The 'it's cold' trope combined with 'confessing feelings' but with a nice fun little twist to keep things interesting.
It was a chilly day on base, nothing like the heater breaking during one of the worst winters ever. Everyone was bundled up like they were heading on a mission to Russia: big puffy coats and beanies on hoodies. The only person who didn't seem scathed was Zarya, who all called the agents who complained about the cold 'babies'. Mei, already layered up like an Eskimo, would try to consol everyone- thinking that telling us the heat will turn on soon was enough for anyone to hold out just a little bit longer. Didn't help that the base was far from any civilization. I was trying to stay warm by the fire in the lounge room, the one that was mostly for show but now had a purpose. My butt was on the hard, cold floor; my clammy hands sticking out to feel the small amount of heat coming from the fire. I was the only one up this late, since the chill in my room didn't knock me out. No matter how much I bundled up, I couldn't stay warm enough to drift to sleep. It was annoying to say the least. I could barely keep my eyes open, sleep almost in my grasp. When my eyes closed, a creek of the door blew them open; my head wiping around to see Cassidy peeking his head through with what looked to be a bundle of folded blankets in his arms.
"Oh, good. Been wondering where you've gone." His voice soft as velvet, my mind in its sleep depravity wished it was an electric blanket so I could plug it in and fall asleep. He was wearing what looked to be his pajamas, given the silhouette being something much looser than his usual gear. Probably the pair of plaid sweatpants he loves so much, a vintage country singer tee, and that light pink robe Hana jokingly got him during secret Santa. As ridiculous as he probably looked, I was enamored by his presence alone.
"Why?" I asked, hearing his heavy feet come over to my side.
"I was gonna give you some extra blankets I found in my closet, but you weren't in your room."
I sighed, "I couldn't sleep in there. I tried, but- well I hate repeating it." I rubbed my eyes, trying to stay awake for a little longer. Cassidy's company was a treat, especially since we're rarely ever alone. He's great eye-candy, and I could listen to him talk for hours. I don't wanna waste it by passing out on the floor.
"I get it, Doll, the weather's not getting any better. I hear Torbjorn might get back from his trip early if we're lucky." He sits down on the floor, unraveling one of the blankets he brought over and putting it over my shoulders. I instinctively pulled it closer to my body, smelling the ashy oak scent of one of his cigars.
"The base will be an icebox by then." I complained, "I never wanted a family reunion to end so badly."
He chuckled, "I feel you there."
My eyes stared at the orange flames dancing in the fireplace, watching the embers flicker their tiny lights. I felt Cassidy's eyes on me, and although I normally look away, I decided either out of bravery or pure boredom I'd meet his gaze. He didn't seem phased, maybe falling in a daze. It was weird how comfortable I felt with him like this; seeing his usual dark and narrow eyes become warm and soft. Even his hair that suffered from a bad case of hat head looked cute.
"How come you're not shivering?" My eyes looked at his light pink robe, noticing he's not using any of the blankets he brought over.
He shrugged, "I guess those years sweating my ass off far west paid off."
I giggled, "Yea right." A yawn creeps up on my lips.
"You should go get some shut eye, Darling, I can keep an eye on the fire while you sleep."
I shook my head, "It's not gonna make a difference, Cassidy. I can have all the blankets on base and I'm still not gonna get warm."
"I could help with that, if you let me."
I raised my brow at him, "Sure. Like you could do anything to make the room heat up."
He turned off the fire with a click of a button, getting up from his spot. I was too tired to watch him, just staring in the dark until I felt his arms sweep me up from the ground. I was pulled into his chest, carried like a princess to what looked like the couch. He sat us both down, cradling me close to him while he laid back on a pillow; his arms reaching out to layer us in more blankets. I hummed, wrapping my arms around his torso and snuggling my face into his chest.
"Comfy?" I could hear the grin on his face, feeling his flesh hand rub my back slowly.
"Yes... Thank you, Cass." I mumbled.
