#readercore

After a long day's work, finally you have some peace. Well, somewhat. Your newfound babysitter is relaxing right next to you. Normally the courteous thing to do is offer a cigarette to the other person. Though he isn't a person. Man made machinery with a curious mind of his own. Or more commonly referred to as Lieutenant Lunar Eclipse. Glowing under the moonlight as his attention is purely on the city beneath the two of you.

Pulling out a cigarette you pop it in your mouth as you search your pockets for your handy lighter. Your grumbling stops when you hear a familiar click of metal. Your gaze grabbed by the flame being held out before you. With a hum you move your cigarette over the flame inhaling to make sure it catches. Of course, it does. Finally removing the cig from your lips, a puff of smoke clamors out of your mouth. Your heart is pumping harder but your mind is now at ease. You lean against the brick and stare at the sight of your city.

The click of the lighter being closed was the only indicator of the comfortable silence coming to an end. "May I ask you a question?" Lunar finally speaks up. His voice, clear over the whizzing of cars below.

Shrugging your eyes lazily move to the blue figure. "Sure. Why not, got nothin' else to do." Your answer causes the Lieutenant's head to lower between his shoulders. Bending at his hips leaning further against the ledge. Eyes lingering a moment longer as it returns to the bright lights before them. 

"Why didn't you wait for help? With those kids, you put yourself in danger but..." Lunar's voice trails off, his hand motions before him, like he is grasping for the right words. "You never hesitated to throw your body in the line of fire instead of just staying safe with them."

"Why wait when you know, nobodys' gonna come?" You can't help the solemn smile tugs across your lips. The air hangs heavy, urging you to take another puff of your cig. Which you do. One long pull as you hold the air in your lungs. It burns your throat, stinging as you allow the air to flow out however it wishes. Watching the smoke cloud your vision of the city. 

Lunar makes no moves, though in the corner of your eye, you can see a flash of teal light. When you peak over, you find his gaze focused on you. 

The pause comes to an end once Lunar finally speaks, "But... I came." His expression would've been unreadable to anyone else. But at this moment, you know, guilt is written all over his face. His usually bouncy voice is hushed to a mere whisper. Eyes removing themselves from your form and to the ground below.

Now it's your turn to stare. You haven't seen your Lieutenant like this. It's new. Your heart tugs in your chest as your words fall out, "You're the first."

Almost like unclogging a pipe, you feel something wet stings your eyes. Your gloved hand presses against your cheek and pulls it back to realize- "...Tears..?" Muttering softly to yourself. When Lunar hears this, his head snaps over to look at you. His irises shrink at the sight. Once again you hold his gaze. His body turned to face you, one hand on the brick roof. The other hands in pockets.

Clearing your throat you drop the cigarette snuffing the bud with your heel. With one swift motion you use that heel to turn away from your 'babysitter'. 

"Are you-?" 

"I'm fine Lieutenant," You wave your hand for him to follow.

"But you're crying," Him and that damn soft tone. God. Sometimes you really wonder who the superior is.

"Enough with all the jabbering, let's just get home." You don't stop walking heading towards the fire escape. Catching the second set of footsteps that follow not too far behind.

Before you're able to make your escape from the conversation you feel two arms wrap around you from behind. The other set following not too long after. Once again, despite how desperately you held it in. Your vision blurs. Tears finally free fall streaking down your face. Clenching your fists, feeling how the leather of your gloves squeak against one another. Your back being tightly pressed to the animatronic's chest. 

The compression from the hug is as though a weight is lifted. Your shoulders raise as you refuse to let out a noise. Body shaking, forcing you to lean into your new companion's form. 

"I promise you, detective. I will always come when you call." Words like honey luling you into the security of his hold. Cursing under your breath as you sniffle. 

"Fuck you," Any venom in your voice is lost in the warmth you are given in this moment. Your hands grasping at his lower set of arms. Head drooping more sniffles give away your disposition. Though a soft chuckle that sings in your ears only feeds into it more. Lunar's head leaning onto your shoulder. 

No more words are spoken as the two of you stay locked together.

Next time, you might just take him up on his word.

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