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the-wee-woo-royal · 2 years

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Birthday Excitement

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DEAREST DT!! FINALLY AN ADULT!!!

I know you're not really in the Renegades fandom anymore but the characters are all I can write at the moment so bear with me.

I made you a lil something special inspired by this wonderful, creative and visually appealing drawing from a while ago. Now, this fic has two of my favorite of your old headcanons for these men (1. Simon being a fem manwhore -in the best way, I still think about this one sometimes lol- and 2. Hugh being a certified himbo -like that isn't common knowledge lmao- and Hugh being French and Simon being some type of Spanish speaking latino… I used google translate so be nice.) There's also a few callbacks from a few of your old stuff (i underlined em and there's a google doc at the end with it all. Yes, I did my work. Only the best for you.)

A small ittle trip down memory lane with a little royal touch to it (get it… cuz ‘royal’... I’m royal. I’m so funny)

Plus a little added surprise, your welcome (Will I probably not be able to read this later out of embarrassment? Yes. Yall can probably guess...😏)

Trust me, my friend, you're gonna want to read this.

Fic under cut—

Joyeux Anniversaire (Happy Birthday To You)

Feliz Cumpleaños A Ti (Happy Birthday To You)

I… just feel we need more… excitement.

I'm not following, Si.

Ya know… excitement.

It took Hugh getting a random drink of water at 4 o’clock in the morning to realize what Simon meant, but ‘excitement’.

When it came to Simon there was only one thing that would need changing in the excitement area. Not that either of them were… lacking… but a little change wouldn’t hurt.

Simon's birthday was soon, so Hugh waited until then.

Hugh’s been married to Simon for… 5 years now, known him for even longer. It's only right that Hugh knew his husband's favorite animal.

A cow.

The little black and white ones that were so adorable and heart stopping to Simon.

It brought a smile to Hugh’s face when they would have to drive in the mountains and see the cows littered throughout the hills. To see his beloved's wide eyes and adorable grin looking out the window like he’d never seen them before. And the passerby fairs that had a petting zoo. There was always at least one cow. You could bet that it took a lot of convincing to get him to move on when there was a baby cow that he could brush, pet and feed right in front of him. Simon even once tried to buy it from the owner, but was sadly rejected.

With that memory aside, it wasn't too hard to find something that would make Simon's special day. Neither were too particular men, and although Hugh didn't have the best taste in clothing, this was… well … this. Upon opening the package, he already could tell it would look great on him, even he knew that.

In honor of Simon's favorite animal Hugh got himself a cow costume that Simon would certainly enjoy. Among other gifts that were nice and meaningful, but this one was by far the most clever.

He has Kasumi, Tamaya and Evander take Simon out for a brunch. Simon had questioned why Hugh wasn’t joining, his best response was that it was unfair of him to have Simon all day.

Yeah, not the best.

Simon insisted and Hugh said he had some work, which got Simon mad.

Again, not the best.

They had made a series of unbreakable rules a while back to make sure work didn’t take over family time. One of those rules was not a bit of work was to be done on birthdays or holidays unless the world was ending (which had actually happened more than a few times, but they were in the clear now, so there was absolutely no excuse.)

This was why Hugh hated lying. He was so bad at it. For a self-proclaimed politician, he sucked at the lying and fibbing part. His excuses were always either outright dumb or outrageous.

It reminded him of a movie scene he’d watched it Adrian, (Play dumb.. NOT THAT DUMB…).

He eventually got an irritated Simon to go out to brunch alone with their friends while Hugh secretly set up a mini celebration in their Simon’s, it was all of theirs in spirit but it was Simon’s house that they lived in before they got the mansion. He and Simon, the last of the council to be in that house, moved out around 3 years ago, and surprisingly the place hadn’t been bought yet. The landlord did not allow rentals so Hugh he bought the place outright so he would ever have to see those sharks again. He doubted Simon would mind considering what this place meant to the both of them.

It was the first place that they lived together, they experienced everything there. There were so many memories here, one being Simon teaching Hugh how to bake a pie. Another where they talked about Simon's invisibility and that conversation leading up to how Hugh sometimes poops chromium. Also the place was close to one of their favorite parks where they would go on little short dates when they could get away during the Age of Anarchy. Everything about this place holds memories.

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Toi Cent Dux (Your One-Hundred and Two)

Tu Ciento Dos (Your One-Hundred and Two)

Kasumi texted Hugh that they were almost done. She and the rest of them didn’t know exactly what Hugh had planned but just that it was a surprise. Simon, however, was oblivious. They could tell that he was a little angry that Hugh had to do ‘work’ on his birthday.

For a man that can be smart he was so dumb at times.

They did their absolute best to get any negative thoughts out of Simon’s mind, and they succeeded. He seemed so happy and they knew that it would only grow. Hugh may be a himbo, but he knew how to make Simon the happiest man in the world (he could upset him just as fast, not on purpose of course, but that isn’t relevant right now).

Simon tried not to sigh or let the fact that he would be met with a husband that didn’t seem to care about him today. He didn't even get a compliment on his outfit. He put on some nice tight pants that made his butt look big and plump and a crop top, plus his make-up was fire. He’d forgotten his jacket but it didn't take away from the fit.

HE LOOKED HOT AND SEXY!

Absolutely stunning, sex on legs… maybe even better… but nope, nothing out of Hugh.

They walked into the parking lot together, they had all parked together so they didn't need to split.

“Si, keys.” Evander said with a snap of his fingers.

Simon snorted, “Like I’d ever willingly let you drive my car.”

Evander grinned like an idiot, “Well you won't need it because that,” he pointed to a really fancy and expensive looking car that came into view, “is your ride.”

Simon looked between their friends and they all just smiled as they shooed him toward the car.

The very tinted driver rolled down to reveal Hugh. He got out and Simon was able to see all of him. He was wearing… his old cool-guy outfit from Highschool. It was a pink muscle-tee with jeans and a thick belt. The letterman jacket that was always a bit tight was thrown over his shoulder. He leaned against the car, “I was just driving around the neighborhood and spotted something very sweet.” He said in a low voice, tilting his sunglasses down, giving Simon’s body a seductive look.

Evander gagged from behind him, “OK, I'd like the keys now. I wanna leave.”

Simon didn't break eye contact with his husband as he handed them over.

Hugh held out a hand and Simon took it instantly and allowed himself to be pulled in close, “I thought you didn’t care…” Simon whispered, a bit ashamed he thought so lowly of his husband.

Hugh only laughed, “How could I not when you look like this.” He took the jacket and put it around Simon, “Sorry for hiding your jacket and making you forget it. I just really wanted you to wear this one. Like old times.”

Simon slipped his arms in place and his stomach erupted in butterflies.

Exactly like old times.

In the spirit of the past, Simon poked Hugh’s chest, “Since you're wearing the outfit, can you do the thing I've always liked?”

Knowing exactly what Simon meant, Hugh let his arms fall and stood straight. Rolling his eyes, he bounced his pecs a few times and Simon bit his lip.

Hugh stopped, earning a soft whine from the other, and made his way to the passenger door and opened it for his love, “Enough horniness, get in, we’re not done yet.”

Simon looked at him wide eyed, licking his lips, “ Ok, Pap-”

“IN THE CAR!”

Simon giggled as he got in.

Hugh, mi vida, what do you have planned?

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Bonne fête (Happy Birthday)

Feliz cumpleaños (Happy Birthday)

Simon would recognize this neighborhood in a cloud of thick fog. He would be able to tell where he was blindfolded just by the feel.

He knew that after the last turn there would be a pothole and only a few seconds after that the car would stop.

He saw his home.

The old one, the one where everything started.

Dos Mios, it was already great but this is…

No words could describe his surprise and happiness from just being near this place.

“H-how. Does no one live here?” Simon said, perplexed, getting out of the car. Hugh shook his head, “Nope… and nothing’s changed either.”

Simon stood in place while Hugh came around the car, “You went inside?”

“Well… I had to tour it to buy it.”

“Yea, that makes sen- Wait, what?”

Hugh smiled, “Left pocket.”

Simon reached inside the pocket and pulled out a key. He saw the initials he’d written as a kid.

His key.

He hid it under one of the stones in front of the house. He told everyone it was just in case the next owners wanted it but in all reality he just didn't want anyone else using it.

S.W with a n added ‘E’ that stood out against the other faded letters.

“Yeah, I added that. Felt right.” Hugh covered one of Simon’s hand with his own, “You wanna go inside now, baby?”

Simon all but ran to the door, unlocking it and going inside at record speed.

When he stepped inside, he instantly made his way to the living room, as Hugh predicted, where a mass of presents awaited.

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Mon très cher DT (My Dearest DT)

Mi Querida DT (My Dearest DT)

Hugh watched as Simon finished up the slice of cake he’d been working on. He smiled at him and Hugh couldn't help but smile back.

“You like everything?” Hugh said, bring his plate to the sink. Simon let himself fall on the couch, “Of course! It's all perfect.”

“Well I hope you are not all birthday-d out ‘cuz there's still one more thing…” Hugh trailed, pulling one last gift from behind his back.

Hugh handed Simon the last gift, “Wait,” he interjected before Simon could open it, “Ima go to the basement, wait… one minute, then open it and put it on. Meet me there after.”

Simon raised an eyebrow and Hugh grabbed his chin lightly but firmly, “Only this.”

Simon nodded, his breath catching in his throat.

The minute couldn't have gone by any slower. The instructions rang in his head like a tempting bell.

Only this.

When he’d reached 60 in his head, he tore the wrapping off to find a nice, soft and flowy purple holographic skirt. Just the shade he liked too.

Only this.

It just covered his ass, it was merely an inch from showing. He did a little twirl to himself. It was pretty, the colors changing every so slightly.

Hugh’s words stayed true as he only wore the skirt. He wasn't an idiot, he knew what was about to happen. He waited another minute to give Hugh time to finish up whatever he was planning. He grabbed the letterman jacket.

Yeah, Hugh said only the skirt but Simon doubted there would be any bad feelings to him wearing the jacket.

“Oh Hubby… I'm coming down…” Simon called, when there was no response, he took that as an invitation.

No amount of daydreaming could've made him guess that the great Captain Chromium would be ‘w’-sitting on the bed dressed in cow lingerie.

They made eye contact, Hugh blinked at him with a tilted head and a sly smile taking over hip lips, “Moo.”

Simon walked forward slowly, admiring the sight. His eye caught on something familiar.

The corner of the sheet was pulled up, revealing the floral blue mattress they had way back when, “Is this the same mattress?”

Hugh followed his eye line, “Umm, I don't think anyone changed it.. So yes?”

Simon wiggled his eyebrows, “We lost our virginities on this mattress.”

It took Hugh a moment to remember but he mimicked Simon’s face when he did, “Then let's put it to good use once again.”

When Simon was close enough, Hugh reached out and pulled Simon to him, pressing small kisses to his bare chest, “You like the outfit?”

Simon looked down at him, stroking the side of his face. “I love it.”

He knelt on the bed to Hugh’s level and kissed him slowly and sensually. As they invaded each other's senses, Hugh grasped Simon’s bare ass from beneath the skirt, “Good boy,” he whispered, causing Simon to shiver in excitement. Hugh reached behind him and grabbed the mini bottle of lube he’d brought, “It's your birthday, let me pamper you.”

Simon nodded and Hugh took over his mouth, their tongues clashing together in an ongoing battle. There was a slight cold feeling at his entrance but it quickly turned to pleasure as Hugh pumped his fingers in and out of him.

Hugh added another finger after some time, then another, preparing him

When the time finally came Simon allowed himself to be bent forward on the edge of the bed and Hugh took over him. Lifting Simon’s skirt up, Hugh pressed the head of his dick slowly in Simon’s entrance. There was a labored breath from Simon and Hugh leaned forward, biting his earlobe, “Do you want more?” Simon whined in response and Hugh let loose a low laugh, “Words, mon amour.” Simon groaned, “Yes! Please! I want more… so much more… please.”

“As you wish.”

Simon fisted the blankets as Hugh pressed more of himself in him. It hurt a little bit, but the pain was worth it. The reward was worth it.

The low creek of the bed was arousing, the soft grunts from both of them as Hugh started slowly, building both of them up.

Hugh was pressing him deep in the bed, the friction on his own dick making him leak from his tip.

“F-Fuck” Hugh groaned as he hooked Simon’s leg in the cook of his arm and drove himself as deep as possible in his husband. Simon arched his back, his mouth parting letting loose a beautifully deep moan as his prostate was hit. Hugh pulled out half way and repeated the action, watching the way it slipped in and out, rhythmically.

The pleasure took over their bodies in waves. Pulling back, then coming back at them full force.

“H- Oh… Hugh?”

He slowed his thrusts to a stop, allowing Simon to breath and talk.

“Ca- Oh my..” Hugh started sucking on Simon’s neck. He knew exactly what he was doing to the man, “Speak, I can't promise I'll w-wait for much longer…” Hugh tried to play the tough dom for tonight, but the slight stutter reminded the both of them that Hugh’s body was for Simon.

For him to use anyway he pleased. Most assumed that Hugh was ‘in charge’, but more often than not, it was Simon who had Hugh wrapped around his perfect little finger.

“I wanna see you.” Simon finally breathed.

Hugh waited until Simon was situated on the bed before making his move, “Where do you want me, Love?”

Simon sent in a smile, his eyes full of arousal, “Still on top… please, Papi.”

Hugh wasted no time setting himself between Simon’s open and awaiting legs. Hugh removed the horned headband from his head and placed it on Simon, who tilted his head and mimicked him from earlier, “Moo.”

He captured Simon's mouth in a deep, rough kiss and took that as an opportunity to slip himself back into his husband. They both moaned at the feeling and the noises only got louder as their movements got faster and rougher.

Neither man liked to be handled delicately.

They were past the soft touches and hesitation. They left that stage of their relationship years ago. It was rough, now. Just as both of them liked it. Hugh couldn't be marked but it didn't stop Simon from acting like he could. Sucking and grabbing Hugh’s body to ground himself. Though it was him whose body was battered in the best way. Bite marks and hickey's littered Simon’s body. Being able to touch them the next day and have his body erupt in tingles at just the memory.

One of Hugh’s hands was on the headboard, and Simon would feel his back muscles working underneath his hands. The other was holding his leg wide open. Simon’s other leg was wrapped tightly around Hugh’s waist, allowing minimal space between them. And Hugh wouldn’t stop attacking his neck and jawline. Not that he wanted him to stop.

