I recently finished Kamen Rider Ex-Aid (I have not seen any other seasons aside from what's available of Gotchard) with some friends and now I'm a bit obsessed and have a lot of fanfic ideas. It's been a while since I've wrote anything so I thought I'd start with a one-shot and hopefully churn out more in the future!
Parad was bored, he was watching Emu pick up an item and inspect it. It was finally his day off from work and this was what he planned to do? What was the fun in going on a shopping trip? Parad didn't usually even join him for the weekly food shop, preferring to stay home and play games, but today Emu insisted they go out together and shop at the local mall together. The Bugster reluctantly agreed as Emu was so cute when he was insistent, plus he promised to take him to the gaming store and get them a new game so there was that to look forward to. But right now, they had been in the first store for maybe half an hour? Parad wasn't completely sure, but it was half an hour too long. Emu had dragged him around the homeware shop by the hand looking at the various things and making small talk. He seemed happy and Parad loved when he was happy, but was looking at various bits of kitchenware really that exciting? He was currently looking at the various designs of plates and Parad couldn't see the point in this. Emu had plates, had cups and whatever else was needed in the kitchen. Sure, Parad may have accidentally dropped a plate because he was helping Emu empty the dishwasher that one time, but they had plenty more to use.
"Emu...?" Parad spoke quietly, he was done with looking here.
"Yes?" Emu looked at him with a sweet smile.
"I'm booooored, are we nearly done looking at all this stuff we already have?"
"We? Hmm..." Emu looked back at the plates, then around the shop.
"Emu? Answer me." Parad moved closer to him, he tried to not be so demanding, but being patient was a struggle for him when he was the one being made to wait.
Emu ignored him and started to walk off, leading Parad away from the plates. The Bugster stopped, pulling his hand away, naturally Emu being Emu fell over.
"Oi, Emu! What's the meaning of this? Are you going to tell me why you're ignoring me?" He loomed over him, he was getting fed up of Emu's behaviour today.
"Sorry, sorry, I just found what I was looking for." Emu scrambled to get up, despite his frustration Parad offered his hand to help.
It was hard to stay mad at that lovable face of his for too long.
"Looking for? But we have everything we need."
"I do... But you don't. You've been living with me for a few months now, but other than your Gemn console and the clothes you always wear, everything in my... In our apartment is mine."
Parad tilted his head, pulling Emu closer and putting his other hand on the doctor's shoulder.
"I am you, you are me. So, what's yours is mine and mine is yours." Emu was his, his things were his. Parad in turn, was Emu's.
Emu smiled softly. "Maybe so, but I want to get you something you can have as your own. Like maybe a mug or something?"
He indicated the shelves of mugs that he had been leading Parad to. The Bugster looked at them curiously, letting go of Emu to have a closer inspection. There were many different designs, some just had random words or silly phrases, others had pictures or a combination of the two. Parad looked back at Emu who was watching him expectantly.
"Emu... I don't need food or drink to survive like humans do."
"I know, I know, but it's not like you don't enjoy tasting things now and then."
Emu was right. He thought back to Graphite, to his craving of sweets due to his host's memories and even stealing cake that one time they went to CR to get some information on Gamedeus from Emu and his friends. Parad too, craved the taste of Emu's favourite foods. Especially when the doctor was eating something that smelled so good right in front of him, he had to have some too. But he could always just use one of the mugs Emu had, Parad really didn't get what he was thinking, their hearts may have been one, but that didn't always mean that their minds were.
"I'm not sure why I have to pick one out. I can always use one of the mugs you got before I moved in."
"That won't do! Please Parad. You deserve to have things to call your own, so you can settle into our apartment better."
Parad thought he'd settled in quite well, he got to spend every day with Emu. It was the best! But, he supposed he could entertain what Emu wanted of him. The Bugster was still learning about humans in a way, the shared memories and knowledge with Emu didn't mean he knew everything. After all, it didn't let him read the doctor's mind, in fact the only way to gain new knowledge and memories from Emu was to possess him again. But Emu made him vow to never purposefully do that to him unless there was an emergency situation. He shrugged at the doctor and smiled.
