Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Solar sat in his empty apartment, his whole life in boxes as he read over the document in his hands once more. It was still so surreal, and he hated every ounce of this.

To Solar,

If you’re reading this, then I guess I’m gone. I’m so sorry about all of this. I’m sorry to put you and Moon through this. I feel even worse knowing that Moon isn’t going to make this easy. You don’t deserve to be hated by him, and I’m disappointed in him. No matter how hard I tried to convince him, he always lied, said he’d be better and never changed. Now, I’m doing something about it. I got in contact with some lawyers and some of my own funds. It’s a small plot of land, but I think you’d be happy. I know how much you love to fix things up, and talked about a fixer-upper. Moon doesn’t know, and he won’t ever know about it. I want you to be happy. I want you to live life. And I know it’s painful with me gone, but maybe you’ll heal? I hope so…I just want you to be happy. I love you Solar. Please, live your life how YOU want to. 

With love,

Sunrise.

Along with the letter was a deed, photos of a run-down house, and keys. Sunrise had passed a month ago, and as written down, Moonrise didn’t make the grieving easier on him, screaming at him about how he failed and how he killed Sun. Solar kept quiet, and he suddenly had the determination to never have Moonrise hear from him again, literally and metaphorically. He went through the motions, getting things arranged and packing. The U-haul was right outside, and he wasn’t sure if he was ready. His head turned to look out the broken window, something that was the same as when he moved in. Maybe this would be good for him…but it was still going to be hell. Solar pulled himself to his feet and started move the boxes to the rented truck. There wasn’t a lot, so it was a quick transition. He got into the passenger seat, nodding to the driver who just nodded back. The older man propped up the GPS and Solar put in the address. 

“...change of scenery?” The older man asked, bringing Solar out of his mini trance. He looked over at the man and back out the window.

“...a gift from a friend…” He answered.

“...loss?”

“Yeah…”

“How long ago?”

“...a month…” The man nodded and flicked on the radio.

“Let me know if you want to stop.” The driver stated, and the two fell into silence once more, something Solar appreciated. Solar wasn’t sure how long it took, it was early morning when they left and it looked to be around noon when the truck stopped. Solar looked out at the old house, apparently the realtor told him that the house was a mess inside, and paid to have it cleaned on the inside at least. She also offered to fix it up a little more, but Solar denied, thanking her at least. He got out and moved his few boxes inside which he figured was the living room. The driver helped with his last few boxes and his desk before tipping his hat and driving off. Solar looked back into the house, it was clean at least, and within walking distance from the small town. He looked at the kitchen, seeing an island and what looked like some documents. He walked over and looked through everything. It looked like a typical two-story farmhouse, but the documents also showed decent land and a history of farmwork done here.

“I could pick up farming to get some cash…” Solar muttered, and just like that, the weight of everything felt like it crashed into him. He shoved all the documents away, some falling onto the floor as he buried his face into his arms, hunched over the table. He wasn’t sure how long he was like that, but a sudden knocking at his door snapped him out. Solar sat up, quickly rubbing his eyes from the black tears. “One moment please.” He stated, biting back the crack in his voice. When he felt presentable, he opened the door, looking up at another Celestial Animatronic. She was tall, taller than himself. Her hair was white and fluffy looking, like a cloud. Her face was a split of blue and green. In her hands was what looked like a covered baking pan.

“Hello!” She spoke warmly with a smile. “It’s so nice to meet you! My name is Earth, and I wanted to welcome you to our town!” Her cheerful demeanor brought something into the cold house Solar wasn’t expecting…and it was nice, he thinks.

“...Solar…my name’s Solar…” He introduced himself. He hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let her inside. She smiled and walked in, having to duck down slightly to fit in the door.

“Oh, thank you!” She smiled as Solar closed the door. Earth went to the island and set her pan down before seeing the documents on the floor and was quick to pick them up. Solar felt a swell of panic and walked over.

“Y-you don’t have to do that.” He tried to state, but Earth had already set the papers back in a proper pile on the counter.

“Oh it’s fine.” Earth assured him, taking a glance at the top document. “Are you going to farm on this land?” Solar thought for a moment before nodding.

“I might pick up on farming. It sounds like a good way to make some cash.” He explained, the sickening grief trying to boil back in his chest again.

“That sounds great! The property used to be owned by a very prosperous farmer a few years ago, but if you need any help, I run the ranch here.” She explained, and Solar tilted his head a bit.

“Ranch?” He asked.

“Yes! I sell animals for animal products liek Chickens, Cows, Goats, we even have horses!” She listed off. A few chickens might be another good start. “My brothers also run stores here. Maybe I can introduce you at some point?” She offered and Solar hesitated. He was still dealing with a lot, feeling a lot…but then again…it’s been a month…should he start trying harder to move on? His expression seemed to give that away, since Earth’s own expression got softer. “Or you can take your time. You did just move in today. It’s alright to take your time.” She assured him, and that sentence seemed to make the tightening in his chest worse but…warmer? Had anyone told him to take his time with this? Had he…had he actually stopped and just processed everything since Sunrise’s death?

“...I might just take a few days to get set up here…” Solar finally answered, leaning on the counter of the island and crossing his arms. His eyes landed on the pan once more, trying to ignore the feelings and looked up at Earth again. “What did you bring? You didn’t have to make anything for me…”

“Oh don’t be silly.” She assured once more and lifted the lid to show a freshly baked pan of brownies that smelled amazing. “I heard you were moving in last night and wanted to offer you a wonderful welcome, so here are some brownies for you!” She smiled, closing the lid once more. Solar couldn’t help but offer a small smile at her.

“Thanks…do you-” He started before an odd ringtone started going off. Earth seemed to reach into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She looked apologetic and stepped back.

“So sorry, may I take this?” She asked.

“Sure.” Solar shrugged and decided to go to the living room as Earth answered her phone. He looked around, not paying attention to her conversation before finding the box labeled “kitchen” and lifting it up. His apartment was small, and he didn’t have a lot. There were maybe 2 or three boxes for each room, but one big one for the kitchen. He hoisted it up and brought it back to the kitchen, where Earth seemed to be wrapping up a conversation.

“-I’ll be right there, I just need to make sure Solar is okay before I head out…okay! I’ll see you soon!” She said before hanging up and looking at Solar apologetically. “I am so sorry, one of my brothers needs me.” She explained and Solar chuckled.

“You don’t have to apologize. I appreciate you coming and welcoming me.” He assured her. Earth then reached into another pocket and pulled out a small notebook and pen. She jotted down something and set it on the counter.

“If you need anything at all, just call me, okay?” She offered. Solar could feel the ache in his chest lessen at her offer and nodded.

“I will. Thanks, Earth.” He spoke and she smiled a bit brighter. He brought her to the door and let her out, watching her walk off in the direction of the town. He went back inside and closed the door. He stood there for a while, still kind of processing all of it. He shook the thoughts from his head and decided to set up his desk in one of the downstairs bedrooms for the moment. He set up his computer before going and getting a slice of the brownie and the rest of the documents. He’d need to buy new supplies so he could start working on the farm…get a few crops growing…maybe actually see and clear out the debris on the fields. He spent the rest of the day just doing some extra research on farming and snacking on the brownies gifted to him

Chapter Text

The morning after, Solar tugged out his old overalls from his mechanic job and walked outside, tugging his gloves on. The fields were a disaster, and that was putting it lightly. Overgrown, with bits of debris from past storms and lack of care, he’d even have to build up that barn in the distance from the ground up. He took a deep breath and marched out. It took him a solid week to get everything just cleared. Ripping out old vines, trash, weeds, the works. He’d work outside for hours before it started to get dark, order take out, then collapse. He worked himself down to his endoskeleton, pushing through the pain and frustration of dirt and plants getting stuck in his joints. And even then, there was still a lot to get rid of. He found himself sitting on the porch one day, his fans working overtime to cool him down as he grabbed his industrial-grade water bottle and chugged it. He looked out over his progress. In genuine reality, he had done well. He had even figured out where the crops he’d grow would go…but it wasn’t enough…He sighed and started to haul himself back up.

