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Medkit rattled the drink in his hand, taking another shot. It was New Year’s Eve, and the celebration was in full swing around him. The clinking of glasses, laughter, and muffled music filled the room, but it all felt distant. He sat at the bar in a corner of the grand hall, dressed impeccably in his usual muted style: a dress shirt tucked neatly under a fitted vest, a teal cravat secured tightly at his neck, and loose, baggy dress pants that hung just enough to give him an air of careless sophistication. His white, pristine HV gloves gleamed under the dim lights, a stark contrast to his dark hair tied up neatly at the back, with his bangs framing his face.
Despite the festivities, he sighed, swirling the last remnants of whiskey in his glass. He felt a pang of loneliness that no amount of alcohol seemed to dull. Scythe and Broker were somewhere across the room, gambling their wallets—and likely their sanity—away. Everyone else was either engrossed in their own cliques or enjoying the celebrations too much to notice him. The laughter and joy around him felt like a distant echo, a reminder of the warmth he craved but couldn’t quite reach.
All he wanted was a little company, someone to sit with, to pass the time in this pointless charade of a party.
The scrape of a stool shifting broke through his thoughts. Medkit glanced to his side, his single eye narrowing slightly as Subspace dropped onto the seat next to him. The other demon looked casual, almost careless, as if the freezing temperatures outside didn’t bother him in the slightest. A thick, fur-lined coat hung loosely over his shoulders, his hands clad in black winter mittens. His outfit was completed with sweatpants—of all things—tucked into boots that had seen better days. Subspace always had a way of making casual look deliberate.
“Meddy,” Subspace drawled softly, the nickname spilling from his lips like honey laced with poison. It wasn’t a greeting so much as an intrusion, but for once, Medkit didn’t snap back. He didn’t even seem to hear it.
Subspace tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his soft eye. Medkit was unusually quiet tonight, his single eye downcast, the usual sharpness in his demeanor dulled by a few too many drinks. His hand, clad in his pristine HV glove, rested on the bar, fingers idly tapping against the wood as though lost in thought.
“You alright there?” Subspace asked, his voice softer now, the teasing edge giving way to something closer to genuine concern. He wasn’t used to seeing Medkit like this—unguarded, vulnerable. It was almost unnerving.
Still, Medkit didn’t answer. Instead, he shifted slightly, his hand moving almost absentmindedly. Subspace froze when he felt it—Medkit’s hand brushing against his, then settling lightly on top.
Subspace blinked, caught completely off guard. His usual quick wit deserted him as he stared at the gloved hand resting on his own. “Uh... Meddy?” he managed, his voice quieter than he intended. His cheeks flushed, the faintest hint of pink creeping up to his ears.
Medkit sighed, finally looking up at him with a tired expression. “Don’t make a big deal out of it,” he mumbled, his voice low and just a little unsteady. “You’re just...warm.”
Subspace’s breath caught in his throat. The blunt honesty in Medkit’s words wasn’t like him, and for a moment, Subspace wasn’t sure how to respond. The usual smirk tugging at his lips softened into something gentler, something almost fond.
“Warm, huh?” Subspace murmured, letting his own hand relax under Medkit’s touch. The fabric of the glove was cool, but the weight of it felt grounding, comforting in a way he hadn’t expected. Slowly, he turned his hand over, palm up, so that their fingers brushed together.
Medkit didn’t pull away. Instead, his fingers shifted slightly, curling just enough to hold on. Subspace felt his heart stutter in his chest, a rare moment of quiet vulnerability settling between them.
“You’re not gonna remember this in the morning, are you?” Subspace asked, his tone light, almost teasing, though there was a softness in his voice that betrayed him.
Medkit’s lips twitched in what might have been the faintest hint of a smile. “I’m not that drunk,” he muttered, though his flushed cheeks and slightly glassy eye told a different story.
“Right,” Subspace said, his grin returning, though it was smaller now, almost shy. “Well, for what it’s worth... I don’t mind.”
