Chapter Text
After today’s events I deserve a medal for actually surviving it. My body sure feels the aftermath of what Nova hoped was the hardest fight of her life. Nova laid motionless in the makeshift healing tents set just outside the ruined Cathedral. Normally Nova would protest being taken to be healed, she would rather just tend to her injuries herself. But today she was a model patient. Her body refused to sit up so she laid in her cot only grunting when healers would ask her questions. It was in moments like this where she wished she could wield herself to sleep. It was unfair Adrian and Max were both passed out in their cots sleeping, peacefully, she hoped. She turned her head just enough so she could watch Adrian sleep. She hoped that wasn’t creepy but a part of her just felt like she had to make sure he was still breathing, and he looked cute when slept. With his glasses slightly askew and his gently parted lips...Nova had to restrain herself otherwise she’d muster all the power she could just to stand up, lean over and kiss him. She turned her head back to staring at the stark tent ceiling, blushing from the thought.
After a half hour or so she heard shuffling from outside the tent. “I’m FINE! Simon stop it!” The booming voice said in protest. “I’m pretty sure you were stabbed, please just-” “I got my powers back I’m INVINCIBLE. INVINCIBLE!!” the voice yelled as Simon pulled in a protesting Captain Chromium. Either the sounds of yelling, or the fact that it was his Dad’s voices, Adrian bolted awake. Simon watched Adrian get startled awake and frowned at Hugh. “look what you did. You woke up Adrian! Sorry son, I was only trying to get your Father here to-”
“Simon, I am perfectly fine!” He said as Simon tried to push him into a healer. “You’ve never had your power taken away before! So how do you know?” He asked. In response, Hugh undid the top portion of his jumpsuit and revealed his uncathed chest. “See? No wounds. I’m fine!” He says puffing his chest out and making a ridiculous pose. Simon breaks into a smile. “Fine as hell-” He says,exhaling and giving a grin. “Gross get your own tent.” Says Adrian, rolling his eyes. But Nova caught the small smile forming on Adrian’s lips.
The Captain pulls his jumpsuit back on and walks over to Adrian with Simon following in his wake. He sits down at the edge of his cot and pats Adrian’s leg. “How are you holding up?” He asks in a softer tone. “Never been better.” Said Adrian, giving a thumbs up. The Captain then turns to me and asks, “Doing okay?” He gives me the same look I’ve seen him give Adrian and Max a thousand times. The look of a concerned Father. I give him a smile.
“Doing great.” I say looking over to him and Adrian who is smiling at me. I give him a smile back. Hugh looks over to Max who is still sound asleep in his cot.
Adrian looked over to Max as well. “He’s been through so much today. I think he deserves to sleep for a week.” He says. Hugh nods in agreement.
A healer came over to the lot of them and checked Nova and Adrian’s vitals again.
“You think they can be released now?” Hugh asks the healer who was taking Adrian’s pulse.
“Let me discuss that with the head, but their vitals are stable but maybe we keep them a little longer just to make sure the supernova didn’t have any other effects on them being so close.”
Adrian rolled his eyes. “I feel fine. Honestly I just want to go home and take a shower. Then I’ll feel better than alright.” Adrian said. “Dad- can you?”
Hugh gave Adrian a hand to tell him to quiet. Hugh stood up and spoke to the healer in a very heroic voice. “Tell your head that you are releasing the three of them to Captain Chromium. Simon or I can give you nightly updates on their well being as well.” He said, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.
She just nodded, looking speechless. “Yes I suppose... that will work. Okay. They are free to go in your custody.”
Hugh gave the woman a smile and she walked away to tend to other patients.
“Thanks a million.” Said Adrian softly. “Anytime.” Hugh said with a smile.
“There’s a car around back that we can take back home.” Simon said to the pair of them. “Are you two able to walk?” Simon asked Adrian and Nova. Adrian somehow managed, to Nova’s amazement, to stand up and just brush himself off. Seeing him do it so easily she pressed herself up out of the cot and forced herself to stand. Her leg muscles were still shaking with exhaustion. Adrian saw the amount of effort it was taking her to stand and he came up and scooped her up in his arms. How did he have that much energy? Hugh and Simon exchanged a look and Hugh went to scoop up the still sleeping Max into his arms. Simon looked to Adrian, “I was going to offer, but it looks like you got it under control.” He said with a grin. Nova looked up and saw Adrian blush. He looked down to her, catching her staring at him, and she blushed too.
“You feeling okay?” He asked. “Better than okay.” Nova said, curling herself into his body. Feeling the bandages under his skin. She too just wanted to go home and take a shower. But then it hit her, she didn’t have a home anymore. Her apartment was blown up, the cathedral was in shambles and there was no way she was going to go live under the pawn shop anymore. Not after her Renegade display, she probably wouldn’t be welcomed back by many of her old compatriots.
