#shipfic

The Best Thing In Ralsei's Room

'Susie, this is the best damn idea you've ever come up with!' The girl thought to herself as she pushed a stone statuette against the ground. Its smiling visage was that of the infamous ICE-E, the mascot of mediocre 'pezza' and miserable, weird employees. Sure, it wasn't fun having to lug this thing up the stairs, but at least it would be put to good use... for once. After seeing the incredibly depressing void of a bedroom that Ralsei didn't even think he should have in the first place, she knew that putting anything inside would be a pleasant change of scenery.

Even this thing.

Once she reached the green door of Ralsei's bedroom, she threw it open, sliding the statue inside with a triumphant smile. “Alright, furniture piece number one! Feast your eyes on this!” She exclaimed, moving the ICE-E statue so that it was now in the center of the room, facing Kris and Ralsei. Kris, as per usual, expressed the spectrum of human emotion like a still life painting, but even then she could tell that they were looking at her choice with a judgmental gaze.

Ralsei, however, was more audibly and visually shocked, instantly recognizing the piece from Kris' own bedroom. He stared into the unhinged smile of the statue, unsure of how to feel about it. Susie was always so kind and surprisingly generous, but... well, he didn't really like it. Not that he'd say so aloud. “Oh! Th-thanks, Susie..?” He replied, giving a polite, if confused, smile to her.

“Least I can do,” She said, feeling quite accomplished with her good deed. As she turned towards the door, ready to continue on from this depressing encounter, she heard Ralsei whisper something.

“...Kris, can... you take this back?”

Susie paused, sneaking a glance over her shoulder with a somewhat offended expression. She felt moderately annoyed for a brief moment. Did he know how hard it was lifting that piece of junk up the stairs? Why would Ralsei want to refuse such an awesome... such a great... uh... terrificly...

...okay, so the ICE-E statue was a pretty crappy present. Even Kris didn't want it, holding their hands up as if saying 'I'm good'.

“Ah well... perhaps I can use it as a... seat? Maybe if I put a tablecloth on it, it'll make a nice table..!” The kindly prince thought aloud, not wanting to be overly rude. It was very generous of Susie to even think to give him something in the first place! He felt as if he should be more grateful, especially considering that he didn't even need anything. He shouldn't want for anything. He was lucky to even receive such a... 'lovely' statue.

'Way to go, dumbass,' Susie thought to herself, listening to Ralsei try to cope with the pathetic piece of furniture. Of course he'd be way to kind to be upfront about it. It almost made her stomach turn that he'd be forever tainted from receiving gifts because she couldn't be a bit mindful of his own feelings. A part of her wished he had just straight up said 'Wow, Susie! It sucks!' She was never one to give up easily, however, a small determined huff escaping her snout as the gears in her brain turned once again. This time, she'd put effort into making them come up with a good thought.

Realizing that she had been standing at the doorway of the bedroom, obviously eavesdropping, Susie cut the awkward silence she was creating by fully turning her head. Her sharp, toothy smile was just as bright as ever, snapping a finger dramatically. Being around Tenna seemed to rub some of his 'showmanship' onto her, she figured. “Well! If you think that's good! Wait 'til ya see... the second piece I've got for ya!”

“Gosh, a-another one?” Ralsei responded, his eyes wide with surprise. She was far too generous for him to comprehend! “O-oh, Susie, I-I really couldn't-”

“Yet you will!” She insisted loudly, already rushing out of the room. “Don't go anywhere!” She said, slamming the door behind her.

“Uh... okay??” The prince called out, feeling rather embarrassed at this point. Kris couldn't help but compare his stature and expression to that of a nervous kid opening gifts on their birthday, unsure of how to react to so much positive attention. Did Ralsei even have a birthday? They tucked this thought into the back of their mind, wanting to return to it at some point.

For now, as the dumbfounded Darkner waited patiently, Kris decided to take some matters into their own hands. They walked over to the statue and began to slowly slide it towards the wall. Face first, obviously. “Kris? Do you need some help?” He'd ask, being met with a silent shake of the head. Ralsei's done more than enough decorating for all of their rooms, Kris wanted to return the favor somehow. The best way? Moving this eyesore into the corner of the room, facing away from everyone. They flashed a thumbs up to the Prince once their job was done, offering the tiniest smile.

