Archive of Our Own ^beta

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For a month; Perhaps two; I've given many others tales I'd spun of TSBS gold! It made me happy to see all the reactions and entertainment it gifted everyone; So now, it is here on AO3! Each oneshot will be its own separate chapter; Ranging from ships to sibling fluff to even a few oneshots inspired by others' AUs!! Please enjoy these tales; My dear readers. :]

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Eclipse shoos Ruin away with his hands, and is about to close the door, when Ruin pushes his door open and snaps at him. Eclipse freezes. Not because his ex-colleague snapped, but the look in his eyes. A fear. A fear and a broken yet stressed out man. He tried to shield the look, but it was see through, even with his frustrated voice. 

"Eclipse," Ruin hissed. "You- You can't just 'run off and hide' from you problems! That's... That's blasphemy!! That's what it is!" 

"... I can do whatever I think is best. Why are you soooo against me doing what I think is. Best!?" Eclipse finally spoke, a frustrated yet low voice. 

"B.. because it's insane! IT-" 

"Give me the truth." 

"... What.?"

". The. Truth." 

"What are you on about!? I--" 

"FOR GOD'S SAKE RUIN TELL ME-" 

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" Ruin spilled, swiftly covering his mouth with both hands, realizing what he said. 

Eclipse's eyes widened, before narrowing slightly. His eyes held a soft look, even if it was shielded with turmoil and other various emotions. "..You ... what?" 

"I-I... I... I love you..." Ruin looked down, mouth still covered. "A-And I have.. loved you.. But- I knew you would never like that!" Ruin's eyes darted up frantically, trying to explain in slight fear that he'd get kicked out. "So- So I simply covered it up! Acting! That's what we do! I knew you'd never love me but I never wanted to ruin our friendship!! And now you know and I- I-I don't- I-" Ruin's voice quivered, trying to desperately figure his words. 

Eclipse stared at him, stumbling over their words. Ruin was serious... Wasn't he? During the whole acting career both of them have had; He'd only seen Ruin stumble his words when he was with his (Now Late) husband, Monty. But... Now.. 

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Ruin rambled, wiping his eye. "I'm sorry I swear! I-I" Ruin went silent, feeling the other man pull him closer, draping him in a hug. 

Eclipse rested his arms around Ruin's neck. He didn't know what else to do. Seeing Ruin hurt... It ached in his chest. Badly. Hearing Ruin's slightly silent sounds of pain, Eclipse kept him close, resting his head above the other's, eyes closed.  

"... I love you and it hurts..." Ruin admitted quietly. "I don't want you to get hurt. I-..." He could barely speak properly. 

After a quiet moment, where the silence was eventually filled with small sobs from the shorter, Eclipse held him close. He himself was conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to yell at Ruin for not telling him sooner and instead suffering in silence. On the other... He wanted to comfort him. Eclipse took a moment to think, eyes finally opening. 

He gently pulled his head up from off Ruin's, and locked eyes with him. Ruin was silent, possibly waiting to be rejected. But instead, Eclipse took an inhale and exhaled a moment after. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Ruin's lips, feeling Ruin jolt his shoulders up as they were caught off guard. Eclipse pulled away a moment later, looking to Ruin. Eclipse's eyes were much softer now. 

"... I love you too, Mismatched idiot.. Eclipse finally admitted, chuckling a little. 

"!" Ruin wanted to glared at him, feeling a bit offended at the insult. But, his aching metal heart betrayed him. He loved Eclipse. He truly did. So, he simply nuzzled into the hug Eclipse welcomed, head resting on Eclipse's chest as both animatronics closed their eyes.

They had each other now, didn't they...? 

Chapter Text

 Eclipse took his coat off. He could barely realized that his father was baking chocolate lava cake. He's been spending a lot more time working recently. With that SCP. He took Eclipse's attention from work. Eclipse wasn't even writing in the files. He simply spent time listening to the new SCP, getting lost in their eyes. Eclipse muttered under his breath, walked into the bedroom and flopped on the bed, not even acknowledging his lunar uncle, who was sitting on the floor (beside his brother, reading a book), who looked up a little alarmed. 

 … Why was Eclipse acting odd. He's been getting sleep. Doing well. Usually he'd go to his father and ask for some of the cake’s chocolatey mix, when KC was making chocolate lava cake. What's wrong? 

 entering

 “Hey uh.. Kid?” Moondrop stood up and walked closer, noticing how Eclipse was letting put frustrated noises, cursing under his breath about how ‘I don't understand how this happened-d-d’. He nudged Eclipse's shoulder. “Ya good or what?” 

 “Shut up,” Eclipse muttered, face shoved into a pillow. He covered himself a bit more, curling into a ball. 

 … Okay. Something was clearly wrong. Or Eclipse was another depressed phase again. 

 “Kid you've been acting off. What on this deranged foundation's site is making you act like this?” Moon questioned, as KC slipped over to Sun's side worriedly. He, too, noticed how his beloved son was acting off. 

 “..” Eclipse curled more, grumbling. His rays went down, shifting into his head a little, as if he was either embarrassed, or ashamed. 

 “Kid. Are you depressed or n-” Sun whacked Moon on the shoulder at those words, earning a slight hiss from his brother. 

 Eclipse mumbled something under his breath. Moon thinks he said go away? Maybe? He wasn't sure. 

 “Eclipse, my son, are you alright?” Killcode asked, stepping closer. 

 “... I'm fine..” Eclipse's face brightened a little, before barely nodding. 

 “Are you sick?” His father asked. 

 “No. Please go away, dad..” 

 “Eclipse -” KC was cut off by Sun. 

 “Killcode, maybe you and Moon should leave. See how the cake is going. Make sure Lunar isn't trying to eat it too soon. I'll stay here for a moment, and be out soon, okay?” Sunrise tried to reason. 

 After a moment, Killcode let out a small, strangled noise, but bit his tongue and nodded. Moondrop sighed, but agreed. He'd pat Eclipse on the head, before turning and leaving the room alongside his nightmare brother. A minute of silence goes by, before Sun sits besides Eclipse, speaking up after ensuring the door was shut. 

 “Eclipse, what's wrong?” He asked softly. 

 “... Nothing.” 

 “It's just us right now. What's wrong my nephew?” 

 “.. Nothing is wrong.” 

 “... But something is bothering you, isn't it?” 

 Eclipse let out a grumble, before hesitantly uncurling himself, just enough to look into his uncle's eyes. Eclipse seemed embarrassed, or a bit nervous? Hmm. Eclipse nodded as a quiet response. 

 “What's bothering you?” 

 “... Ruin…” Eclipse muttered, instantly looking away. 

 “Oh? But you told us about that SCP and said you get along with him?” 

 “... We do.” 

 “Then what's wrong?” 

 “I like him,” Eclipse spoke after a moment. 

 “Well you like a lot of people. That's why you're friends with Freddy.” Sun tilted his head. “But that doesn't explain why you seem embarrassed?” 

 “I like him.” Eclipse repeated his words, barely hoping his uncle realized what he meant. 

 “Yes? That's what you said?” 

 Eclipse groaned, agitated at both himself and his uncle. He brought his knees to his chest, arms wrapped around them. “I like them too much.” 

 “Well yeah? Because you're friends?” Sun didn't quite understand, did he? 

 Eclipse finally hissed, puting the truth in blatant words. “I love him!!” He hissed, covering his face in embarrassment. 

 Sun froze for a moment, processing Eclipse's words, before gently bringing a hand to Eclipse's rays. He'd gently pet them, sitting closer to Eclipse as he'd done so. “... You're worried how he'll react?” Sun asked softly. 

 Eclipse relaxed a bit more, rays slowly popping back out. “.. I don't know how I love him. I don't understand how. Why even?! I-I didn't even think I could ever–...” Eclipse looked down, not wanting to speak anymore. 

 “... Sometimes it's hard to understand emotions, Eclipse. Sometimes, you know things. Other times, it'll catch you by surprise,” Sun explained quietly, resting Eclipse against his side, hands carefully touching his rays. “You might not understand how, but sometimes you don't need to.” 

 After another moment of quiet, Sun added a bit more. 

 “Eclipse, you don't need to understand how. You need to understand why and what, okay..?” Sun said, tilting Eclipse's head so he looked upwards a little. “Do you know what you like about Ruin?” 

 “... I like his voice… And his smile, and his laugh..” 

 “And do you know why you fell for him?” 

 “... He's sort of charming, sort of.. Nice. Sweet. Worries when I accidentally get injured… I guess maybe I like how much he cares,” Eclipse admitted. 

 “See?” Sun smiles softly and a bit sweetly. “You know why and what. That's all you need to know. If you think on how, you might believe something that isn't true, okay?” 

 Eclipse nodded. 

 Sun feigned an exhale, before wrapping an arm around Eclipse. “It might seem complicated, but if you're sure of yourself, you remain stable in the situation. Moon taught me that part.” 

 A quiet, couple minutes take place between the two, before Eclipse finally spoke up again. *Could you… not tell dad or anyone else?” 

 “Sure. As long as you don't tell them it was me who hid the game controllers,” Sunrise added, attempting to lighten the mood. 

 Eclipse gave a small chuckle. He nodded in agreement, finally smiling, himself. “Deal. Thanks, Uncle Sun..” 

 The two smiled, remaining in quiet peace for a few minutes more. 

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 “Sweetheart?” Ruin called out, placing his coat on the hanger. He shut the door behind him. 

 “Sweetheart?” Ruin stepped into the living room, his shoes quiet on the soft carpet. He glanced around, taking another step in. He's about to call out once more, as he was certain his darling lover was home, when he was approached from behind. 

 Monty wrapped his arms around his beloved like a snake, chuckling as he'd hear Ruin's slight yelp. “Welcome back, Ruin.” 

 “Hmm… Miss me, Monty?” Ruin teased lightly, his back to his beloved’s chest. 

 “Heh. Why wouldn't I?” Monty would tease back, shifting his body slightly so he could press a light kiss on Ruin's cheek. Ruin accepted it happily. 

 Ruin held onto the arms holding him, nuzzling against his lover's welcoming hug of warmth. 

 Monty exhaled lightly. He tilted his love's head back, to look him in the eyes. His own shining with his love. “*Dinner's going to be ready in a minute, love. Are you hungry?” 

 Ruin nodded. ”I wouldn't mind a bite to eat.” 

 Monty smiled. “Alright. Why don't you sit down, dear? I'll get it for you.” 

 … 

 Ruin's eyes opened swiftly, his metal heart skipping a beat. He, although tired, shifted in his bed, silently cursing at what he knew was no longer now. A memory's final resting place. A life he loved, alongside the one he wanted; The one who made him whole. 

 Ruin sighed, running a hand down his face. He sat up, alone, in his bed, staring at the photo framed by his bed, sitting atop the nightstand. He'd gently bring his hand to it, and hold it before him. Him and his beloved. The photo a reminder of the last anniversary they'd spent together. Before it happened. His metal heart ached, almost straining, even. 

 God, how he missed him. He missed his laugh, his wonderful cooking, his loving eyes… The lover he may never see again. The one he spent much time with… 

 Ruin held the framed photograph close, unable to help the tears that welled in his eyes. He played down on his side, clutching the photo close to his chest, silently breaking into small sobs. He wanted his lover back. He wanted him much, but couldn't have him. Not anymore. 

 Ruin cried a bit harder now, curling into a ball with the picture close to his heart. His love was gone, and he'd just need to accept that, even if it ached. 

Chapter Text

 Stretching his arms, he let out a small yawn. 

 … How long has he been working? 

 He took a step back from the computer, and took a moment to think. He could use a break, honestly. This virus thing kept taking his time up. He desperately needed a break today. Before he could turn, however, there was a hand on his arm, and he'd yelp as he was pulled back. 

 The one behind him pulled him into a half-hug, chuckling to themselves. 

 “!” The shorter’s face lit up brightly, before half-heartedly attempting to shove the other away. “Monty!” He said, attempting an upset tone, only to be nuzzled by his beloved's snout. 

 “Couldn't help it! Monty laughed, holding onto his lover. “You should see your face, ‘Clipse!” 

 Aghhh- Why did Monty have to be so admirable? Eclipse shielded his face with his hands, hoping his face would stop glowing. All he earned from that was a green, gator-like head resting on top of his own. 

 “.. Ahm- H.. ello, Monty,” Eclipse finally spoke after the other stopped laughing (or at least attempted to). His voice quivered as he'd look into his beloved's eyes. His beloved stared back lovingly. 

 “Hey. What're you up to? Still working?” Monty questioned, hand squeezing his love's arm gently. 

 “I was about to take a break.” Eclipse added, with a slightly nervous voice, “.. Before you came in here.” 

 “Heh. Well, You think you can spare some time? I know a place we could go!” Monty grinned. “Free space to play board games!” 

 “Cabin in the woods?” Eclipse responded. 

 Monty nodded swiftly, then nuzzled Eclipse with his snout once more. “Come on!” He cheered, releasing his love from his grasp. 

 “A-Alright, alright!” Eclipse gently smiled. “Let's go.” 

 … 

 Ruin smiled softly at the memory. It was a wonderful one, no? 

 Ruin set the wrench down on the shelf, feigning breathing in a silent exhale. His hand didn't leave the tool just yet. No, he let it linger for a moment. It was one of the few things he had with him before… The destruction of the 5,000 dimensions. The wrench Monty gave him as a gag, joke gift. It was a miracle he had it on him all these years. 

 Ruin frowned, releasing the tool, and letting his hand drop to his side. It hurt, to know he may never see Monty again. His loving eyes. His chaotic, yet warming attitude. To feel the comfort within those arms of his. A feeling… he may never feel again. 

 “... I love you..” Ruin murmured, unable to stop the tears from welling up. 

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 “Da-da-da…” Ruin sung to himself, tightening the bolts of the generator. 

 And… Done! Ruin took a step back, lowering the hand, which was gripping the tool, down to his side. Hah! And Eclipse said he couldn't finish it in a day. Ruin smiled a little at his work. Work, mechanical engineering… It's one of his best abilities, other than acting. 

 “... Hello?” A voice called from behind him. Monty? He figured she must be looking for something. 

 “Yes, Monty? Are you looking for Ballora?” Ruin asked, not facing Monty just yet, as he'd open the tool box to place his tools away. 

 “No. Lookin’ for Eclipse..” Monty's voice responded. 

 “Eclipse is in the theater, Monty,” Ruin replied. 

 “... No, not him. I'm lookin' for another..” 

 “Well I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean by tha-” Ruin paused as he turned around. He wasn't sure whether to panic, or react differently. There, in front of him, was a broken Monty. Was this the one from Eclipse's original dimension, or-? “Ah.. You aren't this dimension's Monty.” 

 “No, ‘m not..” The Monty stepped forward, tilting his head. 

 “Is there something I can assist you with?” 

 “... Eclipse.?” 

 “I'm - Afraid I don't know what you mean?” 

 “Some uh– Okay.. This'll sound weird,” Monty said, before continuing. “But some guy told me this was where I could find my Eclipse. You used to be an Eclipse, he said?” 

 “Well- … Yes, I suppose I was?” Ruin said after a moment. “However my name is Ruin. Could you, perhaps, explain a bit more?” 

 Monty locked eyes with Ruin. “Eclipse..” He paused. Maybe he'll.. Understand if he said something else? “Two for the price of one...?” 

 It took a moment, but you could see the gears clicking in place as Ruin figured it out. His eyes widened slightly, as he froze. “P.. Pardon-?..” He stared into the gator's eyes. 

 “Hey… ‘Clipse..” He said, taking another step closer. 

 “Mo-.. Monty?” Ruin stepped closer a second, though hesitating. “Monty…?” His voice trembled, staring at the one he'd loved. 

 “Ah. Hey..” 

 “I-I.. I don't u.. understand..? How–” Ruin's voice shook, his metallic heart straining. Is this real…? 

  “I uh.. Can ‘xplain some stuff later..? Do you..” Monty trailed off. 

 They stood there, eyes locking. Then, Monty stretched his arms apart a slither, offering a hug. Ruin hesitated, but only for a moment, and took it almost immediately. 

 Engulfed in the hug, Ruin snuggled closer to his lover, holding tight. Monty had his arms wrapped around his Eclipse tightly, resting his head on Ruin's, nuzzling him with his snout. He wasn't going to let go. Not now. 

 Ruin couldn't control the tears streaming down his face, nor how his metal heart ached badly, finally feeling the comfort of his lover's arms once more. “Monty…” He whispered quietly, as a gentle hand was brought up to his rays, and silently stroked them carefully. 

 “...I love you, too…” Monty whispered back, one arm around Ruin’s back, the other around his shoulder. He nuzzled his beloved a bit more. He didn't speak another word, as Ruin nuzzled against his chest a slither. 

 ….. 

 Sure, they may both need to talk soon, but that can be later. For now… They want to stay in their beloved's arms, for the first time in many years… Talking can wait... They were together once more. 

Chapter Text

 … 

 “Monty.. Monty, we have a cure. We can fix this. We can make you whole again..” Ruin spoke, voice trembling. 

 “... I doubt it. I. Am nothing but scrap. Do you really think I could be fixed?” Monty frowned. 

 “We can try,” Ruin insisted. “You can be okay.” 

 “...” Monty stepped closer, Eclipse and Roxanne stepping up to Ruin's side, in case he lunged for an attack. 

 “We can help,” Ruin said, locking eyes with his Monty. “I know we can.” Ruin gently offered his Monty a hand.

 “...” Monty looked down, lifting his hand hesitantly, before looking back to Ruin's eyes, as if looking for something. He must've seen what he was searching for, as he looked back down, and took Ruin's hand gently. 

 Ballora took that as a sign that it was safe for now, and nudged Eclipse's shoulder, as if to say step back. Eclipse frowned, but obliged. He didn't like this, not one bit. Roxanne would step back as well. 

 Monty slowly stepped forward, much closer to Ruin now. He tilted his head, hesitantly bringing a hand to his beloved's face. He gently stroked one of Ruin's rays, careful not to cut it with his sharp claws. Ruin didn't reject it. 

 Ruin's Monty was tired. He spent much time roaming around an empty void, then spent a short while walking to here, from the other side of the city. His battery was nearly drained. 

 So, with the tiredness, Ruin's Monty rested his head on Ruin's, his snout nuzzling between two rays. Monty wrapped his arms around Ruin lazily, as his eyes closed. He let out a small hum as a silent thank you, for Ruin's offer. 

 Ruin smiled softly, barely holding in his tears as he himself closed his eyes, resting his forehead onto his gator's chest. 

 Eclipse wanted to object this, to demand answers, or to get the gator to parts in service so he'd be a threat no more, but Ballora hushed him, watching the heartwarming scene unfold. 

 Ruin gently wrapped his arms around his beloved, his metal heart skipping a beat. After fifty years, he was finally in his love's arms once more.. 

Chapter Text

 … Hmm…? 

 Ruin slowly came to, stirring from unconsciousness. At first, things were blurry. Then, he could barely, but faintly, see where he was. Presumably on a floor, slumped against a wall. It hurt to even try to look up. He blinked a few times, watching as green, rusting feet walked past him. Green…? Green is Monty, isn't it…? 

 “... Monty…?” Ruin spoke softly, not looking up. It wasn't like he could, anyway. He felt a sharp pain in his neck, wincing. 

 “Huh. Finally up?” Monty questioned, turning to Ruin. 

 “... Monty… Ruin could barely speak. What could he say? What could he even ask? How it felt to kidnap someone you once dated? 

 … 

 Monty stepped over to him, kneeling beside him. Monty was rambling under his breath, though Ruin didn't quite understand what he said exactly. 

 “...?” Ruin was confused as he felt Monty do something to his neck. He didn't utter a word, however. 

 “There.” Monty said blatantly, before tilting Ruin's head upwards to face him. “Now you can stop staring at the floor like an idiot.” 

 Ruin no longer felt a pain in his body. Did Monty shut off his pain sensors? ... Ruin couldn't question it. He didn't have it in him, looking his beloved in the eyes. 

 “Gonna talk, Eclipse?” The gator asked. 

 “... Montgomery…” Was all Ruin could say. He loved his gator so much, and yet…. Here he was, in god knows where, having been kidnapped by the one he loved. 

 “... You left me behind.. Why?” 

 “..” Ruin looked away, but only for a moment, as Monty brought Ruin's face closer to his. 

 “Eclipse. Why did you leave me behind?” Mont asked, slightly more irritated. 

 “...” Ruin opened his mouth to speak, but closed it. It took a minute of impatient waiting from the gator, but the eclipse model finally spoke up. “I wanted.. I needed to stop the council..” 

 “And you couldn't have left our world alone?” Monty growled. 

 “... I-I…I didn't know any other way. If I didn't destroy all those dimensions, there could've been three times the cost..” Ruin's voice shook. “I'm sorry..” 

 “...” Monty lowered Ruin's head down slightly, sighing. He was agitated, but… There was still a part of him that wanted to believe in Ruin's words. “... Eclipse.” 

 “... Yes?” 

 “... Get up. I'm taking you to a charger.” 

 Ruin, of course, couldn't refuse, as his gator, surprisingly gentle with his touch, held Ruin up by the waist, adjusting his grip around the eclipse model carefully. Monty held one arm around Ruin's waist, with the other by his side. He gently assisted Ruin, bringing him over to a charger. 

 Ruin could now focus on where he was. Some sort of old apartment, by the looks of it. It seemed somewhat decorated, presumably with whatever Monty may have collected during his short time in this dimension… Were they even in the same dimension now? 

 Ruin felt the arm wrapped around him shift, snapping him back to focus. Monty set Ruin down onto a cushioned, bar stool, resting his broken hands on the upper part of Ruin's arms for a moment. The duo locked eyes for a moment. Monty looked away after a moment to grab a wire from nearby. He leaned closer to Ruin as he grabbed it, then pulled back a slither, before gently cupping Ruin's face with his free hand, and carefully turning his face away a second to plug him in. 

