It was friday and Vanet was getting dressed for the festival and thought of dressing in the kimono Bunicul got her which was a fuchsia with gold koi fish all around her. She was excited to go with her papa and Bunicul and her Viitorul tată. She couldn't help but be filled with hope for her papa to be happy and she hopes tonight will be the best!

Nos on the other hand was trying to find what to wear. He never went on a date and does not know what to expect aside from research he had done but this was entirely different. He hears a knock on a door and floats over to see it is his tata with Vanet who was in her kimono. "You look adorable, little bat!" He gushes and perks to see his Tata holding a Box as a gift.

"Happy homeday fiu." Nosfer smiles, holding the gift. "This was the day you came here. I know it is not your birthday but I want to make mark of it."

Nos felt his core vibrating with joy and sees Vanet held a gift for him as well and he opens hers first and saw it was a locket of a bat and in it was a picture of her and himself and XR and on the other side was a painting of Nosfer in it. Nos could not help but feel tears coming down and he was lost for words. "Vanet, I love it."

"Viitorul tată and I had this made a long while ago and told me to give it to you today." Vanet smiles.

Nos was surprised by what XR did with Vanet and put it on. He looked at the locket and could not help but love it so much. "I will not ever take this off." He looks to the other and opens it to reveal it was a special silk yukata in gold and orange with the pattern of a dragon but pink reddish blossom floating across. What caught his attention was the small box.

"I know we said we are family but I want to give you something that is a family tradition. This has been passed down from my line for generations but now I believe it is time I give this to you, My fiu."

Nos opens the box and finds it was a gold ring but a dragon as the ring and biting its tail. Nos recalled his tata wearing it and looked to see it was not in his hand. "I cannot-"

"You are worthy." Nosfer smiles, patting his arm. "Fiu you are my son and even without the blood, you and Vanet are my family, my future. You are the next of this family line and so is Vanet."

Nos hesitated but accepted the ring and put it on his left hand and saw in surprise the ring fit him.

"Thank you Tata and thank you Vanet." He felt fortunate and beyond happy as he decided to wear the yukata after hugging his father and daughter. "This has been the best homeday gift ever." He feels a bit bad for not being able to give them gifts but they reassure him this was similar to a birthday. Nonetheless, Nos hopes to give them a good gift from the festival. He looks at the locket and feels his core pulsing at this joy he feels. XR made a gift with Vanet and he wants to give XR something special but he does not know what. He puts on the yukata, feeling nervous yet excited at the same time.

XR dressed in a casual haori in light purple, he did some research on the festival and one of them was wearing the style. He figured it would be more his style but he was curious if Nos would wear his usual clothes or the same thing? He was still pretty excited for their first date. In fact, he was so excited he was there early. He hoped he liked the gift he and Vanet made as he brought another gift he hoped Nos likes. It was something he hoped Nos cherished and love just as much too. He kept it safe in his chest and made it to the house. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The one who opens it was of course Nosfer and he smiles. "Afternoon Mr. Atu."

"Good to see you XR! I presume it is for the date?" Nosfer lets him in.

"Definitely sir!" XR enters and sees Nosfer wearing a Grey yukata which was pretty nice. He then sees Vanet and he gushes how cute she looks. "You're so adorable!" He sees Vanet beams and he catches her when she runs to him. He picks her up in a hug.

"Thank you! And papa loves the gift!" Vanet tells him. "He loved it so much, he cried."

XR felt happy and relieved that Nos loved it. "I'm super happy he loves it and was not expecting him to cry." He lets her down and she goes to her grandpa's side. He sits on the couch and waits, curious what Nos is wearing and blushes at the thought of the purple attire he had on. His mind clears up when he hears Nos coming down. He smiled but he stopped to see Nos in a similar yukata but he felt his core was going into overdrive. He'd be like that wolf from the cartoon howling if Nosfer and Vanet weren't here. He snapped out of it and grins. "Hey babe, you look amazing!" He felt it wasn't the right word but for a second his mind was going into the gutter and mentally smacks himself. "Really enchanting." It reminded him of the moment at the sight of the oceanside but all he could remember was how Nos was and it was like before

Nos was not one to be excited for compliments on his features but coming from XR, it was different. "Thank you." He feels static and calms himself as Nosfer clears his throat. "We will be going now but remember, you two will come back by 10."

