#the pink is cute as always uwu

[bitchfitch]

first 9x9 solve, it took forever but Hey! i did it :]

[unholyplumpprincess]

Fun facts for those of you that follow my peachy chronicles (not that I update abt my life recently but lmao): But I went from being upset i wasn't being treated well/right by people to now putting down my foot and stating my needs/wants clearly without room to misunderstand me.

And I think that's super important progress! The problem is is that now I'm seeing p clearly how and where people treat me and it's not very fun! I'm v good at compromises and am super patient! And I'm realizing people take that hella for granted and it's like. Dude.

Im just happy I'm figuring it out! Being autistic and people being my special interest is,,,hard bc I know where ppl perceive me and how ppl can use that and it's just,,,

Gosh idk! I think it's great progress but strange.

[yanderemommabean]

Oh, oh, oh! Yandere virus, but it one day coming into school, the girls who normally bully you are acting strange. When you see them in the hallway, you are expected to be laughed at or shoves to the ground. However, you didn't expect to be shoved against the wall as they stare you down with a dangerous and lustful glint in their eye, telling you about all the plans they have in store for you. They force you to wear matching clothes and make sure everyone knows who you belong to and not to even try anything. Maybe you're forced to live in the house. Bonus if the other hold you down as the ring leader eats you out, as the others tell you how cute you are uwu

“Ah ah ah. You aren’t going anywhere” A voice chirps in your ear. You wince, sighing as the three surround you once again as class is dismissed and everyone heads to the dorms for the evening. Honestly, if you were perhaps a bit stronger, a bit less self conscious, you might spit in their faces and make a run for it. Sadly, you aren’t some badass (and admittedly, one dimensional) character and are frozen in place as they wait for the others to leave. 

They don't intervene. They know better. These young women have power, wealth, and beauty in their arsenal, and aren't afraid to use it to get what they want, and to silence anyone who complains. Phoebe, Sadie, and Naomi, all from powerful families who more or less run this college and the town. You don't doubt they paid the administrators and dean to get into this place, while you had to work hard and prove yourself. 

None of that matters at the moment. Currently, Phoebe was twirling her fingers in your hair like you two were close friends or even dating, smiling almost wickedly at you as her eyes, usually hazel, now with an odd pink ring, stare at you like you were some prey about to be eaten and devoured. Usually they just shove you around and make fun of your clothes, but today…Something's off. Very very off. 

“Isn’t she so cute you guys?” She says, sickly sweet, you want to say mocking but no, it's like there’s something more flirtatious with it. “Oh definitely, I just want to sink my teeth in her, you know? Make her whimper” Naomi adds on, hand to her cheek as she stares at you like one would a puppy being precious. Oh god hearing that made you think they were about to hurt you or humiliate you in some way. 

Sadie just sighs, not in your direction, looking over her shoulder to make sure the halls were clear, and once they were truly empty of everyone else, she made sure the grip on your wrists were tighter. “Listen up. We have some new rules set in place, and you, adorably obedient as you are, are going to follow them”. Oh wow. The audacity. Then again you never really put up a fight so, are they really wrong? What other choice did you have anyway? If they wanted to, they could make your family kicked out of town and their jobs nonexistent. It’s best to just grit your teeth as best you can. 

While you tried to listen, Phoebe made sure she got closer, her hand on you as well, but more exploring, sliding up and down your sleeve and trying to dip her fingers into the hem to feel your wrist, dragging them up and down softly as Sadie began to speak again. “You’re ours. Simple as that. No more avoiding the lobby when we’re there, no more trying to get little study dates away from the school library, no more trying to hide from us”. “I'm sorry what-” “Ah ah, she’s not finished cutie” Naomi says with a gentle touch slowly sliding to your waist, her cold fingertips acting like they wanted to slide under your shirt to feel the warmth of your skin, her brown eyes also having that odd pink ring in her iris. “Go on Sadie, she’ll be good and listen. She always is” 

You felt your cheeks grow impossibly hot, words failing you as all three of these girls began to more or less feel you up and tell you that…That you were theirs? Whatever that could mean? Sadie just sighs, more playful this time as she cups your cheek and makes you look at her, the same weird coloration in her eyes. “You’re ours. No more private study dates, no more drabby clothes, no more avoiding food when we’re in the commons or cafeteria, just a lot more rules and a lot more dress code for you. Tsk, I can’t tell if I want you in a skirt, or if I'd stab any bastard who’d look at you when you wear one. Maybe some cute pants? Ugh they’d still lay their eyes on you either way, makes me want to just call mom and have the banks foreclose their houses”. 

“Please Don’t-” “Ah ah, don’t even try it. You’re ours, if we want to punish people for looking at our puppy, we will” Phoebe comments, her fingers moving to hold your hand and give the top of it a gentle kiss. “Speaking of puppy” Naomi mentions, nodding her head towards the others, and before you can blink you’re turned over, face to the wall. You hear Sadie murmur something as she rummages through her bag for a moment, and you feel her hands slide around your throat before something clicks behind your head, and your eyes widen in horror.

“There we go! I made sure it wouldn’t be too tight, the guy who made it for me was such an artist about it, I love it! If he would’ve said no, you know I’d have his business ruined” She mentions casually, getting a few soft giggles in agreement. 

“Here sweetie! Have a look at how cute you are when you show that you belong to us” Naomi says, handing you her phone as a mirror. You feel weak and shaky as your fingers come up to touch the bright pastel pink leather, a metal heart in the center pressing against your throat. You reach around to feel the back and feel a harsh shock to your fingers, making you yelp. 

“Oh, sweetheart, don't try and take it off! It was so expensive but I got a cute one to work as a shock collar. Shower safe but anytime you take one, one or all of us will be with you, so you won't have to worry about taking it off yourself. We’ll talk more about the rules later in our dorm”. You shiver, unable to think of how to talk. What in the fuck could you even say? You just had a designer shock collar put on you by your bullies! Who are now acting like you were their chew toy or pet no less. “O-our dorm?”.

Phoebe nods, gently stroking your hair “Yeah, duh! How else will we keep a better eye on you? Cameras are fine and all but I prefer to make sure you’re warm with one of us sharing a bed with you. Plus, it’s easier to kiss you good morning faster”. “K-Kiss?!” You almost shriek, only for Naomi to softly hush you with a finger to your lips. “Now now, don’t get loud! We don’t need that just yet”. She pouts, hearing her phone going off and checking the time. “Well, we have to split for now, I have a dinner with mom and dad. You two take her to the dorm and tell me how she acts! Don't do anything more pretty please? We said we’d share her”. 

You don't get much out before Naomi heads off, Phoebe and Sadie gripping your arms a bit too firmly to lead you, talking back and forth like you weren’t making a practical death march down to their dorm room. 

Oh God what’s going to happen once that door is shut?

-Mommabean (Hiya! Sorry for lack of smut but I am proud I wrote this much at least lol. If you beans want i can do a part two! Wanted to try and flesh this out before anything too intense ya know? Anyway I hope you like! Lemme know if you do!)

[jymwahuwu]

jing yuan + corruption kink with reader who idolizes him🫠he thinks it’s super cute when your eyes sparkle whenever he compliments you or how you’re always eager to please so of course he has to see how far he can go with that he starts off small just hold his hand kiss him a couple times then it goes to suck him off while he works you’ll obviously do it for him right? he had such a long day too you’ll help your beloved general right

Sorry for the late reply T-T I have too many drafts…and it's so relatable with me. I will look at Jing Yuan with admiration and follow him🥺

CW: corrupt kink, yandere, oral sex

Jing Yuan is hundreds of years old, and you are inexperienced, pure, and adorable in his eyes. Your "experience" means nothing to him. Not to mention, it's also impossible to kiss anyone else now, except him. He used some tricks to force you into a corner. His tall, imposing figure covers you, and you have no choice but to stammer and honestly confess your admiration and love for him. Jing Yuan told you that there is a "training plan" here, just for you.

Training… plan?

You tilt your head, not understanding what the general means, but you are eager to please him. You nodded and agreed.

This is a great opportunity for some requests like: a good lover will kiss your boyfriend at least 8 times a day and hold his hand and tell him that how much you love him uwu

You shyly take his hand and kiss him quickly on the cheek in public. Jing Yuan wants to announce your cuteness to the world.

However, the corruption does not stop there. Kissing and holding hands are just the basics. It is important that you relieve the general's stress and desires while he works. Under the desk of the Seat of Divine Foresight, you squat down, and 5-6 pink threads protrude from your soaked underwear and fall to the ground. These are custom-made vibrators that vibrate and swirl inside you silently and relentlessly. Jing Yuan increased the vibration level while reading the document.

And you couldn't touch yourself, you could only open your lips, which were filled with his cock. The general had to train your throat, pat your head, and push the back of your head forward. You suppressed a moan, tears splashing on his cock, and looked at him confused and a little aggrieved. The fluid dripped between your legs and began to form a lustful little puddle.

Taking away all your clothes is also good "training". You had to plead with him through teary eyes and take the initiative to please him. Those fluffy cat ears and cat tail are bought for you, and you will be grateful to him, right? Your butt is stuffed with the cat's tail, and the seed that's been poured into it can't flow out. "…meow…meow~♥"

This is preparation for you to become his spouse. He said.

Eventually, you'll be moaning and screaming in pleasure as you're penetrated, eyes filled with desire and adoration. You are his perfect spouse and can never leave him again.

Now the training plan is successful😚💓

[koolades-world]

Hihihihi, in case ya remember me, im the Pain-sensitive anon, and in case i will request again remember me as BigS, because my requests are as big as my S, but enough about that.

Poor you, so many requests. Drink water, be stronger that those 637181 requests, don't let them kill you!!!

But im here to torture you with another one~

So i have an album with 3814 Asmodeus screenshots(I FKIN LOVE MY BOYFRIEND!!!), and i had an idea "dam, if Asmo became real, it would be very hard to explain why i have 4k pics with him... " So here is request!

Brothers, finding out that MC's new hyperfixation is... them?

Apparently MC is neurodivergent or something like that, and as many neurodivergent ppl, they have a hyperfixation! They just randomly becoming very interested in something specific and collect stuff with it, talk with everyone about it, and remember every single detail about it! Like Levi with TSL.

