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As you walked out of the med bay, you let out a groan of discomfort. You had just come back from a mission that left you completely wiped along with some stubborn injuries. Modern medicine could only do so much to alleviate the pain. Who said saving multiple timelines would be easy? You practically limped your way towards the living room, courtesy of Stark, mumbling obscenities in your head. The pain put you in a foul mood, but luckily no one was around to witness it. At least that’s what you thought.
Making your way towards the soft sofas, you saw the Child of Light making his way towards you. Out of all the people who could greet you, you were relieved it was Him. Over the past few months, it seemed he had taken a deep liking to you. Even Quill made some stupid comment about Adam imprinting on you like a baby duck, always by your side during missions and almost seeking you out at any given moment. You didn’t mind it whatsoever and even welcomed it. After all, he made sure to always keep you healed during your missions together. Since you were limping slowly, Adam reached you first with a worried expression and picked you up, as you let out an undignified squeak, in one swift (but gentle) movement before sitting himself down on the couch.
“My dear, what has happened?”
You weren’t sure where he picked up that little pet name, but you weren't complaining. Maybe someone taught him or he got it from a movie…you could feel your thoughts drifting off as Adam’s body began to warm up, feeling good on your aching muscles as he continued to hold you.
“Oh, uh just a mission gone a bit sideways. We accomplished our goal, but a few of us got hurt. I’ll feel better tomorrow.”
Adam didn’t seem to entirely like that answer as he held you a little tighter, but not enough to hurt.
“Let me heal you then.”
“You don’t have to! You aren't on duty and I don’t want you to expend your energy.” You weren’t entirely sure of the intricacies of Adam’s magic, but you didn’t want him wasting it on you when he didn’t need to. “Besides, the doctors and nurses at the med bay did all they could. I just need rest.”
This seemed to appease Adam a bit, but you could tell he wasn’t wholly convinced. He pouted for a moment, seemingly processing your response, before turning on the TV across the sofa. You weren't sure when he had gotten the remote, but he knew your distaste for silence so you were grateful.
The TV was playing some sort of cheesy romcom that you weren’t paying attention to, but Adam seemed absorbed in. Though you were exhausted, you weren’t exactly sleepy. Having Adam as a portable heater improved your mood quite a bit. You let the show continue on a bit longer before speaking, your hazy state making it hard to concentrate. Adam was just so comfortable and you weren't sure how when he looked hard as steel.
“Hey Adam…do you like me?”
You weren't sure what you were hoping to gain by asking that or even his response, but you sure as hell weren't expecting his next words.
“Like you? My dear, I love you. Was that not apparent? If so, I apologize. I should have made it more clear.”
You felt your brain was in an eternal loading screen as you processed his words. Did he know what he was saying? Of course he knew. Sure he could be naive, but he’s seen enough human interactions to know the gravity of those words. You must have taken too long to respond as Adam began to adjust you so you were now facing him on his lap.
“My dear?”
This booted your brain back up and you finally spoke, trying hard not to sound shaken up.
“Adam…what do you mean by ‘love’?”
The Man of Gold looked away briefly as he thought about how to word it before turning to you with such a serious expression you thought he was about to spill the secrets of the universe.
“Like Sue and Reed.”
Like Sue and Reed? At first, you weren't entirely sure what he meant, but then it hit you like a truck that he meant he loved you in a way a married couple loves each other.
“Y-you love me that much? Like…romantically?”
Now it was Adam’s turn to pull a confused expression. He nodded as he brought one of his large hands to your cheek, stroking you gently. He was significantly bigger than you, but you really felt the size difference at that moment.
“You are the most important person in my life. My dear, if I lost you, I would never recover. I do truly love you, just as Quill loves Gamora.”
You knew his anecdotes were just his way of explaining his feelings to you. It was endearing. You leaned into his hand and gave him a small smile, trying to convey your own feelings despite your own exhaustion. As you did, you could see the faintest of blushes spreading over Adam’s cheeks.
“I didn't know you felt like that…well, the feeling’s mutual.”
Now it was your turn to blush. You’ve always liked Adam, that was no secret. You found his voice and presence soothing. Yet, you never dared to hope that anything would come from it. After all, he was essentially immortal and though you had a longer lifespan than most humans, he would most certainly outlive you. However, with the way he looked at you, you could tell he would burn the whole world for you. You two would cross that bridge when you got there, but for now no harm in being indulgent…right?
There was a beat of silence before Adam removed his hand from your cheek and leaned in closer to you, making sure to keep you propped up on his lap with his arms and hands. He spoke, his voice deep and quiet.
“May…may I kiss you, my dear?”
You briefly wondered if the Adam Warlock knew how to kiss. You didn’t dwell on the thought too long and nodded your consent before meeting him halfway. Once again, you weren't sure what you were expecting. His lips were soft and he clearly understood the basics of a kiss, so you decided to be bold and use your tongue. He made a noise you wish you could have recorded. Luckily, Adam was a quick learner and used his own tongue in earnest, but let you take the lead. It was a rather sloppy make out and all too soon, the both of you pulled away with flushed cheeks and panting to catch your breaths. Adam was the first to speak.
“T-that was…”
Not only was this the first time you heard Adam stutter, but you literally left him speechless. You shifted on his lap, feeling how excited he got. His blush darkened and you couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped you. You quickly held his face in your hands to reassure him.
“Seems like our resident golden boy got excited. Why don’t we take this to my room?” It felt like Adam’s quantum magic healed your wounds during your steamy little make out, whether that was on purpose or not.
Adam was clearly flustered at your words and their implications, but he nodded eagerly nonetheless.
“It would be my pleasure.”
As he carried you towards your room, you had a fleeting thought that whoever came in next might be mad you two left the TV on.