"Of course!" XR spoke and Nos nodded. "We better get going." XR was beyond excited and Vanet was picked up by Nosfer. Nos and XR follows but watches Nosfer spread his wings out and flies making a strong gust of wind hit them. Nos locks the door and sees XR was perplexed. "I believe he's your real dad." XR stated.

"That is a nice compliment." Nos grins and spreads his wings until XR stops him.

"Can I carry you?" XR stops him, remembering Nos was wearing most likely just briefs under and he didn't like the idea of someone looking under. 'That's for my eyes only.'

"Are you certain?" Nos asked and easily startled when he was carried.

"Yes." XR answered and held him up in his arms. He feels Nos wrap his arms around his neck and he couldn't help but take a moment to enjoy the feeling. He flies out with his jet wings and catches up to Nosfer. He blushes, holding Nos to him and feels embarrassed that he can see Nos's leg exposed but keeps his sight to the sky.

They landed just by the west side of town and saw part of the town he hadn't yet explored but was surprised by the decorations. He knows Valder town was a cultural town and molded even but the fact XR never really explored the whole town, he realized he had an idea for a few dates. This part of town was a mix between Tangea and other planet's culture and style. He then noticed Vanet was looking at the little candies the shape of fish floating in the air like they were alive.

"Want some Vanet?" XR asked and she was nodding without a second thought. He goes to get some but the man said it was a game.

"Gotta catch the fish."

XR perked and thought it was gonna be easy, that is until he lost a good 10 credits. "This game cheats." XR grumbles but when Vanet tries it, he sees the way it works. He watches her hold the little net and when one floats to her she flings the fish candy out and is surprised. "Huh." He was surprised to see her catch 6 fish candies. "Hey sparks, how did you learn the game?"

"My daddy tried to teach me." Vanet smiles at the memories. "But he was terrible at it so mommy taught me." She hugs the bag.

Nos was quiet but noticed Vanet was not crying but happy to talk about the past. 'This is a good sign.' He thought with relief.

XR was feeling bad asking but saw she was happy. "Really? Then maybe later we can try again?" He sees her beam with excitement.

"There's more games we can play together." Vanet pointed out.

"Oh definitely! You and me and your papa will definitely be winning prizes." XR grins and hears Nos laughing and trying to stop it. He couldn't help but grin. "Or is this a bit of a competition~? I think me and spark can win."

"I have no doubt about it." Nos takes his hand. "Maybe explore around first and see what is there."

XR was steaming and nodded, he can impress Nos later. 'I want to enjoy this with him.' He intertwined his fingers in Nos and felt Nos lace his in. They looked all around and explored, having fun and looking at the blossoms before noticing there was a little play show of some story of a princess and a knight. Nos let Vanet watch but kept close as XR did the same though he couldn't help but gaze at his boyfriend in awe by the small puppet play and he loves knowing he gets to see Nos this way. He looks and perks at the stands full of charms.

When the show ended, XR saw Nosfer take Vanet to a little game stand as he and Nos went to the charm stand. There were amazing sets but the one catching his eye was these jade pendants that were a couple's thing. He wanted to buy them but he was nervous about jumping it too soon in their relationship.

"Can I get these?" Nos pointed out the pink blossom clip, the dragon design Pen carved in a dark stone, and the said jade pendants.

XR was surprised as Nos bought them but held the jades out. One pendant has a bird of sorts and the other is a dragon.

"I wish to give one of these to you but I am unsure how to do this." Nos was feeling nervous after buying these but he truly want to express his feelings to him but he wondered if he was too forward.

"I think I'll take the bird, quick fact, this bird is called a phoenix and they were reborn from the ashes. I know you're more of a bat but this bird reminds me of you coming back literally but you also have this elegance and beauty that even when you fly, there's that perfection-! And you're strong and can be scary too!" He can't tell if Nos thinks he was going on about him. He looked at Nos who was wide eyed and blushing. "So yeah I want this one because it's you."

Nos blushes as he puts on the pendant, he smiles as he leans a bit down and kisses him. "Thank you XR. Should I tell you what makes me see you as a dragon?"

