#koopachat

Sigma is a man from the far far FAR flung future, who can use science to explain away a lot of what Belos and people of his settler time period fear. Sigma can definitely explain away their "God" and how the universe actually came to be (when...idk maybe Belos still believes the Earth revolves around the sun or that the Earth is flat) and try to explain that universe is nothing but a holovid (Belos: what the bloody hell is a holovid?); that the universe sings to him and only he can hear it and understand it, and that The Iris is more than likely our "God". But words and ideologies like that^ would be considered heresy and deemed as the talk of a "witch" or a "devil worshipper" and Belos would try and have him killed. And its like "good luck buddy boy, Siebren de Kuiper can and will turn your body into stardust. Lore-wise he is the most powerful character in the Overwatch universe and in this TED Talk I'll-"

Now Dark Cacao is an enchanted cookie hundred of years old created by witches. WITCHES. And he's ENCHANTED. That alone is enough is for Belos to want to kill him. But again, he'd have a hell of time trying to achieve that. Dark Cacao is immortal. Unless his Soul Jam is taken away and destroyed you can't kill him. He survived two assassination attempts and plummeting to his death just because his Soul Jam was hidden away.

He ended the battle between two dragons by himself (as the story of the founding of the Dark Cacao Kingdom goes) and no one else can wield the sword that harbours it (the Soul Jam), only Dark Cacao. This man is almost as powerful as Sigma, and would have no problem hindering Belos in his plans or even doing away with him entirely as to stop him from harming anyone else. (this is if Belos can even get past Cacao's entire army which have their own magic wielders)

I am certain Dark Cacao wouldn't have to go "berserk" just because his life was in danger thanks to Belos. It didn't happen before. It more than likely happened that one time as a defense mechanism from dark magic trying its hardest to corrupt him and the purity of the Soul Jam fighting back, coupled with Dark Cacao's strong resolve and locked away heart. And it unfortunately turned him into what he feared the most, a monster from the Licorice Sea.

Ratchet shifted the star map in his lap once again and sighed in frustration. He was never one for stargazing, he left that behind when he was finally able to leave Veldin. For Ratchet, stargazing was looking to the night sky and dreaming about finally getting off his home planet after eighteen long years and speeding across the Solana Galaxy in his own ship, finally free to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Not looking at one spot for the past half hour, unblinking, trying desperately to find a constellation Alister Azimuth could point out in his sleep. Which said Lombax was sorely lacking. But here he was, doing just that, hoping to learn a fraction of the celestial mapping the general knew. 

Maybe the stars were just located somewhere else on Lumos. This wasn’t Torren IV after all. Bodies of stars looked different on each planet, their location moving as they moved. Where one constellation could be located ninety degrees left of Torren IV’s moon, on Lumos...well Ratchet didn’t exactly know. Or maybe he was just exhausted and all the tiny little balls of dust and gas just looked like balls of dust and gas and nothing more. It was slightly frustrating. 

But Ratchet couldn’t deny that he was hooked learning about the different constellations in Lombax lore. And Azimuth was all too happy to prattle on to his audience of one of the stories behind each one of them and always put a special emphasis on his favourite, Lunaris. He never left anything out for her story, every detail was important, even the smallest one.  

And Ratchet was all too happy to listen to the same tale every night. Watching Azimuth’s animated movements, the brightest smile on his face that could rival the very stars he talked about, and the way his red eyes shown brighter. 

He just seemed more...alive. Happier. Younger. Breathtaking. And Ratchet wanted to drink in every minute of it. 

Except this night.  

This night, Azimuth was off helping the Vullards with a particularly nasty infestation of Tyhrranoids in one of their factories; only at the behest of Ratchet. And he made sure to let everyone know he was not doing this out of his own good will. 

No Azimuth meant no star mapping tonight. Which meant Ratchet was on his own. It was no problem, Ratchet wanted Azimuth to help with clearing out the infestation. It would tire the older Lombax out and maybe he could finally get some sleep instead of dealing with yet another bought of insomnia. 

Can’t go to sleep without him though. He wouldn’t be able to make his way into Aphelion without Ratchet. And... 

Ratchet blushed. Losing himself in the stars thinking of the rare nights Azimuth sought out affection from Ratchet. Chaste kisses and fingers dancing through pale chest fur... 

He shook his head, trying to clear away the thoughts. Now wasn’t the time for that. 

“Just...a little longer. Let’s try and find Sigma instead.” 