Medkit tilted his head slightly, studying him with a look that was softer than usual, the sharp edges of his stoicism blunted by the alcohol. “Don’t get used to it,” he murmured, but his hand didn’t move, his fingers staying loosely intertwined with Subspace’s.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Subspace said, though the warmth in his chest told a different story. For once, he let the moment linger, the noise of the party fading into the background as they sat there, their hands resting together on the bar. It was a small, quiet moment—soft and unexpected—but neither of them seemed eager to let it go.
And then, Medkit did something that completely unraveled Subspace—he smiled. Not a smirk, not a sarcastic quirk of his lips, but a genuine, unguarded smile. It was soft, fleeting, and entirely unintentional, like it had slipped past his usual defenses.
Subspace froze, his breath catching as he stared. “Meddy... you’re smiling,” he whispered, his voice hushed with awe. A grin spread across his face, equal parts smug and delighted. Before Medkit could react, Subspace leaned in closer, his head tilting to nuzzle against him like an affectionate cat.
“Shut up...” Medkit grumbled, his voice low and flustered, though the lack of sharpness in his tone gave him away. His free hand twitched, as if he wanted to push Subspace off, but it hovered uncertainly before falling back to his side. It was a rare moment of indecision for him, one Subspace wasn’t about to let slip by unnoticed.
Medkit leaned forward slightly, pressing the heel of his hand against his forehead as he exhaled heavily. “M’tired...” he muttered, his voice softer now, a quiet admittance that surprised even himself.
“Party just started, Meddy,” Subspace said with a chuckle, casting a glance at the clock on the far wall. Midnight was still a ways off, the night only beginning to unfold. Even so, he slid down a little, his posture relaxing as he subtly mirrored Medkit’s slouched position. His eyes darted to Medkit’s face, taking in the way the other demon’s usual sharpness seemed to have softened, dulled by weariness and the faint buzz of alcohol.
As if sensing Subspace’s gaze, Medkit turned his head slightly, their eye meeting. The moment hung between them, unspoken but heavy with meaning. Subspace raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening into something quieter, almost affectionate.
Then it happened—a faint flush crept up Medkit’s neck, the teal tint spreading across his cheeks like a betraying signal. He coughed into his fist, trying to cover it up. “Ahem,” he managed, his voice a little too loud in the sudden quiet.
Subspace’s eye widened, caught completely off guard by the rare display of embarrassment. “Ah—!” he yelped, twisting his head away in a mixture of shock and an attempt to suppress the grin threatening to overtake his face. His heart stuttered in his chest as he processed what he’d just seen.
Medkit, of all people, was blushing.
Subspace peeked back at him, unable to resist. Medkit was already trying to compose himself, his expression carefully neutral once more, though the lingering hint of teal on his cheeks betrayed him. Subspace let out a soft laugh, the sound warm and genuine.
Without thinking too much about it—thanks to the buzz of Tuborg dulling his inhibitions—Subspace shifted closer and let his head rest against Medkit’s shoulder. The weight was warm and solid, grounding in a way he didn’t entirely understand but wasn’t about to question.
Medkit froze at the contact, his single eye narrowing slightly as he glanced down at the other demon leaning against him. Subspace looked absurdly comfortable, his lips curved in a faint, almost smug smile as though he belonged there. It was infuriating.
Medkit let out a low sigh, grabbing his glass and knocking back another shot with practiced ease. The burn of the alcohol steadied him, dulled the edge of his usual irritation. His free hand hovered in the air for a moment, unsure, before he slowly brought his arm around Subspace’s shoulders. The motion was stiff, awkward even, as if Medkit was still deciding whether or not this was a terrible idea.
Subspace, meanwhile, noticed immediately. His breath hitched, and though he didn’t lift his head, a grin spread across his face. “Well, well,” he drawled, his tone softer than usual but still laced with that signature teasing edge. “Didn’t know you had it in you, Meddy.”
