Back again with another chapter which is purely fluffy! With mild tension but that's the current nature of ShadowxCrosshair! Will it ease up soon? Hahahahahahha no :)
It's actually about to get very much worse in a few chapters :)
BUT ANYWAY
Thank you so much for all the comments and birthday wishes last week! So sorry I never respond anymore, my energy levels are... shit lately ^^;

Nevertheless, enjoy the chapter!

Warnings: Suggestive humor, abandonment issues mention.

How?

That would be a good first question to ask as the weak morning sun filtered through the trees and birdsong echoed through the still air.. There were many questions, some with answers Crosshair didn't dare seek, but the biggest question was how.

How did he end up this close to Shadow?

Emotionally, perhaps, but also physically.

Because he did not remember falling asleep with his back pressed against hers, sandwiching the Realm Walker between himself and his snoring brother.

It must have been the damn chilly air. He always got cold it seemed, so he must have instinctively sought the nearby heat since the only people he ever slept this close to were his brothers. His half-functional brain must have just seen Shadow as another member of the team, and therefore safe to snuggle with.

In the case of his brothers, huddling for warmth wouldn't be an issue. After all, lacking the same mass as Wrecker or Hunter or even Tech, Crosshair was far more susceptible to chills and needed additional heat.

Or so Tech said.

It didn't matter the reason behind him seeking out warmth!

What mattered was Crosshair felt certain a heart attack would strike him any momen, because the heat source at his back was not a brother! It was Shadow, the woman he had a not so small crush on! From his shoulders to his tailbone were pressed against her body! Way too close!

It wasn't that he wasn't grateful for the warmth provided by their closeness, but...

Sith karking hells, he shouldn't have laid down this close to her. What happened when she woke up? How aggravated would she be? The woman was too unpredictable from situation to situation. He'd worked her out to a degree, but there was still an inherent chaos to the mountain guide. She'd be fine with contact one moment, then twitchy the next.

He shouldn't have let himself get so close!

Yet... the longer he thought about it, any potential awkwardness was worth it. The risk was worth it. Seeing the relief in Shadow's eyes last night as he reached out was worth it. Having her pull him closer was worth it.

She was worth it.

Aw, look at you. Worse than some mooney eyed cadet over her. So much for the fiercesome Corporal Crosshair.

No. No, he was still tough. He could care and still be tough.

Right?

If Shadow could tear droids apart, fight giant swamp monsters, and kick James' ass to the stars and back, yet still show the level of kindness and understanding to him that she had...

He could be tough but care too.

And he didn't have to be perfect at it, either. He could mess up and it wasn't game over. Perhaps that was the most encouraging aspect. When he tried... even if it was clumsy and messy and downright embarrassing...

Shadow accepted it. She rewarded him for it. Praised him for it. Not directly for any one instance, but if he opened up, she would match him.

If he showed care, she returned it.

If he got close... she would pull him closer.

But he couldn't help but kick himself. As proud as she was, as strong spirited as she was, the moment she hurt him, an apology immediately followed.

Even if it was an accident, she still apologized.

He accepted the crush he had on her, but the thought of apologizing, of openly admitting fault...

The blackmail risks that came with it...

In the past, he learned the hard way to never give your enemy ammunition to hurt you. Any admission of weakness would immediately be used to bring you to your knees. To hurt you in ways that ensured you never got back up.

But... did he still see Shadow as an enemy?

He liked this Alphian. Liked her more than he ever thought he would.

Even, perhaps... loved her.

Why, then, did he still hold her at bay? Keep her at arm's length?

Why couldn't he let her in?

Why couldn't he trust her?

Shadow shifted, making him stiffen.

How would she react to his proximity?

Would she push him away?

Snarl?

Bite?

Scratch?

Kick?

He held his breath, only able to hope that Shadow would permit him to be this close.

If not...

He wasn't sure how badly it would sting.

Warmth. Pressure.

Those were my first sensations, which had become quite common recently.

The smell of baked goods, sweat, dirt, aftershave, gun oil, and what I figured was lavender tobacco followed that. Another thing I'd grown used to, although the last few were still somewhat foreign.