"I would but I think it's better if I hear it alone." He wants to hear Nos but it was soon getting crowded. He takes his hand and leads him to the other part of the festival which had rides and one of them was a ferris wheel. "Wanna go on the ferris wheel?" He hoped yes and grins when Nos nodded. They hurried but saw it was a longer line and it was still pretty early so they thought of exploring around.

They did find a robot shop that sold oil and both thought it would be a good idea to go. But they went in as their robotic forms. Nos was hesitant but XR reassured him as they went in to get oil. Coming back out was pretty easy and no fuss. Turning back, Nos drank his as XR was enjoying his.

"Different brands can really taste different." XR grins but notices Nos enjoyed the oil but wasn't gaining enough energy.

He looked around and decided on something. After finishing his drink he takes Nos away and leads him to the blossoms area and has Nos against the large cherry blossom. They were alone and detected no one. "I know you like the oil, but you need energy so how about we try it now?"

Nos was nervous. It was unexpected and yet he feels somehow excited at the same time. He had brought batteries in case but noticed the scenery was private enough and romantic. This was his boyfriend being thoughtful and trying to show trust. He leans to XR and kisses him. It was a chaste kiss until XR kissed him back with more passion and pinned him to the tree. Nos was melting into the kiss and losing his senses like before but rather than feeling scared, he was calm. He wraps his arms around XRs neck, his boyfriend's arms around his hips. When he pulls away, he moves to his shoulder and bites down and feels his energy and slowly began to feed.

XR winces a bit from the bite but he starts to feel good as he feels Nos drinking his energy but slower than before. He caresses his head and to his back. "I love you Nos." He moans out and feels Nos pull away. He whines a bit but feels Nos kisses him again and deepens the kiss again. He wondered if this was an effect from the bite but it changed when he remembered they have always kissed before like this. But Nos was leading the kiss, there was something more than before and he couldn't help but want more. He holds Nos to him and moans into the kiss but they had to stop when XR feels Nos holding onto him.

"Did you lose your balance?"

"...Feelings…. I lost them in my legs… I am sorry." Nos hides his face against his boyfriend's chest. He never felt such excitement from getting trust but when he kissed XR, he felt his body was sparking up and his legs were losing their stance. He really missed XR's energy but he loves XR more that he missed his kisses more. "I got lost in the kiss and I want to kiss more than drink your energy."

XR couldn't help but feel good about it. "I think I'm already missing your lips." XR leans in but Nos place a digit over his lips.

"I might create an unwanted power outage to the town if we keep this up." Nos purrs away.

"Would be worth it but sparks out there and I don't think I can look your Dad straight in the eye if he asked what happened." XR can't help it but was getting flustered. He then lifted Nos in his arms and sat under the cherry blossom tree. "How about we wait till you get your legs moving, we got time."

Nos nodded and relaxed. "How is your power status?"

"I feel good, gotta say I like it and feel like getting possessive. your biting and draining feels really good and I think I'm envious of all the other bots that got bitten by you."

"I doubt they like being drained." Nos recalled the said soda machine gave him an earful about how it hurt.

"Then I must be special." XR grins up at him. "You took your time~" He teases and fixes the collar to see it was not in view but he couldn't help but like the puncture in his shoulder and notices the bite mark on Nos was a bit scarred. He reaches to it and Nos lets him. "Sorry if I bit too hard."

"I like that it stayed, it is my favorite mark." Nos lays his head against him. "It is a special memory to have for me." Nos grins. "It is why I made sure it was more scarred than fixed."

XR holds him, thinking how it's easy to patch it or remove it but Nos would rather keep the marks like a memory. "What about the other one?" He asked about the one on his calf.

"I learned I am not alone in a fight." Nos purrs away and feels his legs are working again. He looked to see the sunset was setting soon. "I think we better start going." Nos was ready to move when XR held him still.

"Not yet."

Nos was surprised but lays back on him and sees the blossoms falling and he feels relaxed and filled with joy.

"XR!"

Both were startled by the very familiar and peeked to see it was 42 and Lightyear looking around with Booster who was eating those fish shaped cakes.

"Craters/ bloody hell." They hid back. XR was already planning how to hide when Nos opens his chest panel to take out two bands.

"Put this on." He gives one to him and XR puts it on his wrist and suddenly he is invisible along with Nos. Nos holds his hand and kept him against the tree as Buzz and his team walk past them.

