Chapter Text
Gallagher walked into the hallways of the manor. He was called in on a whim, not being given any information apart from the fact that the Dream master wants to have an immediate audience with him.
As he reached the front of the Dream master's study, flutter sounds could be heard above him.
"Hm?" He tilts his head and sees a crow perched on the ledge of the chandelier. The crow's eyes were not ordinary; its usual black iris was replaced with purple ones. The crow's eyes were staring right at him, as if looking into his soul.
Gallagher scratches his head and loosens his tie slightly. You've been keeping tabs on me, haven't you, Gopher Wood?
As the door opened, Gallagher could hear the voices of a calm man and an increasingly frustrated and distressed voice.
"What do you mean? Why was I not told this earlier!" Sunday slammed his hand on the study table; his voice rang with barely contained fury.
"Ah, Gallagher, you finally arrived. Please take a seat." Gopher Woods ignored Sunday's outburst and gestured to an empty chair for Gallagher.
"Nope, I don't feel like sitting. So, what do you need me hear?" Gallagher waved Gopher's offer off and changed the subject instantly. He would rather be anywhere else but here. Sunday's head snaps to look at Gallagher, his face full of scorn as he questions Gallagher.
"Did…did he tell you that there was a Stelleron hunter in Penacony?" Sunday's voice was a low growl, his hands balled into fists. Gallagher was not amused in the slightest, letting out a loud sigh, scratching his chin.
"…And if he did? What could you have done? I'm not sending my men to a suicide mission." Gallagher put his hands into his pockets, looking at Sunday with contempt in his eyes. They had a staredown for a few moments before Gopher Woods clapped his hands together to release the tension in the room.
"Now now. I have important matters to discuss with Sir Gallagher over here. Sunday, we will discuss this matter later. Do you understand?" Gopher Wood walked over to Sunday and placed his hand on Sunday's shoulder. He then leaned in and whispered something in Sunday's ear. Gallagher couldn't hear it, but he could see the shift in Sunday's attitude.
What is he doing? He didn't just call me up to settle his kid's issues, right? This is why I cannot stand both of them. Gopher Woods and Sunday.
Sunday's face went from scorn to something else, his eyes widened slightly, and his hands were shaking. Gopher Wood moved away from Sunday after he was done talking and walked towards Gallagher.
Sunday, without warning, storms out of the study room. The door behind him slams shut, like a gate being sealed. Gallagher, being unimpressed by Gopher's action, gave him a bored look as Gopher took a stand near the windows.
"So, what did you bring me up here for?" Gallagher was getting annoyed by how complicated Gopher could be. It got worse when he had a sudden fixation on making Penacony a real-life dream. It's gotten too out of hand; there were multiple reports of deaths occurring, but he doesn't give a shit. To him, the life of the people of Penacony is like lab rats to him.
"Ah, yes, I asked my son this question before, but he fully ignored me. I like to hear your own opinion." Gallagher braced himself, a question that made Sunday himself ignore? That's not normal in the slightest.
"Have you ever wished upon a shooting star?"
Gallagher crossed his arms and closed his eyes while he pinched his nose bridge.
…Has this old bag gone senile?
Gopher Wood laughs for the first time in a long time, unnerving Gallagher slightly. "Oh, maybe I wasn't clear enough. What if we could fulfill every possible wish? Those that are impossible to grant in reality. Say, for example," Gopher Woods smile did not meet his eyes.
"What if we could revive an Aeon?"
Gallagher knew one thing.
This bastard is up to no good…
~
Robin had just finished her little encore performance for the children, their eyes beaming with joy and admiration. They were practically jumping up and down from excitement, pleading Robin to sing one last song for them to hear.
"Please, miss! Can you sing one last song?" A little girl holding onto an origami bird was tugging at Robin's skirt, pouting and making sad puppy eyes at her. Robin bent down and patted the little girl's head. "I'm sorry, little one, I would love to sing one last song, but it seems like your parents are here to pick you up."
Robin gestured to the group of adults standing at the side and called for the children to go back. The children all gave disappointed looks, reluctantly saying their goodbyes to Robin.
"Bye bye, miss! Your voice was really nice!" The children ran off to their parents, telling them about the nice lady who gave them a small encore as a reward for finding all the origami birds.
I'm glad the children weren't bored with the performance. Hm?
A small origami bird had perched on her shoulder, tweeting and leaning closer to her cheek. Robin noticed that the origami bird's colour looked familiar, almost similar to Firefly. Robin giggled to herself, stroking the origami bird's tuff of hair gently.
"Did you enjoy the performance too? You remind me of someone I like." The origami bird leaned into the touch, chirping as if it agreed with her. I wonder if Firefly feels the same. Wait, oh no!
Robin didn't realize how much time had passed. Checking her phone, she had been playing with the children for almost an hour. She scanned the area and found Firefly talking to Gallagher. She let out a sigh of relief as Firefly wasn't left alone for such a long time.
I shouldn't have made her wait for me like that…
The origami bird nuzzled itself against Robin's cheeks, noticing how she looked slightly down. Robin, in return, gave the origami bird a nuzzle back. She wished she could keep the origami bird as a pet, but her schedule would have made it impossible to take care of it.
"Thank you, but I need to go off now. Why don't you go hang out with your friends?" Robin pointed towards a group of origami birds playing on a nearby tree.