 Afterwards, Monty gently brought the now-empty hand of his to Ruin's hand, which remained by his side. Ruin wasn't sure what to do. Should he speak? Stay quiet? Hold the hand back in return? 

 “Heh…” Monty gently rested his snout atop of Ruin's hat, nuzzling it slightly. It caught Ruin off guard, of course, but he didn't reject it. Monty hugged Ruin close to his chest. “Still the same old, flustered two for one..” 

 Ruin subconsciously leaned into the touch, the swirls on his face brightening slightly. He brought his free hand up to Monty's arm, wrapping it around it, eyes closing. Ruin could hear a faint purr of the mechanical cogs within the gator's metal heart. He missed it. 

 “... I still love you..” Ruin whispered. 

 Monty nuzzled him again. “... I still love you, too.. Eclipse…” 

Chapter Text

 “... Clipse.” A voice echoes through his audio terminals. 

 “E–pse,” The voice called, closer now. 

 Everything was hazy. Was he facing up? Staring at a ceiling? Or was that a white wall? What happened? Oh.. Yeah… Kidnapped, right..? 

 … Was it even kidnapping if he wanted to go? 

 “Eclipse,” A voice spoke, as a familiar, yet blurry figure appeared above him. 

 Ruin's vision slowly cleared up, as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Ruin blinked, adjusting his eyes. There, above him, is his Monty, looking down at him. Ruin dares not to move, despite how much he wants to hug him. 

 “Eclipse,” Monty spoke, looking at Ruin. 

 “...?” Ruin tilted his head slightly, so he could see Monty a bit better. 

 Monty sighed, lifting up a caught-off-guard Ruin by his torso, and adjusting his position so he could sit. 

 “Monty…?” Ruin asked hesitantly. 

 “Two for one,” Monty greeted blatantly. That same old joke.. 

 Ruin locked eyes with Monty, a sharp aching in his heart. His beloved's eyes looked different now. So… tired. piece

 “...” Monty hummed to himself, taking a step back from Ruin, arms folded now. 

 “What… what do you plan to do..?” Ruin asked in a small voice. It's aching him badly, knowing the one he loves might want to kill him or harm him. 

 “Well originally I was gon’ beat you up a little. Hurt you by piece,” Monty spoke, shifting his weight to the other foot. “But…” 

 “But..?” Ruin asked. 

 “... I don't know.” Monty stepped closer once more, not drifting his eye contact away from the eclipse model’s mismatched eyes. 

 Ruin didn't move. He wasn't sure what to do, or how to act. He'd be a great actor right now… If this wasn't the one he loved. 

 “... I could either be a jack, or be polite,” Monty jokes, leaning a bit closer to Ruin, hearing the slight whirring of his metal heart kick-start as he did so. 

 “W-.. Well, what exactly are you planning..? You.. said you were going to -” 

 “To tear you apart,” Monty nodded. His eyes held a softer look as he continued. “But… I don't think I can do that.” 

 Ruin remained silent as Monty brought a hand to his rays, caressing them carefully. He didn't say anything as Monty started speaking again, either. 

 “You have the antivirus in your systems. I checked your systems, after what you said, back in the pizzaplex..” Monty started. “It took a moment, but I copied the code and altered it to fix me.. Sorry you were unconscious for a day, though..” Monty goofily smiled. 

 … He was okay now? No more viruses? 

 Ruin bit his metal tongue, barely holding himself together. He hesitated, but gently brought a hand to Monty's face, resting it on the upper side of his snout. “You're.. o-okay.?” Ruin finally asked. 

 “Mhmm..” Monty answered. 

 That was all the confirmation he needed. He wrapped an arm around Monty gently, resting his head on Monty's shoulder, as Monty leaned downward to Ruin's height. 

 Monty hugged him back, nuzzling against him. He and Ruin stayed together, in the comfort of each other's arms, for a while. Monty didn't reject Ruin or his quiet sobs, which remained muffled against his chest. 

 Monty held Ruin tightly, not wanting to let him go. Not again. They're together now. The theatrical, and the golfer; Happy once more. 

Chapter Text

 “Ruin? That's what they call you now..?” Monty asked, his voice lowering. 

 “Monty..” Ruin spoke, stepping closer. 

 “Why call y’self that..?” Monty questioned, tilting his head. He frowned, looking at Ruin with soft eyes. “... It doesn't fit you.” 

 “It doesn't matter exactly, does it? Monty,” Ruin started. “Monty, we can help you. We have.. I have a cure for the virus. We can help. You can be whole again..” 

 Monty shifted his wobbly weight to his other foot. “... Really?” 

 “Yes. We can fix this. We can fix you. You'll be alright, Monty..” 

 Monty lowered his head, the sound of his broken, rusty cogs and mechanics whirring with static. He wasn't sure what to say. He wanted to say yes. But, he'd be holding the guilt of knowing he once hurt his beloved eclipse, back in their world. Did the eclipse model even remember that? Forgive him for it? 

 Almost as if he could read Monty's thoughts, Ruin stepped closer and lightly touched his gator's arm, bringing his other hand up to lift Monty's face upwards. “It's okay, Monty…” RuRu smiles softly. “You'll be safe here, okay..?” 

 It.. hurt. To see that behind his eyes, Ruin was heartbroken. He'd missed Monty for fifty years, and yet, here they are; Together once again. Monty brought a hand to the one holding his face, holding RuRu’s hand as gently as he could. He didn't want to hurt Eclipse, not again. 

 Monty wrapped his other arm around Ruin, scared of letting go. The hand Ruin had on the gator's arm rose up to his shoulder, casting them both into a comforting hug. This time, it was Monty who broke down. He nuzzled against Ruin, tears streaming down his damaged face. Ruin could faintly hear the now small voice of his beloved, whispering how sorry he was, over and over again. 

 It didn't matter, though. Ruin was simply happy to be so close to his love once more. Ruin closed his eyes, allowing Monty to rest his head on his own. They can repair Monty in a bit. Right now, they both need this. 

Chapter Text

 Ruin took a step forward. One foot, then the next. 

 …. How did he even get here, high above the ground? 

 “...” Ruin stared down to the ground. He was.. very high up, huh? Ruin took another step forward, before stumbling, nearly falling off the metal (stop light) poles. He barely caught himself, almost alerting the virus-controlled endoskeletons beneath him. 

 … Roxanne and Freddy were nowhere to be seen, nor anyone else from the Plex, it seemed. Ruin looked forward once more, and continued balancing upon the pole. He needed to look around. He has to. What if he could find Monty? Or the others? He kept balancing. 

 A hop, skip, and a jump later on, and he's on top of the pizzaplex’s roof, walking slightly more easily, if only by a slither. He walked over to what seemed to be the remaining piece of an air duct, and knelt down. He studied it for a second, before feeling something collapse rather than hearing it. The roof was far too worn out to stand on, he'd realize too late, as the roof caved in beneath him. 

 He thinks he hits something sharp, before his vision blacks out. When he comes to, he's being dragged by an endoskeleton, whose intentions were bound to be bad. His body ached. Why couldn't he control his right arm? He turns to one of them, seeing the issue. Oh. It was damaged rather badly. 

 Ruin mustered up enough energy to kick at the endo, which tumbled backwards, letting go of Ruin. Ruin pushed himself against a broken barrel, stumbling as he tried to get up. He turned and stumbled out of the room, cursing under his breath. He should've accepted Eclipse's help. But, instead, he told him to simply spend time out with Ballora and her lover. … No. Maybe this was the right choice. Eclipse needed a break from work, anyway, right? 

 Ruin made his way out of the area, only to realize he's being chased by two endoskeletons he hadn't realized was nearby. He jumbled his way up a staircase, grabbing a part of the rusted railing, which lay on the ground, and whacked one of them with it, taking down one with the other. 

 Ruin took a few steps back, lowering the railing piece to his side. Where was everyone? Why was there only the spare endoskeletons roaming around? He took another step back, only to hear a growl growing larger, almost as if it were getting closer. Ruin spun around, barely dodging as a familiar wolf animatronic lunged at him. 

 Ruin tried to reason with her. He did. But, Roxanne lunged at him again, frustrated with him. Did she know this was her Eclipse? Did she not care? … Maybe it was both? She still has the virus. 

 Ruin, regretfully, shoved her backwards, before darting to make his escape. He needed to figure out who was still alive, and which ones he could bring to his and Eclipse's world and cure them. From there, he could figure out the rest of the plan. He just had to keep looking, even if he's in some pain from the fall. 

 Ruin, unfortunately, didn't have such luck, nor strength, as right when he needed to get over a hole in the floor, his legs gave out. He fell through, scraping some of his rays against uncovered wiring and framework. He fell farther than he wanted, even if it was at a lower height than previously. 

 Once again, he was unconscious. And once again, when he came to, there was someone else there. But this time it was different. Ruin realized he was being carried, held up by two arms, rather than being dragged by the leg to God knows where. His vision was blurry, so it took a moment. But, after blinking a few times more, he could vaguely see a green snout. Ruin tilted his head, feeling the person carry him down a staircase. The person stopped inside a room. 

 Ruin attempted to move his arm, but stopped when he heard the figure's voice speak. “Don't.” 

 Ruin opened his mouth to speak, but was silenced as he felt the figure adjust him, carefully holding Ruin just above his waist, and setting him down onto a couch. Ruin looked up, locking eyes with his captor. A chill went down his metal spine, realizing it was Monty. 

Monty knelt down to his level, tilting his head. “... Eclipse..” It was a mix of a question, and a statement. 

 Ruin bit his tongue, unsure of what to say now. 

 “... You came back for us,” Monty said, bringing a hand to Ruin's face. He gently stroked his thumb against Ruin’s faceplate. 

 Ruin quietly nodded once, wincing as he did so. Right. He fell… a handful of times. 

 “...” Monty adjusted himself, cupping Ruin's face. “Thank you, sweetheart..” He said softly, resting his head against Ruin's. 

 “... I missed you all..” Ruin replied in a soft-spoken voice, tears welling in his eyes. He brought his own hand up to Monty's snout, holding it carefully. 

 They stayed quiet for a few minutes, pardon Ruin's trembling, soft apologies murmured underneath his breath. Monty pulled away hesitantly, looking his beloved up and down. He carefully took his Eclipse's torso, and lifted Ruin up, catching him off guard once more. 

 Ruin wrapped his arms around Monty's neck, holding tight enough so he wouldn't fall. He leaned back, looking Monty in the eyes. “What're you..?” 

 “Y’er damaged, Eclipse.. I'm gonna repair ya.” 

 Ruin leaned forward again. “... What about you?” 

 “I don't care. I'm not exactly fixable, Two for One..” Monty said blatantly. 

 “I have the cure for the virus,” Ruin responded quietly. “In my systems.. You can use it. You can be okay..” 

 Monty paused from walking, but only for a moment. He adjusted his grip on Ruin, making sure he was comfortable, before responding with a gentle nuzzle to his undamaged rays. “Thank you, ‘Clipse..” 

 Ruin hesitated, but quietly gave Monty a small kiss on the cheek, before he rested his head on his beloved's shoulder. He closed his eyes, hearing the soft purr of their metal hearts, grateful to be with his beloved once more. 

Chapter Text

 Ruin stretched his arms. Oh, how he was tired. Spending hours on end, to simply fix the machines, was tiring. He rested his hands at the counter’s edge for a moment, feigning a breath of exhaustion. 

 He took a step back, arms dropping to his sides. Oh, to turn around and be startled by Eclipse. Ruin let out a small yell as he did so. When did Eclipse get here? 

 “You should really let someone know when you're in the room, Eclipse,” Ruin reasoned. 

 “Hmm.. No.” Eclipse took a step back from Ruin. “Anyway, there's some Monty animatronic in parts and service.” 

 “A Monty in Parts and Service..?” Ruin hummed, tilting his head. “And why are you telling me this?” 

 “Because he came into the pizzaplex earlier, and Roxanne won't let me talk to him, because apparently I should take a break. So can you deal with him or not?” 

 “Yes, I suppose I could..” Ruin responded in a muffled voice, yawning a bit. So much for getting a rest, huh? 

 “Yeah. Thanks,” Eclipse said. “He's from some other dimension,” Eclipse called over his shoulder as he left the room. 

 Ruin sighed, running a hand through his rays. He was already exhausted, and suddenly there's a new animatronic here? Eclipse didn't even mention if they're friendly or not. 

 Ruin stretched once more, before making his way to parts and service. Some steps here, doors there… a bit more slowly than usual, but he's made it to the hallway. Walking into P&S, he doesn't see Monty at first. But, he turns to the right, and spots him, staring at the computer. 

 “Ah. Hello there,” Ruin said, catching the gator's attention. 

 The gator turned to him, staring silently for a moment. Huh.. is this an Eclipse model? A Sun? He stared quietly. 

 “Hmm.. Not a talkative one, are you?” Ruin tilted his head, stepping closer. He studied the Monty, taking in all the damage. He looked up to the gator's eyes, before speaking again. “Well, my name is Ruin. I was told to ‘deal with you’,” (Placing the words in quotation marks), introducing himself. 

 “.. Monty.” 

 “Ah. Wonderful. I wasn't entirely certain if you used the same name as most gator's, or a different one. Well,” Ruin yawned quietly, before speaking up again. “I suppose, if you're alright with it, I'd like to take a look at you, and ensure no one here will be harmed.” 

 “... Fine.” Monty muttered. 

 “Wonderful!” Ruin cracked a small smile, hoping to coax the gator into being a bit more positive. “Now, if it's alright with you, I need you to step into the cylinder.” 

 Monty thought for a moment, then nodded. What harm could it do, anyways? He walked over to the door, and walked in. 

 Ruin got to work, occasionally talking to the gator to ensure he was comfortable. Three hours into repairs and scans, Ruin could barely stay awake. He'd dragged a stool from the storage room nearby to bring over to the computer, having to scan Monty for various things. Monty was somewhat patient, and a bit more talkative after he realized Ruin didn't want to hurt him, and actually wanted to repair him. 

 Ruin eventually realized it; he drained himself of energy, having worked for many hours at a time. He tried to stay up long enough to tell Monty where he could charge, but didn't succeed. Instead, he fell asleep, head tucked between his arms, resting quietly on the table. It took Monty a minute, but he realized Ruin fell asleep when he didn't hear a reply. He left the cylinder, and limped over to Ruin quietly. 

 … Ruin slept so.. peacefully. 

 Monty looked to the left side of the room, having seen a crate filled with, judging by the papers in the box, spare blankets for the daycare. Monty walked over to the box, picking one up. Might as well be polite, right? After all, this Ruin was helping him. 

 Monty stumbled over to Ruin, carefully wrapping him in the soft, fluffy blanket. There. Now, Ruin might be a bit more comfortable when he wakes up. Monty stayed there for a moment, simply standing beside the sleeping daycare model, hands still barely on the blanket. 

 … It was his Eclipse, wasn't it? His voice gave it away, and yet he didn't give himself away. He wanted to know if it was true. But Monty didn't utter a word when he was awake. 

 Monty gently, lovingly wrapped Ruin with a light hug, careful the blanket wouldn't fall off his shoulders. Monty nuzzled his Eclipse's rays gently with his snout, before gently pressing a kiss to the topmost ones. After a quiet moment of this peace, he let go of RuRu, taking a step back. He'd taken a look around the area previously, so he knew there were new chargers by some of the shelves. He turned to Ruin, a soft tone in his words. “Love you, Eclipse..” He whispered lovingly. 

Chapter Text

 “--So, how was your day, Eclipse?” 

 “Hmm.. it was alright. Some of the parents, though…” The eclipse model's voice trailed off. 

 Monty hummed in response, gently nudging his beloved's rays with his snout. He pulled back slightly, tracing a heart on Eclipse's shoulder as he did so. His touch was gentle and loving and careful; Just as he was. “It'll be fine, love..” 

 Eclipse leaned into his touch more, head resting on Monty's chest. He pressed himself against Monty a bit more, feeling comfort as his love pressed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. He opened his eyes halfway, smiling gently. “Thank you, Monty…” He said softly, bringing a hand to Monty's face, a thumb brushing back and forth against his beloved's snout. 

 The purr of Monty's metal heart was telling. Monty's eyes closed, his forehead now pressing against his beloved Eclipse's. His welcoming purr of his heart continued as Eclipse kept stroking his snout gently with his thumb, comfort between the two of them. 

 “I love you, sweetheart.” 

 “I love you, too..” 

 … 

 “R-n-” A crackled, ringing voice called. 

 … Where was he? 

 “Ru-n.” 

 Hmm? Who's talking..? 

 The voice spoke again, as he opened his eyes, vision blurry. 

 “Ruin!” The panicked voice called once more, as an orange, blurry figure came into view. 

 “...?” He blinked a few times, his vision coming to. 

 “Ruin!” The figure spoke, kneeling beside him on the floor. 

 “Ecl..ipse?” Ruin questioned, his voice statically rang. 

 Eclipse said something, but he didn't hear what. Ruin blinked a few more times, a bit of panic reaching him now. His eye.. Why can't he see with it? What happened? 

 “--Clipse- … Eye?” Ruin tried to talk more, his voice becoming more static than words. 

 “Hold on. We're going to help you. Just- don't shut off, got it?” Eclipse spoke, bringing an arm to Ruin's back, lifting him up despite Ruin's scrambled attempts at protests. 

 “..C-lipse-.” Ruin muttered, arm around Eclipse lazily as an attempt to keep from falling. 

 “Hold on, Ruin,” Eclipse persisted, darting through the pizzaplex with the others at his sides. “Don't shut off.” 

 … 

 “L..-ts..” Ruin spoke. “Ca— .. S-e..?” He started closing his eyes. 

 “No no no, come on!” Eclipse held Ruin tighter. “Don't shut off, Ruin! You need to stay awake.” 

 “”... H..--urts…?” Ruin murmured, eyes shutting. “.. Sc–.red..” 

 … His head tilted back, systems shutting down. 

Chapter Text

“RuRu!” Ballora yelled, afraid for her friend. 

 The gator at the door stared back at Eclipse, eyes cold with anger. “Have fun fixing him,” He echoed, turning around, leaving. 

 “You son of a–!!” Eclipse snapped, before cutting himself off. He and Ballora ran to Ruin's side, kneeling beside him. 

 “RuRu? RuRu, wake up!” Ballora pleaded, hand on his shoulder. 

 “His eyes are damaged,” Flare said, looking at Ruin's face up and down. “He may be damaged internally. We should bring him to P&S.” 

 Eclipse scooped Ruin up, his head tilted back, eyes hollow of life. Eclipse adjusted Ruin, turning and making his way to Parts and Service as fast as he could, the others following suit. 

 … 

 “Ruin? Ruin!” Charlie cried, being held back by Roxanne. She was told what happened, and it hurt, seeing how lifeless her friend seemed in that cylinder. 

 “Charlie,” Roxanne said softly, trying to comfort her. “Eclipse is doing his best to help him. He'll be okay..” At least, she hopes he'll be.. 

 “Get her out, please,” Eclipse murmured, voice cracking. 

 Roxanne took Charlie by the hand, taking her out of the room, despite her hurt protests. Eclipse watched them both for a moment, before turning to Ballora, who was staring at her unconscious friend, and tried talking to her, trying to comfort her as much as he could figure out how to. Eventually, Ballora broke, crying in pain. Eclipse awkwardly hugged her halfway, telling her Ruin will be okay. 

 … 

 “...” He powered on slowly, rays retracting, then popping back out slowly as he came to. He thinks he hears something, but it's washed out by broken hearing, that sounded like he was under water. 

 “-in-?” A female voice crackled, before speaking brokenly again. “Ru-n!” 

 He turned his head slightly, wincing at the bright light in his sight, as he awakened. His hearing is getting better, if only minute by minute. He can hear two voices a bit more clearly. 

 “Rui-n!” The female voice says again, sounding like she was relieved, although afraid. 

 His eyes adjusted, then he felt someone tilt his head forward, standing over him and keeping the bright light from his sights. Two familiar people, standing over him. 

 “Ruin! Can you talk?” Eclipse questioned, hand still on the edge of his face. 

 “..X..Cli-pse-.?” Ruin's voice crackled. Everything feels weird… 

 “RuRu..” Ballora’s voice trembled, barely restraining herself from hugging him tightly. 

 “Come on.. See if you can sit up,” Eclipse said, resting his hand from Ruin's face to his back, offering support to him. 

 Ruin winced, slowly sitting up, despite the weird churning in his neck and spine. 

 “...” Ruin stayed quiet for a moment, as Ballora and Eclipse spoke to him, their words drowning out as he recalled what happened. 

 … Monty. Monty please.. 

 Ruin couldn't find it in him to hold back his oily tears, crying softly. He felt Ballora's arms wrap around him, with Eclipse hesitantly bringing his own arm to a position of being wrapped around his upper back, letting Ruin cling onto the both of them as he broke. 

 “Monty..” Ruin sobbed, his old, metal heart straining. “M-.. Monty..” 

 Ruin cried, the pain of knowing his beloved hated him being too much to bear. 

 “… I still love him,” He wanted to say, but the words stuck in his throat wouldn't leave, despite his broken voice, and shedded tears. 

 … 

 Please. Please come back. Monty please.. 

Chapter Text

 “...” Ruin stared at the door, praying painfully that Monty would come back. 

 Please… 

 How did he get here? To this point? His lover hates him. He's tied up by the wrists. He isn't at the pizzaplex anymore… He's completely alone now; Left behind, in an empty room, left staring at the door. 

 He looked down, to the floor, his sobs not leaving. 

 Please. PLEASE. Please come back, Monty. Please come back. 

 He shifted his head, biting his metal tongue heavily. He didn't care if he bled. He wanted his beloved. His beloved is who he desperately wanted. Someone he felt made him whole. 