“Take your time.”

Solar froze, Earth’s words from a week ago still ringing in his audios. He sat himself back down and sighed. His fans were still whirring wildly, trying to cool himself down, so he sat there. He glanced down the path that led to the small town Earth lived in. He had done some research on it, and it had all the necessities he needed, plus the takeout he constantly ordered…he needed to cook at some point… he groaned and stood up, heading back inside to at least change out his shirt and grab his wallet. It wasn’t that long of a walk, about fifteen minutes before he walked into the town. It was quiet, but there was still activity going on, a few other animatronics bustling around talking or going to stores. He had never felt like such an outsider before…it was jarring. But he was a new face here, no one knew him, and he was fine with that. He kept walking down the streets, peering into store windows to see which store was which. He failed to really see ahead of him before ramming into someone. He gave an audible grunt and staggered, the sounds of what sounded dropping books and boxes could be heard and a mutter of frustration.

“Shit…I’m sorry I-” Solar stammered, looking down and eyes going wide. It was like he was seeing a ghost. His colors were brighter…Sunrise was more pastel yellows than the vibrant yellow this Sun was. The Sun-Model groaned, rubbing his palms and Solar noticed the scuffed metal. The other animatronic must have tried to use his hands to break his fall. He snapped out of his trance and knelt down. “S-Sorry…I wasn’t looking where I was going…” he apologized. The other Sun looked up at him and smiled with a nervous laugh.

“Oh, you’re fine! Kind of got lost in my own head there.” He stated, but Solar still helped the other to his feet, gathering the two boxes the other bot was carrying, filled with books and what looked like cat toys. “You must be Solar right?” he asked as Solar handed him the box.

“I…yeah…I am…” He spoke, had word spread that fast?

“It’s nice to meet you. Earth mentioned you.” Oh, that explained it…wait…

“Are…you one of her brothers?” Solar asked.

“Yeah! My name is Sun or Sunny, whichever. I run the vet clinic at the edge of town.” Solar remembered seeing that clinic, it was cute and comfy looking. “My brother, Moon, runs the general store here.” And like that, his blood ran cold. Of course…of course, there was a Sun and a Moon model here. “Uh…are you okay? You look a little…sick…” Solar shook his head slightly, snapping out of his trance and panicked.

“...Y…Yeah…sorry…” Solar stammered, not sure what else to say. Sun tilted his head a little.

“Are you sure? I-I can take you to the doctor here and he can-”

“I’m…fine…just…” Solar hesitated for a moment before sighing. “I…knew a Sun and a Moon.”

“Oh.” Sun seemed to perk up.

“I was close with my Sun, Sunrise but…Moonrise…well…we’re not on good terms.”

“Oooh…wait, ‘was’?” Sun asked, and the tense but pained expression Solar let slip made Sun stop. “O-Oh…uhm…w-well..w-would you like to meet Moon? He’s…well, he’s sarcastic and an asshole at times, but I think you might get along with him?... Maybe?” He squeaked, trying to change the subject. Solar focused on the question…he did need to get some supplies. Seeds, tools, anything.

“I do need to get some supplies…” He spoke his thoughts and remembered the supplies in Sun’s own arms. “You don’t have to come along, you look like you’re in a hurry.”

“I don’t mind taking you there!” Sun offered.

“Are you sure?” Solar asked, he really didn’t want to be a bother.

“Absolutely.” Sun smiled and gestured for Solar to follow him. The taller animatronic obliged and followed. “So, are you settling into the house well enough?”

“Yeah…been mainly working on getting all that debris and weeds out of the plots I need to use for farming.”

“Oh? How long did that take you?”

“The whole week if I’m being honest…” Solar sighed. “There was a lot of garbage…a whole spot of actual just trash.”

“Oh…Oh yeah…there’s a city about 30 minutes away and I think some kids like to hang out there…” Sun explained, making Solar sigh. “Y-You can talk to Moon about helping out with that? Or maybe Eclipse…maybe-”

“Eclipse?” Solar asked.

“Yeah he…ah…he’s kind of one of the tech and smart guys here…he’s one of five people here who are super smart with that, Moon as well…”

“Huh…” Solar mused. Maybe getting in touch with Eclipse wouldn’t be so bad…or these other three outside of Moon and Eclipse. It didn’t take super long before Sun gestured up to a building.

“Here we are.” Sun smiled and Solar looked up. It was a quaint little shop with ‘Celestial Sellers’ on a sign. It was charming. “I can go in with you and-”

“Sun, really, I’ll be fine.” Solar assured, he had already taken enough of Sun’s time. The other seemed uncertain before sighing.

“Okay…well, if you ever wind up getting animals and they need treatment, let me know. Or maybe stop by for a chat sometime?” Sun offered and Solar couldn’t help but smile and nod. Sun smiled back and walked off once more. Solar looked back up at the store before walking inside, a little bell signaling his arrival, but no one was there. Odd…the sign said open.

“...Hello?” Solar called out.

“One moment.” A familiar voice echoed from the back. Why did all Moons sound the same… “You can look around, just doing some stock.” Moon hollered and Solar decided to do just that. He wandered the shelves, even grabbing a basket and filled it with seeds, some tools, and easy to make dinners. When his basket was full, he walked out from behind one aisle to see Moon at the counter. This Moon was also a bit more vibrant than Moonrise, and the eyes were that same red, but more vibrant the longer he looked. Moon was also sporting a black sweater, his fingers drumming on the counter. Moon looked up at Solar and smiled. “Hey there. I take it you Solar?”

“Yeah…” Solar nodded and walked to the counter with his items.

“Settling in fine?” Moon asked as he started to ring up the items.

“Yeah…just needed some things…” Solar explained, keeping his gaze away from Moon. Solar didn’t catch the concerned gaze in Moon’s eyes for a moment before he continued ringing up the items. Was Solar being rude? “...Sun said you and… Eclipse could help me with kids getting onto the land?” Solar finally asked.

“Oh, yeah. Eclipse and I built a fence for Earth cause a bunch of brats kept messing with the animals there.”

“How much would that be?”

“Consider it a housewarming gift.” Moon waved off as he scanned the last item.

“I don’t-”

“It’s fine.” Moon offered a small smile that made Solar pause for a moment. Had he ever even seen Moonrise smile? The gesture brought a small comfort as he then paid for his items. Moon bid Solar farewell as the other stepped out into the streets once more, bags in hand, feeling a little lighter than before. He smiled softly and made his trek back to the farm.

Chapter Text

Solar made an effort once he was back at the house, texting Earth and letting her know he talked to Sun and Moon. Despite her bright and bubbly nature, Earth was surprisingly patient with his short responses. It was through her that he also got Moon’s number and texted him as well. Moon was busy with the shop, so they agreed Eclipse would come over the next day and measure the property so they could get an estimate on how long the fence would be. So here he was, sitting on his porch, waiting for the guy to show up…he admits, he’s a little intimidated. He’s never met another “eclipse” model before…maybe they could get along? It’d be nice to make some friends…he has Earth now at least. The sound of a motorcycle could be heard and Solar looked up, watching a figure riding in. Solar felt his leg starting to bounce where he was, a habit he hadn’t done in a while. He was…a little more sheltered, mainly in the sense he never met any other Eclipse-Models before. Moonrise only ever mentioned he was “bad luck” in the end… Solar momentarily snapped back out of his mini trance when the bike pulled up to a stop in front of the house. The bike had a side cart filled with tools and a large carrying case. The figure was tall, but somehow still shorter than Earth. The rays were darker, and while they both had orange on their color schemes, Eclipse donned red and black as opposed to Solar’s browns and silvers…the four arms were also a bit of a shock. Eclipse eyed Solar with a chilling gaze, the two silent momentarily.

“...you Solar?” Eclipse asked, his tone annoyed.

“...yeah…yeah that’s me,” Solar responded, keeping his own monotone tone. So much for being friends, this guy sounds like he doesn’t want to be here. Eclipse huffed and hauled himself off the bike, grabbing the tools and the case.

