Sun was more than ecstatic to help - bringing in and organizing arts a crafts supplies with gushes of wind blowing your hair from behind before delivering glitter glue, construction paper, markers, and various other materials to you at the desk. You could hear him rambling ideas and monologuing each of his actions as your worked. He'd let you know exactly what he delivered and what he thinks you could do with it before running off to collect a lot more than you'd probably need. His enthusiasm was heart warming at least. You hope this would make it up to Moon. What you had in store was going to be just as pretty as the gift you got for Sun. They were both just as important to you.
Stacking layers of blue construction paper on top of each-other, you cut a pretty flowing shape akin to how water would curve into a wave - thicker and rounded on the bottom, while a point thins and bends at the other end. You had nine pretty rays now.
Sun would await your every request, fulfilling it not later than a millisecond after the words left your lips. Glitter glue, markers, paint, tape. He watched in awe as you worked, hands clasped together and eyes intent on observing your every movement assembling the masterpiece you were creating.
The bendy waves were attached after you outlined the circle into two separate parts - a lighter crescent moon, and a darker empty void. Adding detail and fading in the colors ever so perfectly as you worked your way around the edges, blending with marker followed by colored pencils for lighter shading. Sun made very clear that the blue of the waves was missing something: glitter glue. You couldn't agree more regardless of his insistence.
Drawing in little craters on the lighter crescent portion of the circle, you were just almost done before recalling the personal touch you added to Sun's gift. You wanted Moon to feel included as well, so you had to give him something too.
"Hey Sun, you know how I added my handprint to your gift? Do you know what I could put for Moon's?" Moon was thankfully suppressed still - not able to sense a thing outside of this little void Sun had restricted him to. This had to be a surprise after all, and you hoped it wasn't too upsetting for him. You haven't really thought of where exactly you had Sun cut him off.
"Oh! Oh yesyesyesyesyes! I have many many ideas! O-oh you should at the very least put one of your little itsie bitsie fingerprints a-andand maybe a cute little star, Starlight~.. I think that'd be veryvery nice, yes."
Sun glowed as you smiled approvingly at his recommendations. Turning your head away from him, you reached for that signature light electric-blue paint that you used for the tiny handprint you added to his gift. Dripping a little onto some spare construction paper, you looked towards Sun to ask him to fetch some paper towels to which he already somehow had at the ready, dramatically slapping the roll down on the table with a thump and a proud beaming grin.
Wiping the smile off your face, you dipped your thumb into the cold light-blue paint. You positioned your hand over the empty void of the moon before coming in contact with the black construction paper - leaving a cute little thumbprint before pulling up and Sun adamantly helping you clean up. You followed with Sun's other suggestion of a star as well. You grabbed a yellow marker and carefully drew a four point star a tiny bit above the thumb print. It was still missing something, so you decided to draw in a small pink heart next to the print and under the star. You doodled some extra tiny elements around the symbols before going over your work once more assembling parts and pieces as Sun admired the spectacle you created - him practically vibrating with excitement. It was sosososo pretty, and he made sure to let you know.
"Ooookay, I think we're all done Sunny, probably just need to let it dry up a little and then it'll be ready to show Moon!" You giggled as he carefully reached for the gift.
"Oh yesyesyesyes I'll go and put it over by the security desk to dry, yes. Oh Sunflower you did sosoossososo good - it's so pretty! Oh I'm sure Moon will absolutely adore it.." Sun continued spilling compliments as he gently sat the project down behind the security desk and skipped his way back over to you - an incredibly contagious wide smile plastering his face.
You stood up as he neared you and fell into his tummy for a hug which he happily returned - ever so gently minding your injuries. His warmth was always so welcoming, but you wouldn't mind Moon's cool aura here in a few you don't think.
"Hey Sunny? Is Moon still blocked out? Ya think you wanna get the lights for me, I kinda wanna butter him up a bit before revealing his gift." Your smug smile lit up his heart as he ran his hands through your hair and nodded warmly.
Gracefully making his way to the lights, he rested a finger on them, looking to you for approval. "Ready Sunflower?"
"Mhm, ready Sunshine."
The stars adorning the ceiling lit up the room in a dim white glow as the Sun and clouds hid behind the balcony, rotating out to swap places with a Moon and it's corresponding stars. The Daycare was a magical place that could change setting at the flip of a switch.
The light level was low enough to grant Moon his sinister appearance fitted with the two small bright red eyes attached to the top of a tall humanoid silhouette. You could've mistaken him for electronic equipment with red lights only tricking you into seeing something so imposing if he didn't adjust himself after the transformation - lighting up your face with a small red tint as he turned his head and stared into your eyes.
"..Hey.. Moon.." You felt uneasy. You don't know why. He was so sweet the last time you saw him, but right now your instincts were clashing inside of you fighting for fear or comfort. "..Are you okay? Uh.. sorry I had you shut out.. I actually-"
Moon steps forward, the sudden movement jolting you from your sentence.
A low hum fills the air as he towers above you not even a few feet away. "Oh nooo, don't worry Starlight. I completely understand not wanting me there for your make-out session with Sun. Shame you didn't shut me out in the infirmary as well."
