Reaching the laboratory's door, Antauri lifted his hand. He hesitated as it shook, and he glanced down at the floor, aimlessly searching it for a moment. Furrowing his brow, he inhaled and lifted his chest, and knocked at the door.

"Are you in there, Gibson? Please, can we…can we talk more?"

He waited for a moment, but his shoulders lowered as his arm dropped down. Lowering his head, Antauri gripped his arm.

"I…I'm sorry. You told me that I'm supposedly adept with connecting to the team, but I failed to…I hadn't even realized that you've felt like that." He exhaled his breath and deflated. "That's my fault for not paying attention, and I…I'm sorry for whatever strain I put on your relationship with Otto, or on you in general." Antauri lowered his eyes. "I…I don't know how else to put it, but…I have failed you immeasurably."

The door sharply slid open, and Antauri jolted up as Gibson dragged it aside. His teary glare sent a sharp pang into Antauri's stomach.

"Don't." Gibson shook his head. "Don't take that burden onto yourself at all, please." A tear slipped away from his eye and he brushed it off. "None of that is your fault at all, Antauri. I…I've just never…I never knew what to tell you." He sniffled and covered his mouth with his hand. "In fact, the one thing that I did know how to do was keep it buried and away from you. That's been so easy for so long, because you're so busy, and I make myself busy, so…so it's…easy to hide."

"That's…still my fault."

"No it's not!" Antauri shuddered from Gibson's shout, as he clamped his hands back over his mouth. "You…you know us, but you're…you're not responsible for knowing every little part of us." Tears streamed from his eyes as his voice broke. "It's my fault, really. Had I ever tried approaching you properly, then I would have gotten this out long ago, and I wouldn't have…I messed up with Otto. It's not his fault, it's certainly not yours, only mine." He pivoted away and mashed at the button to close the door. "I shouldn't have even told you, that was so selfish of me, and I can't believe how foolish—"

"Wait, wait, Gibson, stop!"

Trying to stop the automatic door, Antauri jerked back as it shut in his face. Tightening his fists, and then relaxing his body, Antauri pushed forward and fazed through the doorway, entering the laboratory.

Gawking at his intrusion for a moment, Gibson gripped his head and dropped it down on his desk. Blindly reaching around, he grabbed a book and opened it up to cover his head. Antauri folded his arms and leaned back, frowning at Gibson.

"Why are you acting like this?" Antauri shook his head. "It's not like you to run from a problem."

"This is the problem, Antauri." Gibson tossed the book away and looked to his friend, unable to hide his tears. "I…I don't know how to properly approach you about this at all. I've never seen you express romantic interest, not that I can recall, so I don't even know if you would feel like I do."

"That's…have I truly never expressed such emotion?"

"Sparx used to joke about how you were the only one of us who could settle down with a child, but never a partner," brought up Gibson.

"…Hmm." Antauri rubbed at his chin. "Perhaps that's not entirely off the mark, considering how things have played out thus far." He shook his head and concentrated on Gibson. "But, we've talked all of the time, about almost anything else. Why wouldn't such feelings have ever come up?"

"Have I mentioned that I intentionally buried my feelings?"

"Well, yes, but I still…" Antauri hesitated. "I…"

"It's not hard to figure out, when you give it a moment." Gibson shakily reached for a vial on his desk, but instead he pushed it away. "Your primary focus remains on the defense of Shuggazoom. Most often, you're break away from emotions to meditate and get attuned to the Power Primate. Raising Chiro for his role consumed much of your time, as has leading us." He shrugged. "All I had to do was keep myself shut in this lab, and whenever I was with you, focus on everything under the sun except how I felt."

"And you've never slipped up?"

"It didn't matter. Your attention was so taken by all other matters that I never had to worry about you watching me carefully." Gibson winced, surveying his messy desk of chemical vials, scattered notes, and assorted tools. "No one has ever paid much attention to me, not personally, so I don't pay much mind to how well I hide my feelings. It's just about hiding them at all."

"Quite honestly, Gibson, that's awfully depressing to learn."

