интересно, о чем она думает... Sleeping Sova is done!! The little photo under his arms wasn't originally gonna be there until my friend suggested it and it just made it better 🥺🫶 • • • • • #VALORANT #ValorantArt #Sova #Sosage #art #fanart #artwork #valorantfanart #illustration #drawing #digital #digiart #digitalartwork #digitalillustration #videogameart #videogame #sage https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjiub2RPkzJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Recommended Music: Only You (And You Alone) - The Platters
Sova didn't take long to return to the room, carrying a tray. He had a big smile plastered on his face, which made Sage smile too.
- So? What exactly did you gain from this game? - She watched him sit down in front of her, placing the tray on the bed.
Sova had heated up a Dan dan mian of two days ago. Sage didn't even know there was any leftovers. Sage's stomach growled and she wondered how she'd survived a whole day without eating.
- Nothing. - He shrugged, pushing the tray towards her. - Just one title after 59 years with nothing.
Sage raised her eyebrows at Sova before clasping her hands in front of her face and thanking for the food.
- That's... Plenty of time. - She commented, picking up the chopsticks and starting to eat. She sighed in pleasure. The noodles got a better taste out over time, getting much more flavorful. - And that's great. - She looked at Sova, smiling.
- Abstinence is a great seasoning. - Sova returned the smile, taking a cup of tea from the tray. - I was so used to losing... - Sova gave a silly smile, before taking a small pill from the tray and putting it in his mouth. He swallowed the pill, drinking the tea thoughtfully. - I wish I had gone to see it in the stadium... But even so, it was good.
Sage sucked on some of the noodles, looking at his beloved. He looked so happy for his team of losers to win. She tilted her head to the side, smiling too.
- Why cheer for a team that always loses?
Sova looked at Sage raising an eyebrow.
- Loyalty. Also, hope is the last to die.
Sage raised an eyebrow at him too. She thought it was a pretty silly excuse, considering that the team had lost for 59 years. But she didn't want to spoil his happiness. It was the first time he had seen his team win a title in his life after all.
- Fine. - She shrugged, picking up her cup of tea from the tray. As expected, the chamomile tea wasn't ideal, like she made it. However, she drank it anyway.
- I even remember the first game I went to. My dedushka took me. - Sova smiled sideways, looking at his tea. - We lost 5-0. - He shrugged, drinking.
- Ouch. - Sage shook her head. - I would have changed teams for cheering
- Why? If our crowd was more fun? - Sova smiled at Sage. He lay on his side on the bed, resting his head on his hand. He held the cup by the handle, looking to Sage. - Also, we almost scored a goal. Almost! I was on my dedushka's shoulders and when the center forward kicked that ball, after dribbling around like a dancer, I pulled my dedushka's hair so much that it ripped a little. I don't know if he yelled for it or why the ball hit the post.
Sage laughed, looking at Sova. He was practically glowing with happiness, so handsome talking about what he loved that she wished he would never stop.
- Sad. - She took some more noodles, eating.
- It happens. - He sighed, sipping his tea. - He said he did that with my father... I wish they were here... - He murmured, with a slight smile.
Sage tilted her head, noting the wistful look on his face at the memory.
- Tell me about them? - She asked, knowing how much Sova loved talking about his family.
- Ah... My babushka said that I am the complete opposite of my father and the perfect copy of my dedushka. My face is the same as his. - Sova smiled slightly. - She said that my father was very quiet and shy. Besides definitely not liking human contact.
- Really? - She raised her eyebrows in surprise as she ate her pasta.
Sova nodded, pursing his lips a little.
- But my dedushka said he was just like me in games. He was staring at the TV, missing nothing and celebrating with everyone. He said it was like having him back... - Sova shook his head, giving a slight smile. Until he gave a light laugh. - Ah, dedushka was so fun! He would have cried in that match for sure! And my babushka would be ashamed because of him.
Sage shook her head slightly, understanding Sova's grandmother. She was ashamed of her boyfriend's football crises.
- They look nice... - She commented cautiously, drinking some tea. - I'd like... To have met them...
- Yeah... - Sova smiled, amused. - You can always go meet my babushka. She's still alive. Different from them. - Sova raised an eyebrow, drinking the rest of his tea.
Sage rolled her eyes. Sova had been wanting to introduce her to his grandmother for a long time. But Sage said she still thought it was too early for that.
- One day. - It was the answer she always gave, stirring the noodles.
- Uhm… - He grumbled, shaking his head slowly, as if making it clear that he would return to that subject later. He pointed to a small pill on the tray that Sage hadn't noticed. - To your head. Don't forget to take it.
Sage nodded at Sova, putting the medicine in her mouth. It was weird having to take that. It always tasted bad and went down scratching, no matter how small. Sage wanted one of her regenerative orbs instead.