-[-]- 

When Ratchet had landed on Torren IV and made his way through Volgrom Pass, the Vullards felt that the “Dangerous Rebel” of the Molonoth Fields was reigned in and pacified, and so felt it safe to approach the older Lombax with various requests and grievances. At first, Azimuth would frighten off anyone who tried to reach Volgrom Pass to ask anything of him before they could even get the chance to be shot down. And every time Ratchet would ask why the other Lombax didn’t stop to lend an ear. “I don’t owe anyone anything apart from you. I keep Nefarious’ troops away from this planet and that’s enough.” Azimuth would always reply.  

It just never sat right with Ratchet. 

The Vullards had let him stay on their planet after he was exiled and take up a sizable portion of land. It was only right to pay them back in any small way.  

The younger Lombax spent an entire month trying to coax Azimuth into not scaring away those who came to ask for his help. The general had a stubborn streak as wide as mile, but Ratchet had an overabundance of patience (thanks to Qwark.)  

He figured looking a little of his father helped too.  

He rode out the quarrels, aggressive training, and days long silent treatments to Azimuth finally giving in and agreeing to help the Vullards on the condition that Ratchet learned how to read and map out the stars. 

“Every Lombax is taught from a young age, and if you’re making me work for these Vullards, I’m going to make you learn every night to earn your supper.” And that was fine with Ratchet (anything to stop feeling awkward about mooching off the Vullards.) 

And so, every night Ratchet studied. The nights where Azimuth wasn’t busy helping the Vullards, he gleaned every bit of information he could about star mapping and Lombax lore from the other. It was hard work, but the things he learned about Lombax history and Azimuth himself were absolutely worth it.  

Just seeing the man light up. It was so attractive.  

And getting Azimuth to earn his keep was worth the strenuous and extra aggressive training Ratchet was put through during the daylight hours. It ensured the older Lombax was knocked out after a mapping lesson. Too many nights of insomnia made the man cranky, and a cranky Azimuth was not a joy to be around. 

Some days were worth a little bit of a cranky Azimuth. Because when night fell, it was one of those rare nights he wanted attention. 

From Ratchet or from Kaden? The younger Lombax didn’t have an answer to that.  

And he didn’t know if he particularly wanted one. 

-[-]- 

Ratchet gripped the wall behind him and rubbed his aching sternum, victim of a particularly hard jab from the other’s Praetorian wrench. Today was one of the days Azimuth seemed particularly upset. At what? Ratchet couldn’t tell. He couldn’t read the other man’s face at all today, and he was usually an open book (to Ratchet anyway.) He got up anyway, ready to face whatever aggression Azimuth wanted to get out. Imagine his surprise when the other Lombax heaved a heavy sigh, dropping his offensive stance.  

Ratchet took that as his signal to approach Azimuth. He looked hard at the other as he drove his Praetorian wrench into the ground. Now that they weren’t sparing, Ratchet noticed the general’s face looked exhausted, the dark circles under his eyes looked more pronounced, if that was even possible. 

“Azimuth, you okay?” Ratchet was sure the other had been getting sleep these past couple of days. He saw Azimuth fall asleep long before he did most nights. 

Azimuth looked up at the younger Lombax as he ungracefully sat himself on the ground. “Just a little tired my boy. Come, take a break and sit.” He patted the grass next to him. Ratchet walked over, taking a chance to quickly caress the other’s face, knowing the other wasn’t a fan of physical affection outside of Aphelion. But he felt like Azimuth needed this. He smiled when the Lombax automatically leaned into the touch before batting Ratchet’s hand away. 

“I apologize for hitting so hard,” Azimuth sighed, wrapping an arm around Ratchet’s shoulder as soon as the other sat down. “It’s unfortunately a bit too easy to forget myself during these sparring sessions.” 

This was a surprise, having the older Lombax initiate affection first. The younger Lombax hummed, feeling the other sag against him, and using the opportunity to peek up at Azimuth’s face.  

He had his eyes closed; cheek pressed up against Ratchet’s temple and Ratchet could see the weariness in the other’s face, the shadows under his eyes. The general was decidedly not getting any sleep. Ratchet pulled away from the Lombax peacefully snoozing away on top of him, ignoring the frustrated grunt, and dug in the satchel they brought for some water. 

“Here,” Ratchet forced the water bottle into the other’s hand. Azimuth gladly took it, chugging it like it was made of raritanium. “So...what kept you up this time?” He felt Azimuth slowly take his arm from around Ratchet’s shoulder and Ratchet fixed him with a pointed look.  

“Ah it's just the usual bought of restlessness.” Ratchet crossed his arms. “How could you even tell?” 

“You’re never this...I don’t know what to call it, but I can’t even touch you unless we’re in Aphelion. You only get like this when you’re running on an hour, at most, of sleep. What’s the deal Azimuth? I thought helping out the Vullards was wearing you out?” 