 … 

 “Heh. Looks like I made it first!” Monty bragged, hand holding his golf club. 

 Eclipse stared at the golf course ground for a moment. “How-” Eclipse was cut off by a hand resting on his head. His eyes looked up immediately, locking eyes with Monty. 

 “Looks like you need to work harder,”Monty said teasingly. 

 Eclipse glared at him, however his mouth betrayed him as it turned to a smile of amusement. “A bit too cocky now, aren't you?” 

 “Yeah well, you love me like this.” 

 “Hmm…” Eclipse bit his tongue, though happily accepting the pity hug Monty suddenly gifted him. 

 Monty hummed, one arm wrapped around Eclipse's shoulder, the other just above his waist. 

 Eclipse hugged Monty back, head leaning against Monty's chest. 

  Sure. He may have not been able to complete all the golf courses as fast as Monty, but hey; A hug is always accepted. 

 “Monty,” He said softly, feeling the gator rest his head on his, nuzzling his rays gently. 

 “Love you, Two for One..” Monty smiled goofily, hand gently playing with his beloved's lower rays. 

 … 

 “Monty..” Ruin choked on his sobs, eyes frantically darting back to the door. 

 No. No.. PLEASE COME BACK. Monty. 

 Monty, please. I still love you. Please!! 

 “Monty! MONTY PLEASE COME BACK!” Ruin screamed, his voice breaking. “MONTY!!” 

 “MONTY!!” Ruin's sobs grew louder, the tears streaming down faster than before. 

 Please.. Please. I STILL LOVE YOU MONTY!! … Please, Monty; please.. 

Chapter Text

 “...” Monty narrowed his eyes, staring down at Ruin. 

 … 

 Ruin slowly opened his eyes, blinking as things came to focus. He froze, seeing the tail of a familiar gator. His eyes trail up slowly, locking eyes with the familiar face of his beloved. 

 “Hm. I was hoping I killed you,” Monty said coldly, arms folded. 

 “..M.Monty..” Ruin's voice cracked, barely moving his hands in their binds. 

 “Heh..” Monty chuckled, stepping back for a moment. “You've destroyed 5,000 dimensions; But can't even talk right, Eclipse?” He scoffed. “How you fell..” 

 “Monty, darling please-” 

 “Don't. Don't call me that.” 

 “Monty please I-” 

 “Save it!” Monty snapped, stepping closer to Ruin. 

 “..!” Ruin could barely maintain the tears from falling, his metal heart dropping as he heard his love's cold tone. 

 “...” Monty bent down, face to face with the eclipse model. He grinned, sharp teeth glaring. “Oh, Eclipse! Remember the last time we met?” 

 “..” Ruin's pupils shrunk, frantically darting from side to side, perhaps wanting remorse, or another chance. “.. What do you plan to do?” 

 “I am going to tear you apart. Bit by bit. Just like our friends were. All you had to do, was save us, but you failed at that.” 

 Tear- Apart..? Torture him? Monty was going to maim him!? 

 “N-..No. no no no..” Ruin begged. “Monty please. Monty please don't -” 

 A sharp snap was heard, before it was felt; One second, Ruin was sitting upwards (with both eyes), then the next; He's on his side; Oil spilling over him like nothing.. Looking up; Monty stood over him, eyes frozen with hatred. 

 “Any last words?” The gator asked, staring at Ruin. 

 Monty-! Monty please. Mo-.. MONTY PLEASE–” Ruin pleaded desperately, before screaming loudly. 

 Staring downward; He saw his eye rolling on the floor. But before Monty was finished, Monty tore at him more; The deafening silence turning to loud, pleading screams and yells, Ruin begging for Monty to stop. 

 Monty never listened. 

Chapter Text

 “RuRu..?” A female voice called out, as she was stepping through the doorway. Ballora? 

 “Hey, bud?” Came the second voice, belonging to the black bear model. Lefty, then. 

 … 

 Ruin bit his metallic tongue, hoping they wouldn't notice him, and would leave. He pressed his back against the counter more, staring down at the floor. He could hear them both shuffling around, along with some others. He could hear various others calling his name, perhaps wondering where he was. 

 “RuRu? Dear, are you here?” Ballora called out once more. 

 “.. Maybe he went to the bowling alley?” Moon suggested. 

 “Maybe?” 

 “Come on.. Hopefully we can find him..?” 

 “Oh, I hope he's okay..” 

 Ruin stayed still, hearing the soft patter of their feet on the carpets walking away, getting farther and farther away. When he was sure no one was there, he sighed, letting his rays slowly shift back out of his head. 

 … 

 He adjusted his sitting position, alternating how he was sitting, to resting upon his knees. He closed his eyes, thoughts roaming around his head heavily. 

 He doesn't notice the soft steps stepping closer to him, nor the sound of someone getting to his side of the prize counter. What does pull him out of his thoughts, though, was the hand placed hesitantly onto his shoulder. His eyes shot open as he flinched, his sitting position faltering. 

 He turns to see who it is. It's Roxanne. 

 “Heyyy..” Roxanne said awkwardly, stepping back. “Didn't mean to startle you.” 

 “.. Hello, Roxanne.” Ruin adjusted his position once more, legs crossed with his hands by his side. 

 “So, everyone's looking for you.” 

 “.. I'm aware.” 

 … 

 “.. I'm sorry.” Roxanne admitted it hesitantly. 

 “What do you mean by that, dear?” Ruin asked, head tilting. 

 “... I'm sorry..” Roxanne repeated after she sat down, mimicking Ruin's sitting position. “I'm sorry for this all.” 

 Ruin's rays shifted slightly inward, his metal heart feeling like it would fall. So.. About the virus, and Monty, then..? 

 “I get if you're mad,” Roxanne spoke into the silence. “I'm sorry you're going through this again. And I know you don't like what me and Eclipse think, but.. could you listen for a second?” 

 “.. Okay..” Ruin responded, looking away. 

 … 

 Roxanne sighed. She leaned back a little, but still stayed there. “You love him. And I get that..” She started, looking at Ruin. “But … There's a chance he's only a virus now. He might not even have himself. And if anything; He's the one who brought the virus here. We could all get hurt. It might be too late to save him…” 

 Ruin bit his tongue harder, hand twitching. 

 “... But..” 

 Ruin looked up, rays shifting outwards once more. “But …?” 

 Roxanne motioned to Ruin. “You think he might still be in there. And while we both are..” Roxanne fidgeted with her hands after pulling them back. “..On different sides of what to do… Maybe we could do what one of the others suggested. Bring him wherever and keep him locked up. And that way… maybe we could see if you're right.” 

 Ruin's dim eyes lit up a little, although he might not have noticed personally. He nodded once,rays shifting a little. “.. I think I'd like that..” 

 “... Then that's what we'll do..” 

 … 

 There was an awkward silence between the two for a few minutes, before a third voice spoke up. 

 “.. Ruin.” 

 Eclipse. 

 Ruin turned, shifting away from the counter and looking up to Eclipse. “H.. ello.”  

 Not exactly someone he wanted to talk to today, unfortunately. 

 Eclipse rested his arms on the counter, hovering over it. His eyes looked between the two. He'd heard every word as he himself looked for Ruin, but said nothing about it. 

 “Flare, the kids, and I are going to watch a movie. Charlie wants.. both of you there,” Eclipse said bluntly. 

 “Uh.. Sure, Eclipse,” Roxanne said, directing the words towards Eclipse. She turned to Ruin. “A movie won't hurt, will it?” 

 Ruin thought for a moment, before nodding in agreement. “Of course. Anything for the kids.” 

 The two of them got up, walking to the other side of the counter, and to Eclipse's side. Roxanne was a pace or two in front of the two eclipse models, with Eclipse and Ruin following behind as they'd make their way to the theater. 

 Eclipse, during their walking, would silently offer Ruin a small comfort; A hand on his upper back, resting gently on his neck corset. Ruin didn't reject it, as he needed comfort; Even if he never said it aloud. Eclipse will let this happen. Even if they aren't in direct agreement on Ruin's past lover; Eclipse doesn't want to lose Ruin. Not now. 

Chapter Text

 “Ruin.” A voice spoke. 

 Ruin sighed, turning around. He figured it was Eclipse, or maybe Monty; But no. To his surprise, it was Flare. 

 … As if there wasn't enough issues with him right now. 

 At least it wasn't Eclipse, he supposed. 

 “Yes, Flare?” Ruin exhaled, fingers tapping at the desk by his side. 

 “Did you yell at Charlie?” Flare questioned, head tilting. 

 “...” Ruin cleared his throat. “I didn't mean to. I lost my temper, and I understand that.” 

 Solar Flare blinked, then leaned forward halfway, studying Ruin's face. 

 “What?” Ruin questioned. 

 “You upset Charlie.” 

 “.. Flare. I am well aware I yelled at her. I'll apologize later.. But I've to finish -” 

 “No.” 

 “?” Ruin narrowed his eyes slightly, squinting at Flare. “What do you mean; ‘no’?” 

 “Charlie was crying. Sunshine told me this,” Flare explained to Ruin, shifting back again. 

 Despite wanting to go back to working on a cure; Ruin felt his metal heart drop. He figured she might've been a bit hurt, but didn't think she'd cry. Oh, who's he kidding? He wasn't thinking clearly at all! Yelling at her, like she was an enemy.. 

 “I believe you owe her an apology,” Flare spoke into Ruin's silence. 

 “.. I didn't mean-” 

 “I understand you did not mean to. Your stress levels are high, as is everyone else's. It was, as one would say to this; ‘In the heat of the moment ‘.” Flare blinked, taking a step back again. “However, she is a child, and is sensitive. She does not want to kill anybody, even of that is what Eclipse may advise for the current situation.” 

 Ruin slowly nodded. Flare had a point.. She was a child. One that not only looked up to him, but one who wanted to help. And yet he shut her down, swearing and insulting her. 

 “May I take you to her now, to apologize?” 

 “... Alright..” Ruin looked down, following Flare's footsteps to the door, and out of Parts and Service. 

 … 

 “--.. And it.. hurt.” Charlie's voice spoke quietly, trembling. “I just want to help..” 

 “Oh, Charlie…” Ballora said softly, bringing a hand to her hair, moving a few strands out her face gently. “He didn't mean it, dear.. I know you wanted to help..” 

 Flare stepped forward, into the room. “Ballora. Monty, Roxanne. Sun and Moon.. I have brought Ruin with me.” 

 The attention turned to Flare and Ruin, unsure of what to say now. 

 Charlie, upon seeing Ruin, subconsciously shuffled herself against the corner more, until moving was what she could no longer do. She looked down, tongue bitten tightly. 

 “Hey, RuRu..” Ballora hummed, standing up from her kneeling position. 

 Ruin hesitated, but nodded. “Hello Ballora…” He mumbled awkwardly. 

 “So, what is he-?” 

 “He is here to talk to Charlie,” Flare clarified. “And for that I believe it is best they talk alone.” 

 “But-” 

 “Charlie isn't in a -” 

 “Ruin wishes to speak with her. We should trust him,” Flare commented. “He acknowledges he has done something wrong.” 

 “... Charlie, are you okay with this?” Moonlight asked, turning to the curled up, saddened girl. 

 “...” Charlie nodded once. It was a hesitated nod, but one nonetheless. 

 “Come on,all of you,” Flare nudged. “Out of the room.” 

 There were few words said, as the group left, following Flare's steps. 

 “...” Ruin hesitated, his own tongue bitten. He stood still for a few minutes, before stepping some steps forward. He stopped seven feet away from Charlie, hand lifted up slightly, as if to reach something. He forced his hand back down, eyes focused on Charlie. “May I come closer, sweetheart?” He asked softly. 

 “... Mhm..” Charlie nodded, shuffling her position again. 

 Ruin stepped up to her side, hesitantly bringing himself down to her level, kneeling beside Charlie. He let out an audible sigh,hand brushing against his own rays. He shifted his position, legs crossed as he'd sit beside the distressed little girl. “... Charlie..” 

 … 

 Not a word. Okay.. that's fair.. 

 “I'm sorry, sweetheart. You wanted to help. I shouldn't have yelled at you,” Ruin apologized. 

 … Nothing yet.. 

 “...” Ruin folded his arms looking away with guilt buried in his eyes. 

 “... You're a good child. You wanted to help me. You.. wish to help us all. You were trying to help, and I snapped at you. It was wrong of me to do so.” 

 Charlie quietly looked up, eyes watering a hint, but words not said. 

 “... You're a child. A kind, loving one. I'm.. I still am under stress, but that does not excuse my actions. You did not deserve to be cursed at, nor yelled at. You are not stupid. You are a very, very bubbly and bright kid. I had no right to snap at you,” Ruin quietly spoke, finally looking at Charlie once more, as he finished his words. “I’m sorry, sweetie.” 

 “...” Charlie glanced away for a second. “.. I forgive you.. You were angry.” 

 “That doesn't excuse what I said..” 

 Charlie turned towards him again, looking into his hurt, tired eyes. “That's okay. I still forgive you, RuRu…” She attempted a smile, which curved wobbly. 

 “...” Ruin brought a hand to her hair, stroking it softly. She's just a kid. She didn't deserve to be yelled at. God. She didn't deserve to deal with any of this.. 

 Charlie leaned against Ruin's shoulder, feeling his arm wrap around her, attempting to sooth her. Ruin remained quiet as he heard her begin to cry, trembling ever so. 

 “...” Charlie had begun to cry, unable to keep it in again. 

 Ruin allowed her to cling on to him, hearing her sobs as she could no longer fight them back. Ruin hugged her; fulfilled, hearted apologies spoken softly to her. 

 “I'm sorry Eclipse…” Charlie cried out, leaning closer again. 

 Ruin said nothing, eyes closing as he hugged her tightly. 

 … Charlie didn't deserve this. 

Chapter Text

 “So… Whatcha up to, cutie?” Monty questioned. 

 The other broke into a coughing, choking fit, spitting out the tea he'd peacefully been drinking. 

 Monty laughed heavily, wheezing as his metal gears shifted. He clutched his chest with one hand; the other holding onto the desk’s ledge. 

 “M-Monty!” The other let out in a strangled voice. He swat at the gator, who stepped away, cackling with much laughter. 

 “Alright, alright!” Monty coughed, soiled attempts to stop his laughs. He locked eyes with the shorter, smirking playfully. “You gotta admit it was funny.” 

 “!” The eclipse model shoved the gator's snout away, looking away from him desperately. “Sh-Shut it, Monty!” 

 Monty snickered a tinge more, before wrapping his arms around his beloved swiftly, and bringing him close to his chest, hands resting upon the shorter's back. The eclipse model let out a small yelp, before half-heartedly attempting to push his love away. 

 “Hmph..!” The eclipse gave up after some minutes of these attempts, grumbling as he'd look away, to the play areas within the daycare. 

 “Sweetie. You can act grumpy all you want. I know you aren't mad…” Monty thought for a moment. “Wait- You aren't actually mad are you Eclipse?” He asked, slightly panicked. 

 Eclipse bit his tongue. No, no. He wasn't really mad. But; He didn't appreciate losing some of his drink to his love's flirting and compliments. Cutie? Sure, Monty and him were dating; Happily we should say… But calling him that out of nowhere, when he was drinking his tea? 

 “S-.. Sweetheart. Heyyyy..” Monty quickly said, lifting Eclipse's face, directing it towards his. 

 Eclipse could barely keep the act together, staring into his beloved's eyes. He tried so hard to keep from laughing. 

 “Sweetheart. Eclipse. Two for One my beloved -” Monty brought his head down, closer to Eclipse's, eyes locked. “Love. Please- I'm Sorry- I didn't mean for you to spill your tea–” 

 Eclipse turned away, feigning the act of being upset even still. 

 Monty sputtered out apologies one after the other; Even offering to bring him more tea to suffice. 

 … It was adorable. It really was. But-; Eclipse felt it right to act just a littleeee bit more.. Just a bit. 

 … 

 “RuRu?” A feminine voice spoke. 

 “..Hm?” The eclipse model looked over his shoulder, peering over to Ballora. 

“You seemed a bit.. zoned out, was it? Are you alright dear?” 

 “Oh, I'm fine, Ballora. Simply lost track of thought,” Ruin responded, nodding once. 

 “... If you're certain, then…” Ballora smoothed out some wrinkles within her dress's fabric, before speaking once more. “Well, I've to charge. Please do take care, RuRu. Remember to charge yourself, dear.” 

 “Of course, Ballora. Go on, go on,” Ruin replied, waving her away as he turned back to the computer. 

 “Alright. Bye, RuRu!” 

 … 

 … He heard the doors close, and his eyes dimmed. He held onto the desk's edge, grip strong and heavy as he scolded himself. Why? Why remember now, how he adored that gator? His beloved? He needed to finish the cure. He simply had to. But the memories, no matter how loving and touching they'd once been, burned in his motherboard; A haunting memory of the one he wishes to save; To be with once more. 

 A beloved gator so loving and so.. Heartwarming. It made Ruin's metal heart kick-start, it's beating faster. He loved that gator. He loved all those memories. But he couldn't focus with them. 

 Not when they hurt so, so badly. 

 Not when they constantly reminded him of his beloved. When he needs a clear mind to think. To save them all. 

 … Why couldn't he stop thinking about him, even for a moment…? It hurts. 

Chapter Text

 “Fr~osty!” Nova called out, his voice shaking a little. 

 “Yes, Nova?” Frost questioned, subconsciously leaning closer from within their shared mindscape. 

 “I hate to wake you from your nap! But did you hear what I did?” 

 “Mmmh… No. What's the matter?” Frost tilted his head, uncertain of what his associate had heard. 

 “I saw that person being rude to the child they were babysitting! They yelled and said a lot of rude things! And the babysitter mistreating the kid dragged the poor child out of the building by the wrist!” Nova responded, quite upset. He folded his arms, looking to the ground. 

 Frost narrowed his eyes, eyebrows furrowing. “Such a terrible babysitter. Did you see wherever they went?” 

 …” Frost's rays drooped, tongue bitten. He shook his head no. “No. There was so many people today! I didn't get a chance to go outside…” 

 Frost's shorter rays darted out,, as his eyes widened, slightly, in concern. “W-.. Well- What if that babysitter continues hurting that child? All because I couldn't get outside to see them leave- What… What if I.. I-” 

 “Nova.” Frost pulled Nova closer in the mindscape, head leaning over their shoulder, as he stood on his tiptoes. “Nova. We will find them. Moon has cameras, right?” 

 “... Yeah. Yeah, he does! It'll be okay! Nova exclaimed, eyes lighting up as he'd turned around, locking eyes with Frost, who took a small step back, lowering his shoes flat onto the ground. 

 “Hmm…” Frost tilted his head, looking thoughtful. “Once we find that babysitter…” He tilted his head forward, a sharper grin forming. “How should we deal with them?” 

 “Oh! You should shake them like a sack of wet meat. They deserve it, after all~!” 

 “Hmmh... Correct.” Nova unsheathed his claws for a moment staring at them with many thoughts and plans forming. “No one should be mistreating children. Kids can change, but adults? They lost their chance..” 

 “Exactly! We'll protect the children. We always do.” 

 … 

 “Nova.” Moon spoke. 

 “Hm? Oh! Yes, Moonie~?” Nova hummed. 

 “Why is there another dead body in the freezer?” 

 “Uhm-... Taxes?” 

 Moon facepalmed. “We talked about this…” He grumbled. 

 “Oh! Please don't be mad, Moonie! They mistreated a child!” 

 Moon bit his tongue. On one hand, they needed to stop, but on the other? They at least had morals, and protected kids. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

 “We'll talk about it later..” 

 “Mkay!” Frost hummed, tilting his head slightly, happily giving a thumbs up. 

 …

 “Frosty!” Nova wrapped his arms around Frost's upper torso, hugging him tightly. 

 “Yes, Nova~?” Frost tilted his head to the side, catching a better view at his other half. He brought a hand up to the ones holding him so dear, nuzzling his head against Nova's ever so delicately. 

 “Moon said he'll let this one go, after I told him what we saw at the child's home,” Nova smiled, pressing his chest against his other half’s side, nuzzling back. 

 “Mhm… No one has the right to slice a child's arm with a blade. It's wrong.” Frost subconsciously shuffled himself close to Nova, hands gently holding the other's, which remained wrapped just above Frost's chest. 

 Nova lifted a hand, bringing it up to Frost's faceplate, tilting his head a bit closer. Frost allowed it to happen, already too aware of what Nova was planning. 

 Nova pressed a soft kiss to Frost's lips, and quietly pulled back, smiling lovingly. He pressed his forehead against Frost's, and began to hum softly; A tune they both loved. A tune; Of love and partners and happiness. 

 Frost hummed along, adjusting his and Nova's position, now with a hand on Nova's waist, and another on his shoulder. One step, two steps. The two begun to dance slowly; Their rhythmic, duet of humming being the music they acquired, swaying and moving delicately; Yet happily. Their dance continued, with each other holding onto each other lovingly. 

 In the mindscape; No one else was there. But it's alright. If they desired to dance, proud of protecting the children; No one but them had to know. 

 No one else has to know how they adored each other, either. Just each other. 

Chapter Text

 “Hmm?” Nova turned his head, rays shifting ever so. Moon was arguing with someone, who stayed in despite it being after hours. 

 “You need to leave, sir. I already said, it's past closing,” Moon explained, biting back his agitation. 

 “No! I will not leave until you get rid of that stupid gator!” 

 “A. There's two of them. B: I'm not getting rid of either!! What is your problem?” 

 “That stupid gator in the kitchen wore a dress today! It's a boy, not a woman!” 

 Moon stayed quiet a few moments, fingers twitching. “She. Is genderfluid-” 

 “GENDER FLUID PEOPLE AREN'T REAL!” The man hissed, glaring at Moon. “ALL THIS LGTBW OR WHATEVER IS PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK IN THE HEAD!” 

