{100%}
[Proceed with wakeup systems]
Nos woke up confused and sat up remembering the fight and-
He looks around before seeing Vanet asleep next to him and XR laying asleep by the coffin but holding his hand in his tightly. Nos tried to slip his hand out but he saw how strong a grip XR had. He covers his face, flustered but he calmed himself and dismissed it as a friend thing. He wondered if XR was fine and scanned him.
{Low Energy}
Nos wondered now how long XR stayed here. He then wondered what happened after he passed out? What of the antimatter vampire? He woke up XR with a small energy boost.
"Wha-!" XR shot up and alert, still had his hand gripping Nos's when he looked around for answers. When he got around to Nos he was happy to see him. "You're ok!" XR let's go and hug him.
Nos hugged back but was worried. "XR what happened while I was out?"
XR pulls away and looks a bit to Vanet who was deep asleep and then to Nos.
"Well first off, DRAC was taken to a temporary medical prison to monitor him cuz, you know, tore him to pieces. Star command got involved in attempting to arrest him." He paused thinking how to say it without pissing off Nos. "You know how Buzz gets when they escape or get away? DRAC literally paid his way out of getting arrested."
Nos groans, annoyed and looks to his arm and finds no bite marks but does feel different. "Did he say who beat him?"
"Surprisingly enough, no." XR answers. "I guess he didn't want to admit he was outdone by us. He did say he attacked the owner for missing something on the sculpture…. Which leads to the bad news."
"I am going to be forced to go and talk about it in star command." Nos glares at the answer.
"Worse…. Talking to Buzz." XR added in and he swore Nos looked worse than when he was destroyed on planet Z. He sees him fall back, covering his face. "But I told Buzz I can talk to you so you won't have to see him."
"This is Lightyear, he will impose himself anyway." Nos sat up, already knowing well they could be in a fight over the simplest reasons.
Vanet woke up to the conversation and hugged Nos. "Papa you're ok!"
Nos relaxed a bit and hugged her.
XR watched and felt like he was the odd one but cleared up his throat. "Also, Ryder asked if you could call him." He saw Nos went quiet and looked worried. He gets up and goes to his Tata's study room to contact him.
XR was worried as he watched Nos leave. When he hears the other door close, XR goes against his red flags and sneaks across and uses his gadget to listen in.
In the office.
"Madam president." Nos bows.
"Nos I heard from the reports about what had happened." Madam spoke.
"I will accept the consequences for fighting back." Nos spoke. "I am not sorry for nearly destroying him."
"Nos, sweetie, I ain't mad about that, you defended the kid. The reason for calling is about the kid. The people in the child care and resource center want to transfer her into a different guardian, on another planet."
Nos looks shocked. "She is safe under my care! I took down a 6 foot Antimatter vampire! Please do not take her from me!"
"I know Nos, but DRAC has a new target now: you."
Nos was more annoyed. "I have shown I am capable of handling him. I have became her family, I can provide for her-"
"I know you can Nos, the pay we give you is proof enough. But they think the kid's safety is in a threat that's coming after you. You can give her financial support and care, but you can't guarantee her protection. Just talk to her and we'll go from there."
"Understood." Nos spoke softly.
"Nos, I don't want this either, I've seen you become a wonderful father. You can still keep in contact with her even if they change her guardianship." Madame president tries to reassure him but she could see it didn't. "We'll talk more later." And the connection ended.
Nos did not know what to do, what would be the right choice?
He hears a knock from outside and floats over to see XR still as his organic form. "Wanna take a walk in the woods?" XR asked. "I promise not to murder you? Cuz it's a forest." The space ranger chuckles nervously and Nos smiles a bit.
"Can I come?" Vanet asked softly. "Grandpa went to town to buy batteries and oil."
XR saw Nos hold his hand out and Vanet took his hand as he leads her out. XR felt out of the loop but it wasn't bad, he understood this kid was family to Nos like the old man was too. He in fact loves how gentle Nos can be. 'I really fell hard for the energy vampire.' He would have liked to know if Nos would give him a chance but he wasn't going to just ask with Vanet there. She'll ask very straightforward questions, and Nos being a parental role, would dismiss the answer because that's what a total single parent would do if it meant not making their kids feel left out or hurt.
(Not making accusations! Part of XR's dilemma, you single parents are doing your best if there are any reading this.)
He just wants to know if he has a chance with Nos.
The walk in the forest wasn't so bad, if you weren't the one tripping or nearly falling off a cliff by accident and a certain energy vampire caught you on time. XR wasn't like Nos, heck the kid did better than him! He laid on the boulder in defeat as Nos sat by him while Vanet collected wild flowers. At the moment they were able to come up to a large field of flowers that was on the opposite side of the forest and mountain. They flew over it since walking took too long but XR was more happy than they were to fly there.
"So, wanna talk about the problem?" XR asked and can tell Nos was sad. "I didn't want to ask Vanet around, and you were tight lipped about it." XR pointed out in a low voice.
Nos looks at her and then glances at XR. "They want to take her away to be in a different family. DRAC has set his eyes on me and Vanet could be in more danger."
"Hey you became important to her, just as she became important to you." XR sat up. "If I were you, I'd fight to be her guardian and who stepped in to be her dad? No one but you did. I mean unless they send like one of those real stick in the mud social workers to make sure you can't be her guardian."
"Pretty sure." Nos mutters, having one hand holding his head.
"Who would they send to look around your home? I happen to have the answer." XR shifted to his robotic form and began printing out lists of social workers from the Star command records and ripped it out. He hands it to Nos who begins reading it through.
"Thank you XR." Nos answers as he keeps reading.
XR smiles, "I bet they couldn't find anything that could be a threat…." That's when he thought about Nos' past.
"My past, which Madam President did erase my past for me after so much work I did but if they find out, that can be a guarantee I will lose her." Nos looks across the field.
XR looks at his friend/crush before thinking about what to say next. "So I was thinking, before the whole trial of what to come, we could go see this zoo aquarium when you're good to go? That was my original plan for a hangout until the whole DRAC creep came."
Nos was about to tell him no but seeing it was hard for Vanet, perhaps a small day out would be good. They needed the break. "If you do not mind."
"I still got 3 tickets and they are still available until they are used!" He grins but he thought of a question bothering him. "I was thinking if you're open to it, I could come by and help around." XR wasn't using this to woo him! He figured with DRAC stalking him now, he could help and he proved he can handle him too.
Nos should say no, this would be selfish to keep XR away from his family and home. However, XR went above and beyond in the fight with him. This was no longer just a friendship. He was letting XR be in his deepest circle. "... If this does not keep you from work, you may. I can make a spare key for you."
XR was shocked and thankfully the light made it look like he was just shining from the light but he was blushing and hugging Nos tightly. "I can make it look like I'm just keeping surveillance! This way, it'll keep Buzz off your back."
