Author's Note
To those who have read my previous works, no this is not a sequel to Love in Times of Heresy, it takes place before LITOH. You can treat it like a side story.
To those who are new, this can be read as a standalone one-shot, so you don't need to read my other works to understand it.
DISCLAIMER: All the characters in this one-shot belong to Idea Factory and Compile Heart.
Lowee, Gamindustri
Place: Basilicom
Date: June 21, 2019
Time: 12:41 P.M.
The short-haired brunette typed away on her keyboard as she stared at her screen. Today was one of those rare days where she didn't have any work and could focus on her hobbies. She also didn't need to worry about the twins as they were out with her oracle. She swore that she'll get at least five chapters finished today if it's the last thing she does. When will she ever get a day off like this?
"Blaaaaanc~"
The short CPU felt arms wrap around her shoulders as the back of her head was pressed against two soft mounds. Her left eye twitched as she saw a bit of red.
"Vert."
Blanc felt pressure on the top of her head. Blonde hair tickled her cheeks as the other woman rested her chin on her large hat.
"Get off," she growled.
Vert giggled as she didn't comply. "Don't be like that. I came to visit you and this is the welcome I get?"
"The twins aren't here," stated the white goddess.
Vert had been coming over to Lowee a lot more after the implied treaty was formed a year ago. It wasn't like she didn't come over at all when they were in an alliance during the war, but it was usually her visiting Leanbox.
"They aren't?" This caused Vert to stand up straight. "Well, that's unfortunate. I was hoping to play with my younger sisters. I even brought over their favorite milk tea."
This time, Blanc was ticked off. "Your sisters?" She whipped around in her chair and slapped Vert's massive breasts in retaliation. "You mean MY sisters!"
Vert squealed as Blanc didn't stop her assault. "Not my prize possessions!"
"How dare you come to my basilicom and taint my sisters' minds with these utters of yours! Don't! You! Know! Shame?!" With each word, Blanc smacked Vert's breasts back and forth. Once she had enough, did she stop. Her breath was rigid and her cheeks were tinted pink.
Vert whimpered as she hugged her chest. "Must you be so rough? Besides, aren't you happy that I babysit your siblings? It gives you time to write, no?"
Blanc let out a soft grumbling as she couldn't refuse. "Whatever. Rom and Ram aren't here, so go away."
Vert only sighed. "So rude. I came all this way and you're gonna kick me out?"
Blanc annoyingly huffed, wanting to get rid of this blonde so she could go back to writing her story. "What do you want?"
Vert's eyes sparkled as she suggested, "Let's go on a date!"
Blanc blinked. Once the words set in, her face burned bright red. "Excuse me?!"
"Neptune and Noire are currently out on a date and I would love to experience it too!"
"We aren't even together!" Blanc countered.
Vert rolled her eyes. "Oh, Blanc! Get with the times, even friends can go on dates."
"Bullshit!"
"I go on dates with the twins all the time," Vert smugly claimed.
"Don't poison my sisters' minds with your sick logic!"
Vert pouted and she fluttered her eyelashes, "Please Blanc?"
The brunette tensed up as she watched how the other CPU tried to act cute and it was kind of working. She blamed her younger sisters for teaching Vert how to do the puppy dog eyes.
"What happened to Nepgear?"
Vert sadly sighed. "She's watching over Planeptune in Neptune's place, so I couldn't play with her today."
That made a lot of sense as to why Vert was over to play with the twins. Blanc rubbed the bridge of her nose as she tried to find an excuse to get rid of this blonde bimbo.
"Blanc."
"Huh?"
"You do understand this could be a great chance to collect reference materials, right? When will you ever have a chance to go on a date?"
Blanc paused as she thought about it. She had her hand in trying to write romance novels, but they always ended up bombing. That was the reason why she decided that her most recent work would be referenced off of Neptune and Noire's relationship. If she could experience a romantic date, she could be inspired to write a good romance novel that wasn't ripped off of her friends' love life.
Blanc was taken out of her thoughts when she felt something warm pressed up against her arm. She glanced to the side to see Vert cuddled up to her with her breasts. The brunette doesn't understand why Vert has to always use her body to convince her in certain scenarios. Even during the Console War, she would do the same. It pissed Blanc off so much, but she kept her anger in check for the sake of their alliance. And it seemed to have become a habit now as she didn't push Vert away.