His hostility takes you aback, and when a low growl follows with a dull emotionless expression barely readable in the dim light of the Daycare, your weak smile drops as you go over the obvious seeming intent of your actions so far.
"..Oh.. Moon.. no- that's.. I didn't m-"
Moon steps forward once more with a thump, no longer softening the blows of his heavy metal frame against the floor of the Daycare. "Nonono. Don't worry, Starlight. I'm very much so used to being the second choice. And after all." Moon reaches for your hand before flipping it over and observing your wrist. With his other he brushes away your hair and inspects your neck, the bruise still faint but visible from where he hurt you. "Mmm. Sun deserves this a little more than I do."
You grab at the wrist, ceasing him suddenly from caressing the bruise against your throat. You can't get the words you want out before he interrupts you again.
"Don't you dare pity me. That's not what this is about. I want you to know, I want it to be very clear.. I.. don't.. care about your relationship with Sun. I am.. I'm happy for him. And regardless."
Moon removes your hand from his wrist.
"I'd rather not feel worse than I already will when you inevitably leave." Moon backs up a step.
"You didn't have to shut off the lights to apologize to me. Next time, just stay away." A growl burgeons in his throat. "Do you understand?"
He looks into your eyes for a second searching for confirmation. He was about to turn away and make for the lights until he noticed watering at the corners of your eyes.
"..Moon.. that's.. not what this is about. I-" This time the interruption was the bubbling in your throat catching onto your words and not letting go. You held onto the stupid tears forming for as long as you could.
"I'm sorry.." You finally choke out after a few seconds of silence. Him still studying you with a cold yet concerned glare.
"..I wanted.. you to feel included too.." You avert your eyes from him and towards the floor.
"I made you something.. and Sun helped. I don't want you to feel like I don't care about you as much, b-because I do. I care about both of you."
Tears are running down your cheeks and making their way to your jawline before falling to the floor. You step forward to where Moon is standing, still looking at the ground and only guided by his baggy blue starred pants adorned with stars slightly glowing in the dark. You smack into Moon's tummy and wrap your arms around his cool midsection.
"I.. I care about you a lot too, Moon. I wanna make.." Your throat is ever so tight and the words struggle to leave your lips.
"..I wanna make you both happy."
You're shaking as you cry against him. You should've realized a lot sooner how that looked to Moon. Idiot.
Moon's fans kick on. He feels something he'd rather not feel. He can't. It'll only hurt worse.
He wraps his arm around you despite the feeling, the other making it's way above your ear and through your hair to soothe you. You can feel him warming, and the whirring with his cool touch is comforting - easing the tears to a stop eventually.
It takes a minute or two, but you finally calm down. Like you should be the one upset here.. you feel horrible, but only because how you made Moon feel.
"..I'm so sorry Moon.. I.. I'm such an idiot I-I didn't.. I didn't realize how I was making you feel. I'm so sorry."
Moon guides you down to your knees before wrapping around you and gently adjusting you into his lap. Your back is warm against his chest. Despite the efforts of his fans, he does warm up. His hands are still somewhat cool as he encompasses you easily with his arms and rubs your shoulders with his fingertips. "..Starlight.."
A low hum emanates from his chest - the vibrations noticeable through the ones of his cooling system. "..You have nothing to be sorry for.. I.. I overreacted."
He rests his head on top of yours. "..You're too kind.. It's.. scary."
"..It's abnormal. You're far too good for us.. for me.. especially after how I've treated you so far. I'm sorry."
Moon's deep voice crackles as he opens up. He stays as reserved as possible, but with you, it's difficult. You're new. Your hold on them is something different from everyone elses tight and suffocating grip. They're allowed to let go for once, but they still don't want to.
You sink back into him. "..It's okay Moony. I'm.. I'm not upset with you.. I understand. But.. I'm serious. I do want you both to be happy."
You grab his arm and position it so you can hold his hand. Just the very tips of your fingers are only able to wrap around the divots between his given the size difference. You swear you can hear him purring.
"I'm here for you both. I promise."
You two sit together for a while longer. Rubbing his hand as you wrap your other around the opposite side to squeeze it between both of yours.
Minutes have passed, and you're pretty sure his little gift has dried by now. You still had the surprise to show him.
"Hey. Moonie."
You feel him shift a little in response.
"So.. me and Sun.. weren't just kissing when you were blocked out.."
You hear a low hum that could be mistaken for a growl come from his chest.
"W-we did actually make you something.. do.. you wanna see?"
The noise cuts and Moon sits up straight. "You.. made me something? Hm." Moon entirely forgot about you mentioning it earlier.
"Yea. Help me up, I'll show you."
Up and making your way to the security desk, Moon follows shortly behind until you stop right before reaching it and turn to him.
"..Okay, now.. pretty please could you uh, close your eyes? I'm gonna try and get my flashlight on so you can see color."
Moon hums and hesitantly lifts his hands to his face, covering his eyes as the red glow dimly lighting the surrounding area disappears.