Anything but stop

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Joyeux Anniversaire (Happy Birthday To You)

Feliz Cumpleaños A Ti (Happy Birthday To You)

“I'm guessing you're hungry right now” Hugh sighed into his husband's neck. He felt the slight laugh in Simon’s chest and he groaned, “for something actually edible, mon amour?”

“Boring… but yeah, kinda.”

Hugh got up and Simon admired the sight. He didn’t know when exactly their special clothes had gotten taken off, but wasn’t complaining. Hugh picked up the discarded costume, “Would you like to enjoy this a little bit longer?”

Simon bit his lip, “Maybe…,” he sunk into bed, pulling the cover up to kid his reddening cheeks.

Hugh chuckled, “Well then, give me a moment, this thing is hard to get on and I'd rather not me struggling be a turn off so I’ll be in the bathroom.”

Simon took his leaving as a sign for him to get up too. Stretching out his back, he spotted his discarded skirt and Hugh’s jacket. After a few minutes of mentally preparing himself to get out of bed, he put them on, not even asking Hugh if that's what he wanted. He already knew that answer, if he did ask, “Is that even a question, Amour?”. He could hear it in his mind perfectly.

When Hugh came back out his heart did a flip in his chest. They had just had sex like this but he couldn’t get over how damn sexy he looked.

They made their way back upstairs and Hugh pulled two bowls from the refrigerator and put them in the microwave.

When they came out Simon couldn’t help but laugh, “My favorite noodles!”

Hugh laughed with him, “It's your birthday, Was I not going to get them?”

Simon leaned over and kissed him, “Thank you for bringing me back here. Thank you for showing me love in so many different ways.”

“Anything for you, mon coeur.”

Happy Birthday

Tagging (plz dm/comment of u want to be added or removed): @dt-everwoods (ofc) @obsidianfr3sk @greenalmond @galaxy-creationz @deprivedmusicaljunkie

(think I got everyone. Lost my tag lost so I went with what I remember. Feel free to out me if you were forgotten -sorry-)

-The doc mentioned in the begining: here

#HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!#WOOOOOOO #hope you liked the fic #humon #hugh everhart #simon westwood #captain chromium #dread warden #renegades #fanfic #my fanfic #my post #royal writes #edit: did it occur to me i could check my last works and see who i tagged? yes. am i goinh to change it. no #renegades trilogy

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cymbalism · 4 years

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#pleeeeeeease humon?#and oh yes thank you #cats #kitty kitty kitty

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yugogeer012 · 2 years

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OMG CHARA! MY FAVE HUMON UWU...actually my fave is fri-

Ah yes, I need moar evil Chara simps

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readingonpluto · 3 years

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RENE-GHOULS SHIP WEEKS - Day 4!

Thank you to @renegades-ship-weeks for hosting and keeping track of this event!

Humon - Jumpscare

Simon was just finishing up decorating his ghost cupcakes when he heard it.

Tik tik tik tik.

Normally small noises wouldn’t scare him since he lived in an old house with four other people (five if you count how many times Nova was over) but this one seemed... different. Louder.

Simon slowly puts down the icing bag and glances around the kitchen.

Everyone should be out of the house, Nova and Adrian costume shopping with Maggie and Max; Hugh picking up Halloween candy for the trick-or-treaters.

“Hugh?” Simon calls out, straining to hear for footsteps.

How long had his husband been gone? Long enough to drive to the store there and back? Surely not...

Cautiously, Simon moves forward, holding up a wooden spoon in self defense.

“Hello?” He calls, as he turns the corner.

There! Something moving in the doorway!

No one could have broken in without the alarms going off... So how did they get in? Why didn’t he hear the door open?

“Nova?” He asks loudly.

She was as silent as a mouse, accidently sneaking up on him multiple times. (So much so they have a tally going.) But she would have come in Adrian and he could hardly be called quiet.

“Whoever you are come out with your hands up!”

Silence.

Dammit. He is going to have to go in there, isn’t he?

Building up his courage, he moves forward, kicking the door open with as much force as he can. He steps in and--

“BOO!”

Simon whips the spoon hitting Hugh straight in the face, causing him to cry out.

“Sorry--” Simon moved forward, but pauses not a second later. “No, not sorry. What the hell are you doing?!”

Hugh laughs, pulling himself up from the floor. “Nova is right, you do scary easy.”

“You already knew that. You’re my husband, someone who is supposed to love me and not scare me.”

“I’m sorry,” Hugh says, pulling Simon too him. “It was just the perfect opportunity. And, it is almost Halloween, can you blame me?”

No. “Yes. No cupcakes for you.”

Hugh’s smile falls. “That seems a bit cruel.”

“Even more cruel, I’m going to make the kids eat them in front of you.”

Hugh places a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. “I never knew the man I married could be so cruel.”

A small smile touches Simon’s lips before he presses them to Hugh’s cheek. “We learn something new every day.”

Even though they both know Simon will forgive Hugh in about ten minutes and let him eat cupcakes while they watch their annual Halloween movie.

Because really, how can one truly say no to Captain Chromium?

#reneghouls #the renegades trilogy #renegades marissa meyer #Marissa Meyer #Renegades #archenemies #Supernova #renegades headcanon #hugh everhart #simon westwood

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honey-hippie-harper · 3 years

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through the bleeding shell (Re-upload)

This was @obsidianfr3sk ‘s Feel Better gift asfghadsfghadfsghja. It turned out to be pretty depressing in the end bc idk how to write happy stuff but my good intentions were there, ok?

This is a Humon/Renegays fic :’). Which, basically, is about how the Renegays didn’t kiss during the trilogy...sort of. I can’t think of an specific reason why they didn’t besides bad writing and queerbaiting, but I’ve always seen Hugh as this...detached entity. Idk x’d. He shows a pretty dense attitude. And so, I thought that it was partly the reason why they’re not that affective during the trilogy. Not that they aren’t on a daily basis. I just think their relationship was in a bad place when the events happened, because, among other things, Hugh wasn’t grieving Georgia in a healthy way (I headcanon them as best friends </3) and wouldn’t allow Simon to help him.

idk why I felt the need to talk about that.

tag list (tell me if you want to be in or out): @healing-winston-pratt @obsidianfr3sk @nodrianbcyes @alecjamesartino @everyone-has-a-nightmare @razzmooncake

through the bleeding shell

Being around someone for so long…

It allowed you to know things. Some of them important.

Others, not so much.

Simon had married a person he had been around his entire life; he had slept next to him almost every single day since he was very young. And his name was Hugh Everhart.

Simon knew every spot on Hugh’s body; he knew every mole, every random sun freckle here and there; how his body mass seemed to be well-distributed at plain sight but, in reality, his chest was naturally wider than the rest of his body, as if he had been born with the figure of a baseball player; how he scratched his nose because wrinkling it so much while laughing made it itchy; he knew the way his knuckles turned yellow when he turned them into a fist; he knew there was one single scar below his rib cage area…

He knew everything he had to know about Hugh Everhart, his husband, whom he loved so much that sometimes it hurt.

Yet, Simon was yet to know how and why, lately, he was so cold, despite still being a human furnace who was sometimes annoyed by the blanket on winter nights.

Kasumi frowned, and Simon wished she were misunderstanding, but whatever thing she was thinking, she was probably right.

Cold was a pretty wide term, which could basically mean anything. Being brutally honest, not even he knew what he was trying to convey by using that word, so he supposed he was referring to anything it could express, as a whole.

Thinking about it… yeah.

That option sounded about right.

Another thing that sounded about right, was the idea of Kasumi judging him because of it, which was something Simon knew wasn’t true and, instead, it was just his anxiety trying to ruin his day even more. But sometimes things were like that. He tried to avoid it, but never managed to do such thing. Ever.

“Not to be rude or anything.” She started, but before proceeding she seemed to realize that, maybe, that hadn’t sounded as intended, and her cheeks became extremely flushed, until Kasumi looked like she had ran under the burning sun while wearing a wool sweater for hours. “Really, Si. I don’t mean to be rude. As in...I’m...telling you this...so you think…”

She clicked her tongue, and then both Tamaya, who was also in the room, and him, stared at her as she talked to herself under her breath, making a couple of hand movements, as if she were writing her sentence in the air so she could phrase it correctly.

Sometimes, when Kasumi was nervous, she tended to struggle at putting her ideas together in a gentle, polite manner.

“...I was telling you that, so you don’t think I’m trying to offend you or minimize your pain.” She corrected herself. “Yeah?”

“...Yeah.” Simon nodded.

“Well…” Kasumi rubbed her hands together, more as a distraction than as an actual mannerism. “You know I’ve...never understood. Back at home...when we all lived together and...ugh. You know? Just...don’t mind me. Tam, you tell him.”

“No, no. What you’re saying is important too.”

“I want to listen to you, Zoomie.”

Upon the two pairs of eyes in the room being fixated on her, Kasumi kept fidgeting with the paper cone she now had between her hands, absently.

“Fine.” She whispered in a breathy voice, and then she stared at Simon, who stared back, not because he wanted to be polite or something like that, but because he genuinely wanted to listen to her.

Kasumi wasn’t a talker. That wasn’t an exaggeration or an act of fake modesty. It was just that Kasumi didn’t enjoy a lot of things, and one of them was speaking, to the point where sometimes she didn’t consider it necessary. There were days when she just...didn’t feel like speaking. And she didn’t. Because she didn’t want to. Because she didn’t need to. Because people could understand her anyway.

Still, everyone was willing to listen when she felt there was something she had to explain in a way that was verbal.

“I love my husband very much.” She said, placing a lock of hair behind her ear. “But, still, sex it’s not...a huge part of our relationship because I’ve never understood. When you joked about it back at home, I would just assume you were just doing that. Joking. I...literally didn’t expect you were serious when you talked about experiencing that type of attraction. Because I didn’t. And it’s not that I think it’s repulsive or anything like that. I just don’t get what the fuss is about. When I’m with him...it’s...usually not my first option. To think about that, I mean. And he understands and respects that, which I appreciate a lot.”

The more she spoke, the more confident her tone became. It meant she was growing more comfortable with the conversation, and that her train of thought was getting itself together, nice and slowly.

As for Simon...he was strangely comfortable, too, because this felt like a mature, adult conversation to him. Like a safe space.

After all, he was serious when he told them he needed to talk (now that Evander wasn’t here, because Evander was...not very sensitive). Hence, he was very glad they were being serious about it too.

“I understand that Hugh’s not in the spectrum.” Kasumi cleared her throat. “But...sexuality is fluid. Maybe, if you were talking about only that, it could be a good idea to talk it over. Only if he wants to, of course, because you never know; again, we can’t just assume, because one cannot do that. It’s rude. But what I mean...it’s that, whatever that’s going on in his head, maybe he’s trying to figure it out by himself. It might have nothing to do with his sexuality at all, actually, because, after all, that was just a comment...but it all comes back to the same point. Maybe he just...needs time.”

“Hugh’s pretty dense, Simon.” Simon saw the steamy cup in front of him, but he didn’t realize what it was until the smell of black coffee reached his nostrils. He hadn’t even noticed Tamaya was making coffee.

“Thank you.” He whispered anyway, as Tamaya leaned against the table, putting her weight on her elbows.

For all he knew, and all he cared about, it was pretty easy for people to judge Tamaya and label her as a bad person; she was quiet, although not in the way Kasumi was. On the contrary, she was rather serious, and her resting face was more intimidating than it was warm or welcoming. She was also really bad at controlling her temper, which didn’t help at all, but she wasn’t as bad as people wanted to portray her, or as bad as the recruits talked about her in the halls. Because, when it came to the recruits, Tamaya was strict, yes.

But somebody had to be, because being a Renegade was not a game, and the great majority of the advice she gave was extremely useful and clever.

Tamaya was caring.

Deep, very deep down. But she was.

“He’s pretty dense, but…” She sighed. “Most of the time, that’s not his fault. It’s not a good thing either. It’s not healthy for him and we shouldn’t condone it...but yeah. He can be pretty dense sometimes. He’s like that, most of the time it’s not his fault but...I don’t think you should feel like it’s yours either.”

Simon couldn’t help but flinch a little.

The thing was...he knew that.

It might’ve sounded crazy coming from him, but he knew it wasn’t his fault, even if his anxiety was determined to convince him otherwise.

Also, he was one to know that one couldn’t just fix a person. That’s not how mental health worked; of course, a romantic relationship or a relationship of any kind was a huge source of support and stability, but he knew it wasn’t enough to “heal” a person.

He knew about that, just like he knew that Hugh loved him and he loved Hugh, but that didn’t mean they could fix each other. They could make it a little better, yes; hold each other when things were rough; let the other know they weren’t alone.

But…”fixing” the other.

Not really.

They were humans.

They were people.

And the only thing people could fix, were objects, not other people.

“Like Kasumi said, sexuality is fluid, but it might as well not have to do anything with that.” Tamaya continued. Her voice sounded...soothing, strangely motherly. And she was calm.

Very calm.

It reminded Simon of someone.

They both reminded him of someone.

“Hubby and I, we both experience sexual attraction. It’s an important part of our relationship, and we enjoy it, but sometimes it’s just not the right time. He’s a doctor, I’m a Renegade Council member, and we have three wonderful boys together. Sometimes we don’t have time, so we just sit by the balcony to stargaze, holding hands, or we go out on dates like high school sweethearts, and I stand by the doorframe waiting for him to tell me I look pretty.”

Simon laughed a little.

It was evident she was trying to play it off as something dumb, but he found it absolutely adorable.

“And sometimes I’m too tired or he’s too tired, and that’s normal. It’s not our fault, and it doesn’t mean that we love each other less because…”

“Having sex doesn’t define love.” Kasumi said, and Tamaya nodded.

“Exactly.”

But again.

Again.

Simon knew that.

He really knew.

Hugh and him had busy schedules too. They both were Renegade Council members, and Hugh had it worse because not only was he a member, but also the leader of the Council. He had to be everywhere, at the same time, and people tended to think that just because he was invincible, it meant he didn’t have the right to feel emotionally drained, or at least tired.

Of course he was going to be tired.

He wasn’t a robot.

Hence, Simon understood what they were trying to say, and he agreed with Kasumi and Tamaya.

But the problem was…

He wasn’t referring just to that.

It was...part of the problem, yes.

But now that he knew their opinion about it, he had come to the realization that he still felt...empty and lost. And just...frustrated.

“We’re not only talking about sex, are we?” Tamaya asked carefully, and Simon refused to stare back at her, as he took a sip from his coffee, before answering:

“I’m afraid not.”

“Well...If you’re telling us this, it’s because you do want to talk about it, right?”

“I do. Yes.”