- It's awful…- She muttered, bringing the bowl to her lips, drinking the remaining broth from the noodles.
- You're picky. - Sova sat down on the bed again, placing his cup on the tray. - Did you pass those face stuff?
Sage set the bowl down, shaking her head. Her cheeks were full with broth, with a strand of noodles escaping her lips. Sova felt like laughing at her state, looking like a chipmunk.
- Want me to put it on you?
Sage swallowed it all in one go, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
- You don't know nothing about it…- She took the teacup, drinking the rest of the contents.
- You couldn't be more right. - Sova waited for her to put the cup back on the tray and took it, leaving the room. - Good thing you're here, isn't it?
Sage gave an amused smile, leaning back against the pillows on the bed. She followed Sova back to the bedroom and went into her bathroom with her eyes. Sage flinched a few times, hearing the sound of something falling and being pulled hard. She told herself she wasn't going to worry about what he was doing. Sova didn't take long to get back to her, carrying Sage's entire drawer of skincare products. She shook her head, watching him sit beside her on the bed, placing the drawer between them.
- I hope you know how to put this in the right place. - She rummaged in the drawer, pulling out an array of vials, tubes, and jars.
- Of course I know how to put it in. - Sova made an indignant face, but blinked. - How do you remember all this?
Sage shrugged, placing the products on Sova's lap.
- It's quite simple actually. - She pointed to the packages, indicating each one. - This is the tonic, this is the essence, this is the serum. This one goes under the eyes. This is the moisturizer, it goes all over the face.
Sova looked at the products and then Sage, raising an eyebrow.
- You don't expect me to remember all that, do you?
Sage clicked her tongue, taking the tonic and putting it in his hand.
- This one first.
Sova nodded, putting the product in his hand.
- Come here.- He gestured for her to come closer.
Sage closed her eyes, lifting her face a little for Sova to rub the product into her skin. She smirked, wrinkling her nose a little.
- What? - Sova said, massaging her cheek.
"I'm just happy because I'm the luckiest woman in the world to have an amazing man like you with me."
That's what she thought.
- It's cold. - That's what she said.
Sova smiled, nodding slowly.
- How was your day?
Sage sighed, letting her shoulders sag. She didn't want to talk about the less-than-pleasant results of the radiant research, and she didn't have much to say about the reports. The mission had been the best and worst point of the day.
-I did... An ace…- She whispered, opening her eyes when Sova took his hand away.
If anyone else said that, it would be cause for celebration. Taking down five enemies alone was an admirable feat for Valorant agents and Sova wanted to congratulate his girlfriend for being so skilled. However, Sova knew that Sage took no pleasure in killing. She believed her gifts were given to heal and protect, but she was forced to use them for destruction. And, by the way, she did it very well. Sova even thought she was better than him in that regard. It made her feel guilty.
In short, making an ace for Sage wasn't cool.
And Sova admired her even more for that.
- Did you? - He put the package in the drawer, looking at Sage. - How was it?
Sage passed a package to Sova, playing with a tube in her hands. She waited for him to start smearing the new product on her face before she spoke.
- I found the first enemy... In the back. It was a Chamber, he was distracted, so I took the knife and... - Sage made a slashing gesture towards her neck, making a little noise that should have resembled a stab with a knife. Sova let out a breath, shaking his head.
- Sneaky. And using my Karambit isn't it? - He raised an eyebrow at her, pinching her nose a little.
Sage gave a slight smile.
- It got a really good grip… - She murmured, handing him the tube.
- Of course. I chose it. - He gave a slight smile. - Keep going. - He opened the tube, putting the next product on her face.
- Umm... Then I took his gun. A Stinger.
- Ew. - Sova grimaced.
- I know... But it was with her that I took down the enemy with a Phantom.
- Umm… - Sova shook his head, satisfied. - A weapon of a decent being.
- Yeah... - Sage nodded and took a pot, giving it to Sova. - This one is under the eyes. Spread with quick pats. - Sage looked up as Sova took some of the cream with his index finger. He tapped Sage under the eye, then tapped several times. - Right... - She gave a light laugh. - Are you good at it.
- In the past life I was a Chinese woman. - He smiled at Sage, dabbing the cream under her other eye.
Sage gave another laugh. Sova has been trying to guess what he was previously since Sage said she was a cat in her past life. The day before, after beating Sage at mahjong, he said he was a psychic strategist.
- Is that why we get along so well?
- Yeep. - Sova nodded, smiling. He backed away from her a little, placing the jar in the drawer.
- It makes sense. - She took a package, giving it to Sova. - This is the last one.
- Finally. - He murmured, opening that package and starting to apply the cream on her skin. - And then?
- Ah… - Sage remembered to tell the rest of the story, thinking. - There was an Operator guy... But he had terrible aim. I knocked him down after he tried to shoot me. Then I got his Operator real quick. - Sova smiled, finishing the product on her face, putting the package in the drawer.
