Work Text:
Crypto's eyes strained against the hard light of his monitor, he had dimmed the screens but it did very little in easing the dull pain in the back of his eyes. He had felt tired for some time, but he couldn’t bring himself to rest, he always felt the guilt gnawing on the back of his mind when he occasionally allowed himself to relax, the pressure of his own stress seemed to weigh him down. He allowed himself to lose focus when he heard a quick knock followed by the opening of his sliding door.
“So Cryppy! I know you’re all like ‘don't bother me or talk to me ever’ but me, Nat, Renee, and Ajay are swinging by the bar then crashing at Ajays, I thought since you’re in here all alone you might wanna join up with us?” Mirage peaked his head through the doorway, making sure he wasn’t walking in on anything private. Thankfully for him Crypto was just sitting at his desk pouring himself into his computer typing away.
“No, not tonight Mirage.” was Crypto’s response. It came out a bit more dull than his usual monotone, but he didn’t have the energy to try and mask it. Mirage seemed to pick up on that slight change. He hummed entering the dimly lit room cautiously as if he were waiting for Crypto to slam him into the ground like when they first met, Crypto knew it was his way of asking to approach him and gave him a wave signalling it was ok to come in. Mirage's stance loosened after that and approached Crypto leaning his arm onto the desk, letting his eyes fall onto the hacker's face.
“ Whoa! When’s the last time you took a break from that computer?” Mirage questioned, as he focused in on both Crypto’s horrendous posture and deep circles under his weary eyes. He tried to appear nonchalant but his concern was easily visible.
“A while ago.” Crypto answered flatly, trying to keep it vague as it wasn’t completely untrue.
For a moment the only noise that filled the room was the hurried typing of Crypto's keyboard.
“How bad would it be if you shut off your computer right now?” Mirage glanced to the screen which displayed lines of text all in bright green.
“My computer saves all my progress automatically. Also, I have backups on my harddrive. Why do you ask?”
“Well it looks like my Friday evening just opened up, and you’re stuck with me for the rest of the night!” Crypto looked up to Mirage quizzically, he had been too focused to notice that Mirage had pulled out his cellphone and was typing up a message, probably to a group chat.
“You don’t need to stay here with me, you already made plans tonight, and as you can see I’m busy.” Crypto huffed trying to tune out Mirage's presence more than ever .
“Well as far I can see you need a break. You look like me after staying back late at the lounge. Plus I already messaged the gang and they’re already heading out. So I’m here to stay!” Crypto eyed him looking for any ulterior meaning behind Mirage’s lighthearted smile. He didn’t understand why Mirage would pass up a night of drinking, laughing, and overall enjoyment for him. Nonetheless he pushed this thought to the back of his mind as he reimmersed himself back into his work, trying to tune him out.
“Hey hey hey, you can’t keep going like that old man. You need to get something to eat, rest up, and maybe shower, ya know?” Mirage grabbed Crypto’s wrist gently, snapping Crypto out of his own thoughts and typing.
“Are you implying that I smell?”
“Nonono! You smell fine I ju-ju-just was thinking that some self care could do you well! Yo-you’re always hunched over, which is bad for posture and makes your back go all wonky. I’m not trying to be rude! I just want what’s best for my good friend Crypto! Hah…” Seeing Mirage trip over his own words trying not to insinuate anything subpar about him brought a soft smile over his face. It was endearing.
“If not a shower then I could make you something to eat! I’m no chef but I do cook up some pretty mean pork chops!” Mirage flashed his paparazzi killing smile, but it had the opposite effect on Crypto making him scrunch up his face in disdain. He didn’t really want to leave his room or his work, but Mirage’s presence eased some of the tension in his mind and Mirage had already cancelled his plans, so there wasn’t really a way out of this.
“If I must eat, pork chops sounds fine.” Crypto sighed not wanting to argue over his own well being. Mirage grinned softly, a welcome change compared to his plastic smile he wore just moments ago.