But one day, brothers realise that MC stopped talking about their past fixation and was less interested with it. They think that "Oh, they probably just found something new!". But one day, they take MC's phone just to find that... They have a giant album in their gallery that is dedicated only to him????

The album has every photo he posted on Devilgram, every photo that he send MC, some unique photos that MC shooted themselves, even some chat screenshots with times when he said something cute to them! They even was photographing thigs that "reminds of him". Like some cheeseburger with "Beel vibes", Blue flower that "Looks like Luci" or gorgeous mannequin that "feels like Asmo".

If its someone like Asmo, he would also notice thta MC started buying their fanclub's merch! Like "Asmo lover #1" shirt or "Lucifer best man!!"cup(Luci is very popular, he probably also has some fanclubs! i hate this guy tho)

I think Levi and Mammon would die from embarrassment. Asmo would die out of happiness and Satan with Luci will try to pretend like thay never saw that. and idk about other ones. :P

I think that would make a cute fluff and a very scary situation if it was real uwu

Thats all

Have a nice dayyyyyyyyyyyy~~~

-BigS aka.AlgophobicDude

hey! great to hear from you again :)

haha thank you! been slowly knocking out requests one at a time and let me tell you it's a lot more fun than it might look haha

i wrote this while wearing a pink cowboy hat. i just wanted to share that

you got it! enjoy!!

Mc with a hyperfixation on the brothers

Lucifer

is this a human thing?

he's happy to indulge you as long as you're not too loud about it out in public

especially please don't share those pictures with anyone, like mammon. he will sell those, especially the ones he only intends for you. please

he's happy you don't hate him, actually. you make this old man very happy haha

Mammon

he would never tell you, but he's also got a photo album dedicated to you

also has a note on his D.D.D. full of all the things he never said to you but hopes to be brave enough to one day to tell you

he doesn't tell you he's got that though, not in a million years

he really loves that you're hyperfixated on him because that just means you care about him just as much as he cares about you

Levi

as expected, he's very flustered

he knows what it's like to have a little blorbo and he would give anything to be able to see them daily in person and live with them

he's over the moon once he realizes this and despite his embarrassment, he pushed through to spend more time with you

he's so dedicated <3

Satan

he's probably the most puzzled

he's always learning new things about humans even when he thought he knew everything

he knows and trusts you so from time to time, he'll take a picture with you in mind that he knows will remind you of him

all in all, he does think it's a little strange but won't stop you since he's never seen you happier

Asmo

like they said, you're literally about to become the number one member of his fanclub!

lucky for you, once he finds your asmo photo album, he's feeding into your hyperfixation

you get lots of exclusive privileges, such as early morning selfies and all his merch for free, including prototypes

he's always ready to pose for a picture for you. every side is his good side!

Beel

he's a little confused but he's happy to make you happy

he listened to you talk about your hyperfixations the most beside levi so he's quick to pick up on this shift

to make you happy, he decides to make a handmade adult bib just for you haha and at first he's a little sad but then he finds it while digging for your snack stash

you've never worn it once because it's hanging in your closet next to your fancy outfits <3

Belphie

you what? is his initial reaction

from the outside, it seems like it doesn't bother him or that he could care less

but, on the inside, he's elated since he thought after how he tricked you, you'd never want to be close to him again

now, you're the very thing that makes you excited to wake up every morning by his side

[kitten4sannie]

I want your thoughts on this: how big do you think the members of Ateez are? Like in inches what’s your rough guess?

this is honestly one of my favorite asks i’ve ever gotten sjjshdbd. i discussed this with some friends so i’ll be giving my official guesstimates from biggest to smallest. also just as a disclaimer, this is all for shits and giggles, also realistically they’re prob all average to small but it’s okay to dream :’)

the biggest would be yunho ofc bc i support the monster cock yunnie agenda <3 i would like to believe that he’s around 9 inches soft, 11-12 inches hard and boy is it thick and heavy like man’s def packing some heat so his partner would require a lot of prep and ofc yunnie has no problem providing that <3

second biggest would be mingi duhhhh he’s a big boy after all so he def has to have a big cock esp considering he’s one of the twin towers so i would guess that it’s around 8.5 inches soft and 9-10 inches hard. i’d like to imagine that yungi have an annual dick measuring contest in the group shower but that’s another thought for another day <3

third place goes to sannie ✨ as the infamous dick grabber in the group he def has to have something to show off considering the amount of times he’s rubbed himself during the inception choreo or just causally groped himself for funsies. i would say it’s around 8 inches soft maybe 8.5-9 inches hard?? and it’s got a pretty prominent vein leading up to the head (not that i have photographic evidence or anything …. haha…ha…)

in fourth place is seonghwa who i think would have the prettiest cock at maybeee 7.5 inches?? and in my bestie’s opinion (love you mwah <3) would be tan and smooth bc of his melanin and would be a little darker at the tip. fsr i feel like it would be really sensitive too and it would only take a couple strokes for him to be gasping and gripping his partner’s wrist, whispering, “s-slow down, baby…” <3

anywaysss, in fifth place is yeosang and he def has the second prettiest dick fs. it’s prob skinnier than thick at 7 inches, and it prob gets really pink and shiny at the tip when he’s hard. it’s prob got a little curve to it tooooo uwu

in sixth place is jongho who i want to believe is a grower. at 5 inches soft, it’s nothing to write home about but boyyyy when baby bear gets all hot and bothered it grows to a hefty 7.5 and it’s def thick, esp right around the head. it’d def burn a bit when he first pushes it in so he always has to go slow for his baby <3

in seventh place is captain hongjoong who i believe would have had the most average sized cock out of all of them at 6 inches soft and 6.5-7 inches hard. it’d prob be a bit on the thicker side, rather than thin and long. i’d like to imagine he has a few little freckles on it too hehe.

and finally our beloved brat wooyoung is at the bottom just like the good lord intended <3 i’d like to imagine that woo’s dick is small, cute, and fun-sized. maybe around 4 inches soft and 5 inches hard and since it’s so petite like him, he can easily palm himself to orgasm or sit on his partner’s lap and rut against their thigh or lower abdomen until he shoots his cute little load everywhere <33

[yuikomorii]

who is your favourite of yuis new art?

// I honestly don’t think I can choose, because my favorite one always changes depending on my mood, yet I could rant a bit about each of them. 🩷

1. Her face makes her resemble a dog and I find that so CUTE! I also like the outfit, especially the beret, but the🧍🏼‍♀️ pose feels a bit awkward, lol.

2. LOVE THE POSE! Her face looks mischievous, and she rocks than mini braid! Lilac/Purple is my second favorite color but I would have liked the outfit way more if it were pink. Although, it’s overall really nice.

3. Would I ever wear something so revealing? No. Is that outfit my favorite one? YES. It’s giving idol and I’m all for the hair accessories and ribbons!!

4. That outfit is the closest to my style irl, which means I would definitely wear it uwu. I love Yui’s confused expression too, haha. She’s so moe there.

5. Gothic Lolita is a style I’ve always liked and it looks great on Yui. The hairstyle is pretty but I feel like it doesn’t really suit her that much? Well, at least I like her fangs.

6. BRIDE YUI MY LOVE! The hair, face and pose look AMAZING, plus the first half of the dress is gorgeous! However, I’m not a fan of the second half. I feel like it’s a bit too overdesigned…?

7. A simple yet very Yui-esque outfit, I love it! The pearl necklaces adds such a feminine touch~!

[cherry-bomb-ships]

Wanted to get some creative flow going while staying low-effort, so here's a screenshot redraw/edit/whatever you wanna call it, because I was curious how Mojo would look in the show with all my headcanons and little flourishes that I add when I draw him -w- So here's my redraw and the original screenshot, plus a version wif his OG palette since the lighting in the scene I decided to redo is all reddish

[Any reblogs and comments are seen and appreciated!! 🥺🥺 Also click for higher quality. Under the cut I put some of my thought process on my changes ehe ❤]

So the first thing I have to mention is one of my favorite changes: that little chip out of his ear! I mean, it's not a lot to explain if you just think about it for a second. This poor chimp has taken a LOT of beatings over the years, there's no way that he wouldn't have some physical scars from all that, so I figured the best shorthand way to show that would be giving him that notch. I like to imagine that he's self-conscious about it too 🥺

Second most notable change, I always like giving him a little tooth poking out because I watched a lot of anime as a teen Because with those sharp teeth of his, the idea of one poking out makes sense and also just looks cool to me -w-💖💖💖 I like to think it's a side effect of the PPG movie when he got all huge, cuz his canines also got extended so much that they were poking out from his mouth

So the thicker outline around the bottom of his eyes is something that the original show actually did, in the Powerpuff Girls Rule 10th anniversary special! That stuck with me ever since and rly made me question why he didn't always have it 😭💖😭💖

Even if I prefer his rounder design pre-movie, I can't deny that I adore the sharper, M-shaped nose that they gave him later on and I wanted to keep that. The sharp lines just make sense to me and line up with the shape theory of "sharp=mean and evil". Plus it looks like an M! For Mojo! :3

So this change is a more subtle one and is also a very new idea I had, but I gave his pupils a purple tone instead of being pure black! In all honesty it was inspired by one of the cover arts of the newest PPG comics coming out currently where the artist gave him purple eyes. In my mind they used to be a light brown and got tinted purple from his mutation, along with the whites going pink.

Alright final thing (I think), I know I touched on the notch out of his ear, but when it comes to his ear shape in general, I like to find a happy middle ground between his fully rounded ears they drew on him pre-movie, and the sharp almost elf-like ears they gave him post-movie. Like I said earlier, the sharpness reads as more villainous!

Oh wait! Okay last thing for real: I love giving him a bit more fur around his face, purely for the fact that I think it looks good and cute uwu 💖💖💖💖💖💖

If you read this far please either reblog or comment with your thoughts, I'd be so honored 🥺💖

[writer-rubes]

Tickletober: Day 1

A/N: I’m gonna try this for once. I can’t promise I’ll stick with this, but I will attempt to get through thirty days. I will do my best uwu

Anyways, here is Day 1. I will post the list, and the ref of the character used here at the end :) Enjoy!