 “Out. Get out,” Moon hissed, temper fighting it's way out of his mouth. “You are blacklisted from this place.” 

 “Excuse -” 

 “You heard him. Get out,” Solar scolded, eyes glaring daggers at the man. 

 The man cursed beneath his breath, throwing insults as he'd stormed out, threatening to tear this place down. 

 “Moon.” Solar looked to Moon, who was ever so clearly calming down, or at least attempting to do so. 

 “There. Is nothing wrong with Monty,” Moon finally spoke, after swallowing the anger which stirred up in him. 

 “Yeah. I'm aware. Apparently, though, it's not so clear to that– guy, whoever he was.” Solar folded his arms, sighing. “It's okay to be gay, gender fluid.. anything. Maybe we should put up rainbow flags, or something?” 

 “You know what? I agree on that,” Moon spoke, lightening his mood. “If they want to come here, they need to understand that not everyone here is straight, and it's okay to love who you want.” 

 “And it's okay if you don't love romantically, like you,” Solar added, receiving a nod in approval. Solar and Moon walked away, presumably to the backroom, where Solar worked on repairs and such. They were talking about plans, to make it clear this place was queer friendly. 

 … 

 Nova watched, his hand resting upon the wall as he leaned to the side slightly, having heard the entire argument. Moon and Solar… were okay with men liking men? Novafrost had seen Monty earlier, but only glimpses. They thought Monty simply was playing dress up before work with that niece the Celestial family had mentioned. But… Learning and hearing this… Nova's shorter rays darted upwards, a small smile forming on his face. 

 “They're so nice…” Nova smiled softly, wrapping his arms around his body, as he leaned back against the wall. He tapped his foot happily, eyes shining. 

 After a moment, Nova stood up straight, and released his body from his arm's grip. He walked calmly, although quite happy, to the storage room he and Frost woke up in. Standing at the door, lifting his hand, he wrapped his fingers around the door knob, and opened the door. He slipped into the room, and shut the door gently behind him, hearing it click. 

 He stepped to the side, and made his move over to the wall. He sat down, back against it. He crossed his legs, hands falling down to his lap. He closed his eyes, head lowering slightly. He watched as his mind swirled, a mixture of colors and clouds forming and taking shape, ready to enter the mindscape. 

 He blinked slowly, to a familiar face peering down at him, grinning at him. Nova sat up, stretching his arms. The familiar faced person stepped to his side, kneeling down, eyes softening. The other offered him a hand, to help him stand up. Nova's chest warmed with a feeling, grateful for the gesture. 

 Nova took the other's hand, standing up to their height. “Hey, Frosty!” Nova smiled, locking eyes with his other half. 

 “Nova,” Frost greeted, nodding once. He didn't refuse when he felt the sunny one's arms wrap around his neck, embracing a hug. 

 “Oh!” Nova exclaimed, eyes shining. He left his hands resting on his beloved's shoulders, chirping happily. “Did you hear Moon and Solar?” 

 “Mhm.. I did,” Frost responded, bringing a hand to Nova's face, resting it on his cheek. Nova subconsciously leaned into the touch, grateful and happy. 

 “They wouldn't be against us! Things really are different from the 80s!” Nova squealed, feet tapping excitedly. 

 “We can tell them soon, Nova,” Frost encouraged softly, wrapping his free hand around his love's back, catching him in a halfway hug. 

 Frost didn't object when his shining star rested their head on his shoulder, gushing about how great Moon and Solar and their family were for supporting those who didn't conform to straight and cis. 

 Frost nuzzled his head atop Nova's, who shifted his rays down to accept the affection. “This is great, Nova..” Frost hummed, eyes closing. 

 “Mhm!” Nova nuzzled his head against Frost's shoulder and neck, agreeing. “I love you, Frosty!” 

 “Hm..” Frost hummed softly, wholeheartedly thankful for his love. “I love you too, shining star..” 

Chapter Text

 Eclipse pinched the bridge of his nose, an aggravated, sharp exhale leaving him. He and Ruin have been at this cure for hours, nearly a day at this rate, and only finished ten percent together. Ruin was on low charge, and Eclipse was barely on 45 percent, having taken a small break once or twice to charge. Neither were doing completely well. 

 Ruin had also been neglecting his checkups and analytics, dismissing most work injuries he'd gotten, including the one he had gotten from his Monty; Moments before he was kidnapped. 

 “Ruin,” Eclipse spoke into the silence, arms folded as he'd turned to the other eclipse model. 

 Ruin bit his tongue, staring down at the screen blankly. He didn't respond. 

 “Ruin,” Eclipse said a bit louder, stepping to Ruin's side, waving a hand in front of their face. 

 “?” Ruin snapped out of it, letting out a small hum in response, as he'd turn his face to Eclipse's, rays shifting ever so. Ruin's eyes looked dim, his voice quivering just a tinge. He clearly wasn't well, but no doubt he'd deny such a thing. 

 “You need to charge,” Eclipse said bluntly. 

 “I can wait another-” 

 “No, you really can't. Come on,” Eclipse said begrudgingly. 

 Before Ruin could protest properly, Eclipse grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him away from the computer, ignoring his stammering and statements, of which spewed out like lava from a volcanic eruption. 

 “Eclipse–!” Ruin tried to argue, as they were dragged up the right stairwell. 

 “Ruin,” Eclipse spoke up, dropping his grip on Ruin's arm, after they'd made their way to the arcade, and over to a karaoke room; Where Ruin had made one his personal sewing and charging room. “You need to char-” 

 “Eclipse I can't!” Ruin snapped, his voice straining. His dim eyes stared into Eclipse's, a trembling in each move he made. “God- Eclipse I can't lose him again! I can't!” Ruin yelled, wiping his eye as oil welled in as solemn, black tears. 

 “And I understand that,” Eclipse started. “But-” 

 “No! You don't!” Ruin hissed, voice crackling. “I love him! I have not been able to see him in more than fourty years, and now I might lose him again!!” 

 Eclipse stared into the shorter's eyes, watching as the pupils glitched, squares-to-triangular shapes taking form from within them. If Ruin didn't stop, or charge, he could break. Eclipse realized this as he watched on, taking a step closer. “Ruin–” 

 “No!” Ruin cried, shivering arms folded against his chest. “It's not fair! We lost so much and now I'll lose him again! All because I can't do this!!” 

 “Ruin listen to me–” 

 “Eclipse!” Ruin's voice crackled harshly, as he continued. “I can't lose him another time! I can't! I crk-an-t-” His voice glitched more, and Eclipse heard it before he saw it. A sharp crack from within Ruin's flat head. Ruin slipped to his knees, stammering with a damaged voice. Did he even realize what's happening to him? 

 “Ruin!” Eclipse yelled, getting down to Ruin's side, lifting his head slightly. “Ruin can you hear m-” 

 … Eclipse's voice sounded so… far. Ruin's rays shifted downwards, crackling and small snaps being heard from within the shorter. 

 “Ru-n-!” Eclipse called out loudly. “C-mo-n god d-it!” 

 Eclipse lifted Ruin up swiftly yet carefully, scolding unintelligible words to them. “St-y wak–e!” He hissed, holding onto him as strongly as he could without leaving scrapes. He darted away from Ruin's room, Ruin's voice nothing but static. 

 He almost made it to his lab. Almost. 

 But he felt Ruin go limp, and nearly fall out of his arms. 

 “RUIN!” Eclipse yelled, panicked. He placed Ruin down against the theater counter, trying to keep him stable. 

 It was clear Ruin was still awake. If only barely. His eyes were slow to trail Eclipse's, unable to move his body. Ruin didn't hear any more. He didn't hear as Roxanne and Ballora rushed in; Hearing Eclipse's yell. He didn't hear how panicked Molly was either, as she grabbed some tools and tried to temporarily repair and restore his mechanics quickly. He didn't hear as Ballora held Charlie back, the poor child afraid for her friend. For the one she joked about calling grandfather. He didn't hear Eclipse trying to speak to him. 

 He felt nothing. Not his arms. Not his legs.. His optics shut off, body shutting down. He fell backwards, only to be caught by a worried gator. Perhaps… Neglecting caring for himself was a mistake. But it was for a good cause, was it not? 

 … 

 Was it? 

Chapter Text

 He watched, as a startled little girl cried, sitting beside her beloved mother's unconscious body. She cried for her mother. Asking her to wake up. Again. And again, and again… But there was no response, to the poor toddler's tears. 

 “Momma!” She sobbed harder, furiously shaking her parent's shoulder, hoping it could wake her up. 

 But it was useless. He tilted his head slowly, watching for a minute more, before stepping closer, out of the shadows. The little one looked up, crying and whimpering in sadness. 

 “... Are you here to help Mama?” She cried, her small heart aching. Did she even know what she was feeling? At all? The amount of pain it’d give, seeing your parent injured, when they'd loved you like the sun? 

 “You need to rest…” He stared at the little one, nearly face to face. 

 The girl tried to protest, wants to remain beside her mom, perhaps afraid this was but a nightmare. Maybe it was. Or perhaps not. 

 “Go …” The taller spoke, raising his hand up. The little girl tilted her head, wiping a year as she looked at the Celestial model. What was the robot gonna do? Maybe he's going to help her Mama! 

 “To sleep,” He finished, bringing his hand down, claws unsheathed. It sliced through her throat, leaving a strangled screech to exit as she fell back on the floor, blood casting down the toddler's throat, and the animatronic to take a step forward gouging her eyes out. He raised a hand once more, ready to slice open her chest, and her heart… 

 … 

 Jack O’ Moon jolted awake, screaming a strangled, pained cry. He began to hyperventilate, mimicking the pained, strained breathing Dazzle always did when she had nightmares. His rays popped out rapidly, quaking uncontrollably. His body shook, eyes darting around, as he tried to stand up, only to fall forward. 

 He felt two arms grab hold of him, holding him carefully, yet closely. He cried, mangled attempts to escape all within vain. Where was he? Who was holding him? That wasn't his father! 

 He froze, feeling one of the hands reach up, and gently stroked his upmost rays, caressing them delicately. He heard watered down voices, or maybe it was one, trying to talk to him. He slowed down his ventilation, tears within his eyes, and clutching the holder of his by the shoulders. His eyes slowly, but eventually focused on the room he was in. His father's current room to do repairs in. Right.. he swallowed too much soap, right? He looked up slowly, to be greeted by soft, new eyes, which belonged to the one holding him; Nova. 

 Nova adjusted Jack, gently bringing his hand away from his rays, which slowly shifted back into his head, and brought the hand down to Jack's face, wiping a year away. “Are you okay, Jack? Did you have a nightmare?” Nova questioned, as the shorter nuzzled his face against their collar, unable to answer, peering into caring eyes, without tears. 

 Jack slowly nodded once, then another time. He curled into a ball as much as he could, quietly speaking in a broken voice, which shattered Nova's metal, mechanical heart. “I didn't wanna hurt anyone..” He cried softly. 

 “Shh… shh. It's okay, Jackie!” Nova spoke softly, holding the younger gently. “Whatever happened… It probably wasn't your fault.. you're a good kid. One of the best,” Nova tried to encourage, to comfort. 

 It took a few minutes of reassurance, but Jack hesitantly looked up once more, eyes watered with oil tears. “Where's father..?” He questioned, voice cracking at the end. 

 “Sol-Sol is in Moon's office, with the others.. They can't hear you from there,” Nova frowned, realizing such a thing. He sighed softly, looking Jack in his eyes, hoping the smaller would be okay. “Do you want me to take you to him?” 

 Jack thought for a moment, before shaking his head. “Can you tell me a story..?” 

 Nova's eyes brightened, though the soft look never left. “Of course, Jackie! Me and Frost will tell you a story..” He placed Jack back on the table carefully, taking a step back, and leaning against the wall, as they started a story; Of pirates, treasure, and their beloved Captain, Jack. Jack, the bold, brave, and adventurous captain, fulfilled the journey of finding sea sponges. 

Chapter Text

The cure was done. He finished it only moments ago. 

 But it didn't matter. Moments before he could use it; Eclipse snapped back to his self, stable once more, despite being semidazed, and out of it still. That's when Ruin knew. Charlie didn't give him any more time. He was out of it. Turning to his gator, his metallic heart shattered. Monty had collapsed down, against the cylinder, motionless and lifeless. 

 He was too late. 

 “...” Ruin gripped his faceplate tightly, neglecting to let go. He winced as he felt a crack, oil dribbling down, over his pale, yellow fingers. He slumped against the table, on the side closer to the stairs, barely tucked out of sight. He began to shiver, tugging at his rays with his free hand. He kept pressing against his soft casing, not caring for the oil pouring down in slow, leaking motions. 

 Eclipse grunted, stumbling off the chair, barely catching himself. He leaned against the counter alongside it, gathering his bearings. He blinked, readjusting his vision. His voice box was a bit slow to switch on, but a manual, internal kick-start, commanded by Eclipse, fixed it up swiftly. He released the counter's edge of his grip, and looked around. 

 His eyes locked onto the cylinder, and he took two,wobbling steps closer, only to see an unconscious gator, resting idly. Where is the other? If the gator was here, then where's…? 

 Eclipse turned his head, a twitching fabric of stripes caught in the corner of his eyes. “Ruin?” Eclipse questioned, stumbling forward. He gripped against the table, looking downward. There, damaging himself with a strong, strained grip; Sat Ruin. 

 Eclipse slid down to his side, uncertain of what to do. He tried to help, admittedly, to finish the cure before the satellite. The first thought he had, coming to, was to check on Ruin. If Eclipse was saved, it'd no doubt be by the satellite, granted the cure was unfinished. He knew Ruin could break, if it happened. 

 He just didn't realize how bad. 

 “Ruin - Ruin!” Eclipse grabbed the other's hands, holding them tightly, yet carefully. The other was broken down, sobbing uncontrollably, with whines of pain stirred into the mix. 

 Ruin had gripped his eye moments before Eclipse had stepped over to him, his eye damaged, practically shattered, daring to cause more problems if left in. Eclipse released one of his hands from the other's soft, trembling grip, and did what he had to. He held Ruin close to his chest, hand reaching into his eye socket. He ripped the remains of the mechanical eye from its wiring, wincing as the shorter's hands held onto him tightly, screeching a pained aching. 

 Eclipse cleared out the socket of shattered glass and metallic bits, resting a hand over it. He held the other much closer, trying to calm him; Bring him back down from the agony he's left himself with. Eclipse held him carefully, hesitation braiding his systems, as he brought a hand upward. He relented, bringing his hand down to Ruin's back, patting it softly, humming out loud, in hopes to comfort the shorter. 

 Ruin's strained, painful grip against Eclipse's collar lightened, as his ventilation slowed. He rested himself against the taller, head placed, weakly, on Eclipse's shoulder helplessly. His legs remained lazily at his and Eclipse's side, nuzzling his face into Eclipse's collar, as the taller shut off the shorter's pain sensors. Ruin relaxed slightly, hearing the hums of the taller. Despite the attempted comfort, however; Ruin still cried. The oil still leaked. But, at least it hurts less; With someone actually there, comforting him. It hurts less now. It really does… 

Chapter Text

 “Don't… do it…” Eclipse warned quietly; Almost unheard. The strain of his vocals were near inaudible. He couldn't move. Couldn't stop Ruin. Couldn't help anything. 

 Ruin ignored the murmurs of a mellowed, weak Eclipse. If there was a chance to save them; He'd take it. Even if there were risks involved. Ruin opened the cylinder's door, collecting the attention of the gator, who remained within the chair. 

 The gator stood up, as Ruin took some steps back, unafraid of what was to come. “Think you're bold, opening some door?” The gator questioned, amused and cocky. 

 Ruin knew this could end badly. He knew it could. But to lose his beloved? That wasn't something he could lose. Even if… it cost his life; He'd free Monty all over again. 

 Ruin remained silent, seemingly ready to die by Monty's claws. He simply hugged the gator; Not letting go, as familiar claws reached upwards, ready to slash at him. Ruin shut off his voice box, not caring to scream, as his beloved's body acted on its own; Slashing at him, cutting his ribbons, and tearing his eyes out. 

 Eclipse watched in horror, but couldn't do anything now. Couldn't get up. Couldn't fight for control. Couldn't yell any longer. The virus took hold of him, and it wouldn't let go. 

 Minutes turned to half an hour, watching and witnessing the shorter eclipse model be bruised, battered, and beaten. Then, as the gator was about to strike again; Something clicked in Eclipse. He lifted his head up swiftly, realizing it worked. The virus was ridden from his systems. Now, he just needed to hold off Ruin's Monty long enough for it to stop him… 

 Eclipse jumped off the chair, and lunged towards the gator, knocking him clean on the ground. The gator snarled, biting at one of the eclipse model's rays, and tearing it off as he grit his teeth in pain. Eclipse fought back the gator as best he could; Before locking them in a headlock. The gator snarled and hissed, cursing and vowing to kill him; When it stopped. The gator's head froze, before falling down lifelessly. His body went limp against the orange-and-black eclipse's position. After a moment, Eclipse was certain that the gator was done with. 

 He pushed the gator off, and scrambled to Ruin's side. Despite all the injury, he was still conscious, if only barely. “Ruin!” Eclipse yelled, grabbing the shorter by their shoulders. Ruin's voice box crackled, a broken screech as a symphony. Just like him, it was damaged. 

 Eclipse held the shorter close, as he swiftly picked him up. Ruin's eyes were ripped out, with his inner framework vaguely visible, bits and pieces pulled from outside the eye socket. Eclipse had to do something! He couldn't leave Ruin for dead. 

 The idea he had wasn't one Ruin might like. But Ruin's body was too damaged for him to stay. So, Eclipse plugged himself and the shorter into the computer, swiping Ruin's microchips from his near lifeless body, and placing them on his own. He stumbled a little, before kneeling down beside Ruin. He let the computer do it's thing, with him closing his eyes. 

 Sure, Ruin would wake up, sharing a body with the taller. 

 … 

 But at least he didn't die from his lover.. 

Chapter Text

 “We're sorry we could only find one blanket,” Nova apologized, carefully wrapping the blanket around Charlie, ensuring she was comfortable on the blue couch. 

 “Mmm.. it's okay! The blanket is soft!” Charlie replied, eyes lighting up slightly. 

 “Well okay. If you say so, Charlie..” Nova said, stepping back. “Well, you should go to sleep now, sweetie. Then we can help you go back to the pizzeria later on!” 

 “Mk! Night, you two!” Charlie hummed, holding onto the soft blanket, tired but happy. 

 Nova stayed some feet away, allowing Charlie to rest, as he and Frost watched from afar, ensuring she fell into a peaceful slumber. 

 Charlie, after a short while, fell into a peaceful, quiet slumber, with her resting on the couch comfortably. 

 It was a bit of a surprise, to Frost, that the child was willing to stay here, despite being uncomfortable with the corpse in the other room. Nevertheless, he didn't mind. He made his way over to the child, kneeling down, then motioning Nova over. Nova obliged happily, kneeling by his side, and gently bringing the now loose blanket up to Charlie's neck, ensuring it covered her completely, to avoid any coldness. 

 After ensuring such, Nova stood back up, and walked quietly to the other room, standing at the doorway, before frowning a little, staring at the corpse. He didn't even recognize that Frost followed him, until they stepped into the other's view. 

 “What's the matter, Nova?” Frost asked, tilting his head as he peered into his other half's pale, white eyes. 

 “Oh, Frosty.. I didn't mean for the little girl to see the body. What if she wakes up and gets scared all over again?” Nova responded, guilt and a mixture of worry riddling his voice heavily. 

 “Would you like me to take care of it, Nova?” Frost offered, watching as the other's rays flicked outward at the suggestion. 

 “Oh! Yes, please, Frosty! I don't want her to see it again..!” Nova said, eyes lighting up at the offer. 

 “Okay..” Frost nodded, his transparent persona stepping forward. Nova allowed him control, their positions swapping as they'd done so. “Let's take care of this, hm?...” 

 ….. 

 Frost walked back into the cabin, opening the door quietly. He ducked downwards, not wanting his nightcap to catch on anything. Nova followed alongside the other, and stood a foot away, as Frost hummed softly, closing the door behind them both. Frost gave Nova the okay, Nova switching to control their physical body. 

 “Thank you, Frosty!” Nova hummed softly, looking over to the transparent persona. 

 “Of course, Nova..” Frost responded, walking alongside his dearest friend, as they made their way to a corner, wanting to charge. 

 Nova paused, stretching his arms, and letting out a feigned yawn, his smaller rays shifting inward as he did so. Frost watched as he then sat on the floor, leaning against one of the two walls, before kneeling beside him. 

 “Would you like me to sit here with you?” Frost asked. 

 “Mhm! Come on, Frosty!” Nova patted the floor beside him, offering the spot to him. 

 Frost accepted it, resting his transparent back against the wall, crossing his legs lazily, and allowing his hands to drop into his lap. Nova wrapped an arm around him, bringing his persona closer, and earning a soft hum of approval, as well as a single nuzzle against his rays. 

 “Good night, Frosty~!” Nova hummed softly, holding himself close to Frost's self, an arm left warmly holding one of Frost's. 

 “Good night, Nova…” Frost hummed back, pressing a small, soft kiss against the other's rays, earning himself a small giggle, and a soft nuzzle against his shoulder. 

 The two stayed quiet, enjoying each other's company for a short while, before closing their eyes, and falling to a soft slumber, the quiet a peaceful melody. 

 Tomorrow, they'll help Charlie get back. Even if it takes three days.

Chapter Text

Work,work, work! That's all this is, is it not? And yet, he allowed himself to get close to Killcode. To Solar Flare. To Lunar and the Blood twins.. They're going to kill him. He knows they will. It was empty nest syndrome. That's all it was, and he knew it. 