"Fine... I'll pick something out if it'll make you happy, Emu."
"I want you to like it too." Emu warned, Parad had been told, his own happiness was important too.
Parad tried not to laugh at Emu sounding so serious and looked back at the mugs. He had to find the perfect one, one he liked... Sure he can do that. Maybe? None of the designs were really speaking to him, it probably didn't help that he personally didn't want a mug in the first place. But he had to pick one right? Emu would be upset if he didn't choose something for himself. He disliked the thought of his Emu being disappointed in him. After looking at various mugs for a while, with still no idea what to go for, he heard the doctor sigh behind him.
"Alright... I guess you don't have to get a mug if you're indecisive, but I will buy you something for yourself today."
Parad looked at him, trying to hide the surprise that he was being let off, well on the mug buying at least.
"If you're sure..." He moved back over to him, taking his hand and entwining their fingers. "What's the next place?"
Parad really hoped it was the gaming store. Unfortunately for Parad it was not the gaming store.
"Emu, I don't need clothes. Unlike what you wear, they're part of my data. They don't get dirty nor smell. I can always do a 'costume change' if I really wanted a different look." Parad made a lil jazz hands gesture with his free hand, a slight grin on his lips as he tried to mimic the way Poppy said those words when she changed back and forth between herself and her nurse persona.
Emu didn't look so amused at the slight mocking of their friend, even if it wasn't intended in a malicious way or anything. The doctor squeezed Parad's hand and led him to a quiet part of the men's department, speaking to him in a low voice just to make sure no one overheard them.
"You know you can't have the general public know that you're a Bugster, I know it's unfair, but they wouldn't understand that you're good now and won't hurt them. I just thought this was something you couldn't excuse as us being able to share since you're well... Taller."
Parad snorted and moved closer to loom over him slightly. "That I am... But you don't seem to mind looking up at me."
Emu blushed faintly, as he was right, the height difference never really bothered him. He glanced away to see if anyone was watching, but other than an employee with their back to them folding t-shirts, no one else was around. Parad glanced in the same direction as him and noting the lack of attention they'd draw, he smiled as he leant down and gave his Emu a chaste kiss. His own cheeks started to burn from the sensation.
The two of them were still trying to figure out the nature of their relationship and what they both wanted from it. Holding hands felt so natural to them, like they were connected without Parad having to actually possess Emu, it was comfortable for them to do it even in public spaces. When they were at home alone they'd often snuggle, again because they both liked feeling when they were in physical contact with one another, however being in each other's arms around people was a little embarrassing even around their friends.
There was this one time Parad was in the CR meeting room and Emu had just come up there on his lunch break. The Bugster could tell that the doctor had had a stressful day, so as he usually would do when Emu came home from such a day, Parad moved to hold him in his arms. Hearing Poppy aww-ing over the sweet gesture, Emu didn't return the embrace and just told Parad he was ok. The Bugster didn't miss the slight flush on the doctor's face as he backed off. However, Parad felt a little rejected by the lack of reciprocation and was worried about Emu. When the doctor left to continue his shift, Poppy told him it was likely embarrassment but he didn't really understand why since they did stuff like that when they were alone. It wasn't until they got home that day that Emu told him to hold back on the public displays of affection. It took a bit of explaining though WHY it was embarrassing when they were around others to the point that Parad himself got a bit flustered at his action that day.
Kissing, that was still new to them. A new thing that Parad really enjoyed, every time their lips touched there was a spark, a jolt of electricity pulsing through him. It was the connection, it was always the connection and it made Parad crave more of it. He couldn't help himself with how cute Emu could get at times. Of course, since Emu had told him to not get too affectionate in public, he hoped he wouldn't get too mad at him, after all, no one was really around to pay them any attention.
"Parad..." Emu started.
"Sorry, I know I shouldn't since we're 'in public' but no one's watching and I just couldn't help myself!"