He was taken aback when Mirage leaned back onto his legs and spun Crypto's chair to face him and the doorway. Mirage offered his hand to Crypto and he accepted gingerly “C’mere” was all Mirage said as he hoisted the smaller man to a standing position. Crypto felt lightheaded at the swift movement but masked it as best he could. Neither of them let go of each other's hand afterwards, and Mirage began to lead him towards the communal kitchens that legends share when the dropship was grounded. Mirage began to babble on about something or other Crypto’s thoughts weren’t focused on his fellow legend's words, they were focused on his hand that linked the two together. Crypto noted how warm the trickster's hands were in comparison to his own, he also noted how odd it was that he himself, or Mirage, didn’t let go after he was pulled to his feet. The gesture however wasn’t an unwelcome one.
“You sit here while I will go check if we got everything I need! Don’t go anywhere!” Mirage left Crypto to sit himself on a chair in the kitchen while he disappeared behind the fridge door, muttering something about if Renee had picked up what he had asked him to. In the harsh light of the kitchen he could truly grasp the state he was in. His hair was tousled, and messed from lack of care and his clothes had not been washed in days. Maybe he really did stink, despite Mirage assuring him he did not.
“So uh, bad news Crypto.” The hacker raised his eyes from studying the state his black sweater was in to Mirage who was scratching his chin nervously.
“Hm?”
“Looks like we got a problem with me making a superb dinner, uh, Wraith picked everything up except for the porkchops themselves. So that's kinda off the table. I’m sorry.”
Mirage looked genuinely disheartened since he had uptalked his skills so much but wouldn’t be able to show them off.
“It’s alright Mirage, maybe some other time then?” Crypto went to retreat back to the solace of his room but Mirage piped up before he could even stand.
“What about foods you enjoy? You must have something you ate back home, we might have all the stuff here to make it.” Mirage paused before continuing, his voice softer than before. “I just want you to eat something.”
Crypto pondered this for a second, he hadn’t had anything homecooked in a while, much less something that he used to make back home. He mentally went over the ingredients he could remember in the cupboards, thankfully he had stopped by the korean market last time he was out.
“Yukgaejang, it's a beef soup we use to make a lot. I think we have everything but I would need to check.” Crypto stood up and instead of choosing the solitude of his room he joined Mirage by the refrigerator.
The time passed quickly as both him and Mirage worked well in sync, with Mirage insisting on doing most of the work. Halfway through Mirage told Crypto to go sit down but when Crypto protested saying he couldn’t because he was the only one here who knew how to make the meal they were preparing, Mirage made Crypto sit on the counter across from him ignoring Crypto mumbling how this wasn’t sanitary work practice. Despite a few miscommunications Mirage followed the instructions well and would ask for clarification on how to test if the brisket was ready to be cut, or if he was blanching the bean sprouts correctly. He had even managed to smoothly catch the bottle of gochujang which Crypto had fetched from the cupboard above his head and tossed to him. They made small talk mostly about how their lives had been before the games, and though Crypto kept it vague, Mirage didn’t pry.
“Is that everything?” Mirage asked, after confirmation in the form of a nod from Crypto he continued “We make a pretty good team! You telling me what to do and me, doing it.” Mirage chuckled after this, filling his bowl with both the hearty beef soup and rice which had been cooked separately. Crypto got his own bowl, filled it, and placed it where he had first sat. He then went to the fridge to grab something to drink and survey what there was to offer.
A sluggish feeling had begun to creep up on Crypto. He felt drained, but couldn’t bring himself to let down his guard. So he settled on going for a green energy drink to give him that bit of spark to get him through the night. Before he could even pull the tab to open the fizzy drink it was snatched from his hands.
“What do you thi-” before he could finish Mirage piped up.
“You won’t be needing this, what you need is rest and coming from an experienced drinker of these.” Crypto eyed him scrutinizingly which caused Mirage to trip up in his words, before regaining his composure.
“I-I mean that the focus of tonight is being relaxed and mellowing out. This will string you tighter than what you already are. I used to drink them a lot when I was first working on my holotech suit. It uh, screwed up my sleep cycle for weeks.” Mirage had already placed the green energy drink back into the fridge and placed a bottle of water in Crypto’s hand where he had held the can before.