 So why did he care so much? Why did he love them all? 

 Eclipse snapped, bringing a hand to the opposite wrist, and yanking, letting out a sharp yell, fulfilled with pain. He tore again, ripping his hand from its metal joint, clenching his teeth tightly, as he continued tearing at his arm. Oil dribbled down his lab coat, but he couldn't be bothered. 

 Next, he brought a hand to his eye, and pulled it from its socket, ignoring the warning appearing in his vision. He ripped it out, neglecting to stop. Why care so much? He wasn't theirs. He wasn't able to be loved. He wasn't loveable. He never was. 

 He tore at his rays, their silicone casing slicing open with his strength. He let out another ear-piercing yell, as he continued on and on. He tore at his arms. His rays. God, even removing parts of his chest and legs. He fell onto what remained of his knees, sharp screeches and cries of pain as he reigned on, not even hearing the loud knocking on the door. 

 He let his remaining arm, with its severed condition, drop numbly to his side, as he slumped backward, against the wall. Oil seeped through the cracks on the concrete floor, staining his jacket with what was considered his blood. His ventilation was heavy, with a body straining against the torture he placed himself through. His audials were damaged, as he hit the back of his head against the wall, not hearing as the door broke open, revealing his so-called ‘family’, with his father being the first in the room. 

 Eclipse made no notion to stop, even after his blurry vision, from his only eye, cleared up slightly, vaguely revealing his family to his sights. Eclipse numbly brought a hand to the back of his head, ignoring the watered-down screams and yells, which begged him not to. He brought his hand to his wirings, and yanked hard, just as his self proclaimed father leapt towards him, more than twenty feet through the air. 

 Crackles and static were sent through his body, twitching violently as several warnings were shoved into his per view. He felt a large hand hold onto him tightly, but the nightmare's words went unheard, as did the voices of his siblings, who screamed and cried, begging for their brother to stop, to stay awake and live. Eclipse looked into the tallest’s eyes, seeing fear and turmoil in them, as he smiled numbly, before his head tilted backwards, body going limp in Killcode’s large hands, their voices sounding underwater, as he closed his eyes, body shutting down on himself. 

 He loved them.. he always would, no doubt. Even if it cost his life. 

Chapter Text

“Ruin…” Eclipse murmured, eyes dimming. He was losing control of his body. Quicker than he should. He could barely finish typing, before his right hand fell numbly onto the counter, unable to be moved. Ruin needed to hurry. To finish this all. Eclipse was bound to lose control, and that'd leave Ruin alone on this. 

 Ruin paused, but only for a moment, before making his way to Eclipse's side, and, swiftly but carefully, leading him to the empty chair nearby, having him sit in it. Staring at Eclipse, locking eyes, Ruin spoke up. “The cure is nearly done. We're at 94, Eclipse. I can finish it. Just stay here," he said. However; His wobbling voice spelled out his doubt aloud. 

 “F..finish it..” Eclipse mumbled, head falling down, eyes staring at the ground beside him. 

 Ruin was running out of time, and he knew it. He could only hope that he could complete it before Charlie had to use her powers with that satellite. He swiftly made his way back to the main computer, getting back to work, carefully yet quickly. 

 An hour goes by. Then two. Then three. 

 And it's at a perfect hundred. 

 He's done it. He's done it. 

 He swiftly typed in some lines of code, before projecting the cure to all computers within the location, allowing the cure to evolve from there, and wash out all the virus from there and beyond. He faced his gator, who remained within the cylinder. 

 The gator stared back, hopeful eyes peering through, from behind his sunglasses. He took a step forward, and spoke up. “Eclipse…?” 

 Ruin opened the door, unlocking it first, of course. Taking a step back, but remaining close to it. Ruin watched eagerly as Monty ducked his head, and walked out of the cylinder. Monty stood in front of them, before leaning closer, a hesitant hand reaching up slightly, a soft, echoing voice coming from him. “‘Clipse…?” 

 Ruin looked his gator in the eyes, hopeful it worked correctly. He was proven right, as the damaged hand was brought to his face, cupping his cheek, and its thumb stroking his face gently. 

 Ruin couldn't help the trembling in his voice, nor the oily tears that dribbled down his face, looking at his loved one. “Monty…” He trembled softly, resting a hand on the one holding his face. 

 Eclipse stood up from the chair, feeling his joints and systems reconnect. He looked to the two, as Ruin was facing his gator. Eclipse locked eyes with Monty, before rolling his eyes, and nodding. Ruin needed this. Monty gave him a nod back, before wrapping his free arm around the shorter, nuzzling against his rays. 

 Ruin sobbed a little, unable to bite it back, but nuzzled forward, against his love's chest, as his arm held him tightly, not wanting to let go. Not again. Ruin and Monty's hands dropped from the shorter's face, before being wrapped around each other, both holding on tightly. 

 “It's okay, it's okay… I'm here now…” Monty hummed, softly comforting Ruin as he carefully pressed a soft kiss against his rays, the shorter's arms wrapped tightly around his neck. 

 Monty peppered Ruin's rays with soft kisses, reassuring him he was okay. Monty gently played with the bell on Ruin's cap, as Ruin's sobs simmered down to quiet cries, not once letting go. 

 Eclipse, of course, turned away, feigning a gagging noise, but a genuine look played a role in his eyes, as he waved the gator on, allowing him to continue comforting Ruin. 

Chapter Text

 Frost winced, slowly standing up. He let out a small hiss, gritting his teeth. His eyes glared daggers at the parent before them, his swirling red pupils shrinking in his frustrations. How could some drunken, pathetic excuse of a parent manage to fight back? Even damaging Frost and Nova's shared body..

 “Frosty..!” Nova cracked, his transparent persona twitching, as Frost took another hit from the crowbar.

 Perhaps they should've waited until the man was in the house, rather than the garage… but his child was in there, and they didn't want to risk harm to her. 

 Frost let out a small, but sharp yelp, as he clenched his teeth. He lunged forward once more, tackling the man to the ground. If he wanted to play dirty, then who are they to abide by their typical rules? Frost used more force, grabbing the man's hair, and slamming his head down sharply. Once. Then twice. The man yelled, sharply, before grabbing something with one hand, and using the best of his strength to hit Frost with it. 

 Frost tumbled to the side, loud, aching sounds of pain as metal clashed against metal, him releasing the man's hair. His back hit the ground, and for a moment? For a short moment, his vision flickered, head tilting sideways. He stared up at a transparent Nova, who looked heavily frightened and pained for his other half. With a pained grunt, Frost pushed himself up, sliding to his right as a hammer came down at him, barely dodging it. 

 Frost grabbed the hammer's handle, yanking it from the drunken man, and whacked his head with it, watching as some teeth cracked out of his mouth. Frost kneeled above the injured man, and pulled the hammer back, before allowing it to smash into the man's skull, a disturbing crunch coming from the collision. 

 Frost pulled back, and repeated it. Again. And again. Until there was nothing left, except brain matter, and skull fragments. Frost finally stopped, his chest, and vents, heaving heavily as he dropped the hammer to his side. He stared down at the mutilated corpse, a hand near either side of it, as he winced, feeling a sharpened pain in his head. 

 His audials rang, as he relaxed his ventilations. Frost closed his eyes, before feeling a ghostly touch of a hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes, and looked to his side, seeing a frightened friend; Nova. Nova grabbed his arm, urging him to get up. Reluctantly, Frost obliged, stumbling upwards, and barely standing upwards. He dragged their damaged limbs to the doorway, and broke the side door open, limping. Frost leaned against the outside wall for a second, vaguely hearing Nova's petrified voice trying to speak to him. 

 Frost numbly swatted his other half away, his hand twitching violently as he did so. “Mm fine, Nova…. We'll be fine..” He tried to reassure disbelieving eyes. 

 “Come on!” Nova panicked, terrified for Frost. “Frosty, please! We need help! W.. W-We should go to the pizzeria! Please! We can have them fix us, then we can leave!” He reasoned, nudging Frost away from the wall. 

 Frost sighed, though listening to his other half. He wanted to mitigate the pain. Lessen it, if you will. 

 He dragged himself to the pizzeria, Nova clinging onto him, petrified for him as he stopped every once in a moment. 

 … But he didn't make it there. Nor did Nova. Frost let out a small shout, as his knees gave on him, collapsing to the soft grass within the woods. He numbly pushed himself up against a tree, before his arms stopped, and slumped against him, controllessly. His head tilted back, seeing a shouting Nova, who held onto him tightly, crying and trying to get him to stand, as his audials rang once more, before hearing sounded underwater. 

 The last thing he saw was Nova's terrified, ghostly face, as he became nothing, as their shared body silenced them both, shutting down from damage. 

Chapter Text

 They were worried about Moonie. Clipsey and Sunny knew Moonie felt down, after learning how Staffo was taken away, by Fazbear's. It hurt her. She wasn't building things as often as she did previously. She tried to avoid the topic. And Clipsey understood. But, after having heard that Moonie completely broke down in Sunny's arms, she decided enough was enough. 

 She couldn't get Staffo back. She wouldn't know where to look, if they were even alive. But, maybe a distraction would do good. Or at least keep her mind off things. 

 .. 

 “CLIPSEY NO-” Moonie squeaked, feeling her sister push her into the portal, hearing her chuckle a little. 

 Moonie landed on soft grass with a small yell, her back flat on her hat, in the grass, with her face aiming at the sky. She blinked. Once. Twice, wanting her vision to focus. Well, the first thing she saw, sitting upwards, was two of her siblings; Clipsey and Sunny, who were standing before her, with Clipsey's arms folded, and an amused smirk on her face. 

 “Gonna get up, sis?” Clipsey said playfully, before offering a hand to her Moon sister. 

 Moonie swore at her in Spanish, before grumbling, and accepting the offer. She was helped up, and the hand left hers. Moonie dusted herself off, then glanced around. She tilted her head, feeling confused. Where were they? When Clipsey shoved her into the portal, she was sort of expecting a horror dimension of sorts. Not.. Such a nice place, with soft green grass, and bushes of beautiful flowers on them. 

 She turned to her sisters, hoping for an answer, only to be greeted with Sunny taking her hand, and immediately running, dragging her along as Clipsey trailed behind them. 

 “Come on!” Sunny cheered, leaping over a fallen log. 

 “Where are we?” Moonie questioned, running alongside her twin.

 “Dunno. Let's find out!” Clipsey laughed, pushing Moonie to the side, earning a quick ‘hey!’ in return. 

 “Let's gooo-!” Sunny beamed. “Maybe we can find other versions of us or something!” 

 “You owe me snacks for this!” Moonie scolded, although her playful tone betrayed the feigned offense in her words. 

 “Only if you can catch us!” Clipsey cheered, darting past the two, with Sunny rushing to her side, leaving Moonie to play the cat, and them both the mouse. 

 “You're on!” Moonie yelled out, before running much faster than previously. She was going to catch them. There were now snacks on the line, after all! 

 … 

Hours of mischief, playful teasing, and chaos from meeting another version of Moonie went by, and they enjoyed every moment of it. Every laugh Sunny had, every time Clipsey jokingly teased her sisters, and every time Moonie smiled. Every moment, it was enjoyable. Now, the trio lay down on the soft, green grass blanketing the ground, this world's variation of Moonie sitting beside them as well. 

 “That cloud looks like an ice cream cone!” Sunny gasped, pointing at one excitedly. 

 “Heh. Guess it does. That one looks like Moonie's stick she keeps in her hat,” Clipsey laughed, seeing the stick-shaped one. 

 “Hey! It's a very good whacking stick!” Moonie defended, as the variant of her, beside her, burst out laughing. 

 “It better be! Otherwise I'd refuse to believe we're technically the same person!” She snickered, slapping her knee in amusement. 

 Clipsey couldn't help it. Neither could Sunny. They both started laughing alongside the other Moonie, and soon enough all four were laughing together, with their Moonie even clutching at her metal heart, mocking an airless breath, as if choking without air. 

 It was hilarious. It truly was. And at the end of the day, it worked out. 

 Moonie had a good day, and that was all that mattered. 

Chapter Text

 Nova hummed softly, adjusting the wires cautiously, with Frost watching from below. Nova smiled, eyes lighting up as he finished, and stepped down, off the ladder. He stretched his joints, having kept them halfway locked for just a little too long. When he finished, he looked up, and put his hands on his hips, nodding in approval at the LED lights he hung up. 

 Nova and Frost had spent the past hour or two decorating the cabin, attempting to keep it cozy, as they'd decided to stay there for a while, switching control every so often, so they both got choices. It was convenient, and helped them both coordinate properly. Nova had heard of these ‘LED lights’ from a child, a few weeks back, and he really liked them. Especially when the ones he'd finished hanging up were now blue and yellow, matching him and Frost. 

 “It looks great, Nova,” a transparent Frost hummed, approving the lights. He stood by Nova, admiring them for a moment, before turning his focus back to the other. 

 “?” Nova tilted his head, locking eyes with Frost. “Yes, Frosty?” 

 “The lights aren't as bright as my own,” Frost replied, eyes softening. 

 Nova’s face brightened, but his smile never left. He giggled, playfully swatting at the transparent persona, who allowed a soft chuckle to leave himself, his arms folded behind his back. “Oh, Frosty! You're so silly!” 

 “Heh. Only for you, Firefly,” Frost spoke, nuzzling his face against Nova's rays. 

 Nova nuzzled back, accepting his beloved fate of flirting, cheerily flirting back and forth. It was a loving banter, with a few teases from Frost, but it was fun, and made Nova and Frost's metal heart warm with care. 

 That was the thing with them. They loved each other. They always did. They were different from the other animatronics, and they accepted it. Why bother denying how much you love someone, when you two are so close? They did many things together, whether it be protecting kids, or playing games. They loved the time they spent together. They always would, no doubt. 

 After twenty minutes of back-and-forth flirtatious comments, Nova let out a yawn, feeling tired. Frost hummed softly, before bringing his transparent hand to Nova's, and gently wrapped his hand in his own, leading the way to the couch, Nova happily following along. 

 Frost let Nova sit down first, leaning against the back of it, before Frost sat beside him, allowing his other half to lean against his transparent figure while he grabbed the charger. Frost wrapped an arm around Nova, careful not to disturb Nova's position, as he connected the charger to the physical body. Once finished, he brought his free hand to Nova's face, and cupped it gently. 

 Nova placed a hand on top of Frost's, as the darker of the two kissed him softly for a moment, before leaning back, against the back of the couch, as Nova wrapped his arms lazily around his beloved, nuzzling his face into the other's collar. Frost chuckled softly, nuzzling against Nova's head, and kissing his rays lovingly, as he closed his eyes. 

 “Hmm.. good night Frosty!” Nova hummed, voice muffled against the collar of his lover. 

 “Good night, Firefly,” Frost replied softly, wholeheartedly thankful for his love. 

 The two sat like that, quiet, enjoying the peacefulness of it all. A cabin, they call their own. A relationship that's forever theirs. A life for two, that they hold so dear.. 

 A loving relationship that meant the world; Between the stars and the darker. 

Chapter Text

 “Who is- Ruin?” Solar questioned, looking up from his computer. 

 He'd been a bit, well more like very, busy; This week, the snacks had run out much faster than usual, and trucks had become delayed, due to the harsh storms outside. Solar was annoyed, but had gone back to restocking, then ordering supplies and snacks. Up until Ruin had decided to make an appearance, of course. 

 Ruin anxiously fidgeted with his hands, rays shrinking in. “Hello, Solar..” He spoke, voice shaking slightly, earning a head tilt from the other. 

 “Are.. you alright Ruin? Did something happen, or-?” Solar asked, as Ruin walked to his side of the counter. “You okay?” 

 “Y-Yes! I am, of course. I.. simply- wanted t-to ask you something!” Ruin stuttered. 

 “Sure. What's up?” Solar asked, leaning against the counter slightly. 

 Ruin tried to speak, stumbling over his own words as he attempted to gather the right words. He spilled shaky attempts to speak, his rays shifting inward and outward in small bursts. Finally, after biting his tongue for a moment, he spat out what he desperately wanted to ask. “W-Would you care to go on a date?!” He questioned, covering his face in swift regret. 

 Would Solar even agree to? Would he actually want to date Ruin, or did he just mess up his friendship with Solar? Darn it.. Solar was one of, if not the only, person who seemed to trust and care about him! Did Ruin just make a big mistake? Oh, he regretted it now… 

 Or not..? Ruin felt hands on his, and his eyes darted upwards, as his hands were taken into Solar's. Ruin's vision was greeted with soft eyes, and a brightened face. Solar's blushing, Ruin would realize, his own face, with his blue-and-red swirls, rather shining, as he stared into the face of the one he fell in love with. 

 “Tch. You kind of do look adorable right now,” Solar slipped out, chuckling as he earned a weak headbutt to his chest. Hearing Ruin grumble, Solar's eyes revealed an emotional coaster of truth and admiration. “.. Sure. I'll go out with you, if you want.” 

 Ruin certainly wasn't expecting that, but he was grateful. “R- Really..?” 

 Solar leaned closer, releasing both of Ruin hands, and bringing one of his now-free hands up to Ruin's face, and cupped it gently, pressing a soft kiss to Ruin's topmost rays, earning a swift hug from the shorter as he did so. Solar nuzzled against Ruin's forehead, as Ruin rested his head against Solar's chest. 

 Solar and Ruin stood like that, quietly, for a couple minutes, before hearing a muffled ‘thank you, Sol..’ from the shorter. The taller of the two let out a soft hum, gently petting some of Ruin's rays. 

 …. 

 “Did you even love him!?” Moon yelled, slamming his fists against the glass. 

 Ruin stared at him numbly, unable to move his standing body. He stayed quiet, upsetting Moon even more. 

 “DID YOU EVEN CARE!?” Moon shouted, louder than previously. 

 … After a moment, Ruin spoke up, his voice quiet. 

 “.. I did love Solar..” He hummed, saddened and regret voicing the tone beneath it all. He truly did regret that Solar had to die. He did. He'd much rather have kept Solar alive. After all he's lost in life; Solar became his world. And yet.. He had to kill him. To erase those Creators. To save lives. 

 “... Then maybe you should shut yourself off so you can join him,” Moon hissed through gritted teeth, slamming his fists once more, before turning and storming out; Leaving Ruin alone, in his cell. 

 … Ruin watched as he left. Maybe he was right.. Did he truly deserve to live? He didn't know. But Solar? Solar did. He did deserve it. He even had a child, did he not? Jack O' Moon, was it..? 

 Ruin didn't understand it. He didn't understand how he fell in love. But he did. And not only has he killed 5,000 dimensions, but he's killed his lover. A lover; Who was also a father. Someone who trusted him.. And now.. 

 Now he had no one left.. 

Chapter Text

 “.. ‘Clipse-?” A soft voice called from the doorway, gently knocking on the half-open door. “May I come in?” 

 Clipsey didn't respond. She stared towards the wall, laying on her side numbly. She'd gotten stressed earlier, and broke down. She didn't mean to yell at him. To insult him. To berate him. She didn't even recall how she went from being upset over a TV show, to something rather stupid, to yelling at Earth. She felt bad. 

 “... Eclipse?” Earth questioned, hesitantly stepping into the room. “I apologize for coming in without permission.. Supper is finished, if you're hungry?” 

 Clipsey mumbled something, her folded arms pressing against her further. 

 “.. Clipsey I'm not mad at you, if you're worried. I shouldn't have pried about Sundroid,” Earth responded to the mumbling, stepping slightly closer to the futon. He took the slight, hesitant motion of the other's rays, which slowly raised away from their folded, tucked position; As an okay to step closer. 

 “It was my fault. You were already a bit upset over your favorite character dying, and I shouldn't have pressed,” Earth explained gently, standing by the edge of the furniture. 

 Clipsey spoke quietly, her words muffled, before she rolled onto her back, and tilted her head to face Earth; Locking eyes with him. “It.. wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have lashed out.. You didn't mean to upset me at all.” 

 “I’m still to blame for a part of it. So, I apologize for it. I'm really sorry, Clipsey..” Earth replied, patiently ready and waiting for her response. 

 Eclipse mumbled, before sitting upwards, hands dropping to her lap. “You don't need to apologize.. It's fine, I think..” 

 Earth hesitated, but nodded. “If you say so.. Would you care to have some dinner..?” 

 “Hm… What is it?” 

 “It's Chateaubriand,” Earth responded, taking a small step backwards. 

 “Monty didn't cook it, did she?” Eclipse half-joked, tilting her head sideways. 

 “No, no.. I cooked it. But I will say, my darling is great at cooking,” Earth said, defending his lover's cooking. 

 “Eh. Not as good as you.. Sure. I'll have some,” Eclipse responded, unfolding her arms, and sitting on the edge of the futon, looking up as she saw Earth offer her a hand. 

 She accepts the hand, standing up with Earth's help. She brought her own hands up, after releasing her friend's hand, and stretched them both, having left them in a folded position for a few hours, which, thinking of it now; Perhaps wasn't the grandest idea. 

 “Moonie mentioned you had four arms for a short while at a point,” Earth commented, leading Clipsey out of the room. “That must've been interesting.” 

 “Heh. Yeah.. I might make myself another pair of arms again, honestly..” Clipsey laughed, letting a small smile slip onto her face. 

 “That would be quite a sight, I must imagine.” 

 “Heh! It caught Moonie off guard for a moment, too. Maybe I'll get them really soon!” Clipsey exclaimed playfully, as she and Earth walked into the dining room. 

 “Get what soon?” Moonie asked from her spot at the table, looking up curiously. 

 “Oh, just more arms,” Clipsey hummed, as she sat down in her assigned seat; Beside Earth and JaQ. 

 “Nice. Maybe your siblings should all get two sets of arms,” Roxas joked, earning a half-hearted nudge from Sunny's shoulder. 