“And they are! Gods are they wearing me out...” Azimuth growled. He let out a weary sigh, frustratingly running a hand through the fur on top of his head. “But a restless mind barely knows any sleep...” 

Ratchet stared off into the deep blue sky of Lumos as Azimuth continued to drink; the general did have a mind that ran a mile a minute, but he wasn’t aware it was interfering with his sleep so badly. Was it always like this, before Ratchet found him? He was sure he saw the other Lombax sleeping so peacefully the first few days after their encounter.  

Maybe the stress of what he wanted and what Ratchet was asking of him was taking its toll. 

He looked back at Azimuth. He had sat back, face towards the sun and eyes closed. The soft rise and fall of his shoulders..was he sleeping? Ratchet inched closer to him; Azimuth was definitely sleeping. Finally.  

Did Kaden have this much trouble getting Azimuth to relax? What else could he do for the Lombax that his father couldn’t? Or didn’t do already? 

He sighed. Getting the other Lombax to just rest was harder than saving the galaxy at this point. It was heartbreaking.  

But this moment was a great opportunity to grab lunch at Galaxy Burger. And Azimuth would appreciate a greasy lunch once in a blue moon...right? Well, Ratchet thought he did. And that Betelgeuse Slushie was calling his name. 

“Get some rest Alister, I’ll be back before you even know it.” 

He scrambled up and grabbed the empty water bottle, making his way to the planet’s landing pad and Aphelion. A quick trip to the Phylax Sector and he’d be back before he was missed. 

~~ 

 “You STILL haven’t fixed it Al?! The competition is in two hours!” 

“Well, this would certainly go a lot faster if SOMEONE would lend a hand!” 

“But you’re better with those tiny little wires than I am! That’s why I left it to you!” 

Alister gave his friend a withering look as the other lay there with a self-satisfied grin. They were currently in the Solana galaxy, trying to prepare for the hoverboard races. During one particularly intense training run, Kaden’s board suddenly malfunctioned, throwing the Lombax off a steep incline and into the murky waters of Rilgar. Everyone was thankful the Lurker Sharks swimming along the track were fished out the week before or Alister would’ve had to go back to Fastoon with a damn good explanation as to why his partner was bleeding all over his ship and missing his left leg. 

Kaden was currently still wet and laughing about the entire thing, while Alister was stuck fixing his board. Lombax technology was unique, so not a lot of people knew the ins and outs of fixing it, so the Lombaxes were on their own trying to get it up and running again. He just wished Kaden was as good at fixing these little things as he was. This would go so much faster and they’d have more time to get in more practice. 

“Hey, Al?” 

“What NOW Kaden? Every time you try and start a conversation, we waste time. Do you want this board fixed or not?” 

“Sorry sorry! It’s just...don’t you think it's time to wake up?” Kaden asked, starting to rap his fingers on the ground. 

The question took Alister by surprise. What in the world was that supposed to mean? 

“Kaden what-are you high? I told you that you can’t get into the Praetorian Guard taking those damn poyoball pills. And WHY are you tapping the ground like that its IRRITATING!” Alister growled. Was his friend just determined to piss him off before this race? He had no problem leaving him to flounder in this race if that was the way he was choosing to behave just an hour before they had to work together. 

“But Alister...don’t you think it's time to wake up?” Kaden asked again, still tapping the ground. Alister felt a shiver run down his spine as the other Lombax stared at him, but also not? It looked like Kaden was staring straight into his soul. This was getting weird. 

“Azimuth. Wake up.” 

Still tapping. 

“Wha-Kaden what..? Wake up?” 

Stop tapping. 

“Wake up! It’s time to wake up!”  

Stop. Tapping. 

“Wake up!” 

Alister growled and snatched Kaden off the floor by his shirt. His ears twitched at tapping that STILL continued. This was creepy and irritating. 

“Kaden, I have had ENOUGH. KNOCK IT OFF!” He yelled. That infernal tapping! “Why are you trying to drive me up a damn wall?! I thought you loved me?!” 

Kaden just smiled, still tapping the floor. “Cause I miss you! It’s time to wake up!” 

‘Cause I miss you.’  

Wait- 

~~ 

Blue skies. The humidity...it was just a dream. 

He took in a shaky breath, felt the grass underneath him, the breeze. Was it a dream? 

A shadow loomed over him. Everything in him tensed. Was that...? 

“Alister, you’re awake! Do you know how hard it is to wake you up? Your communicator has been going off since I got back.” 

