Final chapter. A little odd, but keep in mind that most of them weren't originally human.
One sat up until Nine got back, hanging his cloak up.
~You shouldn't've waited up.~ Nine said softly.
"I must apologize for my rudeness," One replied.
~Rudeness?~
"Yes. I know you're shy, yet it never crossed my mind that you'd be hesitant to catalogue me in front of the others. Forgive me."
Nine flushed, looking shy. One held up a plateful of food. Nine took it gratefully, eating his fill. One stood.
"You go bathe. Then you can properly catalogue me," One said, kissing his head.
Nine obeyed, trying not to seem too eager to get out there. He went out to the bedroom to see One sitting in nothing but a blanket. The golden eyes dashed over the bared skin. When One looked up, smiling and gesturing him over, Nine shyly walked over, hands twitching.
"Explore all you want. Catalogue me. You have my full permission, Nine."
Nine's hands were trembling as they trailed over One's face, his eyes glowing brightly as he took in information. One sat there, relaxing as he was explored. He was pushed back to lie down, and the hands took a more personal turn, in terms of humans, though it was not even close to being the same for One. He simply watched as Nine thoroughly examined him. When he had gotten enough, he settled back, absolutely beaming.
~That was much needed. More than I'd like to admit, actually.~ Nine said sheepishly. ~Maybe tomorrow morning I can explore your Stitchpunk form? I'm really tired right now.~
"Of course. We'll wake up bright and early for you to explore. Now, come and sleep."
Nine happily snuggled close, sighing in delight as the skin he now knew the paths of was nuzzled against his face. When they went down for breakfast, everybody greeted them warmly.
~Did he catalogue?~ Four asked, placing an omelet on One's plate.
"Yes. I can say he thoroughly enjoyed it. Whoever is next is sleeping in the main bedroom with him tonight."
"I'll do it," Two said happily then took a bite of his food.
"Then it's settled."
Nine nodded, rather busy eating. He was clearly going through what he'd gathered, so he was left alone. Zero sat down, chewing on his omelet as he read a story. Nine eventually noticed.
~What are you reading?~
"One of your stories. You write very well."
The highest numbered Stitchpunk-turned-human got a bemused expression on his face. ~You like it?~
"Of course! I very much enjoy reading your stories. You're very talented. And I'm sorry for my reaction yesterday. I didn't expect such…description. I'm well used to it now. It's actually fascinating."
Nine blushed in delight, staring at his maker. ~You mean it.~
"Of course."
Nine looked thoughtful. ~I'm glad you came back, Zero. We weren't complete without you.~
It was Zero's turn to blush. "I'm glad to be home. I haven't been home in years, so many, many years. But you make me feel like I've finally gotten there."
One graced both of them with a smile. "I think you're right, Nine. We're whole now. I don't know how we didn't see that we weren't. But we are now. And it's all thanks to you, Zero."
It was the best thing that Zero had ever heard in his entire life.
I think I can get used to being a Stitchpunk, he thought happily. I like being Zero.
"We're glad," Six said with a smirk.
Zero made a face. Get out of my head.
Everybody laughed.