"Goodnight, doll." He whispered.
"Night." Without registering what I was doing, I moved up to his face with hooded eyes and pecked him right on the lips. I sank back down to his chest, where I heard his heart beating faster than before; all while I drifted to sleep.
I woke up the next morning feeling like I woke up inside a sauna. I threw the blankets on top of me to the floor, my waking brain not caring if they got dirty. But even shedding blankets wasn't enough, wait what am I laying on? I begrudgingly opened my eyes, seeing Cassidy's stupidly cute sleeping face in all of its glory. A soft snore escaped his lips, which looked to be slightly chapped from the cold. Those lips... wait did I kiss him last night? My memory was still hazy, but what was more annoying than bad memory was the amount of heat emitting from this cowboy. Was this man a heater in a past life? I decided to retreat from his embrace, carefully getting off of him and getting my feet back on the ground- then losing my footing and falling on the ground with a thud. Cassidy shot up from the couch, looking down at me laying with the discarded blankets as I groaned in pain.
"You ok, doll?" He asked, holding out his hand for me to grab.
"I'm fine, sorry for waking you up." I took hold of his hand as I slowly rose to my feet, my eyes adjusting to the blinding light outside the window; another cloudy day it seems.
"No problem, I think I got a mission brief to go to anyways." He sat up from the couch, eyes never leaving me. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yea, I did." I rubbed my eyes. Then the realization hit me: I cuddled him and I KISSED HIM GOODNIGHT. My face went red- oh god I'm not even in my cute pjs! This is just an old long sleeve t-shirt and some fuzzy duck pajamas pants! And my socks don't even match! FUCK!
"Darling, you ok? You're looking a little red." He asked, oblivious.
"I-I'm fine! I just- um got to go TO THE BATHROOM! Yea!" I tried to act casual about it, but I couldn't control the pitch of my voice.
"Alright, see you around." He let me off the hook, and I darted out of the lounge room as fast as I could. I sprinted faster than soldier 76 down that hallway- a super soldier had nothing against my speed. The power of grippy socks aided in my arrival down the hallway where my dorm resided- with no agents crashed into but a lot of funny looks.
"Why is it so hot in here?" I mumbled as I reached for my door, "Is it just me?"
"Oh my god, Y/n!" Hana called as she ran over to see me. "Oh! Cute pjs!"
"WHAT?" I asked harshly- "Oh crap sorry Hana. It's been a weird morning."
"I'd say. They finally got the heat working again. Turns out Winston didn't actually turn on the heater when following Brigitte's Instructions."
"Oh," I yawned, "What time is it?"
"11:43."
"What?! Ugh, I'm glad I didn't have any meetings today."
"Yea, unlike Cassidy."
"Yea- wait why are you-"
She pulls out a picture on her phone showing me drooling over his chest, his arm draped around me like I was a baby. "HANA!" I exclaimed.
"Hey don't yell at the messenger! You know how Soldier goes on his 4 am jogs?"
"He took the picture?!" My mouth dropped at the sight of him doing that- it seems so beneath him.
"No, he was with Lena and the two found you guys together like that. She took the picture and sent it to the group chat. Didn't you see it on your phone?"
"NO I DIDN'T BRING MY PHONE!" I huffed, "This is so embarrassing!"
"No it's CUTE! You've been crushing on him since that mission in Toronto!"
I shushed Hana, "DON'T SAY IT OUT LOUD!" I pushed her inside my dorm, closing the door with a slam. "Why does it matter anyways? He was just being considerate; he knows I hate the cold more than anyone else on base." That mission in Toronto was during Canadian Winter, and I under-packed in terms of winter gear. He thankfully let me borrow his serape for the rest of the mission, and I returned it to him all washed up after we came back. I almost turned in my mission report late because I was spending too much time preparing how I was gonna hand his serape back to him in the mirror.
"Sure, maybe." Hana said sarcastically. "OR maybe he wanted to cuddle you because HE LIKES YOU!"