Nos hugs him back and feels the wind blowing in their direction. He didn't feel cold when they let go since the warm air was blowing in but he felt a bit of loss after he himself pulled away in fear of stepping over boundaries. It was just soothing to him and it was nice to have this with XR but it was hard to not want more. 'XR deserves someone who can be in the light, not in the dark.' He looked to XR who was happy, this was enough for him.
'Yet it is not…..'
The next day sunset
"Are you sure you are able to get to star command with this enough energy?" Nos was concerned as XR looked tired. He had not left since yesterday trying to help around while Nos was forced to rest. It only took a day but Nos saw XR was taking care of Vanet and even working at his Tata's cafe since he could not give a hand. When he came back, star command called him for report duty.
"Hey I've been through worse." He yawns, to conserve some energy, he was in his robotic form but even having some energy, he was barely staying up. 'Who knew keeping up with a kid and working at a cafe can be draining.' He smiles ready to go. 'It wasn't so bad.'
Nos did not like the idea of XR leaving like such, so he had an idea. "Then let me offer you some energy." He takes his hand and in seconds, he gives XR his energy.
XR was wide awake and amazed how good it felt being this charged! "You can give energy?!" He was going to thank him when he saw Nos stumble and catch him. "Nos, as much as I appreciate you helping me, don't drain yourself." He helped him stand and luckily Nosfer was there. "I'll message you when I get to Star Command but get some rest!" He shouted and hurried out.
He takes his leave and flies out and into space feeling relief about Nos being ok but he stops mid way and floats. He shapefits and noticed he was not feeling the life sucked out of him but his mind was on the whole day. Thank the nova he keeps his clothes in him but being in this form felt a bit relaxing. He didn't have the brand and his sensors were more broad thanks to Nos. He was thinking about what to do on the day of the hang out. As much as he wants to tell Nos his feelings and be romantic, he needs to be on his best behavior. 'And I don't want Vanet to feel like I'm taking her family from her.' He hums away and smiles before taking out a drawing she drew for him. It was Nos and her and him and Nosfer in the cove. He can feel a warmth in his chest and thought how nice it would be to spend more time with Nos and his family. He grins before changing back and flies back to star command. 'I need to look up some laws.'
XR made it to star command and he messages Nos that he made it. Although he should go and rest, he went to the records and policy library (he didn't know existed.) He looks through the capital planet's rules and regulations and finds a book about guardianship. He grabs that book and looks over articles relating and hums when he finds another book on laws. He begins reading and goes through it for hours and finds a few rules that can help Nos before taking pictures and puts the book back in. 'There's got to be more than this! And I can't let them take Vanet from Nos!' He didn't know what to look for to begin with about redeeming criminals cuz there hasn't been any kind. 'Well except Nos.' He smiles but tries to think about other law books. He needed something!
"XR?"
He looks up and sees Booster coming up. "Oh hey bud. I was doing some reading." XR closes the book. "Is there a mission right now?"
"No but is there something I can help you with, bud?" Booster asked. "You look pretty upset."
XR was gonna say no but he remembered Booster worked as a janitor here to study to be a space ranger! 'It's a stretch but he's got to know something.' "Booster, do you know anything from capital laws for people making up for their wrong? Kind of like Redemption?"
"I remember reading that from my break time back as a janitor. In fact!" Booster hurries to a section and XR follows him over to a part of the library that was untouched and covered in dust. Booster hums and looks through the shelf and finds the book. He pulls it out and blows the dust out. "Section B4X-N0S13. Paragraph 3 on page XL, if an ex-convict undergoes probation for 3 years, he can be pardoned. However, if you read article IV on page X-R: "if the ex-convict works under government official and sufficed conditions of his parole or probations within the first year, the ex-convict can be a free man from all violations and unlawful behavior that was enacted."
"What if, say, doing something big? Like Zurg level or Nos-4-a2 level?" XR asked and wondered if that was a bad idea bringing out Nos's name.
Booster hums and looks through the book. "Well, say if it was Zurg, that would be highly unlikely because of the damage he has done over the years. But if it was Nos-4-a2…. I think it depends. I mean Nos-4-a2 was made from Zurg and wouldn't want to be good-"
"But let's say he wanted to redeem himself?" XR felt bad cutting off his friend. "I mean he didn't exactly annihilate populations and he turned people wirewolves that indirectly saved a peace treaty."
Booster hums. "Well say if someone like Nos-4-a2 wanted to turn good, he might have a better chance because of the law here," showing him a page. "If a robot pleads for mercy, he or she can plead for immunity under the circumstances. Considering he was a robot, he was forced to be programmed to be made evil. If he was organic, they can say he made those choices of his own accord. But he's a robot and that can help with his case to defect. But we'll never know because he's destroyed. Lucky for you right?" Booster smiles but noticed XR wasn't happy when he said that. "XR?"
"Sorry. Just…. My new friend got me wondering if villains like Nos had the chance; maybe wasn't so influenced by Zurg," he paused when Booster pats his shoulder. "I sometimes think it's unfair you know? And I don't have Stockholm syndrome that's making me think like that. I think there can be some that could be like Warp."
"I don't think he ever kidnapped you." Booster puts the books back. "You know, if he did come back from offline and wanted to change, I'm sure he would be happy to know you were of the few to support him defecting to the good side." Booster smiles, he was a bit perplexed from the unexpected question but maybe being around that new friend made him see things differently. "I wanted to ask you, what is Mr. Atu like? I don't really know him but he seems to be a good person."
"You mean Nosferatu? He's a great guy." XR beams. "He's smart and funny and a bit awkward in crowded places. He's stubborn with his plans but he cares about everyone being safe so I can't blame him. He's really something." XR couldn't help but swoon a bit. "He loves sculpting and he can craft almost anything! He can really amaze you just from reading poetry or stories." He felt his core radiating. "Oh speaking of books, he reads kids books to his daughter. He loves his daughter more than anything and she's adopted. He told me when he took the role as her guardian, he had no idea what to do and he practically tried to buy her all her books for school and they were way too advanced!" Xr chuckles at the memory. "It's kinda funny how Nos can be so serious but when it comes to her, he's a big ol' softy. I remember he gave me a hard time for wanting to babysit her but later on he trusted me." He couldn't help but smile at the memory. "I think that's when he started to trust me more."
Booster can tell XR was different when it came to this person but waited till XR finished. "Do you like this guy?"
"I fell hard for him." XR explains. "And sometime this week I'm gonna hangout with him and his daughter but I'm nervous cuz what if I screw up my chances and he wants to be just friends? I can get friendzoned and I don't want that." He already started thinking of the possibilities and was already anxious.
"Well I think if you just be yourself, it'll work out." Booster spoke. "I mean he likes hanging out with you and he doesn't just like you? Maybe even be a bit brave too!"
