#clownhammer

"Mach ... ? What am I to you... ?" Pilby asked as they were securely fastened in the arms of the admin , looking up at her with tired and curious gaze . "S-sorry if that seems sudden to ask.. I just..."

"It's fine ." Mach's tone was always stern , but with Pilby there was a softness to it . "If you wouldn't mind , could you elaborate on what your question entails ?"

Pilby wrapped their four arms around her , sighing as their head rested against her chest .

"It's just.. all this ..." They do their best to put their feelings into words , but not even they are sure what those feelings are . "Lying here in your arms . And you always revere me so highly i— don't feel like I deserve that kind of praise but . . . "

They looked up at Mach , the emotion bringing the forever caterpillar to tears , though a smile was present on their face .

"It feels right when you say it . . . " They said quietly . "But I don't know what this means.. what we are ... b-because you feel like more than a best friend to me . . . !!"

Mach gently lifted a hand , wiping away the clown's tears as softly as she could .

"I understand . . . It's okay . Hmmm..." she thought for a moment . "You're definitely more than a best friend to me . I wouldn't say i was .. in love with you . But in a way , you are everything to me . Does that make sense ?"

"I think so.. !!" One of Pilby's upper hands softly seized mach's hand before it could drift away from their face , holding it against their cheek . "I.. I feel some sorta warmth when i'm with ya but I don't think it's all that ... romantic , ehe..."

Mach would carefully sit up , scooping her caterpillar companion into her lap , gently caressing their cheek with her thumb since they decided to keep her hand there..

"In that same right , it feels correct to call you a partner ." She admitted a little quieter than her usual tone .

"Oh... !" Pilby's arms fell , but mach's hand never left their face . " ... I don't think i'd mind it . . . I think that feels correct too... but can we be partners who aren't .. romantic... ?"

"Who's to tell us we can't ?" She now placed her hands on their shoulders , giving them a soft smile . This was an expression she didn't give to many others .

"I suppose you have a point..." Pilby chuckled , reaching to wipe away a few stray tears from their face . "No one can tell us how we're supposed to love each other..."

They leaned in close and wrapped their arms right back around her .

"And I love you sooo much ... !"