#digitaleclipse

Lightly kicking his legs eclipse looked down over the edge he had sat himself with a smile. The Glamrocks had managed to get Bonnie's body comfortably resting against the pillows and DJ’s arm. Everyone slowly finding a way to lie down and snuggle together for a nap.

It had been….a long day. A very long day indeed. He was very happy they had been found. For now, Vanessa and Gregory were bringing Cassie to safety. And they all stay another night in the Pizzaplex. They had some generators to charge them overnight and everyone was tired.

Chica looked up at him and waved at him to join. He smiled back gently at her. Signing back that he’d join in a bit. But Sun and Moon were still talking and didn't wanna interrupt them.

She nodded back and joined the others and the growing cuddle pile. Helping proto settle down, between one of DJ’s hands and Monty. Who was making sure that none of the micros that had gotten out of proto to stretch their little legs would get crushed.

He sighed. Moon and Sun had actually stopped talking a while ago. It had been needed. The reboot had fixed them, but they had barely time to talk about any of it. Except that of course they both had missed each other so very much.

He heard bits and pieces of the conversation, as them being in his head he couldn't entirely tune them out. But he ignored them as best he could to be polite. This was a moment for them that was surely needed

But what he heard had made him ache in his chest. The loneliness Sun had felt. The way the virus had corrupted Moon's thinking. Being able to tell something had been wrong. But not strong enough to fight it.

The fights it had caused between them. Well both knowing it was the virus, the insults and actions taken had still cut deep

Tears had been shed, kissed away along with long hugs and reassurances. He occasionally hugged themselves to let all of them know they were okay now. And he felt the sentiment returned

And now both of them were soundly asleep. Laying on either side of him. The pixels of their faces dug into his hips. Their hands clasped together across his lap. And the other holding onto his back. His own hands rested on where their shoulders would be.

It was a cute sight, and he hadn't felt this calm In all the hours he had been awake. And he just needed a moment to just be.

It felt like he was thinking of a million things and nothing all at once. The thoughts glided through his mind without grasping them. As he stared through a gap in the ceiling into the night sky. Playing the words of wonder the duo holding him had uttered at first seeing them. It was truly a beautiful sight.

After their talk, before they fell asleep, the celestial duo had asked him a bit more about MXES. The one that had warned them Cassie was in danger. And he had told them about his friend.

They both had gotten a teasing glint in their eyes. That made him suspicious. But it had also become clear no one else but him was able to see his friend.

And that thought made him upset. He wished that when everyone had rested. He could at least introduce them. But that seemed almost impossible now

He thought that MXES would need time to recharge as well. So he was surprised when he appeared in front of him once more.

“MXES..”

The giant bunny glitch stared at one of the generators seemingly giving it a small nod of approval before turning back to face him

“You look comfy”

He beamed up. Gently increasing his grip on the two in his grasp.

“I am. I don't think I have been hugged this long….ever really”

His friend gave a smile back. Looking at the pile of animatronics nesting below that were one by one slowly powering down.

“Everyone else all right?”

He nodded,

“As right as they can be”

“And you?”

He tilted his head to the side at the question.

“You seemed sad before I appeared “

He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks slowly. Looking down at the pixelated forms of Sun and Moon gently tracing over their arms. Both of them trying to come closer.

“I wanted and try and introduce you all properly…but…it seems they can’t…or anyone here…can hear you”

MXES nodded. An odd expression came over his face.

“Part of the design…you’re special”

He felt the heat rising.

“Still wish you could…they’d absolutely love you “

MXES turned his face to the side, and he was sure he saw a small flush appear.

The sight made him smile and it made him determined to overwhelm him with all the compliments he deserved in the future.

“I would love to talk to them properly someday”

He beamed up at his friend. Already feeling a bit calmer. He hesitated for a moment. Before letting go of his partners’s shoulders. And reaching toward the giant bunny.

Gently coaxing him back to face him by the cheek. Before leaning forward and pressing a short kiss against his nose.

He pulled back gently stroking the base of one ear.