"Depressing topics aren't uncommon for me—"

"Gibson."

"What do you want me to tell you?" Gibson twisted back around to Antauri. "Today has been the most brutally honest that I've been, and all I wanted to do was help you, not me." He sank down by his stool. "It's…never been about me…"

"Why not?" Antauri waited as Gibson shook his head. "That's not good enough of a response. How have you never been concerned with your own feelings?"

"I…I don't know." Gibson clutched his arms in an effort to literally hold himself together. "I've…never really considered how I feel overall. Prideful moments, showing off my smarts and superiority, I suppose those were satisfying to me, but on an interpersonal and emotional level, I…I never thought of how I should feel…"

"This must be what Otto was getting at," realized Antauri. "…That was incredibly clever for him to pick up on."

"He…he must have." Gibson clutched his head. "I…I think I started dating him more because I wanted him to feel better and less because I…oh dear, what have I done…?"

"Nothing that can't be fixed, Gibson, I assure you." Antauri approached and rested his hand on Gibson's shoulder. "There's…no need to tear into yourself like this."

"Isn't there?" Gibson turned to Antauri. "I've botched my relationships with my teammates, every last one of you, and I've put undue stress on both you and Otto because of my poor communication."

"Actually, that's from your avoidance at addressing specific matters, because you've certainly communicated this much correctly," established Antauri. "I must admit, part of my shock is because of how well I've come to understand everything."

"Fabulous."

"No, please, I don't mean to insult you." Antauri leaned against the desk. "The truth is, now that you've clarified your feelings and that I've given it some thought—"

"It's impossible for you to have had enough time," contended Gibson.

"It didn't take very long to consider, not for me," confessed Antauri. A slightly mischievous, inviting smirk formed on his face. "And, if you took a minute to think over my words, you might draw out the correct conclusion."

"Your words—"

"From earlier, I should specify."

"Before, well…we went over a lot, so…" Gibson brushed his eyes and tapped at his temple. "If I take a minute to go over what you've specifically brought up regarding me, earlier we discussed my relationships regarding the team, most specifically Chiro and Otto, but specifically on what you brought up about me…" He lifted his head and smiled. "You found me calming and easy to get on with." Frowning, Gibson slouched back down. "Except now I'm proving you wrong, because I'm doing the exact opposite."

"You're missing the point."

"How?" Gibson blinked. "You mentioned potential positives about me that I entirely never considered, so I…why does this sound oddly familiar?"

"Perhaps because you're not noticing something like I hadn't before."

"What, that you looked at me favorably?" Gibson paused. "…Hold a moment…"

"Let's just cut this short, as you're piecing it together already," determined Antauri. "Gibson, it's perhaps true that I don't quite form, ah, romantic attachments, not frequently. In my defense, I haven't seen many of us explore options, though Sparx and Nova had a few opportunities, and I believe you and Otto might have entertained sparse notions previously, I…haven't. So, there is possibly some truth to Sparx's jokes." Gibson opened his mouth, but Antauri lifted a finger to his lips. "However, after our discussions, I realized that I…do hold you in high regard, above average, and unlike with Nova on a professional level, I…hold affection for you."

"Antauri, are you confessing your feelings for me?"

"If I'm doing it right, then yes."

"But…but you just…" Gibson held his head. "You just mentioned that you're not normally invested in romance, so how, or why—?"

"While I may not have as much interest in seeking out romantic interests with others, I…I do value the relationships that I've built," explored Antauri. "You are correct in assessing my relationship with Chiro, as I do hold a particular…I admit that I may come across in a somewhat fatherly fashion for him." Antauri blushed, as his tail whipped around. "When it comes to how I relate with the others, I do enjoy getting closer with everyone, that is true. But, with you specifically, and especially today, you've…seen me better than anyone has in a while." He smiled to Gibson and scooped his hands into his own. "I…I'm not satisfied with just leaving that as a relationship on the same level as the others, because…maybe I'm a bit selfish on this front as well, considering that I was originally attempting to help you sort your feelings with Otto, but…" Antauri cleared his throat. "Gibson, we connect better on a personal level with one another than we do with others. And while we don't relate on every subject, as you've enjoyed delving into an expansive assortment of topics that I've never quite considered and I do lose myself in the Power Primate, I…I find myself happiest with you."

