Sharp Edges: Crosshair x Reader [NSFW]

Nesting (Epilogue)

*Fifteen Years Later*

You woke up early, the golden morning light beaming in through the crack in the curtains and causing tiny flecks of dust to dance in its glow. The head of rumpled silver hair on the pillow next to you still warmed your heart, and you gave it a light caress before throwing the covers off and swinging your legs out of bed. As you pulled on your fuzzy white robe and ambled down the hall, you paused to look at the holographs you'd decorated the walls with, capturing both the milestones and the mundane in your shared life together.

Crosshair's strong body, bent and curved tenderly around a tiny, bundled newborn that he cradled against his chest, eyes closed and cheek pressed to the small, fuzzy head. A roughly-scribbled attempt at first letters -- thick and shaky lines forming a name -- torn on the corner where Cat had gotten hold of it. A beach trip, with Wrecker triumphantly holding up the giant fish he had just caught, Tech surreptitiously spraying a cherry-colored Echo with sunscreen while he was distracted, Hunter holding his surfboard, and you and Crosshair with arms around each other while Crosshair's hand ruffled Omega's hair. (Hunter's plan of dropping her off on Saleucami all those years ago had, of course, not gone to plan). A variety of moments from adventures to other planets, as colorful and diverse as could be, that would have only been in your wildest dreams in your former life on Coruscant. A weekend visit from uncles Rex, Cody, Wolffe, and Gregor, before they had eventually decided to come "visit" permanently. Your growing family of four, with a brown-haired, brown-eyed girl clapping in delight at the chubby toddler taking some of his first steps into your outstretched arms, Crosshair smiling proudly behind you. Their beaming faces made it one of your favorite family portraits.

The kitchen was full of sunshine and fresh air, with the windows thrown open to let the sea breeze in, which soon blended with the rich scent of freshly-brewed caf. You poured a steaming mug and went to your favorite spot -- a large, cushioned seat in a bay window that provided an expansive view of the vibrant island that surrounded your simple home, perched on the side of a cliff. Cat wove her way down from her favorite windowsill to brush against your legs, chirping her sweet morning greeting.

After a time of quiet reflection, the silence was broken by quiet footsteps padding down the hall. You turned just in time to see a bright-eyed boy emerge, the toddler from the portrait now a long-legged six year old, groggily rubbing his eyes with a sheepish grin as he wandered toward you and climbed into your lap. You ran a hand through his unruly brown curls, brushing them back from his forehead to place a gentle kiss on it.

"Good morning, Scouty boy," you crooned, and he croaked out a squeaky reply.

The morning cuddle lasted for approximately a minute and a half before Scout began asking for breakfast, and you nuzzled him off your lap to return to the kitchen. The island food had been more plentiful and delicious than you could have imagined, and the table was soon filled with sumptuously sweet fruit, flaky scones, boiled eggs, and freshly-baked buns soaked in coconut milk. Scout's fingers were creeping over the edge of the plates immediately, only to be playfully smacked away by Crosshair, who had been coaxed from bed by the mouthwatering scents wafting in.

"Daddy!" came the enthusiastic recognition from the jubilant little boy, turning and hugging Crosshair's leg tightly. A small smile curved the sniper's thin lips, and he ruffled Scout's hair and rumbled a warm hello before his eyes found you in the kitchen. You never tired of the sight of him in the mornings -- tan and shirtless, barefoot and wearing his favorite raggedy, soft shorts that you'd tried to throw out a number of times before he inevitably caught you. His chin was shadowed with stubble, peppered black and gray in contrast to his textured silver hair, which had gotten a little longer lately and made him look adorably rugged and scruffy.