‘Got back..’ Azimuth mouthed. He felt something tapping against his side..”K-Ratchet?” What was that tapping? His communicator. That was the infernal tapping that was echoing in his dream. It was vibrating with a message. 

“In the flesh! I got us some lunch; I don’t know if you like Galaxy Burger...” Ratchet left Azimuth’s small field of view, shuffling around in what he assumed were bags of food. His tensed muscles slowly relaxed, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in. It was a dream, or maybe it was a nightmare. 

He sat up, wresting his communicator from his side and silencing it without looking. Whatever it was could wait. His mouth felt drier than the grass he was sat upon. Where was that- 

“Water?” Ratchet. The real Ratchet. Not a phantom in a dream. Offering him what he clearly needed right now. Azimuth took it gratefully, giving the other a searching glance. 

“Didn’t tell me you could read minds.” Azimuth joked. 

Ratchet laughed. It was so light and airy. So unlike Kaden’s deep one. It was nice. 

“You just looked like you needed it.” Ratchet answered around a mouth full of fries. “Was it a nightmare?” 

Azimuth forgot Ratchet was aware that nightmares plagued him sometimes; one of the causes of his insomnia, robbing him of sleep and disturbing what should be a peaceful night. But.. 

“Just an old memory. Nothing to worry yourself over.” 

Ratchet didn’t need to know it was a memory twisted into a nightmare. The younger Lombax already worried so much about him, adding more to his plate just seemed cruel. 

Azimuth dug into Ratchet’s fries, laughing as he tried to swat the elder away and to his own food. 

“So, who was trying to contact you?”  

Azimuth huffed, angrily tearing into his burger and instantly regretting it. The thing was a greasy disaster. He wouldn’t be surprised if this gave him heartburn in an hour. The general was hoping Ratchet would forget about that. 

“No one, just spam calls.” 

Ratchet shot Azimuth a look, while the elder made it a point to stare into the blackest soda he’d ever seen. 

“Really?” Ratchet drawled, chuckling as a shiver ran up Azimuth’s spine as he tried to drink the sugary sweet drink. “I could’ve sworn you told me people thought you were dead, so you don’t get those kinds of calls.” 

“Ugh,” Azimuth sneered at Ratchet’s grin, he could never hide anything from that boy. But he admired that about him. Quick-witted and just as sharp as his wrench.  

And that damnable bright smile. Kaden’s couldn’t even compare.  

He pulled his communicator back out, checked the message that was left and rolled his eyes. “It was just the Vullards with yet ANOTHER request. They can deal with it themselves.” 

The other Lombax rounded his shoulders and Ratchet could tell he was done with the conversation. But Ratchet wasn’t. Azimuth declined many requests for help over the month, and Ratchet had let it slide, enjoying the small reprise with the elder Lombax.  

He felt bad for ignoring the responsibilities the two of them had. But the opportunity to get to know another Lombax, learn from him, everything he yearned for...the pull was too great. But while they waited for leads and for armies to get off their backs, they grew too complacent in each other’s company and too comfortable in each other’s arms. 

He knew he couldn’t stay in the little world they built forever. Especially Alister.  

“I think you should go.” 

Azimuth froze mid-bite of his burger and frowned. “No.” 

“Why not? We’ve been stuck here for weeks and I can tell you’re getting anxious.” And in danger of going stir-crazy. “Maybe it would do you some good to get off planet and talk to people who aren’t me!” ‘And the ghosts haunting your dreams whenever you manage to get some sleep.’ Some things were better left unsaid. 

“No, I do not! I don’t need other people!” Azimuth scoffed. “I have you, and you are enough!” He got up, tossing his burger to the side.  

“We are DONE with this conversation, Ratchet. I don’t want to hear-” 

“NO, WE’RE NOT.” Ratchet scrambled up too, quickly placing himself in front of the other Lombax. He glared up at Azimuth, throwing the elder off and making him step back. 

“It is not enough Azimuth! Before me you had no one and you even told me that wasn’t okay and unhealthy-” 

“But that was-” 

“But nothing! Alister, you need to go. Now.” 

Ratchet didn’t realize what he said until it was too late, but he stood his ground. Azimuth NEEDED this, no matter how much he fought back against it. Ratchet barely registered the other Lombax suddenly growling and baring his fangs. He yelped when Azimuth grabbed him by his collar and pulled him closer. This...was the closet Ratchet had ever been to the older Lombax while they were both awake. For the second time today. 

His eyes. They were still so exhausted. 

It looked like the bags under his eyes had bags. Frown lines and old battle scars marred his rugged face but the shadows that always seemed to linger under his eyes looked a lot lighter this close up. He was still handsome, despite all of his flaws. He shouldn’t be so attracted to this man, especially with his temper. But yet... 