So Many Options

An OC Fanfic

CW: Teasing, Mega Teasing, Fluff, Implied tickles, actual tickles, flustering

Tickletober - Day 1: Anticipation

“Oh, little friend. Are you ready to play~?”

A wave of shyness hit her newest friend. The strings holding them in place were not budging, no matter how hard they struggled. Makes sense. They were made by a deity after all.

“Aw, what’s wrong, dear friend? A little too ticklish and shy for your own good~? You can’t wait for your dose of tickles?~” Kendra, the Deity of Positivity, had a friend with her. They were incredibly cute, and with consent, they were brought to her dimension to play.

“C’mon friend~ You know I’m going to get you~” Kendra teasingly wiggled her fingers at them, causing them to giggle.

“Kendra, please!” They whined as they giggled. Kendra merely chuckled.

“Aw, what’s the matter?~” She teased lovingly, still taunting them with her wiggling fingers. “Are you giggling because you’re imagining my wiggling fingers on your tickle spots?~”

They couldn’t stop giggling now. Even if they tried. And they have, about eight times already. But they were too giggly, and Kendra had them right where she wanted.

“Maybe here would be a good spot?” She wiggled her fingers just above their tummy. “It’s a classic. Soft, cute, and incredibly ticklish~”

Her friend widened their eyes. They knew what she was doing. And it was killing them.

“Or here?” She hovered her wiggly fingers just above their underarms. “Little pockets of soft skin, with bundles of nerves just waiting to be tickled~ It’s so cute. I wonder if I should keep your arms up, or have you trap my hands there. The only way to get them out is if you raise your arms~”

They squeaked. This was too much already, but they knew that Kendra was just playing. But did she have to be so mean?

Well, they did love her because she was a mean tickler…

“Or maybe, a lower territory~” She turned around, and hovered her wiggling fingers at their feet.

“Here, maybe? A common spot for many of my friends.” She cooed. “I could play This Little Piggy, scratch them like they’re itchy, or even tickle them with feathers~ You like those, right?~”

At this point, they couldn’t stop giggling. Kendra was melting them like an ice cream cone on a beach. She was so good at this.

“Or perhaps… here?” She moved her wiggling fingers up to the torso again. “I’ve never gotten the chance to count human ribs before. I always heard there were twenty four of them in the average human body… But I’m not sure. As a clay deity, I don’t have bones~”

They knew that game… Counting ribs. If they squirmed and laughed too much, she would have to start all over again… And it would go on for hours.

“Or maybe even here?~” She cooed. “The ears and neck are fun. The neck has so many pretty, adorable nerves. And the ears I can tickle with a blow, or my own voice, like this~”

She leaned up to their ear, a gentle, loving smirk on her face. She could tell they loved this. She wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t. She gently whispered into their ear…

“Tickle, tickle, tickle~”

That made them squeal. She was riling them up so bad and she technically hasn’t even touched them. It was so much already, they just wanted her to tickle them already!

“Oh, is that the case?~”

Shit. They forgot she could pick up on their thoughts.

“Well… how about I go over each spot? One by one?~” She moved herself back down to the torso.

“Starting with this soft tummy~”

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Prompt list: Made by August

Pink: Kendra Fics

Yellow: Fnaf DCA/ Sun and Moon Show fics

White: Skip

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Picture of Kendra!

Commissioned by @jav-animations ! Thank you again! :) Go commission them!

[starryficsfinishwen]

✧。◟ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ — chrome x reader [PGR] [Happy Activation Day Chrome!!]

please don't be in love with someone else

a.n. - sometimes chrome just raghhhhhh. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHROMEE!! I promise to finish that other fic for you LOL also thank you for being one of my resilient lil construct, my Lucia and Wanshi are happy to be with you <3 mwa mwa (IM SORRY AGAIN IM LATE)

pairing - chrome x f!commandant

words - 7,881 (it's why I took long TvT)

tags/warnings - none. fluff! alcohol is involved yet again! chrome x reader shenanigans. yall up to what happens in the end uwu. non-sexual naked cuddling. cute stuff for chrome because happy activation day!!

The stars seemed to have blessed Babylonia tonight.

A crowded room. A brightly lit, dazzling chandelier. Wine and champagne glasses clinking together. Orchestral music filling the room — this is a sight that those who can afford luxury would generally see in their life. High society placed itself on top of the pedestal, overlooking its body that wore no gold.

Forget the war that raged outside; Babylonia beheld the grandeur of the rich folk for tonight, and the stars had rewarded their presence by granting the brightest evening for them.

Such sight is normal to a Smith. After all, they were always born with a silver spoon, to feed and to be fed by high society, for everyone to see.

But not for Chrome. He always thought this life was never fit for him.

There he is — champagne in hand, forcing laughter and faking smiles to those who are around him. Humanoid legs are already used to the wages of war, yet they trembled under the hours of talking to people that only blur in his M.I.N.D.

He is only here due to his father, Mr. Smith. “For you to be familiar with the people you will work with in the future,” he always said to Chrome, “be on your best attitude. Show them the makings of a true Smith.”

But they only bore him. He would rather be doing things that are mundane in the eyes of high society, such as lounging in the comforts of Strike Hawk's dormitory; dealing with Kamui's antics, helping Wanshi fix his sleeping pod, tasting Camu's dishes...or cleaning the corners of his room, or strolling the walkways of Babylonia, or playing chess with a certain someone...

A scene flashed in his memory — a warm hand reaching out to him, a sweet smile, a soft laugh, and the chessboard with scattered chess pieces in front of him. A scene that happened not too long ago, a memory so fresh that made him flush a light shade of pink. Was it the alcohol? No, usual alcohol would never make a construct drunk, unless...?

“How are you holding up, Chrome?” A familiar voice called out to him.

Mr. Smith. Holding an identical champagne glass in his hand, he looks up to Chrome with an expectant gaze. Chrome straightens, clearing his throat. “Mr. Smith, I am doing well. I have met the people you told me earlier.”

“Glad to know,” He nods, “it's beneficial as a Smith to meet your future prospects. You know that already, Chrome, don't you?”

“I do, Mr. Smith,” Chrome solemnly spoke.

“Other than that, have you seen the Commandants who are invited tonight?” Smith tsked, “they have commendable records. They seem to enjoy tonight's feast before they go back to war once more. Especially Gray Raven's Commandant, hm.”

Chrome's ears perked up. “Gray Raven's Commandant is here tonight?”

He knew the party was for high society, with some specially invited commandants. Yet, Gray Raven's Commandant? He overlooked that part, why didn't he know?

“Yes, it's understandable due to the glory they have brought to Babylonia countless times now.” Smith paused, moving his hand to make a circular motion with his glass, “I've seen them earlier. Now, they are nowhere to be found.”

“Ah,” Chrome slightly faltered, muttering, “a shame.”

“They also seem to blend well with us, I'd say.” Smith hums, taking a sip from his glass now, “they look well with us, even. We should try asking them to join when they retire.”

A particular thought crosses in Chrome's M.I.N.D. — a person wearing a simple dress amongst the crowd yet so vibrant, the same warm hand he saw as she held onto his arm, smiling fondly at him. The very thought that somehow made his heart crumble in a good way —

“Chrome?” Smith asked, causing Chrome to snap back to reality, “are you alright? You look red.”

“I do?” Chrome muttered, “I'm sorry. There must be something wrong with my cooling system after I got injured last battle. I am planning to get a maintenance check once more.”

“Alright then,” waving his hand, Smith nodded, “I'll leave you be. I need to meet with other people.”

“Thank you, Mr. Smith.” Chrome approaches the nearby table tp place his glass, “I will return soon.”

Finally, away from the party, Chrome found himself lingering outside. The garden outside of the hall seems to be the answer to his dilemma, the cool breeze and the artificial night decorated with the authentic stars sparkling above him. He breathes into this sight — once more, a thought that popped into his M.I.N.D.

“The sight may be beautiful in Babylonia,” your voice sent shivers down his spine, “but the ones here on Earth are prettier.”

Bright irises staring at him with a gentle gaze amongst the dark plains, a genuine smile on your lips, “don't you think so, Chrome?”

The memory shook Chrome, his heartbeat skipping. What was it with him lately? Thinking of a particular person that he holds with high regard? It seemed unlike him, the man who only thought of perfection. Battles and tactics are his expertise that makes up his thoughts, yet such stray memories and incredulous scenarios have distracted him since his recent rendezvous with that certain commandant...

His hands tremble. They seem lonely. A small part of him wishes those familiar hands would hold them right now.

Gray Raven's esteemed Commandant. The very thought of her makes Chrome weak. He who should maintain a professional, beneficial relationship with her. Yet, thoughts beyond that relationship seemed to have spawned in his M.I.N.D.

Chrome entertains that thought to no avail. After all, a small part of him wishes he should have seen or heard from you tonight.

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star~”

Yes, something like a nursery rhyme that is sung by you. Sometimes, Chrome thinks you drove him insane to the point that he's having hallucinations of you.

“...how I wonder where you are~”

Wait. That voice seems closer and familiar. Surely, he wasn't dreaming. Chrome rushes to the source of the voice.

“up above the world so high,” the voice hiccupped, “like a diamond in the ska-ay~!”

Chrome thinks this sight is one of the best he's ever seen: sitting on the ledge of a fountain, gazing at the water beneath, your sky-blue dress nearly submerged yet you didn't look like she minded; in fact, in your hand was a glass of unfinished wine, and your face seemed too pleased with your antics, a contagious smile written on your face.

Gray Raven Commandant in the flesh. And drunk. (According to Chrome's readings anyway)

“Commandant!” Chrome's voice - shaking? - echoed throughout the garden, making you look, “Over here! What are you doing?”

You finally look at Chrome, your usual bright eyes laced with tiredness and mirth. Upon recognizing the figure that was approaching you, you cheerfully raised your glass to him.

“Hello stranger!!” your shoulders shake with visible joy, “you're hereeee, come on, come on! Join me in watching the fishies~”

Stranger? Perhaps the alcohol fogged your senses. “Fishies?” Curious, Chrome follows where your hand points, to the fountain...devoid of any fish, “I...see?”