“As thanks for earlier”

The little face boop from earlier was one of the sweetest interactions he had ever had. And he hoped this small kiss was bringing the same kind of happiness to the giant bunny.

MXES's hands were hovering beside them. Clearly startles by his actions. But those wide eyes gentled and the giant bunny glitch leaned closer. And pressed a soft kiss on his forehead. Just below the rim of his head.

“It's appreciated, but you should go rest little spark”

He let out a flustered giggle. He tried to suppress it so as not to wake the other two still in his lap. As he looked away

“I…I know”

One of MXES's hands came to his chin pulling it back up to face him

“What's….wrong?”

The flush on his face grew and he averted his eyes. Leaning back a little. He had a feeling his emotions had been clear as day, another reason why he hadn't gone down just yet.

“...I…it’s…”

He ducked his head further. It felt very silly, to worry about this now. After everything, he couldn't help it. The thought had entered his mind when the talk about resting started and it wasn't leaving him alone.

The giant hand moved to gently rub at one of his rays and it made the pleasant tingle in his chest increase.

“...what if I don't wake back up…”

It was barely more than a whisper. And he couldn't meet MXES eyes. Staring down at his two other halfs

It had been so long since his last activation. Their internal clock had broken long ago. But he was sure it was years, he could see Sun’s logs continue on for years since the last day he was active.

And what if he went to sleep and it be decades later again? He didn't wanna lose this. He had made promises, he wanted to keep Sun and Moon safe after everything.

They had the Mimic to find as well before it tried to hurt someone else! And the Glamrocks seemed nice. He would like to get to know them more. Would love to make more friends

But what if today was all he got? The reset had worked…but would it keep him around?

MXES had let him go and he curled further In himself. Then one of those warm hands pulled him back, his friend having moved behind him, into the other's larger chest. Being slowly filled with the unexpected comfort of being held. Sun and Moon doing it inside their head was one thing. But he was trying to think of a time he had actually ever been held like this and came up empty.

“They aren't gonna let you go that easily, they've got you. You have nothing to fear. And if you are gonna be there for me. I'll be there for you as well. It's okay to be scared…but don't be alone. They…everyone is here for you”

He nodded, raising a trembling hand over the hand holding him. Tipping his head back to find MXES gaze. He whispered softly.

“Thank you”

They sat there for several moments. Just breathing gently. With some gentle words being whispered to him every now and then. He whispered compliments back. Made sure to gently pay attention to the two in his lap as well. Every time he felt them twitch in their sleep

Suddenly he saw a large hand appear before him. He snapped out of his daze looking at DJ.

“You coming little comet? you should get tucked in as well. “

“Oh. Sorry DJ, yes. Just…give me a sec”

He glanced behind him apologetically. And MXES let him go with a gentle press of his nose against his cheek.

And he curled his arms around the pixelated forms of his partners lifting up with him. Both of them let out sweet little grunts and mrrps as they blinked awake.

“Sorry you two, just getting ready for bed myself. “

He hopped onto DJ’s hand and was lowered down. Chica was still up and sat up from where she was in Roxy's lap who was already out. Pulling him into the cuddle pile before he could protest, a blanket was thrown over him trapping him as was held against her and Roxy's side.

He glanced over to the others. Monty had moved to lie on Bonnie's chest, with one of the cleanbots that held Bonnie's consciousness trapped in his hold. Freddy was gently muttering things to his prototype. And complementing all the micros for helping him out. On their other side.

Moon had shifted his pixelated form to lie more across his chest now. While Sun had cuddled fully into his free side holding onto them both their hands finding each other again. While their other hand was gently tracing over his body trying to lull him into rest.

MXES was hovering off to the side again. And seeing him apart from everyone else made his chest feel cold. So he reached out a hand. The giant bunny grabbed it with no hesitation and he used it to pull him down landing close to Moon.

The bunny's eyes were wide, and before he could protest he mouthed at him.

“Please stay”

He got a short nod as MXES shifted to find a comfortable spot, so as not to phase through Moon, despite neither being able to see each other. DJ fully warped his arms around the group creating a barrier no one could pass.