"Let's just look at clothes... Winter's coming, you need something to wear so you don't look cold. Even if you can't feel the temperature the way humans do."
Emu wasn't smiling, which made Parad's heart hurt. Had he messed up? This shopping trip was supposed to be fun right?
Parad let Emu lead him to the sweaters, there wasn't a lot of options as they were only really starting to get stuff in for the colder weather. There was a deafening silence between them. Parad looked at the doctor, he could see there was still a tint to his cheeks and he squeezed his hand gently to try and reassure him.
"Look at things other than me..." Emu didn't look his way, keeping his eyes on the clothing before them. There was a slight irritation in the tone of his voice.
Parad looked, they were all just plain colours. Pink, red, blue, green, orange and gold. They reminded him of the main colours of their transformed selves... Maybe it would be cute if they had something that matched. No, no, the point was to have something for himself! Emu probably wouldn't approve of Parad wanting to match. The idea to the Bugster was cute but maybe the doctor would find it stupid? But what really felt stupid was the fact he could surely just use his imagination to change his clothes like Poppy did. Then again, Emu was the more creative out of the two of them. Parad might not be able to think up something that would look 'sensible' by human standards for whatever the weather was going to throw at them that day in particular.
Parad sighed, part of him wanted to let go of Emu and leave, but of course he was made to make his host happy. He led the doctor by hand around the store, looking but not really looking at the clothes. Emu would hopefully be satisfied at him at least attempting to look around right? Parad couldn't help but think that the silence was drowning, he needed to say something, needed to do something that would perk Emu back up and relax the atmosphere around them.
"Emu... There isn't anything I want here."
"Ok." Emu shrugged. "I suppose we can always go to one of the other stores."
Parad frowned, he still wouldn't look at him. "Please... You know what I like best. Other than you of course... Can we go to the games store now? I promise I'll find something I want there."
"...I know you will." Emu finally turned his face towards the Bugster. "I just thought you might like something other than games for once."
"I tried looking at the things you wanted me to look at, but you haven't let me look at the things I want to look at!"
Parad didn't realise his voice had raised a little until Emu flinched. The doctor blinked, then looked a bit apologetic.
"I'm sorry... I was trying to think of you and to make you happy. But I guess, I was thinking about making myself happy through you."
Parad tilted his head a little.
"I'm happy when you're happy Emu."
"I'm... Happy when you're happy too, Parad."
Emu seemed to physically relax and Parad felt a sense of relief. But he knew better, he wasn't necessarily forgiven. There was still an uncomfortable feeling as they walked out the clothing store and the Bugster kept glancing at his companion. Emu caught onto him, glancing back.
"What is it?"
"Are you ok? I... Didn't think you'd get so mad about me kissing you... We were pretty much alone."
Emu sighed. "The assistant could have turned around any moment."
"They didn't, they were too busy."
"I told you not to get too affectionate, it's inappropriate."
"As you've explained..."
"So I shouldn't have to explain again."
"I think it's dumb, I want people to know you're mine."
Emu stopped, his face had gotten a little flustered, he turned his head up at Parad who looked confused.
"I am yours and you are mine. You don't need to be so affectionate to confirm that. This." Emu help up their hands. "This is enough."
Parad started to feel flustered, Emu was looking deep into his eyes, he couldn't help but smile.
"I can still kiss you when we're home right?"
Emu snorted. "Sure. I never said we couldn't do that when it's just the two of us."
Parad was going to note that for later.
Emu led them to the gaming store and looked at the Bugster who's eyes were full of curiosity. Since he'd not gone shopping before, Parad had never seen so many shelves lined with games outside of the library at Gemn Corp. But of course, this shop didn't just have their games, they had things for every current console from various companies. The Bugster had played some of the things on Emu's other consoles, but he hadn't actually realised how many different types of games there were out there. If Bugsters weren't exclusive to Gemn games, Parad was sure there'd be an army of them by now, one large enough to overwhelm the Kamen Riders. He wasn't going to make a comment on that to Emu, as he was sure that'd bother him, most of them would likely be their enemies. He started to think of back when it was him and Graphite, when the dragon warrior would go out infecting humans to increase their numbers. He caught the sight of his game and moved over to the Gemn console games. Emu stayed by his side, looking at Parad curiously as he pulled out a copy of Drago Knight Hunter Z.