Instead of fish, Chrome could recognize that the 'fish' the Commandant referred to are the coins that people must have thrown into the fountain. The reflection brought by the moonlight highlighted with the pattern underneath the fountain must have tricked you into thinking she was talking to fishes. Not wanting to break your delight, Chrome plays along.

“I named that lil' blue fish Lee, because he looks grumpy.” You giggle as you point to a blue-shaded coin, “then that pink one is Liv!”

“That's cute, Commandant,” Chrome chuckles, opting to sit at a considerable distance from you, “who else did you name?”

Lights over the garden seemed ethereal. Haloed with the gentle glow of the skies, the white noise of the party inside the hall, and the mellow laughter of the Commandant — Chrome could easily capture this memory for a lifetime, although you couldn't recognize him. He could try taking away the glass in hand and tell you that you're drunk, but he does not. Instead, he asks more about the 'fishes' you found. And somehow, you went silent.

“Commandant?” Chrome gently pokes the silent Commandant, “are you alright?”

“Mmm,” closing your eyes, you tapped your chin, “stranger, I can't see Chrome...”

The nickname seems to grow on him now. “Well,” he shrugged, “maybe he's sleeping.”

“Fishies never sleep!” opening your eyes just to stare at Chrome, “that's basic knowledge!”

Chrome could finally see you properly: the dress snugly fit you, the train already submerged in the water. Some strands of your hair framed your face perfectly. Alcohol flushed your cheeks in the shade of pink. Irises that still lit brightly amidst the dark, a sight Chrome could never forget. Blinking to come back to reality, Chrome reached out to brush away the strand that was on your lips.

“Some fishes sleep with their eyes open.” Chrome smiled, “but what you said is still, it's true, Commandant is always smart.”

A smug smirk flashed on your lips, arms crossed to assert her amusement, “hm! I told you!”

One of the sleeves fell to your arm as you moved. Flickering to that, Chrome spoke before reaching out to lift it, “Yes, of course. Commandant, are you not cold?”

“Nope!” Somehow filled with a new burst of energy, you drunkenly placed the glass in front of Chrome, making Chrome reel back, before struggling to stand up on the ledge with the heels on. Chrome acts quickly, aiding you by holding your legs for support. “I realized something!”

“Commandant! What are you doing, get down!”

“I need to find Chrome!” you spoke with such reverence, it could make Chrome cry, yet it only made him scared, “he could be drowning!”

Drowning? “Commandant, I know you're smart,” Chrome hesitates, before speaking, “but fishes don't dro-”

“-I know what I'm doing!” you grin at him, rotating your arm as if exercising and exhales, “that's why I'm going to save him from this ocean!”

At that moment, Chrome realizes where he went wrong. “Wait, Commandant, no!”

At least he tried to stop her.

A shivering Commandant is wrapped in Chrome's coat for tonight.

“Are you alright, Commandant?” Chrome spoke as he ran through the streets, “do you still feel cold?”

After the stupid attempt at jumping head-first into the water, Chrome had to save you - even after trying to get away from his hold. Now, you were tightly wrapped in Chrome's coat, carried like a princess in his arms.

Sneezing, you shook your head furiously, “I'm fine, you stranger! Why did you stop me?”

“The waters in Babylonia in the evening get colder. I don't want you to suffer from hypothermia.”

You whine, before sneezing once more. “I was fine! Oh well, I managed to get Chrome though.”

“You managed to- what?”

Fishing out of his hold and the coat, you childishly held out a white and blue-tinted coin. Chrome could only sigh in disbelief.

“Also, put me down, you stranger!” Attempting to wiggle out, you whine more as Chrome tightens his hold on you, the familiar way illuminated by the lights already in sight, “my mama said not to trust strangers!”

“Right,” Chrome laughed, his heart skipping a beat, “don't worry, I'm taking you to Chrome right now.”

Halfway through the run, you drifted off to sleep (and it granted Chrome the opportunity to see you comfortable with your guard down). Finally, they arrived in front of the Smith Estate.

Carefully opening the door, Chrome is met with a comforting silence. Were the cleaning robots still around? He knew his father wouldn't be around until the next day, which meant the robots were the only company. Stepping inside, he finds the place deserted, the faint sound of the Commadant's breathing filling the room. Placing you (not minding the water dripping off of you) to his room on his bed, Chrome rushes to the kitchen.

Still no robots around. Easy to explain and less hassle to explain why a stranger was in his bed. He'll worry about that the next day. Quickly, he grabbed a few pieces of food from the fridge and concocted a hangover drink and water.

Upon returning to his room, Chrome finds you still asleep on his bed. Silently placing the items he brought for you, Chrome wistfully gazes at you.

“you're always taking care of me, Chrome,” you'd say if you were awake, your voice echoes in his M.I.N.D., “I want to return the favor.” (You are now corrupting his thoughts.)

A little stir from you made Chrome snap out of his daydream. Slowly opening your eyes, looking around your surroundings in a daze, Chrome leans down to check on you.

“Commandant,” he softly calls out to you, hand touching yours, “are you awake? Can you sit up?”

“Mmmhm,” rubbing your eyes as you sat up, Chrome aiding you, “where am I...?”

“You're in my room. I will take you back to Gray Raven's headquarters when you've freshened up and rested. Come on, drink some water.”

Your legs dangle on the side of Chrome's bed as you sat up. Your figure, although shivering from the stunt, still seems smaller than him. Chrome reached out to grab the glass of water and hold it out for you, but you only stare at him.

“Commandant?”

“Ch...” you whisper, slowly lifting your cold hands to cup Chrome's cheeks, “Chrome...”

His heart flutters at the call of his name. With a free hand, he caresses the hold on his cheeks. “Commandant?”

“Why are you...hot?”

Chrome's cheeks burn at your touch, he noticed. Was it really the cooling system, or that his growing fondness for the Commandant of another team making him like this?

“The cooling system,” he chose the first option, “I'm trying to get it checked, don't worry.”

“Mmh, Chrome...”

Your innocent, sleepy eyes were looking at him. And you were leaning closer to him. A human instinct, Chrome leans forward as well, until their foreheads touch.

“...Chrome. Why don't you call me by my name?”

It feels expensive. It feels surreal. He wanted to tell her, but the words die in his throat.

“I will only do so, if you wanted me to do it, Commandant.”

“Mmh.” Your breath fans Chrome's own lips, further intensifying the heat in both of your cheeks. “Then, Chrome...”

He closes his eyes. Closer, closer...until you pulled away so abruptly. And then, a warm liquid spilled across his chest.

Chrome's eyes opened. Sometimes, the timings are uncanny.

—

A bathtub full of bubbles, lavender dousing the room with its intoxicating smell. Near the bathtub, Chrome sweats nervously as he stares at the guilty figure sitting on the toilet.

“I'm sorry,” the Commandant, who was usually strong and courageous in the face of danger, shrunk in guilt, voice timid and remorse, “I didn't mean to puke in front of you.”

“It's alright, it's not your fault,” he dismisses it, smiling slightly, “I was planning to get you changed...”

He is already wearing a new set of clothing, compared to you. After that quick nap, you seem sober. But based on Chrome's readings, you are still far from being sober. At least, you recognize him now. Squeaking, you shook your head. “I can't just let it slide. Is there anything I can do for Chrome?”

Kneeling on one knee, Chrome awkwardly pats you. “It's okay, really. Um...”

A reddening blush was on Chrome's cheeks as the words died in his throat. He motions to your soiled clothes, clearing his throat in an attempt to gather his pride.

“Commandant, I am going to...” whispering, “...I'm going to take off your clothes so you can...um, take a bath.”

You stare at him. Blinking tired eyes at him, you slowly nodded. “Okay.”

You turn your back on him, presenting the zipper on your back. For you, it seemed normal (Liv and Lucia are always hands-on whenever you are invited to events like this, so they're seen what's behind those clothes). But Chrome, whose ventilation was now out of place from the possible outcomes running through his head, was shaking and turning into a blushing tomato.

“You can unzip me, Chrome,” you pipped, noticing Chrome's silence, “I can't reach the top.”

A shaky exhale from Chrome. He mutters something you couldn't hear, but could feel the small pressure from his hand holding your hair to the side before resting on your shoulder.

“I will...start unzipping you, Commandant.”

It feels...intimate. The way Chrome held onto the zipper with care, thoughts running wild in his M.I.N.D., dragging it down slowly. You notice it, despite the alcohol fogging your thoughts. The sound of Chrome's nervous breathing, the water dripping from the faucet, the bubbles on the tub — it almost makes you sober.

However, a question seemed to linger on your lips. But before you could ask, Chrome had already unzipped your dress, the sleeves finally down on your shoulders.

“I-I'm done, Commandant.”

You turned to Chrome, a smile on your lips, “Thank you! But...are you...okay...?”

“Yes.”

You weren't that convinced. In front of you, Chrome's hands shook, and his face was in the deepest shade of red. You tilted your head to the side, before shimmying out of your clothes. Yes, still in front of the man who has been nothing but an angel to you.

“I'm done!” You excitedly quipped, standing up, causing the dress to fall to the floor. “where am I going next?”

Seemingly snapping out of his trance, Chrome looks down to pick up your clothes and dashes to the door. He stops by the door frame, his back facing you. “I need to put your clothes in the washer. They'll be ready after you take a bath.”

“Chrome, will-”

But he was already out of the door.

Chrome remembers every part of the laundry process, even without help from the robots. Yet, even though he has loaded up the washing machine (he knows it'll be done in at least 2 hours, clean and fragrant), his hands are still shaking, the memory in the bathroom turning his mind into a haze.

Even when he closed his eyes after he unzipped your dress, or when he heard it drop to the floor, he couldn't help but imagine — how your skin must feel under his touch, soft or smooth; the expanse of your back, would there be goosebumps like when you touch him; would there still be a smile on your face even when you would know about his feelings?