He plucked in the cable handed to him by Chica and settled down. Eyes dropping slowly

“Go get some rest, sweet cheeks. You and the Bois certainly earned it after everything you’ve done for us”

He gave a light nod

“Thank you”

There was a soft nuzzle against his head. But he could hardly keep his eyes open. A soft melody started from his chest. Moon music box, it was missing a few notes. But the sound was comforting. And as he slowly started drifting off into rest mode.

He swore he could hear Sun say

“We've got you”

Followed by Moon.

“You've got nothing to fear”

A second later felt like MXES was stroking his rays again. Along with his staticy voice

“Told you, rest now”

He had a problem, Well, maybe more than one problem, But the one he is currently facing was that he wanted to give his newest friend a gift. But that friend didn’t interact with the world the same way he did. So he wasn’t even sure if he could get him something he could touch!

‘Shouldn't you say crush?’

He could almost hear Moon's voice echoing the familiar tease in his head despite being in rest mode.

Both he and Sun were teasing him about having a crush. And while he still wasn't exactly sure what that meant

He did know MXES was special to him and he did really want to give him a gift.

Something to show him appreciation for all he had done. But what could he give someone who could not touch anything?

They were only able to touch when he went into the AR world. But he couldn't take anything with him, not that he could touch anyway.

Sun had come up with a good suggestion. He had said a gift doesn't necessarily have to be physical. But it could also be something you showed.

Like someone writing a song for you. Moon had gotten a soft flush at those words. And he tried to needle the story out of them.

He had heard Moon sing before and it was absolutely beautiful. So if he ever sang something original made him quite curious.

But a song didn't feel right. He didn't want to copy something Moon had done anyway.

He walked through one of the gift shops. They were slowly restoring the Pizzaplex. So there wasn't a lot of stuff. But maybe he could get a couple of ideas!

There were some T-shirts, caps, and other types of clothing. And as fun as it was to Imagen MXES trying on clothes. It wasn't possible but he would like to make him a hat at some point if the opportunity ever came.

His long ears peeking through it would look adorable. The image made him giggle. But he continued trying to find something.

There were all kinds of trinkets lying around. Some figures of the other bots. Other souvenirs that were intended to be put on the shelf or magnets for the fridge.

He might be able to take something like that and put it in the room MXES spent most of his time in when he wasn't actively working.

But he doesn't know which of these he could see or not. Besides just getting some merchandise seemed…cheap? Not personal at all.

He sighed deeply walking out of the shop dejected. Using the cable to glide down and sat down on one of the benches with a pout.

“Ah, Eclipse. What are you doing walking around so early”

He startled up surprised to see Chica running towards him

“I could ask you the same thing. Shouldn't you still be charging”

It was definitely a bit early for any of the other bots to be up yet. She scratched the back of her neck bashfully

“I got hungry, so I smacked something. I got a full charge promise!”

She admitted after a few more seconds of silence. Almost sounding guilty

“You didn't dig through the trash again? Did you?”

She flushed and shook her head rapidly

“No, no no. Just a snack”

He chuckled good hearty

“But you didn't answer my question. What are you doing out here?.”

She quickly got back on track. Trying to fight the embarrassed flush on her face.

“I was looking to find a gift for my friend”

Chica clapped her hands together excitedly

“Oh that one that helped us with Cassie? he certainly deserves something nice! What were you thinking? I could help brainstorm if you want”

So he explained his plight to Chica who nodded and hummed along.

“It's indeed a conundrum. But Sun's idea is good. And even if you got him something he can't touch. If he could see it I think he would love it. Have you thought of making him something”

He sighed deeply

“Of course. But what could I even make? “

Chica giggled

“A drawing?”

He flushed.

“What?”

He stuttered out and Chica's smile grew.

“A drawing silly! You could draw the two of you together? Or maybe even use the craft supplies Sun has in the daycare to make some paper pals to hang up!”

He shifted a bit.

“But…I have never...made-”

Chica clasped his shoulders

“That doesn't matter at all you silly. And I bet he be honoured to receive the first thing you'll ever make.”

He slowly stood up.

