On top of the Super Robot's shoulder, Antauri and Gibson stepped out of the robot and gazed out over the brightly colored city below. Tracing the curving bridges that resembled pinball tracks to him, Antauri slightly smiled, slowly lowering his hand after a moment. Gibson watched him briefly, and then turned to look behind the Super Robot, out at the wilderness of Shuggazoom. His eyes settled on the ocean, and he wistfully sighed as he studied it momentarily, before turning back to Antauri and staring at Shuggazoom City instead.

"Do you think Sparx and Nova encountered anything drastic out there?" Antauri gazed out at the city, checking the rooftops of the towering buildings.

"Unlikely, considering that we stopped the Skeleton King seven years ago," reminded Gibson. "That third clone of Mandarin may still be out there, but he's been struggling to amass resistance to us." He folded his arms and lowered his head. "I just worry if that one has the same loyalty ties to the Skeleton King like Mandarin's other clones, or if he's like the original monster, trying to scheme his way to the top on his own."

"Whatever the threat he poses, we'll stop him," assured Antauri.

"Chiro and Jinmay made no mentions of him yesterday?"

"No."

Gibson observed as Antauri lifted his shoulders, his gaze just slightly narrowing over the city. Lowering his arms, Gibson walked to the edge of the Super Robot's shoulder and sat down, briefly glancing down below before shaking his head and returning his attention out to the city as well.

"Can we please talk about him?" Gibson turned as Antauri sharply twisted his head to him, shooting him an inquisitive, almost offended look. Gibson lowered his eyes and flexed his metallic hand. "I know you're hurting over him leaving, but it's been three years, Antauri. And Chiro still visits, so it's not like he and Jinmay are entirely out of our lives."

"But they have their own lives to lead, and they should be getting to that, I'm aware," insisted Antauri. He looked back over the city. "I just imagined that they would try settling somewhere closer to home, not…go gallivanting across space."

"They're young, they want to find somewhere they feel suited to, and they want to know what the worlds are like beyond what they're used to." Gibson leaned back and looked to Antauri, who returned to avoiding eye contact. "If we hadn't returned to the Savage Lands five years ago, we wouldn't have recovered your body."

"That's different," argued Antauri. "That was…to understand us more."

"And we worked hard to get back some of your mortality from the machine." Gibson reached for Antauri's hand, placing his over it. Antauri jumped slightly from the touch, but refused to look back. "I know that you hated that robotic body."

"Not always, and I was thankful to having it over nothing at all."

"But you were afraid of it, no matter how much we thought to have quelled you over it," brought up Gibson. He traced Antauri's hand to his arm. "Even now, you're not entirely shed of it, and that still unsettles you."

"The advanced claws and capabilities to the armor proved too useful to leave behind." Antauri balled his hands into fists. "Even if they're less enjoyable reminders from time to time…"

"They actually help me feel better," admitted Gibson. "Sparx and I quarreled about leadership without you, but it was easier to focus on that than being without you." He sighed and lowered his head. "Sometimes I look back on how I've acted in the past and find myself riddled in shame."

"We all have our faults, Gibson, and yet the fact remains that we pushed past them to keep the universe safe," comforted Antauri. "No matter what petty squabbles have come about between us, we're still able to look out over Shuggazoom because we could rise up and protect our home."

"True." Gibson lifted his head and turned to Antauri. "Thank you." Antauri finally glanced to him and nodded, but returned his attention outward. "You know, as nice as it is to get out, I think I still would have preferred chatter over chess. We could do with a nice spot of tea as well." Gibson smirked as Antauri failed to stifle a chuckle.

"Perhaps it's better for us to crawl back out of the Super Robot, every so often," relented Antauri. "While I do my best honing the Power Primate, it does take away from my time actually exploring the world."

"And everyone loves to bring up that I bury myself in books and computers far too often," muttered Gibson, eliciting another laugh from Antauri. "We are both trying to do what we do best to keep everyone safe."

"Yes, I know that. Though, they are right, about those efforts being detrimental to ourselves."

"Can we go back to being the two that know better please?"

"That would ignore the growth of the others," pointed out Antauri. "And I believe that's where your discussion regarding Chiro was going, no?"

"Getting you to recognize and find peace over the boy's growth, yes." Gibson dropped his shoulders. "After all, it is good for him."