He accidentally slams the door of the washing machine too hard. It's all pointless, really; all he wanted was to show how eager his rapt attention, yet terrified that he may have crossed unwanted boundaries. Maybe he needed some rest. That's right - it has been a long week anyways. Sighing, he leaves to go back to the bathroom, in case you fell back to sleep...

— except, he called it too early.

“Chroooome,” you cried out as you whimpered in the tub, bubbles covering everywhere but your face, “I'm drowning!”

Suffice to say, he wasn't going to be relaxed tonight.

The water was warm.

And so was the hand that you wish you held onto as you dangled your arm on the ledge of the tub, reaching out to Chrome, who sat on the floor. You wanted something - but the golden boy wouldn't budge.

“Join meee,” you pouted, “don't you see I am a lonely girl sitting here so lonely?”

The light of the bathroom casts a glow over Chrome's frame. The sound of the water splashing around, paired with his humming, sends your mind in a close lullaby, you fear you'll only fall asleep at this rate.

“I see you well, Commandant.” He shook his head, “however, I will stay here.”

“Mean.” Huffing, you sunk to the comforts of the bubbling water, feigning annoyance to him “At least I could wash your hair...you said you'd allow me to see you with your hair down...”

“Commandant,” it's a surprise how Chrome could still hold his composure, voice calm and cool, “you are drunk. You are also very dirty, so it's best you wash up now and get dressed in something warm.”

“I'm not drunk!” Exasperatedly raising your hands, you glared at Chrome, “and I can't wash my hair...”

You look at him expectantly, to which he stares back with curiosity. Pointing to your wet hair, you whispered. “I always wondered what it's like to have my hair washed.”

“And?”

“Will you...wash my hair, please, Chrome?”

Crossing his arms, he thinks for a moment. “Will you promise not to do anything stupid?”

“No.”

As he scoots closer to you, you reeled back. Chrome mistook it as something else, when he sees the look on your face.

“...don't tell me you are planning to wash my hair in that.”

“Pardon?”

“Strip!” you pouted, “I get fussy when someone isn't touching me.”

In an instant, you see Chrome's cheeks tint a shade of pink. “Commandant, that sounded...”

“Hurry up,” you yawned, scooting a little closer to the faucet on your legs, “I won't look.”

True to your word, you look elsewhere but wherever Chrome was. Raising your hands high to your face (look how pruned they are, the longer you stay), before the shuffling of clothes and the sound of cautiousness tiptoes its way into the water, beside you. From your peripheral vision, you see two hands reach out to hold your open hands — have these hands looked so lonely until Chrome came?

“Look at you,” he huffs, fingers caressing the pad of your pruned fingers, “you should have been faster.”

You find comfort in this cramped space — the warm water that you're doused in, a familiar body close to yours, a heat that you never realized you've been craving all this time. You crawl; on Chrome's legs, your scent intertwined with the smell of lavender, you hope it rubs on the man beside you. Unknowingly, you crawled further, until your back hits the sturdy structure of Chrome's physique, leaning back to curl up in his chest.

“Can we stay like this?” the words slipped past your mouth, faster than you could have noticed. Without a word, his hands drifted to the expanse of your shoulders, your arms, your clavicle.

His hands rest there, as your body relaxes in his embrace. The subtle, erratic beating of his heart is there, it's not a surprise when yours mirrored his. And you smell the hint of vanilla on his skin, forgetting that he's humanoid in these very small moments. Yet, you breathe into it, the smell lulling you to sleep faster.

“If you want to,” he mutters, “I thought you wanted to rest.”

“I do, but I feel comfortable when there's someone else.”

The quiet snap of the shampoo bottle opens. Along the way, he places his hands over your head, gently massaging the tips of your hair to make the shampoo bubble, to your scalp. Gentle, soft as he held you like this. The way he pours the water over your head, careful enough to not let it reach your eyes. You must smell like lavender now; the scent already sinking into your skin, like how Chrome's warmth was seeping onto your cold ones. His touch felt unreal, it makes you want the world to freeze for a moment and only behold this scenario for a long, long time.

“Commandant,” even his voice was a whisper, movements slowing to a stop, a telltale sign that he's done, and a little emotion was hanging on your chest - annoyance - “finish up washing now. Your hair is done.”

A dissatisfied grunt escaped your lips. Sitting up straight, you turned to him, hands outstretched. “Let me wash your hair too.”

Slightly looking down from your chest, his eyes shot up to meet yours, the blush that was on his cheeks already invading his ears. “N-No. This bath is only for you, Commandant.”

“Pleaseeee,” you dawdled, brushing away the bangs that covered his face, “I want to help you.”

Although hesitant, he lets you anyway; you, crawling to straddle his thighs, reaching out for the shampoo on your right. His eyes were carefully trailing your movement, which made you shrink under his grasp, but you never minded (after all, the both of you are naked in front of each other, what else was the difference?). You mimicked his movements: massaging the scalp, entirely focused on how you moved your hands on him.

“You're so pretty, Chrome...”

“Huh...?”

“I'm drunk but you're still pretty.” you giggled, booping his nose, “in the morning, when I'm sober, I know you'll be prettier.”

You thread your hands into his hair now, forgetting that bubbles should come out, but you're too focused on everything around you, drowsiness coming to catch you.

“Your hair,” you mumbled, aware of his hands placed on your waist, “...it feels really soft.”

“Does it?” He chuckled, eyes closing, “I'm glad you think so, Commandant.”

Commandant. A title you've always worn, but the way he called you that, a gnawing feeling crammed in your chest — with that pretty mouth of his, a stray thought made you think: what would it be like if he were to say your name?

“You never call me by my name.”

Turquoise irises locked with yours. Unable to pull away, mesmerized by the magnitude it beheld as you stared at each other — you wanted to speak, but Chrome beats you to it.

“I- I never thought I'm allowed to say it.” Looking away, the flush you've seen earlier came back and dusted his cheeks, “we never established it before.”

“Call me by my name then, Chrome.”

You wonder how your name would sound when it leaves his lips. You wonder, if the sound of your heartbeat reverberates if speaks, if he calls you in a name hidden behind your title — and for a moment, you've realized.

“[Y/N],” it is quiet, a soft tone calling for your name, “[Y/N],”

All you could do is close your eyes. Your mind is racing. The sound of two people, breathing in the silence, in the warmth of another's presence. The bubbles are now dissolving in your fingers and in his hair, you're certain the ones on your head are gone too. Were you still drunk, or had the intensity of your feelings reached its threshold? It made your mind spin, and your fingers tremble. What was going on?

“Did that sound weird?” You opened your eyes to find Chrome's worried gaze. Still realizing the situation you're both in - and yet you were both comfortable now - you opened your mouth, only to close it.

You realized you've always liked Chrome all this time.

And the way he said your name is far from what you've imagined. You breathe in once more at his appearance: disheveled hair coated in shampoo, flushed cheeks in contrast to his pale complexion, doe-eyed in the shade of the light. Of course, you had to fall for this man. And it made your heart ache - alcohol or the touches alone? Who knows.

“No.” You quietly spoke, looking away, hiding the blush on your cheeks, “I...want to get out now.”

Chrome doesn't say a word. Instead, he stood up and left you there - confused, in a daze. When he comes back, a pair of clothes were on his arms.

“Can you stand, co...I mean, [Y/N]?”

“Thank you for the clothes.”

You spoke by the time you re-entered his room, the oversized shirt hanging loosely on your body. You looked at your appearance in the mirror twice before leaving the room, where you'd deemed it was good enough, however; judging by the way Chrome was staring at you intensely, head to toe, you couldn't help but wonder - is something wrong?

Chrome must have changed the sheets first, the shade of blue occupying the space on the bed. He now stood behind a smaller stool, a hair dryer in hand. You awkwardly stood, gesturing to the sight behind you: “I promise I'll repay you back when I get back.”

“The shirt,” He looks away for a moment, before clearing his throat, “it looks...good on you.”

You looked down — the oversized white shirt with the print fading away reaching down your thighs, just above your knees. At least, you were wearing something to combat the cold, yet your back catches the wetness of your hair, which made your temperature drop further. Noticing this, Chrome motions you to sit on the stool.

You are compliant with his wishes. He starts to turn the hair dryer on, before carefully handling your hair. In front of you was a tall mirror, which must have been Chrome's height. As he gently starts to dry your hair, you take in your surroundings - it's your first time in Chrome's room. As they say, the bedroom reflects its owner; tidy, neat, and everything in place. Various books with small print on the spine you couldn't make out on the shelves, the Queen-sized bed in the middle of the room. A perfectly neat study table with a few papers here and there near the dresser of the bed. It brings you to shame, how cleanly Chrome sets up his room which is far different from yours.

It reflects; your senses in a daze as you feel Chrome weaving through your locks, attentive to how his turquoise irises are on his masterpiece. Your eyes look up at his face once more.

“You also look good with your hair down.”

His attention flickers back to you. It's true - he looks more human this way, hair framing his face. Blinking slowly, he sheepishly laughs. “Ah, I always have my hair down after a shower. Do I look weird?”

“No.” You admit, “you look handsome still.”

Another wave of silence washes over. You realize you're more sober this way, the guilt of not talking too much gnawing on the back of your throat. But you are thankful, Chrome takes the opportunity.

“You are wearing my shirt that the F.O.S. gave,” humming, he brushes away the hair on your back, heat radiating off on your back, “they gave it shortly after graduation. I took it before father could notice.”

The hair dryer shuts off. He places it on the dresser, eyes still on your now-dried hair. You asked, “does your father not want you wearing these things?”

“He thinks it's useless. After all, medals and honor are the only valuable things the college would give to you.”

“But I see that it seems well-used,” you smell the cologne Chrome uses every day, “like you've always worn it.”

His hand is on your shoulder, tracing the outline. “Shortly after my Construct surgery, I always wore this. Anywhere as long as my father wouldn't see.”

A thought where Chrome wears the shirt comes to mind, in bed, clutching the fabric. Holding a handful and raising it to your nose, you spoke, “is there a reason?”

But he only sighs. “I am a Construct.” He looks up to meet your eyes in the mirror, “I am made for war. I threw away my humanity a long time ago.”