I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Hana."
"No, you come on! I can't be the only one that sees it! And I would know if you didn't make me pinky swear not to talk about it to Lena and Mei!"
"Because they can't keep secrets! Remember when Mei and Lena told Hanzo that we were the ones that messed with his bow in the training room?"
"Nothing bad happened!"
"HE GAVE US THE STINK EYE FOR A MONTH!"
"So what? Your secret comes out and Cassidy knows how you feel. He's not gonna be rude about it! I think he won't believe it."
That's true, Cassidy takes rumors and gossip with a grain of salt. But...I sighed. "I kissed him." My head drooped. I'm doomed.
"YOU WHAT?!" Hana grabbed me by the shoulders. "YOU- OH MY GOD! YOU SON OF A BITCH YOU ACTUALLY DID IT!"
"I was tired! I wasn't thinking straight!"
"Thank god for that! My ship is sailing!" Hana cheered as she did a victory dance. "Y/N and Cole sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
I let out another sigh as I watched her continue her dance; there was no getting through to her. Walking to my nightstand, I took my phone out of its charger and went to my messages. In the group chat, I saw the picture of me and Cole cuddled on the couch. Scrolling to the messages below, I saw Angela reminding everyone to use the group chat for important purposes and not for personal information. Cassidy must've seen this by now, but he's not gonna think much of this. Right? I'm just his friend... aren't I?
After kicking Hana out of my room, I got dressed back in my usual attire of sweatpants and black long-sleeved t-shirt. I didn't have a lot to do today, other than just running around and giving Angela some of my medical information, training with Baptiste, and reminding Junkrat that his bomb launder cannot be used to crack eggs in the kitchen again. Soldier got so tired of telling him not to do it that he promised me twenty bucks if I could ensure the junker doesn't do it ever again. I walked the hallways at a calmer pace than this morning, heading to the kitchen where that junker might reside- may or may not be already putting eggs into his bomb launcher. I opened the door, catching Junkrat in the act.
"Jamie!" I scolded, making him jump up and almost drop the eggs on the floor.
"What? My eggs taste better this way!" Junkrat defends himself, "You'd know if you actually ate them!"
"No one eats eggs with the eggshells!" I repeated for the 5th time.
"But what about the crunch?!" Junkrat whines.
"EGGS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO HAVE A CRUNCH TO THEM!" I yelled.
"They got a point," I heard a buttery drawl. My head turned to see Cassidy no longer in his pajamas and back into wearing his white t-shirt, flannel button up and blue jeans with that BAMF belt buckle. "Even so, you could make your eggs without using the bomb launcher."
"BUT IT'S MORE FUN THIS WAY!" Junkrat cried.
I turned back to the junker. "Jamie, you make a big mess using the bomb launcher and you hate cleaning. Just crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them- it's less messy that way."
"Then what can I use the bomb launder for?" He pouted.
"You're not supposed to use a bomb launcher for breakfast." Cassidy raised his brow.
"That's why I'm using it for Brunch." Junkrat pointed out.
"Jamie," I put my hand out, "Give me the bomb launcher."
"NO!"
"JAMIE." I grit my teeth, "GIVE IT TO ME OR ILL TAKE ROADHOG TO THE BOBA CAFE WITHOUT YOU."
He gasped, "You wouldn't!"
"I would." I stared down at him.
Reluctantly, Jamie pulled out the eggs from the launcher and handed his invention back to me. "Treat her nicely, Y/n."
"I will, don't worry." I took it into my hands, watching the junker defeatedly head out. I almost forgot Cassidy was behind me if it weren't for his chuckle.
"Color me impressed, I didn't think you'd get through to him."
I shrugged, "I guess it was a close one. Now I gotta go give this to Soldier, get that $20 reward." I went toward the door before Cassidy grabbed my arm with his warm hand.
"Before you go n' do that, I was wondering if you've eaten anything since you woke up."
"Oh," I thought back for a moment, "Now that you say it... I don't think I ate anything today."