As I dragged myself further from sleep, more specific tactile sensations registered. A bulky yet squishy body at my front, the owner's broad chest rising and falling slowly under my arm. Firm muscle under my head acting as a pillow. Thin legs beneath my tail. A lean yet muscular back pressing against mine, shoulders rigid and tense.

Not a doubt in my mind that Wrecker was snoring away at my front, but for the back...

Tech wasn't this tall.

Hunter wasn't this lean.

Crosshair.

That was Crosshair's back against mine.

Wrecker's arm provided a pillow for both of us, me on the upper portion and Crosshair on his lower. The temperature must have driven Crosshair close, for an occasional shiver ran through him.

Maybe if we hadn't used the blankets solely for a nest, he'd have one. But... I could remedy this. I shifted ever so slightly, pressing against him.

He twitched, but I didn't know if he was awake or if it was a habit. Either way, a moment later he wiggled back into me more. Given I was a space heater myself, I didn't mind in the least.

Our relationship, whatever it could be called, was still rocky but we were getting along now at least. Friends, even after last night. If I could help him sleep easier, especially after I marked up his face, then I would gladly do so.

Since he'd taken a step and slept close by, I took a step of my own. Moving my tail from his legs, I curled it around him and tucked it against his front.

He jerked, but a hesitant hand then stroked the white tuft at the end before he pulled it closer to himself. "Thanks," came the soft murmur as his shivers tapered off.

I arched my back into his before letting myself doze some more.

This was...

I liked this.

Being this close to Cross in a relaxed setting. No harsh words, no sharp tongued comments... hell I even kinda liked this just as much as when we bantered back and forth.

Just... vibin'.

But more so than being physically close... the fact he trusted me enough to sleep close with his back to me...

Against me.

A soft purr rose from my throat and I tucked my tail against him more.

His hand twitched before lightly stroking the white tip again. Fingers tugged at some fur, but before I could ask what he was doing the sniper murmured, "Stick."

Twigs was... grooming my tail?

Odd.

But a welcome gesture.

His touch felt nice.

Comforting.

Reassuring.

Pity this softer side probably wouldn't last.

I loved seeing this more relaxed Crosshair. When he was comfortable in his surroundings, a whole new side revealed itself. Still a bit abrasive, but caring and even, I dared to say, kind. Certainly thoughtful.

Don't get attached to this side of him. It won't last.

Funny how warnings always came too late.

The giant at my front grunted and shifted. "Sorry, Squeak. Arm is asleep and I gotta piss."

I groaned. "Fine," I muttered, shifting to let him slip his arm out from under my head before gathering a blanket from the edge to replace it.

"Mornin', Cross!" Wrecker said cheerfully, voice slurring as he reached over me to ruffle Crosshair's hair.

The sniper growled and tried swatting his hand away before resuming his grip on my tail.

Wrecker laughed again. "Be back in a few!" he said, heading to the ladder and leaving us alone in the loft.

I had zero ideas where Tech or Hunter were, but... I wasn't complaining at some alone time with Crosshair. Even if I could literally hear his heart racing and feel it through my back.

"Gettin' up?" came the sharp question, born from frayed nerves most likely.

"Well... I'm kinda comfortable," I mumbled, furthering my point by burrowing down into the nest.

Crosshair mumbled, "Me too."

Silence, broken only by the wind in the trees and the far off call of a bird trying to get laid.

Ah, Mother Nature.

Ears twitching, I said, "Little longer wouldn't hurt."

Crosshair's reply was surprisingly fast. "No, it wouldn't."

I hesitated but ventured, "This is ok, right? I know touch isn't your thing."

"It's fine."

I didn't miss the way he hugged my tail tighter.

It wasn't that Crosshair had completely dropped his guard but...

After last night, he certainly seemed more open to showing vulnerability.

"Shadow! Cross!" Hunter yelled from outside. "Breakfast, c'mon!"

We both groaned, but shifted apart and sat up. Shaking my hair into semblance of order, I stretched my arms over my head before shaking my entire body. "Erf, gonna feel that for the rest of the day," I muttered, rubbing my back.