“How dare you? I-” 

Well, there was no time like the present to get even closer. “Please...” Ratchet took a chance, reaching out and gently grabbing Azimuth’s face. The most intimate physical contact they’d ever had outside of Aphelion for the third time today. A record. “...Alister...” He didn’t miss the Lombax’s eyes widening at the use of his first name. 

Ratchet wasn’t sure Azimuth was aware of how close they were earlier in the day. The man struggled with physical contact on any level other than a friendly spar. Seeing him flinch as if he was struck, it was abnormal. 

Ratchet held Azimuth’s gaze. It was a sea of emotion behind his eyes and it looked a little duller. “Just do it for me, okay?” Ratchet wondered if those blood red eyes saw Ratchet or Kaden.  

Was it okay, manipulating the other like this, just because Ratchet knew Azimuth would do anything for Kaden?  

He felt his hand being squeezed back and his feet touch the earth again. Ratchet stumbled a bit, feeling himself being tugged forward. More physical contact? Ratchet saw the other hesitate, Azimuth’s sleep deprived mind going into overdrive.  

Taking advantage of that should be fine. Just this once. Ratchet reached up and caressed the other’s face. He smiled hearing a raspy purr coming from Azimuth. Just this once, he’d use his proximity to a person he didn’t know to get what he wanted. 

It felt strange. He’d have to find some way to make that up to him.  

“F-fine. I’ll help them. Only because you asked...Ratchet.” Azimuth blushed at the beaming smile the younger Lombax threw his way. He suddenly let go of Ratchet’s hand and backed out of his grasp, swiftly grabbing his wrench and starting up his hover boots. 

“But this means we’re up extra early tomorrow morning for training!” 

“Yes sir!” 

Azimuth nodded, pleased with the response he received and boosted off towards his ship. The smile slipped away from Ratchet’s face once the Lombax was gone. 

It felt...surreal, using his uncanny resemblance to his father to manipulate Azimuth. It worked, but Ratchet didn’t like it. He wasn’t sure if Azimuth was doing this for him or Kaden, despite what the other said earlier.  

He sighed, going back to his now cold food. 

There was no need to dwell on such vexing thoughts. 

It was a sudden boom that woke Nefarious up and put him instantly on edge.

He had powered down for a bit, shut down anything that didn’t need to be on to save energy and keep the current occupant in his lap warm. Nefarious had stayed awake for weeks prior, making sure his plan for Qwark went off without a hitch (so much for that) and making sure his “hideout” stayed off the grid and didn’t attract attention. The only means he had of even staying booted up were through archaic USB plugs. The option of “sleeping” by shutting down for 8 hours never crossed Nefarious’ mind during those long four weeks.

Holed up in cramped working quarters, surviving off of nothing but Galaxy Crisps, Nefarious was grateful for this small downtime to really recharge. But only two hours into a much-needed rest and the danger they were trying to avoid reared its ugly head. Nefarious booted up fully, keeping his eyes on the entrance of the cave. The noise he was hearing was coming from above, but he had no doubt that Nevo’s robots would find the entrance (and its two occupants) sooner rather than later.

Nefarious took a moment to glance at Ratchet. All of this noise and not once did he stir. Was he holding a rock or a Squishy? Ratchet had to be the heaviest sleeper he ever had the displeasure of knowing. But he supposed Ratchet needed the rest just as much Nefarious did. But now wasn’t the time to remain blissfully unaware of the situation, their lives were very much at stake, and he’d be damned if he died in a cave on a remote planet, of all places. An even louder boom rocked the cave, throwing him off balance. Nefarious’ eyes went back to the ceiling. What were those robots even trying to do?

“Clank, keep it down, would you? It’s...sleep time.” Nefarious’ attention was dragged back to the snoozing Lombax. He growled a bit, all of this commotion, and he STILL wasn’t awake.

“Sorry to burst your bubble Sleeping Wumpbeast, but your robotic pal isn’t here. Just me.” With that, Nefarious stood up and let go of his grip on Ratchet, letting him unceremoniously drop to the ground. He woke up with a start, mouth open and ready to scream obscenities at whoever treated him so rudely. But Nefarious was quick, already leaning over Ratchet and slapping his claws against his mouth, giving the Lombax the universal sign of ‘shut the hell up, we’re in danger and if you yell, we’re dead you squishy idiot’. Green eyes widened at that. Ratchet nodded, signaling his understanding of the situation they found themselves in.