“Er, th-thanks, Kris! Maybe I could put a flower vase or something on it... oh gosh, listen to me, already sounding so demanding!” Ralsei responded, looking away as he quickly grew flustered with his selfish thoughts. The silent human responded to this by bowing deeply, perhaps overly so, as a way to tease the fluffy boy. He was a prince, after all. He was clearly embarrassed by the gesture, but couldn't resist a small laugh. “Kris!”

While all of this was happening, Susie had rushed to her bedroom, sweating as she scoured around for something – anything – to give to Ralsei. “Dammit, c'mon Susie, think! What the hell would a fluffy lil nerd like him enjoy? Books? I don't got any of those!” Looking at her furniture, she realized that practically all of it was catered to her likes. Plus, there was now way she was going to be able to haul something like her refrigerator or her bed up the stairs even if she wanted to.

“Hm... maybe I could give him one of those?” She thought aloud, staring at the decorative axes above her bed. Before she was able to step atop of her bed, however, something else caught her eye. Something that was thankfully a bit easier to pick up. It was the small, goofy plush toy that Kris had gifted to her back in Cyber World. For some reason, it looked like her. “Oh, I forgot I had that.”

She reached down and plucked it from her bed, looking it over as she admired the details. “Heh. Even has the little wristbands and everything. Cool,” She said, her face scowling a bit as she flipped it over, spotting the little tail poking out. She gave a few tugs, tutting quietly. “Damn, did they really have to add this though? Eh, whatever. Still pretty accurate.” Susie liked the plush well enough, even if she didn't really care for things like this. Susie's face flushed a bit as she smiled and gave a decisive nod. She knew someone who could use this more.

“...he seems like the type to like things like this.” She said as she exited her room. Hopefully she hadn't taken too long making a decision. Susie didn't know why, but her heart was starting to beat exceptionally fast. At first, she just thought that it was from running down the stairs, but even now it was still thumping as if her chest were a drum set. It certainly didn't help that her face was growing warmer and warmer as she moved closer to Ralsei's bedroom.

“...I hope he likes this one,” Susie mused, feeling a bit anxious about her choice. She didn't know why this mattered so much to her, but Ralsei needed something good in his room. Not just that, but he needed to know that can receive gifts. He needed to know that Susie liked him.

...not 'like him' like him... probably. The thought lingered around her brain despite how much she tried to shoo it away. She squeezed the mini Susie in her hands as she gritted her teeth. Why was this wreaking havoc on her nerves in such a way? Normally she didn't give a crap about... those sorts of emotions. As far as she knew, she wasn't even capable of feeling them. So she thought, at least.

“...UGH don't make it weird!” The purple girl admonished herself, shaking her head. “You're just giving a gift to your cute fr-” Susie choked a bit, realizing what she had just said, letting out another exasperated yell. “AUUUGH WHATEVER!” Susie picked up the pace, her face glowing brighter at this point as she attempted to steer her thoughts to literally anything else. She didn't have much time to do so, finding herself in front of the green door once again.

Susie paused momentarily, steeling her nerves as her heart threatened to burst from her chest. Her hands squished the plush idly, using it as a stress ball. She was careful to not accidentally rip or tear it. Before she could allow the opportunity to second guess herself, she reached forward and opened his door, holding the plushie behind her back.

“YO RAL, THINK FAST!” She shouted, barging in. She watched as Ralsei jumped in surprise, quickly whipping around to face her. Kris also looked her way, but was as stoic as usual. Susie didn't give the goat much time to react before she threw the toy in his direction. She didn't throw it too hard, though it still caught him off guard.

“Wah!” He exclaimed, fumbling the soft projectile a few times before managing to grip it. His confusion quickly turned into curious delight, his eyes widening as he looked down at the mini-Susie. “What- oh! It's you, Susie!” Ralsei's voice brightened up considerably, his pretty pink eyes sparkling as he held the toy with the same delicacy of an egg. Kris recognized the toy as well, tilting their head in Susie's direction. They didn't seem too peeved about the choice to re-gift the prize, however. This was for 'the greater good', after all.

“Yup. Pretty sick, right?” Susie boasted, crossing her arms as she leaned against the door frame. “Tiny Susie there is definitely the best thing in here, now.”

“I love it! It's so cute!” He giggled, giving his new plush a large hug into his chest. “Oh, thank you thank you Susie!” Watching Ralsei gleefully squeeze his new possession made the butterflies in Susie's stomach return. She felt her own smile grow on her face, unable to look away from the adorable sight. She was certainly not getting jealous over a stupid plushie. No sir. Not her. Not even when he planted the daintiest little kiss atop of its head. Nope.