Those words tugged a hidden emotion in you. Spinning to meet his figure, you craned your neck just so you can properly look at him. Words are bubbling in your mouth, but it comes out dry.

Yet, you try anyway. “It's true that you're made for war, but you shouldn't be denied of these...”

“It's alright, co...[Y/N].” The call of your name sends your heart into somersaults, “I've learned it the hard way. There is no need for me to feel that way anymore.”

“Besides,” he added, as he got on one knee, smiling, “it's time for you to take a nap. It's past 2 am now. I wouldn't want my Commandant to be sleep deprived, yes?”

“I-” you looked at Chrome, you don't pretend you didn't mishear his words. Looking at his irises, you took a deep breath.

“The first time I saw Chrome,” you began, “I always thought you were attractive.”

That caught his attention. Tilting his head with an eyebrow raised, he curiously asked, “I'm sorry?”

“I wondered why a human like me was roaming around the city ruins that day.” You fidgeted with the hem of your clothes, “But then, I saw your inver-device.”

Ah, this memory. Chrome remembers it fondly. In the heat of dispute, where Lee had been injured badly, he doesn't remember if it was the situation at hand or the way the sunlight shone down on you that day - either way, he always thought it was something for that moment.

“It didn't change one bit of my impression of you.” You take a deep breath, “I think...it became something else.”

Your heart beats chaotically. You're sure it's the alcohol, but you're also aware that it's your feelings shaping at this very moment. Your hands tremble with want - to hold Chrome, to hold his hand.

“Something else?”

“I don't see you as a Construct, Chrome,” you whispered, reaching out to touch his chin, eyes trailing where your finger touched, “I see you more than that.”

You're aware; his gaze on you, as his own fingers shake as they touched yours. Such feelings have echoed in your mind, and you are afraid they wouldn't go away unless you tell them upfront. Are you scared to be rejected? Too bad, you're not; let the alcohol drain all your fears tonight.

“I don't want you to keep calling me 'Commandant'. I don't like it when you see me as someone from F.O.S., but I like it when you touch me, or when you're close to me-”

His hand is holding yours now. Firm, gentle. He's in front of you, and you swore you could see the future reflect in his irises. It's warm, the way he grasped your hand, fingertips touching his lips. His eyes are closed - a single kiss on every finger, mouth muttering some kind of prayer.

“[Y/N],” he whispers on your fingers, gazing at you with an expression you've never seen him make before.

Loving. Adoration. Something along those lines. It claws on your stomach, inching up to the top, that if you opened your mouth you would regret.

“When I saw you at that time, I didn't know what to think. I remember thinking: would you only be another soldier I will see on the battlefield, regardless if dead or alive?”

“Am I the former?”

“A part of me thought so. But...”

He pauses, before taking your hand to his chest, a strong vibration echoing there. Your heart feels the same, it wishes to free itself from the cages of your ribcage and into whatever was in the middle of the both of you.

“If I were to lose you, I...wouldn't know what I'll do.”

Heaviness weaves in your chest. You wrap your arms around his neck for support, blissfully unaware of the distance left between your lips. “Chrome,”

“[Y/N], I cannot...”

“I like you, Chrome.” It is a genuine confession. You never lied. “I like you too much, that I feel like my heart can't handle it if you disappear on me, too.”

A confession that brought tears to your eyes. “I want to run away with Chrome. I don't want to be away from you.”

“I'm not going away.” He took you by the waist, propping you on his thighs, “I'm here.”

“Meeting you...being here with you...it feels enchanting.” You closed your eyes, blindingly touching wherever your hands meet, “Please don't be in love with someone else...”

Chrome feels like it's the first time for him to recognize the ability to love. The passion for studying, living in the moment where examinations take place, keeping everything orderly — it has always been how he always lived. Yet, for the first time — someone was here in his room, in his touch, in this space. It makes him greedy; it makes him wild.

“[Y/N],” his hands cup your cheek, nuzzling your cheek, “I feel the same way. I like you - I adore you. Every glory I will bring to you, it will be all for you.”

That confession triggered something inside of you - to bridge the gap between the both of you. Leaning forward, the urge to slam your lips to him right there and then grows fervently. However, a hand stops your advances. Pulling back, you are met with a blushing Chrome, looking at you in awe.

“Comman- I mean, [Y/N], as much as I want to kiss you...I cannot. I can't kiss you when you are still drunk.”

“But I want to, let me show you how much I like you.”

His hand easily slips under your shirt, warm ones grasping your hips, rubbing circles around it, “In the morning. When you are sober, when you are about to make better judgement. I will let you do whatever you want.”

A mischievous smile graced your lips. “Anything?”

The blush on his face became a darker shade. Shyly nodding, “Yes, anything.”

He eases into his arms. Lifting you up and carrying you to bed, a thought crosses your mind — you, in a long white gown, and him, in a silver tuxedo. You see him in the lights of the room, illuminated in this dark evening, his smile sending ripples of your heart into motion. You see him this way, your hand carrying a bouquet of flowers that you both love, your fingers intertwined with a ring of promise. In your thoughts he carries you like this, and you swore it felt familiar; one day, you wish. You would have to tell him in the morning.

But for now, the alcohol hits you harder more than ever, drowsiness threatening to shut your eyes. As you felt yourself dip into the mattress - his bed - you wish you could stay with him, the lingering warmth on your skin now fading as you feel him pull away. But your mouth is a jumbled mess, only opting for the fatigue to succumb to you. So, you use your hand, grasping whatever you could reach - his shirt, his hand, his arm.

“Don't go.” You beg, voice laced with grogginess and want, “won't you stay here?”

“I will be sitting here next to you. Don't worry, I'm not going away.”

“No,” your voice sounds like you're pleading now, “don't go, stay beside me. I want you to be beside me when I wake up.”

“[Y/N]...”

“Stay with me, Chrome.”

With a sigh, you feel the space beside you dip. The shuffling of sheets, the smell of lavender invading your weary senses. At last, warm hands enclose yours, before placing them close to his lips, one last kiss before darkness consumed your senses.

“Goodnight, [Y/N],” you knew he'd tell you that, “I will see you in the morning.”

Chrome doesn't see you in the morning.

When sunlight slipped through the windows, he woke up to an empty space beside him. Disappointment comes knocking on his door, calling out that he was only dreaming for something unreal, something that only humans would indulge in. Although the sheets prove that someone else was here with him last night, he doesn't dwell on that slipping hope. Instead, disappointment and frustration, paired with despondency, makes a home inside his chest and his M.I.N.D.

No longer interested in ruminating on the mattress, he drags himself out of bed. However, the robots that usually greet him aren't around still. But the floors and the walls on the rooms he passed are cleaner than what he saw last night.

Probably elsewhere. Probably at the garden.

But the glass door to the garden shows no signs of robots, at least where his sight can reach. No robots cutting grass or cleaning the pool. At times like these, they should've been around. Where were they?

A sound of an R5 cleaning robot chimes in nearby. Chrome follows the sound, and the sight isn't something he was expecting.

“You did well,” your voice feels like a cloud, floating amongst the sea of beeping robots, “thank you for your help.”

Your back faces Chrome. Crouching in front of a faceless R5 cleaning robot, you gently patted its "head", small giggles on your lips.

“You're a good robot, aren't you,” the sound of beeping seemingly mirroring an appreciative noise, “you're a very good robot.”

A sizzle comes out of the oven, to which you jump to your feet, scrambling to reach the stove. “Ah, it's getting burned!”

Chrome couldn't help but admire you; the way you move, your interactions with the robots although lifeless, and your cautiousness seemed to boost his adoration for you. It must have been his M.I.N.D., but the sunlight on your toes, his shirt that fits you perfectly despite being too big for you, and the smile as you tasted whatever you were cooking — it hits him harder. The want, the like, the adoration for someone he could never think he'd fall for. The feeling that his chest had earlier disappeared; only warmth began to repair its fractured roots.

“Chrome?” Your quiet voice called out, the beep of the robot chiming in, “you're awake.”

“And you're here.”

Is this what pining feels like? An unspoken feeling that settles deep between the distances of the two of you. He knows he shouldn't hope, when a night drowned in alcohol remembers nothing. Yet, the way your eyes seem to tell him something, he hopes to cling onto whatever was left in his pride.

“Good morning,” he spoke, aware of his morning voice now, “I apologize that you had to be the one to cook.”

“N-no, it's alright! The robots mostly did the work. I merely supported them.”

“Still,” he slowly approached you, timid footsteps leading to you, “the fact that you treat them as if they're human too speaks a lot.”

“It's even a surprise that they show no hostility to you. They are trained to fend off those who are unfamiliar in the household.”

“Commandant [Y/N] is welcomed.” the robot from earlier chirped, “helped us with housework.”

“Mr. Smith also invited me here once in a while to talk about politics.” You shrugged, opting to pat the robot once more, “I just did a favor for them.”

You nodded to it, to which it purrs in your touch. Satisfied, it happily trots away, probably deciding to work elsewhere.

Another silence. You've decided to go back and finish cooking the food, but the fire had long been doused (probably from the advancement of this stove?). Chrome wants to talk, yet no words could be formulated in his head. After the agonizing long silence, you took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

“I remember what happened last night.”

Chrome freezes. He looks up to meet your guilty eyes looking elsewhere. “You do?”

“I...am regretful that I puked on you. That's why I decided to clean up here as an exchange.”

Ah, so you don't remember what happened afterwards. Chrome's heart sinks, before noticing you looking away, and a creeping blush on your cheeks.

“I...also remember that I asked you to take a bath with me.”

Memories of last night came crashing over his M.I.N.D. The garden, the bed, the bathtub, the hair dryer, and your skin — all a mixture of things that only makes him go haywire. His blush mirrors yours; that means one more thing.

“I also remember telling you how I feel.” You began, “and I...”

The sinker comes. And Chrome's heartbeat isn't sure now. But you - you approached him, eyes down, figure covered, but reaching out to him. With shallow breaths, you raised your hand to his chest, before looking up. And there - your eyes meet his. Same innocent, shimmering eyes looking at him with vigor, with enchantment; he forgets how to breathe.

“I like you, Chrome.”