Medkit’s glare sharpened, but he didn’t pull his arm away. Instead, his hand settled lightly against Subspace’s upper arm, the touch firm yet hesitant, as though he were testing the waters. “Don’t read into it,” he muttered, his voice quieter than usual, lacking its usual cutting precision. “You’re drunk, and I’m just... indulging your nonsense for now.”
“Uh-huh,” Subspace replied, clearly unconvinced. He shifted slightly, leaning more into Medkit’s side as he looked up at him with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You’re getting soft, Meddy. It’s kind of cute.”
Medkit’s cheeks flared a faint teal, and he clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Keep talking, and I’ll throw you off the stool,” he warned, though the threat was half-hearted at best. His arm didn’t move, and his fingers stayed where they were, resting against Subspace’s sleeve with surprising steadiness.
“Sure, sure,” Subspace said, smirking as he nuzzled his head against Medkit’s shoulder. “You’re such a softie under all that grumpiness. I think I might like drunk Medkit.”
“Shut up,” Medkit growled, but there was no real bite to his words. The faintest twitch of a smile ghosted across his lips before he quickly schooled his expression back into something more neutral. The alcohol might have been making him unusually tolerant, but he wasn’t about to let Subspace win this round entirely.
A low groan escaped Medkit as he stood from the bar, swaying slightly before steadying himself. Subspace tilted his head, watching with mild curiosity as Medkit muttered something under his breath and began making his way through the crowd. Without much thought, Subspace slid off his own stool and followed, his curiosity piqued and his head buzzing just enough to ignore whatever boundaries he was supposed to respect.
Medkit stepped outside into the crisp night air, his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone alleyway behind the building. Subspace trailed a few steps behind, careful to keep quiet until Medkit stopped and leaned against the wall. A cigarette appeared in Medkit’s hand, followed by a lighter he flicked open with practiced ease.
The small flame danced in the dim light as Medkit lit the cigarette, taking a long drag before exhaling a stream of smoke that curled upward into the night. His shoulders visibly relaxed, the tension from the crowded party melting away.
“Didn’t take you for the smoking type,” Subspace said, breaking the silence. His voice startled Medkit just enough to make him glance over his shoulder, his single eye narrowing.
“And yet, here you are, following me,” Medkit replied dryly, the cigarette still balanced between his fingers. “What do you want?”
Subspace shrugged, stepping closer. “Maybe I just wanted some air. Or maybe I wanted to see what Meddy gets up to when he’s not babysitting me.”
Medkit rolled his eye but said nothing, taking another drag before holding the cigarette at his side. Subspace’s gaze flicked to it, curiosity evident on his face. “I’ve never tried one,” he admitted, his tone casual but edged with intrigue.
Medkit raised an eyebrow. “Never? Not even once?” He shook his head, a quiet huff of amusement escaping him. “Figures. You’re too much of a loudmouth to actually stop and try something.”
Subspace grinned, undeterred. “Then teach me, oh wise and grumpy one.”
Medkit sighed, clearly debating whether or not this was worth the effort. Finally, he held up the cigarette. “Alright. Come here.”
Subspace stepped closer, the playful grin still tugging at his lips. Medkit gestured for him to tilt his head down slightly, bringing the cigarette close. “You inhale gently. Don’t pull too hard, or you’ll choke,” he instructed, his voice steady. “Breathe it in, hold it for a second, then let it out.”
Subspace followed Medkit’s lead, leaning in slightly as Medkit brought the cigarette to his lips. He took a tentative drag, his eyes widening as the smoke filled his lungs. A harsh cough escaped him a second later, and Medkit pulled the cigarette back, shaking his head with a smirk.
“I said gently, idiot,” Medkit muttered, though there was a rare flicker of amusement in his tone.
“Yeah, yeah,” Subspace rasped, clearing his throat. “I’m learning, okay?”