“You have a blueprint of the land, right?” He asked with a hint of venom. Solar just nodded and stood up, leading Eclipse inside. The taller model looked around. “Can’t believe this place is still standing...”

“It’s sturdier than you think…” Solar stated and went to the island in the kitchen, unrolling the document that detailed the land.

“Apparently…shit’s supposed to be decades old. Maybe a fucking century.” Eclipse put the supplies on the island and opened the case.

“Is…that a drone?” Solar asked, eyeing the larger device, colored red.

“What, never seen a drone?” Eclipse asked with a smirk.

“I’ve seen drones before…just nothing like that.” Solar snarked back, making Eclipse chuckle. “Why do you need the drone?”

“Helps measure the property,” Eclipse stated simply, yanking the blueprint of the property closer and eyeing it himself. “...not a bad piece of land…you actually gonna try to farm it?”

“Already been clearing it for that.”

“I saw. Just surprised you’re just farming.” Eclipse’s comment made Solar think for a moment…what else could he even do with the land? It was a good chunk of land for certain, could he build something else? Maybe he could take up astronomy again?

“I think I’ll stick with dirt before going back to tech.” Solar concluded. It was what Sunrise wanted him to do at least…and for the most part, Solar, while struggling with the labor, was finding the work almost cathartic. It wasn’t his ideal life choice, but it was a life, and he could make it work…he had to. Eclipse gave him a look before shrugging and tugging out what looked like a massive red cable with black stripes from the case.

“I’m gonna go around the property, line this cable out, and take the drone up. Moon and I made this. It’s essentially a measuring tool.” Eclipse explained and Solar found himself curious.

“How does it measure? Does it send a signal?”

“Yeah. Moon makes them a specific length and the drone picks up the signal they emit, measuring out how much it took. It’s segmented so if I need to break some off-” Eclipse gripped the cable and snapped it at the black stripe before popping it back on. “I can do so,”

“...damn.” Solar sighed in awe, making Eclipse chuckle. “Do…you need any help?” Solar asked.

“I’m better off doing it on my own…you do whatever. I’ll come back once I have the measurements.” Eclipse explained and Solar nodded, albeit a bit reluctantly. Eclipse then grabbed the case and left the house, heading out onto the property. Solar stared at the door…and kept staring…his mind almost going blank for a moment. He shook his head, trying to snap out of his stupor and rubbing his eyes, going over events from the past few days. He had already met four people here…four people who were helping him and getting to know him. He only knew two people before; Sunrise and Moonrise. His mind flickered back to the both of them for a moment…especially Sunrise…his Sunrise…how sweet he was…he always made Solar feel comfortable and at home and took the brunt of Moonrise’s bullshit, defending him. He gave Solar some of his favorite sweaters and blankets, they still smell like him too, months after he was gone, that same citrus and floral scent he was so familiar with, a scent he missed…and then his mind whiplashed back to that darker and grimmer day, when Sunrise started getting sicker and more tired, when Moonrise found out that Sunrise’s systems were corroding. Moonrise did everything he could “...lar?” Solar tried too…they both did everything they could. To fix what was slowly killing Sunrise “-olar?” When the diagnostics came and Sunrise was given a timeframe, Moonrise had never been so angry. “Hey…you with me, Solar?” Solar had been there when Sunrise finally slipped away…but Moonrise held him in his arms, screaming and crying and- “Solar.” Eclipse’s firm tone shook Solar out of his trance and looked up, seeing Eclipse’s narrowed gaze and for a moment, he froze. It was liek back with Moonrise…he fucked up.

“...’m sorry…” Solar whispered, looking away, gripping at the counter, his mechanical heart hammering and his whole frame shaking. There was a tense silence before Eclipse pressed all four of his hands onto the counter, still eyeing Solar intensely. He drummed two of his hands onto the counter, the other two clenching into fists as he tried to think.

“Look at me.” Eclipse stated, no, commanded. Solar trembled, but he looked up, afraid of what was gonna happen. For a fraction of a second, Eclipse’s expression softened. “Deep breaths. Count to ten.” Solar paused for a moment, feeling a sense of confusion before it clicked and he took a deep breath, Eclipse taking one with him.

“...one…” Solar started, his voice quiet despite his racing thoughts. “Two…three…four…” He kept going, his breath hitching a few times, but Eclipse remained silent, breathing with Solar until his eyes finally closed. “...ten…”

“Good…” Eclipse nodded and paused for a moment. “...do you need anything?”

“...No…No I’m…fine…thank you…” Solar nodded, wiping his eyes as he realized that he had streams of black tears running down his cheeks, staining his finger tips. Dammit all.. “Are you done with the measurements?” Solar asked, turning around, his back to Eclipse to try and hide his tears, but there was no doubt the taller had already seen them.

“I did.” Eclipse answered.

“Good…I…I think I need to be alone.”

“Not a good idea-”

“Please…” Solar pleaded for a moment and stayed turned around. 

“...you sure about that?” Eclipse asked, his tone not as sharp as before. Solar could only nod, too afraid of his voice breaking. His head started to pound before he finally heard footsteps followed by the front door closing. He waited until he couldn’t hear the roar of the motorcycle engine anymore before falling to the ground, pulling his knees up to his chest. He pressed his back against the kitchen island, burying his face into his arms. He let the tears fall in silence, staining his arms, knees, and eventually the floor beneath him.

Chapter Text

His hands ached, his head ached, everything just ached. Solar was running himself into the ground and he knew it. Ever since the incident with Eclipse two days prior, Solar buried himself in the farm maintenance, sectioning off where to plant what and tiling them for planting crops. His systems were working overtime, and as opposed to before, he let his systems blare out in warning. It wasn’t until he actually started venting steam from his artificial lungs did he forced himself to stop. He threw himself to the front steps, panting and shaking from the over-exertion. He had gotten a text from Moon yesterday saying that it should take a few days to get the amount of fencing needed for the farm. He has no clue if Eclipse told him about his mental breakdown, and he really hoped he hadn’t. He hung his head, hands shaking and trying to pull himself out of this…rut…but what else could he do aside from work? It was all he was good for…

“Solar?” He jumped, looking up and seeing Earth had approached him. She looked worried as she crouched down next to him. “Are you okay? You’re shaking…” She stated, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. He paused his train of thought to try and formulate a proper response.

“...I’m fine…” He stated, but even he knew it was a lie and not a good one. Earth looked at him with a heavy heart and sat on the porch next to him, setting down a basket Solar hadn’t realized she brought next to him. The two sat silently for a while, and Solar was mentally preparing himself for questions, demands, anything.

“...The fields look great so far,” Earth commented something that surprised Solar. He looked up at her as she scanned the fields. He looked out too and…they really did look great, didn’t they? “Do you know what you’re planting?” She asked, offering a distraction from his warring thoughts.

“...I…got some easy stuff for spring… potatoes, radishes, peppers, and turnips…” Solar explained and Earth nodded.

“Are you going to make a business out of it?”

“Maybe…that would be a nice living.”

“I think you’d be great at it. You already have a great work ethic from what I’m seeing.”

“Thanks Earth…” Solar trailed off for a moment, his systems starting to die down a little.

“Just…don’t overwork yourself, please?” Earth finally asked. She didn’t want to push him for answers, but she did offer him her concern with a soft smile. It was something that Solar appreciated. He wasn’t ready to open up, not yet…it was too early and he felt too new to this town. His eyes locked onto the basket she brought and tilted his head curiously.

“What uh…what did you bring?” Solar asked. Earth perked up and took the cloth off the basket, showing some fruit, baked goods, and a bottle of what looked like iced tea.

“Eclipse said you were working hard today and suggested I come and visit, so I put together this little basket for you.” She explained. So Eclipse asked her to come?...that was…that was really sweet of him.

“Thanks.” He smiled and carefully took the basket from her hands. He contemplated on her words for a small moment and hesitated, opening his mouth like he was about to ask something before shaking his head and standing up. “Do you want to hang out for a while?” Solar offered. Earth looked at him before smiling and standing up.