"Well I hope you're right." XR mumbles as they head out. "But this past week has been draining." He pauses and hides behind Booster when he sees 42 coming. He waits till she passes and sighs but he feels bad for keeping secrets from his best friend. "Booster, thanks for helping me earlier. Pretty sure you have questions but I can't really explain it yet but please keep this between us."
Booster only smiled at him. "XR, I know you need your own space and privacy. Just know I'm here for you." Booster spoke. "So how did your friend become the top agent? I heard GAF even rejected Buzz."
"Well he's only working there to protect Vanet and they saw his potential as an agent. It's long and hard to explain." XR is still worried with DRAC around and knowing where Nos works. 'But he doesn't know where he lives.' But it bothers him that this Antimatter vampire knows who he is. It was only a matter of time before he came looking for him. 'I just hope it's not too soon.' He thought as he and Booster entered the main hall and saw Buzz and Mira talking.
"XR, I heard you took on a new registered villain with Nosferatu's help." Buzz grins as other Space rangers come in to hear about a win for Star Command. He can even see Rocket coming up ready to put his input.
"Tell us XR, what did that gothic creep do?" Rocket grins and can tell he was only being friends with Buzz because of Nos. "Did he coward away?"
"For your information Rocket, no he didn't. He and I took down the monster together. But he landed the final blow." XR had his hands on his sides. "So yeah Nos was able to beat me with my help. I gotta ask, where was anybody when the Antimatter attacked?!" He can see everyone was quiet, rather no one could answer when someone like DRAC was attacking. This meant what Nos said was true: DRAC has his claws in Star Command. 'The only reason Nos couldn't and wouldn't bring Vanet here. But who's working for him?' That was even harder to find. He looked to Buzz who was shocked and even wondered why this was even reported when it happened.
"We'll find out but for now we all gotta go back to work to do our duties." Buzz cleared his throat and everyone went back to work but few were glaring at XR for whatever reason but he can guess why. 'Either I didn't fight DRAC, or the fact I questioned Star command. Probably both.'
"XR, can we talk?" Buzz looked stern and concerned.
"I would but I'm a bit tuckered out." XR yawns.
"Didn't your friend let you charge up at his place?" Buzz was puzzled. 'Rude.'
"He did but I was spending the day helping him and spending time with his family." Xr stated as they made their way down the hall to the lab. "After all, he did just fight against a centuries old Antimatter vampire without backup not because he wanted to fight alone and be a hero."
Buzz can feel it was a blow to his pride, being compared to the agent. However, he was determined to get some answers. "XR, what was the real reason Mr. Atu was attacked?" Buzz felt the report had alot of holes in the detail. He recalled one of the witnesses saw his daughter there but in the report she wasn't in the shop or anywhere. Nothing matched and didn't add up but even the agents were there before space rangers were. Already had the place secured and what bothered him the most was one witnessed he asked said Mr. Atu had someone who was a yellowish man.
Not a robot.
'But XR wrote he was there the whole time. Was he covering for this agent?' "I wanted to know what happened and you were there."
"I was there-"
"They said someone there was a yellow human like man. I know you weren't there."
XR was quiet but took a deep breath. "Alright, you caught me." XR pauses. "Nos didn't want anyone knowing about his personal life and he knows people can be prejudiced…"
"What do you mean?" Buzz asked.
XR pauses and hopes Buzz believes it. "Nos is in a romantic relationship with that guy." XR stated. "And asked me to keep it a secret so please don't tell anyone." XR pleaded.
Buzz was…. Alarmed and felt relief to hear.
"So he and Ozma…..?"
"No way! He and she are just friends!" XR killed that thought for his possessive reasons.
"She was flirting-"
"She was barking up on the wrong tree and she knows he's not that kind of pitcher." XR was feeling bad doing this but at the same time he wasn't feeling completely guilty.
"So that explains a few things…. Thanks XR, get some rest."
"Thanks. By the way, I'm gonna be on patrol over Nos and his daughter later this week so I won't be joining you guys for any missions."
"Right!" He appreciated XR for keeping to his task. "Thank you XR for taking this seriously, this way you can figure out what this new energy vampire-"
"Antimatter vampire." XR corrected him.
"Right, find out why he's targeting the agent." Buzz hoped with XR's help, he can uncover anything else but roat part of this agent's personal life. 'But I wondered if this yellow guy is part of the agent's act. And his daughter…. I feel like I'm missing something.' He waves to XR and leaves.
XR all the meanwhile, was drained from Buzz and his interrogation. 'This is becoming stressful to hide.' He gets on his charger and relaxes. 'Just remember, I'm gonna go and enjoy a hangout this week with Nos and his daughter and hopefully impress him enough to not be friendzoned!' He can do this!
After a week of (forced) resting, Nos and Vanet chose Friday as a day to spend with XR. At the moment, Nos and Vanet were waiting by the gates of the aquarium/zoo. Nos packed extra clothes for himself and Vanet along with snacks for her and himself. He was a bit flustered to dress a bit more impressively than comfortable but he tried to tell himself he was trying to be presentable like always. Just as he was refixing his vest, XR came just in time and grins to see the two waiting.
Nos was a bit surprised to see him dressed up more than his usual casual style.
XR grins, wearing a casual violet lounge collar with black jeans and wearing his goggles. Of course he doesn't really need them but Nos was so thoughtful of him he couldn't really take them off. "Ok so I got a map of the place to help us- Wait- this could be my schedule…." XR was nervous when he saw it was indeed his schedule for work. He felt he was already messing up. He looked through his bag til Nos stopped him and perked to see Nos was calm.
"XR, we can always find a map later. How about we explore together since neither of us have been here before." Nos pats his back and for XR he was less nervous after that reassurance. Plus it made his core shift from the simple touch.
"Thanks, I thought it would be good if I could make this day great after the past week and having a plan is mostly winging it or improvising." It was only a week since the fight and with their work schedule, today was a lucky day for them but it was more for XR's hope to impress Nos. This was his chance to find the courage to express his feelings for Nos when the time is right. And it was a bonus to have Vanet see him as family. "Ready?" Nos nodded and Vanet followed, taking each of XR's hands together. This surprised the space ranger, but it felt great when he could see Vanet already accepted him.
Entering the place, it was crowded but it did make XR a bit tense remembering back to that horrible zoo. Those chlorms imprisoned him and his friends and many others in that zoo as entertainment for their species and treated him less than even a service bot! The only relief he had at the moment was Nos and Vanet holding his hands and he wasn't displayed like an animal. But when he sees a flock of tourists coming up to them, he unconsciously picks Vanet up in his arms and keeps her safe as the group walk past them. He didn't expect Vanet to cling onto him but he was more worried about her not getting trampled on.
