.

She was fine.

Shadow was ok.

No lingering damage.

She was going to be ok.

He couldn't begin to articulate how relieved he was.

The sheer amount of panic and even terror that had ripped through him when he saw Shadow fall should concern him, he knew, but at this point he fully accepted he cared for the woman.

At least enough to worry about her wellbeing.

Worry for someone outside the squad was an unfamiliar emotion, but he was slowly coming to terms with it. Welcoming it, even.

If he was to get a soft spot for anyone in the galaxy, Shadow was the one person he didn't mind.

Because he knew she cared about him too.

The effort of opening up to another person, and subsequent risk that came with it, wasn't misplaced with Shadow.

Wasn't foolish.

Wasn't dangerous.

Not anymore.

And so Crosshair accepted the relief flowing through his veins as he watched Shadow lead the way up the mountain side.

As well as the concern that sparked when he noticed the twitching tail tip and set of her shoulders.

He remembered all too well what happened when he erupted on her for just doing what she felt was right.

Remembered how long it took for him to mend that fracture.

Remembered how badly it affected her.

How badly it hurt her.

So he stepped in. Tried to stop Hunter before the distraught and high strung sergeant did something stupid and caused Shadow to shut down again.

The sniper just hoped he wasn't too late.

Despite his cynicism, Crosshair found the surrounding landscape eerily beautiful. He couldn't see more than twenty meters down the trail due to mist or more than ten meters into the dense woods on either side, but between Shadow's and Hunter's senses, he felt relatively safe.

Safe enough to, maybe, possibly… think of another way to get Shadow alone.

What about weapon cleaning?

They'd need to clean their rifles anyways.

While the others did whatever, he could talk to her about rifles. They were both snipers, so it was common ground.

Maybe she'd open up again.

He loved it when she did that.

He did not have a crush on her, he just…

Whenever she opened up, he could too. Could show vulnerability around her. Could relax around her.

Could be human around her.

Yes, he would ask if she minded him being around when she cleaned her gun.

He just prayed to the stars above that his words wouldn't come out wrong as they usually did.

Eventually, the small two story shelter appeared through the mist, one wall open. A dirt floor lower level lay beneath a wooden loft just big enough for the five of them while a fire pit in front had long since burned out.

Nothing compared to the last place, but they'd seen worse.

"Here we are, boys," Shadow said, gesturing at the structure. "Ain't anything royal, but it does its job."

Hunter nodded. "Wrecker and I can gather some wood for a fire. We can cook the remainin' meat in your pack, Ice."

Shadow nodded. "Cool."

As Hunter and Wrecker moved off to find the wood, Crosshair took a deep breath and started towards Shadow.

Only to realize she was heading around the back of the shelter.

He picked up a light jog to catch up. "Where are you goin'?"

Her ears flicked back at his voice. "Just… gonna look around."

Look around? She should be cleaning her rifle while they had time. She may have only used it once, but even one missed cleaning could cause issues. "Need to clean your gun to keep it in working order."

"I'll clean it later tonight."

Crosshair narrowed his eyes. He knew that subdued tone, uncertain expression, and hunched posture better than anyone

Insecurity.

Specifically around him.

He'd usually delight in causing that emotion in anyone else. Delight in causing someone discomfort and uncertainty. Delight in knowing he got under someone's skin.

But with Shadow... to see her usually bold spirit so crushed from just the thought of him watching...

It hurt.

But they needed to make sure their guide was fully prepared. If there were droids after them, an unclean gun could malfunction and cost them precious seconds when they didn't have them to spare. Couldn't be too careful.

"Need to clean it now."

"I'll handle it," Shadow growled, but her words held no fire.

Crosshair grabbed her arm as she tried to pass. "Can't have you stallin' when it counts."

He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.

"What? Judgin' me like you always do?" she snapped, ripping her arm free and trying to escape past him.

This wasn't normal Shadow. Not the Shadow who showed him patience and kindness, the Shadow who tried reaching him under all his briars.

This was defensive Shadow.

This time… she was the one hiding behind a barricade of thorns.

He needed to reach her.

Show her that, for once, he meant no harm.

I want to help.

