#novelproject

Addison, entering his room: hey Steven, where do I put these Strogg bits?

Buddy (sighing): what is it, Hebert? Some other "business" you want us to help you with?

Taylor: no, Buddy. It's about Keen. He's kind of... weird these days. Too close to Steven for my comfort.

Addison: in the good way, or the other way?

Taylor, a bit nervous for her answer: the latter.

Maddi: how DARE you to call my love an ergi, you slag?! (jumps out of the counter with her axes).

Taylor: Mads, I'm not accusing him! I say it because of how they're always together; sometimes they finish their own sentences, other times they talk at the same time... it's a bit suspicious.

Maddi: but where is your evidence, witch?

At that moment, the two entered the beachouse, their clothes torn or burnt off and their bags full of treasures (as always). What grabbed their attention, however, was when they talked.

Keen and Steven: hello, fellas, how is it going? Been a rough day, isn't it?

Garel Strum, describing how life was in 40K (and also talking about monday).

Good men are always the ones in the line to fall first, but it's their sacrifices that bring new tomorrows”.

Isaac Clarke, speaking to Cormac the Mage after their battle against the Brethren Moons.

The King will return...

One of the hardest things to accept when you're a smartass like me, is that you'll always be alone. Whether by choice or because you decipher people faster than an AI, it's nigh impossible to make friends, or even be with your family, because the things that matter hurt you the most, you're always at your own throat, you overthink what you'll say, and are constantly aware that you're just a lonely cog in the wheel, born to rust and then be dropped by the cruel fates.

And you the know the worst thing about it? That you simply have to suck it up, because any other choice is either a non-sequitur or an upcoming failure. Besides, women never go for nerds.

That's why I made the Berlin Chair at first, to be with people like me and stop this sadness, but... as time passed, I've become part of you like a radio with its transistors, and like a father with his kids. I changed like you. I feel joy and curiosity again after all these years. I even got a girlfriend, for God's sake!

In other words, you have become, and I'm not ashamed of saying it, my family”.

Commander Keen, in a secret conversation with his bro for life, Steven Universe. A Limitless World.

Eleanor, gasping: nothing, nothing at all! Just research!

Addison: does your investigation needs Keen's helmet and an pile of romance novels?

Eleanor: well... you know, to make sure he doesn't get hurt, killed or worse. Considering the guys and things we face daily, we'll need every protection to succeed (she tells her, trying to avoid the other elephant in that room).

Addison: riiight. Didn't know you needed The Pickup Artist for research, though. (she starts smiling at her friend, now aware of her true motives).

Eleanor: no, it's not that! (her red cheeks tell another story) I acquired them to see... and create a better... armor for him and.. and... (with no more excuses left, she admits defeat).

Addison: you really can't lie well, do you?

Eleanor: no, not really.

Addison: so, when did you start having the feels for him?

Eleanor: a month after Buddy came.

Addison: do you need help to win his heart?

Eleanor: can you keep it secret if I agree?

Addison: of course. That's what family is for.