 “Hm. I don't think Sunny would. Maybe Moonie?” Clipsey questioned, as Earth politely placed food on her plate, earning a quick, but grateful ‘thank you’ from the eclipse model, before she continued. “Want to match, sis?” She asked playfully. 

 “Maybe. Who knows? Maybe, I'll look great,” Moonie laughed. 

 “I hope none of you expect me to get another set of arms. I don't think I have any space for it,” Luna blurted out, earning a chuckle from two of the others sitting at the table. 

 “Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure Moonie is the one who matches me,” Clipsey winked playfully. 

 “Wow. Who knew you and Moonie would both get four arms each?” Monty questioned, earning a swift, playfully disappointed look from Moonie. 

 At that, Moonie and Monty started playful back-and-forth comments and insults, with others soon enough joining in for the amusement. Eclipse ate her food, lifting an eyebrow, amused. Earth had an entertained look shining in his warm, blue eyes at the sight. He and Clipsey shared an amused glance, before going back to eating. 

 It was nice to have the family, and the friends, back together again. Especially after everything they've all endured. It was nice, knowing they didn't have to worry about Fazbear's, or serious arguments again. It was nice here. Together. All of them. They made it worthwhile. 

Chapter Text

Jack sat on his stage, before flopping backwards. He was bored. Incredibly bored. The building had closed; The guests were gone, and everyone else was busy. Even his father, who toiled away in the back; Repairing Gomery’s tail for the ninth time the past four days. 

 It wasn't like Jack could spend time with Dazzle, either. She was at their aunt's, since Uncle Sun preferred for her to stay away from the pizzeria. 

 Jack sighed dramatically, covering his eyes, and entire face, with his pirate captain's hat; Flopping his arms numbly to his sides, bored as could be. He heard distant conversations, before hearing some soft footsteps slowly making their way up to his stage, and kneeling beside him. He felt a hand touch his hat gently, before carefully lifting it up. “Hh?” 

 Jack blinked once, then twice, as his eyes readjusted to the lights. There, sitting beside him, was Frost; The other, who shared a body with the upbeat Nova. Jack sat up, Frost's hand releasing the hat back onto the shorter's head afterwards. The darker of the two retracted his hand, tilting his head slightly. 

 “Hello …” Frost spoke, his swirling, red pupils studying the younger. “Nova said your name is Jack?” 

 “Correct!” Jack answered, nodding. “I am Jack!” 

 “Mmh. Why did you sigh?” Frost questioned, shifting in his spot. 

 “I'm boreddddd!” Jack said dramatically, clutching where his metal heart would be to express this. 

 “Hm.. Would you like to go over to the arcade?” Frost offered. 

 Jack's eyes lit up, nodding happily. “Okay!” 

 Frost hummed, before letting a small smile slip out, as he stood up, and offered a hand to the shorter, who took it happily. Guiding Jack off stage, Frost couldn't help but notice how energetic he was. He was practically bouncing up-and-down as they walked the short path to the arcade area. Frost hadn't truly interacted with the kid, pardoning one small hello one night, as they were both at the prize booth with Molten. Other than that; It was typically Nova who spent time with the kid. 

 Sure, Frost paid attention most times, but he never really bothered to take control of their shared body. Besides; Nova was better with children, wasn't he? At least, it seemed that children liked his voice more. Maybe that was all it took? His voice? Sometimes children prefer softer voices, or energetic ones. 

 Frost had heard a few tales from the child, as he listened in on Nova and Jack's conversations. He told stories about him and a friend, also a cousin, named Dazzle. How she was his and Molten’s best friend, how she liked macaroni, and how she liked flowers. It seemed Jack got along quite well with the other child. It was nice, hearing a child happy. 

 “Ooh! Ballpit!” Jack cheered loudly, jumping in near immediately. 

 Frost watched, eyes softening as he watched the jack-o'-lantern child dive in, and swim around like a fish. 

 Jack swam around in the ballpit, jumping around every other minute, before diving fully underneath, humming a shark theme. “Duh-Nuh. Duh-Nuh. Duh-Nuh Duh-Nuh Duh-Nuh –!” 

 Frost watched as Jack peeked upwards; Only his eyes were visible beneath his large hat. Frost let out a small chuckle, amused at the child's antics. Jack seemed happy, and it was rather nice to see. 

 Jack's eyes lit up more, as he sat upwards in the pit, waving at Frost. “Come onnnn! Into the ballpittt!” He cheered, half-singing. 

 Frost was a bit surprised that Jack wanted him to hop in, but after hearing Nova practically exclaim happily at him to do it, Frost did as asked. He hopped in, and immediately was hug-tackled by Jack, who let out a cheer that Frost came in. 

 Jack dove underneath the balls, before lunging at Frost playfully, earning a muffled, warm laugh from the taller, who covered his mouth, barely hiding his amused, and warm, laughter. 

 The two tossed the balls at each other softly, with Frost purposefully missing, or barely hitting Jack, while Jack threw them with perfect aim. It was fun, it really was. At some point, Frost was sure he heard Nova mention hearing Solar and Moon nearby, but it was clear not even Nova was bothered, as he was quite literally cheering the two ballpit dwellers on, even if only one could hear him. 

 Jack eventually lunged at Frost, catching him in a hug-tackle once more; Jack's arms wrapped around the darker’s neck collar, with the darker's wrapped around Jack's back, ensuring he didn't topple backwards incidentally. 

 “You're so fun!!” Jack exclaimed loudly, and cheerfully. 

 “Hm. So are you, Jack,” Frost smiled, closing his eyes as Jack did, fully accepting the hugging fate, as a transparent Nova giggled, sitting beside Frost and Jack in the ballpit. Frost said nothing, as he felt ghostly hands hug him and Jack as well, fully aware of who it was. 

 Solar and Moon watched from the other side of the netting; Moon quite literally recorded this. Solar had a small, soft smile on his face, arms folded with his head tilted. They'd come in when Solar heard Jack laugh loudly, and quite cheerfully. They didn't expect to see Frost in control of his shared body; Or hanging out with Jack in the ballpit, nonetheless. But, they were glad Jack had made another friend, and Frost actually spent time hanging out with a kid, without killing their parents! It's different, for a change. 

 … And maybe, just maybe; They'd reconsider their ‘using a timer on Novafrost ‘ plan. Maybe this could go well. 

Chapter Text

 Earth walked into the restaurant; her bright, silky pink dress was as beautiful as the gator remembered it; Just like on the day she proposed.. 

 Monty had set up a loving date for the two of them. The first date they'd ever have in this new dimension. It was a change of pace, but certainly not one they were against. Moving dimensions was what they all had agreed on, and Monty didn't mind; So long as she was beside her beloved. 

 Monty looked up from the table, locking eyes with beautiful blue ones, as her fiance stood before her; Flowers in hand, and a warm, adoring smile on her face. 

 “Hope I'm not late?” Earth questioned, sitting on the other side of the table, offering the bright, red roses to the other. 

 “Oh-! No, you're fine, love,” Monty smiled, eyes softening. “I adore your dress, sweetheart. Wonder where I've seen it before?” She asked, winking playfully. 

 Earth giggled, blushing slightly. “Oh, you're so sweet-!” 

 “Only for you, Earth,” Monty replied softly, reaching a hand over to hers. 

 “Heheh! I love you,” Earth replied, eyes filled with warmth and love, as she accepted the hand; Holding it lovingly. 

 “Hm.. Thanks for the roses, Sugarplum.” 

 “Of course! Anything for you! Other than crimes,” Earth added cheekily. 

 “Pardoning crimes of passion, right? Wouldn't let me get stuck on the moon forever, would you?” Monty joked lightly. 

 “Hmm.. Maybe. Maybe..” Earth teased. 

 It was all in playfulness and fun, of course. Earth would never want her love to be hurt, as neither would Monty. But, sometimes the two couldn't help but joke around; No matter the night's sense of humor. It seemed that whenever the other was in the room with them; It was always brighter. More… Loving, and wholesome. 

 The two chatted on, occasionally stopping when waiters came forward, and to nibble on the restaurant's wonderful foods and delicacies. When time came to leave, Monty paid for the two, holding her love close by as she did so. Walking out of the restaurant, hand in hand; Earth gently pressed her head against the other's affectionately, earning a swift, adoring glance in return. 

 Together, the two ladies made their way to the park nearby; And sat on the soft grass; Close as ever. It was Earth's idea; Stargazing. Of course, the two hadn't done so often, so it was rather easy to convince the gator to do so. 

 “And look! That's the Big Dipper!” Earth gasped, eyes shining as she stared above. “Oh, the stars are so pretty-!” 

 Monty chuckled softly, before bringing a hand up to Earth's face, and cupping it gently, receiving the other's attention in turn. “You know… The stars are pretty. And bright. But nowhere near as beautiful and shining as you are..” 

 Earth listened to her love, her metal heart warming in awe and adoration, as she brought a hand up to Monty's. “Aww.. Thank you sweetie.. I love you..” She said softly. 

 Monty nodded quietly, a soft exhale leaving her mouth. “I love you, too, Earth..” 

 Earth smiled, then leaned in, pressing a soft kiss upon her lover's lips; To express her love. Monty didn't reject it. She would never. Earth was her world. She always would be.. 

Chapter Text

 “Eclipse..” Ruin spoke up, leaning against the doorway subtly. 

 He'd just finished speaking with Ballora, Monty, and Roxanne. Everyone was a tad bit wary, or at least worried, when it came to Ruin. Eclipse had to track him down, and bring him back here; After Charlie mentioned what she'd seen with her magic. It was a miracle Ruin didn't shut off before Eclipse and he had arrived at the Pizzaplex. There was oil dripping all over his body, when Eclipse found him. 

 It has taken roughly two weeks to repair Ruin; Two weeks where Eclipse had worked without breaks. And by the words of Roxanne's; He apparently still has not taken a break from work, despite it having been a week after Ruin's repairs were completed. Supposedly; He was trying to track Afton and the Mimic down, to help Ruin's goals. And while Ruin was heavily grateful.. He didn't want Eclipse to overwork himself. And chances were that the taller were still, even now, upset over Lefty's death. And Ruin took part of it; As he was the one who let his lover escape the cylinder.. 

 “What?” Eclipse spat out, not bothering to look up from his screen; As he continued to type. 

 “Eclipse, I-” Ruin started, walking into the room slowly, only to be interrupted. 

 “I'm not upset with you,” Eclipse replied bluntly; A small tint of softness and honesty approached in his tone, catching Ruin off guard for a moment. 

 “I- See..” Ruin stood by Eclipse's side, quiet for a moment as he watched Eclipse work. 

 After a minute of silence, Ruin let out a soft exhale, gently fidgeting with his waist’s bow, as he spoke up once more. “You need a break, Eclipse.. You haven't even spent a moment to rest.” 

 “I don't need a pathetic break,” Eclipse spoke coldly, staring at his screen. “I'm busy.” 

 Ruin sighed audibly, a bit frustrated Eclipse wasn't agreeing. Then again, what did he expect? Although.. 

 Roxanne did mention that she'd recently come upon a discovery that Eclipse was a tad bit ticklish. Hm.. 

 “Eclipse,” Ruin replied, a bit more authoritative, as he continued on. “You must take a break.” 

 “Not right now.” 

 Ruin let out a false, dramatic sigh, before speaking a bit louder. “Then you leave me no choice.” 

 “Excuse me–?” Eclipse questioned, turning to face Ruin; Only to be physically pulled to the ground, and held captive against Ruin's strength. “Let me go!” He hissed, agitated. 

 “You've left me no choice! Now you must suffer the consequences!” Ruin hummed dramatically. 

 “What are you-?!” 

 Eclipse was cut off by hands pressing onto his torso, and tickling him. He slipped out a lighthearted laughter, trying to swat Ruin away. “Sh– Cut it out you little-!” 

 “Afraid not, my dear Eclipse!” Ruin grinned, continuing onwards, tickling the taller, who twitched and shook of laughs. 

 “You- Heh- Regret it!” Eclipse tried to threaten, cracking up. 

 “And enlighten me. How would I regret this?” 

 “Heh!” Eclipse was in an entire fit of laughs, unable to stop, as Ruin continued on. 

 After a couple minutes of this; Eclipse's laughter quieted down, as Ruin slowed down. Ruin was about to say something; When he was pushed from below him. Just what was Eclipse doing? 

 Eclipse sat upright and pushed Ruin backwards, getting to his side as the shorter's back hit the floor. Ruin's leg twitched as he fell back; Leaving his eyes to dart up, and see a smug, mischievous grin on Eclipse's face. Shoot. 

 “Ecl- Eclipse. We can talk about this-” Ruin tried to reason, fully aware of what Eclipse was now planning. 

 “There is no talking… Have a taste of your own medicine!” Eclipse exclaimed, holding the British, shorter down as he started tickling their stomach. 

 Ruin chuckled, trying yet failing to get away; Having Eclipse pull him back into the tickle attack with revenge in his mind. Ruin wasn't getting away that easily! 

 “ECLI- Eclipse please-!” Ruin squeaked, laughing uncontrollably as Eclipse continued to tickle him, leaving the short actor to after the wrath of his own medicine. “Eclipse–!” 

 Roxanne and Ballora watched from the entrance, with the wolf's phone clearly out and recording. Ballora was barely holding back her own laughter, heavily amused and entertained. They'd walked in just as Ruin slowed his tickling down; Unexpectedly watching a tickling battle between the two Eclipses. 

 Roxanne smirked, eyes shining. 

 It was good blackmail, wasn't it? 

Chapter Text

Recently, it's been stressful. And by stressful, he really does mean it. Ruin came back, with apologies that meant nothing, Charlie almost got some of them killed, and he still had to deal with Afton and his crew. Sometimes all that can really happen.. Is something breaking. 

 That something was Eclipse. 

 He slammed his fists down, damaging his keyboard without care as the stress boiled out from inside him like nothing else did. He nearly knocked his chair to the ground as he stood up, kicking it as he stormed away from his desk, cursing like he were a sailor. He walked in circles, frustrated as he knocked things down every other moment. What he didn't count on, though? 

 … He didn't count on Moon walking in. Not Moonlight. His Moon. The day he snaps in his lab, the day he forgot Moon had said he'd come by to drop off the Adaptium Metal he owed him. 

 “..Woah-..” Moon yelped slightly, stepping backwards as he scanned the room, gazing from the mess, to the eclipse standing in the middle of it. “..Ecl-” 

 “Out,” Eclipse snarled, glaring daggers at the unwelcomed lab guest. 

 “Hey, hey. Eclipse-” Moon said, stepping forward, hands in the air as if to reassure the hostile Celestial. 

 “Just go!” Eclipse snapped. But God, did he want to punch himself when he heard his voice crack. 

 Especially since Moon heard it. He stepped forward, even when Eclipse hissed and threatened him, wanting him to step away. Seconds away from pushing Moon away, Eclipse would pause, hearing Moon speak softly. 

 “It's okay, it's okay.. Just calm down,” Moon spoke softly, hands up, but seemingly uncertain for their next movements. “You're okay, Eclipse.” 

 It was enough, it seemed, Moon catching him right as he collapsed into the nightcap wearer’s arms. 

 Moon froze, almost unsure of what to do now, as he heard Eclipse break down, near shattering, in his arms. 

 He didn't realize Eclipse was suffering. 

 Against his better judgement, Moon brought a hand up, away from Eclipse's back, as he calculated his next move. He gently cupped one of Eclipse's rays, and stroked his thumb against the front of it, attempting to soothe Eclipse, even if it were an awkward attempt. 

 “... You're okay. I.. it's okay.. Sometimes things get too much. Sometimes, you feel like you can't handle everything. Sometimes, things suck. But we power through it. We survive. It's what we do. Things might suck, but all bad things come to an end. Everything and everyone will be okay,” Moon spoke, a comforting tone in his words. 

 He felt Eclipse tighten his grip around his arms, and he let out a soft exhale, unsure of what to say next. 

 Eclipse never cried before. Not like this. Not at all from what he'd known.. 

 “That includes you, Eclipse… You will be okay..” 

 Moon went quiet after he finished his words, awkwardly patting Eclipse's back every couple of minutes. 

 Eclipse's tears, and broken sobs, eventually quieted, his body somewhat limp. Moon lifted his head from his shoulder for a moment, before looking into his eyes as he heard Eclipse grumble. He was almost asleep, Moon guessed. 

 Moon brought him to his room, surprisingly being easily found in his lab, ignoring the weakened murmurs and grumbling from the dim-eyed Eclipse he held carefully. He laid Eclipse down on his bed, and tucked him in, before turning away, and walking to the door. He paused as he heard a small murmur from Eclipse. 

 “... Thank you.” 

 Moon offered a small, awkward smile as he replied back, voice low and quiet.”.. Good night, Eclipse. Rest well..” 

Chapter Text

 “Hey, Eclipse?” A familiar voice rang out. “Are you here?” 

 Eclipse sighed, looking up from the shelving, and calling out. “I'm in the back!” 

 “Cool. Can you come out?” Moondrop yelled out. 

 “Wait a dang second!” Eclipse spat out, placing the box down. So much for restocking the back. 

 Eclipse stepped through the doorway, locking eyes with a patient Moon. Well, patient as in waiting for Eclipse. He wasn't exactly the most patient with certain things. But he tried to be. 

 “What is it now? Another check in thing?” Eclipse asked, folding his arms as he studied Moondrop. 

 “Everything okay, Eclipse?” Moon asked, stepping forward, closer to the counter. 

 “Yeah. I was about to restock everything, but you came in. So thanks,” Eclipse said sarcastically, watching as Moon rapped his fingers on the counter’s edge. 

 “Need help?” Moon asked, a bit too quickly in Eclipse's opinion. 

 “Something wrong, Moondrop?” Eclipse questioned, raising an eyebrow slightly. 

 “I sort of got into an argument with Sun,” Moon said, voice subconsciously lowering as he spoke, as if it were a sin to do so. Maybe it felt like that to him. 

 “Mmh. Distractions aren't good, Moon..” 

 “And I get that, but I'd prefer not to kind of wallow in self pity. So. Need help or not?” 

 Eclipse sighed, pinching the bridge of his essential ‘nose’, as he replied. “Sure. Whatever. Come on.” 

 Eclipse's hands dropped to his side as he and Moon made their way into the back, both knowing where everything went. It wasn't like Moon hadn't helped that inferior in their theater before they moved dimensions. 

 “Pass me the Disappointment Chips,” Eclipse said after a couple minutes, knelt to the ground as he organized the bottom shelves. 

 “Here," Moondrop responded, passing them off. “Everything okay here? No.. murders I have to worry about?” 

 “Unless you count Lefty. Pretty sure Terra told you about that, though.” 

 “Right, right..” 

 “What did you argue about with Sun?” 

 “... I didn't bother telling him about something I learned when it came to some of the animatronics, and he got upset. And I kind of screwed up and mentioned the whole, uh, Nexus thing, when Sun killed Nexus,” Moondrop answered, fidgeting with his hands awkwardly. 

 “.. You're an idiot.” 

 “Wh- Okay well, yeah, I guess I was. But still! A little blunt, don't you think?” 

 “Yeah. Of course I am. You messed up. You at least know you did, but you're going to need to apologize to Sunrise if you want peace. Sometimes it pays to actually care enough to apologize, Moon. Don't leave your friends, or in this case your brother, without an apology. Otherwise he might think you're the same as you were before..” Eclipse murmured the last part a bit quieter, as if thinking. 

 “... We both screw up sometimes, don't we?” 

 “Yeah. We do. But you should probably apologize. He either accepts it or he doesn't.” 

 “Fair. Thanks, ‘Clipse.” 

 “Sure, sure.. Now-” Eclipse cut himself off, standing up as he narrowed his eyes at a familiar, now empty, crate. “ For the love of god don't tell me FC took the god forsaken Sodaroni and Exotic Beverages-” 

 He and Moon could hear laughter as a fox model darted out of the theater quickly. 

 “You’re kidding!” Eclipse hissed, covering his face with both hands as he spat out, “I'm not reordering that crap when I just got it!” 

 “.. You want me to go find him?” 

 “Mh.. Fine. But I swear if he drinks all that-” 

 “He'd probably be sick by then. Come on, let's go find him,” Moon said, earning a grumble, and a ‘fine! whatever,” from the other, who followed him, annoyed. 

 Hopefully FC doesn't drink all of that. Probably wouldn't do him well… 

Chapter Text

 A small amount of time has passed. Moondrop and Montgomery had made an offer to Novafrost, after they supposedly had a ‘change of heart’ about the two. Frost didn't trust it entirely; But the offer to be released from the steel table, and having free range the entire day? So long as they're back before the pizzeria’s closing hours? It was better than being strapped down on some uncomfortable table, in the back of the place. It was worth it; Especially with how Nova was more happy to not be stuck in one place with dislocated joints. 

 Currently; Nova had made their way to the arcade, and sat within the ballpit, wanting to sit for a little while. It's not to say they felt upset. Nova simply felt a bit iffy, and wanted to sit down in a familiar place. They couldn't go to the back; Solar and Monty were there. And in the office, and other rooms; Where they were interviewed previously; Was Moon and Sun. The other animatronics were all on the stage, chatting away happily. Jack was at his family home; Babysat by a sister Novafrost didn't know of until today. 

 Nova leaned against the back wall, humming softly as he tucked his knees up to his chest. The transparent persona beside him kneeled down, and snuggled against his side, gently nuzzling the brighter's rays; Slightly worried for his darling. Nova at times would feel a bit unwell; Typically happening after their loss of control moments. Sometimes it was Frost who felt dizzy and nauseated, but other times it was Nova. 

 It was worrying that it happened. But this wasn't something they'd tell Moondrop or Monty. Otherwise they'd end up strapped against the table again. 

