Hello again!
This week I have to give credit where it's due.
I had some help from my friend who serves as the inspiration for Rei in writing a scene in this chapter.
He really helped in getting the dialogue to flow correctly, so thanks for your help Rei!
And thank all of you for reading and for the nice comments you've left
I hope you enjoy!
~RK

Bobble landed in Tinker's Nook having flown most of the way. If he wasn't careful he'd surely be walking all day tomorrow. As quickly and unobtrusively as possible he jogged through the workshop toward home, wanting to unload the unnecessary weight in his belt before dinner.

He had been thinking of the advice everyone had been giving him all day: Bring out the better in each other, help make the bad days good, and do what you can to help each other. The more he thought about it the more he was sure that he was ready to ask Clank. They did all these things for each other. Whether it was making him take a break once in a while or defending him from someone like Dozer–

"Bobble!" Fairy Mary's voice crashed into his thoughts. He quickly spun around and froze. She was flying right toward him with Fairy Gary by her side, and she did not look happy to see him. "Bobble, the day is nearly done! Where have you been all day? And where is Clank?"

Bobble tilted his head to the side. "Wasn't Clank working with Tweak all day?"

"No, he certainly was not. Tweak was working with Swizzel on wash bins."

"Oh." Odd… "Well, then I don't know where Clank is. I haven't seen him since this morning."

She sighed, frustrated.

"Mary…" Gary said calmly.

"I'm fine." She waved Gary off. "Alright then, where have you been all day?"

"Oh… I was just… um…" he felt the blush creep into his cheeks. He couldn't look the guild leaders in the eye as he dug in his pouch and brought out the union cord. He didn't bother lying. He told them everything that he'd done that day.

When he had finished he still couldn't look at Fairy Mary. He truly expected her to be angry with him and scold him for ditching work for such a reason. He tried not to think of how she had shouted at them when she discovered their relationship, or when she would scold them for the tiniest bit of flirting at work. He did not want her to yell at him again. He hated being in trouble. Trembling, he held the cord tightly, waiting for the reprimand to come.

Mary lay her hand on Bobble's cheek. He gasped and glanced up at her smiling face. "Phineas, that's wonderful."

Stunned, he replied, "You… you're not angry?"

Mary shook her head. "No, of course not. I'm a bit peeved you didn't tell me before skipping work, but I understand." She looked to Gary who was also smiling, but not nearly as wide as Mary. "Do you remember our ceremony, Gary?"

"Of course," Gary replied. "And I remember how you asked me all those years ago."

She took Bobble's shoulder. "I'm so happy for you, and you said you're planning on asking him soon?"

"Aye, tonight," he confirmed.

"Then I won't hold you up any longer." Mary said. "And when you do ask him, remember you have my blessing."

Bobble sighed happily. This had gone much better than he had ever expected. "Thank you Fairy Mary."

She gave him one last smile then said "Alright Gary, you and I should head to dinner."

"Go on ahead," Gary said. "I'll catch up in a bit." Mary shot him a confused look. Bobble watched the expressions shift between them as if they were having a silent conversation.

After a moment Mary nodded. "I'll save us a place."

Once she had flown away, Gary turned his attention to Bobble. He felt his chest and throat go tight as he held Gary's steady gaze. "Walk with me." The Dust Keeper said. Silently Bobble fell into step with Gary.

What in the world could he want? Bobble wondered. He followed Gary to a secluded area just outside Tinker's Nook. Neither had said a word on the way there.

Gary stopped and looked over Bobble for a moment, making his nerves jump wildly. "Bobble, let me start by saying I'm very happy for you and Clank. He will certainly say yes when you ask him."

"Th-thank you?" Bobble stammered.

"I'd like to offer you some advice."

"Oh that's not–"

"Please, just listen." Gary said. "It's important and probably didn't occur to any of the fairies you spoke to today to tell you this, and I wish someone had told me when Mary and I were unified."

Bobble shifted uncomfortably. "Um… okay…"

"Alright," Gary sighed. He cleared his throat, rubbed his hands together and clenched his fists a couple times. "So… when you two have your ceremony… when everything is official, it's likely one or both of you is going to feel nervous about your first time as a Tied couple."

"Huh?"

"It's perfectly understandable that you might feel pressured to make it more special. Better than any other time. But it's best not to worry about it." Gary explained.

Bobble felt his stomach knot up. "I… I don't understand."

Gary's cheeks were turning pinker every time he spoke. "What I'm saying Bobble, is that you shouldn't try and force it to be special, or unique, or meaningful. Let things happen as they would naturally. What will make it special — truly special — is the love between the two of you."

Bobble had an idea of what Gary meant but he really hoped he was mistaken. "What are you talking about?" he squeaked.

Gary stopped trying to explain. He looked Bobble over again. The Tinker was nervous and wringing his hands together. Realization hit him, "Phineas… have you not…?"

"Have I not what?"

Gary cleared his throat again. "Have you and Clank not shared…. how do I say this… um….physical intimacy?"

