My newest 9 fanfic involving 1x9. I struggled to come up with an idea until I asked vampireocean and gave me the idea. I really like it and so, I wrote it. ^_^
This is my first 9 oneshot, so I'm a little rusty. It's good to get back in the game after toiling with my previous project. So, I hope you enjoy this. :)
Please note that this wasn't intended to be published on Valentine's Day. It was just a mere coincidence, and I was already prepared to post it.
Thank you, vampireocean, for the idea.
Night brings good counsel, at least that's what 9's been told. 2 told him that the serenity of the night would give him the time and peace to contemplate his thoughts. 9 wasn't sure, but he would give it a try. He'd been waiting the whole day for sunset to arrive, and give 2's advice a chance.
He strode through the library, headed for the entrance. 9 climbed over the mountainous piles of books that scattered the marble floors. He reached the open doorway, seeing the night sky surround the Emptiness. He walked down the stone steps, stopping halfway when he saw someone else sitting down on the bottom step. It was 1. Curious, he ambled down the stairs, stopping on the second to last step.
"1?," said 9.
1 turned around, looking almost startled.
"What are you doing out here?," asked 9.
"Oh," said 1, turning around, "I just came here to stargaze."
"Stargaze?," repeated 9, raising a brow.
The elder stitchpunk looked back at the sky.
"Observing the stars," said 1, as to be more specific.
9 nodded.
"Why?," he quipped.
1 didn't turn to look at the zippered stitchpunk.
"It's a quiet night," he replied, "I thought it as the perfect night to stargaze."
9 furrowed his brow, but didn't say anything. He simply stood, looking at the back of 1's head, then glimpsing at the the ninth sky.
"Do you want to join me?," asked 1, peeking over his shoulder.
At this, 9 didn't know what to answer. He didn't want to leave him waiting, but he also didn't expect to see 1 outside. Smiling, he said, "Sure."
He sat on the step higher up than 1's, looking at the dark mantle.
1 turned and looked up at the sky. A cloud rolled by, covering the moon. 9's head turned from one direction to the next, seeing faint lights brushing against the rooftops of the neighboring buildings. He admired how the city looked different at night; he swore the remains of buildings looked almost like teeth. The night painted a different picture than in the daytime. He found this to be enjoyable.
A breeze blew in, shaking the bare trees. 9's optics then looked up at the sky again. He watched as the clouds slowly drift away, revealing the moon once more. He observed how the stars twinkled, like diamonds. It was a sight to behold.
9 smiled, feeling an unexplained calm envelope him.
The sun hovered over the sky, blue and pristine, not a cloud to be seen. 9 strode out the doorway, gazing at the garden. He thought back to last night, and decided to do a comparison. The buildings looked more grim in the sunlight. The night sky made well in hiding them, and it made 9 ache for the return of the night. He could hardly anticipate it.
He wandered into the courtyard, looking from the newly-grown grass blades to the broken statues. 9 stood in the center of the courtyard, and took a breath. He thought back to what 2 said. The night did indeed bring him good counsel. Watching the sky and feeling the refreshing night air eased his worries. He enjoyed it. It was something he didn't expect to like.
9's audial receptors picked up the sound of footsteps. Turning around, he saw 1 walk through the courtyard. He didn't seem to notice 9, but it didn't worry him. He opted to grab 1's attention. He walked up to the elder stitchpunk.
"1," spoke 9, waving shyly.
Up in hearing his name, 1 snapped his head toward the zippered stitchpunk.
"Oh, 9," said 1.
9 struggle to come up with his next sentence.
"About last night," said 9 as a start. "Stargazing."
"Oh," said 1, his pupils widening a bit, the crease in his forehead loosening.
"I, uh," muttered 9, "I liked that."
"I'm glad that you did," replied 1.
An awkward silence filled the courtyard. Both stitchpunks waited for either to start up a conversation.
"Uh," piped 9, "I'd like to...stargaze again."
"You should," said 1. "You'll find that it's an enjoyable pastime."
9 nodded.
"There's something about the night that makes everything look different," he said.
1 glanced up.
"Hmm?," he said.
"I was just saying that—"
"I heard what you said," said 1, "I just happen to be more interested in the stars."