 Frost wrapped his transparent arms around Nova's body, engulfing the tired one in a warm, comforting hug. Nova accepted it, allowing for the darker's head to nuzzle against his collar lightly, as the brighter closed his eyes in an attempt to calm his sensors. 

 … And for a moment; It was quiet. A few hours go by. Then an hour. The only real interruption to the silence was Nova's grumbling and small, uncomfortable noises and whines. They hated being like this. 

 Nova felt Frost move slightly, letting a small hum slip out as he winced. 

 “Nova… There's a child,” Frost said, nuzzling the rays on the sunnier’s head. 

 Nova winced once more, tilting his head upwards; Blinking as his eyes readjusted to the lighting. There, in front of him and Frost, at the end of the ballpit, was a small, young, animatronic deer; With a pink shirt, overalls, green eyes, and brown hair. 

 “Hewo..” The young fawn spoke politely, with a plush in hand. “Are you okway?” 

 “O-Oh!” Nova replied, attempting to straighten his back slightly, though subconsciously twitching at his small headache. “I'm okay, little one. What're you doing here? This place is closed, sweetie..” 

 “Pwapa Sun owns da- uh– da building wif uncle Moon!” The deer said, eyes shining as emeralds. 

 “Oh! I didn't know he had a kid. What's your name, little one?” Nova couldn't help but ask, as the child made her way into the ballpit, to stand in front of them. 

 “I'm Dazzle! What- what's your nwame?” Dazzle asked, tilting her head. 

 “Oh, my name is Nova, little one. My friend's name is Frost. We share a body,” Nova explained, allowing the child to learn a bit more. 

 “Ooh! Cwool!” Dazzle exclaimed, before frowning. “Bwut why were you crying?" 

 Oh.. she must've heard him whining and grumbling. 

 “O-Oh- I have a small headache, that's all!” Nova answered, speaking a half-truth. “Please keep it a secret from your Papa and uncles, mkay?” 

 “Hm..” Dazzle seemed thoughtful for a moment, before catching the sunny one off guard; Wrapping him in a quick hug. 

 Nova was surprised, but instinctively hugged the small child back, with Frost sitting by Nova's side as they'd done so. 

 “W. Well thank you, Dazzle,” Nova said after Dazzle pulled away. “But what was the hug for?” 

 “Papa says it's okay to not feel well sometimes, and uh-.. And that sometimes a hwug is needed, or someting?” Dazzle replied honestly, mispronouncing a word here and there. 

 Frost smiled softly, just as his lover did. “Hmm.. If you're feeling better Nova, we could spend time with the little one.. I see the look in your eyes,” He said lightly, pressing a soft kiss against the other's rays. 

 “Mm.. Okay, Frosty!” Nova said, glancing at his other half, before returning his gaze to the little deer in front of him. “Frosty says it's okay to hang out! Do you maybe wanna do something, sweetie?” 

 “Uhhh…” Dazzle thought for a moment. “Cwan we play an arcade game?” 

 “Oh! Of course! Come on, little bedazzlement,” Nova offered. “I'm feeling better now. Let's go over to the machines, mkay?” 

 “Mkay!” Came the toddler's response. 

 Nova hummed back, standing upwards and making his way out of the ballpit; Dazzle and his dearest in tow. 

 Behind him, he could hear Dazzle giggling happily. And maybe, just maybe, he heard his beloved say the words “Maybe we could become her uncles?” In a playful voice as the transparent figure nuzzled against his side, earning a smile from the other. 

 Perhaps they'd all be fine. After all; Who better to trust with Dazzle than two caring animatronics who were in a ‘secret’ relationship and protected kids with their lives? 

 To arcade machines they go! 

Chapter Text

 Eclipse grumbled, staring at the rain, pouring down and hitting the glass. Raindrops trickled down the windows as Charlie and Henry stayed in the living room, all the other kids, alongside other animatronics, listening as Ruin told them a story, presumably a fairy tale or something. He's had a knack for storytelling, even if it annoyed Eclipse a decent bit. 

 Back turned away from the back door now, he watched as everyone else listened to Ruin and Henry. Some minutes go by, before he physically flinches, hearing a loud crack from the sky. Thunder. 

 Curse him. Just his luck that it starts to thunder. 

 Eclipse bit his tongue, stepping closer to Henry's living room, attempting to be discreet. Unfortunately, his flinching, as the thunder cracked once more, was noticed, shown by a concerned glance from Henry. 

 “Ruin, can you keep an eye on the kids? Specifically Andrew and FC. Don't let them break anything. I'll be right back,” Henry said, standing up. 

 “Of course, dear Henry.. Take your time,” came Ruin's response, motioning for Tiger Rock to help him out, to which the Tiger agreed, if only because he wanted to tell stories to Charlie and Jake as well. 

 “What?” Eclipse asked coldly, hoping for Henry to back off, as he stood before Eclipse, who subtly stepped back. 

 “Are you good, ‘Clipse? You kinda flinched there. Something wrong with your systems?” Henry replied, concern spilling into his gaze. 

 As if Eclipse couldn't handle a bit of- Not fear. Wasn't fear. He can handle a bit of flinching. He's fine. 

 “I'm fine, Henry,” Eclipse said bluntly. “I-” 

 He flinched a bit more as the thunder snapped a bit louder, as if insulted, leaving Eclipse to stumble to the side slightly, though thankfully not being noticed by those still in the living room. 

 Unfortunately, he wasn't lucky enough for Henry to ignore it. “Eclipse, are you scared of thunder?” Henry asked, lowering his voice. The quietness in Eclipse was telling. 

 “... Come on, I think you should stay closer to the others-” 

  Eclipse twitched, rays retracting as his metallic heart skipped momentarily, startled at the raging thunder just outside. He wasn't scared. He wasn't scared, he simply wasn't- 

 “Come on. You can't hear thunder in certain parts of the house. Plus even if the living room is kinda loud with the kids talkin’ and Ruin telling stories, you can't hear thunder over them.” 

 Eclipse scoffed, but remained quiet for a moment, before nodding slowly, though only once. He cautiously followed the man into the living room, his audials being surrounded by happy chattering, and storytelling. He could even hear Tiger telling Charlie and Jake something about his past. Whatever it was, Jake seemed intrigued. 

 “Hi, Eclipse!” Charlie exclaimed, seeing him walk into the room alongside her dad. “Tiger was telling me and Jake about the concert thingies he used to do!” 

 “Ah, Henry. Andrew and FC haven't touched anything they shouldn't have,” Ruin said to Charlie's father, who gave a thank you in return. 

 Sitting down, begrudgingly listening to multiple conversations at ove, even a video game and tv show – it was surprising that the TV didn't shut off yet, nor the power –, Eclipse did realize Henry was right. Not that he'd admit it, though. Not in front of more than five people, at least. 

 He wasn't fond of joining into many conversations, but he did eventually speak up when Ruin started telling a tale about him. Might as well not hear a dramatic replacement, and better to have the actual, true details. Though judging by Ruin's eyes, as Eclipse spoke, something told him that Ruin wanted him to interrupt. Knowing his luck, Ruin probably could tell he was startled by the thunder. 

 .. Whatever. Back to telling things the way they actually went, to prevent Ruin from being overdramatic like usual. 

Chapter Text

 Nova frowned, staring at the ceiling, with his back on the steel table; And his arms strapped down. He'd been here for a couple hours… When will the others get here? Are they going to let him and Frost sit up yet? Get their joints reattached and reset, so they could move? Will he be released soon-? 

 Perhaps his eyes said his worries easily; As Frost's transparent figure walked over to the table, leaning over his other's head; Frowning a little as he stared into Nova's tired eyes. He brought a hand down to Nova's cheek; Allowing his fingers to drift against and down his brighter half's face, with a ghostly touch. 

 “Nova.. We'll be okay,” Frost said softly, bringing his other hand to his dearest’s rays; And massaging them lightly, as if to soothe the other. 

 Nova hummed, eyes sadly looking into the ones before him. He was scared, truth be told. And it was clear how Nova worried for them both; And their safety. But, Frost always manages to reassure them, and comfort them whenever he grows afraid or weary. It was something Nova liked about him. How kind and loving he was. 

 Nova exhaled softly, attempting a small smile as his beloved nuzzled against his forehead, earning a small giggle from the brighter. As Frost pulled back to gaze into his dearest's eyes once again; Nova's eyes brightened more, as he spoke up. 

 “Mmh.. Thank you, Frosty… you're so sweet..” Nova said, as his eyes softened to a loving, calmer look. 

 “Sweet enough for you?” Frost asked playfully, tilting his head and winking. 

 Nova laughed, his rosy cheeks brightened slightly, enjoying Frost's playful teasing. “Oh, Frosty!” 

 “Heh, I take that as a yes, Firefly?” 

 “Mmhm.. I wanna kiss you!” Nova said suddenly, earning a light chuckle from the darker. 

 Frost hummed lightheartedly. “I could…” He said, pretending to think for a moment. 

 Nova pouted slightly; But it was all in good fun as Frost leaned closer, causing Nova to drop the facade rather swiftly, and allowing a nervous smile to slip back onto his face. 

 Frost moved to another side of the table, so his face would be on the same position as Nova's, rather than seemingly upside down to him; never letting his hand slip from Nova's rays, but allowing his other hand to readjust their position; Gently cupping Nova's face, as he leaned in. 

 Frost closed his eyes as Nova did too, pressing a soft kiss onto the brighter's lips, and lightly stroking Nova's rays, petting them lightly and lovingly, as they separated, and their faces remained up to a foot apart, staring lovingly and softly into each other's eyes. 

 “I love you, Firelight,” Frost hummed, getting closer again, and nuzzling against the other with a ghostly touch. 

 “Oh, I love you, too, Nightflower,” Nova giggled, subconsciously nuzzling against the other as well. 

 … 

 Solar quietly stepped back, leaving the room unnoticed. He made his way to Moon's office, and waved him down. 

 “Yeah, Solar? Did you let them off the table yet?” Moon asked his brother. 

 “Uhh.. You know, I was going to, but..” Solar clicked his tongue, a hand on the back of his head awkwardly. “Maybe we should wait a couple minutes.” 

 “Whyyy-?” Moon asked, dragging the question out as he tilted his head, and raised an eyebrow. 

 “Well if we were to look at the cameras, you'd probably see them flirting, or something,” Solar said bluntly. 

 “Oh-” Moon coughed a moment before counting. “Maybe we should leave them be for a minute, then. Give them some time to flirt or kiss or whatever it is they do-” 

 “Yeah. No kidding, we should leave them be for a bit,” Solar said, before shaking his head. “We should tell them it's legal now, shouldn't we?” 

 “And have them be aware that we saw them on the cameras they didn't even know we're there?” Moon questioned. “Better idea, we subtly mention gay couples, mention they're lovers of the same gender, and mention that they're married. And then they can come out of that glass closet they're in once they realize it's fine to love each other, and whenever they're ready.” 

 “Moon. You're aroace. Why and how did you come up with such an elaborate scheme already??” Sun questioned, sparing a concerned look to his twin. 

 “Will it work for you, too?” Moon asked teasingly. 

 “I'M NOT G-” Sun burst out, being cut off by Moon, who called over his shoulder as he jumped out of his seat. 

 “WE KNOW YOU ARE!” Moon exclaimed, rushing out of the office; Only to be chased by his twin, and leaving Solar to blink, before facepalming and running after the two. 

 No sense in letting Sun strangle Moon, even if he wouldn't kill him. 

Chapter Text

 Frost held up the plushie, studying it carefully. The fox plush looked nice. And it was soft, too. No wonder Jack liked his own so much. It was especially nice of the little one to convince Molten to give Novafrost such a plush. And for free. 

 “So cuttteee!” Nova squealed, arms wrapped around Frost's neck as his transparent body leaned forward, chest pressing against Frost's back, as he nuzzled his ghostly head against the one currently in control of their shared body. “Jack is such a good kid!” 

 “Mmh. He is, isn't he, Firefly?” Frost agreed, watching his beloved from the corner of his eye. 

 “Ooh! Do you think he'd want to dance more? Dancing is fun!” Nova smiled. 

 “I do not know, Nova. Would you want to ask?” 

 Luckily, they didn't have to. Jack came darting from the backroom, and made it to Frost's side, jumping excitedly. 

 “FRROSTTTTS!!” Jack exclaimed loudly, holding his own Foxy plush lightly. 

 “Yes, Jack?” 

 “Can we danceeee!?” 

 “Ooh! Frosty! Jack wants to danceee!” Nova cheered happily. 

 “Hmm.. Okay,” Frost nodded, agreeing with the idea. “Let's set our plushies down, okay?” He said, tilting his head. 

 “Okay!” Jack grinned, setting his plushie down on the closest table, with Frost following up to his side, and repeating the action, though ensuring to keep a bit of distance between the similar plushies, to avoid any mix-ups with them both. 

 “Do you have a song, little one?” Frost questioned, subconsciously shuffling his feet. 

 “Ooh! Yeah! Follow meeee!” Jack replied, leading them to his Pirate Cove. 

 Jack powered up some sort of.. Electronic? Tablet? Phone? Something like that. Nova and Frost were still slightly confused on certain modern aspects. But, they knew the basics. Jack seemed to go onto some site, and choose a song. As it started up, he set the device down and immediately stood back up from the stair, and led Frost and his transparent lover off the stage, and to whatever free room there was to dance. 

 Jack took Frost's hands happily, remembering how Frost and Nova taught him to dance, as a familiar song came on. One of Jack's favorites. 

 Jack took steps to the sides, twirling and spinning and laughing happily as Frost did the same, dancing alongside the younger lad. Nova danced as well, though only Frost could see him do so. Sharing a glance, the two smiled at each other for a moment, before Frost turned back to Jack, and continued to dance with him, happy to see the child so happy and excited. 

 Frost and Jack took different sides, dancing by themselves, stepping closer forwards and back away, twirling and dancing to the rhythm of the music. Despite being used to 80s music, Nova and Frost couldn't help but enjoy most of the music Jack had shown them. Everyone had rather decent taste in music, they'd admit willingly. It was fun, dancing to all of it for the most part. 

 Roxanne hesitantly stepped forward, seeing them dance happily, before nervously waving hello. 

 “Is it okay if I.. dance, too?” She asked anxiously, earning a quick tug on her hand by Jack. 

 “Yesss!” Jack exclaimed. 

 Roxy was a bit surprised, but swiftly went with it. She wasn't as good at dancing as Frost or Nova, but she was pretty decent. She danced beside Jack, smiling softly at the child. 

 “Nova. Do you want to switch out?” Frost whispered silently, hearing his darling agree, and switching control over to him, in the middle of a spin. 

 Nova danced beside the two, with the darker of the shared body dancing by his side as well, occasionally guiding and nudging Roxanne in the right direction for dancing, happily taking her hands and spinning her kindly and carefully. 

 By now, Chica willingly joined in, and so did Solar, believe it or not. Who would've guessed he knew how to dance? He danced with his son, guiding him carefully whenever his pumpkin kid stumbled slightly, before eventually switching spots with Nova, dancing by Roxanne as the brighter danced alongside Jack. 

As more music continued to play, Moon, Sun and Monty watched from the stage, not wanting to disrupt them. And presumably to blackmail Solar with a video of him dancing, if the phone in Moon's hands were anything to go by. 

 Nova and Jack shared a glance, smiling warmly at each other, with transparent Frost by their sides as they continued onwards. It was like a thank you, between the child and the other. Perhaps it was from shared issues, such as being controlled remotely, and being forced to kill, that made them bond. Maybe something else. But no matter reasoning, the trio knew; Nova and Frost started to see this specific kiddo as family. A nephew, if you will. 

 “Thank youUuuu!” Jack whisper-cheered quietly, as Nova once more took Jack's hands to guide him. “Uncles!” 

 Nova's eyes lit up, nodding in acknowledgement. 

 Look out Solar. Your kid has been dubbed their nephew! 

Chapter Text

 “Ooh, I really like this place, Frosty!” Nova cooed, taking the arcade in. 

 Unique patterns on the carpet, posters here and there. Fun arcade games. Claw machines. With their plushies and the others' as well! And the prize counter… It was filled with such fun things! Larger plushies of Nova and Frost, cups matching Glamrock exteriors and their colors, and other various things! It was rather nice in Nova's eyes. And there was much more room to walk around, compared to the previous pizzeria. 

 “Mhm. Very nice,” Frost agreed, nodding quietly beside his other half. He seemed to be thinking. 

 “Hm? Well what are you thinking about, Frosty?” Nova asked, tilting his head as he turned to the transparent figure beside him. 

 “I think they said we might get our own rooms. What do you think ours would be like?” The darker asked curiously. 

 “Oh! You're right! They did say something like that! Hmmmm..” Nova bopped his head from side to side lightly, thinking carefully. “Ooh! Maybe like a darker color with a yellow stripe for the walls, or something! To match us! Maybe even a little place to do arts and crafts and stuff! Ooh-! Frosty! What if they give us something like a couch! I don't remember sitting on a couch before. Maybe it'll be red to match your pretty eyes..” Nova replied, giggling at the last bit. 

 “Hmm. I would like that.. Our own room. I don't think we ever had a personal room. None of us, I think.” Frost added on. “I would prefer something matching you, though..” 

 “Oh, Frosty!” Nova laughed a little, eyes lighting up just as his face did. “You're so silly!” 

 “Not as silly as you, love,” Frosty replied, his ghostly figure stepping closer to Nova, and gently wrapping his ghostly arm around Nova's back, nuzzling his head against his lover's collar, hugging him close to his chest lovingly. 

 “Aww!” Nova smiled, before hugging his ghostly other warmly, giggling softly as a kiss was pressed against one of his lower rays, eyes filled with soft sincerity as his dearest pulled away, resting his hands on the brighter's shoulders, staring at him with admiration. 

 “I love you, sweetie,” Frost hummed, bringing a hand up to Nova's face, and brushing his hand softly against it, before cupping his Light's face, and pressing a soft kiss on his lips, smiling softly as Nova returned it, happy to be with his darling, holding his transparent body with careful arms, rays shifting inward and outwards as he blushed a little. 

 No matter how long they've been together, Nova and Frost always seemed to fluster each other, flirting lovingly with each other, and consistently holding each other in comfort. And although it was usually Nova who was hurt more, being a bit more sensitive, Frost did all he could to reassure his beloved, from gently playing with his dearest Light's rays, to letting Nova curl up on their physical chest, humming softly to him with an arm around him. 

 They loved each other like that. The day and night, together. Forever. 

 …. 

 Molten and Jack watched from afar, at the prize counter, before glancing at each other quietly. 

 “Frost is kissing Nova,” Jack whisper-cheered to the spaghetti being beside him. 

 “Yes. I see them, too,” Molten whispered back, before silently taking a picture of the moment in his eyes. 

 Ah.. Right. The two could see both at the same time. Jack due to the drainage, after effects of the Dark Star Power, and Molten from his technology. 

 “Ooh! Frost is holding Nova's handssss!” Jack exclaimed quietly, his voice low. 

 They were an adorable sight, were they not? 

 … 

 Frost nuzzled against his darling's rays once more with his forehead, before bringing the brighter's hands up to his face, and kissing both lightly, eyes soft and loving, as his dearest giggled again, sharing a smile that warmed their metal hearts to the core. 

 They'd always love each other, and be by the other's side. No matter what. 

Chapter Text

 Nova hummed, his systems kicking on. Sitting up straight, he stretched his arms upwards, yawning as he flickered his eyes open. He felt a ghostly figure holding onto him tightly, yawning as well. Turning his head to the side, Nova saw his one and only other half, Frost, waking up as well. The brighter would smile softly, eyes soft, as he looked to the darker, who was nestled against him and the wall, eyes still closed as he clung onto Nova a bit more. 

 Frost was never one to wake up. Nova was fine with waking up, but the darker one always wanted to sleep a bit more, even if either woke up ‘late’. 

 Sun and Moon let them stay in the Security office, as that was where their large, earned plushies were as well. That, and according to even Molten, they needed space to be alone. Frost suspected Molten said it so they could have dates alone and in peace. It still bewildered him that the spaghetti monster could even see him, much more hear him. Despite it all, though, Frost accepted the room, dubbing it as his and Nova's temporary room, up until their own, personal room, was completed. 

 Frost clung onto Nova a bit tighter, nuzzling his face into his dearest's neck collar, hissing a little at the lights. Nova giggled a little, before speaking up, softly. 

 “Frosty-! Come on.. It's time to wake up,” Nova said, holding the arm that rested around his chest, knowing Frost wouldn't let go anytime soon. 

 “Mmh.. No,” Frost hummed, muffled. 

 “Aww-! Come on, Frosttt! Please?” Nova feigned a pout, despite knowing he didn't mind Frost and their typical morning pouts and frowns. 

 “I hate getting up,” Frost whined, nestling a bit closer to is dearest. “Five minutesssss..” 

 “Mrgh. Hmph!” Nova folded his arms, looking away from the darker's hoping his false upsetness would coax his love to move. 

 Of course, it doesn't work like that. Frost knows him far too well. 

 “Novi, my love. If you let me rest a bit more I'll give you a kiss, mkay?” Frost hummed, shifting just enough to lock eyes with his light. 

 Nova clearly heard, and was doing his best to continue feigning a pout. But, as he felt a soft kiss being pressed against his cheek, and one of his rays, he couldn't keep it up. He turned to see his little Frostbite, and locked eyes with a tired, but loving face looking back at him. 

 “Can I sleep a bit more, my little Supernova?” Frost asked, tilting his head, earning a giggle from the brighter, who couldn't hold it in. 

 “Okay, okay! Only a couple minutes though!” Nova agreed, smiling brightly as Frost went back to cuddling him. 

 “Mkay. Love you dear..” 

 “Aww! I love you, too, Frostbite!” 