- Did you do as I taught you?
Sage nodded, taking Sova's hand.
- Find a good and safe angle. Aim calmly and shoot. - Sage gave Sova a shy smile, stroking his hand with her thumb. - I... Killed... The last two like this...
Sage said that without a shred of pride, more like she was embarrassed. Sova wanted to be more like that. He approached her, kissing her cheek.
- My girl... - He murmured, smelling the products on her face. - Wow, what a good smell. - Sova approached her, sniffing her face. - Makes me want to eat. - He kissed her cheek several times, nibbling lightly.
Sage chuckled, pulling away from him a little.
- Silly. - She rubbed one of her eyes, with a hint of a smile.
Sova watched her for a few seconds, just enjoying her smile. He took the drawer, getting up.
- I'll be right back.
Sage watched her boyfriend walk away and sighed, picking up the bedspread. She wrapped herself in the blanket, lying comfortably there. She felt her muscles relax slowly, her body growing heavy. But her mind had vehemently refused to relax. Heavens, she just wanted to rest. What did it take for her to be able to sleep?
The mattress sank behind her, with Sova crawling under the covers. His muscular arms wrapped around her as he placed a kiss on the back of her neck. Sage's lips automatically formed a smile as she snuggled into that embrace. She was tiny compared to her boyfriend. Being surrounded by him gave her a warm, protective feeling.
- You know… - He murmured, running his hand by her body, down to her leg. - It doesn't make much sense to put all that on your face and nothing on the rest of your body... - Sova lifted the sweatshirt she was wearing, running his hand under it. - I can help you with that too if you want...
Sage was already feeling the sleep coming. Her eyes were heavy and even her tongue was slow to move.
- You can… - She whispered, holding his hand over the fabric. - Tomorrow... - She smiled, hearing his grunt behind her. She was almost asleep. So... It was what was missing. - Good night babe. - She wished that somehow he knew how grateful she was for everything he did and how happy she was to have him there.
Sova placed another kiss on the back of her neck, pressing her against him, feeling good about having someone to pamper.
Sage got home completely destroyed.
Fortunately, she has Sova to take care of her.
Available on Wattpad in Portuguese
Available on Ao3
Part 1
Recommended Music: Stand by me - Ben E. King
Destroyed. Done. Detonated.
Sage searched for more adjectives to define her condition, but she was too tired to think.
She performed several radiant experiments in the morning; had a mission in the afternoon; attended a reporting meeting and delivered diagnoses of the duelists' physical conditions in the evening. Her day was hectic and tiring. She wanted to complain about how much work was being thrown at her. However, she just wanted to rest.
She didn't know with what strength she managed to drag herself to her apartment. It was already dawn. She wouldn't see the sun rise that day. And, if she was as fatigued as she thought she was, she wasn't going to see the sun go down either.
Sage crept into the apartment, leaning against the door to close it. Her body protested with tension and she tended to slip a little on the door. She could lie on the floor, as if she'd come home drunk. She heard low sounds coming from the TV and wrinkled her nose for a moment. Was he there?
The Chinese woman forced herself to walk into the living room, ignoring her own rule of taking off her shoes when entering the house. She leaned against a wall, watching the man lying in one of her beanbags.
Sova had one of the headphones in his ear connected to his cell phone. His eyes wandered from the phone to the TV, turned on in a football game. He wore his dark blue sweatshirt set and his hair was down.
They didn't live together. No, what? Just because she loved spending her nights in that super comfy bed of his and he loved breaking into her apartment because her TV is bigger doesn't mean they were living together.
It just meant that neither of them could decide which was the best place to be theirs. So they both had each other's keys. And... They spent a lot of time at each other's houses. Usually together.
- Umm... - Sage grunted, going to him.
Sova didn't notice her arrival until she was in his field of vision. He smiled.
- Finally! - He spoke with animation. Sage stopped in front of him and threw herself into his arms, lying there. - Ouh… - Sova gasped, looking at Sage. She already had her eyes closed. Sova watched her for a few seconds and wrapped his arms around her, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. - Rough day?
Sage nodded, squeezing Sova against her. He smelled cool and was cold, wearing that cologne she liked. He should have taken a shower not long ago. He ran a hand through her hair, caressing it. Sage basically purred from the caress, already half asleep in that embrace.
-You're all sweaty…- He muttered, brushing a few strands of hair stuck to the back of her neck. - Can you shower?
Sage gave a grumpy grunt in response. She just wanted to lie on him and sleep. Why complicate?
- I'll take you... - He replied with a soft voice. He was getting proficient at interpreting Sage's grunts and mumbles. There was a moment of silence, until Sova realized that she had slept in his arms. - Ah…- He shook his head, giving a slight smile.