9 smiled crookedly.
"Well," he said, "if you're up for it, I'll show you."
Though appearing stubborn, 1 mulled over 9's offer. He usually didn't usually like to share his nighttime hobby with someone else, but if it meant it would pacify 9, he was willing to do it.
"Very well," said 1, "I'll wait for you tonight."
"Great," hooted 9.
"9!," called a voice.
Both stitchpunks turned to see 5 making his down the stone stairs, his quiver strapped to his back.
"Are you ready?," asked 5, reaching the bottom.
"Yeah," said 9, nodding, "let's go."
5 turned around, showing his quiver, but also revealing his lightstaff tucked into the quiver.
"Oh, hey, you got my lightstaff," commented 9, pulling it out.
"Can't leave without it," said 5, turning around.
"Going to resupplying?," queried 1.
"Yeah," said 5, "we'll be back soon."
"Bye," quipped 9.
"Bye," said 5, waving to 1.
1 nodded, watching the two leave. He stood alone, all sorts of thoughts piling on top of each other. He didn't why he was confused, but he hoped tonight would give him the answers he was seeking.
All he had to do was wait.
9 reached the library entrance, his lightstaff in hand. It was turned off, but he would use it when the time was right. For now, he dashed outside, seeing 1 standing on the top step, his back to 9.
"You're here," he said, approaching the elder stitchpunk.
"I told you I would wait," replied 1, turning around.
"I went to see if you were in your room, but you weren't there," explained 9, "so I thought I'd see if you're out here already."
1 chuckled. 9 scratched the back of his head.
"Ready to show me?," asked 1.
"Yes," said 9.
He followed the zippered stitchpunk down the stairs, seeing the eagerness in the younger male. 1 continued walking beside 9, noticing they were passing the garden and reaching the black iron gates.
"Where are we going?," asked 1.
"Wherever we want," said 9, clutching his lightstaff.
The two exited the library courtyard, delving into the ramshackle labyrinthine city. 1 saw the moon looming over the city, seeing a few stars dotting the black mantel. He wondered how far he was going to go into the Emptiness.
9 twisted the bulb on his lightstaff and the bulb was turned on, lighting the path ahead. He held his lightstaff firmly, seeing a clear path before him.
"This way," he said.
1 followed 9, doubtful but nonetheless curious to see where he was going.
9's lightstaff shined in front of what looked like a doorway to a dilapidated building. He could see the inferior if the building, but 1 doubted they would go inside. They continued walking.
To pass the time, 1's head turned from the piles of wrecked cars to the surrounding buildings. He remembered what 9 said and agreed that the Emptiness did indeed look different at night. It astounded him.
A glint flashed in the ground, a result from 9's lightstaff. Both stitchpunks peered down, seeing only a collection of rubble littered on the ground. 9 lowered his lightstaff, blinking when he saw the glint again.
"Let me see," said 1, walking past 9.
The zippered stitchpunk watched him crouch down, running his hand across the dirt. 1's sharp fingers latched onto something small and metallic. He picked it up, seeing a small pearl attached to a wand-like stick.
"I found a brooch," said 1, rising to his feet. He tapped his thumb against the pearl.
"That looks pretty," said 9, approaching 1.
1 observed it in an inspecting manner.
"I'm going to keep this," he said. He placed it in his strap, tucking it to keep it still.
"Okay," quipped 9.
The two continued with their walk, passing by buildings, stopping to see a part of the city they didn't recognize. But upon further inspection, and with help from 9's lightstaff, they were surprised by the difference between the night and the day.
9 climbed up a pile of bricks that surprising were stacked in top of each other, forming into small makeshift stairs. 1 traipsed behind him, head turning to see the sky specked in stars.
"Look at that," said 9, standing on the topmost brick.
1 looked up, optics gazing at the dark sky, the stars surrounding the moon. If he could find a camera with film, he would instantly take a snapshot of this sight.
"It's amazing," he said.
9 looked at him, then back at the sky.
"It sure is," said 9, crouching down. He twisted the bulb, turning it off. He thought turning his lightstaff off would make watching the night sky much more soothing.
1 sat down on the brick that was on lower than 9's. He slipped the brooch off from his straps, fiddling with it. He thumbed the white pearl, thinking of what to do with it. He glanced back up at the sky, smiling.