"I told you not to shout his name 42." Buzz glares at her.

"XR could be in danger when you told me he was dating an ex-con! He needs to be saved!" 42.

"Buzz, this is not really the best idea and what if XR is still not open to talk right now?" Booster frowns. "XR requested buey duty and he hates that job. I don't think he's ready to talk at all-"

"Booster I know XR and I have said some hurtful things, I feel bad as it is. But XR is the one not listening here."

Nos keeps quiet with XR and they listen in on the conversation. All the while, XR feels really bothered but Nos, who's holding his hands, caresses his hands using his thumbs to help ease his anger.

"And it's not my fault I overheard his conversation with XL. The only good thing is I have seen his disguise. If I expose XR to that creep, XR will see the truth about him." Buzz pointed that out and knew hiding secrets ruins relationships.

"What if Mr. Atu likes that XR is a robot?" Booster wasn't going to tell Buzz but he knew his plan wouldn't work.

Nos holds onto XR and keeps him calm as Buzz tries to find XR's location and leaves with Booster and 42. They wait until they are far away. Nos takes off the band and hums. "Are you thinking of a similar idea?"

"We take Vanet and live on another planet or mess with Buzz a little by revealing myself to you in a funny or romantic way or scar him for life?" XR asked.

Nos had to bite his laughter knowing XR was serious with running away. "Ruining his plans."

"Then yes." XR grins. "So, how do we go about him catching us? Whichever way makes you comfortable." XR very much wanted to get back at Buzz but he didn't want to hurt Nos or make him feel uncomfortable.

Nos had to think before he blushes. "I have an idea but will you be ok with it?"

XR grins. "Babe, I'm happy with anything." However he didn't get to ask when he was soon led back to the ferris wheel. He perked but saw Nos was blushing and he wondered what but then realized what was something they did. "Why Nos, you're so forward." He grins and holds him close. He can tell Nos was trying to be serious but he can see Nos was having a hard time trying to be. When it was their turn they got on a red and purple mix gondola that was lantern shaped. XR and Nos go in just as Nos uncovers XR's tracer. They sat in and Nos blushed deeply and XR grinning. "So…. You lead or I do~?" XR shifts to his robotic form.

Meanwhile

Buzz tried to find XR's whereabouts as 42 was with him but Booster got side tracked by the animals farm they have. He would have gotten Mira to join but she was unavailable because she was on a date. 'But she was very angry that I was interrupting XR's date.' He grumbles but 42 was persistent to join. He knows it was not a good idea but he needed help to track XR. 'Plus it might help XR when we expose the truth.' He needed to protect XR even if it hurt him but he doesn't know if Nos was the one who helped with the new change in XR or not.

"I got a lead!" 42 shouted and hurried to where they were. 42 sees it was a ferris wheel ride. She scoffed. 'Cliche it's obviously too cramped to do anything!' She remembered telling XR all the cons about ferris wheels and remembered he didn't want to be in one after that!

Buzz hurries through to the ferris wheel and sees the ride stop and goes to open the door only to find XR pinning the agent into what he can initially see was more than a simple kiss but what startled him was XR as himself. He did not have to see this and looked away. He stops 42 who sees Nos stumble while XR helps him out. Buzz never had he wanted to leave more than ever.

"Mr. Lightyear," Nos cleared his throat and did not hide the new mark on his neck. He did not have to guess 42 was beyond upset. He walked past the team until they got down as XR changed to his organic form. "It is almost time for a show on the road, shall we go?"

"XR listen to me!" Buzz comes running down and pushes Nos away.

"Now you're being a jerk Buzz!" XR pushes him just as he comes up and checks on Nos. "Nos, you're ok? He asked and Nos nodded and smiled at him before glaring at Buzz.

"I just passed through him, he's fine." Buzz stated.

"Did you come here to ruin our date like you tried to ruin the child care evaluation the other day? Or here to tell me Nos wouldn't love me for me?" XR takes Nos's hand to leave. "Look this is our night so butt out." Just as they were leaving, 42 was in front of them and Buzz came to stand in front.

