Another day, another mission being wrapped up, and another season passing. As the familiar sound of a riveting explosion satisfies your ears, a hand finds your shoulder in eager camaraderie before pressing themselves firmly against you for a side-embrace.

“You’re unbelievable, Marty! You should chip in on missions more often, y’know. Could really use the pyrotechnics.” ’Marty’. That silly name Amir had given you that stuck. Even the other Hexers call you that. But you’re not too keen on focusing on that small detail right now. Not with how close he was or how much his proximity scrambled your insides with butterflies.

As the protoframe’s metal palm grasps your shoulder as you all trudge along to find long lost atomicycles, you and Amir’s gazes meet and seem to flash with brief tenderness. It jumbles up whatever response had been preparing to leave your lips. Words are complicated when you’re with him. And you struggle to admit it.

You're a trauma-hardened warrior from the future, feelings are so….trivial. So why is this odd tech-wiz you met months ago somehow making that seem untrue?…