Sova laid Sage down on the beanbag and knelt beside her. She squinted her eyes unwillingly, pouting at Sova away from her. He unzipped her boots, taking them off along with her socks.
- I was worried. - He commented, removing her tactical equipment from her body. Sage shifted a little, helping him unhook the holsters from her waist. - They said you went to do your report... - Sova took off her coat, putting it over his shoulder. He sat back on his heels, watching her. - You shouldn't be doing it so late. It will ruin your bedtime routine. You know this.
Sage grunted, shrinking. She was cold from the lack of clothes.
Sova smirked, tilting his head.
- I'll come get you. - He pinched her pinky toe, getting up and guarding her stuff.
Sova went to the bathroom and turned on the water in the bathtub, turning it to a pleasantly warm temperature. He hoped Sage would settle for that instead of her usual scalding baths. He added bath salts and lit the scented candles Sage liked. When it was all over, Sova returned to the living room. Sage was in the same place, eyes half open.
The blonde approached his girlfriend, bending down to look at her. He brought his hand to Sage's hair, stroking it, as if it were as natural as breathing.
- I can't sleep... - Sova, somehow, managed to understand her grumpy mumble.
-Umph…- He raised an eyebrow, as if to say "I told you so." - Come here. - He lifted her up and carried her to the bathroom.
Sage snuggled into Sova's arms. His hug was better than any warm bed.
He sat her on the edge of the tub and sat back on his heels, facing her.
- Do you want me to stay with you? - Sova asked cautiously, stroking her arm.
Sage nodded, lifting her shirt. Sova tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, looking toward the door. What he really wanted was to see the game. It was difficult for him to see any of his team's games in live, due to the time difference. He stayed up late to witness that match, which was the championship grand final, even if it meant he would be dying in the morning. But the match was so interesting... He had to restrain himself several times to keep from yelling at the TV and waking up the entire base.
Sage grabbed Sova's shoulder, using him as support to pull off her pants. He turned to her, holding his breath to find her body exposed to him. She wore comfortable green dots lingerie that made her look beautiful and sexy. But Sova's attention turned to the door again, listening to the sound of the TV. Someone had made a goal.
Sova was the guy who had a stunning woman undressing in front of him and he was preoccupied with soccer.
Complicated.
- I'll be right back. - He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, leaving the bathroom.
Sage followed Sova with her gaze. She rubbed one eye, sighing. She took off her lingerie and tied her hair in a bun, then got into the bath. She flinched the moment she touched the water. He always made the water colder than she liked. Sage lay back in the tub, thinking about her day. Radianite was becoming dangerous to the radiants themselves and that was worrying her. Sage wondered how much time he had left to try to figure out how to solve this situation.
Her head throbbed and Sage groaned in frustration. It was just what was needed, a headache.
- I’m back. - Sova entered the bathroom again, approaching her. - You're still wearing your makeup. - Sova spoke with amusement. - I'll take it off, okay?
Sage nodded vaguely, running her fingers along the surface of the water. Sova opened one of Sage's makeup stuff drawers, looking for the only thing he knew the functionality.
- There's so much things here... I don't think any artist has this many brushes... - He took the makeup remover package, along with the cotton jar.
- Can you... - She watched Sova approach her. - Can you speak more quietly? - She muttered, watching him kneel beside her.
Sova frowned a little, putting the product on the cotton.
- Yes, of course... Do you have a headache?
- Yes… -She shifted in the tub, resting her chin on the edge of it.
Sage closed her eyes feeling Sova tuck strands of her hair behind her ears. He started to clean her face, taking the makeup off her eyes.
- Have you eaten today?
Sage grunted in response. She couldn't remember having a full meal that day. Only had a few quick snacks. She didn't need to open her eyes to know how Sova's disapproving expression was.
- No wonder you're so weak. - The blonde clicked his tongue, taking another cotton to dab on her face. - You know you can't stand too long without eating.
- I'm not weak. - Sage spoke quickly and felt her head throbbing from the intonation she used. She opened her eyes, watching Sova brush the cotton over her cheeks. - I'm just tired.
Their gazes met. As close as they were, Sage could see the iris details of his brown eye; such as the luminosity of his cybernetic blue eye, changing focus from time to time. They were like two separate jewels, shining just for her. His brows were furrowed in concern and his lips were compressed in concentration to remove her makeup.
Sage didn't know she could fall in love with a single expression of his as much as she did with that one. It was just wonderful.
- I'll get you something to eat. - He ran the cotton over her forehead, brushing strands of hair stuck in her face.
- Fine…- She muttered, dropping her arm out of the tub, watching her boyfriend's face with fascination. - What were you watching on TV?
Sova bit his lower lip, shaking his head slightly. He was following the results of the game through the vision of his robotic eye. The score hadn't changed, but from the crowd's comments, the match was frenetic.