Medkit took another drag himself, exhaling slowly before glancing at Subspace. A mischievous idea crossed his mind. “Here. Let’s make it easier.”
Subspace blinked, his mind briefly stuttering as Medkit leaned closer. The cigarette in one hand, the other resting lightly on Subspace’s shoulder—it was a gesture so casual yet strangely intimate that it left him frozen in place. Before he could process the closeness, Medkit exhaled, a soft stream of smoke slipping past his lips and into Subspace’s.
Subspace inhaled instinctively, the smoke filling his lungs in a way that was smoother, less harsh than before. His eye widened, then squeezed shut as a small cough burst out of him, his free hand coming up to wave at the air between them.
“Meddy—!” he choked, his voice rasping with equal parts surprise and disbelief.
Medkit leaned back slightly, the faint trace of a smirk curling his lips as if everything about this moment was perfectly ordinary. "You asked for it," he said casually, his voice low and deliberate, yet somehow soft. The words carried a teasing edge, but his expression remained cool and unreadable.
Subspace sputtered, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson—though he would never admit whether it was from the lingering smoke or sheer embarrassment. “Well, I didn’t think you’d actually do that!” he snapped, glaring at Medkit, though the heat behind his words didn’t reach his eye.
Medkit responded with a simple, “Shhh,” and lifted a gloved finger to press lightly against Subspace’s lips. It was a small, effortless motion, but the intimate gesture sent a spark racing down Subspace’s spine. He froze, his expression shifting from annoyed to utterly flustered.
Subspace swatted Medkit’s hand away with a huff, turning his back to him in an exaggerated show of defiance. “Don’t shush me, you smug bastard,” he muttered, arms crossing tightly over his chest. His expression could only be described as the poutiest thing Medkit had ever seen, and for a moment, Medkit just watched him, cigarette trapped lazily between two fingers.
“Come on, you toddler,” Medkit said after a beat, his tone dry but tinged with amusement. He took another slow drag from the cigarette, the smoke curling lazily around his head. The alcohol in his system dulled his usual restraint, making his words looser, his actions bolder.
Subspace turned just enough to shoot him a glare, though it lacked any real venom. “I’m not a toddler,” he grumbled, his pout deepening as he finally stomped closer, each step reluctant but inevitable.
Medkit exhaled slowly, watching the faint plume of smoke dissipate before his gaze shifted to Subspace. He leaned back against the wall, his head tilting slightly as a strange, hazy thought bubbled up in his mind. He spoke before he could stop himself, the words slurred just enough to betray his drunken state. “Can I kiss you?”
Subspace froze mid-step, his eye widening as he stared at Medkit. “What kind of question is that?” he stammered, his voice pitching slightly higher than usual. “Meddy, are you out of your mind?!”
Medkit didn’t answer with words. Instead, he closed the distance between them in one fluid motion, his hands settling firmly on Subspace’s waist. Before Subspace could protest—or overthink—Medkit pressed his lips against his in a kiss that was both sudden and deliberate.
Subspace’s breath hitched, his initial shock rendering him immobile for a heartbeat. But as the warmth of Medkit’s lips settled against his, something in him shifted. His hands moved instinctively, gripping the fabric of Medkit’s vest tightly, as if anchoring himself to the moment.
The kiss was surprisingly gentle, the rough edges of their usual interactions softened by the alcohol and the unexpected intimacy of the act. Medkit’s hands rested firmly on Subspace’s waist, grounding him without overpowering. His lips moved with a softness that Subspace never would have expected, leaving a warmth behind that spread through his chest like wildfire. For a fleeting moment, the world around them faded away—there was no smoke, no cold alley, no noise from the distant party. Just them.
But reality snapped back quickly as Subspace, overwhelmed and unsure how to process the sudden shift, broke the kiss abruptly. He pulled back just far enough to put a sliver of space between them, his breath coming quick and uneven. His single eye widened, darting across Medkit’s face in search of answers that Medkit wasn’t offering.