“Well. We’re listening.”

At the same time Tamaya spoke, a cold, little hand, laced between Simon’s.

A hand that felt like the sea and, even if he hadn’t known she was the only person in the room besides Tamaya and him, he would’ve recognized it as Kasumi’s.

So Simon squeezed her hand back.

“We’re listening, Si.” She confirmed. “We’re here for you.”

He knew that, and it was something he was extremely grateful about.

Now he just had to figure out how to put into words what he was feeling, because at this point it felt impossible for him to know.

There were just...so many things, but at the same time such a limited number of details he could recall.

It just felt...unreal.

And weird.

Very weird.

But Simon didn’t feel numb, unlike anyone would’ve expected from him.

In fact, he felt so sad he couldn’t even cry.

And it was the worst feeling ever.

“I don’t know.” He said, in a hoarse voice. “I just...don’t know anymore. It’s just...I…”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know.” He clarified. “...But maybe that’s why I don’t know what it is.”

For the shortest second, Simon came to the realization he was talking to himself instead of talking to them, or perhaps it was something that, deep down, was giving him the answer to why this whole situation was making him so uneasy and upset. Like, of course it was making him this upset. It was his husband they were talking about. Hugh was his fight. Hugh was…

Simon didn’t know.

But what he did know was that, maybe, it had nothing to do with himself, and that’s why he just couldn’t…

He just couldn’t understand.

Why couldn’t he understand?

Why did it have to be like this?

“I want to know what it is.” Simon took a deep breath, trying to make himself understood; trying to make them understand what he couldn’t. “...So I can...make it better...So I can...help him. So we can...look for help together.”

Simon scratched his brow with his free hand.

“But he’s just… so cold. He doesn’t talk to me. He doesn’t come closer. He doesn’t...do anything. We don’t do anything. And I can’t help but feel like...he’s not here, even though he’s…” Simon scoffed, painfully. “...He’s right there, in front of my face.”

His eyes became fixated on a blank point, as if he were staring at an invisible Hugh, who wasn’t staring back at him.

“And I want him to...tell me. Because if he doesn’t tell me, then I have no way to know what’s wrong. And if I don’t know what’s wrong...then I don’t know for how long I can take it, you know? It’s just...I can’t bear to stand there as he pushes me away.”

Kasumi started running her thumb through his knuckles, and Simon felt Tamaya’s hands on his shoulders, massaging them, gently.

“I’m just scared...that when he finally wants me to come closer again, it might be too late...and maybe I won’t want to come closer again.”

Tamaya’s hands stopped moving for a moment, and Simon could almost feel her and Kasumi’s shock. He hadn’t even planned to say that. It just slipped.

And when Simon noticed it had slipped, it was far too late for him to hold it back.

“Maybe you should talk to him, after all.” Kasumi said, slowly, and Simon stared into her eyes.

He didn’t realize that was the thing he didn’t want to hear until he felt nothing but hopelessness.

Emptiness.

Fear.

A type of fear that became more intense in the moment they heard the door opening, and that’s when Simon saw him.

Hugh was standing right there, staring, and when his eyes laid on Simon, he arched an eyebrow, looking genuinely confused and worried.

“What’s happening here?” He asked. “...Si? Are you okay?”

Are you?

Simon didn’t want to answer. He really didn’t.

He didn’t want this to be about him.

He didn’t want Hugh asking him what was wrong if, harsh as it sounded, everything that was making him uncomfortable or upset had to do with him, not because Simon was blaming him, but because he was genuinely worried.

Let me help, Hugh.

“I’m...fine.”

Let me in.

“...Yeah. I’m...fine.”

Please, love.

Let me in.

Simon could see him hurting, but where he saw hurt, Hugh saw some type of burden that was meant to be concealed, committing treason against his own advice; dodging the sound of the voice of a younger Hugh, who guided a younger Simon through the dark, telling him it was alright.

That pain was alright.

And that pain didn’t make him less human.

Hugh’s pain, in particular, was a grey, bleeding shell that was so thick Simon couldn’t find a way to get in, and Hugh couldn’t find a way to get out.

So they just pressed their palms together through the bleeding shell, staring at each other's eyes through a polarized surface, that stopped their skin from touching, and stopped their lips from finding the other.

And the worst thing...was that Simon was craving that. He craved Hugh’s lips. He craved everything physical about him, just like he craved everything that wasn’t physical too. And he craved him so much he felt like dying every time he was close. He craved him so much it made him feel like a teenager again.

Which, in his case, wasn’t a good thing.

He wished it was.

But...teenage years weren’t fun if you had to spend them trapped in a closet. Things were never good when lived from inside a closet.

He didn’t want his life outside that closet to be like that too.

“Did you have an attack? ...Si, did you take your pills? … You did, right?”

“Hugh.” Simon heard Tamaya’s voice. “Is there...something that you needed?”

Hugh blinked, knowing that, maybe, he had interrupted something.

Mostly because it wasn’t like Tamaya was trying to hide it either.

“...Yeah.” He said, resting his arms on the nearest chair.

Tamaya pulled away from Simon, and Kasumi let go of his hand. They didn’t become fully focused, nor did they put on their “I’m working” mode either, but they did manage to...pretend. Even Simon managed to do so.

“Uh...I…” Hugh snapped his fingers in front of his own face, trying to remember what was it that he had to say.

“....Yeah.” He concluded. “Yeah. Uh… Tam. I need you to head downtown because they want you to supervise some of the floats for the parade. From...up, I mean. So you can check some of the details. I already checked from the ground and everything’s looking good, but now they want you to give them the green light.”

“Right now?”

“Preferably.” Hugh scratched his nose. “Were you...in the middle of something?”

Tamaya filled her cheeks with air, and then let it out, making a little trumpet with her lips.

“No.” She lied. “It’s fine. I’ll go. Just let me put some stuff in my locker, alright?”

“Be careful when you fly, okay? It’s kinda hot outside. If you get dizzy...”

“If I get dizzy, I’ll land. I know. I’m the one who’s flying.”

Given that she was already heading by the door, Tamaya patted his shoulder, and they said goodbye with a very polite kiss on the cheek, before Tamaya left the room completely, and Hugh drew his attention towards Kasumi.

“Margaret White is acting out.”

Kasumi frowned. Deeply.

“Margaret...what?”

“Uh. White? You know? The Renegades’ ward? The kid?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know who Maggie is.” Kasumi waved her hands in front of her own face. “...Who named her that?”

“Who named her what?”

“White. Who on Earth…?” Kasumi clicked her tongue. “Nevermind, okay? Just...what did she do?”

“Zoomie, I had already told you.” Hugh laughed, confused.

“I thought you were being rude, Hugh.”

Margaret White was the Renegades’ protégé. Her powers consisted of detecting and attracting metals which, evidently, was not something that was out of this world. In fact, she had been recruited at such a young age not because she had extraordinary abilities, but because she was problematic as heck.

She was Max’s age, more or less but, unlike Max, Margaret had no chill.

Her life was ruined from the moment somebody saw her and decided that White was a suitable last name for her, Tamaya used to say.

Margaret’s skin was tan, and she had slanted eyes. Naming her “White” almost seemed like a tasteless joke.

Simon himself thought Hugh was just being disrespectful the first time he told him her name, and he had to hear it a couple of times before he just...accepted he was serious (and that Hugh himself didn’t seem to like the idea of her being named like that very much).

Maggie was really problematic. For real. She had been kicked out of a couple of orphanages already, and maybe she would have been kicked out of this one too, if it hadn’t been a prodigy orphanage, which happened to be under Kasumi’s management, meaning it was directly related to the Council. And they were supposed to make sure nobody got kicked out of there.

Simon liked Maggie, because he knew that there was a chance that everything she ever did had reason behind it. An emotional reason. Perhaps she wanted love. Perhaps she wanted attention.

Perhaps she just…

Wanted someone who didn’t give up on her at the minimum inconvenience.

So he just...tried not to.

Hard as it was, because Maggie tended to make it hard; Kasumi had tried to canalize her to a psychologist many times, but her response always was that “she wasn’t crazy” (perhaps because kids her age were mean and “crazy” was one of their favorite words to use as an insult) and...well...part of the process in children, was understanding when it was the right time and when it wasn’t.

Sometimes forcing kids into treatment made it worse, and Maggie was pretty mature for her age, while painfully childish at the same time. Respecting her space and giving her time was their only option, if they didn’t want to turn her into a ticking bomb.

“Are you for real? I’ve been addressing her like that for like…”

“Just tell me what the little bundle of joy did now.”

“Pff.” Hugh scoffed. “Bundle of joy.”

Then, he cleared his throat the moment Kasumi fixed a glare at him.

“Well...the usual. She stole something from one of the nannies, Carrietta Ferland saw her and she locked her in a cellar so she wouldn’t say anything.”

“She locked Carrietta Ferland in a cellar.” Kasumi rubbed her forehead, and before she left the meeting room, she squeezed Simon’s wrist.

She didn’t say goodbye to Hugh.

Simon didn’t, either, when he excused himself under the sort of cheap white lie he needed to wash his face.

-.-

But one could only wash their face so much, before their partner suspected.

When Simon didn’t come back, Hugh didn’t go after him. He never did at first.

As in…

Hugh always went after him, just not at first; over time, Simon had grown to accept it wasn’t a pride thing.

When Hugh left, he never wanted anyone to go after him, and he was the type to believe that just because he didn’t want something, it meant nobody wanted it; Simon had gotten used to it, because Hugh was his husband, and they accepted each other just like they were.

What Simon refused to accept, was the bleeding shell Hugh was inside of.

He hated it.

He despised it, especially at night. It would grow around Hugh in slow motion, and then he would bleed through, and the whole room would turn red, overflowing it with unspoken, suffocated anger and pain.

Hugh turned his back at Simon that night, so Simon turned his back at him too, not because he was mad, but because he didn’t feel like staring at Hugh’s back today.

Their room became as cold as an industrial fridge, as they both fell deep into the notion the other was not asleep, and that they both were listening to the sound of a room that was currently filled with deathly silence.

Deathly as the bone-chilling cold penetrating their limbs, their organs, and their everything.

Deathly as…

Deathly as feelings.

All the stored feelings, and the way Simon craved something he knew was right there.

Hugh was right there. Right next to him. And his body, which he knew so well, was laying next to him, turning his back at him, with every mole, every sun freckle, a chest wider than the rest of his body…

And one single scar below his rib cage.

The same rib cage that protected his heart.

Say something, Simon.

The same heart Simon had felt beating so many times.

Say something.

Anything.

Maybe…

Maybe this had a reason too.

An emotional reason.

Perhaps love. Or attention.

Say something. Anything.

Because you do go after people from the very first moment.

Slowly, as if he had never moved before in his life, Simon rolled to the other side, and as his trembling hand rested on Hugh’s arm, he became alert, awake as they both were, and he looked over his shoulder.

“Hugh?” Simon asked, the name leaving a familiar firm in his mouth that tasted like home.

He didn’t answer, because that was his name. Hence, he knew he was trying to talk to him.

“Come here, Hugh.”

And Hugh came over, hesitantly, rolling to his side too, as they faced each other, and Simon ran his finger through his face, just...exploring every spot he already knew, as if he were visiting his comfort place, of his favorite bench in the park.

His blue eyes seemed to shine in the darkness, and Simon felt he could’ve gotten lost in them and never come back.

But he didn’t get lost.

Because he had to find the love of his life first.

“I’m never giving up on you.” He whispered. “...you know that, right?”

Perhaps he didn’t.

But, on the other hand, perhaps he did. And Simon was left with nothing but the mere hope it had meant something.

“I’m never giving up on you either, Si.”

But Simon did know that.

Boy.

Did he know.

-.-

What he didn’t know, however, was the answer to the what.

He wondered what that had felt like.

He wondered what Nightmare had felt when, the morning after, she tried to shoot Hugh in the eye from a roof.

Not because he were mad at her.

No. Not really.

She was young after all.

He just wondered what she had felt.

#renegades trilogy #marissa meyer #my fanfics #dawnie writes #hugh everhart #captain chromium #simon westwood #the dread warden #humon #renegays

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salvationcall · 2 years

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adikos

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novas-tunnel-of-anxiety · 4 years

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Ooo for the fanfic asks S, V, Y

S: Any fandom tropes you can’t resist?

YES coffee shops, slow dancing, hurt/comfort, group shit, cooking/baking, drawing each other, making the other go to bed, falling asleep on each other accidentally, holding the other, basically anything written by @honey-harper-official @nova-artino @evie-artino whatever narcisacronin’s new url is, @jacihayle @blueraspberry-official @thepurpledragon4444 @alecjamesartino @dawniebb writes :))

V: If you could write the sequel (or prequel) to any fic out there not written by yourself, which would you choose?

probably every fic i have read. i want a sequel to @evie-artino (ur fic) ab danissa really badly, i think it was stubble? basically soft humon by @blueraspberry-official,

i cant really think of anything, bc lately i havent been in the state where i can really read them lol

Y: A character you want to protect.

Nova, Oscar, Simon, Cinder, Wolf, Thorne, (alta, zuko, sokka, katara, toph)

I think they ALL can protect themselves, but they have a lot of emotional trauma or just a difficult past/life and i want to keep them safe. The guys specifically are always ‘supposed’ to be strong and a person who you can look up too. That is a big burden (irl, these are just characters obivously) and we need to recognize it more.

send me fanfic asks

#asks #hufflepuffbookwormthings #evie-artino #ask #ty!#tags #THANK YOU I LOVE U SM

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obsidianfr3sk · 3 years

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Shooting Star

@renegades-ship-weeks - Renegades Ship Week #1 | Humon - Dancing

Summary: Maybe it was the fact that Simon wasn’t aware of Max’s weird tendency to sleep when they played upbeat songs. Or maybe that he had never heard that song. He had seen him dancing at public events, with him or with other members of the Council. He had also seen him dancing during their wedding day, and he was dancing with him. But he hadn’t seen him dancing like that before.

AO3

SKDJFJHDSJ IT’S TODAY, IT’S TODAY SDKFJHJDSK TODAY THE RENEGADES SHIP WEEK STARTS TODAY AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO START IT WITH SOME RENEGAYS CONTENT <3

Ok, so this... is kind of a songfic (? I thought the format fitted the prompt better. The song I choose for this is Shooting Star by Owl City (thank you, Dawnie, for letting me know about its existance uwu). I’d recommend you hear the song before reading this or when the dancing scene arrives (you’ll know, don’t worry).