"Well then, you'll just have to let me treat you to brunch. I'm hankering for some French toast, but if you want something else- name it and I'll cook it. As long as it isn't pork."
I was taken aback by the gesture, he never offered to cook for me before. Now that I think about it, I've never tried his cooking. I didn't know he COULD cook. "French toast's fine." I smiled like an idiot.
"Good, sit down and I'll take care of the rest." He winked at me. Why did he wink at me?? Whatever, it's nothing. I sat down by the kitchen island, watching him get the eggs Junkrat left behind and getting out a bowl. He hit them on the counter and cracked them into the bowl without a problem- no hesitation whatsoever. Cassidy grabbed ingredients as he went, giving his mixture a splash of milk, a generous toss of cinnamon, and a few drops of vanilla extract. He grabbed the whisk from the drawer across from him and mixed up his concoction. "So..." he started a conversation, probably trying to fill in the awkward silence with something other than the sound of his whisk against the metal bowl. "I hear the heat's back on."
"Yea," I replied, looking down at the bomb launder before placing it on the counter top. "I'm glad it's back on. Now I won't need to pester you for more blankets." I laughed nervously.
"I have no problem with your pestering. Those blankets were just collecting dust in my closet anyways."
I bit my lip, I should probably thank him for being so nice last night. He was the one who was trying to keep me warm after all. SAY THANK YOU, ME. "Th-Thanks for you know," he doesn't know. EXPLAIN. "For keeping me warm last night." I cringed, why does that sound suggestive?!
"It's the least I could do; you hate cold weather more than I do and that's saying something." Cassidy puts down the whisk, taking out bread from the bread drawer and dipping the slices into the mixture. "Speaking about last night," oh no he's gonna say it. "I know this is a weird question, maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me..."
OH GOD HES REALLY GONNA SAY IT!
"Hey, remember when Mei showed up in her parka for that mission in Brazil?" I blurted out. "She refused to take off her coat so she just kept freezing herself during the battle. I'm surprised she didn't get a heat stroke." I forced myself to laugh, all because I didn't want to hear him talk about the kiss. Today's already embarrassing enough just waking up with him, possibly having this conversation with him is worse. But for some reason, he let it slide. Even joined in on the conversation of funny and odd missions, saying that he caught Genji off his post back in Hanamura ordering ramen from a vendor. When the French toast was ready, he prepared my plate and set out some condiments for the both of us. He sat next to me on the kitchen counter as we ate the French toast. It wasn't too soggy, and not too over cooked.
"This tastes amazing, Cassidy." I spoke as I stuffed my face with more French toast. "What's your secret?"
"Something we cooks call love... and some vanilla extract."
I laughed as I pressed my fork into the bread slices. "Where did you learn to make this?"
"Just from watching B.O.B, Ashe's bodyguard. He don't look it, but the man sure knows how to cook. He'd make this chocolate cake for Ashe every year on her birthday, super airy and rich."
"Did you get the recipe off of him?"
"Even if he could speak, I don't think he'd ever tell me." He shrugged, "It's his special thing he does for her. He wouldn't want to give that away."
"That's a sweet notion." I said as I took a small piece with my fork and bit into the French toast.
"Sure is." He finished his plate, turning to me. "I got something to ask you."
I froze, no. NO. Please, don't ask.
"Did you kiss me last night?" FUCKKKK. NO NO NO. Abort abort. He's not gonna let this go, I gotta think of something FAST.
"What makes you think that?" I acted dumb as I tried to continue chewing, cutting into the last piece on my plate with shakey hands.
"Well when I said good night to you, I swore I felt you kiss me. Just wanted to know if that was real or not, cause I thought I was dreaming."
Dreaming? Like a good dream or a bad dream? I got three options to choose from: lie, tell him the truth, or pretend to be offended. "Maybe it was a dream." I looked away from his gaze.
"Maybe?" He chuckled. Shit, he's onto me.