'Much better...' Susie thought, catching Kris's gaze. They had the smallest smile of their own, flashing a 'thumbs-up'. She returned the gesture as Ralsei stepped forward, still holding the toy close to his chest. His face was blushing brightly as well, though there was no denying the joyous smile on his muzzle.

“It... means a lot for you to give this to me,” He stated, a lump starting to form in his throat as emotional tears formed in the corners of his eyes. “I... I almost think I don't deserve something so wonderful..!”

“The hell are you talkin' about? Of course you do!” She replied, putting her hand on his shoulder. “I don't really have a need for it, anyways. Plus, y'know, you can hold it if you ever get scared or... or lonely.” Susie felt corny saying it, but she knew that the poor guy missed them terribly whenever she or Kris weren't there. Maybe this would help.

In response, Ralsei instantly pushed himself into Susie's body, giving her the largest hug he could muster. She froze up for a second, but soon returned it to the sweet, fluffy prince. She could feel him rubbing his face against her, sniffling lightly. The noises only made her hold him tighter. “Th-thank you...” He said with a muffled voice.

“You're welcome, Rals,” She sighed, ruffling the top of his head affectionately. She loved watching the boy melt into her hands each time she touched him, and this time was no different. As she rubbed his head, he pulled his face away, beaming up at her.

“...though, I think you may be wrong about what you said earlier,” Ralsei hummed, his cheeks starting to glow brighter. An idea was forming in his head. A selfish one, but one he wanted to see through regardless.

“Huh? W-whaddya mean?”

It took the boy a few seconds to answer, growing more and more bashful. Finally, he stood on his tip-toes, meeting with her eyes the best he could. “...I think you're the best thing in my room right now.” Before Susie could retort, Ralsei placed a small, yet undeniable, peck on her cheek. “Chu~”

“Wh?!” Susie exclaimed, freezing up for a lot longer this time. She couldn't even remove her arms from around his waist as her face burned a deep purple by this point. Of all the things she was readying herself for, she was not expecting a kiss! Ralsei couldn't help but giggle somewhat at her reaction, peeking over to a highly amused Kris.

“Hehe... I think I broke her,” Ralsei teased. Susie's grip tightened somewhat, unsure of how to retaliate. In an instant, she did what she did best: playfully bullying the sweet, nerdy goat. Namely by tucking him into a headlock and giving him a noogie. “EEEK! Susie..!” He squealed out, laughing uncontrollably. Kris couldn't help but enjoy the show before him, a small smirk still plastered on their face.

“So that's how you feel, huh toothpaste boy?!” She taunted, visibly and audibly flustered. Try as she might, that large toothy smile of hers refused to go away. Her actions weren't rough, though this didn't stop Ralsei from attempting to squirm out of her grasp. He refused to let go of the mini-Susie all the while. “Y-you'd better not go practicing kisses with my gift, you lil weirdo!”

“I won't, I won't!” He promised, his face now a beet red, equally as embarrassed at the accusation. He wasn't even considering it! At least, not until the rough girl put the idea in his head...

“Good!” Susie huffed, leaning down to whisper in his ear. “...you should be asking the real one for that.” This statement made Ralsei stop wriggling, feeling as if his whole face would light on fire.

“Huh?!” Was all he could exclaim before Susie finally let him go, flipping her hair.

“Anyways,” She coughed, turning to look at the highly amused human. “Let's get back to the tea party, huh? Ralsei's cake isn't gonna eat itself!” With that, she hurried out of the room, pushing back the desire to scoop up the precious fluffy prince and show him what a real kiss was like. Or at least, what she presumed one to be.

As Kris followed, they gave a knowing grin to Ralsei, playfully nudging him with a shoulder. “H-hey, don't give me that look, Kris!” He'd bleat, watching as the human soon left as well. Being left alone for a brief moment, Ralsei turned to the ICE-E statue in the corner of the room and moved toward it.

Before setting the Susie plush atop it, he looked back at the bedroom door, making sure he was by himself. With the affirmation that he was, Ralsei planted a small, caring smooch on the plush's snout, carefully setting it down.

'She's so kind... maybe one day I can find the nerve to k-kiss her again...' The prince thought as he hurried out of his room, smiling happily as he found himself with an extra skip in his step.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63856075

Dandy stood in front of the large blue door that led into Astro's room, holding his gaze on the pattern of stars and letting out a sigh. It was after hours, so most the toons didn't have much else to do today. Dandy slowly opened the door, calling out to the starry toon, "Astro? You up and about?"

