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For the first time in what felt like forever, Drax and Nebula were on a mission without Peter and Adam. However, that was not a problem because Peter and Adam had longed to be alone together, just the two of them. They had been a couple for a while now but had kept it a secret, not wanting the other Guardians to know about it for the time being.
Peter and Adam had just finished dinner and were now cuddled together on the couch, their bodies fitting perfectly together. The soft fabric of a blanket enveloped them, creating a warm and secure cocoon. Adam rested his head on Peter's chest, his ear pressed against the steady thump of Peter's heart.
The rhythmic sound reverberated through Adam, filling him with a sense of peace. Each beat felt like a promise, a reminder that Peter was alive and by his side. He marveled at the resilience of Peter's heart, pumping life and love throughout his body, and couldn't help but wonder how many times it had beat until today.
Adam's fingers traced gentle circles on Peter's chest while he was listening to his heart, feeling the rise and fall with each breath. His touch was filled with a mixture of awe and tenderness. He marveled at the way Peter's heart responded, quickening its pace with every caress, as if it danced to the rhythm of his touch.
"Peter," Adam whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "Your heart... it beats so strong and sure. It's like a symphony, an anthem of life. I can hear your energy, your passion, your love coursing through your veins."
Peter smiled and let out a soft chuckle, his fingers delicately combing through Adam's hair. He cherished these intimate moments, where vulnerability and trust intertwined.
"Why did you chuckle?" Adam asked curiously, gazing up at Peter's face with half-lidded eyes.
"You always use such grandiose words, Adam. I know it's just the way you speak, but it's very endearing and it surprises me sometimes. How those words just flow through you and comes to you so easily.”
”Uhuh…” Adam replied and just smiled. His eyes sparkled with affection as he lifted his head a little to meet Peter's gaze. "I'm in awe of your heart, Peter. It's a constant reminder of why I fell in love with you. Your every beat echoes in my soul, assuring me that we're meant to be together."
Peter's breath caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat. He wasn’t prepared at all for this sudden exclamation of love. The love and adoration in Adam's eyes washed over him, dissolving any lingering doubts or insecurities. In that moment, he knew that their bond was unbreakable.
Suddenly filled with a surge of emotion, Adam gently lifted Peter's hand to his chest, guiding his fingers to the spot where his heart beat strongest. He wanted Peter to experience the depth of their connection, to feel the love that resided within him.
"Peter, listen closely," Adam whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and anticipation. He paused for a moment, searching for the right words to convey his feelings. "Can you feel it? My heart beats for you... It's a symphony of emotions, a declaration of the love I have for you."
Peter nodded slowly, a wide smile coming over his lips, he truly felt what Adam was conveying. His touch remained tender, his palm absorbing the rhythm of Adam's pounding heartbeat. He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the moment as he pressed his ear to Adam's chest, listening intently. The gentle thud of Adam's heartbeats greeted his ear, like a soft drumbeat guiding them through their intimate connection. Each rhythmic pulse reverberated through his being, a soothing melody of life and affection. The cadence of his heartbeats spoke volumes, a steady reminder of the love and affection that he held for Peter.
"Your heart, Adam, beats with a strength and intensity that resonates throughout the cosmos. It's as if the universe itself dances within you," Peter confessed after a few moments, a sense of pride evident in his voice for finding those eloquent words Adam had used. Wonder filled his tone.
Adam felt humbled. He couldn't find any words anymore, and he could feel his eyes shimmering with tears of joy as Peter understood exactly what he was trying to convey. He leaned in, capturing Peter's lips in a gentle kiss. Their lips met, and their kiss deepened. The world around them faded into insignificance as they surrendered to each other.
Soon enough though, their blissful moment was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Drax and Nebula, who entered the room with widened eyes and surprised expressions. Peter and Adam, caught off guard, froze in their embrace, their faces flushing with a mix of embarrassment and astonishment.
Drax's eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of confusion and amusement. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Nebula, ever observant, tilted her head, scanning the room with a raised eyebrow. "Well, well, what do we have here? Seems like we stumbled upon a private moment."
Peter and Adam quickly disentangled themselves, their faces flushing with embarrassment. Peter cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Uh, it's not what it looks like. We were just... um... having a heart-to-heart talk."
Drax let out a booming laugh, his voice echoing in the room. "A heart-to-heart, indeed! Seems like your hearts were doing more than just talking." He said with a wink.
Nebula's lips curled into a smirk as she crossed her arms. "I must say, it's about time you two stopped tiptoeing around each other. It was getting painfully obvious."
Adam's cheeks flushed deeper, his shyness returning. He still didn't feel entirely at ease with the other Guardians; his shyness persisted when interacting with them. "I apologize if we made you uncomfortable. It wasn't our intention," he murmured, his voice tinged with sincerity and a hint of vulnerability.
Drax's booming laughter gradually quieted, and he stepped closer with a faint smile on his face. "No need to apologize. Love is strange and confusing, but it's also powerful. We don't shy away from awkward moments here. We face them head-on, just like we face our enemies. So, embrace your love, embrace the awkwardness. It's all part of being a dysfunctional family."