"WHY, WOULD KISSING ME BE A NIGHTMARE?!" I yelled, getting up from my chair as I scrunched my brows. Come on, Y/n, use those acting skills!
Cassidy's eyes widened, "No-no! It- it's not-"
"I- I heard enough!" I put my hand up like a stop sign, "I-I'm g-going to leave! CAUSE IM MAD AT YOU! DON'T FOLLOW ME PLEASE!" I stomp away from him and slam the kitchen door, then reopened it. "THANK YOU FOR LUNCH, ASSHOLE!" I shut the door for the final time, already feeling my face heat up. Oh god, that was terrible. Looks like those infiltration missions I went on didn't make my acting skills any better. I briskly walked down the hallway, trying to keep my cool that was far gone at this point. Why did sleepy me kiss the cute cowboy? Why was his face so damn kissable?! I shook my head, don't think about him. I got things to do... Crap I left the bomb launcher in the kitchen. I can go back later. It will be there, Cassidy's got no need for it.
I went back to my dorm to get my medical records, deciding to take the elevator down to the medwing just to give Angela my medical records. The thought of Cassidy chasing after me in the hallway in front of everyone made my cheeks flush. Even if there's a chance he might take the elevator, it was a chance I was willing to take. I busted out of the elevator doors and went straight to Angela's office, not even knocking on the door.
"Oh!" The doctor jumped in her seat. "Agent Y/n!" Her brows arched together, "You should knock next time! I could've been in a private conversation!"
"Sorry! I've been on edge lately." I handed her the papers, her fingers scrolling through them before her blue eye met me.
"This has nothing to do with the group chat, does it?" She looked at me with concern. My lips pursed together, I felt like hitting my head against the wall.
"It doesn't, but please do not talk about it ever again."
"Y/n-"
"I SAID PLEASE!" I cried, closing the door on her before she had anything else to say. Man, what is with everyone talking about me and Cassidy today? At least Baptiste won't say anything, he better not or I'll kick his ass. Looking at my watch, I decided to make my way to the training room. I walked over to Baptiste, "Ready to train?"
"Give me a second," He stretched out his arms, "You should stretch too, keep yourself from cramping up."
I joined him in his stretches, attempting to touch my toes.
"I heard from a little birdie that you yelled at the cowboy in the kitchen today."
I stopped my stretches.
"Everyone thinks you're mad at the poor guy, and the rumor wheel's calling it a lover's quarrel."
I looked Baptiste in the eyes, staring daggers at him.
"What are you looking at me like that for? I was just telling you what I heard!"
"DOES ANYONE AROUND HERE HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO?!" I threw my hands up in the air.
"I guess people have to do something between missions." He sighed, patting me on the back. "Why so grumpy? They're just rumors."
"I'm NOT grumpy." I snarled at him.
"Y/n you look like you're impersonating Hanzo."
I buried my face into my hands, "That grumpy?"
"That grumpy." He nodded, "Come on. Tell your field brother what's going on."
"...I can't. I told Hana she can't tell anyone else and she'll be mad at me for telling someone."
"Let her be mad, she'll just cool off with a couple video games."
"Fine." I grumbled, taking my hands out of my face. "I... I have a crush on Cassidy. And I kissed him last night. He- he doesn't know or at least doesn't think it was real. And I didn't want to hear him talk about it so I told him maybe it happened and then he got curious so I pretended to be mad at him so he would stop talking about it but now he's probably hurt and confused and everyone won't shut up about us and I forgot the bomb launcher and I yelled at Angela-" I felt fat tears roll down my eyes as I finally feel the stress of today come crashing on top of me.
Baptiste kept patting my back, "It's ok... You know, you'll look back on this day and think it's kinda funny." He giggled a bit, my jaw dropping.
"Today was NOT funny."
"I heard you told Cassidy 'thank you for lunch, asshole.'" He laughed.
"IT'S NOT FUNNY! I probably hurt his feelings!"