“I would love to hang out with you, " she answered, and Solar led her inside the humble abode. He had made some progress in his grief-ridden distress. His living room was starting to look more presentable. “Is your furniture delayed?” Earth asked. Solar had to stop as he set the basket on the counter.

“I…I just have my desk, chair, and bed now.” He confessed.

“You didn’t have any of your own back at your old place?” Earth asked curiously, pulling out the bottle of iced tea and handing it to Solar, who took it and took a few good gulps of it.

“None of it was…mine…I borrowed it from-” From Sunrise. “...from a friend.” Solar paused and Earth tilted her head. There was an odd silence that settled and Earth walked to his cabinets to look for something.

“Well, that won’t do. My partner is going to take me on a shopping spree in a week. We can go to a furniture shop and get you a sofa at least?” Solar took another glance around his rather bare-boned living room…could he even afford a sofa?

“I don’t have sofa money…” Solar chuckled, watching Earth look through cabinets before finding two small plates and bringing them over. Solar started pulling out the smaller baskets of baked goods and fruits.

“There’s a thrift store as well. A recliner at least?” Earth asked as Solar started dividing the treats and fruit.

“A recliner would be nice…” Solar mused. “...I need to figure out a better income while the crops are growing…” Solar mused, sighing in frustration and rubbing his face. Earth offered a smile.

“Well, what did you do before moving here?”

“I worked at a mechanic shop…”

“Oh! Eclipse and Nexus work at the town’s mechanic shop, I bet they’d love another hand.” Earth commented. Nexus?

“Who?” Solar looked at her, his head tilted again.

“Oh, Nexus is the main owner of the mechanic shop.” Earth explained, picking up one of the apples and taking a bite out of it. Solar looked at the treats before picking up what looked like a sugar cookie and taking a bite.

“And what’s he like?” Solar asked. Earth seemed to hesitate for a moment and finished her bite.

“Well…He’s very passionate about his work but…well…a lot of people here would say he’s…unapproachable, stubborn and…m-maybe a little mean?” Earth murmured the last part. 

“Is he mean to you?” Solar asked.

“Not…always…he just is kind of like Eclipse but more strict about his privacy. He doesn’t like surprises in any form, you always need to call him in advance about something. Which, is fair…learned that the hard way after I surprised him with some tea one day and he was busy working on a truck and…he hit his head.” earth stammered nervously, still feeling some guilt. Solar genuinely thought about it for a moment. He could handle someone like that, he lived with Moonrise and he was a downright prick. And Eclipse would be there at least, so it wouldn’t be all that bad. Plus, he could use the mechanical work again, he missed it.

“I’ll talk to him and see if I can get some work there. Is he available today?” Solar asked.

“Not today no…or tomorrow really…But I can pass on your number to him and he can give you a text or a call?” Earth offered. It was better than nothing.

“I’d appreciate that Earth.” Solar smiled, nibbling on the cookie as the two fell into a comfortable silence. A hint of his reality settled in on him in that moment…this was his life…and as awful as some of it was going to be, he still had to move forward. It was gonna be hard…but he had to try. “...Thanks, Earth.” Solar found himself saying, picking up the bottle of ice tea and sipping it once more. Earth smiled softly at him.

“Of course Solar, anytime.” She expressed. The two then idly chatted, talking about Solar’s plans for the farm and his ideas for the barn, maybe even buying some chickens when he got a coop. Neither were aware of a set of amber eyes peeking at them through the window. Solar got a weird feeling and turned to the window, but the figure vanished before he could catch them. “You okay?” Earth asked. Solar shrugged it off and bit into his cookie.

“Nah, I’m fine, thought I felt something watching me. Might be one of those city kids Moon mentioned to me.” Solar explained though it felt…weird…was it those kids or some weird neighbor? He hadn’t seen any house close enough to be considered as such…maybe he should look into getting some kind of self-defense weapon…a paintball gun at least, non-lethal.

“Speaking of, is that fence going to be ready so that doesn’t happen again?” Earth asked.

“Moon messaged me yesterday about it, said it would take a few days to get that fence and materials built. I offered to gather some wood.” Solar chuckled a little. “Moon suggested I get a dog.” Earth seemed to beam at the idea.

“I think that might be good! A farm dog would be perfect for help!” She exclaimed. Solar couldn’t help but chuckle at her demeanor. She reminded him of Sunrise in a way.

“I think I might look into a dog.” Solar smiled, taking another sip of iced tea. Things were still messy, they probably would always be messy, but he was going to hold onto moments like these…and he was going to keep Earth amongst his new small circle of friends. She really did have his back in all of this. Though, neither were aware of the eyes coming back and watching them through the window.

Chapter Text

Solar waved goodbye to Earth as she headed back to town. He was starting to feel better about all of this, his chest still felt heavy and slightly overheated…but he felt fine for now. He rubbed his eyes and stepped up the porch to get to the front door and slipped back inside. He cleaned up what was left of the gift basket and put the extra treats away. His eyes still occasionally glanced out the window…that feeling of being watched hadn’t left him…

“...I think I’m finally hallucinating…” Solar sighed, moving to sit down on the floor once again behind the kitchen island. The spot felt quiet and small…it was the same spot he had a mental breakdown in front of Eclipse. Solar leaned his head back against the cabinet and shut his eyes for a while, just kind of taking the day in. He’s not sure how long he had zoned out for, but he finally snapped out of it when a loud crash could be heard from outside. Solar jolted and snapped up to his feet, looking out the window. He saw a dust cloud around where the Barnhouse used to be…used to be. “...You gotta be FUCKING with me…” Solar groaned and rubbed his faceplate. He stormed over to the front door and tugged his boots back on before rushing out to the barn, seeing it had collapsed. The walls had fallen and the supports seemed to have broken completely. Solar had never really checked the interior of the damn thing. He sighed heavily, grabbing one of his rays to fidget with. “How am I gonna fix this…I might need Moon and Eclipse’s help with this one…” he muttered, a noise soon catching his attention once more. Solar looked over to one of the fallen walls and debris, watching it occasionally twitch with the sound of a grunt.

Someone was trapped under there.

Solar didn’t care about the possibility of a trespasser, someone was hurt. He jumped into action, anxiety and fear riddling him as he got to the pile.

“Hey hey! Hang on, push up and I’ll lift.” Solar instructed, hearing a whine and a sob. He grabbed the wall and tried to lift it. He was an animatronic, he had lifted heavy pieces before, but this was heavy-duty wood. He could feel himself overheating once more, but he wasn’t going to give up. Solar dropped to his knees and tucked himself partially under the wall for better leverage, not seeing the terrified yellow eyes staring at him. Solar breathed, feeling the heat seeping into his endo once more before pushing up against the collapsed wall. He kept pushing, more steam jetting out of his joints as he groaned. His own metal plating groaned and strained as he stood up straighter, his sound becoming short screams of agony. He heard scampering and saw a form dash out of the fallen wall and dart off. Solar finally just dropped the wall, making a loud thunk on the ground. Solar staggered, his vision blurring as more warnings from his internal HUD flickered, and then everything went black.

…

The second he heard his systems booting online, Solar groaned, trying his best to blink open his eyes only to wince and shut them tight, the bright fluorescent lights above him causing pain. He barely registered something plugged into the back of his head and heard someone talking…Sun? But…it sounded off…more detached? Solar fought to get his eyes open, realizing he was in some sort of hospital room. Dirt and dust were still on his clothes. He looked over to see a Sun-Model with his back to Solar, white coat on and seemingly typing something on a laptop.

“Don’t move too much, your systems got overheated.” The stranger said, even, yet firm. Solar just groaned from the pain and shut his eyes once more. When he opened them, he saw that the other animatronic had turned in his chair. It was definitely a sun-model, but instead of the brighter colors like Sun or Sunrise, his split colors were more golden and a darker brass. His eyes were also red…that was usually a moon-model thing…it was a little unnerving. “Nod or shake your head. Are you in pain?” He asked. Solar hesitated before nodding his head. “Do you know what happened?” Solar could get a good idea…but he shook his head anyway.