His throat tightened further. A deep burning blush filled his face. "W-what?"

"Mated." Gary said flatly. "Have you two mated?"

Bobble stumbled back with a squeak. He couldn't imagine how red he must be right now. "How is that an appropriate thing to ask?!" Bobble blurted.

Gary shook his head. He was very pink in the face too. "Well… I care about the two of you. I want you to be happy, but I know how it is to stress out oneself over something like this." He paused, allowing them both a moment to collect their composure.

"So…have you?" he asked again.

"No!" Bobble blurted. "No, we haven't!"

"Oh…" Gary groaned, his cheeks red enough to rival an apple. "Oh dear… Phineas…"

"What? It's not a big deal is it?" Bobble asked, flustered.

"Well," Gary started uncomfortably, "mating is an important part of a relationship. How often or in what manner each partner desires….intimacy. It's important, it's both everything and nothing. It's a need that varies for every individual, that can even change over time. Both of you need to know how you…work in that way. If you two haven't…"

Bobble covered his ears and turned his back to Gary. "I don't want to talk about this!"

Gary grasped him by the shoulders and gently turned him back around. Bobble reluctantly took his hands from his ears. "Phineas, listen. Mating is a major expression of love and trust between a couple," Gary said with what he thought was an encouraging tone of voice.

"I said I didn't want to talk about this!" Bobble cried.

Gary put his arm over his shoulder. "I'm trying to help you lad. Phineas, did something happen to you? Were you hurt?"

Bobble had been trying very hard not to think about this for the past few months. Unsuccessfully. He repeated the words in his head.

Were you hurt?

Were you hurt?

His insides twisted and he felt a heavy shroud of shame over him. He shook his head. "It's none of your business!"

"Okay, you're right. It's not my business. But Phineas-"

"STOP!" Bobble shouted, the sick feeling inside him growing worse. He pulled away from Gary and tried to fly away. Gary was quicker and grabbed his hand again.

"I'm only trying to help Phineas! I'm not saying you shouldn't Tie with Clank! Please, just listen!"

"NO!" Bobble shouted and with a sudden rush of adrenaline, yanked his arm free. He took off without a thought; without a glance backward. He didn't want to know if Gary was following him. His embarrassment swelled in him along with the sickness and shame and he flew fast, trying to escape it. Gary's words chased him as he flew, and he thought back to that night he'd shared with Clank.

. . .

Although he and Clank had never mated before, it wasn't because they'd never tried. Once before the Dust Feud they'd almost done it.

Bobble had just gotten his bandages off his arm that morning and decided to stay over with Clank at his house for the night. He couldn't remember anything in particular that started it. It had just been a normal day for them, and it wasn't uncommon now for them to sleep together at night by that point. They were just sitting together talking and laughing as usual. They'd just shared hot tea and honey comb cakes for dinner and had begun talking shop. New invention concepts bubbled between them and Bobble quickly started sketching them out.

"I'm so glad to have my arm back." Bobble said as he drew up new blueprints with his dominant hand.

"Me too." Clank smiled. "And I'm glad I can fly again too."

"Aye, it's so good to be back to normal."

Clank frowned. "Yeah, but… I wish my back didn't itch so much."

Bobble set down his pencil. "Didn't that healer give you something for that?"

"Oh right!" Clank said. "Can you help me?"

"Of course." Bobble smiled. "Take your shirt off. Where'd you put the container?"

"Over by the bed." Clank said, pulling his shirt over his head.

Bobble sat behind him on the bed and used the lotion the healer – who he knew now was named Basil – had given them instead of the ointment. He massaged it into Clank's skin along the pink scars. It was just like he'd done when the wounds were fresh.

When he finished he got up to put the lotion away. Clank grabbed his hand before he got a step away and pulled him back to the bed.

"Sit down." Clank said softly. Bobble did, keeping the container in his lap. Clank held his hand in both of his own and gently squeezed the soft spot of his hand. He rolled his thumb around the back of Bobble's hand up to the knuckles and pulled on each of his fingers til the cartilage popped. He then slid his hand along the back of Bobble's and up his arm to Bobble's elbow.

He paused. In the stillness Bobble saw Clank's gaze trail up from his hands to meet his eye. They smiled at each other, and Bobble breathed a small laugh. "Thanks…"

"You're welcome…" Clank replied. He reached forward and slid Bobble's goggles to his forehead with more care than Bobble thought necessary. Then Clank lifted his hand to cup Bobble's cheek and leaned in slowly until their lips met.

The lotion dropped to the floor, forgotten. Bobble rested his hand on Clank's thigh and let the rest of the world melt away. He wasn't sure if it was because Clank had massaged out his arm, or if it was because they were finally healed. Whatever caused this moment, Bobble was grateful for.

He slid his hand up Clank's leg to his hip, up his side and to his chest. He liked the feeling of his warm bare skin under his hands. He'd felt it plenty of times before, but this context was so much more enjoyable.

