#google yellow

Alt blinked wildly as his face slowly turned red. “I-I don’t know what you’re getting at…” he quietly growled.

Griffith rolled his eyes, “Please, Alt. My brothers and I aren’t blind. When was the last time you actually saw one of us coming in here? Or do you just glitch away and say ‘never mind’ if Oliver isn’t in?”

Alt’s face turns even more red as he looks away. He stuffs his hands in his pockets and kicks at the ground. “…I didn’t know you knew about that…”

Griffith laughs, a dry almost humorless sound, “It’s alright Alt. Honestly, I’m glad. Oliver’s been trying so hard to catch up to the rest of us, he hardly goes out or has a lot of friends. I think he likes seeing you too. But, I also think it’d be good for the both of you to meet outside of here.”

“…is that allowed?” Alt asks quietly.

Google shrugs. “I don’t see why not. As long as he’s not working a shift you could ask him to do any number of things. Go to a movie, get a coffee… as long as it’s not going out to get yourself hurt again.” He raises an eyebrow down at Alt and the glitch grins back sheepishly. But then, Alt looks down, contemplating this. It looks like it never really occurred to him to ask that.

He looks back and hears Oliver humming down in his room. Alt feels his chest get lighter and he looks back at Griffith expectantly. Google rolls his eyes and nudges Alt forward, tilting his head in a ‘go ahead’ motion. Alt buzzes and then glitches into the room. “Oliver!”

Oliver screeches in fear and ends up throwing the box of cotton balls he was restocking. A fluffy explosion of small puffs rain around him and scatter across the floor. “J-Jeez Alt, you scared me!” He lightly scolds, bending down to start to pick up the cotton balls. “Oh shoot now these aren’t exactly sterile…”

“Oh shit- sorry…” Alt says sheepishly and walks over to help.

Soon enough the mess is cleaned up and thrown away and Oliver wipes off his knees as he gets to his feet.

“Well, Alt,” He smiles. “What are you in for today?”

“Oh uh… nothin’ serious… cat scratch…” Alt mumbles.

“You really should look into learning how to clip her nails,” Oliver giggles.

“Y-Yeah.”

Why is he suddenly so nervous? It’s not like he’s asking him out! That’s not something Alt does… not since he was a teenager at least. This is just as friends. He can hang out with another guy as a friend. He does it with the lads all the time! Cmon Alt- just say it… say it-!

“Do you wanna go to the pier with me?” Alt suddenly blurts out.

Oliver was busy getting something to clean Alt’s cut and jumps slightly. His cheeks turn pink. “H-Huh? The pier? As… As in-?”

“Friends,” Alt says hurriedly. “I mean I… I dunno if we are but… I… like to think… so?” He can feel his cheeks getting warm too.

“I mean… me too. I think we… could be, at this point.” Oliver laughs. “Especially with how often I see you.”

Alt grins, “Yeah see! So… weee could go have a fun day at the pier. The weather’s actually nice today-“

“Oh Alt I dunno if I can today…” Oliver starts to say. Then there’s a knock on the doorframe.

Both Alt and Oliver look back to see Rhett, one of the twins in his red hoodie, knocking with a sly grin. “Yo Ols! Googs told me I’m covering for you for the rest of the day!”

Oliver blinks wildly. “…really?”

“That’s what the big man said!” Rhett laughs. He nods to Alt. “Sup, Alt.”

“Hey, Red.” Alt smirks.

“Well uh… then,” Oliver smiles more at Alt. “I guess… I can! Can I just… change out of my scrubs?”

“Oh yeah o-of course! I could glitch you over there-“ Alt says.

Rhett and Oliver blink back at him. “…you can take other people?” Rhett asks.

Alt shrugs. “Not too far… but I’m getting better with practice. Your flat isn’t far from here, right?”

“Oh I don’t k-know…” Oliver says nervously.

Alt grins and gently goes to take Oliver’s hand. “It’s not that bad, trust me! Just picture your flat and…” he gives a two fingered salute to Rhett before glitching off with Oliver in tow.