“You—ASS!!” Subspace finally sputtered, his voice louder than he intended. Without thinking, he raised a hand and smacked Medkit lightly on the arm, more out of flustered frustration than genuine anger.
Medkit didn’t flinch, nor did he react the way Subspace expected. Instead, he leaned back against the wall with infuriating calm, one leg crossed casually over the other. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, the glowing ember flaring briefly before he exhaled the smoke in a languid stream. His sharp features remained neutral, his expression betraying nothing but the faintest hint of amusement.
“Feel better now?” Medkit asked dryly, his tone bordering on teasing but softened by the slightest slur from the alcohol. He turned his head to glance at Subspace, his single visible eye half-lidded, and for a moment, it was impossible to tell if he was mocking him or genuinely curious.
“No!! You- dumbnut!!” Subspace shot back, smacking him again, this time a little harder but still lacking any real force. His cheeks were flushed a deep red—part embarrassment, part lingering heat from the kiss—and his lips were pressed into a pout so exaggerated it almost looked childish. “What the hell was that?! You can’t just—just kiss me like that!”
Medkit raised an eyebrow, still maddeningly unbothered. “You didn’t exactly stop me,” he pointed out, his voice calm and steady, the cigarette balanced effortlessly between his fingers. His words were pointed but not cruel, his expression unreadable save for the faintest upward quirk of his lips.
Subspace spoke, "Yohhou... suckkk..." He then smacked Medkit one last time, resting his head on his shoulder, feeling the familiar warmth of their camaraderie. The air crackled with energy as the countdown began, a palpable hum of anticipation sweeping through the throngs of people gathered in the square. Subspace yelped in surprise as Medkit suddenly grabbed his hand, yanking him toward the center of the commotion without offering any explanation. The cigarette he had been smoking was discarded carelessly, a faint ember extinguishing on the damp ground as Medkit’s focus sharpened on the countdown clock looming above.
“Wait—Meddy, what are we doing?!” Subspace exclaimed, stumbling to keep pace, his face still flushed and his voice a mix of confusion and excitement.
“Countdown,” Medkit replied curtly, his grip unyielding as they navigated through the crowd. His usually stoic demeanor had cracked just enough to reveal a flicker of energy, almost excitement, that left Subspace both baffled and intrigued.
The countdown display flashed: 1:00. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices merging into a chaotic symphony of celebration. Medkit stopped abruptly, turning to face Subspace, their hands still loosely linked.
“You dragged me here for this?” Subspace asked incredulously, his single eye narrowing. Yet, despite his protest, the corner of his mouth twitched upward, the festive atmosphere beginning to seep into his nerves.
Medkit didn’t respond directly. Instead, he glanced at the clock, his visible eye sharp and intent. “Fifty seconds,” he said, his voice low but steady.
Subspace blinked, taken aback by the intensity in Medkit’s tone. “What are we counting down for, exactly?” he muttered, but his voice was drowned out by the growing excitement around them.
"The New Year, idiot," Medkit replied, rolling his eyes.
Thirty seconds.
Medkit finally turned his full attention to Subspace, their hands still loosely linked. There was something in his expression—a quiet determination layered with an emotion Subspace couldn’t quite name.
“Don’t flinch,” Medkit murmured, his voice barely audible over the noise.
“What?” Subspace barely had time to react before Medkit stepped closer, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, a teasing glint in his eye.
Twenty seconds.
The countdown was deafening now, the crowd’s voices rising in unison. Subspace’s heart raced in his chest, his face heating up as Medkit leaned in slightly, his free hand brushing against Subspace’s arm with a feather-light touch.
“Is this—are you—” Subspace’s words faltered as Medkit’s steady gaze held him in place. He felt a rush of adrenaline, the intensity of the moment overwhelming him.
Ten seconds.
“Just count,” Medkit said softly, his voice cutting through Subspace’s panic like a blade, urging him to focus.