Crosshair didn't comment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Furball, I... didn't mean to sound dismissive last night," he mumbled. "It just... came out wrong." His shoulders slumped. "Again..."

The remorse in his voice tugged my heart and I rested a hand on his back. Tense muscle twitched, but the sniper relaxed and even leaned back into my touch. Rubbing a circle, I said, "Bad wordin', definitely, but I should not have snapped like that."

"Considerin' the dream you had..."

My hand stilled, but resumed its circle as muscle stiffened beneath my fingertips. "How much did you hear?" I asked.

"Followed them the moment they left," he admitted, tension partially fading once more. Brown eyes met mine. "Shouldn't have said what I did."

"It's new territory for you. I get that." I offered a weak, dry smile. "Your comfort needs work, granted, but that's how you learn. Mistakes." My hand moved from his back to his opposite shoulder and squeezed as I pulled him to my side. "You'll get there."

His hand came up and rested atop mine. "Thanks, furball."

I let my head fall against his shoulder. "Welcome, Twiggs."

He tensed, then leaned his head against mine as he exhaled slowly, letting tension seep from his body.

Curling my tail around him, I debated for a moment before I said, "Proud of you, ya know."

"Proud?" he echoed, sitting up.

The shock and disbelief in his tone cut straight through me. How often had he given his all and never gotten praised because it was just expected of him to be his absolute best 100% of the time with no slip ups?

"Yes, Cross. I'm proud. Admittin' fault ain't easy, and I know it especially ain't easy for you." I squeezed his shoulder. "But you did it, and I'm proud of you for it. Takes maturity and vulnerability to do that."

His eyes widened before he looked away and shook his head. "Shouldn't be."

"Why not?"

"Hurt you first."

"Think we can call it square. Besides, you're my friend. So I'm gonna be proud of you for any growth, long as it's two steps forward for every step back."

"Right... friends."

Wait... oh...

OH.

Well this was gonna get complicated...

On one hand, it was more or less a relief to have more evidence that Crosshair did, in fact, care for me in more than just a platonic sense.

But while I could tease Hunter, Wrecker, or even Tech about their crushes...

I got the uneasy feeling that if you teased him about an emotional attachment, even jokingly, you'd cause an eruption of defensive fire. Harsh words filled with the most potent venom to protect himself.

That's how I used to be.

No. I would not bring it up.

Better to just keep going like I didn't even notice it.

No need to destroy what we currently had anyway. Just stay on the current course and, maybe, in time...

He'd come to me.

My eyes drifted to the scars on his cheek. But, first, I needed to fix my own mistake.

"Hey, got an idea," I said, getting out of the nest and stretching once more.

Crosshair frowned. "What?"

"C'mon. Gonna heal your face."

Jumping out of the loft, I walked over to Hunter as he stood over a small fire cooking some small squirrel-like animal.

He greeted me with a soft smile. "Icy, how are you this morning?" he asked, standing and wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug.

I returned the embrace, rubbing my head against his and curling my tail around his leg. "Better."

He nuzzled my cheek, lips brushing my skin yet not quite connecting as dark locks tickled my face. "Cross apologized?"

I pulled back and looked over at the sniper pulling his armor back on. "In his own way, but he did."

"That smile definitely suggests it went well." Hunter playfully nudged me, a sly smile tugging his lips. "Owe me one hell of a cuddle, cyar'ika. Was the only one who didn't get to last night."

"You got an all nighter to yourself the night before last, remember?" I snorted, punching his shoulder.

"Ah, but one night of cuddlin' isn't enough to satisfy me," he teased, grinning.

"Make it enough," I shot back.

A laugh followed. "Tonight, I most certainly will."

I just rolled my eyes. "Where's Techie?"

"Bathroom break."

"I'll probably do that myself after Cross and I get back."

"Where are you going?" Hunter asked, crouching back down to tend to the kill.

"I'm gonna take Cross to find some herbs for his cut."

"We have bacta for that."

The nightmare flashed across my eyes. Wasting bacta wasn't a good idea. We needed to save that for when one of us got a bad wound.

