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It’s good to have you back, Cross!
Hunter had not left Crosshair’s side. Not since his return. Besides, the fearless leader of the Bad Batch was suddenly very affectionate too. Cuddles and hugs given to the sniper at most inappropriate moments. But Hunter was so, so happy to have Crosshair back!
Guess the attention really wasn’t as annoying for Crosshair as he liked to let the others think it might be. As Crosshair too, was totally enjoying himself. And, it was certainly different. The good kind of different. To be the centre of someone’s attention.
And so, Hunter once again made his way to Crosshair after their latest mission, the two of them hanging in the canteen while the others had already gone. The hanging thing something the two did, just like in the good old days.
The mission certainly having been a success, the team hitting an imperial facility and releasing a ship load of prisoners having been held for experimentation there. And so, like their new norm now was, Crosshair patiently waited for the inevitable to happen. As these were the especially moments for the hugs to be forthcoming. At least they had been so far. A trend of sorts for the scout.
“Here you go!”
Hunter offered Crosshair a mug filled with the concoction the clones were brewing on the base. Something of an acquired taste, but with some time and fashion they had all gotten used to the bitter taste of it. Besides, it left a nice buzz afterwards.
“Thanks!”
Crosshair accepted the offering, but was surprised when Hunter simply sat down beside him. The man not even extending one single arm to draw the sniper in for a hug. What was going on? Where was his hug?
Crosshair was positively disappointed as so far, not a day, event or mission having gone by where the scout had not made some kind of physical contact followed by an assuring and caring smile. These acts making Crosshair’s days for sure!
They sat there in comfortable silence for a long spell, which was something they did, true.
But Crosshair was getting a tad antsy when Hunter wasn’t showing any affection towards him at all. Had Crosshair done something wrong? Or was the honeymoon period over suddenly? The pats, the hugs, the smiles, all of it having ended now that everything had become business as usual?
Crosshair was totally confused, utterly distraught, growing angrier by each passing moment. Because the sniper had really, really enjoyed himself getting all that affectionate attention from Hunter.
Fidgeting with his mug, there was an internal debate going on within Crosshair, half expecting there to be some fume sizzling out of him soon enough if Hunter did not act. React more likely. A pat on the back, a smile, something, anything!!!
Crosshair’s leg was tapping nervously, finally getting Hunter’s attention with his nervous fidgeting. The scout having been reeling in the mission still, already thinking of the next one as per suggested by Rex soon after them getting back and totally oblivious to Crosshair’s predicament.
“Wot’s wrong Cross?”
Hunter’s eyes were on Crosshair, his query worried as this was still new to them both. Having Crosshair back like before. Hunter really wasn’t sure how far the invisible lines extended to and trying hard not to cross any personal barriers while letting the sniper adjust to his new life.
But yeah, Hunter had enjoyed the hugging and what nots too. Immensely so.
Crosshair’s eyes narrowed, staring back at Hunter rather angrily suddenly and then, the words blurted out before he could stop them.
“So, this is it then?”
Hunter looked totally confused, taken aback from the kind of an angry outburst.
“Waddaya mean?”
Crosshair’s hard stare was still on Hunter. Taking the last sip from his mug before placing it back on the table with a loud thud. Crosshair was about to get up, huffing and puffing as he did. Not really wanting to fight, but… what the kark?!
“Hey! Hey! Cross! Tell me, what is it?”
… Hunter had grabbed him by his arm before he could leave, dragging Crosshair back to his seat.
“Fine!”
But there was nothing more forthcoming from the sniper.
“Yes?”
Crosshair’s eyes turned back to Hunter. The scowl present there. And he looked really tense.
“No more hugs.”
“Wot?”
“It’s over then?”
Hunter was even more confused than before. It took a moment for him, the wheels turning inside of his brain before he finally understood what Crosshair was on about. It had been a while after all!
As in the past, the two having been close with hardly any words needed to understand the other’s moods and meanings simply from the feel of the other. It had taken a moment for Hunter to understand what was wrong with Crosshair now, but he finally got it.
Having been quite tactile with Crosshair since the sniper’s return just because Hunter was happy, giddy even to have him back. But Hunter also knew Crosshair wasn’t as big on hugs and elaborate demonstration of affection. Alas, there had been no objections to any of it. Still, Hunter knew he needed to start threading more lightly and to tone things down so not to upset the sniper either.
But… clearly, Hunter had gotten this one wrong.
“You want me to hug you.” It wasn’t a question, not really.
Crosshair’s scowl was getting more severe again.
“Yes.”
“Fine.”
Hunter grabbed the sniper into a sheering hug. Holding onto Crosshair tightly, feeling the tension slowly but surely dissipating. Smiling softly as he held onto Crosshair. Time may have passed between then and now and they had both changed, but the bond between them had only grown stronger. That much was true.