"He's not made of glass, Y/n. I'm sure he's just a bit confused."
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes as he tried to hold back his giggles, "I'm taking a break on training today- since YOU FIND MY SITUATION FUNNY!"
"Come on, Y/n, lighten up!" I swatted his arm away as I made my way out of the training room. My mood isn't getting any better today; I'm just getting mad at the world. I decided I'd head back to my dorm, hide there so I don't end up yelling at anybody else. I needed to process this whole incident, needed to get a hold of myself so I won't keep losing it. I got to my room and locked myself in there, deciding to take a moment for myself and have a self-care day of sorts. I do have that face mask Hana got me from Korea, and that new lofi hip hop soundtrack Lucio's been needing feedback on. I took off my clothes and headed to the shower, welcoming the hot water pouring down on my skin. Was the hot water gonna dry out my skin? Yes. Should I turn it down? Probably. Was I going to? Hell no. This shower is a me shower: my time to relax and if that means turning my skin into a dry raisin then so be it. I'll just butter myself in lotion afterwards. As I washed my hair, I thought about Cassidy. The things I said to him, they made me cringe. Looking back on it, it wasn't harsh; except when I called him an asshole. Still, it was just a barrier to keep him from finding out the truth. But like Hana said, would it be bad if he knew? It would be nice to have some closure after last night. He went through the effort to look for me just to give me his blankets. He cared enough to keep me warm, cared enough to check on me. He offered to cuddle me, because he wanted to make sure I wasn't freezing to death. And then, I kissed him. It was an in-the-moment decision, one that I didn't waste thinking about. I just did it. He didn't even say anything, he let me fall asleep in his arms. Wasn't his heart beating a mile a minute? I couldn't put my finger on it. I rinsed off my hair, scrubbing my shoulders with my suds-up loofah. "This is ridiculous." I said to myself. "Why make this out to be bigger than it is?" Rejection probably. I can imagine Cassidy laughing it off and friendzoning me in the blink of an eye. He's a kind soul, but maybe there's a limit to how far he'll go for me? Why would he see me as anything more than a friend? I'm just- me. Why would the thought of me drive that cowboy wild? I rinsed off my body, humming to myself. I mean... I am kinda hot. I pondered on this as I grabbed my towel and dried myself off before stepping out of the shower. Looking at myself in the mirror, I tried my sexiest pose: hand on my hip with my hip popped out until it looked exaggerated. "Still got it." I smiled. I brought out my lotion and smothered myself with it, "Maybe that cowboy would find me hot." I mumbled to myself. I went back to my room, putting on my undergarments and taking out the cute loungewear because I needed to feel myself. It was matching, it fit in the right places, and it was comfy. With the outfit finalized, I took out the Korean sheet mask and put it on my face. Turning up the lofi hip hop music, I grabbed my switch and played stardew valley. Me time achieved.
I took off my face mask a few minutes in, but I spent hours just playing the game. Farming until my character's energy was almost gone and was close to passing out in exhaustion. It was difficult, but not compared to confronting my situation in the real world. I knew in the back of my mind that I should go to Cassidy and apologize to him for the way I acted. But, it was an intimidating thing to do. I don't doubt he will forgive me, he isn't one to hold a grudge, but he might reject me. I don't think I could work with him again if that happens, I'd just think about the kiss everytime I look at him. Even if he tells me he likes me, would he just be saying that just to save me from feeling embarrassed? I shook my head; focus on the game, Y/n. There are no cowboy boyfriends in stardew valley.
I jumped when I heard a knock on the door, my heart starting to beat out of my chest. I knew who that was, because who else would it be? Hana would be busy gaming by now, Lena video chatting with Emily, and Mei helping putting away dinner. Wait- I looked down at my watch. It's 7:01 pm. I missed dinner. Oh crap. I sighed, there's no point in running away from this. I got out of my wonderful and safe bed and walked over to my door. My hands were sweating, but I wiped them on my sweatpants and turned the knob to see Cassidy with his hands in his pockets.