He wished to have more nights like these.
"It's just over here," said 9, looking over his shoulder.
"I don't know why I let you talk me into this," groused 1.
1 was walking behind 9, trying to keep up but not rushing. The sky was painted a vibrant shade of orange with tints of pink and red. There were even shades of gold, and the sun was ready to make its slumber soon. Still, 1 was intrigued by 9's offer to see more stars in a different. After he went with 9 to the Emptiness a week ago, he was willing to find more spots to see stars at night.
He followed 9 down a path leading to a the remains of a house. A chunk of it was torn down while the some of its roof was still intact. Near the stairs, there were sprays of grass flanking each side. The grass blades looked like they were regaining their green color. As they stepped into the building, 1 wondered just what the was dragged here for.
"I saw it yesterday," said 9, "when I was scouting with 5. And I thought it make stargazing more fun."
"What would?," asked 1.
He and 9 took a right, entering what he deduced was once a living room, furniture and tables thrown about. They passed an overturned armchair, and toward a window with a small table underneath. 1 craned his neck, and to his surprise, he saw a telescope on its stand. It was black and looked like it hadn't been used in a long time.
"Over here," said 9, pulling on a rope.
1 walked over to the end table, looking up at the top, trying to see over the edge, he could see the light from the sunset cutting through the window. When he looked at 9 again, he was already preparing to climb the rope. (He left his lightstaff on the floor). 9 made the climb, albeit somewhat slowed, reaching the table's edge, heaving himself to the top.
"Come on up," said 9, leaning over the edge.
"All right," said 1, grabbing ahold of the rope.
1 gripped the rope, and began climbing. He made his way a little slower than he expected. Having not been used to climbing ropes, the climb proved to be a challenge. When he reached the edge, 9 held out a hand for him. 1 took it, and 9 helped him to the tabletop. Now on the table, 1 gaped at the black telescope. Seeing it up close, it had dust a years' worth of layered on it, but he deduced it was still useful.
9 stood before the window, optics scanning the sky.
"It'll be dark soon," said 9. He turned around, seeing 1 run his hand across the telescope's surface.
"Yes," said 1, "almost time to see the stars."
The two sat by the window in silence, waiting, watching until the last trace of sun had been diminished. When the light had gone, 1 was the first to peek through the telescope.
"Do you see anything?," queried 9.
"I see a star," said 1, not looking away from the telescope.
"Where is it?"
This time, 1 jerked his head away from the telescope, looking in 9's direction. He pointed in the direction the telescope was facing. 9 looked, raising a brow.
"It's easier if you look," said 1. He stepped away from the telescope to let 9 have a peek.
9 stood before the telescope, grabbed the eyepiece and peeked. Through the lens, the sky looked closer than without it, and he was amazed by how close the stars looked. At least the first one that appeared.
"Do you see it?," asked 1.
"Yeah," replied 9, "I see it."
1 smiled.
9 stepped away from the telescope to let 1 have another turn at looking through the telescope. The elder stitchpunk peered, taking ahold of the eyepiece, hoping he could move the telescope another direction.
"See if you could move it over there," said 1, pointing the right.
"All right," said 9, walking around the telescope to be on the left side.
He put his hands against the telescope tube, wondering if he could push it to another direction. 9 gave a push, and to his surprise, almost fell over, surprising 1, who had to take a step back. Neither thought the telescope could be moved from years of underuse.
"Like that?," queried 9.
"That's fine," said 1. He looked through the eyepiece.
9 smiled.
The two stitchpunks spent the rest of the night taking turns with the telescope, looking at the night sky through it. When more stars started popping up, the more 1 and 9 used their time to peek through the telescope's lens. It was an entertaining time, talking about whatever star they saw, sometimes seeing a pattern that 1 called a "constellation." They saw several of those, some that 1 knew, but 9 didn't, which was a wondrous endeavor on both stitchpunks.
When it was started to get late, 1 and 9 collected their belongings, and made the trek back to the library. On the way, 1 thought about the stars they saw, and commented to 9 about going out to see more stars on another night. It was an idea that 9 was on board with and made plans to return to their previous spot, or better yet, find another spot to stargaze.