"It is."

"But I was actually trying to help you with adjusting," furthered Gibson. "I know how close you two were, and I know it's been strenuously difficult on you all this time."

"He…I shouldn't miss him so much."

"Should a parent never miss their child?"

"I'm not the boy's father."

"Weren't you?"

Antauri finally faced Gibson, who leaned back and stared at him. A gentle wind blew past them, carrying the scent of popcorn, pretzels, and cotton candy from a snack stand at the city's edge. Antauri clutched at his stomach and searched for the stand, but Gibson returned his attention to the trees outside the city, watching the branches and leaves sway in the wind. Settling himself, Antauri returned his focus to Gibson, and scooted beside him.

"If I am analogous to a parent for him, then what were you?"

"The teacher he never wanted to listen to," joked Gibson. "Nor did the others."

"You weren't so distant from him," debated Antauri.

"On the contrary, I do believe Chiro and I had the weakest relationship." Gibson sank down. "I've grown over these years, and I try to open up a bit more emotionally to the others, like you do as well, but…sometimes, I wonder if I'm unable."

"Gibson, none of us have ever—"

"Please, Antauri." Gibson slouched. "I think even Mandarin could connect better than I could."

"Don't ever say that again," fired out Antauri, as Gibson jerked his head up. "You are just as important to the Hyper Force as any of us are. Mandarin was never the right fit for this team." Gibson turned as Antauri steeled his gaze over him. "Don't ever compare yourself unfavorably to him, because you are leagues beyond him."

"…Sorry."

"There is no need to apologize." Antauri softened. "I just want you to understand that you are very much part of this team, the same as the rest."

"Someone has to do the research, I suppose." Gibson bitterly laughed. "It frees up the others, after all."

"We value it more than we can communicate," insisted Antauri. "I especially thank you for it, because I would be at a loss numerous times without your knowledge." His tail drooped as Gibson forced up a smile. "In fact, while I may have the best connection to the Power Primate among us, I…also fail to connect on a more emotional level to the others."

"Unlike me, you make good on your guidance and wisdom," pointed out Gibson. "Even if I sorely lack your drive on more spiritual and mystical matters, I rely on your leadership to help guide my choices and efforts."

"I never knew that."

"Well, I never told you." Gibson shrugged. "Besides, it goes without saying that you help guide all of us, since you are our leader." He smirked. "That's part of how you connect better with everyone."

"Gibson."

"Let's be honest, I'm not wrong."

"Shall I break this down for you, then?" Antauri folded his arms and crossed his legs. "Sparx would be hopelessly lost without you in his life, and as hard as he'll deny that to everyone's faces, I know that you two have a relationship with one another that shows deep connection to one another." He smirked as Gibson lowered his eyes. "You two have mellowed out quite well the past couple of years, and that proves my point."

"Nova encouraged him to be nicer to me," contested Gibson. "And she only does that because she wants everyone to get along properly, not any special feelings for me specifically."

"She likes you as much as anyone else on the team," insisted Antauri. Gibson folded his arms and he amended it with, "Save for Sparx, but that's romantic attachment."

"My point stands." Gibson folded his arms behind his head. "And don't bother bringing Chiro into this, because he absolutely does not favor me over the others."

"Why are you so certain of this?"

"You were his father figure, as much as you don't want to admit to that, but everyone agrees on it. Nova was like a best friend or sister for him, and they had some outsider qualities to bond over," assessed Gibson. "Sparx and Otto were vastly more entertaining to spend time with, as Otto was more playful than the others, while Sparx indulged in troublesome habits that lured Chiro into following suit, a rebellious side that they delighted in together." He sighed and sank down. "What was I for him? A teacher. One dull, droning professor that he likely could not stand, and wished to interact with less."

"I refuse to let you believe that's true."

"If you want, you can have Chiro himself tell me such, and I'll still know it to be the truth regardless of what anyone persists over otherwise." Gibson dropped back against the Super Robot. "I think even Jinmay finds me more fascinating than he did. Or, she's at least rather good at feigning the fascination when I babble on."

"They both genuinely care for you."

"Oh, I'm sure that much is true, but less so than the others, which is also correct," reaffirmed Gibson. "It's not a big deal, Antauri. I've known that for years."