"Hey." He said with a nervous grin.
"Hi." I didn't meet his eyes, too focused on not blushing like an idiot.
"You're- not still mad at me, right?"
"No, I never was." My eyes hit the floor, "I was just saying all that stuff so you'd stop talking about last night."
He hummed, "Had a feeling."
I scoffed, looking up at him in disbelief. "Really? You looked like you were gonna piss yourself."
"It was scary in the moment," he scratched the back of his neck. "Mind if I come in?"
"Not at all." I moved out of his way, letting him inside my room. It was a bit messy, but I knew that he wasn't gonna care. We had to have this conversation anyway. Might as well be here. I sat down on the edge of my bed, patting the spot next to me so he'd sit down.
The bed shifted with his weight, "So."
"I- I did kiss you." I blurted out, watching his eyes light up. I put my hands up, "I wasn't thinking! It just happened. I must've got carried away or something..." I sighed, "I like you, Cole. Not just as a friend. If you're not interested, then I understand."
I felt his hand on my back, I turned around to see him leaning in close to me. "I wouldn't say I'm not interested."
I stared at him like he had three heads, "What do you mean?"
"I'm saying that I like you, too. Have been for a while, but I guess me going out of my way to keep you warm wasn't exactly crystal clear."
My eyes shot wide open, my jaw dropped. Hana was right?!
"I liked the kiss, don't get me wrong, was just a bit of a surprise. I've been trying to get you to take the hint for some time, and that kiss made me think that the feelings were mutual. Just needed to know if it actually happened."
"Oh." I rubbed my head, "This is a lot to process." I giggled, "It just seems too good to be true."
He pulled me into his embrace, "It's like a dream- a good one."
I snickered, "You don't need to be specific. I know what you mean."
"Better safe than sorry."
I laughed, "I'm sorry for the way I acted today... and that I called you an asshole."
"It's ok, darling, I'm just happy I finally got to clear this up with you. All that's left to do is go on a date." He smiled down at me.
I smirked, "You forgot the other step."
"What step?" He raised his brow.
I pulled his face into mine, crashing my lips against his. This wasn't just some small, sleepy peck on the lips. This was a real kiss. He leaned into it, closing the gap between us as I rubbed the scruff of his beard. And just like our first kiss, I was the first to let go.
"Can we repeat that next step?" He asked, cheeks flushed.
I rolled my eyes playfully, "Sure."
He didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around me, kissing me like there was nothing more he wanted to do. In short, we made out for a few minutes; just high from the bliss of knowing our attraction towards one another was actually real. Then, my stomach growled. So, Cassidy and I drove to my favorite fast-food place for dinner. Seeing the streetlight reflecting off of his metal arm, his eyes sparkling in the dim light in his truck; it all felt unreal. We chatted about what we were, where we were gonna go with our relationship, what we wanted in the future. Above all those things, we both knew we wanted to be together. We chatted the night away, losing track of time from the serious chat to the lighter conversations until the radio station announced it was midnight. He drove us back to base, escorting me back to my dorm room.
"Some day we've had." He smiles.
"Agreed." I smiled back, unlocking my door. "I wouldn't want to have it any other way."
"Definitely." He holds my arm, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Night, Darling." Cassidy starts to walk off before I grab his arm.
"Wait- I," I hesitated, "I need you to-to-" blood rushed to my face, "It's cold in my room tonight."
He chuckled, "Cold?"
"Yea. You should come into bed with me. Right now."
He hummed in thought, "Not much for taking it slow, are you, Y/n?"
"Shut up!" I whispered, "I just want to know that this isn't a dream! And waking up beside you... it will make things feel more real."
He awed at me, "Course, mind if I grab a few things before we hit the hay?"
"Not at all, I'll wait for you."
He gives me a kiss on the cheek before he goes off into the dimly lit corridor. I watch him go by, smiling to myself. Then, I catch the shine of Soldier's vizor, who looks to be standing in the middle of the hallway in a blue robe with a mug of tea saying 'Best Work-Dad.' We both didn't say anything, just stared at each other.