1 looked forward to it, as well as spending it with 9 specifically.
9 walked through the library halls, a swathe of fabric in his right arm. He looked from every direction, hoping he could pass unseen. The fabric he carried, a color that was a dark tone of red, crimson, he deduced. He saw the maybe curtain he used to a door, and smiled in relief. He reached out a hand and parted the curtain, stepping in and blinking upon seeing who was waiting in his room.
"1," uttered 9, "what are you doing here?"
The elder stitchpunk turned around, prompting 9 to hold his hands behind his back, hiding the crimson fabric.
"I came to ask if you wanted to stargaze," said 1 plainly.
9 looked down at the marble floor.
"Ah, well," said 9, "I'd like that, 1." He chuckled nervously.
1 titled his head, noticing the way 9 had his arms behind his back.
"What are you hiding?," he asked,
9 tensed up.
"I," he began, optics trailing from one spot to the other. "I was going to be a surprise. After I had time to tailor it."
The zippered stitchpunk held out his hands, offering 1 the red swath of fabric. 1 approached him, marveling at the swathe, taking it from 9's hands.
Holding it up, 1 saw that it was a cape. It had fringes in the same color bordering along the top to the bottom. Running his hand across it he saw that it was made of velvet. A bright blue gem cradled in gold clasped it together. 1 saw that there was a tear near the top, understanding why 9 wanted time to tailor.
"If found it in a toy store," said 9, smiling sheepishly, "you said I owed you a cape. Unless you were being sarcastic."
"No, no," chimed 1, "I wasn't. I was expecting a new cape after the old one I had was destroyed."
9 chuckled.
"I knew it," he chirped. "Though," he added, pointing to the tear, "I wanted to have that fixed."
1 nodded. "I agree," he replied.
"Let me just have that part sewn," said 9, "and then we can go stargaze."
"Well, all right," quoth 1, "I'll just leave you to it."
1 handed 9 the crimson cape, sauntering out of 9's room. The zippered stitchpunk pulled out a sewing needles from a nearby pincushion, threaded some red thread through the needle hole, and began sewing. It was easy work, seeing the tear back together. 9 wondered how long that cape was on that porcelain doll. He thought years had passed with all that dust it gathered. Well, he wiped off all that dust and brought it with him.
The last stitch was finished and he looked up in admiration. 9 put the needle back on the pincushion and grabbed his lightstaff from the righthand wormer beside the doorway. He strode out of his room and into the corridor. He passed the towering stacks of books, heading in the direction that led to 1's room. 9 couldn't wait to see 1's face when he hands him the cape and he puts it on.
Near where the wrecked globe was, 9 sauntered towered a space where a wooden board laid slanted against a shelf. A curtain draped over the board, acting like a door and 9 reached it, parting the curtain apart to peer inside. Aside from the books surrounding his room, 1 possessed a collection of brass knickknacks and a few crystal ornaments. 1's bed was decked in rouge sheets and frilled cushions for pillows. A canopy was even placed around the bed to make it look more luxurious. 9 spotted 1 appear from behind a wall made from stacked books. The elder stitchpunk greeted him with a content smile. 9 landed his lightstaff against the nearest wall.
"Here's the cape," said 9, holding out his arms, cape clasped in his hands.
1 took the cape, looking at the spot where the tear was. With it stitched, it looked brand new, like the tear had never been there. He smiled as he unclasped it and draped it over himself. He clicked the jeweled brooch in place, looking over himself.
"How do I look?," asked 1.
"You look great," said 9.
1 gave himself a once-over.
"I should have a mirror in my room," he said.
9 smiled.
"Oh," piped 1, "I have one more thing to add."
He hurried back to the spot he emerged was, and disappear behind the makeshift walls. A few moments later 9 saw 1 return, fiddling with the cape. Upon further inspection, he saw that 1 was adding a new accessory to the cape. It was the brooch with the pearl on it. It rested on the left side of the cape.
"How is it now?," queried 1.
9 took in all of 1's appearance, drinking in the red of the cape, the blue of the gem and the glint from the pearl brooch.
"It looks..beautiful," he answered.
1 smiled.