“Adrian I- I don’t know where to go...” Nova started.
He huffed. “Nonsense. You’re coming home with me.” He said matter of factly.
“I can’t do that. Not after all I-” Nova tried to protest until Simon chimed in. “It’s already been decided. We have plenty of empty rooms in our house. You and Max will both have rooms on the second floor- unless of course you’d feel more comfortable in the basement with Adrian.”
He said, hardly containing his grin. Adrian cleared his throat. “If that’s okay with your Uncle of course I don’t want him to worry.” Said Adrian. Nova bursted out laughing, and Simon just face palmed. It was just so Adrian of him to say. He was so clueless sometimes.
“Adrian, my uncle... was Ace.” She said flatly. Adrian had to stop walking for a second and look at her. “Wait...who was that guy that was your Uncle before? You know when you were released out of Cragmoor-” I burst out laughing again. “That guy? I never met that guy in my life before that moment!” Nova said, shaking her head. “Ace was the Uncle, the only family I really have- er- had.” She finished. Adrien looked at her again, with worry and pain on his face. She didn't even mean it to sound like that, but I guess in hindsight that did sound pretty pathetic.
“I’m so sorry Nova. But at least, now you have a place to stay and people who care about you. Really, care about you.” he said, staring at her with those beautiful eyes. Great Skies, how was this boy so perfect? Nova couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks.” Was all she could figure out how to say. How else was she supposed to summarize all that she was feeling right now.
The ride back to the Everhearts was quick enough. Max somehow was still sleeping curled in the lap of the Captain the whole way. Adrian slipped his hand into Novas and they spent the car ride silently holding each other.
When they were inside the house Adrien stopped at the door leading to the basement. “Do you want to er- rest downstairs or would you like me to show you to an empty room upstairs?” He asked politely. I really didn’t have to think twice. I wasn’t exactly ready to let go of Adrian just yet. Not after how many times I thought I lost him today.
“I think I’ll go downstairs with you...if that’s okay...” I say, trying to not sound too awkward.
“Sounds good to me.” He said, practically leaping downstairs. I must weigh no more than a puppy to him.
When we got downstairs he set me on the couch that I recall us making out on the first time I came down here. He sits down next to me, looking a little more exhausted than he had been letting on to.
We sat in awkward silence for a while. I just started to pick at the dried mud and blood that was caked under my nails. And then I become painfully aware of how horrible I must look right now, and smell? I don’t want to think about that. “Say... could I borrow your shower unless you want to use it first?” I ask.
“Oh yeah! You use mine. I can shower upstairs. I don’t want to make you walk all the way upstairs and then back down.” He says bolting up and running into his bathroom. He comes back within a couple minutes grinning. “Sorry I had to clean it up. When I left this morning I didn’t think I was going to have anyone over.” He said sheepishly. “You can uh, come in now!” He said walking over to Nova and offering her a hand. She took it gladly and stood up. Her legs were feeling a little more stable so she was able to slowly make her way to the bathroom door. She let go of his hand and walked herself to the shower. Then her jaw dropped. He didn’t just clean up as he said. No way was this all there before.
“Adrian...Did you do all this for me?” She asked. He grinned and stopped to turn around. “Oh yeah, I might have drawn a few amenities for you...to you know, feel more comfortable.” He said with a smile. “Adrian I lived in a subway tunnel half my life. You live in a mansion, literally a working shower is amazing to me.” She said still in awe at what he had set up for her.
“Well, you deserve this. Take your time!” He said as he turned and skipped up the stairs.
Nova shut the door and looked into his bathroom again. This was no teenage boys bathroom. No, this was what Nova would describe as a luxury spa. Adrien drew candles everywhere, so the room had a soft glow. There was even music playing in the background. He even added some hanging plants, probably remembering her infatuation with the jungle he drew and added that. There was also maybe ten or so bottles of things Nova didn’t even know what they were. Different soaps perhaps? And up hanging was the fluffiest towel she had ever felt in her entire life. And next to the towel was a robe that was just as soft. On the counter layed out was a water bottle, comb, brush and even a blow dryer. Nova had never actually used one of those before even though Honey would offer sometimes.
Nova slipped off her clothes as carefully as she could. Trying not to kill her arm muscles in doing so. Once she managed to get her old Nightmare outfit off she reached into the shower and turned it on. Adrian had one of those rain showers where when you stood under it, it just felt like you were outside in a warm rain. Nova gingerly stepped into the shower and jolted at first to the heat and the water stung a little on all the small gashes she had from Honey’s bees. But the pain subsided as quickly as it came and she was able to revel in the bliss of this shower, which felt magical. How was it that not 24 hours ago she was fighting for her life, and now she was in Adrian’s heavenly shower? The universe was funny like that.