But the words wouldn't come out. They never did. Never could. Words of affirmation, of comfort, always caught in his throat. Always halted before they reached their target.

Staring at Shadow's back, he knew he had to aim true.

Pull the trigger.

Make the shot.

Hit the mark.

But he couldn't.

All he could do was watch as she moved off into mist, wishing he'd said something.

Wishing he'd not stayed silent.

Wishing that wasn't the only thing he was good at.

But what did he know about comfort? Tenderness?

Oh did he know aggression and hate and harsh words.

But words of compassion?

Of affirmation?

Encouragement?

How could he fight a battle when he didn't have the tools to do so?

"I'm not asking for perfection." Her words echoed back to him once more. "I'm asking you to try."

Try…

Crosshair took a deep breath, closing his eyes and shoving away the doubts and uncertainties, before exhaling slowly.

Yes, he would try.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Why the hell did my brain think shutting down was an adequate response to anxiety? I needed more energy and fire, not less!

Throw the whole brain away.

Footsteps.

Behind me.

I'd really hoped I'd wandered off far enough to not be found so quickly, but alas.

It was Clone Force 99.

100% success rate.

Never could hide from them for long.

At least I was an ally.

I couldn't imagine the terror of being hunted by these men in a life or death situation.

Especially against Crosshair…

Somewhere, buried beneath that damn anxiety, I had a feeling he hadn't been malicious when he mentioned my gun. And it wasn't that he didn't have a point. A clean gun was imperative. But…

The brain is a damn finicky organ.

"Shadow?"

My ears flicked up. That wasn't Cross.

Tech sat beside me on the fallen log I'd found overlooking a gully. The engineer shifted closer so his knee brushed mine before resting an arm around my shoulders. Once I realized that sitting down he was taller than me thanks to a longer torso, my sour mood only worsened.

"What, Tech?" I grumbled.

"You are not feeling well."

"Thanks, MOTO."

"I may be master of the obvious, but your distress is still a concern."

I sighed. "Right, you're the acronym ace."

"Acronyms are key in short term explanation and save valuable time-"

"Didn't come to talk about linguistics, did you?" I growled, words coming out harsher than intended. I winced. "Sorry, man. I know you're just tryin' to help, Techie."

"It's alright. People often get more hostile when they're defensive."

"I'm not…" I sighed. "Guess I kinda am."

"I overheard your conversation with Crosshair."

"Hardly a conversation."

"Nevertheless. Why didn't you want any of us to watch you clean your gun?" Tech asked, the arm around my shoulders pulling me closer to him.

"Because..." I looked away. "I'm a great shot. I know that. Sounds a bit arrogant, but I am. First time I ever held a gun, I hit my target. Then, first time shootin' a moving clay target, I hit it. First time they launched a double, I hit it. When I shot a full-auto machine gun for the first time at fifteen, the staffer at the armory praised me for having good control. I feel safest with a gun in my hands because my hand to hand skills can only do so much."

I knew I was rambling, but the engineer didn't seem to mind.

"You do have great aim," Tech said, arm slipping off my shoulders as he took my right hand and lightly massaged the pressure point between my thumb and index finger.

"So, like, I know I'm good with guns when it comes to shootin'. I can fire just about anything you put in my hands."

"But when it comes to the guns themselves?" Tech coaxed gently.

The steady pressure of his thumb on a pressure point soothed some of my anxiety, but not enough.

"When it comes to the intricacies of the gun itself... I'm a novice," I admitted with defeat. "I hardly know anythin'. I can only name a few calibers that I'm familiar with, and that's just because I've shot them. I always need help cleaning the gun. Crosshair... he's a master." My shoulders slumped. "I just... He'll... I don't talk about rifles with him the same reason I don't bring up knife throwing with Hunter, strength with Wrecker... or complex science with you."

Tech looked up from my hand, brows furrowed. "But Shadow, you know far more than the average person-"

"Surface level, almost all of it," I growled with a lash of my tail.

"That's definitely not true," Tech huffed. "Your knowledge on science and the natural sciences is far more than superficial, to say nothing of your knowledge on your world and your martial art style."