Nos led him away from the crowd and saw how XR was holding Vanet as a comfort bear. "XR?" Nos led him further away and to a wall with less people. "Do you want to talk about it?"
XR took a moment and let Vanet go but she clung to him like a burmiam Koalan. "It's just…. About a long while ago, I was kidnapped to be some zoo animals for a species called the Chlorms and I felt less than even an animal. I didn't think I was gonna be so anxious but when I saw all that group coming in, I was more scared of losing Vanet." He frowns keeping her safe. "And it's not because she's your kid, she's important to me too; I was scared of losing her and never seeing her again."
Nos was quiet before holding his hand. "I understand that very well." He and XR stood up and hesitated before he looked for a power line. He scans and sees they were next to one and kneels to tie his shoelace but extends his fingers to allow the liquid metal to slip into the wall. It absorbs information from the powerline and soon it returns to him and has a whole connection to the area and stands up. "Connect to me real quick." Nos stated.
XR was flustered but nodded, taking his connector from his wrist and reaching over to him and secretly connected to him. In a few seconds he jolted from the familiar power senses. He thought back of when he had that over jumbo connect to the vast galaxy internet wide. But instead of being overwhelmed, he was pretty calm when he held onto Nos. It was different having someone there with you from getting a power surge. He realized Nos was sharing his information for him to choose anywhere in the building. XR appreciated him and was falling for him all over again. When he was done searching, he found there were little people in the marine section. "Ok, looks like the marine side is not as packed up but more easy to walk through. We can work our way to the zoo later?"
"Ok!" Vanet smiles, her personal goal for today was enjoying her day with papa and XR but she hoped with all her heart, XR be with her papa.
"I would like that." Nos grins and Vanet takes both their hands and stays in the middle as they walk to the marine side.
XR was less anxious seeing there weren't many people in the marine life zone. He had to say, it was pretty nice to see a fish not wanting to kill you or chase you out of a casino. He of course couldn't help but keep watching Nos be amazed by the different species of jellyfish. He watches Nos act like a kid and he couldn't help but like it so much that he just wanted to keep gazing at him. 'I would think Nos would be more interested in sharks.'
"Did you know, there are over 200 million species of jellyfish creatures even in space?!" Nos was grinning excitedly. XR couldn't stop smiling as Vanet was in awe.
"I like jellyfish too!" Vanet was happy before she shied away, getting bashful.
Nos perked as did XR and both smiled.
"Can you tell me what you know about them?" XR asked. Vanet smiles and shyly talks about them and he couldn't help but see she was just like Nos. It was so unique how they shared common interests and they were passionate about topics like jellyfish. He can already tell she wanted to stick around here a bit more. "I like to hear more about them so let's stick around here a bit more before moving on?" he can see them sharing a mind in saying yes and he took a picture of them at the moment. "So are there some you can hold or touch?" He asked curiously, hoping they both could explain it together. It was Vanet who answered first.
"There are actually but you can't touch the bottom part because of their electricity and venom. You could touch the top of their heads but always be cautious." Vanet turns red but XR smiles about it.
'She is really adorable and way nicer than most kids her age.' XR can imagine himself praising Vanet as his own daughter when he'll go see her science fair projects or chaperones with Nos- 'Don't get ahead of yourself! I still gotta woo Nos!' He thought but he feels already proud of Vanet and how amazing she is! "Can a robot hold them?" XR asked and it was Nos who answered
"Well it is possible but it depends on the tolerance of the robot's getting shocked." Nos added, giving Vanet a break from talking. He could not help but thank XRfor getting Vanet to be more open and less afraid. "It can be overwhelming from even a spark." He hopes XR keeps being in Vanet's life.
XR perked and recalled times he would explode just by being overly shocked.
"Guess that's a maybe?" XR asked and saw Nos nodded and walked with XR when Vanet was urging them to go to the next section that became a terrarium of other creatures. They entered to find this section was of bats and took a path into the zoo side.
"Hey your cousins! Maybe we can have some over" XR teases and Nos rolls his eyes but was impressed by the bats but saw there were not many species of bats that existed. He looked around when they came over to one that was called an "energy eater". He perked to see a 2 feet tall burgundy bat with red orange eyes. He reads she was so far the only and last of her type of species and this made him feel sad.
XR frowns reading this. "Well that's…. pretty depressing." He can see this bat was like Nos in some way. Nos was not exactly last but he was the only type of vampire that endured a lot to survive just like this bat.
"It is." Nos looked over the burgundy bat but noticed there was another by her side which was a small foot tall fruit bat. The oddest however the bat was an albino and smaller than the female.
"At least she has a buddy." XR grins but notices the female looks tired. "Is it me or does she look out of breath? Is that even normal?"
Nos raised a brow and did a scan before eyes widened. "She's pregnant." He whispered.
"What did you say?" XR heard but he couldn't believe it, thanks to the laws of biology.
Before they can figure it out the said bat was flapping like crazy and they saw the animal keepers tried to rush to her side but saw she changed to a bigger and monstrous size, scaring them off. Nos had to cover Vanet from seeing the people that got attacked.
"Anyone a Vet?!" They shouted as they dragged a guy out.
Nos frowns, sensing the bat struggling until XR lifts his hand. "XR, I am not a vet!"
"But you can do this! You hang around animals like that princess from that movie Vanet likes with the short people. Besides, you can't tell me you're not worried about her?" XR gestures to the screeching monster bat scaring the other bats but that small fruit bat was by his friend in comfort.
Nos grumbles before pulling his hand and steps forward and hurries in as XR keeps Vanet close. He walks over cautiously and holds his hands midway as the monstrous bat hisses at him. He stops and shows no harm to her. "Hello, I can see you are in pain. You probably do not know why-" he was slammed to the wall but sensed she was not aggressive out if rage, she was scared.
He reached to her head and she bit his hand but let's go and a low rumble was heard. He perked and sensed some energy was drained but instead reached in his bag and held out a special energy bar his father made him. He sees her bite it down and absorbs the energy. "You were very hungry indeed." He pets her head and she purrs before letting go and screeches as he sees through the scans, three babies moving in her. He massages her belly and feels her push.
However…. He did not expect deliveries to be very messy.
XR on the other hand had been recording the whole time while keeping Vanet close. It took almost a half hour until Nos had the three babies clinging to their mother bat who was cleaning them. Nos raises a brow to recognize one was albino.
"So that little guy! And her?!" XR was shocked but impressed by the bat. "Pretty impressive little guy." The little bat did a good job imprinting on his babies, including Nos. But Nos got out of there and he was, as XR can tell, happy but grossed out at the same time. He was walking out and the workers led Nos to get changed. It wasn't long till he came back with a similar set of his attire, only they were a purple collar dress shirt and black slacks. He had forgotten he grabbed this one but he felt a bit embarrassed seeing they were matching XR now.