You've said it once more. Sober, genuine, and true. And it breaks Chrome's heart into pieces, folded and mashed into dough, before it forms in the shape of a heart. You've set the oven now; his feelings are ready to be baked, ready to be eaten - and he wants you. No, he needs you to be the one to take it.

“I still like you, even when I'm drunk or sober. I want to be with you all the time. I want you, Chrome. I want you to be part of the future that I am building.”

Wordlessly, he captures your hips and pulls you close, him leaning down just so the proximity knows no bounds. He feels your breath ghost his lips, your heartbeat in his ribcage - it beats, and beats, and beats so loudly he forgets you're in the kitchen at daylight; in a house he's grown up with no love, but he's here now. Creating a love that no Smith can forge.

“A concrete object made of materials and information, whose borders are continuously constructed and reconstructed,” said the definition for 'Smith'. He could live in that definition forever, but what about Chrome?

“I am forging a new one.” He whispers, “I am...bridging the new future with you.”

Your eyes are shining, and there he knew-

“I like you, too, [Y/N].”

If only bodies were capable of seeing what's happening underneath, a cadenza ringing in Chrome's heart, beating furiously for you, only you. You smiled, a mischievous gaze written across your face.

“Does the offer about me doing anything I want when I'm sober still stand?”

He smiles back. “Of course.”

“I want to kiss you.”

Tiptoeing to reach Chrome's height, you craned your neck and tugged his shoulder. But Chrome is kind; he hoists you up by the hips, capturing your lips in an instant.

Sweet is a word to describe the first kiss Chrome shared with someone in his life. Forget the war, forget that you're on the kitchen island; it's only two lovers baring their adoration for one another, sharing a kiss blessed in daylight. It's warm, it's soft, it's needy - the way you both melt into each other, how you wrapped your arms around his neck, or how his hands are holding you up. Enchanted, Chrome's M.I.N.D. echoes, it's really enchanting.

Satiated, you both pull away, breathless, as your foreheads touch. He doesn't let you go, though. You (unfortunately) do, when the other kitchen door opens, a parade of little robots bursting through the door.

You cheer as the little robots go through the surprise: a small banner written "Happy Birthday!" hastily, and the cake you baked earlier with the robots. Chrome looks at you confused, before noticing what the parade had brought.

“How-”

“Happy birthday, Chrome,” You beamed, hands cupping his cheeks, “you deserve the celebration.”

“Thank you.” He whispers on your chin, leaving little kisses there, “I really appreciate this...I appreciate you.”

“You should enjoy today.” You winked, “my birthday present to you is for later.”

“Later?”

You squeezed his arm. He blushes. “Yes, later.”

Chrome is thankful his heart doesn't need to somersault out of his chest now. At least, until later.

HAPPY LATE ACTIVATION DAY CHROME!!!!!! please like, reblog, share, comment down on this post! don't copy and plagiarize my work!!

[princessuncertain]

My Little Pony: and always do the good guys win, these cute little colourful horses use the magic of friendship to destroy the big meanies

My Little Pony fans: HEYY my name's gerald im a nazi and i think it would be fun if the pink one committed sexual assault and also shock horror video haha!!

Death Note: This is our destroyed protagonist. He was a great man once, but there is nothing left of him now, and the one most to blame is himself. He's left a path of destruction in his wake and must now die for it. He cannot be saved. Those who survive his tyranny are destroyed and lonely. Serial killers PTSD mental illness mafia sexual assault stalking domestic abuse suicide

Death Note fandom: uwu what sweet bbs! What if 👀 they cuddled 🫂 and went to therapy ❤️

[rednleafff]

Just some cute nicknames for Yummi✨

My favorite is 🔥anarchist🔥 uwu

(I promise she has more clothes then the unicorns onesies;;-;;;;)

(I also misspelled mariposa even after I checked 10 times how to write it correctly- there is no hope for me orz)

Just a little info dump about every relations here :D

Yummi & señor huaso: they get along quite well, he’s always free to give her advice on something if she asks. she even worked at his restaurant at the age of 14 for couple of months- although her work ethics were a bit to forwarded or to aggressive in-front of customers that gave him some trouble later- they grow even closer afterwards :>

Yummi & Draxum: (It might sound a bit vague cause their relationship is an important part of my story and I don’t want to spoil anything to much yet)

Draxum is rather cold towards Yummi in the beginning (for reasons I can’t say a the moment-) he’s not terrible to her or anything, but he prefers not to engage with her. but sadly for him- he falls for the cute face trick eventually- but it takes a long time for him to fully except her. And after some serious plot shenanigans happens- the two will form more close relationship.

Yummi & Splinter: she’s the first granddaughter- so you bet she got so much attention from him- especially after reflecting on his life, Splinter wants to avoid doing the same mistakes he did long ago with his sons, and sort of try to redeem him self with being a the best grandpa.

He’s was only one who called her by the nickname “little Teal”, and the meaning behind it is sort of- Teal is a greenish blue color, and because she’s sort of like Leo’s daughter she gets a color that a bit similar to him :>

Eventually her main color becomes pink though- but the Teal color will always make an appearance in someway :>

[groovygladiatorsheep]

Sasha doing pokemon fusions? hummn .. happiny + mudkip, I think it'd be cute

As always, Fritz gets to keep the requests character I make uwu

I think they look cute !!!!! What’s funny is most of pink/blue pokefusion I do will be purple because fusion

Pokefusion done so far !

[blackstarchanx3new]

I LOVE YOUR RED DESIGN SO MUCH

He is SO OOOUUUUUUUUUHHHHGGGGG

all your designs for the fsr cast are so so so tasty i love them all ooouwwwaahhhwhwhhwhwhwaahaewawawaaa

Thanks! XD

There's no competition, I love the new one SO MUCH.

Trying to make them all look different while still having that Link flare is a challenge but fun.

His pink hair is such an improvement over the bright red that blended WAAAY to much into his hat.

Trying to draw his eyes more similar to how Akira does as well.

I made him slightly paler and Blue slightly less pale to give them some skin variation.

Red's hair and skin were blending too much imo before I made him paler. Working with various shades of red and pinks is so hard agh.

Gave him a more cherry red tunic too + a red for his belt and hat rim.

I'm taking this as an opportunity to talk about things I love about drawing/designing them.

Blue's super long side burns are a favorite design choice tho. XDDDD

Blue also has a more unique nose shape being inspired by the noses in Soul Eater.

Him having no tights I think shows his wreck-less nature. XD

Thicc eyebrows are visually tasty and don't let anyone say otherwise-

Vio's face + hair is a favorite of mine. He has such a draw-able face.

Him wearing twilight princess Link's outfit is very fitting for him I think.

Him always having his sword visible is annoying to draw but also shows he perpetually has it there is kinda off-putting.

It's also SUCH a stark contrast when in the head space he has no armor and is in way less clothes. I wouldn't call them "revealing" because they're not, but they are compared to his 100% head to toe covered look in the real world. No armor, no long sleeve shirt no long tights. Just a baggy t shirt and shorts lol.

His tunic having a chainmail layer underneath is fun, Vio is the most armored up Link out of the four atm with his arm guards PLUS chainmail.

Vaati is literally color-picked from minish cap and his design is taken right from that too, but playing around with him reverting back to Wind demon mode is super fun art wise.

His colored Akira art is so desaturated agh. XD

I'd love to give Vaati a new outfit at some point tho.

Dark's blank slate design is a favorite of mine. He's so dang cute but I'm very excited to draw him in new things when he gets a new outfit. I think atm tho it draws attention to his creepy chest eyeball, changing hair and his expressions more since his outfit IS so bland.

I just love Link. He is so precious to me. Trying to work in all the colors from the four of them was a challenge but also really satisfying in the final design I think.

I just love how Green is tiered and his hair is similar to Link's but with a cap on. Also he makes me like the color green I typically don't like working with green. XDDDD

His hair is a MESS and inspired by Oracle of ages manga Link's hair. Specifically how it tilts down instead of sticking upward like in FS.

Him wearing Ocarina of Time Link's outfit is fun but I think it works better on Shadow. XDDDD

I'm really happy people liked Gannondorf because I struggled hah. My art style is more simple than Akira's but I'm glad I could capture the essence of Gannondorf. UwU

Like, he was mostly inspired by Twilight Princess Gannon with Wind Waker and Ocarina Gannon flare.

Ngl I love how OOT Link's outfit looks on Shadow Link. He looks so edgy.

The hot topic boots and different toned brown for his chest belt and actual belt are just the cherry on top. XD

I try to keep his hair in line with how it's drawn in FS because it gives him a unique silhouette when he's a shadow.

Though I'd love to design him more Gannondorf inspired attire like his desert cloak.

His TP manga Midna inspired look was mostly due to me wanting to find a way to show his expressions while ALSO showing he is an entirely black shadow.

Anyways yeah, FSR is very fun to work on visually XD

[kivaember]

got inspired to write some viv621 involving flowers so here ya go! post-LoR with Rusty Lives because in my mind he never dies uwu

-

In the months after the fall of the Xylem and the retreat of corporate forces and the PCA both, the Rubiconians began to piece together their lives. Staking out a city to rebuild slowly, to gather themselves and their forces in preparation for when the corporations returned... it was a lot of hard work, admittedly, and some days Rusty felt more exhausted than when he was pretending to be a bootlicking corporate merc, but the sheer happiness and satisfaction he felt was beyond words.

It helped that he got to step into this brave new world of freedom side-by-side with Raven. It quickly became apparent to everyone in the Liberation Front that Raven had no idea how to live independently, and with Rusty already having a rapport with him, it was decided that Raven would shadow him both on missions and in his daily life. They fought together, they did chores together, had meals together... they even slept together - chastedly!

Well, mostly.

The line between platonic and romantic blurred at some point, but Rusty was hesitant to fully step over that line while Raven was still figuring himself out. Even though it had been months... Rusty knew Raven was still raw over losing Walter, at having the unthinking stability of being a leashed hound cut out from under him. As a result, Raven clung to Rusty like a drowning man at sea would to flotsam, the only person he knew and somewhat trusted in his life who he was willing to take orders from, and while it was flattering...