 Nova let Frost nuzzled against him once more, allowing him to slumber some more, the only sounds were of mimicked, metal bodies breathing softly, just as humans did, when resting peacefully. 

 It won't hurt to sleep more, would it? Mmh.. Nova nuzzled his head against Frost's cap, using it as a soft pillow, closing his eyes, and allowing himself to fall asleep as well. 

 The last thing he heard before falling asleep once again was a soft murmur from Frosty. 

 “I love you, darling..” 

Chapter Text

 Nova opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he adjusted to the scape’s looks. Sitting upwards, tilting his head, he spotted a familiar face in the Mindscape, some feet away. 

 Frost had been acting a bit differently, Nova and Chica noticed. Whenever he was in control, he acted a bit off, stammering even. Especially with Nova talking to him. With Nova, stuttering was understandable. He did that sometimes, so it wasn't seen as strange. But for the other? For Frost? Now that. That was odd. 

 Nova had decided to talk to Frost, after he woke up from his own nap in their shared mindscape. However, Frost didn't bother going to his transparent persona, and instead stayed in their mind, concerning Nova heavily. So, Nova closed his eyes, letting go of his control over the physical body, and got ready to speak with the darker. 

 He stood up, and walked over to the figure, who was leaning against a soft beanbag, hat over eyes, and hands held together, resting between his chest and stomach with arms at his sides, as if trying to sleep once more. Kneeling down, Nova brought a hand to the hat, and gently pulled it upwards, and away from Frost's eyes, which blinked as he realized he was no longer alone. 

 Frost flinched, sitting up halfway, before locking eyes with his acquaintance. “N-Nova!” He yelped, pupils lighting up brightly. 

 “Frosty!” Nova said, in an unhappy tone. 

 He shouldn't sound like that. He should be happy. Why does he sound unhappy and hurt? Is that a worried tone? He's.. worried? 

 “Frosty, why do you keep acting off?” Nova asked, frowning. That face. He shouldn't be frowning. He should be smiling warmly like always. He.. 

 I-I’m fine, Nova,” Frost stammered, looking away, before feeling a hand swipe his hat away. “Wh-!” 

 “You aren't getting your hat back if you don't tell me,” Nova said. 

 “N- Nova. Please. I'm fine. I-I just- uhm-” Frost stuttered, as if searching for the right words to say. 

 “Frosty-” 

 “It's nothing!” 

 “Frosty! Tel-” 

 “Nova I ju-just said it's n-” 

 “You're scaring me, Frost!” Nova argued, silencing the defensive, avoidance of a tone of the other. 

 The words rang through Frost's audials like a bell catching attention to students. Scaring..? He's scaring him? 

 “Nova, I..” Frost sat up a bit more, hesitantly reaching a hand up, before pausing as the other turned his head away, eyes watering with oily tears. 

 “Frost, I've been worried about you!! A-All the time! I try to ask and I try again! And you never tell me! I'm scared you don't want to be here anymore! Are you mad at me? Did I hurt you? Frosty! I'm scared I'm going to lose my friend!” 

 Frost remained silent, watching almost helplessly as Nova started crying a little, wiping his mindscape tears as he continued to ramble, listing how afraid he was, and why. 

 Eventually, Frost relented, bringing his hand to Nova's face, cupping it slightly. Either Nova accepts it and wants it too, declines and wants him gone, or declines and pretends this didn't happen. Frost hoped it wouldn't be the second, as Nova paused himself, and looked to his darker friend, searching for answers in his soft, hesitant eyes. 

 “.. N-Nova..” Frost began, taking a deep, shaky inhale. “.. I thought it was nothing. I thought it was just nerves from b.. being in a newer pizzeria. Since Chris moved us here recently. B-But then I started thinking.. And it matched with how humans usually f-feel w.. when..” 

 “When what..?” Nova asked, holding the hand that remained on his own face, which shook slightly in nervousness. 

 “When t-.. When they get attached to someone. When they love spending time with each other. When they want to be.. more than friends.. I want that. With you. That's all I want..” 

 “Frosty, what're you saying?” 

 “I.. guess I'm saying I love you,” Frost said softly yet shakily, eyes staring off to nowhere, as he finished. “I want a relationship with you. I .. I-I just-.. Didn't want you to..” 

 He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to, for Nova to realize what he'd meant. Frost really did think that Nova would've wanted him gone if he'd admitted this, didn't he..? 

 Oh, Frosty… 

 Nova leaned a bit closer, letting his free hand stay by Frost's side, catching a startled attention from the darker as he calculated his next move. 

 “N-Nova –! What're yo-you-?” Frost stuttered, staring into his crush's white eyes, flustered. 

 Nova didn't consider a relationship before. He didn't even think to try one. But this? With.. Frost? 

 And sure, the public made it clear that men in love with men were seen as weird, and bad, but.. 

 Well, it's always been Frost with him. They were always friends. Always so, so close. Spending all their time together. And well, who said any relationship either had needed to be public? 

 “.. Okay.” 

 “O-kay–?” Frost tilted his head. It… was kind of adorable thinking about it. “Nova? Wh-” 

 Nova hugged Frost, snuggling against him, letting the hand on his face go, and wrapping it around Frost lovingly. 

 Frost stuttered, unsure what to do, when he heard a soft, warm, and comforting whisper coming from the brighter. “I'd like to try dating you.” 

 “R.. really?” Frost stared at the face that looked back up at him, blushing rather clearly. 

 “Mhm... But promise me you won't try avoiding me! I wanna know you're okay!” 

 “I.. Promise,” Frost said softly, as Nova adjusted his position, and leaned closer, before pressing a soft kiss against Frost's lips, hearing their shared heart kick-start at the action. 

 Frost was surprised, eyes widened, before narrowing them, and closing them fully, as he accepted it, bringing a hand to Nova's rays, and stroking a thumb against them, for the moment. 

 They separated, with eyes soft and caring. 

 … A new relationship, huh? 

 .. They could try. It couldn't hurt. Especially when Nova's realized he might feel the same way.. 

 Yeah. Relationships. Lovers. The cold and warm. They could do this. It's just the two of them. ‘Just the two of us..’ 

Chapter Text

 “I'm bored,” Frost said, nestled between not only two arcade machines, but the arcade wall as well. He sat with his legs folded, as a familiar, ghostly figure sat to his side, as best he could, patting the physical body's back in sympathy. 

 They'd been told that Jack was going to be an hour late getting here, due to Solar's car breaking down. Well, it turns out it's been roughly two hours instead. Because somebody came after Solar? Frost wasn't sure. Moondrop was a tad bit cryptic on it. 

 Sure. They weren't open today. But Nova and Frost wanted to play games with Jack! He's such a sweet kid! A bit mischievous, but the kid's got his heart in the right place. 

 “He should be here soon!” Nova said softly, leaning against the darker’s side patiently, accepting the small bop of the other's head resting against his own. 

 “Mmh.. I hope Jackal's okay..” Frost murmured, eyes closing as he went silent, calmer with his brighter's reassurance. 

 Some minutes went by, before familiar footsteps came close, and a voice spoke to the two. 

 “Frost. Nova. I forbid you from sitting all depressed,” Molten spoke, looking down at the duo. 

 Frost grumbled, leaning back, away from Nova, as he opened his eyes, looking up to the spaghetti being before him. “Not depressed!” 

 “Jack is here. He wants to play Uno with us.” 

 Nova perked up, hearing Molten's words, and switching to a bit more excited approach. “Really!? Oh! We haven't really played Uno in a while, I think!” 

 “Is he at the main stage?” Frost questioned, subconsciously tilting his head. Adorable. Especially to Nova.. 

 “He is by the kitchen. At a table. He has brought Uno with him. I shall defeat you both in such a game.” 

 “You're on,” Frost said swiftly, standing upright immediately, Nova following suit. 

 …. 

 “NOOOO!” Jack exclaimed, pouting as he'd been ‘Plus four-ed’. 

 “Color. Is now blue,” Molten simply replied. 

 Oh. That stubborn spaghetti. How is he so good at this game!? 

 “Ooh! Frosty! Put that one down!” Nova whispered to his sweeter Frostbite, pointing at a card with interest. 

 “This one?” Frost double-checked, tapping the card with his thumb curiously, earning a nod in approval. 

 “I find it a bit unfair you two are on the same ‘team’,” Molten said, staring at the couple judgingly. 

 “Well we share a body! It's very reasonable..” Nova mumbled, sitting closer to his dearest, arms wrapped around his neck, with the transparent head of the brighter on the darker's shoulder, comfortably. 

 “I don't think Nova and Frost wanna separate,” Jack said, as Frost placed down a card. 

 “If Nova wants us to, maybe. But I don't want to separate. Never from him,” Frost said quietly, smiling softly, glancing at the one holding onto him lovingly. Nova pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, before going back to nuzzling him. 

 “I don't wanna separate. I don't think so, at least..” 

 “Fair. Enough,” Molten replied, before throwing down another card. Okay. Nope. He's gotta be cheating. Another plus four!? Poor Jack! He's already pouting and sour at the card now. 

 “NNNOOOO!” Jack face-planted on the table, grumbling in resignation, knowing he'd have to accept his fate. 

 “You have to be cheating. You can't be that lucky, Molten,” Frost stared at Molten, almost challengingly. 

 “Maybe. Maybe not.” 

 Oh, they're on! 

 …. 

 More than three hours. Spent playing Uno. And it was both hilarious as it was frustrating. At some point, Frost gave chase after Molten, who inevitably was tag teamed by Novafrost and Jack, once Jack realized he started cheating in the second round of playing. 

 And now? 

 Now; Molten was trapped, stuck laying stomach down on the floor, with plushies covering him. The large ones. His very own prizes ‘crushing’ him, with Jack laying on some of the plushies as well. Even Frost was sitting down on the floor, leaning against the soft, plush bodies happily. He stayed close to Jack, patting his shoulder softly, listening as he talked cheerily about a friend of his. 

 “And Dazzle's really nice. She's my cousin but also my friend. And stuff. She likes dolls I think. I don't have dolls. Maybe I can ask my father for dolls! They look pretty..” Jack rambled on. “Do you think there's pirate dolls, too?” 

 “Hm.. Maybe. We can check online if you want. Moon gave us the password to the computer in his office.” 

 “Yyyay!!”;Jack exclaimed, smiling happily as he hugged Frost lightly. “Okay!” 

 “Aww! I wanna hug, too!” Nova exclaimed, eyes shining. 

 “Huggg!” Jack replied, instantly hugging the transparent persona by his and Frost's side. 

 It was nice, knowing not only Molten but Jack could see whoever wasn't in control of their shared body. It was odd at first, but after a vague explanation of ‘adaptium metals' and ‘some kind of drainage of bad stuff’, the duo accepted it plainly. It was even weirder that they could physically touch the ghostly figure like Nova and Frost could, but hey. It just meant they didn't have to consistently switch who was and wasn't in control for hugs and conversations! 

 “Hug!” Nova replied back, accepting the hugging gratefully. 

 “Can I be freed from this torment?” Molten asked, earning a bonk on the head from Jack's nearby Stop sign. 

 “No! Not until you apologize!” Jack exclaimed. 

 “Sorry. May I be released from this prison now?” 

 “Mmmhh… Okay!” Jack stood up, Nova and Frost doing so as well. 

 “Do it again and you're taking a nap,” Frost hummed lightheartedly, dragging the plushies off the spaghetti underneath. 

 “Understood.” 

Chapter Text

 A.. lot has happened. So, so much. While Eclipse was still harsh towards him, and with good reason, he was allowed to stay, even after everything was over. 

 What was everything, you ask?.. 

 It started with the Mimic. They came after Charlie and her father during their walk, chasing them, eventually following them into the pizzaplex. Eclipse and Flare did their best to fight them off, but when Jackie came in.. 

 Eclipse was lucky he hadn't been beheaded. Especially when Afton came in. He came after Ruin, ripping him apart multiple times, only to get frustrated each time he came back. 

 Tiger Rock managed to help Flare fight off the Mimic, essentially killing them mercilessly. Eclipse had his arm ripped off, but Charlie made her way to Jackie, and killed them off all the same. The others heard the fighting, Molly and Ballora darting to Ruin's side, wanting him away from Afton. It was for naught, though. Afton went after Ballora, leaving Ruin to stand before her, letting a burning, Agony filled hand slice through his chest, and rip a hole through it. 

 Eventually Eclipse made it to Ruin's side, when he'd been revived that moment around. Despite the anger he still felt from Lefty's death, he didn't exactly hate Ruin, no matter if he'd deny it or not. He helped the barely stabilized Ruin up, from the ground, as Molly did her best to hurt Afton. 

 But as Afton was the last of the villains standing, it was a face off between him, Tiger Rock, and Ruin. At least, it were; Until Charlie had darted out of a room nearby, leaving her father's side as she raised her hand, and used her powers swiftly. 

 She flickered her power over the room, various others that were sworn to be dead rising from pure magic, etching their lives and names into the book of life, as not only Lefty was arisen, but Killcode, Puppet, and Ruin's Monty. His own Monty. Puppet, even.. And so much more. 

 While most were dazed, Puppet and Ruin's love were wary, taking to Afton's side as Puppet shouted a command. 

 “HOLD HIM DOWN!” She shouted, teeth gritting, as the familiar Gator slid to Afton's side, holding him down forcibly. 

 Puppet had made it to a position, standing before Afton in a hateful stance, as she used her powers, killing him off for certainty. 

 What happened next..? 

 A reunion. Between multiple people, some of whom were once close. Despite Ruin's weak form, he was held closely to his Monty, who just so happened to drag Tiger Rock into the hug as well, as if to say thank you, for protecting him. 

 And now? Now, Ruin lay on the couch, groaning at the discomfort he felt. 

 He looked away, as he heard Rocks chuckle dryly. “I guess this is what happens when you fight people..” 

 “I.. do not like your attitude, Tiger Rock.” 

 He felt even more betrayed when Monty didn't deny it, only to sit with his legs crossed beside the couch. “Sweetie, we're all pretty banged up. Oh, love, don't look away. You know the cute tiger's right.” 

 Ruin blinked, looking over to his love, tilting his head curiously. “Cute tiger?” 

 “Love. We literally just went on a date with Rocks not even a day ago,” Monty hummed, resting an arm around Ruin's chest, pressing a kiss on his cheek. 

 Ruin sat up as best he could, only for Monty to get up, and sit beside him, preventing him from getting far. 

 “Tiger might be cute,” Ruin murmured, as he felt his legs and back limp, leaning against Monty in defeat. “But he's got a stupid attitude…” 

 Tiger Rock only rolled his eyes, chuckling with amusement. He sat beside the two, a hand running through Ruin's rays carefully. He found it adorable how Monty and Ruin rested beside each other, mimicking humanoid breathing through their vents, softly. 

He finds it amusing, despite it all, that he somehow found two lovers. And the thing is; Both of these idiots are meant to be dead! How does one fall in love with these dashing, loving, caring undead animatronics? Without issue? (If you pardon Ruin's dramatics, of course..) 

 “Eclipse you should rest,” Monty said simply, nuzzling against his nightcap lightly. “Me and Rocks will be with you.” 

 Ruin hummed quietly, shifting to his side with all his strength, eyes closed, as he nuzzled against his Gator's chest, accepting the arms that wrapped around him softly. Tiger stretched, before adjusting his position, resting on one side of Monty, as the Gator adjusted his and Ruin's own position, leaving Ruin to comfortably cling onto him, head resting on his chest, as he slept between the two taller loves. 

 Tiger snickered, before covering them all with a blanket, and snuggling close to Ruin, wrapping an arm around him and the third, as Monty did vice versa. 

 As they drifted semi peacefully off to sleep, Ruin was certain he could faintly hear Puppet whisper from the doorway.. 

 “Gay.” 

Chapter Text

 Coming online, his systems kick-started. He heard his fans whirring, his optics clicking on. He opened his eyes, blinking a few times as everything came to focus. Stepping forwards, he stretched his limbs, letting a yawn escape past his sharp teeth. 

 He glanced around, recognizing the back of the stage swiftly. Right! His height was being adjusted by Solar if memory serves right. He certainly felt taller! 

 “Glad you're up,” Solar spoke up from his side. “How are you feeling, Nova?” 

 Nova looked over his shoulder, to his left, and grinned. “I'm great!” He exclaimed, before realizing something. “Wait- I can move my teeth now! I can open my mouth more!” 

  His transparent other half, Frost, stood by the bubbly brighter, peering over his shoulder at the new height, studying it for a moment, curiously, before stepping back, and smiling kindly. 

 “Hah. Yeah, Jack said it would be easier for you and Frost to eat things now. Why don't you go look in the mirror? In the restroom,” Solar said, offering a small smile to the brighter. 

 “Okay! Thanks, Solar!!” Nova exclaimed happily, turning towards the curtain, and leaving backstage, practically skipping with glee. 

 He made his way to the restrooms, waltzing into the men's restroom, and standing before the sink, peering at his new height, and gasping lightly, his eyes sparkling. “We're so tall!” Nova exclaimed softly. 

 His eyes didn't leave the mirror, as Frost’s ghostly figure stepped to his side, resting his hands on the sink's edge, studying his own sight. 

 He was taller, too. And his mouth moved easily, as he spoke to Nova, looking at him with admiration tucked into his gaze. “You still look very pretty, Novi..” He said softly. 

 Nova looked away from the mirror, and to his Frosty with love, eyes soft and caring. “You look very pretty, too, Frosty.. Maybe we should see you!” 

 Frost nodded gently, agreeing with his dearest. Switching to control the physical body, he and Novi swapped places. 

 He saw as Nova's eyes lit up even more, as did his face. Curious, he'd look in the mirror, and realize his pupils were a bit different. They could change their shape, it seemed, as they changed to hearts, glancing at Nova with his adoration. 

 “That's so cute!” Nova said, astonished. 

 Frost hummed, turning away from the sink, and cupping Nova's face gently, eyes narrowed but caring. “And so are you, Novi.” 

 Frost's love filled eyes lit up more, as he heard Nova's soft giggle. Frost gently pulled Nova closer, pressing a soft kiss on his head, an arm wrapped around him softly. Nova hugged him back, both transparent arms wrapped tightly above his shoulders, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. 

 Frost wrapped his other arm around Novi as well, holding him close, occasionally nuzzling against his rays with care. Minutes passed, before Nova moved his head, just so he could look into Frost's eyes. 

 “I love you,” Nova said softly, as Frost looked down at him. 

 He swore Frost's face clicked brighter, as it often does, when he said those words. 

 “I love you too, Firefly,” Frost admitted, bringing one hand up from Nova's back, and using it to cup his face, before pressing a soft, gentle but caring kiss to his lips, with Nova accepting lovingly. 

 Who could blame the darker, for loving such a bright light like Nova? Someone so bright, caring.. They've known each other for what must be more than thirty years. More than thirty years, spent together, being by each other's side, and loving every moment of it. 

 The warmth and the colder would always stick together. No matter what. Whether through love, or for protecting the little ones. They'll stay by each other's side. Forever. 

Chapter Text

 They slumped to the floor, heart shattering as he felt his facade crack. 

 What was he now? 

 What was the point? 

 He lost it all. 

 He tried, tried not to see them the same. He didn't want to think of them as a replacement. 

 He didn't want that. 

 He couldn't replace his love. 

 He couldn't. 

 He simply couldn't fall in love again. 

 It wouldn't be right. 

 But staring at their eyes, looking at them smile, the feelings pursued. 

 They came crawling as if there wasn't an issue. 

 As if they weren't unwanted. 

 He couldn't love them that way. He was the only one for him, and he was gone. 

 His world was gone. 

 The virus came around, taking his world down with it. 

 He thought he could not love another. 

 He didn't want to. 

 But he did. 

 He saw them, and his broken, old heart started beating once again. 

 To the same tune the other did. 

 Thump, thump, thump. 

 Love, love, love. 

 He loved them, he could not lie. 

 But he didn't want to love them. 

 He felt it wrong to move on. 

 Oh, why couldn't he just rid of these feelings that clung onto him like a tick, draining him of his will to fight it off. 

 To fight off the love he knew he felt for them. 

 A measly small deal, turned to a boiling feeling pumping his heart with love, as if it were a watering well that never ended. 

 He didn't want to leave his old love behind again. He wanted to join his side.

 But he could not die. 

 And now the arrival of another has come to a stop, perching their image in his beating heart like a melody of love and admiration. 

 He couldn't help but crave their affection. A hug, or a kiss perhaps. 

 Anything. 

 And yet he hated himself for it. 

 He was moving away, straying farther from the world he knew before. Away from his everything. Away from him. 

 His new chance at love came at a cost and a gift. 

 A gift for another love, but a cost of an old one. 

 He cried, mangled silent screams scratching at his throat, clawing their way out to be audial. To be heard. 

 He didn't want to move on. 

 But oh, did he want to be with them. 

 To cuddle them, love them, adore them is all he wished for. 

 But he felt it wrong. 

 He could not let go of his world. Not for another. 

 But he wanted to. 

 He felt his world slipping away. Slipping from his fingertips and away from the ring of promise — a promise for another day, a good one. A day with him. 

 He could not have both. 

 He could not live with the cost. 

 But he could not die with the gift. 

 He wanted both. 

 But feared for either. 

 He wanted his lover back, one dead as their home. 

 He wants a new darling, one as live as his battery. 

 Was he wrong to feel this way? Turmoil toiling away, strapping him into a cage he feared he could not leave? 

 What was he to do, when all he wanted was someone to hold him, reassure him it was okay? 

 To let go of the cost, is to lose his old world. 

 To let go of the gift, is to lose his only friend. 

 To win one thing is to lose another. 

 Another who may stay dead. 

 Or another who may live on. 

 But he could not choose. 

 He could not lose again. 

 His broken, beating heart could only take so much. 

 Before it shatters like the weakened glass it was.