"But it's just not enough. It's never enough. Don't you get it?" I protested, voice rising as I glared at the perplexed engineer. Doesn't anyone get it?! "I'm a jack of all trades, but master of none."

And that's just how it would stay. Would always be someone better, stronger, more skilled-

"Better than a master of one," an all too familiar voice remarked, the characteristic rasp tempered as the sniper pushed himself off the tree he'd been leaning on in mist.

I recoiled, ears flat against my skull as my tail bristled. How had I not smelled him coming? Or heard him? Was this mist that dense? Damn anxiety got me slipping. "Crosshair-"

He held up a hand as he walked over and sat on the other side of me. "You're comparin' yourself to us, mutants who are supposed to be the best. You're not."

Hurtful. Why did he only talk a lot when he was chewing someone out or being mean? "But if I don't-"

"Match us? You can't," he interrupted. "Your main weapon isn't a knife like Hunter, you're built much smaller than Wrecker, your eyes aren't mutated like mine, and you don't have an aptitude for complex and intricate science or mathematics like Tech."

Was he trying to make me feel worse?

It was working...

"But."

"But what?" I mumbled, glaring at his armored knee as it rested a bit too close to mine.

"You have an affinity for animals and nature," Crosshair said, knee bumping mine. "Observant, quick, clever. Agile. Know how to use your small size to your advantage. Or you pinpoint weaknesses and channel all your power there for a cripplin' blow." He paused, letting the words hang in the air before he continued, "You aren't built for the things we're good at, you're built for what you're good at."

Ordinarily, those words from the usually abrasive asparagus stalk would bring a smile to my face. But since I was in the pits… not so much.

"But I'm not good," I sighed, eyes turning to the ground. "I'm just… decent."

Tech looked appalled. "That's not-"

"What's wrong with you?" Crosshair snapped, voice sharp.

Tech stiffened, glaring daggers at the sniper. "Crosshair-"

"No, why does she keep negatin' her own abilities?" Crosshair focused back to me. "Why?"

Damn who lit a fire under your ass? "People won't take me seriously... they won't respect me if I'm not perfect."

That was the truth. Never said outright, but the implication was always there. Always looming over my head. Growing up, it was A's or nothing. Get it the first time or nothing. Get a B and you're slipping. Get a C and poof everything you enjoy is gone because you're lazy and just not trying hard enough.

Why can't you get it right?

Why can't you do this perfectly the first try?

You're smarter than this.

You're just making excuses.

Get this right the first time, first try or you're a failure.

"Who says we don't respect you?" Crosshair demanded.

I tried to get up and walk away, but a lean hand caught my arm again and pulled me back to the log.

For a stickman, his grip was nothing short of unyielding.

"Who says we don't respect you?" he asked again, voice lower.

I continued to keep my eyes down as I tried to pull my arm free. How was this stick so damn strong?

His grip tightened. "Shadow." Then, quieter, "Look at me."

"Would rather not see judgement," I admitted, growing desperate. Couldn't they just leave me alone so I could shut down?

"You're certain it's there?"

I hesitated. Was I certain? Not really… I knew Crosshair's attack tone, and this wasn't it.

I slowly raised my eyes to his.

Dark brown irises gazed steadily back at me. No judgement held there, only quiet and subtle concern.

Concern?

That detail alone was enough to form a crack in the barrier.

"Crosshair… I won't get… I'm gonna make mistakes." My voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "You don't have tolerance for that…"

Brows furrowed, but instead of a scowl… his eyes softened. "Don't need to be perfect. All that matters... is that you try."

My eyes widened.

Try.

Try.

Try.

He... He really took my words to heart.

Listened to them.

Internalized them.

Accepted them.

I'd gotten through.

I made an impact.

"Try... huh?" I asked, a weak smile on my face.

The corner of his lips twitched. "Someone smart told me that."

Despite the warmth that sparked in my chest, I looked away and muttered, "I know her and she's a damn hypocrite. Can give advice all day long but can't follow it herself..."

A light tug on my arm. "Why not?"

I could only mumble, "I don't know."

"Look. I'll… help you."

I looked back up in confusion. "What?"

