Chitin sat between Dotter and Pointbreak, waiting for Stingray. Frequency held a fussy Dotbreak, singing to him in his box. Boredown had gone to get drinks.
Stingray came out of the office, rubbing his helm, a baffled expression on his face.
"Ray?" Chitin worried as he got up.
"I'm okay. We may need to appear in court. It kinda hurts knowing now who caused...," he pulled Chitin into a hug, "I don't want to go back to those orns."
"We'll stand, remember. Happiness first," Chitin laid his helm on Stingray's shoulder.
Pointbreak sighed, getting to his pedes, "It's been a very draining several orns. I for one want to go relax and be simply a family. The past can stay behind us."
Boredown came back in, "Here. Try this."
Chitin took the offered bottle, then sipped it.
He blinked, savored the bubbly sweetness, "What is this?"
"Rampage made it from a human drink called cola," he handed Stingray another bottle, "You free to go?"
"For now. Court will come later," Stingray chugged the bottle, smiled, then took Dotbreak's box, "Well, my sparkling. You definitely mirror your Atar. Timing your protests to keep me on the right side of the law."
Chitin felt lighter from Stingray's joking tone, "We missed lunch. Why don't we go get some food?"
"Yes," Stingray bumped helms with Chitin, "I'm so glad I ran into you Chitin. You made me better."
Love flared through their bond, "I forgive you for ruining my paint that night."
Stingray blinked, then looked sheepish, "Won't happen again, Officer."
They laughed as they left, moving towards a better future. One where they lived within Devisplex's city, worked at what they dreamed while raising a sparkling they loved with all their sparks, never far from family and happiness.
We have reached the end of this story. Please go read Diego Diaries, the story that inspired this one. It is a wonderful and fun rump from fellow author arctapus.
May all of you be safe this day and those that follow, with smiles and laughter to lighten everything.