Subspace glared at him, but his lips betrayed him, twitching into a smile despite himself. “Fine. But if this is a joke, you’re dead.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Medkit replied smoothly, that maddening calm never wavering.
“Ten! Nine!” the crowd chanted around them. Subspace joined in, his voice shaky but growing steadier with each number.
“Eight! Seven!” Medkit’s lips quirked upward, a rare and genuine smile breaking through his usual stoicism as he watched Subspace, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Six! Five!” Subspace’s voice grew louder, his nervous energy transforming into something lighter, more electric, as the countdown reached its climax.
“Four! Three!” Medkit’s hand tightened around Subspace’s, grounding him as the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them, the chaos of the crowd fading into the background.
“Two! One!”
As the final word left their lips, Medkit closed the gap, his lips meeting Subspace’s in a kiss that was both unexpected and entirely inevitable. The noise of the crowd faded into nothing, the explosion of fireworks above barely registering as Subspace melted into the kiss, his hands instinctively gripping Medkit’s vest, anchoring himself in the moment.
The kiss was soft but sure, a quiet yet bold declaration amidst the chaos. Medkit’s hand moved to cradle the back of Subspace’s neck, steadying him, while his other hand remained entwined with Subspace’s. It was tender and fleeting, a spark igniting in the darkness of their rivalry-turned-something-more.
When Subspace finally pulled back, his eye was wide and wild, his cheeks flushed a deep crimson. He stared at Medkit for a heartbeat, his chest heaving with unspoken emotion.
Subspace’s jaw dropped, a flush creeping across his cheeks. He felt a rush of boldness surge through him; without thinking, he lunged forward, grabbing Medkit’s vest and pulling him down into another kiss. This one was messier and more frantic, mirroring the exhilaration buzzing through the air. It was filled with the pent-up frustration of moments long gone and the thrill of breaking boundaries they had only hinted at before.
As their lips moved together, fireworks exploded above them in stunning bursts of color, raining down light in celebration of the New Year. The vibrant display added to the magic of the moment, and for a brief second, it felt as if the world around them held its breath.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless and wide-eyed, Subspace was practically vibrating with energy, his heart racing like a drum. “You’re an asshole!” he exclaimed, although his words lacked any real venom. The joy spilling from him was far too potent to mask, laughter bubbling up as he tried to catch his breath.
As their lips parted once more, Medkit’s faint, rare smile lingered, his sharp features softened by the glow of the fireworks above. He didn’t say anything immediately, just kept his gaze locked on Subspace’s, his eye steady and unreadable.
“Uh-huh,” Medkit finally murmured, leaning in for a quick peck on Subspace’s lips. The touch was light, fleeting, but it sent Subspace’s heart racing all over again.
“Don’t—don’t act all smug!” Subspace sputtered, his voice cracking slightly as he tried to process what had just happened. His face burned with a deep blush, though whether it was from the alcohol or Medkit’s relentless calm, even he couldn’t tell.
Medkit only smirked, his gaze glimmering with a mix of amusement and something warmer. “You talk too much,” he replied simply, his voice low and steady.
Subspace groaned dramatically, throwing his head back as fireworks painted the night sky in streaks of gold and crimson. “I’m gonna kill you,” he grumbled, but the laugh that followed betrayed any hint of seriousness.
“Mm-hmm.” Medkit took a step closer, brushing invisible lint from Subspace’s shoulder before tilting his head toward the nearest bar. “Drink?”
Subspace blinked, then scoffed, crossing his arms with an exaggerated huff. “As if we aren’t already halfway to the floor,” he retorted, but even as he spoke, his lips twitched into a grin.
“Are you coming or not?” Medkit asked, his tone almost teasing as he started walking. He didn’t wait for an answer—he didn’t need to. Subspace was already trailing after him, muttering something about stubborn medics and their audacity.
They disappeared into the crowd, their laughter mingling with the cheers and celebrations around them.