Well, if Rusty was going to sleep with someone, he'd rather have there be no ambiguity in how willing it was, for his own peace of mind.

Anyway, they were essentially living out of each other's pockets. They even lived together, in one of the few apartment complexes that had been refurbished in the new city they were rebuilding. It was drafty and cold, but it was theirs, and Rusty enjoyed every morning where the sunrise would spill through their window, lighting the room up in streaks of golds and pinks and reminding him that it was yet another day of a free Rubicon.

That morning was no different. Rusty woke up to the sound of heavy transporters trundling past the building, their engines growling loud enough to wake the dead, and the dawn's light filtering through the window. Raven had been displeased at the early wake up call, grumbling and huffing, but Rusty had managed to prod him out of bed and to freshen up in time for their morning routine.

Now, while the apartment was refurbished, it still wasn't fully functional. There wasn't any central heating, the water wasn't potable and the electricity only worked during certain hours of the day. With the city's electric grid still being rebuilt and the attached subterranean Coral generator being brought back online, most things like food, potable water and a warm place to stay was centralised in the city hall to be easily accessible.

So that's where they went for breakfast.

"That clothes shipment might be in today, so we'll see if your thermals have finally arrived. You'll be a lot warmer then, huh, buddy?" Rusty chattered as he and Raven stepped out of the apartment complex. A thin layer of snow crunched underfoot, and the street was quiet but not empty. The road had deep tracks dug through it from those transporters, and a few people were striding past, a destination clearly in mind. Raven paid little mind to all of this, keeping his gaze fixed on his feet as he hundled in his thick jacket, half his face hidden behind his scarf.

While the air was certainly brisk and chilly to Rusty, Raven always acted as if he was stepping out into the polar regions. It was a little charming, in a cute kind of way, but Rusty was also aware that Rubicon's invasive chill just didn't agree with him. If Rubicon was to become Raven's home then, well, some compromises needed to be made.

Hence the thermals order. Though, it was less they had purchased it from there and more directing their scavengers to keep an eye out for them amongst the various supply depots the PCA and the Corps had abandoned during their flight from the planet.

"The PCA bases had a lot of supplies for us to claim... I'm surprised they didn't take any of it when they left the planet," Rusty mused. Talking to Raven was like talking to himself a lot of the time, but he didn't mind it. He found it strangely easy and freeing, being able to ramble without having to constantly judge or anticipate a response and how to react to it, manipulating the flow of conversation and plastering on an affable, inoffensive mask. Some things just couldn't be unlearned quickly when you spent a literal decade as a spy.

They stopped at a crossroads. There wasn't any true vehicle traffic - only the heavy duty transporters were up and running with any regularity, and you could see (and hear) those coming a mile away. On occasion there was a Pillbug (an armoured MRAP that was common road transport on Rubicon), but they rarely drove within the residential areas of this battered city. The roads were still a little fucked in places.

"Hey, let's take the scenic route," Rusty suggested. "It's still early."

Raven made a vague humming noise, but followed when Rusty veered away from the direct route to the city hall. This road swept past what must've been a city park back in the day, the area flat and devoid of any building ruins or the like. It also lacked plant life, except for the odd stubborn tree, skeletal and coated in a thick layer of frost.

It'd probably take another fifty years for that park to recover back to its old glory - whatever that had looked like. Rusty had only ever known Rubicon to be harsh and barren, all sharp-edges that would cut and a cold that seeped in through the cracks no matter how warmly you dressed. Imagining a green Rubicon... it just didn't compute in his mind.

Maybe it'd be like how New London looked back on Earth... but those parks had looked uncomfortably artificial, cultivated by a wasteful use of fresh water, all perfectly levelled grass and trimmed hedges, symmetrical in a way nature never was. If this park was to regrow, Rusty hoped it'd do so in a wild way and stay like that. He wanted to know... what a rewilded Rubicon looked like...

He hadn't realised he'd stopped until he felt a tug on his sleeve. Raven peered up at him in mild concern, a silent question in his eyes.

"...just thinking," Rusty said with a smile. "You ever seen a park before, buddy?"

Raven, as always, considered this off-hand question very intently. After a moment's pause, he nodded very slowly, his gaze drifting over the barren stretch of snow that smothered the old park.

"I've only seen the ones on Earth. They were pretty, but they looked fake too." Rusty rubbed the back of his neck. "I wonder how this would grow back, if it ever does..."

Rubicon's ecosystem was beyond saving - at least, it could never return to what it had been. Uncle had said Rubicon had been covered in lush grasslands and rainforests before the Fires, a veritable Garden of Eden where fertile land was never lacking. Even the Belius southern deserts and the Enlil ice fields had been teeming with life. Now, the planet was a husk of itself, its once fertile lands scorched and choked beneath ash and ice, and the majority of flora and fauna rendered extinct.

Unless the Institute had kept viable genetic material for the fauna and seeds for the flora in some heavily reinforced bunker somewhere, the revitalised Rubicon would be a completely different beast to its past self. Rusty wasn't sure how to feel about it, personally. Uncle felt sad about it, he knew, but Rusty had never known the old Rubicon, he only knew this one, and thinking about it changing made him uneasy in a way he couldn't quite put into words.

Raven nudged him, and when Rusty glanced over at him, stirred from his thoughts, he saw his friend sign - clumsily, because he still wasn't used to it and his gloves were very thick; 'Flower.'

"...flower? Oh. Flowers," Rusty chuckled. "I don't think a flower's bloomed on Rubicon in half a century, buddy. You'd think all the seeds for 'em died off by now."

Raven gave him a long, searching look. He didn't elaborate, though. Instead he simply turned and clambered over the rickety, half-collapsed fence that surrounded the dead park.

"Wha- hey, Raven! Careful..."

Raven ignored him. Sighing, Rusty climbed over the fence and followed him, the ashy snow crunching loudly. He could see faint imprints of older footprints, likely people cutting across the park to get to other areas faster. Raven veered away from those faint imprints though, towards the base of a lone, skeletal tree whose skinny branches were weighed down with a myriad of fat leaves that ranged from pale pink to stark, angry red. It's trunk was a weird blend of wood and stone, where dull red crystals jutted out from between old cracks in the bark; crimson amber that always felt hot to the touch.

Coral trees, they were called for lack of anything else. They had sprung up after the Fires, and Rusty remembered his home village being surrounded by these. Their branches burned well, and the children would prise off those crystals to use as pocket warmers, where they would emit heat for weeks until dulling grey and becoming inert. The only danger to them was that they were highly volatile, and a lightning strike could turn them into bombs of all things.

Raven gently touched one of the protruding crystals, his expression contemplative.

"You can take some, if you want. They make good pocket warmers," Rusty suggested, and laughed at the dubious look Raven gave him. "They're Coral deposits, if you can believe it. Y'know, we're lucky that the Corps didn't decide to deforest Rubicon while they were at it. Guess the amount of Coral in these trees are negligible..."

Raven looked back at the tree but didn't take any of the crystals. He crouched down instead, slowly, using the tree for balance until he was on his knees and poking around the roots. There was a thin layer of dead leaves coating the tree's base, slick and half-frozen - the closest thing it'd get to fertiliser.

Rusty was bemused but didn't stop him. It was rare for Raven to go off and do his own thing, and even if Rusty didn't understand his actions half the time, he wanted to encourage that independence. He just kept an eye on him, standing in the shade of that tree, feeling the warmth radiate from it, and wondered if it'd be possible to get a cutting and grow a sapling from it. Maybe the apartment would be warmer if they made a mini-Coral tree? It wasn't likely to get struck by lightning, so it's bomb status wasn't really an issue...

Raven made a noise, and Rusty looked to see his friend triumphantly pointing at something amongst the roots. Tiny, little shoots were pushing from the black soil, springy and green and definitely not the scrubby grass that stubbornly survived across Rubicon. Rusty crouched down and tilted his head, surprised but confused.

"...probably some kind of grass," he said. "That's all that grows round here."

Raven gave him a very disappointed look, and signed with far more confidence this time: 'flower'.

"Hah, you think so?" Rusty smiled, finding the thought nice but unrealistic. His gaze wandered back to those springy green shoots, though. They were vibrantly alive in a way most things on Rubicon weren't. The Coral trees, the grass, the shrubs... they survived but they never thrived, always half-wilting or drooping, but these...

"How about a bet, then?" Rusty found himself murmuring. "You bet it's a flower, and I bet it's just more grass."

Raven tilted his head. 'Gift?'

Gift? Oh, he must mean- "Hmm, I dunno. Loser has to fulfil whatever favour the winner asks - within reason, of course."

Raven considered this intently, but nodded. He was smiling slightly, a rare sight, and his eyes glittered with confidence. His friend was certain of his victory already.

And...

And a part of Rusty hoped he was right. That this would grow into a wildflower, sprouting through the ashy snow decades after the world died. Maybe it'd be something like these Coral trees, something new and alien, or maybe it'd be something old... Rusty didn't know. He'd have to wait and see.

He did a lot of that nowadays: waiting and seeing, watching his home slowly pick itself out of the grave.

"C'mon, buddy." Rusty stood up and held out his hand. "Let's leave this to grow in peace."

Raven nodded and gently re-covered the sprouts with the protective layer of decaying leaves. After a gentle pat he peered up at the tree, some unreadable emotion flickering through his eyes, before he reached up and took Rusty's hand.

-

A few weeks later, the springy green sprouts bloomed into a beautiful carpet of scarlet flowers.

[robonene-on-steroids]

my fav pjsk ships

i got bored so i decided to rank my favorite ships

5. Minoharu

this one is so implied and theyre just really cute

4. Emunene

emu and nene compliment each other so well they have a special place in my heart

3. Ruikasa

very silly guys and no I am not one of those ruikasa shippers that boils their relationship down to "perverted teasing guy" and "shy uwu bean" (i actually hc them complimenting each other and flustering each other)

2. Mizuena

my pookies. I have the plushies of them and they are always together. they are actually equal to my number 1 ship

Sakiemu (yes im a multishipper :3)

Theyre both pink its perfect and Emu and Saki are so similar and I feel like they would connect really well. theyre my overall best and favorite pookies ever