"Come on," he said, gripping his lightstaff, "let's go stargaze."
He and 1 made their way toward the library entrance, both with the intention of venturing into the Emptiness to find a new stargazing spot. The sky above them was specked in stars, pulsating against the velvety black endlessness. 9 twisted the bulb on his lightstaff, illuminating a path before him and 1. With light, walking through the Emptiness was less of a burden and more of a hide-and-seek game. Passing through the litter-ridden road, the two walked in silence, passing building after building, some in worst shape than others.
"Where do you suggest?," asked 9, head turning from one end of the sky to the next.
"Somewhere with plenty of space," said 1.
"Do you know a place?"
1 wandered a bit further from 9, optics training at the many surrounding buildings.
"I'm sure there's one," said 1, smiling.
The two continued with their walk, looking from the sky to the mountainous heaps of rubble. 9 was about to announce they turn back until 1 found a place to stargaze. It was a building that barely a building anymore. It still had much of its right facing wall and, to their surprise, one window with its glass still intact and another window with a few shards of glass barely hanging on to the frames. The stairs to the second floor were ramshackle and torn in half, so exploring upstairs was out of the question. 9 and 1 gathered around the remains of the living room, and settled around an overturned armchair, two cushions sprawled on the dust-covered hardwood floor.
9 twisted the bulb, turning it off. He laid his lightstaff on the floor, careful not to break the bulb. He turned to glance up at the star-dotted sky, optics wide in wonder.
"Wow," he uttered.
1 looked up, smiling.
"It's wonderful," he said. He plopped himself on the cushion, sitting beside 9.
"I wish we had a telescope," commented 9, optics locked on the sky.
"It's fine without one," quipped 1.
1 and 9 sat in silence, watching the sky. The moon looked as though a chunk of was sliced from it. This was a half moon, 1 had said to him. It intrigued 9 even more than the stars.
An hour passed without a word being uttered from either stitchpunk. The night was peaceful with the crisp night air leaving the two feeling refreshed. A cloud rolled in, hiding the moon, but its light still peeked through, like holes punctured throughout the clouds.
"We should probably head back," said 9, yawning.
1 turned around.
"Are you tired?," he asked.
"Yeah," retorted 9, nodding.
1 looked around their stargazing spot.
"It's late enough," he said, "we should spend the night here."
9 pondered his answer.
"Oh, well," he said, "I guess. Hope a beast doesn't find us."
"Don't worry about that," said 1, "worry about getting some sleep."
9 smirked, laying down on the blue-green cushion.
"You gonna sleep?," asked 9.
"I will," said 1.
"Well, goodnight."
"Goodnight."
9 laid on his left side, his back to 1. The elder stitchpunk looked at him briefly beside glancing back so the night sky, the stars gartering his attention. He breathe in a sigh, sitting back with his legs outstretched. He turned his head to the left, seeing a gathering of clouds rolling by. He figured the clouds would clear away to reveal the moon once again. 1 enjoyed everything about the night.
He looked back at 9, who was deep in sleep. He thought whether 9 was cold or not. 1 unclasped his cape, and sprawled it over 9's body, smoothing it down, stroking 9's arm beneath the red cape. He heard 9 take a breath, though he didn't open his optics. Thinking he'd almost woken him, 1 decide he's some sleep himself. He lied down next to 9, flat on his back. 1 took a look at the star-speckled sky, as though it would all disappear.
With one final thought, 1 gave in to restful sleep.
The morning sun saturated the sky in a golden glow, cutting through the deepest nooks of the Emptiness. Shadows from the buildings were cast against the ground; the light glaring against the surface of ramshackle cars. Dewdrops hung off whatever rejuvenate grass blades extruded from the ground where there wasn't any rubble. It was a quiet morning.
The sun's rays reached the spot where 9 and 1 fell asleep. Feeling the warmth of the sun on him, 9 opened his optics, waking up degree by degree. Memories were disjointed, and he was putting together what happened the night before and coming to realize he was waking up. He couldn't remember feeling more well-rested. He felt a swath of fabric covering his body, as well as another body pressed against him. Looking down, he felt 1's arm around him. With one quick motion, he flung 1's arm away from him, sitting upright; the cape tossed aside. The shift in move to was so quick it woke 1 as well. Both stitchpunks stared at each other, too shocked for words.