“I didn’t know there was a theme tonight.” Crypto said with a snarky undertone
“I’m just trying to look out for you.” Then there was that damn warmhearted smile again that Mirage had already used on him once tonight. He felt his face warm up at the tender look he was given. “Take care of yourself, please.”
“You’re a hypocrite, but fine, I’ll take the water, kid.” Was all Crypto said accepting the water bottle and twisting off the cap.
“I said I used to drink them, emphasise on used to, and you’re welcome old man .” Mirage teased, content that he got Crypto to accept the bottle of water without much fuss. They both went and sat down at the table and finally began to eat after the while it took to cook.
“This is really good! Where’d you learn to make this? Whoever ta-taught you must know what they’re doing. Not that you don’t know what you’re doing because you’re the one that told me what to do and how to prepare it. Mirage had already begun to take large spoonfuls into his mouth despite it still being steaming hot. “It’s a bit spicy but I think that's how it’s supposed to be?” he added.
“I’m surprised you like it. I’ve known a lot of people who’ve called my food ‘weird’, and yes it is supposed to have some bite to it.” Crypto was elated watching Mirage eat, occasionally he noticed that he would drink large mouthfuls of water mostly likely to combat the assortment of spices he had Mirage add in, he made a mental note that if they were to cook again he’d add less spices, or maybe he’d add extra, to make things more interesting.
“If you want to know, I learned this from when I was younger.” Mirage's attention had left his bowl and now was solely placed on Crypto. Making him feel a bit uneasy, but he continued. “We never had a lot of money, so as such our meals didn’t have much in them. Yukgaejang was always a treat for us then.” Crypto reminisced looking down into his half eaten bowl, almost forgetting Mirage's gaze on him.
“It’s nice to have a comfort food that brings you closer to home. Me and my mom used to cook all the time, so it’s been a while since I’ve cooked for or with anyone really. I’m glad I could make this with you Crypto.” Mirage’s words were wistful when he mentioned his mom. Crypto granted him the same respect Mirage had given him by not asking further into it.
Their meals were finished quickly. Crypto ate slower than Mirage trying to prolong their time together. He hadn’t talked this long with someone in a while, much less enjoyed the conversation he was having. There was more to Mirage than what he showed to the public, he was more considerate and kindhearted then what Crypto would expect. He was still loud and still retained some of his trickster persona since it was facet of his personality, but it was more subdued, quiet. Crypto caught himself smiling at more than one of Mirage’s quips, he wasn't as obnoxious as he led the public to believe.
Mirage stood up holding his bowl and bottle and Crypto did the same, continuing the conversation about how he had accidentally set up a dating profile as a mistake. Crypto pretended that he hadn’t seen it, screenshotted it, and forwarded it to the rest of the legends. Crypto chuckled softly when Mirage vaguely mentioned the pumpkin, causing Mirage to gasp.
“What?” Crypto spoke slightly startled.
“Just, I’ve never heard you laugh at one of my jokes before! Looks like the Mirage charm works on you after all!” He smirked as he took Crypto’s bowl from his hands and began to scrub it in the sink, humming softly as he worked. Crypto hoped Mirage didn’t notice the slight flush of colour that spread across his cheeks at the mention of his laugh. Mirage made quick work of dishes and tossed both of their empty bottles in the recycling bin.
Crypto’s smile soon fell away as he realized his time with Mirage had most likely come to an end, and the nagging need to get back to his computer, that he would be useless if he didn’t work himself constantly. He felt a slight twinge of panic as he had spent well over a few hours just here not doing anything important.
“Are you ok?” Mirage asked, noticing Crypto’s change in body language as Crypto had begun to run his hands through his hair, and his eyes had rapidly picked anywhere to look at but Mirage’s face.
“I’m fine. I just need to get back to my computer. I’ve kept too much of your time.”
“It’s ok to relax sometimes Crypto, you already work yourself to the bone doing whatever it is you do on that computer. Your well-being is just as important, if not more.” Mirage stepped towards Crypto and rested a hand lightly on Crypto's arm, half expecting him to skitter back to his room like a frightened cat.
“When’s the last time you had a shower Crypto?” Coming from anyone else that question would’ve been an insult to him, but here with Mirage it was simply him wanting to help Crypto from his self neglect.