You smile and make your way behind the security desk before confirming the glitter glue has dried. You pull your phone out of your bag and switch on the flashlight before positioning the gift in one hand with the flashlight shining on it in your left.
You back up to Moon's tummy, resting against it with the gift in front of you both to see. "Okay Moon, make sure you can see color, and then you can look."
Moon's eyes turn white under his hands before slowly dropping them to his sides. Looking down to your head below him, and then to your hands where the pretty little gift is held, sparkling in the light.
There's silence, and you need to see his reaction. You take your phone and position it in his hand before turning around to face him, still displaying the gift in front of you for him to see.
His mouth is slightly agape, but other than that, his expression is unreadable. He's just staring, and you're not sure whether to smile or not.
"..Moon?"
And like a switch was flipped, his fans kick on once more. His body de-tenses and refocuses his gaze from the gift, to you.
Moon grabs the gift out of your hand, before placing it and your phone on the table. He's faced away from you, not a single word spoken.
He turns.
And lunges.
It's not enough to knock you over, it's actually quite gentle, but the movement was fast and here he is on his knees, you suddenly wrapped up in his arms with his head over your own. The warmth he radiated was akin to Sun. Of course he'd heat up, even if he was naturally cooler in other less intimate circumstances. Your heart panged a little at the realization of his appreciation.
"..Oh.. Moonie.." You wrap around him returning the gesture, and squeeze as tight as you can until your ribs protest.
He hums before finally speaking. "..Starlight.. what have you done.."
A questioning noise escaping from you in his arms beckons him to clarify.
"..You.." Deep crackling follows his every syllable. If only he could hold you tighter without breaking you.
He's shaking, and you can only hope that's a good sign. "So.. do you forgive me..?"
Moon loosens before pulling away to stare into your glimmering eyes.
"..Hm.. Not quite, but.. it's a good start." His smile is warm and he lets go of you to return to the desk, letting implications fester in your mind.
Moon grabs the gift before gesturing for your hand. "Wanna come help me hang this up, little star?"
You take his hand before a wire snaps down onto his back. He swiftly scoops you up as you squeak to his amusement, gently cradling you to him in one arm while he holds the gift safely in the other. Both very precious cargo.
Your heart jumps as you and him are flung upwards.
Moon sets you down before walking over to the tube and crawling through. You attempt to follow, however bending down and putting weight on your arms hurts a little, causing you to voice an audible wince.
Moon hearing the noise sets down his gift on the table and crawls through back to you before rising to his full height. "..Is everything alright, Starlight?"
"Ah.. uh, yea.. Ribs just hurt a little.. could you maybe.." His arm wraps around you before you have a chance to finish your sentence. Your back resting perfectly on one arm, being pressed gently to his cool chest as he crawls back through. You hope your blush isn't visible when he sets you back down.
It is.
Moon only glances at you as he stands, turning away after a smirk you barely noticed - brightening your cheeks further.
Moon pulls tape out of a cardboard box to reposition both the Sun and Moon gifts next to each-other, right over the three printed selfies of you and Sun. You watched as Moon worked the gifts to perfectly centered position, hanging it up delicately while you walk over and sink into the purple beanbag next to him.
You study the selfies and giggle. "..Gosh.. I look like a dork."
Moon turns to you and hums inquisitively.
You point at the selfies. "I just look silly.. and I'm sure my black eye and cut nose from the car accident isn't doing me any favors now. I'm.. glad Sun likes them anyways.." You let out a dry laugh as he stares at you for a little longer than you can maintain eye contact with him before it becomes awkward. As your eyes drop down to observe the floor, he looks back to the pictures, and then back to you.
Suddenly he's kneeling in front of you. Your eyes are focused on him again only due to his cool hands on your hot cheeks positioning your head to face him.
"Starlight."
Your eyes widen as his white pinpricks bore into your own. "..Y-yeah?"
"What's it like being f̸͇̘͗̊ù̶̟͙c̷̰̰̣̍́k̵͎͗̑͆i̴̲̫͙̅̚n̴̳͒̌g̵̤̦͆̓͒ blind?"
His expression is unmoving - like he just asked you a genuinely serious question.
Your tummy tightens as a smile creeps across your face and you begin to giggle, finally enticing a grin from him as you lower your head and descend further into laughter.
As your laughter slowly dies down, one of his hands return to your face, pressing your chin up to meet his eyes again. "Mmmh, really.. you're quite a sight little star.. a good one.. Oh if only you knew how Sun felt every time he sees your smile. How many permanent files he has buried of just your expressions.."
Moon's laugh deepens at Sun's turmoil inside of their headspace, but also to your cheeks flushing a light pink. His thumb lightly traces your jawline before pulling away.
He studies you as you bury your face in your hands, him not affected one bit by the embarrassment he just caused you.
Something flipped a switch inside of you. Still buried in your hands, you bite back.
"Yeah.. and you act like you don't feel the same.. you're jelly. Sun made that preeetttyyy clear."
He lowers himself further, inching closer to you. "Mmmh and what makes you think that, Starlight?"
You uncover your face, now a bright red. "..So.. you don't want a kiss?"