"With the rifle. Don't know your model, but can figure it out." Another pause, his eyes glancing away before coming back to mine. "Will help you figure it out."

"I won't look a gift horse in the mouth," I replied uncertainly. "But… are you sure you want to?" You don't have a tolerance for failure…

"Wouldn't offer if I wasn't," he replied firmly, finally letting go of my arm. "Get your gun and follow me."

Tech straightened. "I'll come too-"

"No," Crosshair said, cutting Tech off as self doubt threatened to strike me again. "Too many eyes will make her more nervous."

Tech looked to me for support, but I could only nod while avoiding his gaze. "You… can be very scrutinizing…"

"I would not scrutinize you…"

The pain in his voice hit me hard, but I couldn't lie. Knowing Tech, a perfectionist, was watching my every move…

"Tech."

At Crosshair's growl, Tech relented. "Alright, but you must stop beating yourself up, Shadow."

"As a former gifted kid with bad burnout, it's easier said than done, Techie," I replied tiredly.

"Not former." He tentatively wrapped his arms around me. "You're gifted in your areas, like Crosshair said." Hugging tighter, he added, "And with training, you'll become good in other areas too."

"I appreciate the sentiment," I said softly.

"It's not sentiment, it's fact." He let go and stood. "Do you want me to take your pack after you get your rifle?"

I flicked my ears. "That works."

Tugging Kindness out, I left the bag with Tech and followed Crosshair into the mist.

If my damn heart would stop trying to yeet itself out of my chest, that'd be grand.

But I was, admittedly, less worried about being alone with Crosshair now.

Last time wasn't half bad at all.

If he hadn't stitched my back, I wouldn't have been nearly as willing to follow him.

But now?

The sniper found a flat open area and declared it fit so we sat down. I was unsure how he wanted to do this, so I sat across from him.

Only for the sniper to shake his head.

"No. Beside me so I can guide you."

"Ok," I said hesitantly, shifting to sit beside him.

True to his word, Crosshair walked me through the basics. Unsurprisingly, it took him no time at all to figure out how to take my rifle apart. At my worry about putting it back together, Crosshair assured me it'd be fine. Inclined to believe him, I just nodded and let him walk me through the basics.

Some of it I knew, some of it I didn't, but one thing completely surprised me.

Crosshair was a patient and calm teacher. No sneers, snide remarks, nothing except steady directions.

As time went on, the tension gradually faded from my shoulders and I began to breathe easier. This was… far better than expected.

"No offense," Crosshair began, and I braced for impact. "But surprised someone can go from cocky and bold to retreatin' into her shell so fast."

Ah well, ya know.

"Can't blame me for lacking confidence when in the past every time I showed confidence people were quick to remind me confidence was arrogance and they proceeded to tear me apart to ensure I knew my place," I grumbled.

The intense anxiety was gone, but bitterness remained.

It always did.

"Need to stop thinkin' about the past."

"Thank you, Doctor Crosshair," I replied dryly.

I received a nudge from him. Not a shove, but a nudge. Such a small gesture, but every time he did that it showed he didn't mind me in his bubble.

"Need to give yourself more credit." He paused. "Did well, takin' the shot with the hogs."

"A Crosshair compliment? That is certainly high praise," I laughed, then added, "But seriously, it does mean a lot."

"Don't get used to it, furball."

I risked nudging him back. "Wouldn't dream of it."

I thought I caught a smile, but I couldn't be sure.

One thing I was sure of, though.

This was the real Crosshair. I knew it was. Not that prickly bastard; that was armor. Protection. Safety.

I knew there was a kind man under the briars.

A man I'd call a friend.

"Twig- Crosshair," I began, heart threatening to beat out of my chest as I focused on the ground to not launch into an anxiety attack. "I know we had a rough start, and I know we don't agree a lot, but..."

He stopped wiping down his rifle, attention shifting fully to me.. "But...?"

"For what it's worth." I raised my eyes to his. "I do think of you as a friend."

His eyes widened. "You... what?"

"Friend. I'd go deeper, but neither of us are the mushy type so I'll just say that I trust you to have my back, and..." My words faltered and I had to focus back on the ground.

"And?"