“Yeah…yeah okay. It wouldn't hurt to try. Thank you so much, Chica!”

He called the line down and waved at her as he flew back to the daycare. Then he spends a good while searching for the art supplies. He managed to get some paper and a paintbrush. Laying it on one of the kid's tables when Sun woke up.

“Hey Eclipse…did you rest?”

He hummed in agreement. Sleeping still didn't come easy to him. But he did do it.

“Do you know where all the craft supplies are? I am gonna try to make something for MXES”

Sun was beside him in an instant. Eyes shining, rays spinning wildly.

“Oh yes, I know where everything is. Here let me take over for a second. That’ll be faster, oh this is going to be so much fun”

He let Sun take control with a chuckle. Sun raced from all edges of the daycare to grab all the supplies he could possibly need. And he checked on the still resting Moon. tugging him further in so he could sleep on.

“And there! All done. You can come back out”

And so he did. They were sitting cross-legged in front of the table. Spread all around him were different boxes. With buttons, and differently shaped papers. Paints and brush set to the side and some glue.

He grabbed one of the plates.

“You gonna make him a paper pal!”

Sun gasped excitedly, and he could feel him vibrate with excitement. He hummed, again

“ I thought I’d make two…based on each of us. Unlike everyone here, no kid has ever made something in the images of us so…yeah thought it be a good idea”

Sun clapped happily.

“Oh, that will be amazing. Do you want my help or should I leave you to it?”

He thought about it for a second.

“Could you help me with the basics? I would like to do the details and painting myself. “

Sun nodded happily. And quickly went into teaching mode. Guiding him in the best places to attach the paper limbs. Giving tips on how well certain materials stuck together. Which would be easier to paint later. Even chiming in once or twice to help him when it got crooked

The glue kept sticking to his fingers. One of the ears he used for MXES was crooked and he couldn’t get it to get it to stay upright. He had given himself an extra button by dropping it and now it was a bit off-center.

To make his hat he had to cut out a new shape, and made it a bit too big, making the paper pal a bit top heavy making the whole thing bend a bit awkwardly.

And then came the painting. Oh, the painting. He wasn't great at guessing how much paint he had to have on his brush. Because of that, he dropped patches of blue or yellow where to shouldn't be.

He had also not mixed enough of the shade of blue-ish grey MXES’s body was. And try as he might he could not get it another time. So now MXES’s body was two different shades.

The lines on his body were a bit wobbly instead of straight. And it wasn't done between the lines.

It was a lot harder than he thought. But in the end, he had completed two paper pals. Sun was shaking his shoulders happily.

“Oh, you did so good! I am sure your friend is gonna love it!”

He wrung his hands together worryingly

“You really think so?”

“He definitely would”

He nearly fell over at hearing Moon's voice

“Moon! When did you wake up”

He asked when he caught himself righting his hat again. And Moon chuckled at his reaction.

“About fifteen minutes ago. You did very well for what is your first time. You should go ahead and give it to them”

He started at the googly eyes he placed on his lookalike plate.

“Maybe…maybe I should try it one more time before-”

Both Moon and Sun appeared in front of him making him step back

“Uh-uh no. No no. No talking down on yourself Eclipse,”

“MXES is going to be Lucky he is gonna get such an amazing handcrafted gift. And I doubt he ever got anything like it. The imperfections are what makes it perfect”

He kept wringing his hands

“Do you two truly think so?”

Both nodded.

“Defiantly” Sun cheered

“Agreed. So get your ass over to his room before I take over and do it for you “

He quickly grabbed his gifts and went on his way to one of the back offices MXES was calling his home currently.

Cause he knew it was no empty thread. Moon would just go. Despite not even being able to see each other. Moon had the uncanny ability to find him.

MXES had even told him that Moon had visited one night when he had been asleep. Just to talk to him. He hadn't told him what they talked about, wondering how they even did cause they couldn’t see or hear each other. Both Moon and MXES just gave a grin in response. And Sun zipping his mouth shut and not giving anything away.

He stopped in front of the door. Quickly relaxing his fingers so he wouldn't dent his gifts.

“you truly think he’s gonna like it?”