"You and Cassidy seem to be getting along." Soldier broke the silence.
"Y-yea. We are." I gave him a nervous laugh.
"Who confessed first?" He asked.
"Um, why are you asking?"
"Who confessed first, agent?" He asked again, more demanding and threatening than the first time.
"I did, sir!" I admitted.
He then took out his phone with a grim sigh, "You made me lose fifty bucks."
"What?!" I exclaimed.
"I'll tell you in the morning, agent. Good night." He waved me off and turned back around, walking away.
I huffed, they made a bet about us? I didn't even tell anyone other than Hana, and then Baptiste.
"What did I miss?" Cassidy asked as he came around with some blankets, a toothbrush and a change of new pajamas.
"Soldier was watching us. Found out there was a bet on which one of us confessed to each other and apparently he lost fifty bucks."
Cassidy chuckled as he made his way inside, "So that's why Ana was nudging me to talk to you."
"Everyone else knew except us?" I asked, astonished.
"Yep, although it can't be too bad. We're together after all." He placed the blankets down on the bed.
I guided him to the bathroom, us both brushing our teeth. We both headed straight to my bed, I scooted over so Cassidy could lay next to me before I rested my head on his chest.
"Didn't think I'd be able to cuddle you again after last night. Thought I'd have to shoot the heater to pieces just to hold you in my arms again."
"Thank god you didn't, I would kill you if I found out you broke the heater."
"Turn my ass to grass?" he chuckled.
"Exactly." I nodded. "Besides, you don't have to break the heater to get my cuddles."
"Not anymore at least."
I look him straight in the eyes, "If you broke the heater, I'll kick your ass for real."
"I was joking!" He puts his hands up in the air.
"Just making sure you understand my strong feelings towards heaters." I snuggled back against his chest. "Athena turn off the lights, please?"
"Turning off lights, have a good night!" Athena said as she shut off the lights in my room, covering the room in darkness.
"Message received." He puts a kiss on my head, "Night, doll."
I moved up to kiss him on the lips, "Night, Cole." I could hear his heartbeat beating steadily. The sound of it put me to sleep.
Epilogue:
"They're together." Soldier announced to the group of agents present in the kitchen area, "Y/n confessed first."
"So I win." Ana said proudly. "And all of you doubted poor Y/n!"
Hana whined, "I didn't see that confession from a mile away! I thought she wasn't gonna take my advice." She stirred her bowl of Lucio-o's. "At least I got ten bucks from Lena since Y/n kissed him first."
"What about me? I had to pretend I didn't know about their little crush so I wouldn't lose the bet, just to lose anyways." Baptiste sighs, "I can't say my wallet feels too happy about it."
"I told you to not bet on agents' love lives, but does anyone listen?" Angela scolds, holding onto her mug of coffee with a death grip.
"Lighten up, Zeigler. You're just mad that you don't have the guts to tell that ninja how you feel." Ana says as she takes a sip of her tea.
"I FOUND IT!" Junkrat screams, "MY BOMB LAUNCHER!" He sticks up the device way up high for everyone to see. "No one can ever take you away from me, eggy betty~." Junkrat embraced the bomb launcher for a brief moment before he refilled it with a bunch of eggs.
"JUNKRAT NO!" Soldier yelled.
"JUNKRAT YES!" Junkrat then launched the eggs into the pan, missing entirely except for some egg whites that made their way into the pan- sizzling against the hot stove. "HELL YEA! THE JUNKERTOWN BREAKFAST IS BACK ON THE MENU!" He launched another egg into the air, hitting the ceiling, falling onto his head before spilling onto the pan ceremoniously. "Doctor, will I get salmonella if the uncooked egg touches my head?"
Angela facepalms her way out of the room, everyone else heading out and leaving Junkrat with the mess he will definitely not clean up.
The end