- Umm... Football. - He struggled to employ disinterest in his voice. It wasn't very convincing.
Sage tilted her head, letting him brush the remaining makeup off her neck. She blinked slowly, trying to remember her boyfriend's interest in football. Usually, she pretended she was listening as he ranted about the championships, her head flying away. But some information had to be withheld. It must be something important. Why would he stay up so late?
Oh yes.
- Wasn't it... The final of something?
Sova sighed. "The final of something," she said.
- Yes... Championship final. - He gave a slight smile, standing up. - What's the thing to clean your face?
Sage narrowed her eyes, trying to remember which thing he was referring to.
- The... Tonic? - She watched him rummage through her product drawer. It would be fun to watch him try to guess which one was correct, with most of the labels being written in Chinese. - Babe. - She called affectionately. Sova looked at her over his shoulder, not holding back a small smile. He loved her cute nicknames. - You can go watch your game. - She gave a comprehensive smile. - I’ll survive.
Sova raised her eyebrows. It was a tempting proposition. He saw the game's score through his cybernetic eye but his eyes focused on Sage. She was visibly devastated.
- You are very tired. - He gave up looking for the product that Sage used to clean her face and grabbed a towel, coming back to her. - I'll take care of you, okay?
- You don't have to...
- I want to. - He interrupted her, dipping the cloth in the bath water and running it over her face.
She let out a breath slowly and gently held Sova's hand close to her face. His gaze snapped to her and Sage felt her heart swell from the intensity in those glowing eyes, as if it were going to burst.
- Sasha...
He smirked at the sound of his name leaving her lips, tilting his head to the side.
- You always take care of everyone... - Sova approached her, kissing her forehead affectionately. - Let me take care of you.
Sage shivered at those words. She wondered how weird it would be if she knelt there in the bathroom and asked him to marry her.
-Thank you…- She murmured, kissing his wrist gently.
- No need to thank. - He caressed her cheek with his thumb, going back to wiping her face.
Sage felt her muscles relax. Even being in the bathtub her body was tense. And she only realized that when Sova offered to take some of that weight off her shoulders. Not even a million "thanks" would be enough for her to express how grateful she was for his care.
Sage sighed in relief, recognizing how reassuring it was to have Sova in her life. How the hell was she so lucky to have that man to take care of her with so much love?
The Russian grunted, getting to his feet. Sage frowned. Did he have back pain again?
- Alright. Time to dry. - He opened the towel, looking at her.
Sage lifted her head and got up slowly, avoiding the possible dizziness from the sudden movement. Her head was about to kill her. Sova struggled to turn his head to the opposite side as he wrapped her in the towel. It wasn't the time to think about the dirty things he wanted to do with her. Mostly wet like that… So sensual…
The sounds of the TV distracted him again. He shifted his gaze to the door, trying to identify what the narrators were saying, following the broadcast commentary. Dammit, someone had to stop swearing and explain what the hell was going on.
Sage looked at him, holding the towel around her.
- Are you sure...
- Don't try me. - Sova looked at her, raising an eyebrow. Sage pressed her lips, holding back a goofy smile. She shrugged, getting out of the tub. - I'll get your clothes. Which do you want?
Sage sniffed and pointed at his sweatshirt, eyeing him seriously.
- Ah... - Sova rolled his eyes with a smile, taking off his sweatshirt. Sage smirked, looking down at his bare chest. That was a great view. - Don’t take long. - He put the sweatshirt on a hook in the bathroom, leaving the place.
Sage looked at the door and smirked once more, her eyes tending to close. She sat on the edge of the tub to dry off, her legs weak. Her thoughts clouded over as she stared at a fixed point on the floor. She stayed still, as if her body were floating in space and her consciousness was light years away.
She spent a long time thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. Her mind worked fast and slow, not allowing her to forget about that irritating headache. She was tired, but her brain still refused to rest. Something was missing...
Sage heard a noise outside the room and blinked, breaking free from her daydreams. She finished drying off quickly, tucking into the sweatshirt as she exited the bathroom. She looked at Sova, who was at the bedroom door as if he had run out to go there. She smirked, going to sit on the bed.
- How’s the game? - She commented, leaning her back on the pillows.
- Cool... - He spoke low, looking at Sage then. - Is the sound bothering you? Wait a moment.
- No…- Before Sage could finish the phrase, Sova was out of her sight. She sighed, massaging her icy feet.
- Want me to make some tea?
Sage wrinkled her nose. Sova teas tended to be quite unbalanced. But he was trying so hard...
-Yes…- She replied, not quite sure if he had heard her.
She leaned her head on the headboard, closing her eyes. Even though she couldn't sleep or rest completely and her head was throbbing with pain, she enjoyed the peaceful little moment.