“Who…are you?” Solar asked. The other animatronic stood up and walked over to Solar’s bedside, typing at another computer beside him.

“I’m Sun…but to save confusion with the other sun-model here, I go by Dark Sun, so Dark is fine.” He explained, reaching down and messing with whatever was on the back of Solar’s head, which Solar could guess was a charging cable. “Your battery is about at 60% right now. I’m going to let you out once your internal temperature has gone down and your battery is at least at 75%. You overexterted yourself out there, so you’re not leaving until you’re stable. Understand?” Dark asked. His tone was so…cold…it was unnerving to say the least. And to think Solar thought that Eclipse was imposing, Dark felt more like the powerhouse.

“Who brought me here?...where even is here?” Solar asked.

“You’re in my clinic. You and I haven’t had a chance to talk yet, mainly because I’ve been fixing up Nexus after the idiot almost welded his hand.” Dark explained with the barest hint of irritation. “Earth came running through my doors carrying you in her arms saying she found you like that.” Earth did? Now that he thought about it, something pink out of the corner of his eye made his head turn. He looked down to see Earth’s cardigan draped over his torso…it smelled like roses. A small appreciative smile formed on his face at the gesture.

“Is…is she outside or…something?” Solar asked, looking up to try and get a good look at the computer screen Dark was working on…his systems really were at their limit, all in a yellow zone.

“I told her to head out and try to calm down, she was frantic and terrified.”

“When did-”

“You were brought in at around 2:30. It’s currently 6.”

“It’s 6 at night?” Solar sat up in shock, only to wince from the ache in his shoulders and back. Dark placed a hand on Solar’s shoulder and gently but firmly pushed him back down.

“You’ve been out for 3 and a half hours, correct…do you remember what happened?” Dark finally asked as he typed away. Solar tried to dig through his mind for a concrete answer.

“...I…I remember hearing…the Barnhouse collapse…t-there was someone underneath it…I-I was trying to get them out I-”

“Ah, that makes more sense,” Dark stated and Solar had to stop his panic-induced ranting to look at him.

“W-What?” Solar asked. Dark’s eyes flickered down to Solar.

“Someone else came with Earth, but they seemed more vehement to stay until you woke up.”

“Who…who?” Solar asked. Dark finally stopped his typing to ponder the question for a moment.

“...I’ve never really seen them before. He looks like a moon-model but…more like a Halloween decoration than anything. Dirty, dressed in rags, jack-o-lantern face.” Dark described. Solar pondered the description. A Halloween-Moon-Model?

“Can I see them?” Solar asked. Dark sighed heavily but nodded.

“Alright. But do not overexert yourself. You have another hour before you’re at a level I feel comfortable letting you go home at.” Dark instructed. Solar nodded and the other animatronic left the room, closing the door behind him. Solar stared up at the ceiling for a moment, just waiting and wondering who the hell he just saved. The door opened once more and he looked up to see who it was. For sure, it was a moon-model, but his face was a jack-o-lantern with glowing yellow eyes and a jagged yellow mouth. He was dressed in stitched-together pants with a massive stitch-together poncho and nightcap.

“...Hey there,” Solar stated, a little awkward.

“Hello!” The other animatronic greeted, stepping into the room, but staying next to the door, slightly rusted claws fidgeting nervously along the hem of his shirt. The two stared at each other for a little bit, the newcomer fidgeting with their hands. Solar opened his mouth, but the stranger beat him to it. “I’m sorry…” Solar seemed confused, narrowing his brows and sitting up. The stranger rushed over to help him sit up before pulling his claws quickly away from Solar.

“Why are you sorry?” he asked.

“You got hurt…and I caused it.” The moon-model explained, looking away from Solar.

“You…caused the barn to collapse?” Solar asked, his tone careful, but needing more information.

“No…but, I’ve been hiding beneath the floorboards…I was hunting a rat and then it collapsed on me…” Solar tilted his head and furrowed his brows, more so out of concern than being upset.

“...what’s your name?” he asked. The other animatronic seemed a little ashamed.

“I don’t have one…” There’s that concern growing again.

“Are you alone?” Solar asked, and he just got a nod as his answer. “Listen…I was already running on fumes when I rushed out there.”

“You were really working too hard earlier…” The moon model started. “When you collapsed, I ran to the city and found that lady from before and brought her back to help.” Solar felt a twinge of guilt and then gratitude. Guilt for pushing himself so far and so hard, and gratitude for both the stranger and for Earth for acting so fast.

“My point is, you didn’t cause me to get hurt, I pushed my limits…but I don’t mind if it meant you got out okay.” Solar smiled softly and the stranger also smiled. “...Jack?”

“Huh?” The stranger tilted his head.

“You said you didn’t have a name…how about Jack?” Solar suggested. There was a moment of silence before Jack’s smile grew wider and he nodded.

“I like that name! My name is Jack!” Jack said giddily and Solar chuckled at the energized demeanor. He was like a kid…and Jack was chasing rats and living under the floorboards of an old barnhouse?

“How long have you been living under the barn?” Solar asked.

“Uh…a couple of years now? Maybe…3?” Jack thought hard, counting on his fingers…yeah that wouldn’t do.

“Why don’t you stay inside the house?” Solar offered, causing Jack to perk up a little. “There’s another bedroom that I haven’t figured out a use for.” He offered.

“But…why help me?” Jack asked, tilting his head a little like a lost puppy.

“Because you need it,” Solar answered plainly, smiling at Jack. “I’m not gonna let someone sleep in a collapsed barnhouse after they helped me out.” Jack expression turned from confusion to joy and relief.

“Thank you!” Jack smiled brightly, and Solar couldn’t help the smile on his own face growing more at that moment. Maybe he didn’t need a dog…Jack seemed like he was going to be the ideal handful.

Chapter Text

Hey guys, Tik here.  wanted to add a small Author's Note before the start of this chapter.

Thank you so much for your support and love for this story. I'm glad people who have found it enjoy it as much as I love writing it. I also want to acknowledge the Solar/Nebula ship and assure y'all that Nebula will have a role in this story, she will just make an appearance further down the line since I want to establish what I have first. I also have plans for a few other characters, especially from EAPS with how much that show now means to me.

But right now, I'd like to express the newfound love I have for this story.

This is a story of recovering from grief.

And I, sadly, am recovering from grief.

I lost a grandparent recently, about a week ago from this post, and the feelings I'm still going through are hard. But I kept thinking about this story, wondering if I'd ever come back to it, thinking I could never have the heart to finish it...But I do. I feel like I have to. I feel like maybe I, too can heal with Solar in this story. I feel like I can now feel what Solar has gone through, and I might be overreacting, but...I remembered the first bit of advice Earth gave Solar in this story, and it's words that have been keeping me going.

I don't have a schedule with posts, but please know, I am going to be putting my heart and soul into this.

Thank you for your attention and your support.

Take your time.

“Now, I’m insisting that you keep your workload to a minimum for at least three days,” Dark explained, having come back to the room Solar and Jack were still in. Solar had been unhooked from the charging cable and was sitting up, listening to Dark. “No lifting more than you can handle, no straining joints, and listening to your warnings when they pop up on your HUD.” Dark continued, and while Solar didn’t visibly react, he internally shrank. It wasn’t the first time he had ignored his systems, and it wouldn’t be the last. Sunrise had also, albeit more gently, scolded him for overexerting himself before.

“I’ll be more careful.” Was all Solar could promise.

“You better,” Dark stated, sitting back down at the chair and spinning around to the computer. “Do you have a PCT?” Dark asked, and Jack tilted his head.

“Those letters don’t make a word I know…” Jack muttered.

“PCT is an animatronic doctor. Primary Care Technician,” Solar explained before looking at Dark and shaking his head. “And…no, I don’t. Not now, at least.” Dark nodded and typed a few things in. Something printed, and he grabbed the stack before handing them to Solar.

“Fill these out and bring them back when you’re done. I’m the only certified PCT around, and the closest one is in the city, which is about an hour away.” Dark explained.