None of this would be possible without the help of the amazing @greasicookies. Thanks for hosting this event✨ I don’t know if there has been another thing like this before, but this is actually my first ship weeks in this fandom and I’m so exited!! I hope we can get a lot more! And for those who are still thinking about participating or not, go for it c:

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy!✨

Tag list: @honey-hippie-harper @healing-winston-pratt @lackadae @the-wee-woo-rita @dt-everwoods @greenalmond

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out,

then it's time for you to shine

brighter than a shooting star.

So shine no matter where you are.

Enough time had passed for him to forget the first time he danced with Hugh.

It was one of the downsides of knowing someone for a long time. The first time they probably danced together was to some tune they heard on the radio in the living room of one of their houses, the park, or the street, but it happened when he was so young, that now, Simon couldn’t remember what song it was, if the sky was blue that day, or how the concept of dancing looked like for them at that age.

But one of the advantages of knowing someone for a long time was that you were constantly making memories with them. So, for him, the first time he really danced with Hugh, was during their wedding day. And it was beautiful and romantic, and if he could live inside a moment for the rest of his existence, it would be that one.

And he didn’t even feel embarrassed while he was doing it.

Not that he was embarrassed to dance with his husband in public. It was something he had… thought about. That maybe there was still someone inside of him that was constantly telling him he was wrong, that his feelings were wrong, and that everything that Hugh represented was also wrong, and since he was thinking about that stuff in the middle of the night, he woke up Hugh to tell him that he loved him (to which Hugh responded, “Okay. I don't love it when you wake me up though.")

The next day, Adrian was invited to a birthday party. He was super excited because it was the first birthday party he attended after the Age of Anarchy. Adrian hadn’t looked that happy in months, and even though Simon didn’t feel like going, he did, just so he could share that little moment of happiness with his son. The three of them walked down the street to the house where the party was being hosted, and it didn’t take long for Adrian to join the other kids.

Hugh and Simon sat down at an empty table. They didn’t mind being the only ones there because, at least, they could talk to each other. Although, now that Simon remembered, they were, like, a feet apart from each other, and that morning, after he got out of the shower, he saw Hugh standing in front of the mirror while wearing a random shirt.

As soon as he walked into the room, he asked him:

“Do you think this shirt looks too… gay?”

And Simon just said:

“Love. Everything you wear looks gay.”

He ended up wearing another shirt anyway. And khakis.

Yeah.

Luckily, it was a one-time thing.

At that moment, he was feeling a little bit awkward because they didn’t know anybody at that party, but everyone else seemed to know each other. Simon was pretty sure that the only reason they weren’t actively trying to talk to them was that they weren’t sure if they could, not because those suburban mothers and their husbands were hate-criming them or something.

They definitely weren’t hate-criming them. And he wasn’t being sarcastic. Simon was also wearing khakis that day, plus a purple polo, so they ended up looking like a couple of straight friends who decided to adopt a kid to strengthen their friendship or something.

He was eating a brownie he had gotten from the candy bar when they both received a message from Kasumi about something that was going on at Headquarters and that she needed one of them to be there (adding “pretty please” at the end of the sentence so it didn’t sound too harsh).

They looked at each other and Hugh raised an eyebrow.

“Do you want me to go?”

Simon shrugged. “I can go if you want to.”

“No, I’ll go. You stay with Adrian. Let me say goodbye to him.”

Adrian got out of the trampoline as soon as he heard his name. Hugh explained the situation to him, but then assured him that they would see each other at the house, and then Adrian asked him if he wanted him to save some cake for him. He smiled, told him that would be nice, and kissed his forehead before going with the mom that was hosting the party to thank her for inviting them (only because Simon told him he had to, since he had seen enough movies to know that if he didn’t, those evil white mothers would hate them for the rest of their lives and wouldn’t let their kids play with theirs).

Adrian returned to the trampoline soon after that, and since Hugh hadn’t finished his brownie, Simon didn’t see why he couldn’t do it for him. He stayed there, doing his best not to think about all the things others may be saying about him for sitting at a table all by himself and fighting against his instinct to disappear.

Which he ended up doing when he heard some kid saying “ Pops ” right next to him.

It took him longer to realize that kid was Adrian and he was talking to him.

They stared at each other for a while before Simon said, “What’s wrong, darling?”

Adrian was smiling. There wasn’t anything wrong with him. “Can you enter the competition with me?”

But when he looked at where his kid was pointing, he realized there was something very wrong with that competition.

First of all, the judge was a clown that had been going around the party giving balloon animals and doing typical clown stuff with the kids, and he didn’t know why, but Simon had always had an irrational… not fear, but distrust towards clowns. Maybe it was because when he went to his first birthday party at the age of four, his animal balloon popped after just a few seconds of having him, and the clown, being completely done with him, gave him another and told him: “Don’t be gay, kiddo” , in a really rude and condescending tone (but who knows.)

Then, it was a dancing competition.

Dancing .

In front of another fifteen kids and their parents.

And Simon wanted to say no because he knew he didn’t have to do anything that would make him feel uncomfortable in any way…

But he ended up saying yes. Because he wanted to see Adrian happy, and he knew Adrian would be happy if they participated in the competition.

So he just nodded and let him guide him to the center of the dancefloor, which was only a small portion of the garden that was covered in gravel. Then, Adrian extended his hands towards him, Simon grabbed them and waited until the music started to play.

It wasn’t… that bad. Honestly, Simon has done more embarrassing things during his lifetime. For example, when Queen Bee punched him during a fight while she was wearing not one, but three rings, and she started to laugh as soon as she saw the first tears running down his face. Simon turned invisible so no one could see him, but it was already too late and everyone there already knew Dread Warden was crying like a little kid because a lady had punched him a little too hard.

And no one was laughing at him for that (except Queen Bee because, as his enemy, that was her job), but he felt like every single one of those people, who were more busy trying to escape the bees that were buzzing around during the fight, were actually paying enough attention to him to laugh at his tears. So that's why, that afternoon, while Adrian was having the time of his life trying to win that competition with his dad, he could only think that bunch of seven-year-olds was making fun of him (the same way those four-year-old made fun of him when the clown called him gay).

It felt like a lot. And they didn't win, but as soon as they got eliminated, he waited for Adrian to go back with the other kids, turned invisible, made his way to the bathroom, and proceeded to puke his guts out as soon as he kneeled in front of the toilet. He spent a good ten minutes waiting for the panic attack to pass before deciding he could go back to the party as nothing had happened.

The first thing he saw after returning to the backyard, was Adrian looking around, totally lost in that sea of people. And as soon as he noticed Simon was there, he let go of the balloon animal he was holding, and just ran towards him and hugged him tightly by the waist.

Simon immediately hugged him back.

A little confused. But he didn't hesitate to hug him back.

“Pops… I'm feeling sick” Adrian mumbled.

“You're feeling sick?” he nodded slightly. That was his chance. “You know, I'm feeling a little bit sick too. What if we… just— go home?”

Adrian was super on board with that idea and didn't let go of Simon while he did his best to look normal while he said goodbye to the birthday boy and his parents. They had served the cake while he was gone, so the mom gave him four pieces inside a small plastic container, which only meant he was going to go back to that house to return it to her.

When they arrived at the house, Adrian grabbed him by the waist again and he refused to let him go, even after Simon kindly asked him to do it so he could make some tea for the two of them (because, for what Adrian told him while they were in the car, he was dizzy and had a stomach ache). But Adrian grabbed him tighter, so Simon had to be extra careful while making the chamomile tea because he was terrified of burning his kid with the boiling water. Then, he put both cups in a small tray and slowly walked to the living room, where he put it on the coffee table and sat down with Adrian on the couch.

Adrian grabbed his cup (that was shaped like an orange and had a smiley face) and Simon realized it was the first time he drank tea with him.

“Be careful, darling.”

“I will…”

And while he saw him sipping his tea, he just knew he had to ask him.

“Adrian— did something happen while I was gone?” he whispered. Adrian didn’t turn to see him. “Did— the kids laugh at you? Did someone there make you feel… bad? You can tell me.”

Adrian continued sipping his tea a little bit before putting it back on the tray. After that, he finally looked him in the eye, opened his mouth to answer, and—

He started crying.

When he finally managed to calm down a little, he explained to him that he got scared when he went to the table to ask him if he wanted cake too because he thought something bad had happened to him.

Adrian— well, he thought that Simon had died.

And it broke his heart because it wasn’t like Adrian didn’t have a completely valid reason to believe that.

So they stayed there, on the couch, hugging each other, until Adrian stopped crying and told him he wanted to go play with his toys.

His tea was already cold by then. But Adrian had finished his’, so that was a good thing. He knew chamomile tea helped to reduce anxiety levels.

It didn’t help him though.

Hugh called Simon to tell him he was going to stay at Headquarters the rest of the day and Adrian suddenly developed supernatural hearing because he was able to hear his dad’s voice from the other side of the house. He asked Simon to pass him the phone and stayed a couple of minutes talking with Hugh, telling him about how awesome the party had been and that he wanted to see him again soon.

Then, the rest of the day went as normal. Except that, occasionally, Adrian left what he was doing and went to where Simon was. Just... to make sure he was still there, he guessed.

At least he wasn’t saying anything about the fact of Hugh not being there with them. Because Adrian only had two moods when it came to the relationship with his dads, and one of them was “If I don’t see you and my daddy in this exact moment, right in front of me, I’m literally gonna cry and scream until I explode” , and it would have been a little bit difficult to deal with that at the moment.

He didn’t say anything when he put on his pajamas and went upstairs to wait for Simon to finish his chores so they could go to bed together. It took him a little bit longer than he expected because he was organizing the fridge (he spent like forty minutes trying to remember the very specific organization system Hugh had implemented the first minute they moved to that house), but he eventually did and when he entered the room, Adrian was already falling asleep.

So he kissed him goodnight and tried to sleep too.

He was about to do it when Hugh opened the bedroom’s door.

Instead of saying “I’m home” , “Hi, love” , or even asking “What’s the kid doing here?” , he greeted him with:

“Did you clean the fridge?”

And Simon immediately knew he had messed up the organization system.

“Yes, I did. It smelled like eggs.”

“The cheese goes next to the eggs. Animal products go together.”

He didn’t sound mad.

He sounded condescending, but he kind of knew he didn’t mean to.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he answered.

He heard him taking his uniform off before putting on normal clothes, and he laid next to Adrian. He slightly opened his eyes and a small smile appeared on his face; then he rolled over and got closer to him.

They waited for Adrian to fall asleep again before they started talking about their days.

“So, yeah,” Simon said after finishing the tale of how he had a panic attack so violent that he ended up puking in a very elegant and suburban bathroom at a stranger’s house. “I think dancing is not my thing.”

“Dancing sucks,” Hugh said. Adrian was drooling a little bit on his shirt, but either he didn't notice or he just didn't care. “I have never had… a panic attack over that, but… I don’t like it. It feels unnatural. And I’m not very good at it anyway.”

“You don’t like doing things you’re not good at.”

“Not gonna lie, it kind of hurts my ego.”

Simon snorted and Hugh smiled a little bit.

A day after that, Adrian asked Simon if they could go eat at that fast food restaurant they had passed by last week when they were going to Headquarters. He agreed and the three of them went to the exact place Adrian said. It was located in a… “not very nice zone” and apparently, all the parents of the city had decided to bring their kids there too, which meant it was loud and messy, and those employees were obviously overworked.

Hugh and he would have turned around as soon as they saw the state of the place, but Adrian was in a weird mood, and it was Simon’s turn to make dinner, something he didn’t feel like doing. So he told Hugh to pick something at random (after he spent a whole minute looking at the options) and order a combo with a toy for Adrian, plus twenty nuggets that Simon was not willing to share with any members of his family.

Adrian’s order arrived first. He had already finished his burguer when his dads got their meals, and he announced to them (because he wasn't going to ask for permission) that he was going to go play at the playground. Hugh told him to be careful, but Adrian practically ignored him and took off before he could even finish saying “... and don’t you dare take off your socks while you’re inside that thing”.

Simon started to play with Adrian’s toy (a cheap action figure of a random white man that wore a green jacket and was winking at him) while Hugh saw through the glass that separated them from the playground area, probably making sure Adrian didn’t get hurt or took off his socks, which in his head, would have been worse.

When Hugh was finally able to calm down, he turned to see Simon.

“So— you really eat those twenty nuggets by yourself.”

“Nineteen,” Simon corrected. “This—” he showed the nugget to him “—is the last one. Do you want it?”

He had his own nuggets and a cheeseburger he hadn’t finished yet. “Only if you don’t want it.”

“Nah. I do want it,” he answered. “I was just trying to be nice.”

Simon put the nugget inside his mouth and while he was chewing it, he realized Hugh was staring at him, but he couldn’t figure out why until he blurted out:

“I'm sorry I wasn't there for you during the party.”

He wasn’t expecting that.

“Oh—” he took a sip of his soda “—Don’t worry. You didn’t know.”

“Next time call me. So I can help you.”

And he promised himself (and Hugh) he would do it by taking his hand under the table and nodding, before resting his head on his shoulder.

“Do you think I shouldn’t have eaten those twenty nuggets?” he asked after a while.

“Not all at,” Hugh assured him. “Actually, it was very sexy of you.”

“I feel very sexy right now, not gonna lie.”

“Good. Because I think you should kiss me. If you’re in the mood for that.”

Simon was in the mood for that. He first kissed Hugh’s cheek, but he thought it wasn’t enough, so he decided to go for his lips. He wasn’t able to stop when he felt Hugh’s putting his hand on his knee, and before they could start making out in the middle of a restaurant as if they were a couple of straight teenagers, he heard a pitched voice say “Ew!”, which immediately made them break the kiss and go into fight mode, ready to be kicked out and banned from ever coming back there.

But it was only Adrian.

“Ew, pops, don’t do that,” he kept saying. “Why are you kissing him?”

“Because he’s my husband, Adrian. And your dad.”

Adrian crossed his arms and frowned.

“Well, I don’t like it—” he extended his hand “—Can I have some ice cream, pops?”

“You didn’t finish your fries, son,” Hugh pointed out. But he didn’t listen to him, again, and asked Simon once more if he could have some ice cream, making a lot of emphasis when he pronounced “pops” .

And there it was, Adrian’s second mood: “I only love you, pops, and if someone gives me enough candy bars, I would throw Captain Chromium down the stairs.”

