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Home.
Harbor wished he could be back there sometimes. The ocean breeze upon him, while he navigates throughout his homeland on his motorcycle in search of street food. Samosas, street noodles, chaat. Anything would fill his appetite as long as it was hot and ready.
However, he had found a home in his new family at the protocol. He learned more about himself and the artifacts from his wonderful friend Astra, working out with Skye on the occasion. Helping Gekko and the newer recruits become the best version of themselves. Best of all was his dear Sasha.
Oh, what couldn't he say about him? Sasha, an amazing hunter with his bow, precisely eliminating each of the enemies. The way his golden hair shined, his smile even brighter. A confident, measured man who encourages others to be their best. A charming romantic as well. Harbor couldn't ask for anything more in a partner.
He wished they could spend more time together. They were both bombarded with missions, training the other agents that oftentimes they rarely saw each other. Despite this, they always tried to squeeze in time for each other, even if it was just 5 minutes.
Today had been rough for Varun. A fight almost lost to the mysterious assailants had left him tired for the day. It seemed like these fights never stopped, never-ending loops of gun shells being shot and spikes going off.
He felt too tired to do anything. He’d take a quick shower, eat some leftovers, and knock out in his room. These assailants could be somewhat nicer and give them a week to sleep in at least. He turned a corner, attempting to nap as soon as possible but a voice caught his attention.
“Varun.”
He quickly turned around to face a blonde man leaning on his door, smiling gently.
“Sasha. Returning early from training?” Varun said, unlocking and holding his door out for the hunter. Sasha swiftly followed him into his room, taking off his coat as the other sat on the couch.
“Clove wanted to greet Fade as soon as she landed. I wanted to do the same. But you seemed tired as you exited, so I thought it'd be better to wait here.” the hunter commented as Harbor sighed.
“My apologies, the mission wore me out terribly. My body is aching for a bath but I'm too tired. Sorry Sasha, if you planned something in the afternoon I think I’d be asleep by then.”
“I’ll prepare the bath for you. You just ready your clothes for it. You deserve a little break.” Sova swiftly spoke, strolling towards the bathroom already.
“Sasha. Really, it's not necessary. I’ll just take a quick shower and-”
“Varun. I don't mind.” Sasha firmly stated, walking towards him.
Sasha leaned in, putting his head onto his boyfriend's chest. Wrapping his arms around the man, he gently began to loosen his partner's bun. Long brown strands slowly fell onto Harbor's tired face.
“I want to. Besides, it’s you we're talking about.” said the hunter, playfully twirling the loose strands before moving his fingers to the other’s lower face. Gently caressing his partner’s face, he silently waited for an answer from the other.
Varun sighed out of defeat, smirking at the other. “Okay, if you say so jaanu. Turn around when I change though.”
“I know, I know. Just leave the rest to me.”
The water was warm to the touch as it flowed out from the spout. Steam started to arise as Sova lit up some small candles around the room. Placing them around the bathroom, he waited for the tub to fill to a sufficient amount. Slowly, the hunter became entranced as the room filled up with a brilliant soft golden glow. Basking in the gentle light, memories of their first Christmas arose.
The bright flame of the firewood in the chimney in the common room, the taste of hot cocoa, and the warmth in Sasha’s chest each time Varun let out a hearty laugh. The way their lips first touched, the faint taste of milky sweet cinnamon from Varun’s chai, and the way Sahsa’s body leaned into it, yearning for a closer touch.
Sasha was so entranced by the memories that the sound of the faucet closing passed his mind as he finished placing the candle down.
“Am I interrupting something?” said a voice.
The hunter turned to his partner, letting his hair down, running his fingers through it. Sasha often tried to voice that Varun was even more attractive like this, but was always shushed by a flustered boyfriend.
The hunter shook his head and spoke. “No no, just thinking back on a memory. Nothing else моя любовь.” He continued to light the remaining candles as Harbor walked towards him.
“Mm okay, I’ll be changing now.” replied Harbor, leaving a small peck on the other’s cheek.
Sasha hummed in response, patiently waiting for his partner to finish. Though they had just started dating a year and a half ago, Varun confided about his identity earlier on to the hunter which was no issue to him. Harbor’s comfort and ease were a priority when it came to things like this. Sasha never rushed him, letting Varun disclose details about himself when he felt comfortable.
Sova finished lighting the final candle, as he heard clothes being folded onto the floor, and a sigh as Varun lowered himself into the bath.
“Are you comfortable, Varun?” the hunter said, bringing over a bathrobe that he hung nearby for his partner.
“Yeah, I really needed this. Love the bubbles you added.” he said, gently lowering himself into them. Sasha let out a chuckle, grabbing a nearby shampoo bottle and squirting a small amount onto his palms.