“I don’t know.” He expected Mirage to be disgusted by him, by how he barely had the willpower to even give himself a simple shower.
“That’s ok, give me one second to grab some things from my room. Wait here, don’t go slinking away.” His words held no distaste. Mirage, true to his word, left the kitchen with haste, Crypto could hear Mirage running to his room from the kitchen and returning with a few bottles of assorted hair and body products in a bag. Mirage's only response was that the free stuff in the locker room was garbage.
Crypto waited for a snide remark to pass from Mirage but none came. He was surprised, anyone in their right mind would've felt revolted, but Mirage simply offered the free hand that wasn’t holding the bag containing the assorted bottles and once more Crypto took it willingly letting Mirage lead him through the long hallways to the locker room. He already felt awful for keeping Mirage but he knew he’d feel worse for declining when Mirage had cancelled his night out for him.
They reached the locker rooms and Mirage let go of Crypto's hand to open the door for him. The room was spacious to say the least, one wall held the double rows of lockers and beside the rows of lockers there was a large mirror with a single long counter with complimentary blow dryers to use. The stall bathrooms were a short hallway away but Mirage spoke up.
“I think it would be easier if we went to the private bathroom over here, I mean, you don't have to but I think it would be easier to, since there's a tub and you could sit down more comfortably.” Crypto nodded realizing it would indeed be the better option since helping to cook drained more energy from him then he was willing to admit. It also granted the privacy he needed, as showering in the more public bathrooms with only a curtain to grant him seclusion made him feel uneasy.
After they were in the private area of the locker rooms Mirage set down the bag with and fished out some towels and went through his products while mumbling which would be best for Crypto's straight hair. Crypto took this moment to survey the room. It had lockers as well but only 3 long ones as there were only 3 private bathrooms, each with their own door to lock from the inside.
“So here’s the shampoo and conditioner, nothing too fancy. Oh! And a comb and towels. I think that should be all.” Mirage had gathered everything on top of the two towels and gave them to Crypto. Crypto thanked him and went into the shower room not wanting to linger, but noticed Mirage went to say something but then stopped himself, contemplating whether he should or shouldn’t say it. Mirage chose the former.
“This is going to sound weird. I hope I don’t make you uncomfortable. I know you’ve been struggling to do things, and that's fine! Happens to the best of us, even me at times. What I’m trying to sa-say is that. I could wash your hair or something... I just wanna put that out there, s-so you know I’m here to help. It’s also ok to ask for help sometimes! Not that you have to accept mine! Oh no I’m rambling..” Crypto gazed at him for a moment, seeing Mirage’s face go a shade redder. He rolled the thought around. If it were anyone else he would’ve given a flat no and left it at that. The fact he was even considering it made him feel more exposed than he liked to be.
“Thank you for the offer Witt, I would but I don’t like people seeing me. It’s nothing you’ve done.” It was now Crypto’s turn to pause and consider if he should finish his thought. “But, I wouldn’t mind if you sat out here and talked to me, your voice keeps my mind occupied.”
“It’s Elliott.”
“What?”
“Oh no! I-I mean of course I’ll keep you company! I just- I just meant you know, since we're all close and everything it would feel more comfortable if you used my name. O-only if you want no pressure, or anything!”
“Then I will be out in a bit, Elliott.” He tested Mirage’s name out, it felt right to say but he felt wrong to be attached to him.
“I’ll be here the whole time, tell me if you need anything Crypto.”
“It’s Hyeon.” Crypto had decided to grant Mirage the same level of connection Mirage had offered him.
“O-oh! Then I’ll see you when you come back out, Hyeon! Don’t think you’ve escaped my genius nicknames though.”
“If you can call ‘Cryppy’ and ‘old man’ genius, I would hate to see what you consider stupid nicknames.” He added with a smile. With nothing more to say Crypto left Mirage to sit outside his door feeling a bit guilty to ask such an odd favour, but Mirage was quick to accept making it feel more allowable in his mind. He could already hear Mirage begin to talk about his most recent win in the games not sparing any detail. The walls were thin here most likely in case of an accident or emergency someone would be able to hear them shout. For once Crypto was thankful for the lack of security.