Clank's hands found the front of Bobble's shirt and the kiss broke as Clank undid the buttons and opened it. He slid his hands inside Bobble's shirt and softly ran his fingers along Bobble's sides. Bobble shivered with the tickling sensation. He wanted more. He wanted to be closer, to feel more of Clank. He climbed into his lap and curled his arms around Clank's neck and crushed their lips together again.

Clank dragged his hands around to Bobble's back and slowly dragged his fingertips up his spine. Bobble could feel the slight scratch of his nails and moaned, arching his back so their stomachs pressed together. He broke away, panting and buried his face in Clank's shoulder while Clank continued to drag lines down Bobble's back, brushing against his wings now and again.

Bobble tangled his fingers in Clank's hair, dragged his nails along his scalp, all the while holding Clank tighter with his other arm. He inhaled sharply as Clank nipped at his ear and breathed hotly on his neck.

His toes curled at the sensation. He caught his teeth in Clank's shoulder, tightened his fingers in his hair and tugged. He squeezed his knees around Clank's hips. He was so excited, so eager to feel what would happen next.

Clank stood, holding Bobble under his thighs and lay him down on the bed. Bobble folded his wings neatly beneath him and clutched at the blankets while he watched Clank. He stood over Bobble, tucked his hands under his shirt at his shoulders and slowly slid the shirt off Bobble's arms. Bobble arched upward to make it easier to slide the shirt free, and was tempted to undress completely.

Before he could, Clank was over him on his hands and knees. They stared deeply into each other's eyes. Bobble shivered at the look in Clank's. Hungry, lustful, wanting, warm and beautiful. Bobble threw his arms around him and pulled him down. He kissed him again, he never wanted to stop kissing him. He could feel his own hunger, his own desire growing inside him. He wanted Clank now more than he'd ever thought possible.

Clank slid a hand behind Bobble's head. He toyed with the ginger mess of hair while his other hand laced fingers with Bobble. He moved away from Bobble's lips and trailed warm soft kisses on his temple, down to his cheek, then to his jaw. He slid his hand lower til it fit in the curve of Bobble's neck just as his kisses trailed down the other side. He kissed just below the jaw, and slowly trailed lower down his neck. It was all so warm, so sweet and wonderful.

But suddenly it wasn't.

Bobble went rigid. The warmth that had filled his body was suddenly replaced with a chill cold as ice. He could no longer feel Clank's soft caress or gentle kisses. In their place he felt rough hands encircling his throat. Involuntarily his throat tightened as the ghost hands constricted. He choked out a distressed cry. A face lifted over him, but it wasn't Clank. He didn't see his warm brown eyes. Instead he saw hard, crazed green ones.

He reacted before he realized it; was running before he could stop it. He found himself outside on his hands and knees, shaking with fear and digging his fingers into the ground.

He sucked down large gulps of air. Slowly his senses returned to normal. A cool breeze blew and crickets chirped all around him. No one else was around. He relaxed his grip in the dirt and tried to calm his breathing. His pulse still pounded in his ears.

A warm blanket draped over his back. Startled, he looked over his shoulder at Clank. He'd put his shirt back on and was carrying Bobble's. He had a red mark on his right cheek and Bobble winced at it. That hadn't been there before and Bobble knew he must have done that when he panicked. He stared back at the ground, ashamed.

"Are you okay?" Clank asked.

Bobble shivered and pulled the blanket tight around himself. Clank didn't ask again and sat beside him. Bobble dared a glance at him and shied away at the red mark.

"What did I do?" Bobble whispered.

Clank sighed. "You screamed, elbowed me in the face, kicked me in the stomach and ran out here."

Bobble groaned and buried his face in his hands. He couldn't believe it. He'd struck Clank. In the middle of all those sweet, pleasurable things he'd hurt him.

"You saw him again, didn't you?" Clank guessed and Bobble nodded. "I'm sorry…"

"No…" Bobble breathed, sitting back. "No Clank, I hit you. I'm supposed to apologize."

Clank shrugged and waved it off. "Don't worry about it." He acted like he didn't mind, but Bobble knew he must be upset. "I'm sure worse things have happened during mating. We'll just have to be more careful next time."

Next time? Worse things have happened? Bobble thought, What things? What could possibly be worse than hitting your partner in fear?

Clank stood up. "It's a little cold out here. Let's go back inside."

Bobble shrugged off the blanket. "You go ahead. I'd like to be alone for a bit."

Clank picked up the blanket. "Okay…" He lay Bobble's shirt beside him and moved to kiss his cheek. Bobble flinched away. Clank sighed. "G'night." He went inside.

When he was gone, Bobble pulled on his shirt and rose to his feet. It was easy to fall into an old habit. With his anxiety running wild he went right to his work station and tinkered til dawn.

For anyone curious, Rei helped with the Fairy Gary scene.
I really appreciate his help.
Thank you all so much for reading.
See you next week!
~RK