"Purple looks good on you, at least they let you wash up." XR grins and Vanet ran to Nos. "You know they will get this on record that you saved the not so last energy bat."
"This does not change how long it took." Nos may have looked annoyed but he was happy the bat family is safe now.
"Speaking of, they want to ask you to name the babies." XR hands him a battery to drain.
"Why?" Nos bit down the battery since most of his bars were given to the mother bat.
"You saved the last bat of her existence and she now has 3 of them." XR said bluntly. "I told them your daughter was here so they wanna let you two name them."
"Three, you should name one of them too." Nos added.
XR was surprised but smiled. "That's a big honor for me." He walks with Nos and Vanet runs to where the bats are kept and she smiles to see them. They were in a place where they keep any new moms so they can take care of their babies safely and he was surprised how many there were. It was a big and safe haven for them with as much green and forest-like domain.
"There are two females and one male." The vet that was called to check smiles. She was an older woman but despite her age, they can see her vibrant brown hair through the gray.
Nos lets Vanet pick first and she smiles brightly. "The light pink bat can be Beatrice." she pointed to the pinkish one.
Nos watched as the vet wrote it down.
XR sees the dark pink/white one, the female, snuggling to her father who was keeping her safe. "How about, Xena; sounds pretty."
Nos looks at the smallest, but the first one that he delivered. It was a baby boy and had two colored eyes but was shy. "I have a name: Nox."
"Nox?" XR raised a brow but was surprised seeing Nos was holding the small bat.
"I like the name and if I ever thought of adopting a baby, it would be Nox." Nos smiles at the hope of later on adopting a baby if he can after taking care of Vanet. The idea was a nice one.
XR felt his core vibrating, not scared or shocked or excited, it wasn't exactly an emotion to say.
It was hope.
"I like the name. Hey when it happens, we- well you can name him and you can tell him the story about how he shares a name with a one of a kind bat." XR smiles and he watches Nos was beyond happy and places the baby bat back. He couldn't help but like Nos more than he thought, just as much as it hurt him because it was more than he can say with words.
After the naming, they saw it was past 2 and they hadn't explored the whole place yet! But they did have to get Vanet something to eat. The perks of not having the need to eat gave Vanet more variety in what she wanted to eat since this place was not exactly cheap.
Vanet chose to have a burger with fries and a soda as Nos had his energy bar and XR his canister of oil.
"So since this place closes in about 4 hours, what do you want to do, Vanet?" XR passed the map he got and Vanet's eyes were wide. "Can we follow the Serpents trail?"
XR looked at what she said and saw it was a maze.
"It does look intriguing." Nos smiled and saw there was no direction once inside. "There is no reception or connection in the area so that no one cheats. The winner to find the head of the largest space serpent wins 3 free tickets to go any time for a year."
"We 3 can win." XR smirks.
"It's an adult only maze." Nos stated. This perked XR and saw it was a maze for couples! He didn't know what to think but he felt this was his chance-
"I do not think it is safe to go without Vanet." Nos stated.
XR felt like he lost-
"They have a kid tour at the aviary! Please papa?!" Vanet pleaded and XR was so thankful to her.
Nos hums and saw this was more secure and it was not far from the maze and it was an hour long for the kids to explore the safest birds. He could not say no to his child since it was good for her to experience some adventure on her own so long as it was safe. "Alright but let me refill your bottle for you first." He gets up and takes it to refill it.
Just as he was out of earshot, Vanet looks to XR. "Do you like my papa?" She saw XR choke on his oil.
XR felt embarrassed and it was no use hiding that truth. "I like your papa, but I didn't take him here for a date. I really wanted to make it a day with you both being very precious to me."
"But you like my papa like Elvis loves Elvira." Vanet showed the picture of the bat family on her phone.
XR felt the bats were some reflection of them. "Yes I like-like him-"
"And you're perfect for him!" Vanet stated.
'Have I ever said Vanet was my favorite kid? Cuz she is!' He thought. "I admire your confidence in me, but this is the most I've been terrified of telling someone my feelings." He just had to plan it out. That's when Nos came back. "So you're up for it?" XR asked Nos who was a bit nervous.
"I am still concerned about your safety, Vanet." Nos hands her the bottle but Vanet only smiles. "Do you still have your pendant?" He asked and she showed him the necklace he made her a long while back. It was a small but a metal star pendant that had a tracker and an emergency call if she needed him. Nos felt reassured seeing it. "Alright then but stay safe and keep alert."
Vanet nodded and took both Nos and XR's hand.
As soon as Vanet entered the tour, and after reminding themselves she is safe, both robots entered the maze. It was pretty if you like eerie pale blue light and a tunnel path with what they knew was the ribs of the serpent. And it was the size of a train tunnel (30ft x 45ft)
"Look at this!" Nos pointed out the spine of the space Serpents. "It says here, this creature lived to be over 2 million years and would float across the farthest reaches of the galaxy."
"To think, there was something this big lurking out in space." XR smiles but perks to see Nos quiet. "But you know just because it looks scary, doesn't mean it's bad." He walks with Nos.
"But some people rather believe it is." Nos answers. "I know well not many will view It as a monster, but many will say otherwise."
XR however, shook his head and took his hand. "Hey so what? It's scary, but it's beautiful! it lived so long and it probably had beautiful scales, and beautiful re-rare colorful eyes. I mean it'll never be known because no one gets to see it for who he- it was!" he knows he was blushing a bit as he feels embarrassed.
Nos feels better. They walk together in silence, but Nos thought about what Ryder said. He mentally waves it off till he sees a mini ryder floating next to him
[Talk to him and ask him who he was burning his vents for!]
Nos was quiet and tried to ignore imaginary mini Ryder. However the said mini Ryder floats up to his face.
[You know you wanna know. I mean here you two are walking in a tunnel. Alone? He has to be up to something with you. Maybe he was thinking of you, ever thought of that? Of course If it is something other guy, you'll just sit there all gloomy and depressed. Or be bold and take him]
Meanwhile XR was having not one but two mini people on his shoulders.
A mini booster with clothes on and Gravitina who was now floating in that large floating seat.
B: (Just be yourself XR.)
G:{you need to be straight to the point and woo him!}
Soon Mira appears in her spacesuit.
M:《Have you forgotten about his kid?! You can't just be bold! You're on a hangout, not a date! Be smart and be considerate!》
{And He loses Nos to someone else?}
(I think you both are missing the point.) Mini Booster spoke up crossing between the two. (Vanet supports you XR, and you know that means a lot! Just be yourself and be honest.
{《DON'T BE YOURSELF》} both women shouted
XR swatted them away and saw Nos did the same and both froze. "Pesky flies, am I right!?"
"Y-yes! Very annoying!" Nos looks away blushing before trying to muster the courage as they walk together. "XR," Nos pauses in his words but continues seeing XR was patient with him. "There is something I wanted to….!" but he lost his words when they came up to an eerie yet familiar green glow that made Nos grip XR's hand.