"XR, you know you're my friend-"

"The same friend who doesn't trust me or just thinks I'm an idiot or probably confused right?" XR asked. "Same friend who's here to expose me to prove something he wants to be right if it means ruining his friendship?" XR glares. "Look, Nos knew who I was way before and honestly he hadn't been rude or mean to me. He's been honest and sweet. I love him and I want to be with him but why can't you be supportive of me?"

"Because he is an ex-criminal!" Buzz shouted. "And he could be using you!"

"I am not using him, Mr. Lightyear." Nos stood in front of Buzz. "I will state this here and now so that you can hear it from me once again, I will not use XR for anything and I will not force him to choose a side. I love XR very much and I want to be with him. I do not even have any beef with you and I do not even understand why you despise me so much?"

Buzz glares, standing firm. "I cannot trust a criminal to do a hero's job. I cannot let the galaxy see you as a hero only to break their hopes. I protect good, I make it right-"

"So you are annoyed you are no longer the hero?" Nos crosses his arms and XR holds him by the side with one arm. "I do not want the spotlight nor do I care about the Good triumph over Evil; I already said it before and I will repeat it again, I just want to protect the people I care and love and my home. That is all I want from this line of work."

"How can you say you want to do this line of work if you don't put that kid's-"

"Don't do this Buzz." XR cuts him off. "I'm only saying this because we're friends, don't you dare use Vanet as an excuse in front of us. She matters to me just as much and if you say what I think you're gonna say, I am resigning from the team and working with another team. I don't care what the commander says." XR glares and feels Nos holding his hand in comfort.

"Mr. Lightyear, I do keep my daughter's safety first and she will always be first." Nos stated.

"See XR!" 42 stated.

"I would choose Vanet first too so don't even start 42!" XR glares down at 42. "Look Buzz, no one can be high and mighty with the self righteous good you uphold. But Nos is just being as good as anyone tries and that means a lot and he loves and cherish Vanet and I wouldn't blame him because she brings the best out of him and even the worst because if something happens to her, he would be tearing the galaxy to find her and I be there to help him out."

Buzz falters but looks at Atu staring him down coldly, he feels like he's seen that familiar glare somewhere. For now he won't continue this argument. "Fine XR; you want to side with him, so be it. But when he breaks your Core, don't come crying to me." He glares and turns away to leave.

42 was quiet but clears her throat, she knew she loved XRand she was so amazed to see him look this good in skin! "XR I want to say-"

"42, I don't want to hear it." XR glares down at her. "Whatever it is, 42, I don't want to talk or hear you. We are done."

42 felt her system shatter from the look and his cold words were to her. She shook and instead hurried after Buzz, she couldn't look at XR or the look of smugness from that organic creep! She will find a way to talk to XR alone.

Nos watches Buzz leave but he was worried about his Mica iubire. "Are you alright?" He holds his hand, he feels guilty this was dividing XR from his team.

XR pulls him to a hug. "Babe, this was a long overdue talk between him and I. Plus I was not gonna stand by and let him use Vanet like that." He holds him tightly. "Sorry our first date was a bit of a mess." He pulls back but Nos pulls him into a kiss. He was startled but wraps his arms around Nos's neck and melts into the kiss. He pulls back and grins. "Is that a good sign you like the date~?"

"I want more dates with you, be it a great date, small or large, or even a bad one. I want to cherish everything with you." Nos smiles and XR couldn't help but lift and twirl him around in his arms.

"I like that alot!" XR grins and puts him down. "So still got some time, anywhere else?"

Nos nodded. "Let us keep enjoying the festival together." He takes his hand and leads him back to the main part of the festival and sees there is a small show on the road and sees Vanet and his Tata were watching it.

XR was relieved to see her safe but blushes a bit as he clears his throat.f"i know today is homeday so I got you something." He blushes a bit seeing Nos surprised.

"You and Vanet made me the most precious gift." Nos showed him the locket.

"But this is something from only me." XR takes his hand and leads him back to the side of the garden of blossoms. When they get there, XR opens his chest panel and takes out a box. "Happy homeday." He grins.

Nos takes the box and sees its a part of his core but it was not attached to a necklace or in a ring. "Is this from your core?"

"The LGMs did me a favor and I want to do this for you. I want you to have a part of me with you always." XR blushes. "I love you Nos and I am committed to you. Can I put this piece of core in?"

Nos was happy and nervous. "You know this is almost like a proposal. This is something you are certain of?"