"So what do you say, Blanc? Want to be my girlfriend for the day~?"
Blanc closed her eyes, really wanting to just kick her out. She could easily do that, but a chance to collect material for writing… was something she couldn't pass up.
"Let's go on a date!"
Vert chuckled, "Fufufu, wonderful!"
Lowee, Gamindustri
Place: Lowee City
Date: June 21, 2019
Time: 1:12 P.M.
The two CPUs walked down the stone pathway of the snowy city. The sun was bright in the blue sky, melting the snow off the rooftops. The nation of Lowee was covered in snow all year round, much different from the other three nations of Gamindustri.
After the end of the Console War, many Lowee citizens visited the other nations to escape the harsh cold during this summer.
"It never fails to surprise me how Lowee is still cold in the season of summer," Vert voiced.
"It also never fails to surprise me that Lowee's snow never reaches Leanbox during winter," Blanc returned.
"Well, as the nation closest to the equator, you can understand the hot weather," Vert said.
Blanc only hummed as Leanbox was indeed hot. She wouldn't really want to be there during summer, but that was the season where the beaches were most popular. She doesn't blame her populace for wanting to experience the beach with its warm ocean waves.
"Ah! It's Lady White Heart!" A child waved towards them, breaking Blanc out of her thoughts. "Hellooo!"
"Honey, let's not bother her, she might be busy." The child's mother hesitantly bowed towards Blanc and scurried away with the child in tow.
"She seemed hesitant towards you," Vert observed. She also noticed how many adults would nervously wave or bow at them.
Blanc didn't show any emotion as she waved to her citizens. "It can't be helped. I am the 'Mighty' Lady White Heart after all. They don't want to anger me accidentally."
Vert hummed, "I see…" The green CPU never realized as whenever she was out with Rom and Ram, everyone was so friendly and would come close to give their greetings. It was very different from how they treated the twins compared to Blanc.
A soft breeze swept by them, causing Vert to shiver. Blanc took notice and offered her white coat. "Here."
Vert became shocked. "You're giving me your coat?"
Blanc raised an eyebrow as to why Vert would look so surprised. "Isn't that what a good girlfriend would do when she sees her date shivering?"
The blonde CPU didn't expect Blanc to actually act like a girlfriend on this date since she looked so reluctant earlier. "What about you? Won't you be cold?"
Blanc wore a sleeveless white dress with brown straps over her pale shoulders. She could say she was cold, but she had gotten used to the weather up in the north. CPUs can't get sick, so it didn't bother Blanc if she wore lightly. "I'm more used to the cold weather than you are, Vert."
That didn't answer Vert's question, but nonetheless, she didn't deny the brunette's good will. "Thank you." She took the coat and slipped it on. The coat always looked big on Blanc, but it fits nicely on Vert, as long as she didn't try buttoning it up.
Blanc looked away as she mumbled, "If you knew Lowee was cold all year round you should have brought something warm…"
"And not let the 'Mighty' Lady White Heart chase off the cold for me? This is something I cannot miss," she teased as she pulled the coat close to her face, feeling the soft fur against her cheeks.
Blanc didn't say anything else as she continued to walk. She didn't want the other CPU to see the blush on her face and tease her anymore. "Come on. There's a cafe around here that serves good coffee. It will help warm you up."
Vert giggled as she followed close behind the brunette. "Oh my, how considerate of you~"
"Shut up…"
The blonde reached out to hold one of those small delicate hands. Blanc flinched and glanced down to see their hands intertwined. She didn't pull away, but she looked at Vert's smiling face with annoyed eyes.
"Aren't we a pretend couple right now? It's only natural that we hold hands during our date, no?"
Blanc huffed and just kept walking with no comment. Vert lightly hummed as she started swinging their arms like a child with her mom.
Blanc guided them to a cute little shop. It was white with a pink rooftop. Vert recognized the place easily as it was a place that Rom and Ram often took her. They entered the building and saw the display of cake, cookies, and other desserts. There were quite a few people around as it was the weekend.
"I'll order while you find a seat for us," Blanc said as she stepped into line.
Vert didn't object and looked for an empty table. She found one in the far corner away from the windows. She made her way over and sat down in the white chair. The place was buzzing with couples and Vert felt a little out of place being the one sitting alone.
"Haaaaa, if only Nepgear was here."