I laughed uncertainly. "Don't know. I'm not too good at this whole emotions thing. Or friend thing for that matter. Still remember the shock from sophomore biology when someone actively tried to be my friend. Wasn't used to that, people used to pretend to be my friend as a joke. Got used to expecting the worst from people, still workin' on that. I'm not good at friendship or deeper things…" I risked meeting his eyes again, a nervous smile on my face. "But guess I get an E for effort, huh?"

He remained quiet before looking away and muttering, "Not sure why you'd want to be friends with me. Not someone to waste your care on."

The defeat in his voice, coupled with the pain spreading across his face, broke my heart.

How many times had he been told that?

How many times had that been beaten into his head?

How many times had he repeated that to himself over and over and over and over until it overridden all attempts at affirmation?

There was one thing for certain, though.

I wasn't gonna let him put himself down like this.

He deserved better.

A fellow self deprecator like myself wasn't ideal for talking someone out of the pit, but I would have to do.

I rested a hand on his arm. "Cross, look at me."

Brown eyes returned to mine.

"There's more to you than your flaws. You're prickly, sure, but you're also one of the most dependable people I've ever met. I've also seen how deeply you care for your brothers. There's a good man under that armor, a man I trust with my life." I lowered my voice. "And I can see you trying. It's not easy, I know. It's not instant, and it can be messy at times. But you are trying. And for that, I'm willing to forgive you. No matter how many times it takes."

Hope and relief filled his gaze, followed by a scoff. "So much for not being mushy."

A lopsided grin tugged one corner of my mouth. "I will be mushy and heartfelt when the other person needs to hear it. And you, sir Twiggs, needed a pep talk."

His eyes remained on me for a long time, silence stretching between us, before, to my surprise, he sighed and chuckled softly. "You're something else, furball. Know that?"

"Being unique is my specialty," I replied.

It's just taken me years to accept that… especially when for the greater portion of my life it was that uniqueness that drove people off…

"Don't ever change," he murmured, focusing back on his rifle.

But not before I caught the darkening of his cheeks.

Or at least, I thought I did. His skin was darker than mine, so I didn't know if that was a blush or just a trick of the shadows cast by the dense canopy above.

But I could have sworn…

No, I thought. Crosshair doesn't blush. And certainly not around me.

Nevertheless, I too focused back on my rifle until another question nagged me. But would he answer it?

We were making progress, I didn't want to destroy that.

Yet… didn't know a boundary unless I tested it.

"Crosshair… can I ask you something?"

"What?" he asked, the subtle flinch not lost to me.

"Why do you hate small spaces?"

Brown eyes widened, fear flickering through them, before Crosshair turned, reached up to the collar of his blacks, and pulled it to the left. Between his shoulder and neck, far too close to his jugular, an angry dark mark stood out against his tan skin.

My gut twisted violently. "You were shot…" I whispered, staring at the scar.

"Always hit your mark, sweetheart…" he replied, voice barely audible. "You'll be surprised what people can live through."

I smiled tiredly and looked down at my chest. "Know what you mean…"

His arm brushed mine before pressing closer comfortingly. "That bullet to the chest claimed a life, didn't it?"

I paused, tail twitching, before meeting Crosshair's dark gaze. "Would you survive a blaster bolt through the chest?"

Silence stretched between us again before that faint smile appeared. "Guess we both got our scars."

"Physical and emotional," I laughed softly. "But we still kickin', ain't we?"

Another smile, stronger than any I had seen before. "Yeah… yeah we are."

"And we ain't gonna go down easy, are we?"

"Hardly, furball." A pause. "Especially when we have each other's backs."

Tail curling happily as a large smile spread across my face, I gave him a nod and went back to my rifle.

We were truly allies now.

Friends.

That was more than I ever hoped for.

Have each other's backs.

Those words wouldn't leave my mind for a long time, if ever. No matter what happened, no matter how this ended, I'd gained Crosshair's trust.

Even if I lost it for whatever reason, I had it.

Crosshair trusted me.

And no one would ever take that accomplishment away from me.

Just a heads up, next chapter will get... fun. And 18+
Gotta love Wrecker lol