Another quake from above shook the cave, but this time it was closer to the entrance. Nefarious wasted no time grabbing Ratchet and dragging him further into the cave. They stumbled over stalagmites as the rumbling near the entrance grew louder. Nothing scared Nefarious. Things ran from him, not the other way around. People feared for their lives in his in presence; he should not be fearing for his. Fearing for Ratchet’s. This was not how any of this was supposed to go.

Ratchet scampered over a fallen boulder and Nefarious followed suit, sliding into a small space between the cave wall and whatever Ratchet was trying to give him. The hazy blue light from outside didn’t reach so far back, so it left the pair sitting in total darkness, save for the dim red glow of Nefarious’ optics. The only sounds they could hear was Ratchet panting and the hum of Nefarious’ motherboard. The sounds from above had stopped. Did the robots move on? Or was it all a trap?

“Nevo’s robots?” 

The question was so quiet he nearly missed it. Nefarious nodded. “I don’t know if they actually found us or if they’re going around trying to scare us out of hiding.”

“Well, we’re probably going to get killed just sitting here, we have to do something!” The desperation in Ratchet’s voice was loud and clear, even though both of them were barely whispering. What could they do? Try and fight a whole horde of robots bent on wiping them off the planet? Which was an idiotic plan no matter how one approached it. Make a run for it and hope Nevo’s robots don’t catch up to them? They were already lost in this forest as it was, running blindly into it hoping not to be killed was just as idiotic as the last plan. There wasn’t anything they could do that wouldn't end in their demise. And turning themselves in was the absolute last thing anyone wanted to do.

Nefarious could practically see the wheels turning in Ratchet’s head, the Lombax thinking up any and every plan to get them out of this mess, and ultimately discarding whatever he came up with. His tail moved agitatedly across the ground while he tapped at the dirt and quietly mouthed whatever he came up with. Nervous habits he wasn’t even aware the other had. But what did he have to be nervous about (other than a gruesome death that was decidedly undeserved?) Nefarious was quite certain that this kind of situation found its way into Ratchet’s life on more than one occasion (and Nefarious was sure he put the Lombax in a few of said situations) and the rodent had proven himself in every one and gotten out alive, though a little worse for wear. Or were these little habits par for the course? Something that sprung up when whenever he was in trouble? How in Zoni’s name did he manage to hide that from the group this whole time? That was some good blackmail material for future schemes. Now though? It was...troubling? Bothersome? Nefarious would find the right word later. Time to get through this uncomfortable...thing that was eating at him.

“Don’t...overthink this.” Nefarious felt himself stumbling over his words. It brought the other back to reality (and Nefarious pretended the owlish stare Ratchet fixed on the robot didn’t make him feel better.) Why was this so hard? “You’ve been in worse situations than this haven’t you?” Stupid, stupid, stupid. Of course he has, you caused them! Nefarious wanted to rip his lower jaw off and never speak a word ever again. This situation, the mess they were in, it was messing with him and he wanted out.

“Yea...I have...but this time feels different. I feel off? I guess? There’s a million thoughts flying around my head but I can’t hold one down.”

Nefarious let out a mechanical sigh and peeked at the entrance to the cave, trying to collect his own scattered thoughts. Ratchet stilled, keeping his eyes on Nefarious, hoping the other had thought of something when he could not. He could swear he felt the crack above his eye itch.

It didn’t take a super genius to figure out what was wrong with Ratchet. The boy didn’t have Clank with him. The other robot grounded the Lombax. Took the scattered thoughts and made them organized.

But how? That was the part Nefarious couldn’t figure out. Neither could look each other in the eyes in the middle of a fight and say everything would be alright. You can’t offer a soothing hug in the middle of a dog fight. Nefarious chanced a look back at Ratchet. How did it-?

He bit back the urge to scream, instead rolling his eyes back as far as it could go. Realization hit him like an asteroid breaking through the atmosphere. Clank was Ratchet’s anchor. A literal one. An ideal size and weight to concentrate on and keep one grounded in reality.

Anchored to his back...

Nefarious was sure that if he could blush, his face would be bright red right about now. Every question, every wistful thought, every argument he had these past couple of hours fought its way to the forefront of his mind. This was absolutely not the time for his usual word wall. This wasn’t the time to be...feeling! But heavens above, he was a simple man and he took what he wanted.

And he wanted Ratchet.

Wanted him to know it was alright, that’s what he meant. Yes.

(He was very certain the planet was trying it’s hardest to kill him, one way or another.)