A year has gone by since then. Therapy and meds had helped him a lot so he had never needed to call him during a panic attack, mostly because when that happened, someone was always willing to help him. For example, one time Tamaya and Simon went to a departmental store during their lunch break because she wanted to buy a bag of eggnog gummies that were only sold there, and Adrian decided to join them. There, Simon turned around for a quick second to check a mirror that would look amazing at their house before realizing that his kid had disappeared. He could see Tamaya looking at some little bird statues that they sold there (being extra careful as to not hit anything with her wings), but Adrian was nowhere to be seen. So obviously he started this frenetic search for him, which lasted, like, five minutes, because Tamaya eventually found Simon, and told him that Adrian had been with her the whole time, just that he was too short for Simon to notice him. They had to go to the restroom and Tamaya grabbed Simon’s and Adrian’s hands while they both calmed down, telling them from time to time that everything was all right (but deep down, Simon knew it really wasn’t; they were in the ladies restroom and there was a mother with his kid that looked at them in a weird way).

Tamaya must have told Kasumi about the whole thing because she taught him a few strategies she had learned to control her own panic attacks. She had been going to therapy too but read a few books about spirituality and meditation, not because she was super into it, but because she thought some concepts were interesting. One time, Evander was the only one there and since empathy wasn’t his strong suit, the only thing he kept saying was “Breathe, Simon, breathe, for fuck’s sake”. He wasn’t yelling, but he wasn’t being nice either, and honestly, that attitude only worsened Simon’s state; he even began to scream that he needed to go to the hospital because he thought he was dying, and Evander began to panic too because he had never been alone when Simon was in that state. Eventually, Simon remembered the promise he made and tried to reach for his phone while mumbling something about calling Hugh, but Evander told him not to worry about it, that he was going to call him.

And Evander, instead of grabbing his phone and doing that, opened the door, and after making sure no one else was there, he yelled:

“HUGH, SIMON NEEDS TO TALK TO YOU!”

Hugh was there in a matter of seconds.

Most of the time, he was there in a matter of seconds.

He kind of knew that if he ever needed the same kind of help, Hugh was going to call him but he never did. Not until a couple of months ago.

They were at a Women’s Day event. There was a group of dancers that was going to do a kind of opening number; a performance in honor of the victims of femicide. Tamaya was going to give a speech about the issue and how that day wasn’t of celebration, but of reflection and remembrance. Kasumi was hugging her ukulele case (she was going to perform a song she had written during the Age of Anarchy, which she refused to show the rest of the team), Evander was reading a pamphlet someone had given him, and Simon was holding Hugh’s hand, trying to hide the fact they weren’t doing much.

Suddenly, Hugh asked him: “Why is it so hot in here?”

They were at Cosmopolis Park and it was March. He didn’t feel it was that hot to be honest.

Evander turned to see them and smirked. “I’m sorry.”

Kasumi rolled her eyes and Tamaya hit him in the back of the head, without even bothering to take her eyes away from her notes.

Hugh didn’t think it was funny. “I’m being serious— It’s really hot.”

“Change into your civilian clothes after the inauguration,” Kasumi said.

The five of them were wearing their uniforms. Tamaya had a purple kerchief (that represented the feminist movement) around her wrist and Kasumi had a green one (that represented the fight for reproductive rights). Evander and Simon had talked about changing their clothes and put on the gray t-shirts the male members of patrol units were wearing. Only the female members were wearing their full uniforms because when the sun started to go down, there was going to be a march and they were going to be the ones protecting the people there. Tamaya and Kasumi had told them that the feminist organizations they were in contact with had told them they didn’t want any male patrol units during the march, but said that if Hugh, Simon, Evander, or Adrian wanted to go, they could. Simon was the only one who told them he accepted, Hugh and Evander remained quiet, and he wasn’t even sure if Adrian was aware of the situation, since he had decided to stay at Headquarters with Prism.

But Simon was about to tell Hugh about what Evander and he were going to do when Hugh said: “ No .”

Because he was working. And when he was working, he had to wear his superhero suit.

Tamaya and Kasumi had more important matters to attend to, so they dismissed Hugh and continued with their plans. The leader of the dance group told them they were ready, and the five of them walked to the stage. Instead of being the first one to talk (like he did at every event) Hugh stayed back and allowed Tamaya to do her thing.

He didn't seem like he wanted to do a lot of talking anyways. Simon could tell that pretending he wasn't uncomfortable wearing his suit that day was taking a lot of his energy, and he even began to think his husband was going to faint in front of all the cameras (but it was probably just his anxiety talking, like always).

When Tamaya finished, they watched the whole performance with the rest of the public. The dancers were wearing black clothes and purple kerchiefs, but six of them had white dresses with red paint that pretended to be blood. They danced while other women in the background sang the song and played some drums. At the end of the performance, a little girl entered the stage and yelled: “Justice for Lady I!” , before letting go of the six balloons she was holding.

Simon clapped until his hands were numb.

And until he realized Hugh was gone.

“Where is he?” Simon asked Tamaya.

She knew exactly what he was talking about.

“In the middle of the performance, he told me he wanted to go somewhere else,” she said.

Then she went quiet again. So Simon added: “Did he tell you where he was going to be?”

“I didn't ask him. I just said 'Elope, bitch' . And he did.”

Simon started to look for him in the crowd until he felt his phone vibrating on his pants. He didn't see who was calling but, for some reason, he knew it was Hugh.

“Hello?”

The other side of the line remained quiet.

For a second, Simon's imagination started to run wild and he was already imagining a scenario where someone had kidnaped Hugh (somehow) and he wasn't able to talk because if he did, they were going to hurt him or someone else. But then, he saw him in the distance, near some trees and a little bit far away from the event, and Simon walked towards him. Without hanging up the phone, just in case.

He only did it when he was right next to him.

Hugh didn't say anything for a long time. And Simon didn't, either, mainly because he was waiting for the answer to his question of “Is there anything I can do for you?” , an answer that never arrived.

Then, he proved with:

“Did you see the whole performance?”

Hugh turned to see him. They were both sitting under a tree, gazing at the distance.

He said, with a monotone voice and an emotionless expression:

“I will never understand contemporary dance.”

After a couple of minutes, he asked him if they could go back home ( home ; not the Headquarters) and Simon accepted. Hugh went the whole way without talking to him, massaging his temple, and when he asked him if there was something wrong, he told him he had a headache, but in a very… weird way.

He was irritable. To say the least. So Simon decided that the best thing he could do at that moment was to not intervene and just keep driving.

Hugh went upstairs and locked himself in their room, while Simon waited for Prism to take Adrian back home before the march started so she could go join them. He managed to keep Adrian downstairs so he didn't go and bother his other dad. It wasn't until 11 PM, when Adrian was already asleep and Kasumi told him the march had ended, that he decided to go check on Hugh.

It was pretty late but the TV was on and he was completely awake.

It didn’t surprise him at all.

“Are you feeling better?”

But instead of answering, he asked back: “How are you feeling?”

“Fine. I just— I stayed downstairs. I guessed you didn’t want to be bothered.” Simon tried to recognize the show that was on, but couldn’t. “What are you watching?”

He sat down on the mattress and Hugh got closer to him. Simon took it as a sign he wanted to cuddle, so he laid next to him and rested his head on his chest.

“You know what other thing I will never understand?”

Contemporary dance.

“What?”

“People who go out with their partners to take dance classes. And dance competitions.”

“Everything that has to do with dancing, then.” He nodded. “Don’t worry. After the clown thing, I’ve hated anything that has to do with dancing too.”

“It’s too… complicated.”

“Yes.”

“You need a lot of coordination”

“You do.”

“And people are looking at you.”

“They definitely are.”

Hugh smiled a little bit. “No, they’re not. Don’t be silly. People don’t care.”

After that, Simon could at least be sure that Hugh would never take him to dance classes or make him enter dance competitions. It just… wasn’t their thing.

Maybe, their thing was to stay at Headquarters until very late at night, finishing their paperwork, with the rest of the Council.

Like they had been doing the last couple of hours.

Tamaya had been the first one to go home. Her husband had called her and said that her kid didn’t want to go to sleep if his mom wasn’t there to read him a bedtime story. Hugh said that Evander could finish her share of the paperwork and before he could refuse, she answered: “Well, thank you very much, Blacklight” and left. After that, Evander spent a good entire minutes bitching about how Hugh couldn’t just give him more responsibilities just because, to which Hugh responded “Yes, I can” , and Kasumi had to tell both of them to stop because Adrian was there. According to her, if they started to yell curse words to each other, he was going to start repeating the same words every time he was angry and kids weren’t supposed to swear (even though she was ten when Simon heard her say “Oh, fuck” for the first time).

After Evander and Kasumi finished their respective share of the paperwork (plus Tamaya’s) they decided they were going to spend the night there because it was already too late. Simon and Hugh were distracted for a little while, discussing something related to what they were doing, when suddenly, Kasumi and Evander were already inflating a mattress with a pump they had taken out of nowhere. When they asked them where they got those things, Evander just answered they hadn’t revealed all their secrets yet.

Suddenly, the air pump broke at the same time the crayon Adrian was using to color a couple of butterflies did, and Kasumi and he whispered, at the same time:

“Oh, fuck.”

Simon thought everyone was going to die of laughter right there. Everyone except Kasumi. She was going to die of embarrassment.

After she apologized to Adrian for swearing in front of him, Evander got a couple of blankets for them to put on the mattress so it was a little bit more comfortable for them. They asked Adrian if he wanted to sleep with them, but Adrian said he wasn’t sleepy yet. Still, Kasumi told Evander to leave a small space for Adrian in case he changed his mind.

They fell asleep almost immediately.

And soon after that, the baby monitor Simon carried around practically everywhere let them know that Max had woken up and was crying.

“Hugh—”

“Yes, I’ll go. Wait here.” He got closer to the door, but then he turned around to see Adrian, who was still drawing. “When I’m back, you better be asleep, Sketch.”

Adrian rolled his eyes and growled, but instead of getting angry or something, Hugh laughed and left.

Five minutes went by.

Then, fifteen.

Then, half an hour.

Forty minutes.

An hour.

Simon felt his eyes were burning and his whole body felt like it didn’t belong to him. Luckily all the paperwork was gone now, and Adrian was holding the baby monitor in his small hands.

Max wasn’t crying anymore, but he could hear Hugh’s voice, although he couldn’t understand exactly what he was saying.

“What’s going on?” he asked Adrian.

Adrian looked more tired than before, but not that much. They definitely were messing up his sleeping schedule. “Daddy has been trying to put Max in his crib a couple of times but when he tries to leave he starts crying again.”

Simon nodded and tried not to think about it.

He really tried not to think about it.

“Pops,” Adrian called him. “I’m tired. I wanna go to bed.”

Finally.

“Well—” and an idea popped into his head “—let’s go with your daddy and Max to tell them we’re leaving. So you can say goodnight to them too.”

Adrian agreed to do that and being extra careful as not to disturb Evander and Kasumi, they walked through the practically empty corridors, holding hands and feeling like ghosts in an abandoned building (although he knew it was not abandoned, there were some people still there, just not in that area specifically).

They arrived at Max’s quarantine area and all the lights were out. It took him more than a second to notice Hugh sitting on the floor, in the middle of the room, barefoot and only wearing his undershirt and his blue leggings. He was holding Max close to his chest and had an empty bottle in his left hand.

He looked done. He looked so freaking done, but Max, on the other hand, looked very pleased with himself, sucking on his pacifier and with his brown eyes wide open.

Simon tried to hide his laugh. “What happened you guys?”

“Ask your kid,” Hugh answered. “He started it.”

“Just leave him in the crib,” Adrian said, a little bit impatient.

Hugh stood up, walked towards the crib, and, without taking his eyes away from Adrian, he put Max there. And Max, obviously, began to scream so loud that Adrian covered his ears.

“I can’t,” Hugh said. He hugged his baby once more and his screams turned into really quiet sobs. “He’s being a real Westwood right now.”

Simon pretended not to be offended by that joke (a joke Adrian was too young to understand and too tired to care about.)

He put his hands on his kid’s shoulders. “Adrian wants to go to bed,” he told Hugh. “And honestly, me too.”

“And I would love to join you,” Hugh said, “but, you know… your baby is holding me hostage. The Westwood genes—”

“Captain—”

“Okay, don’t get mad.” He pulled Max closer to him. “He won’t close his eyes. And I’ve already tried almost everything.”

Adrian bumped his head against the glass and Simon imitated him. If Hugh hadn’t been holding Max, he would probably do that too.

When looked up again, he wanted to wish him good luck with the Max thing and that he should ask Evander and Kasumi before getting in their improvised bed (if he didn't want to sleep on the floor and preferred something a little bit more comfortable) (although he suspected Evander was going to get all defensive and Hugh was going to have to sleep in the floor anyways.) But he couldn't because the first thing he noticed was that the room was covered in a dark blue light that came out of a small sphere that was one of Max's night lights.

Hugh didn't notice Simon's confusion.

“Love, don't you think that's going to have an opposite effect?” he asked him, doing his best not to sound too… rude.

“No, not at all,” Hugh answered. “He likes it. I don't know if it's the colors or what but he likes it.”

“Good, but the point it's for him to fall asleep,” he insisted. “Not if he likes it or not.”

But he pretended as if he hadn't listened to him and turned on the other night light.

Immediately, the room was filled with yellow stars that contrasted with the blue veil that filled their vision.

At that moment, Simon realized Max was looking at him. He smiled at him, his baby smiled back, and then hid his face on his dad's chest. Then, Simon turned invisible, and when Max looked at him again, he reappeared, making him giggle.

And he hid his face again.

It was a game they constantly played when he was visiting him. And he hoped they would never stop playing it.

“What are you doing?” Adrian asked Hugh, who was scrolling through his cellphone, almost mindlessly.

“I'm searching for a— for a song… a song Max likes,” he mumbled. Then, he clicked his tongue. “Max likes a very specific song, and I play it when nothing else works. It is so energetic, it makes him very tired. But… I can't find it right now.”

Max turned his face around and Simon appeared once more.

“Why don't you sing it to him?” he wondered.

“Oh, no, he cries every time I try to sing a song for him—” he stopped looking at his phone for a second “—Every single time, Si. I don't know what's with him and my singing. He just goes crazy and it's impossible to calm him down. Won't try again, zero out of ten.”

After a few more scrolling, Hugh ended up finding the song and smiled. He put his phone on a small table, and he and Simon made eye contact for a moment.

“You'll see he'll fall asleep after playing this,” Hugh told him. “Don't worry.”

Then, the song started playing.

Hugh sat Max inside his crib, but this time, he didn't cry. He just looked back at his dad, waiting for something to happen.

Adrian grabbed his hand and tried to pull him away. Then, tried doing the same with Simon's cape. But Simon was way too intrigued by Hugh's strategy. Mainly because he had never heard about it, even though he said it wasn't his first time doing it.