"That…that still…that doesn't mean…"

"Yes, I'm aware that it does not denote romantic feelings," confessed Antauri. "And I admit that maybe I…do not have the same interests as others might, or not the same levels." Antauri shrugged and smiled to Gibson. "However, I…I would love to explore the possibilities with you, as I am most comfortable opening up like this together alongside you, and…I admit that I do find your voice soothing to listen to, and I have a special spot in my heart for blue colors, so to me, if I'm not mistaken, I think you are quite attractive."

Gibson's mouth dropped open as his face fired up, mirroring Antauri's heavy blushes as well. They both waited in silence for a moment, until Gibson smacked himself across the face, alarming Antauri.

"Why would you hit yourself?"

"Because I don't entirely believe what I've heard."

"How does hitting yourself help with that?"

"Light pain serves as a reminder that I'm currently not dreaming or hallucinating this scenario." Gibson sank down and shook his head. "Antauri, I don't think this is right. I don't deserve this from you, because…well, how I've acted…I feel as though I've pressured you into thinking this way."

"On the contrary, Gibson, I…I'm actually feeling rather giddy about this prospect." Antauri grinned as he picked up Gibson's hands. "I've…yet to explore this side of myself, and I really am delighted by the notion of doing so with you. In fact, learning that you found me as a potential romantic interest for years…that's incredibly flattering to discover."

"You jest."

"I do not."

"But…but—"

"If you've changed your mind, Gibson, I understand," relented Antauri. "But, I do wish for you to know that I'm not doing this entirely impulsively, and upon having it thrust upon me, I am certain that I want this just as much for myself as I do for you." He paused and lowered their hands. "If…that is ok, of course."

"…I think you've exceeded proper self-expression compared to me," determined Gibson. "Well done."

"That's not my intent—"

"No, you…actually do sound interested in…a relationship with me," realized Gibson. "This…feels entirely different to how I approached Otto on it…"

"Then?"

Antauri smiled as Gibson grinned back to him. Lifting his hands to Antauri's head, Gibson leaned in and gently kissed at his lips. He quickly pulled back as Antauri touched his lips for a moment, and blinked at his partner. Gibson placed his palm over his face.

"Ah…you've never done that before, have you?"

"Not that I can recall…but I quite enjoyed it." Antauri grinned. "Will you kiss me again?"

"Absolutely!"

Leaning back into one another, Gibson and Antauri pressed their lips to one another, and kissed a deeper and longer the second time, tilting their heads to adjust with each other. They gently parted after a moment, gazing quietly into one another's eyes, smiles stuck on their faces.

"Wow, finally."

Jolting up, both Gibson and Antauri whirled around to the door, as Otto stood in the doorway, chewing on a pretzel. Both blushed furiously, as Antauri covered his mouth while Gibson shuddered a moment.

"Otto? What—what are you doing here?" Gibson sputtered at the sight of his friend outside his lab. "How did you open the door? When did you even get back?"

"Um…about a three minutes ago, it was unlocked when I pushed the button to open it, and I checked the monitor to see where you guys were." Otto munched at his pretzel, taking another bite as he stared at the new couple. "I think that was in the reverse order for your questions, but you get it."

"Well, yes, but that's besides the point!"

"Didn't that answer each question?"

"Yes, but I wanted to know…I meant to ask…oh, I don't even know why I can't think right!"

"We're sorry, Otto," apologized Antauri. "We didn't mean for you to stumble in on this."

"Are you kidding me?" Otto swallowed his pretzel piece. "I told Gibson to get with you months ago! He's been attracted to you for years, and he never bothered telling you!" He blinked and tilted his head. "Wait, he must have today, huh?"

"Ah, yes, Otto, he did."