They appear on the street in front of what is presumably the Doom’s flat. Oliver sways a bit, shuddering off the lingering feeling of glitching. “T-that was… oh I’m a bit dizzy…”

“Shit, sorry!” Alt apologizes, helping Oliver stay up. Oliver quickly shakes it off and then smiles sheepishly at Alt. “Uh y-you just wait here… I won’t be too long.”

“Sure,” Alt smiles.

Soon enough, Oliver comes out in a soft yellow cardigan and khaki pants with a fun patterned button up on. Compared to Alt’s dark ripped jeans and dark t-shirt- they couldn’t be more different looking. Alt takes him in, noting this is the first time he’s seen him in street clothes.

“Is… something wrong?” Oliver asks shyly.

Alt flushes, “no no not at all! Just hadn’t seen you like this-! But it’s good! Uh- should I glitch us to the pier?”

“…I’d rather pay for a cab.”

After that, the two of them had an awesome day at the pier. Alt was fantastic at the arcade games and even helped Oliver to get some prizes for the crane machines. They indulged in good food, rode some rides and enjoyed the weather. It was so much fun for Oliver to get out and do something besides studying. And Alt had to admit it was nice to hangout with a new friend.

Soon enough, hanging out became a weekly thing. They’d get coffee, or Alt would meet Oliver on his lunch break and they’d try new places around the clinic. Alt would bring coffee to Oliver and chat- or Oliver would come to Alt’s shows so they could meet up for dinner afterwards. Over time, Alt learned Oliver was a huge history nerd. So he started planning trips to museums or to the library. And Oliver learned Alt was pretty artistic, so they’d try going to stationary shops and even tried to paint pottery once.

“I’m starting to think we should be jealous of how much you hang out with Oli!” Chase teased Alt one day.

Alt glared at his brother, cheeks red. “Relax, Chase. He’s not replacing you all. We just… like to do different things.”

Chase chuckles and ruffles Alt’s hair. “Nah I’m just teasing you, bro. Honestly? I’m so relieved. You deserve to have more friends than just us. And get out of the house more. Especially after all the shit you went through this year.”

Alt smiles warmly at Chase. “Yeah… I… like hanging out with you guys still… but it’s nice having something new too.”

Then, one day… Alt found himself injured again. Not on purpose this time though. Just a minor sprain from doing some moves with Jackie and a bit of bad scrape … So, he popped into the clinic, Oliver’s usual coffee order in hand. He waved and checked in with Dr. Iplier and got the okay to head back.

Alt soon found Oliver and limped up, grinning. “Delivery!”

Oliver blinks and then smiles, until he notices how Alt is walking. “Oh no… are you okay?”

“Eh, relatively.” Alt shrugs. “Just fell off a taller ledge while Jackie was showing me a move… figured we could take a Quick Look and then grab lunch? Your break is soon, right?”

“…you still grabbed me coffee, even though you’re injured?” Oliver asks quietly.

Alt snorts and playfully rolls his eyes with a smirk. “Well duh! Parliament might pay for my visit but you still deserve something for treating my dumbass, right?”

Oliver slowly looks away. Are his… cheeks turning red. “L-Let me see if one of the twins is free-“ he says hurriedly, starting to move away.

But Alt is quick to grab his arm, looking at him in confusion. “Huh? Why? Can’t you look at me?”

Oliver’s face falls and he can’t look Alt in the eye as he moves his hand off. “I… I’m so sorry Alt but I… I can’t treat you anymore…”

Rejection immediately pierces sharp and painfully in Alt’s chest, taking his breath away. “Wh…what?” Alt breathes. “What do you… mean?”

“We’re still friends!” Oliver quickly assures him. “But I… I really can’t treat you anymore… I-it wouldn’t be… appropriate…” he looks down at the floor. “But R-Rhett or Jayden or Google would be more than happy to-!”

He’s cut off by the sound of a clatter and splash, the coffee Alt brought falling to the floor as he glitches away.

“W-Wait, Alt!” Oliver cries out.

Rhett and Jayden’s heads both pop out of their rooms at the same time. Rhett inhales sharply, “oof… was that Alt?”

Jayden sighs, “Oh he made a mess… what was that about?”