“Thank you…and can you have Jack as a patient too?” Solar asked, the jack-o-lantern animatronic tilting his head again. Dark looked over his shoulder again before printing out another packet and handing it to Solar.

“Fill those out and bring them back. For…Jack, to the best of his abilities.” Dark explained, looking back to his computer. Solar thought, looking at Jack before handing him the stack of papers.

“Can you wait out in the waiting room for me? I just have some questions.” Solar asked. Jack perked up and took the papers.

“I shall wait for you!” Jack beamed before getting up and leaving the room. Solar then looked at Dark.

“Do…Do you know anything about Jack?” Solar asked, and dark’s fingers paused their typing.

“Like I said earlier, I don’t know much, but I did text me others about him.” Dark sighed, spinning back around and crossing his arms. “He’s been around for around 5 years. He’s…to put it bluntly, he’s like a stray dog. He showed up, just started wandering around, and scampers off if you get too close…Nexus caught him in his garage once and TRIED to bring him in, but he, Jack that is, bit him and ran.” Dark continued before shaking his head and muttering something under his breath. “Stubborn idiot…” Solar took a moment to think and looked out the door where Jack had left. There was not only the mention of this Nexus guy, but also knowing that Jack seemed more…clingy to Solar. Was it because Solar helped Jack? It could be. Solar lightly shook his head and thanked Dark once more before standing up. He left the backroom to see Jack…sitting on his haunches by the door, still dutifully holding the paper stacks in his arms. The second Jack saw Solar, he stood up, almost jumping to his feet, and walked over to Solar.

“Ready?” Jack asked, his amber eyes wide and eager. Solar couldn’t help but crack a smile and nod.

“Yeah, let’s head ba-” Solar paused for a moment, thinking about something. Jack looked liek any other moon-model…but…was he skinnier? “Are you…naturally skinny?” He asked. Jack looked down at his waist and torso, shrugging.

“Yeah. It’s how I was made.” Jack explained. The two began their walk as Solar asked more questions.

“And…who made you…Nexus?” Solar asked, remembering what Dark had told him. Jack shook his head.

“No…I don’t like him, though. I stayed in his big garage when he caught me and took me to that doctor.” Jack explained, and Solar realized another thing.

“Yeah…Dark said you bit Nexus and ran off. Do you not like doctors?” Jack, to Solar’s shock, shook his head.

“No. Dark is a good doctor here.” Jack started off. “I just don’t wanna take up a bed when someone else might need it more.” Solar had to hardcore pause at that, physically stopping and just standing there for a moment. Jack looked back at Solar, tilting his head, a little confused. In that moment, Solar saw a bit of himself in Jack. He, too, stayed out of people’s ways, deeming himself unworthy of proper care or attention, but Sunrise coaxed him out of it. Was this how Sunrise felt whenever Solar did or said anything like that? Hell, Solar had a full system shutdown just to get Jack out of the collapsed barn…he was still like that. Solar smiled softly and patted Jack on the head.

“Well…you deserve to be tended to if you’re hurt…and you deserve better than an old barn to sleep in,” Solar stated as he and Jack continued to walk.

“Like…the front porch?” Jack asked.

“No.”

“Hmm…the kitchen island?”

“No, Jack. A bed.” Solar stated. He only had one bed, but he didn’t mind letting Jack use it. Solar could easily get a sleeping bag and sleep on the floor…he really had to get a job to earn income while the crops grew. “Today, I’ll get you accommodated into the house, then tomorrow, I should probably head back into town and talk to Nexus about working at the garage.” Then again, with what he’d heard from others, he might have better luck asking Eclipse; those two worked together.

“What about your farm?” Jack asked.

“Crops take time to grow…at least with a job as a mechanic, I could earn some spare money for food and other necessities. Though a good first purchase might be chickens for eggs…” Solar rambled off, and Jack’s eyes almost sparkled.

“Can I name a chicken?!” Jack asked happily. Solar chuckled at the energy, he could have sworn that if Jack had a tail, it would be wagging like mad right now.

“Yes, Jack, you can name a chicken.” Solar agreed, and Jack hopped happily as they walked. The two walked until they stopped in front of the general store, right as Moon was cleaning the front door window. Jack hid a bit behind Solar as Moon looked over at the two.

“Hey, Solar, you alriiiii…” Moon trailed off, his concern changing to confusion as he saw Jack’s form huddled behind Solar. “...uh…hi?” Solar smiled and looked down behind him.

“I’m fine,” Solar explained, stepping to the side just enough to wrap an arm around Jack’s shoulder. “This is Jack…he’s one of the ones who helped me.” Jack blinked for a moment, a little flustered, but waved. Moon looked down at Jack and smiled.

“Earth texted me on what happened…she said a jack-o-lantern animatronic rushed her, dragged her back to the farm, and pointed to Solar. You did good.” Moon stated. Another twinkle showed in Jack’s eyes, and Solar knew he was feeling appreciated…he was. Solar rubbed Jack’s shoulder before remembering something and peeking in through the window.

“Hey, so…do you have any sleeping bags?” Solar asked. Moon looked back up at Solar and thought.

“Yeah…I got sleeping bags.” Moon pointed his thumb inside and the two animatronics followed him in. “I also have blankets for Jack.”

“It’s uh…not for Jack.” Solar explained. Jack, who was preoccupied with a sponge, suddenly looked over at Solar.

“Why do you need a sleeping bag?” He asked. Solar hesitated, and Moon…God Moon had a look like he knew what Solar was up to. Even crossed his arms disapprovingly.

“Solar…do you have just one bed?” Moon asked, almost like he caught Solar with his hand in the cookie jar. It wasn’t like Solar had much of a choice. He wasn’t going to make Jack sleep on the floor after sleeping in the barn and who knows where else. And the current mattress, sadly, would not fit both of them. Moon seemed to catch onto this and held up a finger in a “one minute” gesture and vanished to a side room. Solar and Jack looked at each other as shuffling and rustling could be heard. Then, without so much as a moment of hesitation, Moon hauled out a whole twin-sized mattress that was already sheeted. Jack looked in awe, baffled that Moon had more than just sponges…but Solar was more so just confused.

“...why?” Was all Solar could ask, and Moon, to his credit, also gave a sheepish look.

“Sometimes, I sleep in the store. I work late and Sun and mine’s house feels too far at four in the morning.” Moon explained. Looks like Solar found kinship in two people today.

Chapter Text

Solar looked up at the sign above the closed garage door. It was simple, big, just “GARAGE” in big letters. Why was it so daunting? After making sure that Jack was content in the house on his own the next day, Solar made his way down to here, his tool bag over his shoulder. He wasn’t going to overexert himself, just talk and maybe show that he was capable of working here. He looked at what looked like an intercom and pressed the bell button. He heard a buzz from inside, but then silence. After a little bit, Solar thought maybe the garage was closed and was about to leave nervously when the door was hauled open. One pair of arms pushed the garage door up while the second pair of arms were crossed in front of him.

“Eclipse?” Solar asked. Eclipse pushed the last bit of the garage door up, putting the upper set of hands on his hips.

“You should be resting,” Eclipse stated plainly.

“Word travels fast.” Solar sighed, but Eclipse rolled his eyes and brought Solar inside. The garage was…rather neat…and far more advanced than what it appeared on the outside. Hand tools that were well used next to a full PC with three monitors and a laptop, an array of electrical devices with cables neatly organized, all on top of a scuffed up and stained work bench that Eclipse proceeded to lean on.

“I saw Earth running with you to Dark’s.” Eclipse continued. “Less ‘word travels fast’, and more ‘I caught you in the act’.”

“That…makes sense, yeah…” Solar stated before shaking his head. “But I’m just here to try and get a part-time job while the crops grow.”

“And you wanna work here?”

“If you’ll let me…or if Nexus will let me. Earth said he owns the garage-” Solar was cut off by Eclipse scoffing.