"No," I said with a firm shake of my head. "Been usin' that a lot thanks to my recklessness anyway. We still gotta get back, remember? Somethin' tells me today is gonna be the roughest one so far too."

"I trust your judgement," Hunter said. "But if you can't find any..."

"Will handle it." I snapped my fingers, causing the elemental markings to flicker to life. "Green Thumb is an offset of the Earth power."

"Well, you'd know how the powers of your species work."

Right... Realm Walker...

"We'll find some," I said, jerking my head for Crosshair to follow. The helmetless sniper nodded and fell into step beside me.

"Will save some breakfast for you," Hunter called after us.

"Thanks, Hunt!" I replied over my shoulder.

"They certainly took to you quickly," Crosshair remarked.

"Heh, not sure why," I laughed softly, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Not surprised. You're perfect for them."

When I glanced at him, his eyes remained fixed ahead. I did, however, catch... cortisol? What would he be stressed about right now?

"Well... thanks," I said, focusing on the trail once more.

"What are you lookin' for?" Crosshair asked after clearing his throat.

I wracked my brain for herbs and settled on one. "Goldenrod. I think it grows in moist areas."

The annoyed growl from Crosshair surprised me and I looked over at him. "Somethin' I said?" I asked, tail tip twitching.

"Don't like that word."

"What word... moist?"

"Stop sayin' it." He then glared at me. "And don't laugh, furball."

"Not laughin'! Just... of all the words, didn't think you'd have an issue with that one. Tech, maybe, but not you."

"Got a problem with that?"

There it was. Defensive hostility flaring up at any and every perceived threat.

I quickly shook my head. "No, no. Just... it's interestin'. That's all." I paused. "Ya know, not every word out of my mouth is an attack."

He sighed. "I know... old habits die hard."

I risked a pat on his shoulder and got a grateful look in return.

We continued in silence for a few more moments before Crosshair cleared his throat again.

"Guess Hunter was right."

"About?"

"Realm Walkers."

My shoulders tensed. "Yeah, guess so."

"You knew."

"Didn't know the term." My tail twitched uncertainly at the accusatory edge to his words. "Ain't mad about it, are you?"

"Would have liked to know sooner."

Fur along the ridge of my tail bristling, I said, "In my defense, I didn't know it was a thing. Thought you guys would think me insane."

"Not a false assessment."

Relieved that the sarcastic sniper was back, I squinted at him. "Rude."

A faint smirk.

Returning it with one of my own, the sly expression quickly faded. "I did want to tell y'all. But... couldn't risk you gettin' spooked and turnin' your backs on me." A humorless laugh. "Not goin' through that again if I can help it."

"Still think we're goin' to ditch you?"

The sudden statement brought me to a halt. "Thought Tech was the blunt one," I said, laughing to hide how deeply that rattled me.

Crosshair crossed his arms. "But you do think that."

"Someone woke up and chose violence."

"Stop counterin'."

Ears pinning at the blatant accusation, I grumbled, "Ain't counterin' anythin'. What concern of yours is my abandonment issues?"

"Really think that little of my brothers?"

I looked away. "Ain't them I'm worried about anymore."

So much for not bringing up the elephant in the room.

"Think I'll leave you behind because you're from a different universe?"

"The thought crossed my mind."

"Escort it out," Crosshair growled. "Grown on me a bit too much for that, furball. Besides, a Realm Walker is a good ally for a mission."

My tail lowered. "Yeah... a mission."

"Maybe more than one."

I looked up that time, meeting the sniper's gaze. Uncertainty lingered in his eyes, yet it paled in comparison to the sincerity shining there as well.

A soft, hesitant smile tugged the corner of my mouth. "Guess y'all can't get rid of me too quick anyway. Need me to help you navigate Kelusia itself."

"Right. Not goin' anywhere for a while,," he said.

And neither are you.

The initial terror of the dream had long since faded, banished by the support of the commandos, but the worry continued to grip me unrelentingly. I would stop that premonition, no matter what.

"C'mon. Let's get your scars tended to so we can get breakfast for Wrecker eats it all."

"Followin' you."