"It's bothering me that you've harbored such thoughts for so long…" Antauri frowned. "I thought I would loathe bringing up my own feelings over Chiro, but now I need to discuss this with him when we next meet."

"No need to bother," argued Gibson. "He'll feel offended over me suggesting such, but if he considers it, he'll understand my point." He rolled his eyes. "And that will only make him feel terrible, which I certainly don't want to do, so, it's best not to mention my perspective to him."

"And yet I intend to all the same."

"Of course you do." Gibson threw his arms out. "Regardless, my points remain correct."

"…Not quite." Antauri drummed at the robot's shoulder. "I know it's a sore subject with you both, but you did get close to Otto." He paused as Gibson forced himself back upright. "I've tried not to pry, but you have with my feelings on Chiro, so…if I may…?"

"…At least you've asked, unlike how pushy I've been." Gibson sighed and hugged his legs to his body. "You know Otto and I tried dating, right?"

"No, I don't think that I was aware—"

"Did you know that when you're telling a lie," detailed Gibson, "that there's just the slightest shift in your tone? It's subtle with you, more than most, but it's just a touch higher, and that's when one can tell you're not being truthful." He waited as Antauri clamped his mouth shut. "You can feel free trying to, of course, but I figured that out, and I refuse to let it go."

"…Yes, I was aware."

"Thank you." Gibson smirked as Antauri blushed and rubbed his arm. He tightened his grip on his legs. "Well, we tried. Otto did do wonders helping me lighten up more often, and I like to think I gave him a bit sharper focus on his work ethic with mechanics and inventions."

"He always seemed to benefit from his collaborations with you," reminisced Antauri, smiling as he did. "You never liked moments where he outshined you, but when you worked together, there was a lot accomplished for the team."

"Right, well…that much did improve for us as well."

"And yet, you two broke up," noted Antauri, and waited as Gibson slowly nodded. "Why?"

"…He, um…he wanted us to stop."

Antauri's eyes widened, and his mouth parted open from the revelation. Gibson curled his tail around his ankles, avoiding eye contact with Antauri as mustered the strength to continue divulging the story.

"There were a few reasons why, and…I do think he was right to do so," admitted Gibson. "Surprised me silly, but…I don't resent him or anything for it."

"Please explain." Antauri bit his lip as Gibson glanced up at him. "If, ah, if you're able to. I apologize."

"No need, I've been…meaning to talk about it." Gibson sharply inhale and held his breath for a few seconds, and then slowly released it. "So, after dealing with the Skeleton King and his forces, Otto was still uneasy over encounters with the Mandarin clones, and naturally, over the one that escaped."

"They were…also close," recalled Antauri. "I tried intervening when I could, but Mandarin had a…specific way of captivating Otto…"

"Flattery, as I recall," bitterly remembered Gibson. "He knew just the right words Otto wanted to hear whenever he needed something from him." Gibson narrowed his eyes. "I also tried to keep Otto away from him, but Mandarin was skilled at working around us."

"Disturbingly so."

"At any rate, that's…always been part of Otto's problems, properly opening up with everyone," assessed Gibson. "He's fine with making friends, loves to do so, but there's just…this distance he keeps with everyone." He sighed, pulling his legs in closer. "It's part of why I was hesitant around him over the years."

"You didn't want to treat him as Mandarin had," realized Antauri, as Gibson slowly nodded. "But you never would. Otto must have known that."

"He did, and yet, he didn't." Gibson tapped lightly on his arm. "After all, Mandarin never really loved him, I don't think. But…I suppose there were some ways that I treated Otto that did remind him of how close he used to be with Mandarin as well."

"Such as?"

"Compliments, closeness, they…when it's from someone that he's trying to let in, Otto gets his wires crossed in his head, as he explained to me," revealed Gibson. "From what he had with Mandarin, it's just…if you stumble into similar speech patterns—"

"You two sound nothing alike."

"Otto recognized that, but there were just these small moments, when I would rub his shoulder, praise small progress on his work, hugging him even…" Gibson lowered his head. "I don't know. It just pained him, and I struggled to adjust."

"That's entirely capable of fixing," insisted Antauri. "I can help him with that."