And he tried not to think about that.

So instead of walking away, he pulled Adrian closer to him and silently told him to stay still. Just for a while.

Hugh grabbed Max’s wrist very carefully and started moving them around.

Close your tired eyes, relax, and then,

Count from one to ten and open them.

All these heavy thoughts will try to weigh you down,

but not this time...

Simon wished he had brought a camera with him. Because Max looked as if he were dancing to the song and it was freaking adorable.

Way up in the air you're finally free,

and you can stay up there right next to me.

Hugh let go of Max’s wrists and stepped back a couple of meters. Max, once again, didn’t start crying and continued dancing in his baby way, wiggling his body and staring at his dad with a smile on his face.

All this gravity will try to pull you down,

but not this time...

Maybe it was the fact that Simon wasn’t aware of Max’s weird tendency to sleep when they played upbeat songs. Or maybe that he had never heard that song. He had seen him dancing at public events, with him or with other members of the Council. He had also seen him dancing during their wedding day, and he was dancing with him.

But he hadn’t seen him dancing like that before.

The chorus started and he lip-synced the lyrics while moving his feet. The stars moved around the room and the blue light gave the impression of him being in the middle of the space, among the universe that had made him and every single prodigy out there the way they were. He flapped his arms as if he was trying to imitate the shooting stars the singer was talking about. Colorful sparkles and rainbow comets seemed to appear all around him, surrounding him in a weird but beautiful whirlwind. But he didn’t even bother to look at them like he didn’t care about the things that were going on around him because at that moment, the only thing that existed there was him and the beat.

During the small bridge between the chorus and the next verse, he opened his eyes again, and their gazes crossed once more.

And since Simon knew that face as if it were his own, he could notice he was starting to feel embarrassed.

Adrian pulled his cape once more.

“Come on, Adrian,” he said, grabbing his older son by the wrist, “let’s show your brother and the Captain how we dance.”

Hugh started laughing and Adrian tried to kick him. “Noooo, let me go,” he complained.

“Hey, don’t be like that, it will be fun,” Simon insisted. Adrian stopped yelling and let his dad grab both of his hands, frowning and pouting. “Are you gonna let my husband dance better than us?”

He didn’t want to appeal to any of his two moods, but apparently, he did.

“No,” he answered immediately. “I’m the best dancer in this family.”

“Prove it,” Hugh said from the other side of the glass, casually leaning against Max’s crib. “We’re waiting.”

He remained completely still for a couple of seconds, gazing at him, and Simon started to move Adrian’s hands around like Hugh had done with Max before. His expression dulled little by little, and when he was finally convinced, he let out a very loud “UGH, FINE!” , with the same tone he had used to be homophobic at the restaurant. Simon laughed out loud and Hugh took his imaginary hat off, to let him know that the floor was his.

Gaze into my eyes when the fire starts,

and fan the flames so hot, it melts our hearts.

Oh, the pouring rain, will try to put it out,

but not this time…

First, Adrian moved his arms as if they were dancing a weird version of one of those vintage dances Simon had only seen on TV, similar to what they were doing during the party he constantly thought about. Then, Simon made him spin and they let go of each other, so Adrian could start giving it all, dancing like the guys from the (kind of) cheesy movies he liked to watch, which the professional actors made look cool but when he did it, were hilarious and lovely.

Let your colors burn and brightly burst

into a million sparks that all disperse,

and illuminate a world that'll try to bring you down,

but not this time...

“Pops, you’re not dancing!” Adrian suddenly yelled while pointed at him with an evil grin on his face. “You’re not dancing! Your husband is going to take us down if you don’t dance!”

Hugh had been moving up and down slightly because he knew that was Adrian’s moment to show off, but when he heard Adrian yelled that he got closer to them, dancing with more emphasis and pointing at Simon, like daring him to a duel. Adrian grabbed him by the waist to shake him up a little, and Simon just yelled: “I GOT IT, I GOT IT!”.

Because he got it. He knew he had to dance too.

Even if he wasn’t sure of how to do it.

And it was probably so obvious that Hugh noticed that small detail because as soon as the chorus started once again, he raised his arms, and Simon, without doubting, followed his lead. Then, he spread them, and it reminded him of when they were little and liked to think that they could develop flying abilities if they pretended they were planes. Simon moved a little bit to the left, then a little bit to the right, and realized they matched with the song and he didn’t look dumb at all while doing it.

Especially because Hugh was mirroring each of his movements and he was smiling and laughing, and even began to sing, just a little bit.

“The judges said that singing is not allowed during the competition,” said Adrian with a teasing tone of voice.

Hugh spun two times and Simon spun one.

“The evaluation criteria is completely arbitrary,” Hugh grinned. “I don’t understand it, it doesn’t exist to me.”

Adrian shook his head with fake exasperation and proceeded to shake his head from side to side, while snapping his fingers and singing the lyrics too, pretending he had a better singing voice than his dad did. Which was true.

Simon was about to make a joke about it, when he saw something moving in Max’s crib.

And he realized he had been completely terrified of not being there when that eventually happened.

He was holding onto the crib bars as if his life depended on it. His pacifier had fallen off his mouth, but he didn’t care and was staring at the rest of his family, completely poker-faced because obviously, he was so little he didn’t comprehend how amazing it was what he was doing.

Max was still too young to understand how amazing he was.

“MAX, YOU’RE STANDING!” Simon cheered. “HUGH, THE BABY IS STANDING!”

A thousand heartbeats beat in time…

Hugh turned around violently and Adrian pointed at his little brother immediately after noticing too, squealing and jumping. “He is! He really is!”

And when all the eyes went on Max, instead of hiding like he did every time someone who wasn’t the Council or his parents visited him, his whole face lit up and Simon could hear his baby laugh from the other side of the glass even louder than he could hear the music.

It makes this dark planet come alive...

Adrian continued to cheer his brother, stomping his feet and using the glass that divided them like a drum, and Hugh threw a glance at Simon, before looking at Max again and opening his arms as if Max was able to run to him and hug him.

“Max, you’re standing!” Hugh repeated. “Congratulations, love!”

So when the lights flicker out tonight...

Max's smile widened even more and he began his body up and down, with an intent to join the party. Simon couldn’t help but imitate his movements, and suddenly he got an idea.

You gotta shine...

He grabbed an invisible mic, pointed at the baby that was giggling so hard he had his eyes closed, and began to sing:

“When the sun goes down and the lights burn out, then it’s time for you to shine! Brighter than a shooting star! So shine no matter where you are! ”

Max's movements became quicker and his laugh louder. Adrian took out his imaginary guitar, and continued to stomp his feet while making guitar noises with his mouth because he was sure that he had just become an amazing musician and nothing could stop him.

And he looked so convinced that Simon believed him, because Adrian was as amazing as he believed he was, and he would never let anyone make him believe otherwise.

“Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light, 'cause it's time for you to shine!”

Finally, he saw Hugh grabbing two drumsticks that only existed inside his head, and beginning to play the battery, making all the stars and colorful sparkles jump around him, leaving small traces of their existence all around his face. He threw the drumsticks in the air, spun once more, and finally caught them in the air, before continuing playing his instrument.

Simon knew that Hugh was completely aware of how amazing he was. Prodigies with powers like the ones he had weren’t born every day, and prodigies who also had the exact combination of characteristics that allowed him to go as far as he had been able to go were even fewer.

But sometimes Simon did wonder if he knew he was also amazing when he wasn't being Captain Chromium.

Captain Chromium would never be able to make those rainbow sparkles shine as bright as Hugh Everhart was doing it right now, and Simon thought it was one of the most beautiful views his eyes would ever be able to see.

So when he spun again and tripped with his own feet, leaning against the glass to not hit his head with it, Simon pressed his hand against the glass.

“BRIGHTER THAN A SHOOTING STAR! ” Adrian yelled. “SO SHINE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE!”

And we wondered again.

Do you know it?

Do you know how amazing you are being right now?

Please tell me you do.

But he never did. The singer, Adrian, and Max mumbled “Tonight” at the same time, although Max did in a way only he could understand and without even noticing what he was saying.

Simon smiled at Hugh, and he smiled back at him, as he always did.

When he walked to Max's crib and carried him in his arms, he noticed the sparkles were completely gone. But he still grabbed Max's little wrist and waved goodbye at them, while his baby's eyelids started getting heavy. Then, before he could do the same thing with Adrian, he threw a kiss at them, before hugging Simon's arm and asking him if they could go to sleep now, again.

Simon looked at Hugh one more time. Hugh tilted his head, smiled a little bit more, and said:

“Good night, Si.”

And Si laughed under his breath.

“Good night to you too. Shooting Star.”

He never called him like that again.

But it was alright because Hugh never danced like that again. And no one could see the same shooting star twice.

Still, Simon wanted to believe that someday he would.

Maybe someday.

#renegades ship week #renegades ship week 1 #renegades #archenemies #supernova #renegades trilogy #hugh everhart #simon westwood #adrian everhart-westwood #max everhart-westwood #the warden and the captain are sitting in a tree #obsi's writs #i knew i said that im gonna strat posting only on ao3 but this is for an event #gifts and event fics are gonna go here too JAJAJAJA

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the-wee-woo-royal · 2 years

Text

Christmas Surprises

Merry Christmas, friends!!!!!!! Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, I hope today is full of happiness. I also hope I can contribute to the cheer with this little fic. Don’t worry, I'll say this now, there is no angst, I wouldn't do that to you today.

Or would I?

Jkjk… not not… maybe there’s a little. Maybe…

Quick note- I headcanon Simon had a bad drinking problem a year after The Battle of Galton (trying to forget the AoA and “be happy” ya know?) that lasted 4 years (there's been a few relapses since then and it got bad again after Supernova and lasted for no more than a year - not counting the ‘accidents’ once in a while) Just so y'all know. There's also another character in one of the parts that's said to have a problem… you'll understand why Hugh reacts the way he does…

Ok so maybe a little angst…. hehe……

In all seriousness, I am in no way making fun of anyone with an actual drinking problem. I understand it is a serious addiction. This is a work of fiction and is no way tied to anyone with it, anything otherwise is a complete coincidence.

I hope you enjoy this Humon with a little Nodian fic today.

LOVE YOU ALLLLLLL

Tagging (pple who were on my rsw one+a few others- comment or dm me if you would like to be added/removed): @obsidianfr3sk @greenalmond @galaxy-creationz @healing-winston-pratt @deprivedmusicaljunkie @unorganisedbookshelf @honey-hippie-harper @blub3rrysoda @kenmas-hair-dye @justsomerandomficsforrenegades @/other mutuals or/and fans who are interested!

Fic under cut:

Holidays in Galton were really the biggest thing. Yes, families would visit others and eat what food they had. Some families indulge a little too much and starve until the next paycheck comes though, sometimes it never does. Then those families would never be heard from again.

It wasn’t a surprise anymore.

But there were different surprises during the Christmas season.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon - Age: 9

“Don’t be dumb, it would cause a lot of attention. Your Dad would never.” Simon scoffed. Not that he would love to see a tree when he came over to Hugh’s, but it wasn’t smart. A tree meant you had money, money meant you were going to get robbed.

He didn't want Hugh to get robbed. He liked his friend.

Hugh frowned, “It would look cool,” he defended and Simon rolled his eyes, “I bet you’ll look cool dead.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

“It would if you’d stop being dumb.”

“I'm not dumb. My mom used to say I'm very smart for my age.”

“Your dumb and I’m leaving.”

Simon took it back. He didn't like his friend very much when he was dumb.

Hugh stumbled on his words and reached out to him in an attempt to make Simon stay, “Wait- No! D-don’t leave. Pl- please.” Simon sat back down next to him. Hugh’s floor was carpeted. His house didn't have any carpet so it was a nice change. Simon stuck his tongue out and Hugh copied him.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Hugh smiled. When Hugh smiled, so did Simon, then Hugh laughed and Simon did too. The anger went away immediately as they laughed together.

______________________________________

They had migrated outside to lay on the grass. It was a little wet but neither boy cared, they were both bundled up because Hugh’s Dad said that if they went outside in the cold they would die.

Simon didn’t want to die and assumed Hugh didn't either from how fast he put on his sweater and beanie. Simon left some back up clothes for himself in Hugh’s closet but still stole a sweater. Hugh was a little bigger than him so he could curl up in it.

So outside they roughhoused for a little while before Hugh stopped them saying that he was too strong for Simon. Simon was a little hurt. He was small but not that small. Hugh said that he would tell him later.

It was later and laying on the grass when Hugh turned to him and blurted out, “I'm a prodigy.”

Simon blinked at him and didn’t say anything. Hugh sat up, playing with his hands, “I was born one. I- I can't get hurt or feel any pain. Mom said I'm industrial or something. I’m strong too. Like really really strong. It's why I did't wanna wrestle anymore, it can be hard to control when I'm not paying attention and I don't wanna hurt you.”

Simon sat up slowly to be next to him, this was surely a surprise, “Indestructible,” he whispered.

Hugh made a noise of confusion and Simon chuckled, “For someone that ‘smart for their age’, you should know that the word is indestructible… not industrial.”

Hugh rubbed his face, “I have more worries than my wording. Like making sure you don't start running screaming ‘monster’ or something…”

Simon whacked him but Hugh was unfazed. Hmm.. indestructible. Simon would definitely have fun with that later.

“Dummy, I'm one too. Surprised you haven’t caught on. I'm not exactly the best at hiding it.”

Hugh gaped at him, “A prodigy?”

The boy nodded, “Yeah, I wasn't born with it though. I only have it for like… 2 years, I think.”

Hugh smiled at the news, and that his friend wasn’t scared of him… that he was like him. Hugh has never met another prodigy but his mom but she's been dead for a long time and his dad sucked butt and was very unhelpful in this area of life.

“So what can you do?!” Hugh put all his attention on his friend who was blushing not meeting his eyes anymore, “It's not as cool as being strong and indestructible.”

Hugh scoffed, “And I’m the dummy. Being strong isn't exactly exciting. It's not like I could use it without breaking things. I'd rather fix them.”

Simon hesitated, “... I- I can be invisible,” he whispered.

Hugh’s eyes immediately widened and he basically yelled in excitement, “INVISIBLE!”

Simon launched forward to cover his friend’s loud mouth, knocking them both down.

“Shut up! I don't wanna die!” Simon whispered aggressively.

“Sorry,” Hugh whispered back, “Can you show me?”

Simon glared at him but Hugh smiled and he wasn’t angry anymore. Hugh was just a person that one couldn’t stay mad at. At least to him.