Oliver holds his hands to his chest, “I… I told him he’d need to see one of you because I… I can’t anymore…”

“Ooooh right! Cus of your-“ Rhett starts to say but Jayden cuts him off with a glare.

“Yes… that, Rhett,” Oliver sighs. “Oh… what do I do…?” He whispers miserably.

Suddenly there’s a warm strong hand on Oliver’s shoulder. He looks up to see Griffith smiling his subdued smile at him. “See if you can catch up,” He says. “If he’s injured… he couldn’t have gone far. It’s probably time you told him, right?”

Oliver turns bright red. “I-Is now really the best time? He must think I hate him!”

“Then there’s no better time than now to clear it up, right?” Jayden adds gently.

“Yeah, what Jay said!” Rhett grins. “Go get him Ols! Don’t let this misunderstanding ruin anything!”

“We’ll handle things here,” Griffith nods. “Hurry, now. I can hear that it’s still raining.”

Oliver blinks at his brothers and smiles warmly. He goes to give Griffith a hug. “Thanks Google!” He whispers before running down the hall.

“Oliver! He glitched right through here then went outside!” Dr. Iplier calls as Oliver hurries through.

“Thanks Dad!”

Oliver bursts through the clinic doors and is met with a mild downpour. It had been gloomy and cloudy all day but of course now is when the sky decided to open up. But that also means…Alt couldn’t have gotten far. Just a few meters ahead, Oliver sees the familiar silhouette of the glitch and runs after him. “Alt!” He cries. “Alt, please wait!”

Alt stiffens and then whips around to look at Oliver. Soon enough the other boy catches up. Alt stares at him as he catches his breath- clenching his fists to his sides.

“Why… why didn’t you just tell me you don’t want to see me anymore?” Alt growls.

Oliver looks up in surprise and shakes his head, “Because that’s not true! I…I want to see you all the time!”

“But not here? Now?” Alt spits. “What changed? Did you realize being seen treating a former villain wouldn’t be good for your clientele?”

“No! God, Alt, that’s not what this is!” Oliver insists. “It’s more… more personal than that!”

“Personal?” Alt repeats, “what does that matter here?”

Olivet shakes his head. “That’s the thing… I… I let it get personal- I… I shouldn’t have let it get personal…!”

That sharp pain in his chest returns with a bitter burn that echoes in Alt’s eyes. He grits his teeth as that same burn turns to anger. “So… what?! Are you saying… doing this- being friends, was it all a fucking mistake?!”

“No!” Oliver cries, “God no, Alt! I’m so so glad we’re friends. But, this is my job! I… I shouldn’t be treating my friends-“

Alt throws out his hand to the side. “Then what am I, Oliver?! We met when I was just your patient! What am I now to you?!”

“My friend! I swear,” Oliver says tearfully. “You’re more than just a patient… you’re more than just a friend to me…! I-“

“Then why?!” Alt shouts, “If I’m more than that- why can’t I see you here?! Why don’t you want to see me here?!”

“Because I like you, Alt!” Oliver shouts back, even louder, which shocks Alt into silence. He’s never heard Oliver shout before… and the words… they take a second to register- but they make it hard for Alt to breathe. He stares back at Oliver, mouth fumbling for words as he sees tears gather up in Oliver’s eyes.

Oliver angrily sniffles and balls up his hands into fists. “You fucking idiot…!” Okay another first- Oliver hasn’t cursed in front of him either. “I like you! More than a friend… I have f-feelings for you! And… it’s already not professional to treat friends but I could let it slide! But now I…”

Alt has trouble getting his voice to work. “You… r…really…?” he breathes. He looks… lost. Like he never even realized someone could… fall for him. How? He was a villain just a few months ago. He’s done so many terrible things… he’s hardly nice to most people. His friends call him a feral cat they’re trying to domesticate. He literally can’t wrap his mind around anyone actually…

Oliver sees the conflict on Alt’s face, hinting at his inner turmoil. He sighs and steps up to Alt, gently taking his hand. The glitch flinches and almost jumps back but manages to hold still. Oliver smiles at him warmly and Alt almost can’t bear to look. He’s so bright…

“Why…” Alt croaks out quietly. He feels like crying… why? “Why… me?”