"Actually, I did offer that, but that…wasn't the only reason that Otto didn't want to be with me." Gibson brushed at his eyes and slouched further. "He didn't always relate his feelings from Mandarin to me, so, that wasn't always the issue."

"But what else would it be?" Antauri frowned, and rested his hand on Gibson's shoulder. "You can get focused on work and research, but your heart is always in the right place, Gibson. Otto must know that."

"Oh, no, we were both easily distracted by our work, and we could spend time apart without issue," explained Gibson. "That actually was a good aspect for us, perhaps handled better than Sparx and Nova's struggles with separation anxiety."

"If work ethic had nothing to do with it, then what would it be?"

"Differing interests, too widely so at times." Gibson swatted his tail's tip around a bit. "Otto likes to have fun, and I'm something of a stick-in-the-mud."

"That shouldn't have been…" Antauri hesitated and thought it over. "You and I have plenty of leisurely moments that we enjoy together."

"You and I…" Gibson hesitated until a chuckle escaped him. "We relate better. Selective tastes in junk foods, but pleasure found in tea and more nutritious meals. Chess. Studying. Like Otto and I, you can get buried into your focused habits and hobbies." He smirked at Antauri. "Actually, you and Otto both ventured into art in these more recent years. He likes sculpting more, but I've noticed you've dabbled in painting."

"It's quite soothing, and I do highly recommend it." Antauri smiled. "I hadn't realized how much I would enjoy it, but…Nova and Chiro had insisted on it, and I've yet to stop."

"Does it…help, with your feelings regarding…?" Gibson buried his mouth behind his legs. "Sorry."

"No, you're actually spot on with that assessment, and…I do have fond memories from times with Chiro, and they come out nicely when I paint." Antauri chuckled. "I try to remember the times that he taught me how to mix colors, and opinions on what to paint." He lowered his head. "There were a good number of paintings that he thought were a bit dark, but they were just…it was my style, I suppose."

"From what I've seen, I've enjoyed your works."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Gibson shrugged. "That's yet another part of us relating well. While I did admire Otto's sculptures and inventions, they were about the end of our better relations." He propped his head back up. "Otto relates better to Sparx and Nova. They like to go out and adventure through the city, into the world, whereas you and I are a touch more, shall we go with…introverted?"

"We do stay stuck inside for lengthy periods," admitted Antauri. "We should correct that."

"Research and exploring the Savage Lands did us some good," brought up Gibson. "I was a lot braver handling it with you beside me, so…that certainly helped us both with getting out and furthering work relating to our team."

"Of course." Antauri nodded. "Though, perhaps we should find more…relaxed ways to spend our time away from the Super Robot."

"I agree, but whereas you and I would prefer time resting outside at a park, Otto would want to be doing something in that time," carried on Gibson. "He would rather find shows or theme park attractions, get lost in crowds and with the citizens of Shuggazoom City, or adventure off to less…savory or safe locations." Gibson lightly chuckled. "Sparx and Nova would approve and fly off with him, but I…never did enjoy going to such places." He shook his head. "Otto can become the life of the party, and yet even with his help, I'm more suited to being the wallflower that I've always been."

"Differences such as those do not have to detract from your chemistry with one another," contested Antauri. "Perhaps Otto is more jovial and outgoing, but retreating to someone more reserved and calming, like you, that would be—"

"Calming? Me?" Gibson laughed. "That's…not quite right."

"I find myself settled in your presence perhaps faster than with anyone else." Antauri smiled. "Even if I can't always keep up with your intellect, and even when you lose me on varied subjects of interest, I can still find myself at peace around you better than I can with perhaps the others."

"Wait, you…when, that is, with me, I…oh dear." Gibson blushed and smiled as he lowered his arms down his legs. "Thank you, Antauri. I…I don't quite know what else…that means so much to me…"

"You're more than welcome, Gibson." Antauri smirked to him. "I should have told you that years ago."

"Perhaps, but…it wouldn't have been a comfort for today if you had."

"Fair point." Antauri shook his head. "My apologies, I've taken away from your story. I'm sure the break might be nice, though, so I…"

"It is, or it has been, and I could use the respites here and there." He wistfully sighed. "But, actually, I think you were making a valid point, so I should hear that first."