Everything in him felt strained and pushed to its limits as he reached over. Clawed fingers hesitated, hovering a hair’s breadth away from the Lombax. Ratchet’s eyes never left his face. He took hold of the other’s arm, feeling the sinewy muscles underneath yellow fur quickly tense up, only relaxing when the rough handling he experienced earlier didn’t come. Nefarious was grateful the other choose to stay quiet, willingly letting himself be pulled along, and back into the warm embrace only minutes before he was suddenly removed from.

Nefarious felt him squirming and his body shake with every quake from the robots above. Was he always this antsy? No, restless. Or was this because Clank wasn’t here? Nefarious felt himself scowl, thanking his lucky stars Ratchet was turned away from him. Jealousy? Him? No point in denying it anymore.

There was no way out of the situation they currently found themselves in. Anyone could see that. Ratchet had looked to him for a solution, and for the first time in his life, Nefarious couldn’t offer one. Would Ratchet, if they made it out alive, think of the doctor any less?

Not the time, Nefarious.

“I’m not going to lie to you,” Nefarious ground out, still deathly quiet. Ratchet shivered, no longer cold, but not expecting such a somber, gravelly tone from the other. And so close. So close. “There’s no way out and there’s an eighty percent chance we might die in here. All we can do is wait.”

Ratchet let out a little laugh, still restless, and squirming in the doctor’s lap. “Waiting and watching was never my strong suit.”

Nefarious laughed along with him. Restless. He was a poor excuse for a Clank replacement, yes, but the other was still jittery. His tail started moving on its on again, slowly the disturbing the ground underneath. Very curious.

“Something you and I have in common; I suppose.”

“Oh there’s more we have in common, Qwark is the bane of both our lives.”

Okay, the restlessness was starting to get annoying. They were supposed to be keeping still, not alerting their pursuers to their location. Nefarious placed one hand on Ratchet’s chest, pressing him slightly against his chest plate and another hand on his thigh, squeezing it, not thinking through what he was actually doing. Ratchet stilled.

“And he got us both trapped in this mess.” Nefarious growled out.

“Yeah.” The other huffed.

The doctor barely noticed his hand traveling up the other’s leg, too busy trying to keep Ratchet still and calm. Too preoccupied with trying to figure out exactly how Clank managed to keep the Lombax grounded without actually being there. He barely noticed Ratchet carefully sliding back more into Nefarious’ embrace. The slight movement dragged the doctor out of his thoughts. Did it seem louder in the cave? Warmer? He felt something snake its way around his waist and all his scattered thoughts snapped to attention. That was Ratchet’s tail. Was he doing it on purpose or did it have a mind of its own? Damn his lack of knowledge on Lombaxes.

Nefarious felt his mind beginning to spiral when he felt it. While Ratchet’s tail wound its way around a metallic waist, the Lombax himself was grinding his hips down. But it was slight, barely noticeable unless you were tuned into every movement of the squishy whose very life was in danger. Now everything made sense. But gods above was he inexperienced.

He had been in previous relationships, sure. But most were for show, to gain a powerful ally in his push to rid the Solana Galaxy of every living organism (and get back at Qwark), others...he never made it past dainty kisses and being cooed over with the Valkyries. In all of those relationships, he never took control, choosing to give the reins to partners behind closed doors and put on a show of power in public.

Nefarious let his claws drag along Ratchet’s inner thigh and felt him shudder. But he could see how it could be enticing, being the one in control for once.

“A lot in common, indeed.” Nefarious whispered. Why was it so loud in this blasted cave? Was it actually loud? Or were his servers overheating and going crazy?

And here was another intrusive thought, did Ratchet treat all of the people in his life like this? No, he wouldn’t...right? Or was Nefarious just that naïve in how various relationships worked? He didn’t know. But he did know he didn’t want anyone else to be able to experience...whatever this was that was happening. If they managed to even survive this cave, or this planet.

“Or survive that insufferable noise...” he growled.

“W-what noise...?”

Curse his inability to keep his thoughts to himself and his mouth shut. It was going to get him into trouble one of these days. Well, more trouble than he was already in.

The doctor flexed his claws in irritation and heard Ratchet bite back a moan. He quickly decided that was the cutest thing he’d ever heard come from the squishy, but if he wanted to hear more, they needed to be quiet. “That...noise!” Nefarious hissed, gripping Ratchet’s thighs instead to keep the noises coming out of him to a minimum.

“It sounds like they’re drilling above us, we need to-”

“Uh...its...not the robots" Ratchet interrupted, making sure to keep his face out of Nefarious' view. "It's me.”

“It’s...what?”

Ratchet’s tail tightened the hold it had on Nefarious’ waist and Ratchet silently cursed the predicament the two found themselves in. The heat coming off Nefarious in waves felt so good and the tight grip the robot’s claws had on him made thinking extremely hard. Ratchet honestly didn’t want this to end. It was so good.