"What brought that about?" Otto blinked and snapped his fingers. "Oh, did you go to talk with Antauri about Chiro's call yesterday?"

"Hours ago, yes, Otto."

"Aw, and then you confessed your feelings to him so you could help him feel better!" Otto paused and lowered his pretzel. "Wait, no, that's not how you do it, Gibson!"

"Actually, it came up amid other topics," revealed Antauri. "In fact, he hadn't originally intended on telling me at all."

"Gibson!"

"But I did!"

"He did after helping me figure it out," confirmed Antauri. Otto sighed and tapped his foot. "We've…spent the last…hour or so, I believe, sorting our feelings out."

"Does that mean you guys are or aren't going to date?"

"We're dating, Otto," deadpanned Gibson.

"There we go, perfect!" Otto grinned. "See? I told you that it was a good idea!"

"Thank you, Otto."

"You don't have to sound so annoyed about it," Otto muttered.

"I'm not annoyed!"

"To be fair, you do sound a bit agitated—"

"Don't side with him, Antauri!"

"Is that siding?" Antauri scratched at his temple. "I was merely trying to explain how it sounded to us."

"Maybe I was wrong, you two are probably going to be an emotional nightmare for each other," decided Otto. "Can't be any worse than how Gibson and I did, though."

"Ah, actually Otto, that reminds me," started up Antauri. "I believe that I owe you an extensive conversation regarding burying your past feelings and emotions, because Gibson and I tend to do that, and I do feel that you would benefit exploring them a bit better—"

"Wow, whoops, look at the time! Sparx and Nova will be back any minute, and I've gotta go get all of our snacks ready." Otto spun around and hurried off. "Maybe we'll talk later, Antauri, but I wanted to get things ready for when they bring back the movie!"

"What movie? Otto, where are you going?" Gibson placed his hands on his hips. "Come back here and discuss a proper time to speak with Antauri! Otto!"

"He and I will get around to it eventually," decided Antauri. "I think I can smell some popcorn and cotton candy that he likely purchased for us."

"Oh, you know? I noticed that you got a whiff of them before, and I meant to offer heading out to fetch some, because I remember you love cotton candy, and I do enjoy popcorn, but I was so carried away—"

"I believe that it's covered now," interrupted Antauri. "And, Otto's right, the others will be back soon, so…" Antauri pulled Gibson back closer to him. "I…wanted a few more minutes alone with you as well, if that's all right."

"That…that's certainly fine, and mutually desired," confessed Gibson.

They leaned in and tightly hugged one another, wrapping their tails around one another as well. Pulling back, Gibson kissed Antauri's cheek, as they grinned and blushed with one another.

"Hey, Otto, Gibson, Antauri, we're back," called Sparx. "Where are you guys?"

"Sparx and I picked up a movie," joined in Nova. "We told Otto about it, but we wanted to have a movie night together!"

"Guys, guys!" Otto's delighted cheers carried through the halls. "Antauri and Gibson are going to start dating finally!"

"They what now?"

"Wait, Otto, what?"

"…Perhaps I can understand Chiro's desire to break away a little better now," comprehended Antauri.

"He'll be back before you know it," assured Gibson. "In fact…why don't we call him tomorrow?"

"Do you want to?"

"Of course, and so do you, and we may as well share, well, us." Gibson smiled to Antauri. "If you'd like to, that is."

"Nothing would make me happier."

Beaming with one another, both monkeys wrapped their hands together and ambled out of the lab, off to meet the rest of their team in the bridge. Otto finished placing everyone's respective snacks in their seats, as Sparx and Nova gawked to Gibson and Antauri's entrance together. After taking a minute to explain and another for the delighted congratulations, the five sat into their seats and readied their movie for the night.

A lot of popcorn got stuck in strands of cotton candy throughout the night.

... ... ... ... ...

They got together as a couple, hooray! I think I did younger me proud.

Anyway, the comments here will just kind of explain the thought process behind the story, if you're curious.

...