"Hm? Oh, yes, celebrating differences." Antauri rubbed Gibson's shoulder. "Opposite natures can help deliver balance between individuals. As Otto found joy in venturing outwards, he could perhaps find solace when he reigned himself back in by you, and you'd provide a haven for him." He lowered his arm away and leaned back as he kept his attention on his friend. "On the other end of this, you could find yourself exploring new sides of your personality and experiences that Otto could deliver by taking you outside of your comfort zone. His efforts to help open you up, take you out places that put you in more social environments, that would help you to find new facets of yourself that you might not even realize that you could explore and develop. Finding new ways to connect…that could help anyone substantially."

"That's…an excellent way to look at it," relented Gibson. "But…I don't think I gave Otto that safe haven."

"Why not?"

"It wasn't intentional, but…I don't think he could relax well around me," confessed Gibson. "Perhaps by constantly doing work, maybe that was it, but I did notice that my behavior would put him on edge."

"That…doesn't make sense to me."

"Antauri, what you find calming about me is exactly what bothered Otto, I believe." Gibson frowned. "Slowing down tends to get him lost in his thoughts, and when he's left to think for a little too long, he…well, he doesn't always go to good places."

"Perhaps I need to have a conversation with him on that, then," decided Antauri. "I figured you and I were the more problematic for opening up emotionally on the team, but it may be that Otto isn't quite as forthright with his feelings as he could be."

"Ah…talking with you might actually help less than you realize, especially if it's regarding me."

"How?" Antauri tilted his head. "Weren't you the one that brought up how well I connect with the others?"

"Well, I…yes, I did." Gibson retracted into himself. "But…that's…also part of my problem with Otto, since…you do that well with me."

"You are part of this team, so I should be able to."

"No, Antauri, I…" Gibson lifted his hand to his cheek, as a heavy blush covered his face. "I, uh…you see, Otto could tell that…well, I had…wandering interests…"

"Was it that you were attracted to someone else while dating Otto?"

"…Yes."

"But, so long as you didn't act on them, that should have been tolerable," insisted Antauri. "Otto's understanding, so I find that surprising."

"That's…also part of the problem, actually." Gibson dragged his hand up his head. "You see, Otto knew that I was burying my feelings regarding…someone else, and he saw that I struggled with it."

"He saw right through you?"

"Clearly, and it didn't make him mad, I don't think. Not at first. But…that was just it, he knew that I wanted to…I suppose explore that potential option." Gibson closed his eyes. "I kept telling him that it was a dead-end, and I wasn't ever going to bring it up, but that actually made him angry at me, because he told me that I wasn't being honest with my feelings, and that could be impacting my relationship with him, which…I suppose it had." He slowly opened his eyes, as Antauri gazed quietly at him. "So, part of why Otto wanted to break things off with me was…well, he told me that I could finally try exploring that option, and I still argued that I wouldn't, but he actually wanted me to, because…he thought it would help me."

"And did it?"

"In case you didn't notice that one, I never did." Gibson sank down. "Half of a year has gone by, and I've been…I'm afraid of even telling him, taking any kind of chance at troubling our otherwise wonderful relationship."

"Gibson, who is this other crush of yours?" Antauri folded his arms. "I don't know many of our allies that it would be outside of the team, but if I knew, that might help a bit more with my advice."

"…It's not anyone outside of the team, Antauri." Gibson pushed himself up and turned back to the Super Robot. "I, uh…I'd rather not wait for you to do the simple math to find the conclusion, so I…I'm sorry, but I'll be off now."

"Wait, Gibson, I don't understand." Antauri scratched at his head as Gibson glanced back from the door leading into the Super Robot. "If you're not with Otto anymore, and it's someone on the team, but Sparx is with Nova, I wouldn't imagine that you'd be at all interested in Chiro, so that only leaves…oh." Antauri's eyes widened as a blush formed on his face. "Oh-oh my."

"Wonderful, brilliant deduction skills, bravo Antauri." Gibson sheepishly grinned and punched the button to open the door. "Lovely chat, but I think we're all set now, so, I'll take my leave."

Hastily retreating inside, Gibson disappeared, as Antauri struggled to gather any words to stop him. The wind blew past him and he stared as the door shut, speechless at the confession and realization. Glancing out at the city behind him, Antauri watched the sunset for a moment, pondering his options.