Though, there wasn't any reply as he planted himself past the doorframe, closing the door rather loudly behind him. Astro didn't seem to be in his room right now, the darkness of his sleeping area inviting Dandy to turn on the room light. Dandy briefly shut his eyes as the room illuminated, revealing that the large plush bed was empty. Astro must still be out there with the other toons.

Dandy stood over the bed, eyeing the blankets with light jealousy. Astro has such a cozy room, one tailored for his maximum comfort. Dandy is sure Astro would understand him climbing up onto the bed, shifting himself under the silky covers and just letting out a large sigh relief.

-

Shelly stormed down the hall, trying to hold her head up high. There were sssoo many kids today, and an entire FIELD TRIP was brought into her museum area. She spent most the hours past the group leaving just trying to put the fossil pit back together. Shelly marched her way up to Astro's door, opening it with very little thought and making her way inside. Her mouth began to run before she could stop it, spilling itself to Astro, "I thought having more kids today would go well, but they kept messing with stuff... I was barely able to explain anything without them using the shovels as weapons!"

"Mhm..." The voice behind Shelly muttered, which was too light to possibly be Astro's voice. Dandy was laying in the bed, tightly wrapped under the covers and giving his usual smug look up at Shelly. Shelly's body eased upon realizing it was just Dandy, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"You sound like you need some rest," Dandy said, lifting up the blankets and motioning for Shelly to join him. She examined the offer with a pause, before climbing forward and slipping in beside Dandy, resting her head against his large petals.

-

Vee couldn't find Shelly anywhere, continuing to knock on her door with louder and louder. If Shelly wasn't in her room, where could she be. Vee's thought was instantly Dandy's room. She enjoys hanging out with his flower garden, but peaking her way into the green and rainbowy garden proved to show no Shelly. Thinkkkk Vee, where could Sh- Of course, Astro's room.

All the ones and zeros clicking away in her head settled on this answer, she was with Astro. He usually is who any of the toons go to when stressed. Vee pathed across the room over to Astro's room, turning the doorknob and stepping inside. That was not Astro, but it was Shelly. Vee identified both Dandy and Shelly relaxing in his bed, laid close beside each other. Vee giggled to herself, speaking up, "Thieving his bed away, without me?"

Dandy chuckled, though Shelly was dead asleep and letting out muffled snoring against the fluffy petals. Vee walked around the side of the bed and dropping herself into the warmth of the bed, cuddling up next to Dandy's other side.

- Star Tarts! Sprout rushed his way down the hall with a excited hop, holding a small box of his newest creation. Small blueberry tarts shaped like stars! He made this first batch for Cosmo and Astro, a few missing as Cosmo already had his fill. Sprout shifted the wrapped box to his right hand as he swung his door open, declaring, "I got you something Astro!"

He was shut up rather quickly when he looked down, seeing three very-much-not Astro toons staring back up at him. Shelly looked groggy and reading to go back to sleep. Vee and Dandy both shared a similar little cheeky smile. Sprout glared lightly at them, sitting the box down on the dresser that was lined with various small model stars and spaceships.

Sprout came up to them, and FLOPPED right onto Dandy and Vee. Both grunted loudly before they broke out into a giggle fit. Shelly almost joined them, but devolved back into slow breathing. Sprout pulled the blankets around, shifting his way into the trio's laps and pulling the blanket back over, embracing himself into the warm blankets, his thin green tail sticking out just next to Vee.

-

Astro yawned softly, huddling closely into his own blanket and slowly drifting gracefully back toward his room. It was a long day and Astro assisted Scraps and Goob with their crafts. He was carrying one of the finger painted star charts with him, smiling warmly at it. One of the floating stars pushed out from the wrapped blanket and clicked open the door, looking up once he noticed the light was on.

Ah, that's why. Three other toons laid cuddled into his blankets, snuggled close with eyes shut tightly, Vee's face blank with no expression covering it. A small leafy tail and big bump in the middle of bed cueing Astro as to where the last main was. Astro giggled, bringing two of his top arms out of his blanket to clip the finger painting up onto the various strings he keeps the crafts on. Astro silently drifted to the bed, scooting his way in next to Shelly, taking off the small blanket and slipping it on top of a small mat under his bed. His arms wrapped around Shelly, cuddling in.

Astro's eye slowly began to close, a small sparkle illuminating his hands.

If they sleep well like this, he might have to start making arrangements.