"Too soon to do it?" XR was nervous but Nos cups his face.

"I want this very much XR, but I was hoping to do this when I can extract a piece of my own core with yours." Nos nuzzles him.

"It's a yes and a not yet, I can work with that." XR grins and hugs him. "Thank you for that honesty." He thought he was going to be crushed but he was more excited to do this with Nos. "I can't help but be really excited to do that with you."

"So am I." Nos purrs and sees the sky darkening. "There is one thing I wish to do…."

10 minutes later

XR follows Nos who holds a lantern that has gold and purple with burgundy mixed in as a lava flow. They came to a spot a bit away but it was up on a clock tower that had a view in the middle of the town itself. He had to admit this was the best view and sees Nos lighting the lantern, XR sees Nos lighting an orb. He perks and watches as Nos takes out two small pieces of paper. Handing him one, he also gives him a pen.

"First, you write your wish and then put it in the orb. No telling the wish even after." Nos stated and wrote his wish down.

XR hums and thinks about it till he grins and writes it down. He wrote his wish and folds it down and puts it in the orb as does Nos. "What's next?" XR asks and sees Nos hold the lantern and he helps him. soon the lantern changes to a pure light orb and floats out into the sky and joins the now mass of orbs going up into the sky.

"I remember my tata told me back then that in his time, there were lanterns that actually floated up to the sky. They did not change into orbs." Nos smiles.

"Really?" XR asked. "Can imagine colorful lanterns across the sky." He smiles. "Does your dad miss his old home or his time?"

"I can see it sometimes," Nos sat on the ledge. "I can see it in his eyes, which direction it is when he looks. But I am not sure it is not just missing his home. Sometimes I think he feels remorseful for what happened to his son."

XR frowns. "It's not a good ending?" He sees Nos shaking his head no and he understood. "Then I'll ask him when he's up to it. Do you miss planet Z? Not with the people or pain, but as just a home." XR looks at him.

Nos perked and looked to the direction of planet z and shook his head again. "If I was under the old mindset, yes. Before I missed coming back home to feel it was nice. When Zurg allowed me, I was happy. But now, it is just sad to miss a place that was never home to begin with."

XR frowns, wondering if things were different, would the star command been his home?

[No:stereotyping for being from Zurg]

He frowns knowing Nos would be living with scrutiny and despite Buzz maybe helping him, he wouldn't budge in making star command home. "I'm glad valder town and the forest is your home." XR grins. "I like it here too."

"What about star command?" Nos asked with a calm tone.

"I think I grew out of my home. Maybe I can buy a home here. I know living in your home is great, but I'm not there to be married yet and I don't think your dad likes the unmarried couple sharing a coffin." He can tell Nosfer was watching them with concern. "Plus having privacy with you is a must." He grins and pulls Nos to him and kisses him. He feels Nos purrs and wraps his arms around him. XR felt his body system heating up as he feels excited to have more with Nos. That was when he had imagines-

"Nos! XR!"

They pull away and look out to see Mira and Warp and Vanet and Nosfer!

'I swear some force keeps on interrupting us!' XR holds Nos who was chuckling and smiles. "We still have 3 more hours." XR groans.

"I know, but our friends and family are down there." Nos smiled and thought about it. There is a house in town for sale, maybe later we can pass by it?"

XR grins. "Definitely but is it a way to get privacy Nosy~ how bold of you~" He smirks before picking him up like a bride and jumps out the ledge and lands safely down. "Oh hey! We were just getting a view of the sky."

"Uh huh, just sightseeing?" Mira asked all knowing well.

"Papa, Viitorul tată, we were going to eat and see the fireworks, want to come?" Vanet asked, grabbing onto their sleeves.

XR grinning and Nos smiled. "Definitely!" XR answers and sees Nos silently thank him. He grins at nos and takes Vanet's hand and they walk down the path with their friends and Nosfer behind. The old vampire could not help but feel at ease, how his family was getting bigger and how much changed in one year. But as much as he was happy, he was very much afraid of losing his family. He knows Nos is very well aware of his past, but he was worried about both of their past coming back. DRAC was not like the villainy today, he would plan many ways and he knows how to work it to his control. He will not lose another son to that cursed Faker! He will protect his family. And he will end anyone who dares to threaten his family.