“Can I?” the blonde asked, before receiving a small nod from the other. The hunter began to gently soak his partner’s hair, it was always so soft to the touch even in this state. Soon after, he added the shampoo from his palm. Delicately running his fingers through each strand of Varun’s hair, caressing his partner’s scalp as gently as he could. The smell of vanilla filled the air while Sasha washed out the bubbles from Varun’s hair with the small handheld shower head.
“It's a joy to be around you Sasha,” the other abruptly said. “Each day I spend next to you is a marvel in itself.”
The hunter was stunned in place, his fingers still intertwined with Harbor’s hair. He gave out a small chuckle, “Why the sudden love confession Varun? I assure you I have no lengthy missions assigned to me this week.” Sova joked, gently continuing to run his fingers in his boyfriend’s hair.
“I know. It was just a reminder of your worth to me. A reminder on how much I cherish you, Sasha. You are my home. ” he affirmed, moving his hand towards Sasha’s. Slowly, he intertwined his hand with the other’s, caressing it ever so softly.
Sasha leaned into his boyfriend, gently bringing his partner's hand close to his face and placing a small kiss on it. He began to whisper as the other moved closer.
“Ты моя жизнь. You make me whole, Varun. Thank you for warming my soul.” the hunter murmured into the other’s body ever so tenderly.
They remained as they were, letting the silence fill the air between them. Eventually, Varun moved his lips to his partner’s forehead, placing a few kisses before he spoke.
“Okay okay, let me finish up here so we can continue this with a cup of cocoa. After all, this hair doesn't get this luscious and silky on its own.” Varun stated, leading Sasha to roll his eyes in response.
“Ahuh. Jett and Yoru are still asking for your routine by the way.” the hunter commented, getting up from where he was.
Varun let out a hearty laugh, exclaiming “ HA! You better not give it to them while I'm still in here.”
The hunter looked at him slyly, “ No promises, Varun.” Before his boyfriend could protest, he shut the bathroom door in a hurry. Sasha chuckled to himself as he made his way to the kitchen to get started on the cocoa.
Harbor sighed as he combed his hair with a brush. Maintaining this level of silky hair was stressful but nevertheless worth it. He had cleaned up any excess water, put out the candles, and wrapped himself into the fuzzy bathrobe.
Opening the door, he was immediately met with a rich delicious chocolatey smell in his room. Looking around for its source, he laid his eyes upon a figure on his small couch.
Sasha, too immersed in his book and the cocoa failed to notice his partner gazing at him lovingly.
“So, did you save any cocoa for me while you were spilling my routine to the others?” he said, placing a small kiss before sitting next to him. Varun gently laid his head onto his partner's shoulders, awaiting a response.
Sasha smiled before turning to reach for a mug on the other side of him, placing it in Varun’s hands.
“Of course. I was yet again bombarded with questions and pleas, but your cup of cocoa is successfully here.” he said smugly, before inching closer to Varun. Wrapping his arm around his boyfriend, he slowly began placing small kisses on his face as Varun sipped from his mug. Or at least attempted to.
“So unfair Sasha, I haven't finished my drink yet,” he said, placing it down as he leaned in.
Their lips connected, bringing back the warmth in Sasha’s heart and a small chuckle from him too. Slowly they parted, both flustered from it. No matter how many times they kissed, it always left them flushed. They touched foreheads, the smell of cocoa still lingering in the air as they laughed.
Gently, Sasha tugged on Varun’s robe as he began to speak.
“As much as I’d like to kiss you more, you really should rest. You’ve done a lot today. I’d hate for you not to be at your best.” the hunter said, gesturing towards Varun’s bed.
The other about to protest, let out a yawn. He glanced at his boyfriend as if he had caused that to happen. Sasha put away the mugs onto the table as Varun stretched and muttered to him.
“Only if you stay with me. I'm still a bit cold from that mission.” Harbor joked as he followed his boyfriend to his bed. Sasha shook his head in shame as he handed Varun a shirt, which he quickly put on.
“I told you, Icebox is called that for a reason. That scarf was going to do you no good.” Sasha said, scooting himself over as Varun wriggled himself next to him.
“Omen appreciated that I wore it though. He’s made one for each of us in the group. They were warm on the ship at least.” he mumbled, wrapping him and the blonde in the cozy blankets. Sasha reached over to a lamp, pulling the string to bathe themselves in the darkness. He placed a final kiss on Varun’s forehead as he whispered into the silence of his room.
“May your sleep be restful возлюбленный. When morning breaks, I shall be here for you as you are always here for me.”
With that, Sasha inched closer to his already sleeping boyfriend, placing his head onto his rising chest, letting sleep overtake him into a new day.