Nova lost track of time. She stood under the rain for who knows how long and she would have stayed longer if it wasn’t for the knock on the door. “Hey Nova-” Adrian said.
Nova opened the steamy glass door and stuck her head out. “Umm Yeah?” She yelled back.
“I have some clean clothes for you I just thought you might want something other than your Nightmare clothes.” He said thoughtfully.
“Oh Yeah. That’d be great actually.” She said. She hadn’t even thought about that yet.
“Can I open the door? I will close my eyes and just set them on the floor.” He said awkwardly.
Nova giggled. It was the same when she was dying from those stings. He let her cover herself even when she was half dead. He was so considerate. It was also very cute.
“Doors unlocked! You can just set them down.” She said still just enjoying the rain shower.
“Alright...” He said.
Nova had the time of her life watching him through the fogged shower door. Adrien cracked the door just enough to slide the clothes in with one hand and cover his eyes with the other. She half expected him to be a teenage boy and peek, but Adrian is so much more than a teenage boy. And he set the clothes down nicely, and shut the door behind him. Nova smiled. How did she get this lucky to end up with him?
Nova finally told herself to turn off the shower. As she knew Adrian was out there waiting for her and the thought of both of them now freshly showered and exhausted could finally have some alone time. She stepped out of the shower and grabbed the fluffy towel and wrapped it around her stinging body. It felt amazing. She then grabbed the brush and brushed through her tangled hair. She looked at the blowdryer and decided against it, Adrian wouldn’t care what her hair looked like or if it was wet. She grabbed the clothes that Adrian had set out for her. He must have drawn them because the pants were definitely not his. But they were just what Nova liked. A nice soft pair of black sweatpants that honestly fit her pretty well. She only had to roll the hem up to make them fit. Then she grabbed the shirt which Nova thought was a simple white T-shirt until she put it on. She looked in the mirror and saw that the shirt said in big bold red and black lettering, ‘I <3 Everheart’ and Nova rolled her eyes. Of course Adrian was going to make her wear this. This was probably going to end up as blackmail against her later.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, Adrian was sitting on his couch with a plethora of snacks on the coffee table in front of it. Nova scowled and shuffled out of the doorway towards him. “I heart Everheart? Really? Are you that conceited?” She chided. Adrian folded over laughing, he looked like he was having a heart attack.
“I swear, I thought it was just a small white T-shirt. But I guess I know why it was shoved away in the back of our laundry room. That has to be old merchandise from my Dad’s fanclub.” Adrian said before laughing again.
“Sure it was.” She said still not believing him fully. Adrian put his hands up in defense. “I swear! But you have to admit, it’s funny.” He said, trying to cool down. Nova shook her head and collapsed next to him. Adrian was wearing simple grey sweatpants and a matching grey jacket unzipped partially exposing the bandages on his chest over where he branded himself to get rid of the vitality tattoo.
“Yeah. Hilarious.” She said, leaning her head onto his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. He smelled of fresh linen and then a hint of cologne. He was trying real hard. But Nova liked it.
They sat together just listening to each other's breathing until Nova spoke up. “I’m..Sorry.” She said. She has had this on her chest since she got here. She felt horrible that in the same day she held a gun to his head, he was also making her fancy showers and saving her from dying amongst other things.
“It’s okay Nova. I already told you that it’s okay I know you were only doing what you thought you had to do. Really, you don’t need to apologize.” He said squeezing me tighter.
“It’s just... I feel so shitty about all of it.” Nova said tears starting to swell up in her eyes.
“You were being manipulated by your Uncle, it really wasn’t your fault.” He said ,stroking her hair. Trying to soothe her.
“Yeah but he wasn’t the one who lied to you forever, held a gun to your head, betrayed you countless times!” She spat out. Everything she was feeling was flooding out of her all of the sudden. She didn’t feel right staying here unless it was all out in the open.
“That wasn’t you. When you were thinking for yourself you saved me. You saved Max. You saved all of Gatlon. That’s you.” He said trying to cheer her up. Nova looked up into his eyes.
“You mean that?” She asked. Her eyes swelling with tears.
“If I didn’t mean that, would I do this?” He asked as he kissed her gently on the lips and pulled away. He didn’t want to overwhelm her.
“No. I suppose you wouldn’t.” She said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Adrian wrapped his arms around Nova’s waist and they fell into each other. Sending each other so many kisses. Hoping that she could express all the gratitude she felt for him through her touch. A gentle brush here, a grazing of her lips behind his ear. Wishing Adrain could understand just how much she loved him.