XR was at first confused until he remembered when they entered a small room. In it, was a good chunk of it in one place that is now gone.
The Canis Lunis.
XR felt Nos shaking and the only few lights helping to illuminate their paths were flickering. XR pulled him away to somewhere else. "Let's go somewhere else."
They ran to another spot which was filled with gems. He noticed no one had come this far but he couldn't keep watch when he saw Nos took to a spot and curled up.
"I am sorry XR." Nos said; XR perked up and sat down next to him.
"For what? You just got a moment like I did earlier." XR saw the lights still flickering. "Talk to me." He reaches to him but feels a zap.
"I will never be good enough. No matter how much good I have done, it is not enough to make amends…"
XR saw the power was being affected by Nos, but he wasn't worried about that. "Nos you are more than enough." He reached to touch him but felt a zap again but he didn't reel away. "I mean you've done a lot more than what you did as a bad guy." He moved and sat in front of him before pulling his arms away and looked to see Nos was in tears in his robotic form.
Never has he seen Nos like this and it hurt to see him this way. He pulls him and hugs him. He felt the shocks but ignored them.
"You know how happy I am that you're here? How lucky am I to be here with you?! Now?!" XR holds him tightly. "I mean yeah we started off bad, but look at us now. We're making memories together! I get to be here with you, see you excited and I would trade 100 missions just for this." He pauses but he can't say them yet, not with Nos like this. "Nos you don't need to keep carrying that burden anymore. At least let me support you. If you need to talk, I'm here. Need a shoulder to cry? Use me. Just let me be here for you."
Nos clings to him and cries it out. XR didn't care about the mess, he just wants Nos in his arms as long as he can. He felt a little bad enjoying the hug, but he felt relief Nos trust him. When Nos was calm enough, he felt him let go.
Nos sat up and calmed himself enough to change to his organic form. "Thank you XR."
"Hey you matter to me, a lot and I mean it. You can reach out to me when you need it or even just want it." XR pulls him back into the hug. "I'm going to be by your side till either I'm no longer alive or I'm burnt but I'll still be with you. That means you're stuck with me forever." He triedto sound like a ghost but pauses when he hears Nos laugh.
Nos pulls back and smiles. "Just as I will be too." He got up and XR was up with him. They both left to find the head. They continued their walk but Nos felt something change between them and whether it was being close or a new level of trust, he knew now he was no longer alone. They did however make it to the skull and it was a great view of the ocean.
"Wow." XR mumbles but he was more amazed by the view of the large skull than the ocean. "This is…. Wow."
"Indeed." Nos takes out his camera and takes a picture. "And I have never seen the ocean."
"I've seen beaches but I've never been this amazed about it." XR looks and sees Nos so absorbed. He couldn't help but gaze lovingly at him. "The view's beautiful."
Nos nodded, not catching on nor noticed XR's expression as the energy vampire looked at the camera and then to XR. "Would you like to take a picture together?"
"Y-yes!" XR hoped he wasn't turning orange or sounded weird. He got close and XR extended his arm and held the camera out for him. He, rather than wrapping his arm over his shoulder, wrapped it around Nos hips. He pressed the button and both heard the click.
Nos was surprised but welcomed it as he enjoyed the moment they shared together. Just as they finished they went back in and explored the rest of it a bit more until they entered the gem spot again but they hid when they heard two familiar voices.
"Everything alright princess?" Warp was against the wall across from Mira. "I know it's been a few days since we talked."
XR and Nos were surprised but they kept watching. XR Hands his wire to Nos so they can talk
XR: you're seeing what I'm seeing?
Nos: Yes but I do not know what to do.
"Yeah, just been thinking a lot about… Stuff and I needed to talk to you since that night." Mira spoke. She looks at her hands before looking up to see Warp was close.
'Night?' Nos and XR were thinking the same thing as they watched.
"Was it that bad?" Warp raised a brow, Nos and XR were shocked wondering now what it was! "Mira If I made you uncomfortable-"
"N-n-no it wasn't bad! I know th-that it's normal under circumstances, and high emotions- but I liked it…. I liked it a lot…" Mira clasped her hands together as she couldn't look at Warp. "I know this was unexpected- and we- we are practically opposites!"
Nos and XR watched, they couldn't sneak out with the exit blocked by them. But Nos and XR were watching as if this was some drama show.
"And yet we meet up several times, well except when I was being questioned at the capitol station why I was there." Warp looks annoyed about it.
"And that's the thing. You can't tell me why." Mira looks down, holding herself.
Nos was quiet but XR kind of connected the dots.
Warp walks over. "It's not what you think, babe."
'BABE?!' The two bots were shocked.
XR: They are in a forbidden relationship!
Nos: I thought the same thing.
"Warp, why can't you tell me?" Mira looked ready to cry. "What are we if you can't trust me? Romac told me he saw you on the train following someone."
"I found an old friend there who was in trouble." Warp answers. "He was at the time protecting a kid-"
"Why couldn't you call for help? I could have helped!" Mira was feeling so much worry now.
Nos looks to XR who held his hand to reassure him he was behind his choice. Nos nodded and got up. "Because he was helping me hide my identity." Nos walks over and shifts his disguise to himself.
Mira was shocked and before she could say anything, XR walked over and changed back to his robotic self. "Heeeey Mira ….?"
"XR?!" Warp and Mira said in sync. "Wait, you didn't know about this!?" Mira asked.
"It is a long story to explain." Nos explains. "If you do not mind the walk and talk, miss Mira." Nos was not going to let Warp take a blame.
"You too XR." Mira crosses her arms.
"Hey you gotta explain about you two first!" XR retorted.
"Us?! You two are-well- I don't know what to say!" Mira wasn't shocked to see Nos, she figured he found a way to come back, but to see XR with him here was a different story!
"It is best I give the explanation." Nos added. He changed to his other form and walked with Mira to talk as XR and Warp stood back.
"Are you and Nos on a date?" Warp asked.
"Not exactly-hold a sec! When have you been close with Nos?" XR glares. He never saw him in pictures and his mind went to some theories he didn't want to imagine. "And Mira too."
"Why? Jealous boyfriend much?" Warp grins. "Just so you know I date ladies and my eyes are only on Mira."
"And I'm so confused about that right now; how and when?" XR asked but he was blushing when Warp said boyfriend.
"Look, the how it happened was during a Ball. I was hired by some prudish noble as a bodyguard. I saw Mira and it had been a while since that time we were trapped on that hostile planet. We danced and we started making -."
"You better not have hurt her!" XR was ready to punch him. He and Mira have bicker here and there, and annoyed her, but Mira has been his compass on his relationship and gave him advice. Guess Mira was his Gravitina in a way.
