White gloved hands constricted the other tightly. Everything was alright. It always was, as long as they were with each other.
They both had the brief temptation to remove their plastic eyes, as if blinding themselves would blind them to their fiery fate.
"I love you." He whispered to his beautiful wife. Even as they both faced death she still took his breath away.
"I love you too, my love." She whispered back. He still made her feel calm, even in the fiery grip of death.
Husband and Wife closed their eyes. They were aware of nothing but them and their family.
The other toys had become like children to them.
The incinerator was drawing nearer, almost in slow motion. Almost.
He was scared. 'Like always.' he thought bitterly, but shook it away. This was not a time for bitterness. This was a time for family and friends. As they waited their impending doom they were given one last chance to say goodbye. It was done silently. Meaningful looks, hand (paws, claws, and hooves) held.
His claws were enclosed in his two friends. He felt them all gain speed. How he loved them, his family.
"I love you guys." He said suddenly. His two friends, even though they were the 'tough' ones quivered slightly.
They repeated the sentiments.
He wasn't ashamed of the tears that came out of his eyes. Not this time. With his hoof holding onto the green dinosaur next to him, it was all he could do to stop from sobbing.
He'd miss the great big idiot.
Slink was near him and he locked eyes with the dog.
They had always protected their somewhat naive friend.
They always would. Forever.
And then he was falling.
His body was stretched out for the last time. For a good cause.
He was connecting the family, as he'd always done. One paw holding onto Rex and the other Woody. He was their link.
He squeezed Woody and Rex's hand, for different reasons. Woody, to let him know that they didn't blame him, this wasn't his fault. Rex, to comfort his upset friend.
Looking over the green dinosaur he made a pact with Hamm.
He would protect Rex where ever they went. It was their place in the family. The protectors. The brothers.
The heat was melting his metal, but somehow he didn't care. He was with his family.
The two lovers pressed their lips together tightly, wishing the other's pain away.
And then they were truly joined.
And then there was...
How he loved them, his family.
But he was the optimist, so it was fitting that his last thought was that he'd see them all in a bit, somewhere new. Somewhere toys were played with all day and there was no pain.
The orange flames engulfed him and...
He tried to be like Rex. Hey, maybe there was poker where they were going...
When the blackness came, he embraced it. He knew that he'd always, no matter where he went, be the link...
They had reached the next step in their existence. Together, in each others' arms. They didn't know what would come next. Now all they had to do was wait...