Crypto’s shower went longer than intended but Elliott sat outside his door the entire time. His presence almost acted as a guard dog keeping him safe from his own paranoia. Crypto also found himself talking and opening himself up more and more to Mirage, even going as far as describing his friendship with his sister Mila, careful to never mention her by name, and in turn Mirage talked about his brothers and the antics they’d get up to as kids.
Crypto rinsed out the last of the conditioner and watched it go down the drain and for the moment he let the water run down his face taking in the warmth. He had finished, but it hadn’t satisfied the fatigued feeling that gnawed at every one of his muscles, but the task was done. He looked up and breathed in preparation for getting himself dressed and sluggishly turned off the water and left the tub not minding too much. If he got water on the floor, he’d dry it up after.
He glanced at the mirror that was near the shower the syndicate spared no expense in buying fogproof mirrors, as he could see his lean figure perfectly. He wasn’t exactly muscular but was by no means unfit. Even with the workout sessions he noticed how the lack of a proper diet had taken a toll on his body mass. He turned away not wanting to linger on how his own body made him feel.
Then the realization hit.
He didn’t bring any clothes. He sighed, taking in another breath before wrapping the towel securely around his waist, and unlocking the door to find Mirage sitting on the floor next to the door.
“Um, Wit-I mean Elliott.” Crypto began, looking down at Mirage
“Oh hey, I didn’t hear you come out Hy-” Mirage paused looking up at Crypto’s torso, his face turning to the same colour as it had been when he offered to help him shower.
“I forgot to grab spare clothes, and the ones I was wearing before are, unclean.” Crypto said, hoping that he hid his own embarrassment well.
“I-In that case you’re lucky to have me. I bought a pair of my own.” He went directly to his bag pulling out a grey sweater similar to the one Crypto had worn before his shower, but were noticeably bigger with yellow accents going up the sides, along with a matching set of sweatpants that were the same shade of grey without the accents. “Don’t worry they’ve been washed and I haven’t worn them in a while, not that there's anything wrong with them.”
“You don’t need to lend me your clothes, I can just go and get my own.”
“Nono I insist.” He once again offered the clothes to Crypto and gave him a lopsided smile, obviously trying to charm him into accepting them. It must have had some effect because after trying to glare down Mirage into taking them back he accepted them defeatedly. He left to put on the baggy clothing. He slipped the sweater over his head and the pants over his legs noting how it hid his form well. He left after sparing a quick glance at himself in the mirror, he looked decent in yellow.
“See? They look fine!” Mirage said standing up from where he had previously sat. Eyeing Crypto as if he we're a model wearing the outfit he personally tailored. He gave hima full up and down completely before he spoke again “Did you dry your hair? Here lemme just get that for you.” Mirage tossed a towel over Crypto's head and lightly rubbed it against his scalp, Mirage's face was close, closer then what Crypto would usually allow. He could make out the few scars that decorated his face, the most noticeable one on his cheek. He had to stop himself from reaching out to touch it. Mirage’s voice snapped him back to the moment at hand before he could decipher his own actions.
“I got most of the dampness out, I don’t want you to catch a cold.”
“That’s a myth.”
“It is?” They debated the topic with Crypto having the more persuasive arguments while Mirage dried and packed the bottles, he also covertly added Crypto’s old clothes to the bag for him to wash and return later, knowing that that the hacker would soundly object to him helping. Mirage changed the subject to his holotech as they began to leave the locker rooms. Something he knew he could debate on if given the chance, but the chance never came as Crypto was content to listen to his fellow legend discuss the inner workings of his holotech suit.
They left the locker room, Mirage matching Crypto’s more moderate pace, and made it back to the room units. Crypto was about to open his door to return to his dim room, he stilled, feeling the weight of the day on his mind and body. His hand hovered on the keypad knowing that when he entered his room again he would be alone with himself and thoughts, but he didn’t want to weigh down Mirage more than what he already had tonight. With that thought he finally spoke
“Thank you Elliott, for tonight. It means a lot to me.” He lingered on the last sentence making sure it was emphasized that this moment, and all moments before meant more to him then what he could bring himself to say. Elliott eyed him, his look unreadable with something Crypto couldn’t place. Crypto smiled forlornly at Mirage before taking a step into his room. Before he could continue h e felt Mirage touch his ar m in the same way he did when they were in the kitchen. He turned to meet Mirage's gaze.