"What?," uttered 9. "What were you—Did we—?"
"No!," hooted 1, sitting up, grabbing his cape.
9 looked at him, unsure of what to grasp at first. This was certainly a surprise to both stitchpunks, and neither expected this kind of reaction. The silence only made it that much more uncomfortable.
"We should," began 9, "head home. Everyone must be worried."
"Yes," stammered 1, "h-home. We should go."
9 retrieved his lightstaff from the floor, and 1 draped his cape back on. When both were ready, they began the walk home, hoping to forget about this morning.
A week passed since that awkward morning in the ramshackle building. Both 9 and 1 never brought it up, choosing instead to look at the night sky and marvel at the stars. Those nights were silent ones, but enjoyable ones at best. It was more awkward when 1 and 9 spoke as little as possible.
9 stood under the library doorway, looking at the horizon. The sun was making its descend to allow the night to arrive. Pinkish purple clouds doted the sky, enhancing the already vibrant orange sky, looking bolder than ever. He looked over at the courtyard, seeing 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 standing in the center of the garden. Curious, 9 decided to see what they were up to.
"Hey, guys," he called, waving to them.
"Oh, hi, 9," said 5, smiling. 9 saw that he was holding a piece of cloth.
"What are you all doing?," asked 9, looking at each stitchpunk present.
"We're going to play a game," answered 5.
"What game?"
"A game the twins made up," quipped 7, lifting her bird skull, glancing at the twins, who smiled cheekily at her.
"How do you play?," asked 9.
"Basically," said 5, "you tie this around your optics, so you don't see." He held up the strip of cloth. "And you try to catch someone blindfolded. And whoever you catch has to blindfold themselves and try to catch someone."
"I think I get it," retorted 9.
"Wanna play?," offered 5.
"Yeah," chirruped 9. "Who's going first?"
"I was going to go first," said 7, "but it'd be better if 5 goes first instead."
"Really?," said 5, snapping his head to look at her. 7 gave him a nod. "Well, okay," he remarked, "here I go."
5 tied the cloth around his face, covering his one optic. He held out his arms, fingers splayed.
"Okay," he said, "I don't see anything. Spread out."
True to his words, 9 and the others ran, ducking when 5 sidled here and there, waving his arms to grab a stitchpunk. Laughter filled the courtyard, with the exception of 3 and 4, being mute, could only smile giddily.
"Oh!," chirped 9, ducking.
5 almost grasped 9's arm, missing when 9 ducked. The zippered stitchpunk crawled toward the bushes on his right, a smile plastered on his face. Next to him was 4.
"This is so fun," whispered 9.
4 nodded.
"It's too bad 6 is not playing with us," added 9.
'I overheard 2 talking 6 into having an earlier bedtime,' explained 4.
"Oh, really?," whispered 9, raising a brow. He glanced back at the blindfolded 5, then back at 4. "I guess early to bed, early to rise."
4 nodded.
She and 9 glimpsed back at 5, who, by sheer luck, grasped 8's forearm. The one-eyed stitchpunk lifted the blindfold, smiling when he saw that he caught 8.
"Guess it's your turn," he said, untying the blindfold from his face. He handed it to 8, who tied it around his own face.
"Alright," said 8. "Ready."
"Ooh boy," said 5, sprinting away from his direction.
"This'll be interesting," said 9, standing up.
The game was played for about an hour, each stitchpunk having a chance at a turn to catch one of their friends. They shared laughs, all while the sun sunk lower into the horizon, taking the last of the light with it.
9 held out his arms, his optics covered by the blindfold. He didn't know who was standing before him, but he was bent on catching them. He took a few more steps, hands at the ready. His fingers brushed against someone's arm. Successful, he grabbed them with his other arm, laughing triumphantly.
"Ha! Gotcha!"
He took the blindfold off his face, seeing it was 3 who he caught. The hooded twin laughed silently.
"That was fun," said 5.
"Yeah," said 7, "but we'd better head in. Almost dark."
"You guys go," said 9, "I'm going to stay out here and look for stars."
"Alright," said 5.