“Let's go back into your room,” Simon answered, being cautious was the key to survival nowadays.

When they went inside and took off their slightly damp clothes Simon asked Hugh, “Do you get cold.”

Hugh laughed, “Not easily, actually.”

Simon snorted, “Then why did your dad say we-you were going to die? And why did you listen?”

Hugh shrugged, “Because he’s dumb and drunk and dumb.”

“Your dumber.”

Hugh threw a shoe at him, barely missing his chest, “I guess I also didn’t want you to suspect anything before I told you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon - Age: 17

Apparently one neighborhood in the city had them for the first time in forever and Simon wanted to see them. He didn’t know when he’d ever get the chance again. The rest of the ragtag team of wanna be heroes said no to Simon when he asked each of them to come with him to see some Christmas lights. Yeah it was cold, wet, and far but… Christmas lights! Evander and Georgia said they needed to patrol somewhere and Kasumi invited herself to go with them when Simon asked. Tamaya just outright said no.

Simon didn’t even have to drag Hugh out to see some lights. He just said he wanted to go and Hugh started putting on his shoes immediately, Simon didn't even have to ask.

Now that was a real friend right there.

But Hugh was hungry. By the time they got bundled up they left right away, they forgot to eat. It took awhile for Hugh to understand that he just couldn’t go out into the cold winter in a muscle tank no matter how he protested. Yes, he didn’t get cold like a normal person but he would look like a prodigy. It's what everyone's mind went to at anything considered not normal or ordinary. Or that he was on lots and lots of drugs. Simon didn't want either and when he explained that Hugh finally gave in. Mostly because of the drugs. Hugh hated drugs with a passion and when he caught Simon smoking once, it calmed his nerves, but Hugh nearly had a heart attack and was very passive-aggressive for a couple days. Simon knew the reaction was because of his dad, may his soul rest in- nope, bullshit he can rot, so Simon never tried it again.

So here they were at some food truck that was a few blocks away from the street with the lights. They ordered food that seemed to take the least preparation and human contact. After they ordered, Hugh paid while Simon got a table. That's how it usually was because sometimes Simon got nervous and if he flickered invisible in front of the wrong person that would be very bad.

Hugh came back with the food, or a mutation of some kind that would take over their bodies the second they consumed it.

“Bon Appétite…" Hugh said with a strained smile on his face, seeing how Simon's lip curled in disgust, Hugh sighed, “We paid for it so… we have to eat it." He then gave Simon the wallet, which he put in the small bag he brought.

So they did. It tasted a little better than it looked. A little.

A few moments later Hugh decided to stop Simon's little heart.

“Do you wanna get a girlfriend, Si?” Hugh said picking at the abomination the seller tried to say was food. It was from a truck that was definitely not up to code. It's what they could afford though, so they just had to eat it. Or starve… which was tempting.

Simon coughed, but tried to play it off as swallowing wrong, “Girls are gross.”

Hugh’s reaction was weird, he almost seemed happy at Simon's lock of love interests. But then he looked down at his food, Hugh opened and closed his mouth a few times. “What- What a- about… a b-boyfriend,” he finally stuttered.

Simon bit his lip harder than he meant to, he tasted the copper but that was the least of his worries at the moment, “Are you saying that in a good way or bad?”

Hugh glanced up at him, a small smirk on his face, “Good.”

Simon matched his attempt of a smile. His stomach was churning, but the fear was gone.

Stupid street food messing with him.

He shrugged, “Then boys are gross too.”

Hugh nodded, “Yeah, you don't- we don't need girlfriends.... Or boyfriends. We can be best friends forever.”

Simon nodded, his stomach still doing flips, “Yeah… just us. Forever. I’d like that”

“I like it too.”

Stupid fucking street food.

______________________________________

So the lights were apparently just a rumor. A trap for families to get robbed when they came.

When a couple of the guys, all dressed like a pimp from a movie, pulled guns on them, Simon knew there were no lights. He got his hopes up for no reason.

Simon put his hands up slowly, keeping eye contact with Hugh, mentally telling him to do the same. Hugh may be indestructible but Simon wasn't. They needed to think this one through and not muscle their way out of them. Meaning Hugh. He would need to chill for a second.

They went to pat Hugh down but they saw the fucking bag Simon had on him.

Yeah, muscling their way out of it is what they had to do. The second one man touched Simon Hugh became the great and strong Captain Chromium everyone either loved or feared.

Simon helped a bit but Hugh whopped them like he was their mama. Maybe would have done worse if Simon had not grabbed Hugh and ran. They were outnumbered and out weaponed, it was a matter of time before their luck ran out.

They ran for many blocks, they lost count after the third.

Hugh stopped and Simon did with him.

“Yo-you think w-were far eno-enough a-away?” Simon said breathlessly, trying to even out his breath so he didn’t start having a panic attack.

Hugh answered after a moment of heavy breaths, “I sure as hell hope so.”

He then sat down, patting the ground next to him invitingly.

“That's very unsanitary, Hugh.”

“Sit the fuck down. You look like you're gonna faint.”

So Simon did, Hugh would’ve wrestled him to the ground, nevertheless. Simon didn't need that in public.

There was a few minutes of silence before Simon sighed, “I'm sorry…” Hugh put all his attention on him, “what for?”

“I should’ve known that it was a trap. Lights. In this Galton. I’m so stupid.“ Simon scoffed.

Hugh stared at him, “That's just dumb.“ Simon threw his hands up, “I KNOW!“ Hugh laughed and shook his head, “No. You thought this was your fault. I came too, willingly, to the same place. Shouldn’t have I known too“

“But-’’

“Shush. No buts.”

______________________________________

Simon being unhappy about not seeing any lights was simply not going to work. Hugh had seen some… interesting places while out on patrols so he had a place in mind to cheer him up.

“Surprise!” Hugh smiled, doing little jazz hands.

Though it was meant to cheer Simon up, it actually broke his heart for a moment.

“Hugh, you brought me to a… strip club.”

Hugh grinned, they were on a rooftop, the street was a no-no with the prostitutes and druggies that prayed on the men -and women- that passed by. Not that it was shameful, it was just these ones were determined and relentless… Hugh knew from experience.

Simon looked around again, “Multiple.” He scoffed, “This might cheer you up,” he looked at Hugh with a little betrayal, not that it was his business. He didn't own him, they had no claim to each other, Hugh was a partially a grown man with grown men… needs. It was fine.

“But this isn't my idea of fun,” he finished, feeling a little sick.

Hugh’s smile disappeared, “No! I- I’ve never gone inside! Not my idea of fun either.”

“Then why are we here? I don't feel like having my virginity taken today.”

“THE LIGHTS!” Hugh said aggressively, “I thought you’d enjoy some knockoff strip lights.”

Simon turned back to the street. All the different clubs were lit up, it was pretty in some type of way.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, ‘oh’,” Hugh laughed, standing next to him, “I know they're not as pretty as the ones you were envisioning but… they’re lights.”

Simon crashed into Hugh unexpectedly, hugging him, “I love it.”

Hugh hugged him back and that's when Simon knew he couldn’t hide anymore.

“I lied when I said I didn't want love. That it was gross.”

Hugh pulled back, perplexed and a little uncomfortable, “Do you want to go inside? I don’t know if they’d let you in but-”

“Oh my god, Hugh. NO! Neither of us are going into the club.” Simon laughed and Hugh did too, though he was a little strained, “Then what did you mean? Why’d you lie?”

Simon buried his face into his friend's chest, “I meant I’m in love with someone. I just didn't want you to know.”

Hugh frowned to himself, “Why? You're my best friend so unless it was Ace Anarchy or any of the Anarchists, I'm pretty sure I would approve.”

Simon looked up at him, his eyes wide and full of… love.

Hugh of course just thought he was being cute, per usual, “You can tell me, Si.”

Simon just blinked up at Hugh and hugged him tighter.

Hugh stared back, waiting for an answer… if there ever was one.

Simon sighed, going on his toes and kissing him on the cheek.

Oh my god

“I hope my surprise is as good as yours.” Simon said, his smile mischievous.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon: Age- 28

Being a Council member usually required going to bed late and waking up early. Naturally, when they had a break they loved to sleep in.

But they couldn’t.

“Papa! Dad! Come on! WAKE UP!” Adrian yelled the second their room door was opened. Hugh groaned and Simon put the blanket over his head.

There was a little pitter-patter of small feet before they felt the bed dip.

Adrian tried to pull on the blanket to reveal Simon's face but he wasn’t having it, “Papa, come on, it's Christmas!”

“10 more min- hours…” Simon groaned, Adrian had freed him but Simon grabbed him, pulling him down to cuddle. Adrian wiggled free after a few minutes and went to try and fully wake Hugh.

“Daddy, can you wake up?” Adrian asked, poking his face. Simon snorted and grumbled, “Why does he get a calm awakening.”

Adrian just ignored him and kept poking Hugh’s face until he responded, “Ok. Ok, I’m up.”

Hugh sat up, knowing that fighting Adrian was useless. The kid was relentless.

He pulled his son into his lap, “How about we let Papa sleep for just a little bit longer? We wanna have a good Christmas, right?” He false-whispered, loud enough for Simon to hear.

“I totally agree,” He mumbled back, thankful for his husband's gratitude

“But Daddy-'' Adrian started but Hugh cut him off, “If we don't let him sleep he’ll be grouchy, tired, slow, irrit- Hey!” Hugh yelped when Simon hit him with a pillow.

“Go make breakfast.”

“Hey, Adrian, let's make breakfast.”

Adrian giggled as Hugh lifted him up and over his shoulder.

“BYE PAPA!” He yelled as they left the room.

______________________________________

“Is everyone ready to go!” Simon yelled. Despite being the last one up, the other two guys were the last ones ready.

“I CAN'T FIND MY SHOES!” Adrian yelled from his room. Simon sighed and made his way toward his son. He passed the office, catching his husband looking at some papers.

Oh, hell to the no. NOT today. “If you don't exit this office by the time I come back you're gonna regret marrying me.”

Hugh set the papers down with a deep and loving, exaggerated, sigh, “Baby, I could never, ” he smiled, playing the innocent role. Simon just rolled his eyes and walked to his son’s room.

“Ok, darling, where did you put them la- They are literally right here!” Simon pointed to the shoes next to his bed.

“Oops, sorry papa.” Adrian began putting his shoes on and Simon spotted a wrapped square, about the size of a laptop, on Adrian's desk, “Adrian, what's this?”

Adrian glanced at him, then shot up, “Don't open it!” He rushed over, not caring that one of his shoes wasn’t tied yet, “You can look yet. It's not present time.” Adrian grabbed the square, tucking under his arm, and rushed both of them out.

“Come on. We're gonna be late!” Adrian said, ushering his dads to the door. Simon stopped moving, fighting against Adrian's pushes, “Oh I’m sorry. Am I taking too long?”

“YES!”

Simon moved forward unexpectedly, making Adrian jolt forward and crash into his back. Adrian stared at him, opened mouth, but there was a slight lingering smile.

______________________________________

Since Max was in his quarantine, the last two Christmases had been at Renegades headquarters. It felt wrong not being there for his son, though he was only two and probably hadn't grasped the concept of the holiday. The rest of the family completely understood and was onboard with it.

Their lead scientist and doctors have yet to find some type of solution to get Max to control his powers. Until then, Simon was content watching Hugh hold him up to the glass. Simon would hold his son sooner or later, he believed it with all his heart.

They had set up a curtain around them for privacy, since they were in the center of HQ and training mats on the floor, which is where they were sitting. There were a couple of bean-bags and pillows too. Someone, probably Evander, had put up some old Christmas lights. The presents were piled in a corner.

It was dingy but perfect.

“Can you say it again? You said it a few days ago!” Tamaya said, her voice slightly pitched to mimic a baby. Hugh was sitting against the glass bringing Max as close as comfortably possible. He had said Tamayas name, not Maya or Tam, but her whole name a few days ago when she walked past. Max just wiggled, trying to escape Hugh’s arms, his attention on getting a dropped toy a few feet away.

“Oh, give it a rest. He’ll say it when he does.” Evander laughed. Tamaya whipped around and threw a candy at him, which Adrian, who was sitting in his lap, surprisingly caught, “Oh shut it! If he wasn't in there he would have all but teleported to you.”

Evander sighed and sat back more, “It's not my fault I'm just beloved by all.”

This time the candy hit him straight in the face. Adrian grabbed it before Evander could and stuffed it into his mouth.

Simon put his attention on his husband with their child. Hugh had stolen a handful, which was a lot given the massive size of his hands, of gummies and was teasing Max with them. Hugh was holding it a little above his head and Max was trying his best to jump and get it.

It was cruel yet cute.

“Is it present time?” Adrian said when Kasumi whispered something definitely not present related in his ear. Unsurprisingly she was the first to answer, “I think it's about time!” They two passed out presents for a few minutes, Hugh came out of the quarantine to grab his and Max’s.

Everyone was opening presents and Tamaya left and came back with a pack of seasonal canned beer and hot chocolate.

It was seasonal beer. One just couldn't get it any other time, but despite all Simon erges, all it took was one begging and pained look from Hugh had him sipping on a hot chocolate moments later. They both knew too well that once he started he couldn’t stop and he couldn't ruin today. No one else knew yet so Simon could only try to ignore the pack that was within his reach, so goddamn close he could sneak one with no one knowing, until Hugh asked it to be moved far away from ‘Adrian’.

Other than that the day was going really well. Hugh was trying to get a toy out of its case for Max, but was struggling. It was hilarious. He didn't wanna rip it open in fear of breaking it so the team just watched him get red faced at the zip ties that would snap open.

“Can someone please hand me something sharp?!” Hugh laughed with an edge of embarrassment in his voice. Kasumi did her best to put on a straight face, “I think you're doing ju-,” she snorted but swallowed down a full laugh, “I think you're doing just great, Cap,” he squeaked before laughing, the rest of them following suit.

“Hey, Max, we should run away and start a new, better family!” Hugh groaned. Max just continued sitting across from him, waiting for his toy. Evander sighed, “this is getting sad now.” he sighed with a hint of a smile on his face, “here, Hugh,” he smiled, holding out a pocket knife.

Hugh looked at him from his side of the glass, flabbergasted, “you had that the whole time.”

“Yup,” Evander nodded like it was no big deal, “You need it?” Hugh growled, “I actually hate you,” and went through the door.

There was a scare when Max tried to follow his dad, or more his toy out, then turned invisible when all the adults jumped up and yelled something along the lines of “No!” and “Stay there!” they all stayed perfectly still, not trying to scare Max anymore.