“Nexus is too stubborn to agree to any kind of help…he has his own space, and I have mine,” Eclipse explained, and Solar took another look around the garage…it did seem like the type of space Eclipse would have.

“This is your space then?” Solar asked.

“It is.” Eclipse nodded before thinking. “We do usually pick up in business around this time…this town is a good rest spot for people travelling between cities, and this garage is a relief for road trip car troubles…” He thought more before gesturing for Solar to follow him. The two went to a side door, which Eclipse pulled out a key for and opened, revealing another closed-off workspace, just stripped of tools or any furniture, but still faintly smelling of grease and metal. “This used to be Moon’s workspace before he renovated his home garage into one. You can use it.” Eclipse explained, flicking on the lights and leading Solar inside. “How long did Dark say you had to rest for?”

“Three days…” Solar explained, looking around and going over to the workbench, already trying to figure out his setup.

“Moon’s old tool drawers are in storage here, so I’ll move them in here, and you can start working when your three days are up. I trust you’re cetitified to work as a mechanic?” Eclipse asked.

“Yeah, I am.” Solar nodded.

“Good. We get paid per job, but we also get casual pay at the end of-” Eclipse continued to explain before the sound of footsteps could be heard. The two eclipse models looked up…and Solar internally shrunk. A moon model stood in the doorway, but not a trace of blue was on his casing, just jet black and silver. His eyes were an unsettling white iris on black scleras. Solar mentally thought this animatronic was more terrifying than Moonrise…no, no, Moonrise was worse. Moonrise made him paranoid, this moon model made him feel…isolated.

“...who is this?” The moon animatronic asked, his eyes snapping over to Eclipse, who crossed both sets of arms and rolled his eyes.

“This is Solar. Figured you’d want a fresh face to glare at and brood.” Eclipse explained before looking back to Solar. “This is Nexus.”

“You’re hiring someone without my approval?” Nexus asked, walking over and looking at Eclipse with narrowed eyes. His steps were…light…too light. His movements were sharp yet fluid, like a living embodiment of black ice. Solar just stayed where he was, now awkwardly sandwiched between Eclipse and Nexus, both of whom were taller than he was. He could feel the change in tension, the chill as the two mechanics glared at each other.

“God, let the guy have Moon’s old garage you stubborn asshole.” Eclispe snapped.

“I’d have appreciated being told before showing him around,” Nexus stated.

“You would have just told him to get lost.”

“Shut up.”

“Charming…” Eclipse rolled his eyes, and Nexus looked down at Solar. Solar’s mechanical core seemed to skip a beat as the imposing Nexus loomed over him, though outwardly, he was about ready to just apologize and be on his way. Nexus narrowed his gaze more before sighing.

“Solar…you’re the new farmer, right?” Nexus asked.

“Yeah…I am…I was hoping to have a part-time job while the crops grow so I can still earn an income.” Solar explained. Nexus crossed his arms and drummed his fingers on one arm.

“You know what you’re doing around machines and tech?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not gonna have to fix any mistakes you make?”

“No. I’ll fix them myself.”

“...Fine.” Nexus sighed heavily, rubbing his face with his hands. “You start tomo-”

“He needs to rest up. Doctor’s orders. Three days.” Eclipse explained, still blunt and sharp but not nearly as snarky, likely just his default tone.

“Fine. You start in three days. We open at six in the morning, but be here by five thirty so you can set up your stuff.” Nexus rectified, starting to turn on his heel to leave. Before he entirely left,  he stopped and looked at Eclipse. “He’s YOUR responsibility for his first month.” Nexus snapped before leaving the room. Eclipse rolled his eyes and groaned and Solar just felt awkward.

“...Is…he always-” Solar started off, but was cut off by Eclipse.

“Always an ass? Yeah.” Eclipse stated before Solar fully processed what Nexus said.

“I’m…sorry he kind of dumped me on you.” Solar stated before Eclipse just shrugged him off.

“Just means I have to delay some of my own shit…I can manage.” Eclipse said. Eclipse brought Solar back to the entrance, and the two bid their goodbyes. Solar started to walk. He himself felt…uplifted but awkward. He had walked into what felt like a lion’s den, but he hadn’t been eaten yet…YET. The walk back was quiet as he processed everything. So much had happened in the short amount of time he had started living here…he felt like he was living again. It almost felt…wrong…

“...he’d want you to move on…” Solar sighed, the asphalt turning into dirt as he approached the farm. “Just like Earth said…take your time…” He repeated before seeing the house and the land itself, then looked up at the roof and almost had a panic attack. “JACK! GET OFF THE ROOF!!” He hollared up, seeing the Halloween-animatronic sitting on his haunches again on the rooftop.

“But there is an intruder up here!” Jack proclaimed, pointing to something. Solar looked at what it was and sighed.

“It’s a raccoon, Jack, it’s not doing anything-”

“It could eat all the crops!”

“There aren’t any crops yet!”

“But intruder!” Jack defended, pointing at the creature, which started to scamper off. Jack whipped his head over and started chasing it. “INTRUDER!!” Solar quickly chased along the ground, trying to get Jack down. This was an interesting start to his new life…

Chapter Text

The alarm clock was loud, but Solar just groaned and haphazardly turned it off. He sat up on the mattress, stretching his back and rubbing his eyes. It was still a bit dark outside, but it didn’t stop him from getting up. He unplugged himself from his charging cable and grabbed a clean set of clothes. It had been about a week since he started his job, a week since a new normal settled into his life. He was living and talking, but it felt too natural. Too fluid…it was unsettling. Was he living or just going through the motions? He walked up to Jack’s room and peeked in, ensuring his current charge slept soundly. When he was certain Jack was curled up and snoring softly, he went into the kitchen and started making a fresh cup of coffee and some toast. He leaned against the counter, rubbing his face when his phone went off. Pulling it out, he saw a text message from Eclipse.

From: Eclipse: Hey, don’t bother coming in today. Nexus closed the shop. I guess the generator is busted again, and he’s trying to fix it. Doesn’t want one of us accidentally causing more issues with machinery or tech. Enjoy your day off.

Oh…well then. Solar sighed and leaned his head back again. Waking up at ass crack o’clock in the morning…now what? He looked out the window. The sun still wasn’t up, but he could still see the field. Jack had been doing a good job of making sure that the crops were watered and well-maintained. He also still needed to check in on the fence Eclipse and Moon were making…and while it was just a raccoon that Jack chased off, Solar was worried about some other critter getting in. He made a mental note to possibly get barbed wire and poured his cup of coffee, sipping the strong and bitter fluid. When he lowered the mug, he looked down at it for a moment, his finger tracing along the edge before tapping it slowly. What does he do with his day off? What he just planned was mainly checking in on something and getting barbwire, and putting it around the field shouldn’t even take that long. He kept just slowly tapping the mug, watching the ripples of the beverage in it, before he heard a door open and snapped out of it. He shook his head and looked out the window…how long had he just been standing there? Taking a look at his internal HUD, he saw it was 9 in the morning now. His concern over the fact that he just dissociated was quickly masked as he saw Jack walk into the kitchen, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Hey Jack.” Solar spoke up and Jack looked up.

“Hello…I thought you were at work?” He tilted his head a little bit but Solar just shrugged, sipping his now cold beverage, trying to hide his discomfort for the temperature.

“The generator’s busted so Nexus closed the garage for the day.” He explained flatly. Jack seemed to process something.

“You have a day off?”

“Yeah.”

“Can we go out??” Jack asked, suddenly very awake and very excited. Solar was startled by the sudden surge of energy.

“Go…out?” He asked.

“Mhm! We can go to a diner! Oh oh! Or walk around the town!” Jack hopped from foot to foot. His excitement was infectious, and in that moment, Solar didn’t have the heart to turn him down. He was making better money now, maybe some time out would get rid of this feeling?

“...sure…why not?” he offered with a smile. Jack for excited and asking a bunch of questions to where they’d go, questions that were flying by Solar way too fast for him to catch up. Before he could ask Jack to tone it down, there was a knock at the door. Solar paused and walked over. Jack following him. When he opened the door, he saw Earth standing there with a smile.