"...I miss him." His voice a whisper.
"Graphite?" Emu gave his hand a gentle squeeze, then rubbed it reassuringly with his thumb.
Parad nodded. "I know he was happy in the end... It's what he wanted. Is it wrong that I wished he'd joined us instead?"
"No, I think that's reasonable. He was your friend after all, that didn't change even if you ended up on different sides."
Parad nodded and quietly put the game back where it belonged.
"I always thought he'd come back... He's a complete Bugster and he didn't die during a Pause like Lovelica did..."
"Sometimes, people don't want to come back. Not that I'm saying Graphite was suicidal... It's as you say, it's what he wanted, he fulfilled the role he was meant to play."
"He did... He got the fight he wanted and died without regrets."
"If he came back, it'd hurt Hiiro and Taiga, he's a constant reminder of Saki." Emu lamented.
Parad looked at Emu sorrowfully. "So, either I have to be sad he's gone... Or they have to be sad he's alive."
The doctor squeezed his hand. "I... I wish there was another way, a way so he co-exist with them without hurting them. Then you could have your friend around and you could all smile together."
Parad squeezed his hand back, a faint smile on his lips. "You're so sweet Emu... Sometimes... I wish things could be so ideal."
Before Emu could respond, Parad turned away to look around the store some more. They were in the place the Bugster had been waiting all day to go to, the doctor had brought him out on this trip to make him happy. It wasn't the time nor place to get sentimental about the past, but Parad wouldn't be surprised if Emu was currently thinking of a way to cheer him up about the whole Graphite-situation.
Well, right now, he felt it was best to distract himself by finding a good game to play. He looked around at the various games for consoles he knew Emu had, occasionally pulling out a title that sounded interesting to read the summary on the back. Parad didn't miss Emu moving closer to look so he held it closer for him to read the description as well. He couldn't help but smile a little as it was often him getting into people's personal space, which he was still learning how close was too close. He supposed since Emu initiated the closeness, he didn't mind. Actually, he only seemed to mind when the Bugster moved too close to someone else.
Emu looked at him expectantly.
"Do you want to get this one?"
"It does look like it'd be fun to play together."
"You're supposed to pick one out for you to also enjoy by yourself."
"Yes, but this one can be played solo or with someone else and you also promised we'd get a game to play together. I think I'd enjoy playing this with you... That is if you'd like to play it with me too."
Emu chuckled and nod. "Alright, we'll get it then. But you still have to pick something out for yourself."
"You won't drop that will you?" Parad said playfully.
"Nope." Emu smiled and it made the Bugster feel warm, unable to help but grin back.
It took a moment for Parad to resume looking at games, he walked around the aisles when he spotted shelves of second-hand retro games.
"Emu you still have that Wonderswan right?"
"Yeah, it was a special gift from Dr. Hinata, it's important to me." Emu looked curious about where this was going, likely expecting Parad to suggest getting a new game on it for the doctor to enjoy.
"Would you... Let me play games on it?"
"Huh? I thought you could remember my childhood?"
"Yeah and the games you played on it too... But... It might be nice to experience those games for myself." The Bugster looked at him, slight hesitation in his voice. "...If you'll let me."
"Sure, I trust you'll take care of it."
They smiled at each other before Parad looked at the games before them. The memories he had of Emu's past weren't always clear, he didn't remember every second of his life before they were separated 6 years ago. He wasn't sure if it was only the things Emu remembered or not as they didn't really talk a lot about what memories they shared. He looked through the titles, trying to remember what Emu had played, ideally one that Parad couldn't remember the full story of. After a moment he picked one out and inspected it. He somewhat remembered the characters on the cover, he thinks he remembered Emu enjoying playing the game and watching the tv show that accompanied it too.