He asked nervously once more

“We wouldn't lie to you like that.”

Moon reassured him giving him a side hug. And Sun joins on his other side

“Yeah, just believe in yourself. You got this.”

Sun joined then both leaned close to place a soft kiss on both his cheeks. And with a reassuring squeeze, they let him go. Both retreated to the back of his mind so he could spend some alone time with his friend.

He took one more deep breath. Hid his gift behind his back as best he could. And he knocked on the door before stepping in.

The room was empty of course. Until he took a moment to concentrate. Letting himself into the security system where MXES lived.

When he opened his eyes again, he smiled as he came face to face with his friend who was smiling at him gently surrounded by the familiar purple space.

“To what do I own this lovely surprise”

He bounced on his feet. With a nervous grin.

“Do I need a reason to visit my friend?”

MXES’s smile grew

“I suppose not, but normally you don't linger around my door for several minutes”

His fans blasted at the call-out. And he tried to calm his slowly speeding up motors

“Moon just asked something before I came in. And I was answering him.”

The giant bunny moved his head to the side.

“Is that so…so are you gonna tell me what happened to your face? “

He removed one hand from his back to feel his face. Feeling something rough. He kept rubbing at it. Until he saw some white and yellow paint stains on his fingers. And most likely his face as well.

He could feel the heat feature beneath his cheek activate making them flush a slight pink. And he kept swaying. Trying to find the best words to present the gift

“Sure... I tell you…after I show you something”

“Something?”

He nodded eagerly.

“Yes! It's a small surprise!

One of MXES's hands came up and gently stroked his cheek.

“You didn't have to”

He shook his head.

“I won't hear it. Now please close your eyes”

His friend let out an amused huff. Giving s meaningful look at the hands behind his back. Clearly, not fooling him. But it was the principle of the thing dammit.

But MXES did as he was told and closed his eyes. He briefly stepped out of the Security mode again He quickly glanced around the room. Took off the placker of the double-sided tape that he had pushed on the back of his gift

He taped them to the wall. Made sure they were hanging as straight as they could before Logging back into AR. Letting out a sigh of relief when he was still able to see his creations, before taking MXES's hands who only raised an eyebrow as he let them right in front of his gift

So then with a nervous giggle, he said

“Okay open up”

He stared up at his friend and saw his eyes widen. Hand reaching towards the little plate made dolls stopping right before it. Turning to look at him

“You made these?”

MXES voice was surprisingly soft and his motors started acting up again. And he nodded with a hum

“Yeah…I hope you like them, I never made…”

But he trailed off as his friend turned to face him. Warped his arms around him and pulled him against the other's larger frame.

“Thank you…”

He slowly warped his own hands around MXES.

“You don't think it's silly?”

MXES pressed his mouth against the side of his head. And it made his rays sway.

“It's lovely. It's nice seeing us together “

He flushed not having thought of it like that. Looking up at his creations gaining a small smile of his own before burrowing further into his friend's chest.

He realised it looked like the two plate versions of them were holding hands. And his fans got even louder. MXES pulled away slightly at the sound.

“You okay?”

He nodded with a grin.

“Just happy you liked my gift”

He got another smile in return. Before it turned into a frown.

“ I sadly don't have anything for you”

He shook his head.

“I didn't give you something. To get something in return. I did it because I like you and I wanted to”

Now MXES cheeks turned a darker shade.

“All the more reason, to get you something”

His face felt like it was slowly setting on fire. But he gently turned the big bunny's gaze to face him once more

“If that's what you want. I'll look forward to it”

They both stared at each other for a few seconds before his friend leaned forward softly brushing their mouths together.

It held longer than any of their previous kisses had done. And it left him a bit dazed.

“I hope that suffices for now”

And he gave a dazed nod. After that, the two of them launched into a conversation. Telling about how he had created the gifts. And things the others had been up to.

Every once in a while he saw MXES glance back over to his gift with a smile. Even long after they were done talking about it.

He would have to thank Chica and Sun later. For now, he would spend another hour or so with his friend. Before he would help with the restoration of the Pizzaplex once more.