"Sorry, I'm not Nepgear."
Vert perked up and found Blanc standing next to her with a tray. There were two steaming cups along with two plates holding a slice of cake. She placed the tray on the round table and sat in the chair across from Vert.
"Don't feel offended, Blanc," Vert voiced as she picked up the cup of coffee from the tray. "I enjoy your company as well."
Blanc also reached for her cup and said, "I didn't say I was offended."
Vert pouted, "I know that look of yours. It's a shame I can't go on a date with Nepgear, but a date with you isn't bad either." She took a sip of the coffee and hummed in delight. "Their coffee is just as good as the last time I had it."
"Their cakes aren't bad either," Blanc said. "Though, I'm sure you knew from when Rom and Ram dragged you here."
"Oh, so you know about my dates with your sisters?"
"They talk about their outings all the time." Blanc sipped her coffee and stabbed her fork into the white frosted cake. "I would like it if you don't spoil them too much with cake."
"There's no harm in indulging themselves, but I'll try not to spoil them." Vert took a bite of the cake, enjoying the sweet taste. "It is a bit hard when they attack you with those puppy eyes, no?" Vert did her own version as she pouted.
Blanc froze as her cheeks heated up. She tried to hide her blush by drinking her coffee, but it didn't go unnoticed by the blonde.
Vert chuckled. "It seems to be working on you too."
Blanc slammed her cup down and stated, "There's a difference when you do it compared to my sisters!"
"Don't be upset, I understand when I'm this magnificent." Vert sat up straight, causing her chest to bounce as she smirked.
"Goddess, I want to slap you."
Vert frowned as she placed her cup down. "That is no way to talk to your girlfriend."
"My apologies," she deadpanned.
"Can't you be a bit more romantic? I'm so envious of our purple and black duo."
Blanc could feel a headache coming along. She just wanted to go back to her basilicom and write. "Vert."
"Hmm?" The green goddess felt her hand being lifted and looked at Blanc to see a mischievous grin. Her eyes were sharpened and her aura changed. "Blanc?"
"My lady." Blanc's voice got slightly deeper, a bit closer to her White Heart's. "Have I ever mentioned how beautiful you are?"
"Eh?" Vert blushed a bit as it was the first she heard Blanc call her beautiful.
"Your lovely blue eyes are like shimmering jewels and your hair shines like gold under the warm sunlight. Everywhere you go, my eyes always follow. You are so captivating, truly a goddess of beauty." Blanc lowered her head and kissed the back of Vert's hand.
Vert's face was now burning bright red. She was really happy that they were tucked away in the corner where no one could pay attention to them. She felt quite flustered by Blanc's words. She didn't really know how to react.
Blanc lifted her head and placed Vert's hand back on the table. Her smile then dropped and her expression went back to being cold. "Was that romantic enough for you?"
Vert was flabbergasted. Her face was still hot and she had to admit that Blanc did look attractive just then.
Blanc greatly enjoyed the look Vert had. It wasn't every day she got to fluster the blonde. She kept her expression neutral, knowing that her cheeks would heat up if she didn't. Everything she said to the blonde were lines she read in a book. There was no way she could think of such cringing lines right on the spot.
Vert was still staring at her, making the white goddess a little awkward. She began to wonder if her actions short-circuited the other CPU's brain. "Vert?"
The green goddess flinched. "Huh? Ah…" Vert tried to find something to say, but she was at a loss for words. She tried fanning herself to calm down, but it only made her turn even more red.
Blanc picked up her coffee to drink. She let Vert recompose herself and didn't tease her. Unlike the blonde who would make fun of her whenever the chance she got, Blanc was more respectful.
"Have you calmed down now?" Blanc asked when she saw the blush fading.
"Yes, you really caught me by surprise," Vert said with a nervous smile.
"I am a writer you know."
"Indeed. I really underestimated you, Blanc. You really get around with your words. It made my heart flutter."
Blanc chuckled, "Don't fall in love with me now."
Vert giggled, "Please. I wouldn't dream of it."
The two knew where their feelings lay. They respected each other, relied on each other and they trusted each other. For them, feelings of romantic love was something they wouldn't place in their relationship. But there was a certain type of love they felt for one another.
"Ah, it's Blanc and Vert!"
The two CPUs turn their attention to the front of the shop to see a little girl in pink run up to them.