Oliver smiles softer and squeezes Alt’s hand. He blushes as he says, “Well… You’re kinder than you look. And you’re brave… and funny… and creative. And I’m so happy every time we hang out I… I just want to be around you as much as I can…”

Alt’s eyebrows knit together in confusion, “is that… what liking someone is…?”

“It… can be?” Oliver blinks, “Have you… never liked someone before?”

Alt finds himself blushing and looking away. He remembers… one girl, long ago when he was a teenager… with the Circle. He liked being around her and doing stuff together and she made him laugh but… was it the same as this?

“I… I dunno… maybe…?” Alt admits. “But maybe I…. I didn’t know what it was… because I… I think I feel the same way… too? With you, Ols.”

Oliver gasps slightly then smiles even more big. “R-Really?”

The thought of initiating touch with Oliver honestly scares him right now, so Alt just squeezes his hand back as he pulls him a bit closer. “You’re so smart and friendly and… e…everything I’m not…” he warbles out. Oliver smiles softly at that, wanting to disagree but not wanting to interrupt him either. “I just… I dunno what it is but… being around you is like… being in the sun. I just… always wanna be around you…”

Oliver’s eyes widen and he suddenly rushes up and grabs Alt’s shirt- pulling him in for a kiss.

Alt’s brain immedately short circuits. He glitches back in surprise, forgetting that he’s wet from the rain and glitching while wet hurts! He yelps in pain and nearly buckles on his bad leg.

The doctor-in-training cries out and reaches out to get Alt steady before stepping back, face bright red. “Oh god I’m so sorry-! W-Was not that okay??” He squeaks. “I-I was just so touched by that and I just-“

He’s interrupted though by a sudden pressure on his forehead. Alt is pressing up against him, their wet hair touching and dripping water down his cheeks. The air between them is warm with shared breath and the heat of their flushing skin. Alt sheepishly looks into Oliver’s warm brown eyes, fumbling with words for a second before whispering, “no i… c…can we do that again…?”

Oliver slowly blinks, surprised by this. But he just as quickly smiles warmly and bursts into giggles. He gently pulls in Alt by the cheeks and gives him a soft gentle kiss.

Alt isn’t sure what exactly he’s supposed to do when being kissed. He’s only really seen it in movies… or gotten them from his aunts. But somehow, he finds himself melting into the kiss, shutting his eyes and kissing Oliver back.

As they break apart, it seems like Alt is slowly processing it all- like a computer experiencing lag. But then he grins softly at Oliver. ”I… I think I like that…”

Oliver giggles and goes to take both of his hands now, pressing back in. “So… you understand why I can’t treat you anymore, right?”

Alt slowly nods, carefully studying their intertwined fingers. “Yeah… uh… conflict of… interest and stuff if I’m your…” he blinks and looks back at Oliver. “Uh…does this… count as us… dating, now? So we’d be…”

Oliver blinks and then slowly flushes. “I-I mean-! Ifthat’stoofastforyouIgetitbutIalsowouldn’tmindit!??” He squeaks out rapidly.

“Haha…!” Alt laughs, “Slow down Ols!” He smiles at him and then looks down, cheeks heating up. “H-Honestly? I… I never thought I’d… end up with a g-guy… or a-anyone really…? I dunno this is… confusing…” he bites his lip. “But I… I do… think I like you back and wouldn’t… mind… I… I think?”

“…why don’t we give it a bit?” Oliver says gently. “I just… didn’t want you to think just because I can’t treat you it means I hate you! Quite the opposite really~!” He giggles.

Alt laughs again, wiping at his face. “Yeah, really.”

Oliver goes take a second to look down and gasps at seeing the dried blood on his pants. “For gods sake, Alt! You were bleeding?!” He starts to drag Alt back towards the clinic. “Even if I can’t treat you, Rhett or Jayden can! C’mon you!”

Alt yelps as he’s pulled and flushes again, “wait no! I-I just threw a big fit…!”

“Too bad, mister! I’m not letting you walk around in the rain like this!” Oliver looks back at grins at him a bit snugly. “And you can’t escape cuz you’re wet! So come along!”

“Nooo, Oli!!”