“I know I’ve already bothered you enough but once again I can’t keep to myself and have to ask.” Mirage took in a breath going over the words in his mind not wanting to stutter and seem like a fool. “Do you want to sleep over in my room? I-I know you probably want your privacy especially after dealing with me all tonight. I just don't want you to feel isolated, especially since everyone is out doing their own thing. Also despite me constantly harping on you I genuinely enjoy your company. Like before, no pressure!” Mirage had begun to twirl one of his curls absentmindedly in his hand, a sign he was nervous about proposing another offer of closeness to Crypto.
It was Crypto's turn to stare with an unreadable expression, not immediately accepting or denying the offer. Which added to Mirage's anxious feeling that had begun to pool in his stomach.
He should deny him and slink back to his desktop and immerse himself in the hours of code he had yet to push through, he should tell him to leave him to wallow in his self hatred, he should tell him he isn’t worth all this effort. Crypto thought all of these things in the few moments that passed, but one thought stood out among the rest, what if he meant it when he said he wanted to spend time with him? What if despite the constant jabs Crypto had thrown at the man in and out of the ring he genuinely cared for him? So going against what would be the safer option he mumbled his acceptance and retraced his steps out, letting the door to his room slide close behind him.
The effect was instant, Mirage's previous hesitancy melted away to be replaced by narrowly hidden joy.
“Great! Just let me know if you feel uncomfortable or anything, and you can leave at any time.” reminded Mirage, walking a few doors down to his own room unit, and swiftly punched in the code not wanting Crypto with wet hair to stay in the chilled hallway any longer than need be.
Mirage slid the door open after he had punched in the correct code only after a single failed attempt. If Crypto had to describe the room in one word it would be gaudy. Pictures of the legend's face were everywhere and where there wasn’t his face there was something gold or yellow peaking through. Crypto wanted to mention the loudness of the room but decided against remembering the state of disarray his own area was due to his lack of energy recently to upkeep it.
“It’s not much, or it’s a bit much depending on how you look at it, but it's my home away from home!” Mirage spoke, moving his arms to gesture vaguely to the room.
“It does have its charm… in a weird way.” Crypto remarked, choosing to focus his attention on the various parts of Mirage’s gear that was strewn haphazardly about his worktable.
“I will take that as a compliment!” Mirage chuckled while fiddling with something on the side of the couch. There was a soft click and Mirage tugged the front of the couch until it folded out into a decently sized bed.
“Ta da!” Mirage shook his hands with pizazz. “You were probably wondering where you were gonna sleep tonight, but I gotcha covered.” He winked at Crypto, who merely tilted his head as a cat would.
“If that’s where I’m going to sleep tonight, where will you be sleeping, Elliott?” Crypto quirked his eyebrow watching Elliott scramble to cover for himself.
‘Oh yeah! Do-don’t worry about it! I’m uh, I’m sleeping on the floor! I take up too much space on the bed, I tend to sprawl out and there's not much room!” Crypto let him babble, finding amusement in the way he floundered at his remark.
“It’s fine, don’t worry I’m only teasing.” Crypto snickered. “You’re allowed to sleep next to me if you want.”
“O-oh! Of course you were! I knew that. Hah…” Mirage’s ears gave away his embarrassment as they were tinted pink. He moved on from that thought quickly by busying himself with pulling out spare blankets from a drawer next to Crypto and putting himself to work with making the bed to be suitable to sleep on, all while humming some pop song he had heard on the radio recently.
The bed was made quickly as Mirage maneuvered it all with practiced movements, after some minor adjustments Mirage looked satisfied with the assortment of pillows and blankets he had on the bed and ungraciously flopped face first onto the mattress. He mumbled something incoherently and lightly tapped the bed gesturing for Crypto to join him. Crypto obliged him but instead of throwing his body on the bed he sat on the edge, his back to Mirage.