9 watched the five make their way towards the library's entrance, hearing fragments of their conversation. When they were walked up the stone steps, and were out of earshot, 9 knew he had the courtyard to himself. He turned around, gazing at the darkening sky.
The moment her sky was dark, the moment 9 started his routine. He walked over to the right side of the garden, sitting on a broken chunk of marble. He kept his optics trained on the dark blue, waiting to see the first few stars to pop out. He was so focused on the sky that he didn't notice the approaching footsteps.
"Stargazing without me?," spoke a voice.
"Huh?," sputtered 9, turning to see 1 standing over him.
1 looked at him inquisitively.
"Oh, uh," said 9, "I didn't think you were coming."
"Well I'm here," proclaimed 1.
He took a seat beside 9 on the broken chunk of marble. The closeness felt awkward, but 9 didn't want to be rude. He sat up straight, stiff like a statue. He waited for 1 to speak.
"See any?," quoth 1, looking up at the sky.
"No," said 9. He needed to find another way to keep the conversation going. "You're wearing your cape."
"Oh, yes," retorted 1, thumbing the fringes. He held up that left side, tapping the pearled brooch. "It pairs well with this brooch."
"I can see that."
Silence stretched on. 9 tried to think up another topic to discuss, anything to not think about that morning in the Emptiness. The tension was rising, and 9 felt like he would blurt it out any second.
"Have I told you why I like to stargaze?," spoke 1.
9 looked at him, blinking.
"Um, no," he replied, "no you haven't."
1 lowered his head to look at 9.
"I suppose I should tell you," he said. "It was after we found the cathedral, and we all stayed holed up inside, waiting for the war to end. I didn't look out a window, I was too afraid to see the carnage."
9 didn't say anything, only listened. He never thought 1 was afraid of anything. But he motioned for 1 to keep talking.
"It was about a year after everything had grown quiet," said 1, looking down at the ground, brow furrowed. "It was late one night, everyone had gone to sleep, I was alone in my Throne Room." He breathed in a sigh. "I looked out the window and I see the stars peeking through a sea of clouds. And I thought it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
A smile formed on 9's face. 1 himself even smiled at the memory.
"From then on," he continued, "I started looking out the windows at night to stargaze. When 2 and 5 built their telescope, I waited until they had gone to bed to use it to look at the stars. That's how I found the constellations."
"So," said 9, "the stars...helped soothe you?"
"They did," answered 1. "They still do. Since we were brought back, I've made it a point to look at the stars."
9 nodded.
"That's nice," he said, "I've enjoyed stargazing, too."
A paused stretched on between the two.
"These past nights," spoke 1, "I've been trying to find a reason to stargaze, and...I've found it." He turned to face 9. "You."
9 blinked, surprised.
"M-me?," he sputtered, optics widening.
"Yes," said 1, scooting closer to 9. "Since we started stargazing together I've been looking forward to it. Not for the stars, but because I wanted to spend time with you. I wanted to be with you always, to hold you close, to—"
"I," interrupted 9, "you d-don't know what you're saying."
"I do know what I'm saying, 9," reiterated 1. He took hold of 9's hands in his own, clasping them tight to show how serious he was. "I never found another reason to look at the stars until now."
"I...I..." 9 struggled to come up with a sentence. He was definitely shocked.
"I love you, 9," said 1, "and I'm willing to prove that I—"
1 was interrupted when 9 pressed his lips against his. 9 flung his arms around 1's neck, tilting his head of the right, kissing him hungrily. When they broke apart, they gazed at each other, breathlessly.
"I've waited to hear you say that," uttered 9, "and I love you too, 1. So much."
1 smiled, caressing 9's cheek with a hand.
"I think our stars have finally aligned," he said.
9's smile broadened, pulling 1 in for another kiss. They put everything in it, saying what was needed to be said.
1 broke the kiss, gazing at 9 lovingly. The zippered stitchpunk rested his head against 1's shoulder. Wrapping an arm around him, 1 looked up at the sky, captivated by the numerous stars, unable to deny how beautiful they looked.
Sitting together, they finally found what they wanted: love.
I loved writing this. ^_^ It was so much fun. Writing this gave me a leg up when I thought I was burned out. It really paid off. =)
Thank you reading my story. :3