"R-Ram, wait for me!" Another little girl in blue ran after her twin.
"Lady Rom, Lady Ram!" The older blue-haired woman chased after the kids while apologizing to the customers in the shop.
Vert stood up as Ram ran into her arms for a hug. "Hello, Ram!"
"H-Hello, Miss Vert," Rom shyly greeted her.
"Hello to you too, Rom."
"Why are you wearing Blanc's coat, Vert?" Ram asked.
"Your sister was kind enough to lend me her coat when I was feeling chilly," answered the green goddess.
"W-Want my scarf?" Rom timidly offered her blue scarf.
"Why thank you, Rom, but I believe your sister will have my head if I do take it," Vert chuckled.
The woman dressed in red walked up to the white CPU and bowed. "Do forgive us for disturbing you, Lady Blanc, Lady Vert."
"It's alright, Mina. Vert and I weren't discussing anything important," Blanc assured.
Mina let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness."
"We want cake too!" Ram announced as she jumped up and down.
"But Lady Ram, you had cake earlier from a different place," Mina said.
"So? I want another," Ram said.
"I-I also… would like another cake…" Rom murmured with a blush.
"I don't see the harm," Vert said as she glanced towards Blanc.
Rom and Ram also looked toward Blanc and began to pout as they enlarged their eyes. The white CPU frowned, but then Vert joined them in the pouting, making it really hard to refuse.
"Aaaaah! Fine!"
"Yay!" Rom, Ram, and Vert all high-fived each other.
Blanc rubbed the back of her head, unsure how to process what just happened. She could handle the twins, but with Vert added in, it felt like she was watching over three kids instead of two.
"I'll make sure they brush their teeth extra well tonight," Mina voiced.
Blanc sighed, "Thank you, Mina."
"Blanc! Let's bring it back home to eat!" Ram shouted. "Vert said she brought milk tea to our basilicom!"
"Yeah, yeah, alright you brats. Hurry and choose your cake before I change my mind," Blanc grumbled as she walked over to them.
Vert giggled as she watched the twins point at the desserts behind the glass counter. "Guess our date ended earlier than expected."
Blanc kept her eyes trained on her siblings as she suggested, "We can always go out on another one."
"Really? I was sure you'd hate to be dragged out again."
"Yeah, but I haven't collected enough reference materials." Blanc looked up at the blonde beside her. "And I'm pretty sure friends help each other out."
Vert giggled, "I suppose we could go on another date when we're both free."
Blanc made a bold move and took Vert's hands into her own. Vert felt like the white CPU was full of surprises today.
"I had fun… Thanks for taking me out."
Vert felt like teasing the shorter girl, but she held back. It was rare for the brunette to be so open. "You are very welcome."
"Hey, no fair! I wanna hold Vert's hands too!" Ram complained as she took Vert's other hand.
"I-I'll hold big sis' hand," Rom voiced as she took Blanc's other hand.
"Don't yell, you'll bother the citizens," Blanc scolded.
Mina helped open the door as Rom and Ram pulled the CPUs out of the shop. They jumped up and down as they talked about their day with Mina. Vert laughed along as she listened to their antics. Blanc only smiled as she kept her eyes on the street, making sure they weren't bumping into people. It helped a lot that Mina was clearing the way for them.
The twins and Vert were making a lot of commotion, causing everyone to look at them as they walked by, but Blanc didn't bother to silence them. This kind of loudness was pleasant to her ears.
"Blanc, are you listening?"
Blanc glanced over at Ram who was staring at her. "Sorry, what?"
"Can Vert stay for dinner?!"
Blanc glanced at the blonde CPU, who didn't say a word. No pleading eyes, no weird excuses, and whatnot. But she did feel a squeeze from their entwined hands.
Blanc smirked. "Sure, why not? As long as she's not busy."
"Oh Blanc, I would never turn down my younger sisters' invitation!" Vert happily spoke.
Blanc let it slide since she was in a good mood right now. From the warmth of Vert's hands, she felt connected. In this cold nation, Blanc didn't need to feel so alone because she had her family. And even if she hated to admit it, Vert had somehow become part of it.
They were allies, they were friends, and now they were family. And goddess damn it, Blanc loves her family.
Author's Note
Thank you for checking out this one-shot! If you enjoyed my writing style, feel free to check out my other stories if you are interested!
-Shiena