Finally spotting the plant, I knelt by it. Digging up the root, I used the edge of my shirt to dry and clean it as best I could. "Alrighty. Pretty sure I use the root powder for your face."

"Don't know what you're doing?"

"Haven't you figured I'm making it up as I go along?" I asked, only half joking.

He groaned. "Just tell me what to do."

"Thought you hated being told what to do."

His eyes narrowed. "Furball."

"Fine fine." Crushing the root, I paused. "Gonna put this on the cut."

"Alright."

I hesitated. "Means I'm touchin' your face."

"I'm aware."

"Makin' sure. I know you don't like touch."

"Just put the plant on the cuts."

"Bossy sniper man," I snorted, arranging the powder on a dry-ish rock. "Thought Hunter was the officer of the group."

"I'm a corporal."

My hand stopped a few inches from his face. "Huh?"

The ghost of a sly grin appeared. "Havin' second thoughts about insultin' me?"

"Hardly. Now I can call you CC!" I snickered, reaching forward again with some root powder on my fingertips. I fought to keep my face neutral as I smeared the first coat on. Stubbly sniper.

His hand locked around my wrist. "Don't you dare call me CC," he hissed, fingers slowly tightening. His grip was... stronger than anticipated.

Nevertheless, I rolled my eyes at his threat. "Sorry, Charlie. I decide the nicknames around here," I teased, smacking his hand. "Now stop your squirmin'."

Shaking his smacked hand and muttering under his breath, Crosshair nevertheless sat still and let me smear the root on his cuts.

"Now what?"

"Silence, CC."

He flicked my forehead.

"I can and will bite you," I reminded him.

"Kinky."

Red flickered across my cheeks. Sir, you are not helping ease the tension. "Hush up and let me work."

"Sure thing, sweetheart."

I glanced up from the wounds and squinted at the sniper before sticking my tongue out at him.

"Mature," he commented, a dark brow quirking up.

"Shut it before I use my spit for adhesive." I withheld a snort at his grimace and focused on the cuts.

This was purely hypothetical, but since the healing properties were plant based...

Closing my eyes, I focused intensely on drawing those properties out. If this worked, his cuts could be healed even quicker.

"Furball...?"

"Shush, furball is workin'."

Focus on the plant. Deeper. The chemicals. Direct them. Focus... focus...

His jaw twitched under my fingers, followed by a subtle sigh of relief.

Opening my eyes again, I brushed away what I could and smiled when I found nearly healed scars. Not completely fixed, but enough that they wouldn't open any time soon.

"Wow, it worked!" I exclaimed, tail curling happily.

Crosshair reached up and traced the cuts. "What did you do?"

"Enhanced the chemical properties in the plant that gave it its healin' ability."

"You can do that?"

"In theory, yeah. It's plant based curative properties, and I control plants. So, logically, medicinal plant healin' could be an offshoot of Earth elemental powers. Granted, the average Alphian would need decades of training to attempt this, but where I'm overpowered by the nature of the story, I'm able to do it."

"What all can you do?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his words.

"Honestly? No clue. But have a feelin' we're gonna find out before this adventure is over." I stood and brushed my hands off on my pants. "Ready to head back?"

"Yeah."

Pulling him to his feet, gripping his forearm tightly, I gave him a nod and turned back to the shelter.

"Shadow..."

I stopped and faced him again. "Aye?"

He stood there for a moment, nervously chewing on the wooden toothpick that had made its way into his mouth, before he managed, "Thank you."

I tilted my head to the side ever so slightly, catching the subtle hesitation in his tone and the twitch of his trigger finger. "That it?"

Mild surprise flickered over his face. "What do you mean 'that it'?"

"There's something else. Your trigger finger is twitchin' and it does that when you're thinkin'. What's up?"

He shook his head. "It's... not important."

I just held his gaze. "When you're ready to tell me, I'll be here."

Relief swept through him when I didn't push the subject. "I will."

"Good. Ain't no rush, we still gotta get to the Vault and back to the Outpost."

"Lead the way, then. I'll follow you."

Nodding, I started back. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder...

What was it he wanted to say?