He went over the events of the night, how tenderly Mirage had treated him despite Crypto mainly keeping to himself and at times being a pain to deal with. His actions showed that he cared for him and Crypto hoped those actions had no ulterior motive. As much as he tried to reassure himself doubt lingered in his mind about why Mirage had treated him with such warmth. In his mind he was pathetic for being in the dishevelled state he was before, and here Mirage was offering his space to him, asking nothing in return but his company.
“Why are you treating me so kindly?”
“Huh?” Mirage raised his face from the comforter, only to look at Crypto’s back.
“Nan ihaega andwae. I constantly treat you poorly, making fun of you at every opportunity, and when I’m at my lowest instead of seizing the moment and getting me back you treat me like me so well. You make me food, offer to help me shower, and even offer up your bed for me. I’m not worth this.” He felt his eyes begin to heat up and the wave of melancholy washed over him, threatening to overtake him. Crypto heard Mirage move to sit up on the bed , but Crypto continued to sit at the edge hunched over not wanting to let Mirage see him so pathetic.
“You’re worth the effort Hyeon, I’m doing this because I want to. I want to see you happy, I-I want to be able to make you laugh, I want to help you feel better. I don’t know the exact struggle you’re going through, but I see how much it’s affecting you. I just want you to feel safe, and know that I’m here for you.” The words tumbled from Mirage's mouth. Crypto wanted to turn, he wanted to see Mirage’s face and believe that he meant something to him but his heart and thoughts were heavy upon him.
“I’m just pathetic, I couldn't even bring myself to take care of myself. Aissi, I really am useless, huh? I can’t even stop myself from being more of a burden to you then what I already am.” He hiccuped, his tears fell freely soaking his face and dropping onto his borrowed sweatpants. He hated this, he hated feeling weak and powerless to his own emotions. He just wanted to feel ok and not have to worry about any of this.
“Hyeon…”
He was brought back to the moment when he felt Mirage's hands tentatively grasp his shoulder and leaned him gently back into his embrace, making sure to hold light enough if this contact was unwanted, but Crypto remained. It had been a long time since someone had comforted him when he cried, but here was Mirage letting Crypto sob onto his chest, and run his hands soothingly through his hair.
Moments passed like that, Mirage smoothing circles into his back. Eventually Crypto’s breathing slowed and his tightly coiled muscles began to loosen. After Crypto slumped into his arms Crypto spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok. You’re always allowed to talk to me about this. Feelings happen, god I know, and I don’t think any less of you for having them.” Mirage spoke, trying to console him. “Do you want to lay down?” He asked looking down to Crypto who was still laying against his chest, he felt Crypto nod and lean onto the bed, Mirage following suit letting Crypto adjust himself so that his head rested comfortably below Mirage's chin.
“Why did you stay with me tonight?” Crypto asked, his voice more stable after letting himself cry.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been more secluded recently, shutting yourself in and barely even poking fun at me in the ring. It worried me to say the least, at first I thought I did something wrong. I just wanted to help you, b-because I like you.” Mirage paused, eventually realising what he just said. “No w-wait, I mean I didn’t just do this because I like you, not that I like you, like you! I mean I do, like you alot, alot. I just don’t want to be too forward. And seeing you alone just made me want to make you feel better.” Mirage rambled before stopping himself short, his face heating up more and more with every word.
Crypto pulled away from Mirage's arms to look him in the face, almost waiting for Mirage to say he was only joking, but those words never came. There was only Mirage staring at him with a look of despondency on his face, as he was also waiting for the worst. Mirage broke the tense silence
“Ne-nevermind I’m so-”
“You like me?” Was all Crypto could bring himself to say at first. Looking at Mirage in disbelief. Mirage’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly at the sound of Crypto’s voice.
“I-I’ve liked you for a while, I just didn’t know how to deal with it for the longest time, I’ve never really liked another guy, and I was qu-questioning while I figured this out. It was a whole mess. I hope it doesn’t make you feel weird or ruin things.” Mirage kept his eyes on his fidgeting hands while he talked.
“You’re gay?” Crypto blurts out.