He woke up with a thick fog in his mind, his senses muddled by the remnants of last night’s revelry. The world around him spun lazily as he tried to unravel himself from the warm, tangled limbs enveloping him. There was a pleasant heat radiating from the body beside him, and instinctively, he nuzzled closer, seeking comfort in the soft embrace.
As he blinked blearily up at the figure next to him, it took a moment for recognition to set in. Medkit—how had he ended up here? Memories from the previous night flickered like a broken film reel in his mind: loud laughter, clinking glasses, and a swirling haze of euphoria. Panic surged through him when he remembered the last drink he’d finished, the one that had made everything a blissful blur.
“AH-!!” Subspace squealed, jolting upright and nearly tumbling out of the bed in alarm. His heart raced as the realization hit. “Whhat—What happened...?”
“Get back down…” Medkit mumbled, his voice thick with sleep and a hint of annoyance. He tugged Subspace back down into the cozy bed, wrapping his arms around him again, spooning him protectively as if to shield him from the embarrassment and chaos of the morning after.
The sunlight would continue to spill softly through the window, warming the room but not quite reaching the two of them tangled together on the bed. Subspace lay stiff for a moment longer, hyper-aware of the arm draped securely around his waist and the steady rise and fall of Medkit’s chest pressed against his back. It was a foreign feeling—intimate in a way that made his pulse race and his thoughts scatter.
“I-I didn’t mean to…” Subspace started, his voice catching as he struggled to find the right words. His cheeks burned, and he stared resolutely at the wall, refusing to look back at Medkit.
“Relax,” Medkit murmured, his voice a low rumble against Subspace’s ear. His breath was warm, brushing the edge of Subspace’s neck, and the sensation sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. “You were cute last night. Now just lay still and go back to sleep for a bit.”
The words hung in the air, soft and surprisingly tender, leaving Subspace momentarily speechless. He felt the tension in his shoulders start to melt away, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth that settled in his chest. Slowly, he let out a quiet sigh, his body relaxing into the embrace despite the whirlwind of emotions still swirling inside him.
“You’re weird,” Subspace muttered, his tone more pouty than accusatory. He shifted slightly, but Medkit’s arm tightened around him, pulling him closer with a firmness that felt both possessive and protective.
“And yet you’re not moving,” Medkit countered, his lips quirking into a faint smirk that Subspace could practically hear in his voice.
Subspace let out a grumble, his cheeks heating even more. “Shut up, Meddy,” he mumbled, the nickname slipping out before he could stop it. He buried his face deeper into the pillow, half-hoping it would swallow him whole.
Medkit chuckled softly, the sound low and comforting. “You’re insufferable,” Subspace added, though the words carried no real venom.
“Pot, meet kettle,” Medkit shot back easily, his hand shifting slightly to rest against Subspace’s stomach, his thumb brushing against the fabric of his shirt. The touch was absentminded but sent a jolt through Subspace all the same.
They stayed like that for a while, neither of them speaking as the room filled with the quiet rustle of the sheets and the rhythmic sound of their breathing. Subspace’s eyelids grew heavy, lulled by the warmth of Medkit’s body and the steady beat of his heart. The chaos of the night before felt like a distant memory now, replaced by a sense of calm he hadn’t known he needed.
“You’re… annoyingly good at this,” Subspace muttered after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper.
“At what?” Medkit asked, his tone light but with a hint of curiosity.
“This. Being… all—” Subspace gestured vaguely, his words failing him as he tried to articulate the strange mix of comfort and frustration Medkit seemed to evoke.
Medkit huffed a quiet laugh, his breath tickling Subspace’s neck. “You’re overthinking it. Just go back to sleep.”
Subspace grumbled something incoherent but didn’t argue, his body finally settling fully against Medkit’s. The warmth, the weight, the steady presence—it was enough to quiet his mind, if only for a little while. And as his eyelids drooped and sleep began to pull him under, Subspace allowed himself one last thought:
Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all.
<3
happy new years