"No, we just kissed but she ran off. Later on we just talked when we saw each other. Gotta say, I never thought I would be serious." Warp scratches the back of his head. "Any chance we had, I jumped for it."
"Wow Casanova, you fell hard for her. But how did you tell her your feelings? Did she accept your love confession?" XR looked at Mira but his eyes were in Nos.
"Believe me, she rejected them when I confessed. I hate that Romac hurt her but I didn't give up like Romac. I persisted and did everything I could to prove to her that I meant every word."
"So even when she rejected you, you kept trying? Weren't you worried she would tell you off? Or she could've found someone else?" XR looked to Nos with a bit of fear but a lot of hope he's got a chance.
"Here's some advice: if you want Nos to take you seriously, you better be persistent. He's a good guy, but he's so oblivious about this kind of thing, you gotta make it clear."
Mira was quiet as she was walking with Nos who was telling her about that day.
"It was thanks to Warp I was able to save Vanet. I am sorry for endangering your relationship with Warp." Nos spoke. "And for the trouble I made in the past."
Mira couldn't help but be surprised how different the Nos she sees now than before. "I think if you show Buzz-" she stops remembering the fight between him and Buzz. "Never mind, I'll keep this to myself. So are you and XR…. Friends?" It was surprising to see XR was here with Nos but she looks back to see XR talking away with Warp but she notices her friend was eyeing at Nos. 'Wait does he like Nos?'
"He is my dearest friend, in fact he brought my daughter and I here to make it her day. He has been so sincere and kind." Nos smiles. "He was also the one to help me against the antimatter vampire."
'That's no ordinary smile! He's head over heels for him too!' She was shocked to hear this until he said. "Wait there's more kinds like you?" She asked.
"Only one other I know but I hate that one." Nos glares out, which Mira can tell enough that was a story for another time.
"So are you and Warp in a romantic relationship?" Nos was surprised to see how Warp was a different person around her.
"Something like that, but it's complicated." Mira looks away.
"But he shows such sincere affection." Nos raised a brow. "If a person shows such lengths of care and affection, they deserve a chance to be answered. Besides, I have never seen Warp serious about someone."
"Have you seen him on other dates?" She asked imagining it already-
"I never saw him as such around anyone in general. He truly holds you in his heart Miss Nova." Nos walks with her as he steps out with her and waits when XR was by his side. "Would you like to meet Vanet, Miss Nova?"
"Actually Warp and I can't," Mira takes Warp's arm. "Thanks for telling me about it, Nos. Have fun on your day with XR." Mira waves at them off as she walks with Warp to a different spot.
Nos was quiet as he and XR walked away. XR was quiet, thinking a lot about what to say. "Hey Nos, if you were open to dating, would you be willing?"
"I would but I doubt they would like to date a single parental unit who was a villain." Nos answers as they go to the stand to show proof they made it to the head.
"Congrats!"
They were given not only the vip tickets, but a scale carved into rings that were made to fit the owner. Before Nos could reject the gift XR takes it but gives it to him. "This can be a great gift to Vanet Nos, especially after everything she went through." XR makes sure Nos keeps it in his hand and thinks of being a bit himself. "And for your information, you are very much worth dating Nos. Anyone is way more than lucky to have a chance to go out with you."
Nos was surprised as XR took his hand and led him to the end of the tour line for the kids. They looked by the exit to see Vanet happy and surrounded by colorful birds. He smiles to see his daughter this happy and for once be a kid with no worry about a vampire lord or the court day or anything going bitter. Just as he was going to take her picture, he was pulled by XR to walk inside the bird's paradise thanks to the tour guide letting the parents in.
"Papa!" Vanet beams to see her papa and XR walking up to see her with a parrot on her shoulder.
"How was it sparky?" XR asked and can see Vanet perked at the nickname. "You light up like the sparks from electricity. I van think of a better nickname."
"I like it." Vanet spoke and blushed. "Thank you."
"Of course sparks. So how was the tour?" He asked Vanet who urged him to kneel, which he did and he had a bird jump on his shoulder. At first he was a bit startled but the bird was pretty calm. He doesn't have a good track record with animals but he's liking birds and bats. He turned to Nos when he couldn't stop laughing at his crush becoming a perch full of birds. But Nos was enjoying himself and XR felt his core pulse at the sight. He wanted to see so much more with Nos.
Few hours later.
"We can do this again next time." XR insisted as they left the place. They spent the remaining hours walking around the aviary section before checking on the bats again. It was pretty funny to see Elvira the bat was licking Nos's cheek and trying to have him stay. They left before the time but it was still pretty early to call it a day.
Nos looked around but he did not know the beach area well. "We can do something before heading home but I am unfamiliar with this area."
XR had an idea. "Want to get your feet wet?"
Nos raises a brow but sees Vanet beams excitedly. "Yes please!" and Nos smiled and nodded. They made their walk to the beach and it was pretty less crowded around the time but it was perfect for them.
XR grins to see it was perfect before he tries to keep his head out of the gutter and takes off his shoes and Vanet, already doing the same thing, but kept the poncho in. He looked to Nos, he was more hesitant to step into the vast sand since. 'I guess he has never been to a beach.' XR thought about it and took Nos's hand and had Nos sit down.
Nos was startled but saw XR kneeling and took hold of his foot. "XR I can take them off-"
"Save it, you're taking too long and Vanet is already waiting for us." XR lifts the pants leg up to see the mended scar on the calf but ignores it to take off the first shoe. He felt weird doing this but it wasn't uncomfortable. It just felt way too close yet he wasn't giving up. He placed the shoe down and then took off the sock and garter attached to it and moved to the other foot.
Nos felt his core surge, pulsing at how XR was being gentle and just him doing the simplest thing made this harder on him. It made him feel something he was trying to push away each time XR was around or too close. He was vulnerable around XR and yet hunger for XRin ways he cannot express. How much can his core take from this attention and how badly he yearns for XR. 'No matter how much I want XR, I am afraid of losing him.' He felt selfish enjoying this amount of attention he was getting. 'Just for now, I will let myself have this. Any moment this could be the last and I do not know what choice will be made on the day of the court.' He will not know what XR will do when everything is settled.
XR did the next foot, and took Nos's shoe in hand and felt a sensation but reminded himself where he was. He stood up, and held his hand out for Nos to take. "Ready?" He felt like he was asking Nos for a dance but this wasn't a dance. 'Somehow feels like it.'
Nos took XR's hand, letting XR take the lead to walk into the sandy beach. They walk until they hurried across the sand when Vanet began to run and started collecting shells just close to the waves.
"Do not get too close to the waves!" Nos shouted just as he caught up, he was not used to walking and running on sand and XR was just as clumsy as he was.
"And remember if you see a crab, don't try to hold it!" XR takes off his shirt so it wouldn't get ruined.