-URA! - Sage jumped on the bed, eyes widening at Sova's sudden scream. - IN THE 45 OF THE SECOND TIME! I NEVER DOUBT!
Sage let out a breath with a sigh, giving a slight smile. It looked like the game was over.
Bonus¹: The ideograms in the cover mean "Stay by my side" in Chinese while the words in cyrillic mean "Support me" in Russian (Thanks Russian Balalaika, you know that I love u <3)
Sova has depression. A psychiatric illness that produces mood swings characterized by a strong feeling of hopelessness. Despondency, insomnia, headaches, and other symptoms are common. Treatment consists of psychotherapy and the use of appropriate medications. Such medications have certain side effects as headaches, lack of motor coordination and sudden changes in mood and energy levels.
Although the side effects wore off after the body adapted to the medication's functioning, all Sage wanted most was for her lover to be okay.
Words: +2000
Available on Wattpad in Portuguese
Available on Ao3
Warning: Depression and use of medication
Luiz Lins - A música mais triste do ano
- Sova is strange today. - Raze commented, watching the Russian walk away from the others with long, heavy strides. - He isn’t in his normal.
- Yea. He's weird. - Killjoy confirmed, adjusting her glasses on her nose. - Yesterday was too.
- Yesterday? - Astra looked at the other two. - He was all joy yesterday.
- Exactly. - Killjoy nodded. - A joy far above average.
- He was in the duelist mood. He even said he was going to do the party before me. - The Brazilian wrinkled her nose.
- And he did it. - Killjoy gave a slight smile.
The day before, Sova practically hopped onto the mission plane, chatting excitedly and praising everyone in his path. He even said that Cypher was a great friend just because he passed him his Sheriff when he asked. Cypher didn't know whether to agree or distrust the statement. In the end he just got really confused. When they arrived at the mission site, Breeze, Sova joked that he would play as a duelist. But he wasn't kidding. Sova, who always preferred to wait for information to come up with a strategy and only then start the action, advanced aggressively, throwing shock arrows where he thought his opponents would be. Luckily, the hunter's instincts were correct. With exceptional aim, he took down 5 enemies single-handedly.
The Russian got a big scolding from Brimstone for not following through on the plan and an even bigger one from Sage for taking unnecessary risks. Sova took it all in a good mood, throwing a little joke at Brimstone ("Is it okay if I almost die and buys you a drink later?") and, soon after, pulled Sage close for a movie kiss. If Sage hadn't been breathless and heart pounding from that kiss, she sure as hell would have slapped him for the sudden kiss in front of the others. Biting her lower lip, Sova looked at her tenderly, caressing her face. ("Don't worry so much about me, okay?"). Sage was too red and flabbergasted to respond.
That day, Sova made a special recipe from his babushka, homemade fruit bread. He shared everything with the other agents, super happy to feed his friends. And at night, he was in a good enough mood to watch one of Sage's Chinese drama series. She couldn't stop laughing at all the comments he made about characters and situations, gasping for air.
The next day was not like that.
- Oh, you'll see, he's just tired for yesterday. - Astra explained, but was thoughtful.
- Perhaps. - Killjoy shook her head.
- Oxi gente, you don't know the difference between tired and…- Raze gestured with her hands, trying to convey what she meant. It wasn't effective. - Weird?
Killjoy and Astra looked at each other, understanding without understanding exactly what the Brazilian girl meant.
Sova arrived on the mission plane that day as a ghost, speaking softly and succinctly. He didn't have dark circles under his eyes and he wasn't even pale, not with a fever neither. But his glassy, distant gaze was characteristic of someone visibly downcast. Raze tried to joke, saying that he would compete for the MVP with her. Sova watched her for a few seconds, as if he didn't feel like answering. "I'll stay in the back" was what he said. When they arrived at the mission site, Ascent, the Russian missed a recon bolt, failed to use his owl drone and even miscalculated the trajectory of his shock dart, which nearly exploded in Sage's face. He apologized endlessly and muttered "I'm dead weight". Sova sulked like a stray dog, spending the rest of the mission in a low mood. It didn't help that he didn't notice one of the enemies advancing behind they. Raze was taken down because of this, and if not for Sage's good aim and ability to resurrect allies, the agents would be at a funeral by now
Sova hasn't said a word since then. He turned away from the others as he appeared earlier. The shadow of what he was. A ghost.
- Sage... - Astra turned to the Chinese woman, worried. - Something happened? Did you two fight or... Something.
Sage, who was in her corner gathering up her equipment, turned to the younger ones. She gave a smile that could light up an entire world, maybe even two.
- He didn't sleep well, if you know what I mean. - The Chinese woman tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, averting her gaze from the others' smirks. - And his protein shake ran out. He doesn't stay well without that thing. - She rolled her eyes, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. - See you later! - Sage waved, moving away from the others.