There was a heartbreaking sound of sniffles that broke their hearts. Hugh reentered the quarantine, trying to look for his son.

“We're sorry, baby, come out. Come to daddy.” Hugh belts down slowly, extending his arms, waiting.

There were a few agonizing seconds before Hugh had a surprise look on his face and he wrapped his arms around something that couldn’t be seen.

Hugh kissed Max, on the head it seemed, “Are you ok, Darling?”

“Y-you a-ll sc-scary m-m-me.” Max sniffed and Hugh pulled him closer. Simon went up to the glass, “We’re sorry, Honey. So sorry.”

Hugh tickled the boy, causing a little laugh, ”Daddy!” he squealed.

“Can I see you now? I wanna see your laughing face. Not a sad invisible one.” Hugh said, not letting up on the boy.

Adrian ran up to the glass next to Simon, his mysterious gift in hand, “If you go un-invisible, you can see the present.” There was a little moment before they saw Max again. He ran, or more like waddled over to them. He clapped his hands, “Open! Open!”

Adrian sat down on the mat and everyone else followed suit, except Max who was leaning on the glass between them.

“It’s actually for you Daddy and Papa,” he said to Max, handing it over to Simon, “I wanted to save it for last because it's the best.”

“I bet it is,” Simon said, carefully removing the wrapping. He gasped when he saw it. He then held it up for Hugh to see and he smiled down at his son.

“Oh, Adrian, Honey, it's perfect.” Simon was not going to cry. Not right now. No. No tears. No matter how cute this painting was.

It was a framed painting of their family, including Evander, Tamaya, and Kasumi with her cat around a christmas tree. The boy's talent never ceases to amaze him, he seemed to get better with every doodle.

It was really good, like good enough to sell. NOT that anyone would ever, but it was that good. Everyone could tell he put a lot of time and effort into it and that was a gift in itself.

“And look,” Adrian said pointing to the top of the tree, “Mommy’s the angle on top of the tree.”

It was crying time now.

Simon used one arm to pull his son into a hug and the other to wipe his tears, “We are going to hang this up the second we get home.”

Adrian looked up at him, “Can we hang it here? So everyone knows that we are a big family? We can hang it right there, Papa,” he pointed to a spot on the wall of Max’s quarantine that would allow anyone who walked by to see it. “I think that's a great idea, Honey.”

They gave the picture to Hugh who hung it up in a matter of minutes.

Adrian cuddled next to Simon again, “Did I surprise you, Papa?”

“Yes, you did. In the best way.

“Good! I know you love surprises!”

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon: Age- 37

Adrian sucked on his teeth, not knowing how to start this conversation. Yes, his Dads and Nova made their peace and were civil but allowing someone to work in the same building and spending a holiday dinner together was very different.

But Adrian knew Nova would be alone. Everyone she used to be with was either dead or incarcerated for the time being. It was sad. Nova said that she was fine, that holidays haven’t been a big thing to her since her parents died. That was even sadder.

He convinced Nova to at least have a holiday dinner with him and his family… if his dads allowed. That was actually Nova’s ultimatum. She had to get a nice personal invite. From one of his dads.

So that meant actually asking and not just telling her they said yes and surprising everyone when he told them she was coming.

He was going to ask Simon first, but he was nursing his fourth cup of wine today. Simon had only been up an hour, he had slept in late from the hangover from yesterday. Adrian could tell from his slurred good afternoon that he obviously was not fully recovered but was pumping more into his system. It scared him but he learned not to ask questions. He knew Pops would get better, he had before. At least he hoped he knew that.

So it was up to Hugh.

All on Dad.

Yay.

Adrian shamefully lingered outside the home office waiting to hear his Dad’s voice get off the phone. When that did happen he knocked fast so he wouldn’t chicken out.

“Come in,” Hugh's deep voice called and Adrian eased up a bit. This was his dad. It’s not like Hugh would do anything bad.

Adrian peaked his head in before stepping fully into the room.

Hugh looked up at him, “What’s up kid.”

“Ok two things…” Adrian took in a deep breath, “Can.. um..”

Hugh raised an eyebrow, silently questioning him.

He let the break go, spewing everything out, “CanNovaspendChristmasdinnerwithusbecuaseshehasnowhereelsetogo?”

Hugh blinked at him, “I only heard Nova and Christmas dinner, kid. I'm guessing you asked if she could celebrate it with us?”

Adrian nodded slowly, “Yeah… she's got no one.”

Hugh frowned, guilt taking over his facial features. “Ahh. Then... of course.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Hugh smiled, making Adrian relax.

Adrian smiled, but it vanished with a tainted thought, “It's not a pity thing, right? You actually want her here?” Adrian knew that if Nova sensed she was here out of pity she would leave without another word.

Hugh sighed, “No. I would never. If you two are going to rebuild your relationship… then Simon and I should also get more comfortable with her too.”

Adrian smiled again, “Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime, kiddo. You said there were two things? What was the second?”

Adrian opened his mouth but stopped himself. He wanted to tell Hugh that Simon had found the wine and beer Hugh had cleared out of their alcohol cabinet and hid in the garage until he could find time to donate it someplace where someone wouldn’t abuse it. But Simon found it and was currently passed out on the couch.

Hugh’s smile waiver and Adrian didn’t want it either. Not right now.

“Um… I forgot.” He said before leaving his Dad to his work.

Adrian could donate the rest of the alcohol himself right now, actually.

______________________________________

Few days later

Hugh had made Simon go to bed directly after dinner. Hugh saw how he swayed in his seat and ate really slowly at dinner. Hugh had gone through this before, it was futile for Simon to even think Hugh wouldn’t notice.

Simon will be sober tomorrow. Hugh would make damn sure of it.

He giggled uncontrollably when Hugh took off his clothes, Simon opened his legs and parted his lips, waiting for him. Usually Hugh wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever Simon wanted in this position. But Simon didn’t know what he wanted right now… not fully and Hugh respected his husband.

Hugh helped Simon into his pajamas and then into bed.

He sighed and went to walk out the room. He made it to the base of their bed before Simon noticed he was leaving, “wait!” Simon's voice cracked, he tried to sit up but gave up quickly, “you're not going to cuddle?”

Hugh sighed, “Not while you're like this. I'll be back when you're asleep.”

Simon looked like he wanted to say something else but just cuddled up with the blankets.

And Hugh left.

______________________________________

Next Morning

“You're not going to drink at all today. You hear me?” Hugh said from his side of the counter. Simon was slightly hungover but it was manageable, “Loud and clear,” he said, putting a finger to his temple.

Simon eyed his coffee with distaste, “Didn’t you get rid of anything that would make me feel good anyway? How can I drink what's not there?” Simon ended with a slight laugh. Hugh sighed even deeper, “I know you have your stashes, wherever they are. Just… don’t”

“I don't have a stash.”

Hugh stared into Simon's eyes. Simon saw the anger and pain filling his husband’s, “I'm not going to get into this right now because I don't wanna ruin the day, but don’t you dare lie to me,” Hugh said in a low tone, aggressively, “Not now, not ever.”

It was almost worse than actual yelling.

Simon looked back down at his coffee, “I’m sorry.”

“I know.”

“I’m trying.”

Hugh said nothing and Simon looked back at him, “I really am.”

Hugh nodded, “I've seen you try harder. Way, way, harder.”

They both sighed and Hugh made his way to the other side of the counter, giving his husband a lingering kiss on the forehead, “I love you… I’m gonna wake the kids now.”

Simon blew on his coffee. He will be good today. He just had too.

______________________________________

Later that day

Nova at the Everhart-Westwood mansion arrived 5 minutes before she actually had to and debated sitting out in the snow. Honey had always told her to be a little late. That it was ‘fashionable’.

But the bus there was faster than she planned for and she forgot that the security thing scanned her.

So here she was.

Nova hadn’t mentally prepared herself for this yet.

Not that it was too hard. Just awkward.

Even more awkward since Nova presented the bottle of wine to she brought as a peace offering. She looked up what the best gift was for adults and wine was number one.

Apparently it wasn't?

Max was the one to meet her at the door and took it instantly. He said hello before running off with it.

Adrian presented himself next and Nova smiled at him, “I think your brother has gone off to get drunk?”

Adrian cocked his head, “What?”

“I- uh, brought some wine for your Dads but he just… dipped?”

Adrian chuckled humorlessly, “oh yeah… I don't wanna lie… so he’s probably dumping it out.”

Nova blinked, “Why?” She said slowly.

“There's a bit of a problem in our house right now. We don't want to… encourage it.”

Nova covered her mouth, “Oh shit? I'm so sorry,” she bit her lip, “Simon?” Adrian nodded, “How'd you know?” She clicked her tongue, “Honey… um… talked about… karma and irony… a while back. I didn't pay much attention but did get enough to hear that he had some sort of problem…”

Adrian helped Nova remove her jacket. She could’ve easily don't it herself but didn't mind the help, “Karma and irony? I get the karma part, looking at it through the eyes of a villain… but irony?” Adrian questioned.

“Yeah, it was ironic because she said that he and the rest of the council would get on her for being drunk during the Age of Anarchy years and a little after the battle. After that we just couldn’t afford it so she was forced to stop. Then the tabloids got news of it and… I heard it was a big thing.”

Adrian sighed, “It was really bad. He had to go away for a few months to this… institute. It worked, though. But Hugh is… he ignored it too long last time and is acting faster and better this time.” Adrian smiled, “He is hell bent on making sure Simon doesn't get the bad again…”

Nova sighed, “Aww,” Adrian gave her a puzzling look, “it's romantic in a sort-of sad way,” she defended.

“I guess it is.”

______________________________________

Dinner was fun. One of the funnest in a while. The awkwardness disappeared with Max’s help. The kid is like a happiness ray. Constantly making things better with just a few words.

The kids were currently playing some video games. Hugh tried it out but he’d never really been good at those things and lost pretty badly.

He went out into the backyard to get some air. It was so cold he could see his breath but it's not like it fazed him.

It fazed Simon though, “Holy- Ah!”

Hugh turned with a smile on his face to the love of his life.

“I was gonna make this a nice moment. You know, but damn. It's cold.” Simon groaned from inside. Hugh laughed, “Winter tends to do that, Love.”

Simon rolled his eyes, “Stay here,” he pointed and Hugh raised his hands in surrender, “staying.”

Simon ran off into the house and Hugh’s eyes followed as long as they could.

He loved it when Simon was like this.

Happy. Funny. Adorably stupid.

Sober.

Roughly five minutes later he heard Simon open the door from behind him. Simon sat directly on Hugh’s lap, who had moved to sit at the lounge table, never mind it was covered with snow. Then placed a cardboard box at their feet. Hugh looked at the box then back at Simon, who just stared back at him, “well, are you going to tell me what's in the box?”

Simon nodded, “I'm about to do something I'll probably regret later when I'm feeling down but… it’s what's best. For me, our family. For us.”

Hugh had a slightly concerned look on his face but stayed silent, letting Simon speak, “Our second guest bedroom. No one ever goes in there. And certainly not in the walk in closet where my, what I stupidly thought was secret, box of booze was.” Simon gestured to the box on the ground and Hugh wanted nothing more than to crush it and it’s contents, but Simon continued, “It was the perfect place to hide while… I didn't want you to see because I know just seeing me drink hurts you more than me being unresponsive. I know why, ‘cuz of you-know-who… so I hide but then I'm alone and I spiral and-” Simon paused , closing his eyes, trying to stop the tears from coming, “I almost ruined us last time. I fought every ounce of help anyone tried to give me because I was convinced that I was ok. Not the best but I didn't see what you guys saw. I was coping very… very badly an- and I'm doing it again.”

Hugh kissed away a few tears that trailed down his husband's face, “I promise you I will not let it get bad again. It's only been a few months. You’re not gonna end up like him. I can-”

“It's not all on you though,” Simon interrupted, “I don't wanna just be sober just for a holiday. Last time I only got better because I chose too. I need to choose the right path too, I can't rely on you every time. That's part of what nearly broke us. I need to do it. I know you'll help, I couldn't do it all without you, but I need to do some by myself.”

Hugh nodded along, “That- I can do that. I’ll let you… do you. With some slight hovering. And you're doing so well today. You could've gone to your hideout but you didn’t. You could have kept it a secret but you didn't. But… Why did you bring the box down?”

“I wanna make fairy lights in a bottle type thing. With fake flowers and leaves They are so pretty and I've always wanted to do my own.”

“I’m not following, Darling…”

Simon got up and opened the box, plucking a bottle from the many in there, “Well, they need to be empty right.”

“Still not following,” Hugh snapped, getting a little mad seeing the dreadful bottle in his husband’s hand.

Simon pulled a corkscrew from the box and walked a few steps away, opening it. He then tipped it and it spilled over the grass, painting the snow red.

He walked back over and set the empty glass in Hugh’s hands, “I know that I'll undoubtedly get more. I'm not gonna get better in a single day… but a day is still a day. Because that day will lead to another day soon. And another and so on. I'm willing to keep taking those days. For Adrian and Max. They shouldn't grow up scared and worried for me like you did to your dad.” Simon picked up another one, using the table to open it, “You shouldn't have to see him when you look at me. You don't deserve that.”

He raised the bottle in a ‘cheers’ motion, “Here's to day by day, my love,” he smiled and tipped it over.

That's how it went for a while. Simon would grab a bottle or two, open it and dump it out. Then walk back, hand it to Hugh, who would set it on the table beside him… and the cycle would repeat.

They didn't say anything more. They were done for the night.

It didn’t matter how much time it took.

All that mattered at the moment was Simon healing.

And he looked beautiful doing it.

The lights that covered the house reflected off him like he was some angle. Far from it but in Hugh’s eyes, it was he was. When Simon would hand him another empty bottle he would smile. He was so proud of himself and Hugh was too.

He deserved to be. Tonight he was doing what some would say near impossible.

For him, Simon was doing the impossible.

So yeah, it took a while, who cares. Simon did it.

When Simon reached down to not find any bottles left he started crying. Not exactly in happy or sad tears. Just tears.

He did it all by himself, but with Hugh right there.

He did it.

Simon took his place on his husband's lap again. He evened out his breathing before looking up at Hugh, who whipped away his tears with his thumb, “Love, soon.. At least I hope I'm going to surprise you by waking up level headed, by my own accord, and giving you a big fat kisses all over your face,” he sniffled, “I’m gonna get better and I'm gonna do that.”

“Simon, my heart… My love, that will be one of the greatest surprises in a long time.”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh.

Well i hope i brought something to the table today.

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