"XR?!" Nos scolded and blushed. "This is most likely a family beach and public one!"
"Calm down, I'm just taking off my shirt, I don't wanna ruin it." XR stated but noticed Nos couldn't stop staring and grins that he can make Nos this flustered. "Besides I got a muscle shirt on." He puts his shirt in the bag. "You should take off yours or else that'll be the 2nd shirt today ruined." He knew it was a long shot but he could dream. He walks over to help collect shells.
Nos blushes deeply thinking as he feels embarrassed but he did not want to ruin this shirt.
"So are you-!" He felt his circuits short circuiting now when he watches what feels like a show now! He stares while Nos unbuttons his dress shirt down carefully and slowly. When he finished, Nos shyly takes off his shirt revealing a lean build but got a broad chest. He can admit, he has ogled at women's bodies a lot but seeing Nos, not wearing a muscle shirt, bare chested and practically feels this was doing something to him! He felt his body was going overdrive and it was so bad, he ran into the waves and felt his body steaming now.
"XR are you alright?" Nos walks over to him but XR holds his hand up.
"I'm good! Just not used to this heat!" XR lied, he needed to calm himself. 'I can't be that overdriving like a desperate man!'
Nos folds his shirt and places it down on the bag but perks and grabs a shell he sees. He smiles at the simple but beautiful shell. "I want to collect as many shells as we can. Even if it means getting wet-"
"Way ahead of you!" XR shouted and ran into the coming waves crashing to them and nearly taken out but was laughing. To think he could do this without worrying over getting a short circuit or having a hard time on the sand thanks to that metal he absorbed was keeping him waterproof. He collected a lot in the water as Nos helped vanet collect the ones on the shore. He came back up with a really beautiful one when he saw Nos Vanet was helping a little sea turtle into the water using her poncho cape and Nos was using his wings to shield them from the seagulls. It was pretty cute to watch them together. He was so glad Vanet was here but annoyed some people were ogling his Nos.
"No!" Vanet swack a seagull but it tried to bite her. She covers the baby seagull when she sees XR comes scaring seagulls.
XR shoos away the seagulls and pelicans that were trying to pick at Vanet, but the birds were now picking on him! He learned those birds were more evil than Zurg. "Please tell me that the turtles' in the water! These birds are downright EVIL!" He was ready to lose them in the water when he was shielded from them thanks to Nos's wing.
"You were brave fending off the evil birds, XR." Nos walks with him back.
"Well it was nothing! I take them on any day if it means I can protect the defenseless." He walks with him back and sees Vanet was adding more shells but keeping away from the water. What caught him off was that Vanet had the poncho cape off! 'For almost a year she never took it off!'
Nos smiles as he watches Vanet wave after the turtle and plays by the waves coming in. "Thank you for this XR. You have no idea how happy I am to see Vanet out if her shell. To see her comfortable is good but to see her feel safe," Nos was happy to see her not be so scared.
"Hey it's worth it, Vanet deserves a break from all that bad stuff. And you who's a 24/7 dad. And I'm-"
"You are yourself," Nos interject. "Not XR space ranger! Not a hero of the galaxy. Just XR who is here and everyday. That is what makes me happy, what makes Vanet be safe and happy."
XR was quiet and smiles. "Then as myself, I do deserve something for fending off those birds. I know humbleness and humility is a thing but I was being bullied." XR grumbles playfully.
"I will give you anything you want when we get home." Nos waves it off playfully, but he didn't see the look XR had.
"I'll take your word for it." XR answers as he goes to collect shells with Vanet.
6:06pm.
When it was time, they decided to fly back home. It was smooth flying thanks to the clouds so they didn't get noticed or exposed to unwanted eyes. Vanet was long already asleep and XR was carrying the kid which showed Nos trusts in him. XR kept Vanet wrapped in his jacket but he felt worried if she was warm enough. 'Must have been tough for her before she met Nos.' He held her carefully, he didn't want to see her leave Nos life or his because she gave Nos a chance to be a dad. 'Who thought I found more precious people than just my team.' He looked at Nos who was flying and he felt his body warm up at the answer he got from himself. 'And find love again.'
Not long they landed down just as they saw the smoke from the chimney and from the smell, it was cooked meat and something sweet. He perked to see Vanet waking up to the smell and the he let her down as she walked into the house.
"She definitely got your appetite." XR smirks and Nos chuckles.
"Indeed; I want to thank you again for today. This has been the best." Nos looked at him and took out what XR saw was the key he promised. "Do you wish to stay over? My father brought some oil in." Nos scolded himself for sounding like a desperate fool.
XR was about to answer when he got a beep and saw it was star command. He could ignore it but saw it was from Buzz. 'Horrible timing.' "Next time?"
Nos frowned a bit but his smile returned. "Next time." He spoke and head in but stops 'I almost forgot it!' "Wait!" Nos changed to his robotic self, his chest opened to reveal a core, something XR knew and was familiar with until Nos closed his chest panel to give him what was a few photos. "For you."
XR changed and he saw they were from today and smiled "I gotta be frank, I wanted to spend it with you and Vanet and make it a good memory for more to come."
"And you made our day." Nos replied. "You have no idea how happy she is now and feels safe."
"Nos, you two are special- precious to me that I want to keep spending all my free time together." XR knew he had to confess.
"Of course, we can do a lot more like this-"
"I want to spend time with you alone too. I want to do more than just hangout with you. I want to date you."
Nos was quiet but it made him process what he just heard. "XR-"
"Just think about what I said." XR grins and takes his hand, "You can tell me when you're ready but till then," he takes it to his lips and kisses the palm. "Imma do my best to win you over. You did say I can have anything I want from you!" He flies off before Nos could get a word out.
Nos was lost for words and had never felt his core would explode, and how XR could be smooth with his action.
Up in Space.
XR was flying off but he felt so embarrassed pulling that move…. Yet so exhilarated!
"Look if you want Nos to know you mean it, be romantic like those books he reads. I remember he was reading this passage and his ears were dark blue."
"What was it?" XR felt this was something he needed to know to get Nos to see his feelings!
"Something about a guy kissing some chick's palm. He said it was something about being romantic without the usual kiss.…" Warp went on but XR had thought about it.
XR felt a rush from what he did! Had he been more bold, he could have done that dip and kiss even! He felt so excited to do that! He wants to woo Nos more than ever! There was a lot he wanted to do but for now, he made the right move. He now needed to plan his next moves to win his crush!
'Nos chased me a lot before, now it's my turn to chase after him!'
Meanwhile
Nos shuddered from a sudden chill down his back. He looked to the window but they were closed. That was when he felt something was stirring and all he could do was prepare for it. But his core was pulsing from XR's approach. He never expected XR to do that. He felt the kiss on his palm even now as he lies in his charger coffin
'M-maybe this was just a moment. XR wouldn't do something wild….. Right?'