Raze waited for Sage to enter the Base elevator to click her tongue in disapproval and concern.
- Damn, she's a terrible liar.
- Yep. - Killjoy nodded and then looked at Raze. - What really happened?
The Brazilian made a dismissive gesture with her hand.
- Relax, one hour we'll find out. I think they will be fine.
…
Sage kicked off her shoes at their apartment door, as usual. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining outside and the fresh tropical wind made Sage's plants vibrate. Perhaps it was a good day for a picnic.
The Chinese walked to their room, peering through the door. Sova was lying on his stomach on the bed, unwillingly fiddling with his tablet. He hadn't changed his clothes, having only taken off his boots.
Sage entered the room, intentionally making noise. He didn't seem to notice, or even care. She pressed her lips together, looking from her boyfriend to the vials on his side of the bed.
Adaptation. The damn phase. If it was already difficult to get used to the first drugs, switching to another type, with totally different effects, was much worse. At the beginning of the new medication, Sova did not feel any different. But now, the signs of his body's adaptation to the new drug were evident. His emotional roller coaster wasn't doing any better in conjunction with the other sleeping pills he took. He just slept one way one day and woke up completely different the next. It was unpredictable.
- Hey…- Sage laid half of her body on top of Sova's, brushing strands of disheveled hair out of his face. That was an awful side effect. His blond hair, soft and voluminous, was slowly thinning and lifeless. - Do you want to take a shower with me? - She spoke gently, watching him.
Sova denied with his head, not looking away from the tablet. Sage nodded, placing a kiss on the back of his head.
- If you need, just call me. - She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly, then pulled away.
He didn't answer, either with words or with gestures.
Sage went to the bathroom, taking off her uniform. She sighed, standing under the hot shower. She would like if Sova showered with her. He would complain about being scalded alive, but it was good to be with him anyway.
Sage thought about how he was feeling. She had no idea and she admitted it. She wanted to know. To find out what would be the best way to support him, to really be on his side. Sage, who literally had the power over life and death, felt helpless seeing the man she loved like this. Neither her most modern medicine nor her radiant power at full strength were able to completely eliminate the negative effects of the drugs.
Neither intelligence nor super ability. All Sage had to offer was love and hope. She felt horrible for this being just what she had, but it would have to be enough.
Sage came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Sova hadn't moved. She went to the closet, not taking her eyes off him.
- Today is a beautiful day. Want to go out for a while?
It gave Sage time to put on her full outfit until Sova found the strength to respond.
- No... I have to do the reports...
Sage put her towel around her neck, clasping her hands in front of her.
- Do you wanna eat something?
- No...
- Are you sure? I can make sweet dumplings. You love it. - She smiled, pulling her head to the side. It was said that Sage's smile could light up anything. All she wanted was for her smile to actually be able to chase away the shadow that hovered over her lover.
- Babe... - Sova spoke affectionately, even though he didn't feel like answering. He turned his head slightly towards her, resting his cheek on his arm to look at her. For a moment, Sage hoped her smile really did have magical properties. - I need to finish this...
Their eyes met and Sage knew he was grateful for her efforts. The Chinese woman nodded, leaving the room.
- I'll be right back then. - She tried very hard not to show how disappointed she was with herself. Because her smile is not miraculous enough to make him happy with its mere appearance.
Sage spread out the towel and plucked a few mint sprigs from her little garden. She went into the kitchen, preparing the sweet dumplings, along with a mild mint tea. She took her time, not bothering to be too quick to get back to Sova. She put all her dessert on a tray and went to her room. Sova was still fiddling with the tablet. With his lack of concentration, it would take him at least twice as long to finish that report. And it wouldn't be easy to have to explain in details how mediocre he was on that mission.
Sage set the tray on her nightstand, looking Sova with a raised eyebrow.
- Give me some space there. - She nudged him.
Sova looked at the tray and then looked at Sage.
- I said I didn't want to...
- It's not for you. - Sage hoped Sova wasn't in the sarcastic mood for him not to comment on the two mugs of tea on the tray. - And this room is mine too. I want to stay here.
Sova gave a defeated sigh and straightened up on the bed. He huddled in his corner, his back to Sage. She sat beside him, clasping her hands in front of her face and thanking for the food before devouring her dessert. Sage was a bottomless pit and would probably eat all the dumplings on her own. However, she loved Sova enough to take at least one and put it close to her lips.
- Babe...
- Just one! I did it with love! - She whimpered, sly. - You will not despise my love, right?
Sova wasn't in the mood to argue, so he opened his mouth, letting Sage pop the dumpling into his mouth. He really loved that dessert. Still, he swallowed it with difficulty. He felt bad for not being able to act with his usual joy. A slightly sour taste lingered in his mouth and it wasn't from Sage's desserts.