“I think I’m bi, wait actually, you thought I was straight?” Mirage snaps his gaze to Crypto
“I mean, Yes? Was I not supposed to? Your playboy persona hides it well.” A moment passed before they began to snicker until they both were laughing, the nervous energy draining from the room. Their laughs eventually subsided into giggles before they were left in silence once more.
“I didn’t know anyone could like me, especially like that.” Crypto spoke softly still in slight disbelief at Mirage admitting his feelings for him.
“How could I not? When I finally accepted I liked men too, you were too g-good for me. You always seemed really, what's the word, cool? If that sounds right? I just knew I liked you.” Crypto studied his face as he talked, noticing him nervously twirling the ends of his hair. “Yo-you don’t have to like me back though! I’m o-okay with being acquaintances or friends, or whatever you uh, want to call this. It’s fine!”
“I-” Crypto hesitated, his response heavy on his tongue. He had spent so long pushing any hope of attachment away, having someone reach for him and wanting to be close with him frightened him. He wanted to be with Mirage, but as much he didn’t want to admit it he was scared, the fondness he felt for the trickster grew with every smile he tenderly offered for Crypto and Crypto alone, his stomach was in knots at the thought of admitting it but, he didn’t want to let go of that smile.
“I, I like you too Elliott.” He felt his face warm with hearing his own words aloud. He forced himself to look at Mirage once again bracing himself to Mirage to admit that this was all a cruel joke. When he locked eyes Mirage’s face was more brighter and joyful then he had ever seen him.
“R-Really? I-I didn’t think- I mean, I mean I hoped- I’m just really happy!” He smiled one of the smiles that was only for Crypto to see, which made him melt. He didn’t want Mirage to notice the pink in his face so he settled back into Mirage’s arms, Mirage all too happy to be holding him again, his arms moving back to where they were before, his hands rubbing circles on Crypto’s back absentmindedly.
“Are you sure you like me?” Crypto murmured wanting to hear it again, to make sure this wasn’t his own fatigued mind playing tricks on him.
“Hyeon, this entire night was a date.” Mirage stated as if this we're common knowledge between the two.
“I’ve never been on a date so I wouldn’t know.” Crypto admitted.
“Then we’ll have to change that soon!” Although Crypto couldn’t see it due to their position, he could almost feel the smile that spread across Mirage’s face.
“I thought this counted as a date?”
“Touche, but it’s not the official date! I could take you out to the bar, or I know some fancy restaurants that I know you’d li-”
“I’m fine with staying in. I don’t need fancy, as long as I’m with you.” Crypto snuggled in close savioring the warmth that radiated from Mirage's body, oblivious to the blush that spread across Mirage’s face after hearing Crypto's comment.
“Goodnight Hyeon.” Crypto could hear the weariness in Mirage’s
“Goodnight Elliott.” Crypto replied letting his body relax and for the first time in days he let himself relax, letting the slow breathing of the trickster lull him to sleep.
~
“He must be ‘ere, he wasn’t at his apartment.” Renee remarked, opening up the elevator door, letting Ajay and Natalie pass before following closely behind.
“It’s weird ‘nough Mr. Life-of-ta-party would pass up on a chance ta go drinkin’.” Ajay glanced at her phone, her messages to Mirage still being left on delivered. She was interrupted by a harsh shh coming from Natalie who had already made it to Mirage's room and was peeking inside. Renee and Ajay quickly joined Natalies side to see what she was seeing.
Crypto was still fast asleep, his light snores could be heard from within the quiet room. Mirage used his free hand to hush the group and point to Crypto. A round of light awes passed along the trio. Renee hoped Mirage didn’t notice her snapping a swift photo that she would definitely tease him with later.
They all left soon after, Mirage picked up their conversation about how they never believed Mirage would have the guts to finally confess his obvious feelings for the secluded hacker. His ears reddened at the thought of the teasing he’d have to endure when he encountered them all again.
He languidly shifted his gaze to Crypto, his usually icy features, peacefully at rest. The sunlight filtered through the closed blinded grazed his cheeks and gave him a hazy glow. He looked ethereal. Mirage's heart swelled at the sight. He steadily moved Crypto's bangs to the side and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead, careful not to wake him from his slumber.