Adrian lay on the couch, Nova pressed on top of him. Nova carefully kissed around his bandaged wounds, careful not to hurt him. Neither of them had enough energy to be seated anymore. But neither of them wanted to leave each other's company either.
Nova would have happily kissed him through the night but she knew that Adrian had to be getting tired by now. He was going to want to sleep. And Nova, maybe would try. The only time she was ever able to do it was with Adrian so why not try again, it wasn’t like it was going to hurt her. Hell, her body would probably thank her.
Nova sat up, straddling Adrian. “We should probably go get some rest soon.” She said, flicking his nose. “Who are you? My Dad?” Adrian asked sarcastically. Nova rolled her eyes. “Some of us had a big day today. Murdering family members, saving countless citizens, you name it.” She said numbly. She didn’t mean for it to sound so pitiful, but listening to her saying that outloud, she probably should go see one of those Renegade therapists soon. She was going to need it.
Adrian gave her a concerned look. But Nova played it off. “I want to try to sleep, but I can only sleep with you.” She blurted out. “Like sleep with you not sleep with you. You know? Like last time!” She said, seeing the little grin that was creeping across Adrian’s face. He was enjoying her fluster.
“Yeah I suppose we did have quite the day. Follow me to my bedchamber.” He said jokingly.
“Bedchamber?” Nova said, giving him a look.
“It sounds cooler than a bedroom.” Adrian said in defense.
“I changed my mind. I do actually want to sleep upstairs.” Nova said sarcastically.
“Fine! Bedroom! My Bedroom is this way.” He said, still motioning to the door.
“Thanks.” Nova said cooly with a smirk.
To Nova’s relief Adrian’s bed was of a decent size. The thought had crossed her mind that maybe he still slept in a twin sized bed, not that she didn’t mind sleeping close to him at all. But it looked to be about a queen size which would make this officially the nicest bed she has ever slept in.
“Wow, you have a big boy bed.” She said, chiding him.
“Yeah I actually got rid of my race car bed last year so I guess you came at the right time.” He said, smirking.
“Bummer. I would have loved to see The Sketch, or the all powerful, lawless Sentinel in his race car bed and footie pajamas.” Nova said, walking over to the bed.
“Hey I never wore footie pajamas. I got too hot in those.” He said defending himself. Nova just laughed.
Adrian pulled the covers down and grabbed another pillow for Nova from the closet. His bed was so soft to the touch, so luxurious. No wonder Adrian was in such a good mood all the time.
This sleeping thing was still so foriegn to her, she really didn’t know what to do. Nova climbed into his bed and just layed completely straight like a corpse and closed her eyes.
“Am I doing this right?” She asked Adrian. Who rolled over and grinned.
“Oh wow you’re terrible” He said sarcastically. “You taught me how to shoot, so let me teach you how to sleep.” He said inching closer.
“You better be better at sleeping than shooting.” Nova said, leaning closer to Adrian.
“I happen to be an expert at sleeping. Now watch the master.” He said making himself comfortable by bending his long legs in creating a crescent shape.
“Now you try.” He said, nodding at her.
Nova turned her back to Adrian and mimicked him. “Like this?” She said playing along.
“Hmmm... not quite. Your form is off.”
“My form?”
“Yeah. come closer, I can correct it for you.” He said motioning towards himself.
Nova smiled. This was just the invitation she was looking for, in a weird Adrian way.
She shuffled herself so they were spooning each other. It was so easy for Adrian with the height difference to wrap himself around her.
“How’s my form now?” Nova asked in a whisper.
“I think you have mastered it. You sure are a fast learner.” He said, burrowing his head in the crook of her neck and kissing her.
Nova wrapped Adrian’s arm tighter around her, feeling every inch of their bodies pressed against each other. Warmth spread through her, she never felt so safe and so warm in her life. It felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. She was finally able to unapologetically be herself with Adrian and it felt amazing. She could feel him burying himself further into her and she shuddered.
“Whoever falls asleep first, loses.” Adrien said in a low whisper in her ear. Nova chuckled.
“You do realize all I need to do is think about putting you to sleep and you lose...right?” She said, whispering back.
“Oh yeah...I guess I can see I am at a severe disadvantage.” He said ,stroking her hair. Making Nova shudder once again at the touch, it just felt so good.
“You’re such an idiot sometimes.” She said, not meaning it at all. Smiling at just how happy she was to be with this idiot.
“I’m taking that as a compliment.” He said, sounding as if he was falling asleep himself. His touches stopped and she could feel his breath becoming steady and slow. She tried to mimic his breathing, slowing hers as well.
“You always do.” She said. And relaxed herself enough to fall into at least a light, peaceful sleep.