“Hi Solar!” She said. “And hello Jack!” She smiled at Jack, who waved back.

“Hello!” Jack responded, and Solar felt a little happy seeing Jack being sociable, knowing he used to keep out of people’s business.

“Hey Earth, what’s up?” Solar stepped aside to allow Earth inside. When she entered and the door closed, she looked back at the two of them.

“Well, I wanted to ask if you and Jack would like to come with me for brunch!” She offered.

“Brunch?” Jack asked, tilting his head again.

“Like a…late breakfast but an early lunch.” Solar explained, to which Earth nodded.

“Yeah, my partner is in the city nearby and is gonna live on the ranch with me.” She explained. Solar seemed to be a little uncertain for a moment, but seeing the excited and curious look on Jack’s face…he sighed and smiled.

“I…I guess. If you and your partner don’t mind?” Solar stated, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck. He thought of meeting another person wasn’t sitting super well with him, but he was willing to give it a shot to get himself out of this haze. Earth smiled and nodded.

“Of course! I’ve been telling him about how the farm’s been taken over by a new farmhand and he’s excited to meet you.” She insisted. Solar Wen to get ready, helping Jack get a jacket on before following Earth out. They took a walk down the path Solar usually took into town before veering right. It was a dirt path, more for walking than vehicles, so Solar never noticed it initially. Jack was still hopping along next to Earth, chatting up a storm, but Solar just tuned out. He wasn’t trying to be rude. He was looking at the two of them, occasionally nodding, but just…had no drive. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, messing with a coin that was in one of them. “...-and here we are!” Earth’s voice chimed him out of the trance, and Solar looked up, blinking as he saw a two-story home nestled against some trees. A massive barn was across the way, where a few goats were grazing closer. He…honestly forgot that she had animals. He snapped out of it again, feeling Earth’s hand on Solar’s back. “Are you alright?” She asked, looking a little worried.

“...Yeah…Just uh, slept weird last night.” He quickly explained.

“Oh, do you want to go back home? I don’t mind taking Jack out so you can-” Earth started before Solar shook his head, trying to smile.

“No, no, it’s fine.” He assured her before realizing where Jack was. He looked around, finally spotting him by an adorable, modified Volkswagen bus. It makes sense with Earth’s height. Earth didn’t seem convinced. When they got to the van, the door opened and Solar saw the cozy-looking interior.

“...you know, why don’t you rest while I drive? The city’s about an hour out.” Earth suggested, all while Jack seemed to clammer into the van and looked back at Solar.

“I can be quiet!” Jack chimed proudly…and loudly. Solar looked between the two of them, still feeling the presence of Earth’s hand on his upper back before sighing.

“Okay…yeah.” He agreed and climbed in, leaning back against one of the big pillows while Earth smiled and got into the driver’s seat. He felt the vam start along with the song hum of music. Solar, to his credit, tried to close his eyes and tried to sleep. He could barley hear the music, faintly hear the conversation between Earth and Jack, just barley register the bump of the roads. The sensations were soft enough to ignore but there enough for him to not rest. It didn’t help that the moment he did start to drift, the car stopped.

“Here we are!” Earth smiled and looked back. Jack seemed in aw at the tiny but lovely looking place. White brick with black trims, an industrial look along the inside through massive windows and simple but vibrant green plants by the doors. ‘The Corner Nook’ in simple but bright white paint on the window. Solar sat up, looking at the diner through the front window. When Earth stopped the van, the two males heard the noise of a guitar strumming faintly. Earth seemed excited and looked around before hoping out. Solar and Jack watched as she approached another van colored a dark violet with green lightning paint and an assortment of stickers near the back. “Monty!” She knocked on the door. A startled grunt could be heard inside as Solar and Jack stepped out. Shuffling could be heard as the door opened, and there stood an animatronic gator. Green scales with a black torn shirt, dark green leather pants, and purple, star shaped sunglasses. A red mohawk rested on his head as red eyes looked over at Earth.

“...he’s scary lookin’.” Jack stated and Solar felt a little intimidated himself. This animatronic was taller than he was, though Earth was the tallest in the group. His nerves though, were quickly eased as the gator looked at Earth and laughed, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up.

“Hey there darlin’!” He greeted with glee. Earth giggled before she was set down and Monty kissed all over her face and cheeks. “Good to finally see you again.” he said with so much love and joy in his voice. A moment of…jealousy? Struck through Solar in that moment. The simple joy of seeing someone after so long.

“I’m so glad you’re finally back from your tour!” Earth smiled, holding Monty’s hands and kissed him on the snout.

“Yeah, back for good now I’m thinkin’.” Monty stated, before his eyes locked onto Solar and Jack and turned. “...And the twink?” He asked. There was no…bite, to his words, like a playful jab. A jab Solar was honestly not here for right now.

“Monty, this is Solar and Jack…Solar’s the one who owns the farm, remember?” Earth stated gently but firmly. Monty made an ‘oh’ with his mouth before running his claws through his hair and holding a hand out.

“Sorry ‘bout that man. Name’s Montgomery Gator. Or just Monty” He introduced himself. Solar hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake Monty’s hand.

“...Solar.” he said simply before gesturing behind him. “And this is Jack-”

“Have you ever bitten anyone?” Jack suddenly asked, looking at Monty suspiciously.

“Jack.” Solar snapped slightly, looking at Jack.

“What? Look at his teeth!” Jack defended. Solar was about to say something before Monty started laughing. Solar looked back in time to see Monty put a hand on Jack's head.

“Only bad people, little dude.” he explained.

“Monty…” Earth lightly chastised.

“Hey, that one prick had it comin’. He called you a-” Monty started before Solar held a hand up.

“Can we…go inside…please?” He asked, trying to keep a plead out of his tone. He should have just stayed home… Earth seemed to get a little more worried and put her hand on Monty’s shoulder.

“Yeah, let’s go on inside. I heard they have a new breakfast platter you can try.” She offered with a smile. Monty, who originally looked a little put off, seemed delighted by the thought of a new dish. The four walked into the diner, Jack sticking with Solar and looking around the building. He asked questions, and Earth answered them but…Solar felt like he was tuned out. Watching mouths move, knowing that sound was happening, but he just…either he didn’t hear anything or didn’t want to hear it. He didn’t even snap out of it until he heard a snap next to his audio. He jolted, looking to see Earth lightly scolding Monty. “Don’t, he’s tired.” She said. Solar looked across the table at Monty, half expecting him to scoff. He seemed like the type. To his surprise, Monty paused and leaned back.

“Sorry ‘bout that man, you were just starin’ out the window for a while there…bad night?” He asked. Solar just stared at the gator for a moment before picking up his drink…when did he order it? Was he back to just going through the motions?

“Yeah…bad night.” Solar stated.

“Sorry man.” Monty seemed genuinely guilty. Jack tilted his head and placed his menu in front of Solar on the table.

“What’s this?” He asked. Solar looked at Jack, realizing Jack was trying to distract him and bring him back down…he appreciated it, even if he didn’t have the energy to show it. He looked down at the menu and to what Jack was pointing at…then gently turned it back rightside up. “Oh!” Solar snickered at Jack’s demeanor. The conversation was a little more there for Solar, Monty moving back in with Earth, trying to decide what to eat, but Solar mainly kept his mind on what was in front of him. The brunch went well overall, and Monty followed Earth’s van back to the ranch. Goodbyes were made, but Earth offered Jack to stick around and look at the animals. Solar didn’t even fully argue or fight it, watching Jack look at one of the cows as it sniffed his outstretched hand. Solar then found himself back in his own home…what even happened? What was going on? He put a hand to his head, trying to figure out what was wrong with him. What did he even order? Some kind of… omelet?

…why didn’t he care?

He trudged his way back to his mattress in the middle fo the living room and flopped down. He felt so incredibly numb…like he was floating, but in a way where it felt like it didn’t matter. It was empty…it was cold…but it was nice…he could get back up and make dinner for himself and Jack later. For now, he just revelled in the feeling, watching minutes tick by.