She smiled victoriously, continuing with her own feast, dropping occasionally a dumpling into Sova's mouth. As soon as she finished eating, she took one of the mugs of tea and placed it on Sova's nightstand, stepping over him. The Russian stared blankly at the mug for a moment, then turned back to the tablet. Sage picked up a book ("The Forbidden Romance of the Alpha and the Omega '' that Sova couldn't believe she paid two credits for that thing of questionable quality) and started reading while sipping her tea.
They had a good time like that. Sage finished drinking her tea while Sova's mug remained untouched. At some point, he muttered something inaudible, dropping the tablet. The Russian turned to his beloved, hugging her as if she could protect him from everything that was on his mind.
Sage smiled, stroking his hair. Maybe he wouldn't be better tomorrow, maybe the scenario was even worse. But she still believed it would get better.
And even if it didn't get better, she would be right there by his side.
Recommended Music: You're all I need to get by – Emilia Jones, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo
Yes, Sova and Sage met other times after that first date. They created a beautiful relationship; one of those you look at and think they can only have come straight out of a movie. I could tell you a lot about them.
I could tell you about the perfect dates. Those base getaways, the movie nights, the romantic dinners, the picnics... Dates where everything planned occur as it should and the unexpected was fantastic. Just like when Sage was super happy to get free tickets on her birthday; or the fireworks at the exact moment were the couple toasted with their champagne glasses, celebrating their first anniversary as a couple; or even a meteor shower just as the two looked up at the sky, lying on the picnic blanket. It seemed that the universe was making up for all the suffering of their lives, giving them their own fairy tale.
I could tell you (and how I'd love to tell you) about the other disastrous dates. Like the time that Sage convinced Sova to enter in a cooking class and he accidentally set the cake on fire (Sova, blowtorches, sugar and vodka don't mix). Or when Sova took Sage to camping and they were chased by bees, moose and a bear, not exactly in this order. There's also the time they were in Paris, and everything would be perfect. If it wasn't for the invasion of interdimensional killers. That was supposed to be the perfect date to propose to Sage. Sova ended up making the propose in the middle of the chaos and she almost didn’t heard it because of the gunfire.
And then there's the moments! Those little or big ones that made it all worthwhile.
Like those big moments that they knew they'd remember no matter what happened. Like their wedding. Nothing particularly horrible happened to the two of them that day. Because, behind the scenes, there were a lot of people getting screwed enough for them. Like Reyna who ruined Sage's official dress, Killjoy and Raze who had to improvise a decoration because they destroyed the one they already had and Brimstone who lost their wedding rings and cost to find it again. There was a fight at the wedding, too. Between Sova's babushka, who loved Sage as her own child, and Sage's family, who were there only to criticize all her life choices. Sova and Sage were in a good mood to try to end the fight. Sova told the story of the wedding ring he had given to Sage in tranquility while his babushka was punching some Sage’s aunt.
How couldn’t I talk about their children? The little four made Sova and Sage so happy that sometimes they thought they were going to explode. The birth and growth of each of them constituted such remarkable moments that Sova had to constantly change the HD of his robotic eye, of so many photos that he took of everything that made him happy.
However, not only of happy moments were their lives. They fought too. And when they got in bad terms they made it look like the Cold War had been incarnated in them. But they could never stand a fight for long. Even the proud Sage went to Sova to apologize and he was too soft to deny her anything. Sova was sweet and she loved his sweetness. She knew she could trust him to take care of her, especially after she lost their first babies. Even for someone who was used to dealing with life and death as an usual job, that was devastating. Sova reminded her that she was not to blame for everything that was going on around her and she hasn’t control over everything. In those days, Sova was her superhero. And then she was his superhero, making sure he didn't break when his babushka died.
But it was the little moments... Yes, those moments should be the most told. Like when Sage arrived exhausted from some mission and she let herself sink into Sova's embrace, knowing that there was the best place in the world to be. Or when he was the one who was done and she lay his head on her lap, stroking his soft blonde hair. Not a warm, safe house in the middle of Siberia would be as cozy and peaceful as Sage's lap. They had the moments when she taught him Chinese, which Sova insisted that was humanly impossible to learn (and Sage reminded him that he was half a cyborg then "stop complaining and tell me what is this ideogram"); or when he taught her to play the guitar and Sage secretly healed her calluses when they were forming, only for Sova kiss the tips of her sore fingers ("how you don't generate calluses, lil panda?" He questioned her while kissing her). Also when they listened to music together, played with the children or were simply close to each other, without doing anything particularly interesting. Sometimes, in those moments, they just stopped and looked at each other, who generally didn't see the gaze. Among so many thoughts that permeated their minds, they both thought something like "what have I done to be so lucky?"
Oh, I could tell you so much!
However, I don't like endings very much. It's their story, but it's my fanfic.
So trust me when I say that they were very, very happy together.