"I remember that, it was fun." Emu spoke, echoing his thoughts.
"I think I'd like to try playing it."
"Is that all you want to get?"
"Hmm... Are you going to insist I keep getting more things? How long will this go on until you're satisfied?" He couldn't help but tease him a little, it earned him a light chuckle from Emu.
"No, I'm just saying you're free to pick out more than one thing."
"I suppoooooose I could."
Parad squeezed his hand and took the lead to go look at other things in the store. He noticed that there wasn't just games and gaming accessories, they actually sold related merchandise as well, so he thought why not give that a look. They had all sorts, plushies, figures, trading cards, clothes, mugs... Ah. The last two were things Emu was trying to buy for him before. He felt a little awkward thinking about that, like he half expected the doctor to make some comment, though he knew that he likely wouldn't. It didn't help that he spotted something among the items he... Might not actually mind having? He let go of his hand, knowing Emu's eyes were on him as he placed the game on top of a pack of matching mugs before carefully taking them off the shelves.
"Maybe... These might be ok?"
Emu read the words on the mugs out loud. "Player 1, Player 2. Are you suggesting you have 1 and I have 2?"
"No, you're Player 1 because I was made to be your Player 2." Parad smiled a little nervously, this was dumb and cheesy and Emu had every right to tell him such!
"That's cute... Let's go with those." Emu returned the smile, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Parad should have known better, Emu would never think he was those things. Parad was Emu and Emu was Parad. They often liked the same things, well most of the time anyway. Most importantly their hearts were one and they had a connection that ran deeper than any humans or Bugsters out there.
The Bugster felt like it was time to go now, so he started to head towards the exit, until the doctor grabbed him gently.
"I still need to pay for them." He spoke quietly, hoping they weren't drawing too much attention.
"Oh... Yeah. The humans at the desk want that money thing, right? That never made sense to me, why can't we just take what we want?" As a Bugster, he was much more used to having to fight to survive. Make a plan, fight a good fight. That was the only way he knew he could get what he wanted even if Emu's knowledge made him aware that humans used this money stuff.
"As much as I enjoy my job, humans need money for things. If you don't earn it you don't get it, just like in games."
"I don't have a job, they're boring and playing games all day is much more fun, yet you're getting me things." Parad countered.
"You might be a NEET but you're my NEET. I want to treat you because I care about you."
Emu glanced away, looking a bit nervous over how he was being open with his feelings. Parad couldn't help but feel a bit amused, it wasn't like Emu hadn't told him he cared before, but for him to say it out in the open. Neither of them were paying attention to whether or not anyone could overhear them.
It made Parad think back to that time at the hospital rooftop, where he promised Emu he'd never fight to take a life again. That despite all the awful things the Bugster had done, the doctor cared for him. Even if he was the virus that infected him, he was part of what made Emu who he was. The doctor told him that he'd take responsibility of him, it may have not been a direct way to say he cared. But they could feel each other's strong emotions in that moment, Parad knew that Emu cared about him and wanted him in his life. That was the day he agreed to fight by his side, their hearts finally becoming one. Since then, they'd gotten so much closer.
"Let's go pay." Emu reached to take the items, but Parad stepped back.
"You know what you're like Emu, you'll probably trip over nothing and then we won't be getting matching mugs today."
Emu nodded, he was right, he could be a bit clumsy at times. The two of them headed over to the cashier, the doctor telling his counterpart that he needs to give the items to be scanned and bagged as he was sure Parad had no idea what to do in the process of actually paying for things. Emu paid, Parad grabbed the bag and they headed back out the store hand in hand.
Parad couldn't wait to get home, maybe Emu would make them a hot chocolate in their new mugs. Then they could relax and play games for the rest of the day and he'll find some excuse to kiss him. Yeah, days with Emu made his heart excited.
The Wonderswan game Parad got? It's a Digimon one! I always associate Wonderswan as that console that had some Digimon games on it. I also just find some amusement in the thought of him playing a game with digital creatures that can cross over between the digital and real worlds... A little like Bugsters? Maybe?