First chapter was pretty much just an establishment bit, that it takes place seven years after the Hyper Force defeated the Skeleton King. I figured that was enough to age Chiro and Jinmay up so they'd be old enough to go on adventures separately from the Monkey Team. (I think that puts them in their early 20s? Good enough.)

Sparx and Nova are dating, and if you missed it, the implication was that Nova was planning on proposing to Sparx during their seventh anniversary. Otto brings the team some form of income, which isn't really brought up on the show (it was for kids), so I gave him that role, considering that he had the tech for it. (Maybe Spova gets some money from patrols and helping the city with waning threats.)

Otherwise, normal life in a post-SK world.

...

Second chapter actually introduces Antauri and builds Gibson's character a bit better. They're hard workers that are a little too into their respective worlds, but Gibson manages to push out of his and into Antauri's, in an attempt to reach out better to him.

Basically, it's a chapter for a fight scene, because that was always like half of the show, and I couldn't write a fanfic without including some kind of combat. I even wanted to include them calling out the attacks like on the cartoon; I didn't for the first Monkey Mind Scream, but I couldn't resist it later on. Plus, I recall Sparx and Nova having at least one combination attack, and I rather liked the idea of the others having similar combinations. (Yeah, Spin Shocker with Monkey Mind Scream is probably not practical or possible, but hey, it was fun.)

Mandarin is the training room opponent, mostly because he's my favorite villain of the series. He was funny and threatening at the same time, and I like the idea of the "sixth ranger traitor" from the team. Plus, his banter plays off best with the monkey team. I also tossed up the idea that there were multiple clones of Mandarin, since he was replaced by one over the course of the series, and I figured there were several back-ups. It helped explain why he would live on past the Skeleton King, and creates a possible way to bring the baddies back. The version in this story is ambiguously based on either the original Mandarin or one of his clones, up to the reader.

...

Third chapter basically gives depth for both Antauri, a sad dad without his boy, and Gibson, the teacher with zero self-esteem! Perfect for romance!

This one reveals that Antauri got his body back years ago while the team was researching the Savage Lands. Basically, I just wanted him to be the organic/robotic hybrid again like the others, so the team found a way to magically revive him. He keeps the purple ghost claws and the fazing from his robot days though, because those were cool upgrades. But I thought the idea of him being a literal robot with a soul was a bit too sad, and I had other emotional stuff, so I gave him back the mortality. Hooray!

Anyhow, I enjoyed expanding on their characters a bit more here, and it was nice giving the pair a chance to slow down and catch up with one another. I feel like Antauri and Gibson understand one another better than they do with the others, with Chiro being Antauri's exception, and Otto being Gibson's as well.

...

Fourth chapter finally mashes the boys together, because Gibson made a confession that threw Antauri for a loop, and he went, "Wait, actually, I'm into that!"

If you're confused about Antauri's lack of experience in the romance department, I have a muddled memory of the series, but I couldn't come up with a memorable moment where Antauri crushed on someone. Probably happened, likely so with Gibson as well. I did vaguely remember Otto crushing on someone at some point, Nova definitely was into a cat guy in one episode, and Sparx was the team's flirt, so obviously. (Chiro had Jinmay and other gals across the series too.)

However! I liked the idea that Antauri was somewhere on the ace/demi-romantic spectrum, so I decided to place him there. Hence, he actually doesn't know what to do with romantic stuff. He does, however, love Gibson a lot, and wants to test the waters with him! And Gibson gets over himself to enjoy his longtime crush being reciprocated.

Also, I wanted to add more goofball moments for Otto, to make him a bit truer to his usual depiction, and slid in Sparx and Nova for the finale. Plus, there was a Season 1 episode where Gibson likes popcorn and Antauri likes cotton candy, so I tossed those in for fun too.

...

Phew! That's everything.

I do hope that you enjoyed this ship story for Gibtauri! They're definitely a rare pair of the Hyper Force, which I found strange back then and still do now. So, I deliver a sizable offering for the couple! It was nice to revisit that side of my childhood, so that was cool.

Thank you for reading! Take care.