Nebula nodded in agreement, her usually stern expression softening. "Indeed. While Adam is still new to us, we are guardians, and guardians look out for one another. You can count on us to support you both, no matter what. We may not always show it in the most conventional ways, but we're here for you, just as family should be." Her words carried a sense of loyalty and camaraderie, reassuring Adam and Peter that they had allies among the Guardians, even in matters of the heart.
Peter's gaze softened, his heart swelling with gratitude for his family's immediate acceptance. The love he held for each member of the Guardians filled his voice. "Thank you, Drax, Nebula. Your understanding and support mean the world to us. We appreciate having such incredible family by our side." His words carried a depth of sincerity, conveying the profound bond they shared as a team and as individuals.
Drax clapped Peter on the back, his voice filled with warmth. "Now, enough with the awkwardness. Let's go back to the others and continue our evening. But Peter and Adam, next time, make sure to choose a more secure location for your heart-to-hearts,” he said with a wink and ended with another of his booming laughs.
With renewed spirits, the group rejoined the rest of the Guardians in the kitchen as they cooked dinner together. As the evening unfolded, Peter stole glances at Adam, his heart swelling with affection. They shared smiles and whispered conversations, deepening their connection with each passing moment. And though Adam still felt a tinge of shyness, he knew that with time, he would find his place among the Guardians. Drax and Nebula had showed him it was possible and he knew he could trust their word.
When the evening drew to a close, Peter found himself alone with Adam once more. They sat side by side outside the Milano, their bodies comfortably pressed against each other, as they gazed up at the vast expanse of the starry sky. The twinkling lights above seemed to mirror the flicker of emotions in Peter's eyes, a mix of love and worry.
Peter turned to Adam, his voice laced with concern. "Are you doing okay, Adam? Tonight has been quite eventful, and I want to make sure you're feeling alright." He reached out, gently intertwining his fingers with Adam's, seeking both comfort and reassurance in their connection.
Adam leaned his head on Peter's shoulder, a small smile gracing his lips. "Yes, Peter. I am. But I have to admit, I still feel like an outsider sometimes. It's been a journey for me to find my place among the Guardians." His voice held a hint of vulnerability, acknowledging the lingering uncertainty within him.
Peter gently squeezed Adam's hand, understanding his sentiments. "I know it can be tough, Adam. But remember, we're all a bit unconventional here. It may take time, but I believe you'll find your place and you know they like you and they support us. And in the meantime, you have me by your side."
Adam's smile grew, a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Peter. Having you with me makes all the difference...”
Peter's heart swelled with joy, his thumb caressing the back of Adam's hand. "You belong here, Adam. You belong with us. And I promise, we'll make sure you feel that way every step of the way."
Adam's gaze met Peter's, the depth of his gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Peter. I'm truly grateful for you and for this family we've found. I wouldn't trade it for anything," he expressed sincerely. He took a few moments to just watch Peter, absorbing every detail that made him who he was. His hair, his eyes, the scruff on his chin—each aspect filled Adam's heart with love and warmth.
"I wouldn't trade you for anything else in the entire universe."
Peter, overwhelmed by the depth of Adam's feelings, found himself at a loss for words. He was deeply touched by the way Adam saw and cherished him. Opening and closing his mouth, he struggled to articulate his emotions, but no words would come out. Embarrassment washed over him, causing him to look away and fiddle with his thumbs.
Sensing Peter's unease, a large, comforting hand enveloped his own. Adam pulled him closer, their bodies embracing in a tender hug. Comforting heat radiated from Adam's golden skin, warming Peter from within and melting away his uncertainty.
"I already know," Adam's voice whispered softly, filled with unwavering love. Peter pressed his cheek against Adam's, feeling a single tear roll down his face. With a quivering voice, he finally managed to speak the words that held his heart captive.
"I love you." The three simple words carried a weight of vulnerability and affection, breaking through the barriers that had held Peter back.
He could feel and hear Adam's breath hitching as he uttered those three words, his body suddenly growing stiff in Peter's embrace. With his heart pounding, Peter slowly released Adam, wanting to see his face clearly in that moment. The moonlight cast a gentle glow upon Adam's golden skin, turning him into a breathtaking sight. Each glimmer on his skin seemed like a tiny star, creating a celestial tapestry of beauty. Tears, as if made of melted gold, rolled down Adam's cheeks, glistening in the moonlight.
As Peter gazed into Adam's eyes, he saw a mixture of vulnerability and joy. A beaming smile graced Adam's lips, accentuating the love and happiness that radiated from him. Adam took a deep breath, his hands cupping Peter's cheeks, thumbs grazing his soft skin.
"That was the first time anyone has ever told me they love me," Adam's voice quivered with overwhelming emotion. "No one has ever said those words to me before. Except you, Peter Quill." His voice held a blend of awe and gratitude. "You are the center of my universe," he whispered, his lips inching closer to Peter's, their breath mingling in the air. "I love you, Lord of the Stars."