“I-I’m pretty sure...Nevo’s robots moved on a while ago. The sound...is me....purring...” Ratchet barely whispered out the last of his words, his face felt like it was on fire. Why him?

“Purring? What in the hell is that?”

Ratchet inwardly groaned. Nefarious was either being very good at being an evil mastermind and toying with him, or he honestly didn’t know. He gave the doctor the benefit of the doubt and hoped it didn’t come to bite him in the tail later. “I don’t know if others do it...but when Lombaxes feel good....we purr.” And with that, Ratchet was ready to be tossed off Nefarious’s lap. Gods help him he never had to explain that to anyone, it was so embarrassing! But he was never in a situation with someone else where this would arise, not even with Sasha. Nefarious already had a piss poor view of organic lifeforms and this little (embarrassing) tid bit of information on a near extinct species was not helping his case.

What he didn’t expect was to be drawn in further in Nefarious’ embrace, if that was even possible. The robot growled out a harsh laugh, close, so close, to Ratchet’s ear. He jumped, but gods he enjoyed it.

“Well now, seeing that we’re out of harm's way, I’d like to do some...research. See how long we can make you purr.” Okay, now Ratchet’s head was spinning and he was sure his fur was turning as red as he felt. Damn his bodily functions. He didn’t think Nefarious would like that and take advantage of it! Wait, Nefarious liked it. Did he...

“N-Nefarious do you-”

“-come in Ratchet. Where are you?”

“Clank?!”

“Ratchet?!”

Nefarious growled. “Of course.”

It felt like the Lombax had exploded out of his embrace as he called for his teammates and waved around his com for a better signal. The tail that was once encircled around his waist was stood up at attention, the relief was so evident in Ratchet’s entire little body. His excitement. Relief to get away from Nefarious’ grasp? It made sense. Excited to never be alone with the robot like that again? Nefarious felt his optics darken a bit at that thought. Of course, nothing good happened to him. Why should he have considered himself lucky to get in the Lombax’s good graces, and see a side no one else had seen?

It wasn’t for him. Nothing that good was ever for him.

“Qwark and I are en route to your exact location; we should be there in two minutes.”

“Ratchet! Hey little buddy do your favourite galatic president one tiny favour and tell Nefarious I have a bone to pick with him! How dare he-”

“Qwark please, this is not the time! We have to get them before Nevo’s robots come back!”

Ratchet laughed. “We missed you guys too. You wouldn’t BELIEVE the situation we were in.”

Nefarious quietly mocked the conversation as they crawled their way out of their hiding spot, and eventually out of the cavernous hole in the ground. Was it childish? Absolutely. But he was a bit upset at Ratchet’s abrupt departure and excitement at being recused. No wait, no one could be angry at being rescued. But this was different, he had to know what made Ratchet tick. He had to know that he wasn’t going crazy (crazier than he already was) and that all of Ratchet’s attention was reserved for just Nefarious, no one else. He needed to know if the Lombax treated all of his friends and acquaintances...that way.

“Ratchet! Oh, sweet Zoni it is good to see you guys!”

And being interrupted like this (by Qwark of all people) was maddening, to say the least. Nefarious would never get another opportunity like this again, and he knew Ratchet would make sure of it. To stay as far from the doctor as possible. Nefarious glared at the rapidly brightening sky as he marched behind the Lombax. He hated the galaxy’s piss poor attempt to make up almost killing them. A sense of humour indeed. And nearly tripping over a stopped short Lombax just had to be the kicker, wasn’t it?

“What’s the big idea?!” he shouted. He was in no mood to play games with anyone. Nefarious just wanted off this planet and back home to sulk. He almost screamed again when Ratchet hushed him but quickly kept his mouth shut when he felt that blasted tail wrap around his arm. That thing must have had a mind of its own and Nefarious realized it drove him crazy. In a good way.

“Looks like we have a little research to do later, huh?” Ratchet shot Nefarious a smirk he knew would drive him up the wall. And it was working, but Nefarious was showing perfect restraint. He had to with the rest of their party within earshot. Impressive.

Nefarious could do nothing but stare at Ratchet as Qwark LOUDLY made his presence known. He tuned out of the absolutely disgusting display of a sweet reunion and was honestly amazed with himself for keeping as calm as he did all this time. Something was mellowing him out. But now he knew. He was certain.

Ratchet was for him. What he saw in the cave was for him.

Was it all just for the doctor? Nefarious had no doubt he would find out and nothing would stop him or get in his way.