The origami bird looked between Robin and its friends, torn between its choices. Robin let out a chuckle before stroking its head once more, nudging the origami towards the group.
The origami bird, reluctantly flapped its wings to gain altitude, lifting off Robin's shoulder. Robin could feel the small gust of wind that was being created from the bird's wings, feeling slightly ticklish.
The origami bird takes one last look at Robin before flying away to join its friends. Robin watched the origami bird happily join the group and turned towards Firefly, who was still talking to Gallagher.
One day, I might need to say my goodbyes to Firefly as well…Would my heart be able to take it?
Robin knows Firefly can't stay with her forever; she knows Firefly will have to part ways once Firefly completes her search. She doesn't want Firefly to leave her, she doesn't want to return to back to just being an idol. An idol whose freedom is shackled down, an idol who is only recognized as just an idol, nothing more.
The only person who treated me as someone who isn't just an idol was none other than Firefly. I shouldn't think so negatively. Right now, I should just focus on the present. The future will change constantly, maybe Firefly might stay with me…Or at least tell me what her true feelings are.
As she gets closer to Firefly, she notices that Gallagher is walking away, hands in his pockets. Robin, knowing how busy his schedule is, so she is used to Gallagher leaving halfway through their conversation. As she is about to call out to Firefly, Gallagher turns around and says something to Firefly. Robin didn't get to hear the words, but she could understand the words that were mouthed.
'Don't go running away now.'
Robin slows down, making quiet steps towards Firefly so that she doesn't startle her. She could see Firefly's hands curled into a ball, slightly shaking from the strength being used.
Robin calls out to her, and Firefly turns around quickly, her fist uncurling. Robin studies her carefully, from the way she answered her quickly to the way her eyes flickered with uncertainty.
When Firefly said that Gallagher had some urgent business to attend, Robin had intended to just make a playful jab at Gallagher's busy schedule due to her father's antics, but she felt a twinge of frustration when she mentioned her father.
He always does whatever benefits him most; he doesn't really care what happens to Penacony…Or its people.
Robin didn't really want to think about it much; she just wanted to head home and rest with Firefly beside her. Just as she turns around, Firefly firmly grabs her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Robin felt her cheeks heating up, confused as to what Firefly was trying to do.
Did something happen? Why did she go silent? Is there someone following us again?
Robin locks eyes with Firefly, and the uncertainty in her eyes is replaced with a hardened resolve. It was a brief pause; Robin felt like her surroundings were frozen in time. She could hear her own heart beating loudly. Firefly has never been the first one to act, so this was a first for Robin.
Does this mean Firefly is finally going to reveal how she actually feels?
"…Can I take you to a place first? I have something to ask you."
Ah…
~
The walk to the spot that Firefly had mentioned wasn't far, and Robin felt like she could take that time to reorganize her thoughts. Firefly suddenly grabs my hand, then tells me she wants to take me to a spot to ask me something…A secret spot only she knows. I think I might go crazy.
Robin still doesn't believe that Firefly finally made a move, quite a bold one in fact. It felt like she was dreaming, which was ironic considering where she was right now. Robin slowly trailed behind Firefly; her hand was still being held, but the firm grip had softened.
Firefly didn't say anything for a while, occasionally checking in on Robin and quickly turning away. Robin can see Firefly's ears redden slightly from embarrassment, and her grip on Robin's hand tightens slightly. Robin lets out a quiet giggle, which causes Firefly's shoulder to slump.
"Sorry, this feels so out of the blue. I wasn't sure if a public space was appropriate." Firefly sheepishly spoke after long moments of silence. Firefly slows down her pace and walks beside Robin, her hand still not letting go of Robin's.
Robin could feel her heart beat quicken again, not as fast as before but still noticeable. "O-oh, it's fine really! I just find it…endearing?" Robin watched Firefly's cheeks redden as her shoulders tensed up slightly before drooping down.
"Robin…Stop teasing me…" Firefly looked like she was a sad puppy being soaked in the rain. Robin could feel an arrow shoot through her heart; she could not deny that Firefly looked absolutely adorable. It makes me want to pat her head…Control yourself, Robin!
Robin doesn't deny that she loves teasing Firefly alot, she loves watching Firefly get flusterred. Robin squeezes back Firefly's hand as an apology; Firefly freezes up at the sudden gesture. Firefly remained silent for a while before giving Robin a gentle squeeze back.
Robin was shocked, Firefly not only took the initiative today, she also reciprocate Robin's affection. Robin felt like everything she wished for was being granted so easily. Did a wishing star pass by? What's happening?
Robin didn't want to seem too flustered by this act, fanning herself, hoping to bring down the rising heat.
"So…This spot you are taking me? What is it like?" Robin decides to change the subject; if she lingered on it any further, she might short-circuit.
A small smile forms on Firefly's lips, a finger raised and placed on her lips. "It's a secret. I can't spoil the surprise now." Robin gives Firefly a small pout before laughing it off and poking relentlessly at Firefly's cheek.
Firefly, in return, gives a bigger pout at Robin's silly antics. Firefly suddenly lets go of Robin's hand and runs forward in front of her. "It's up ahead! Last one there pays for tonight's dinner!"
Robin, shocked and slightly appalled by Firefly's sudden challenge, let out a "Hah?" Which made Firefly crack up on the spot before she returned to running ahead.
"Hey! That's not fair! You got a head start!" Robin picks up her pace and runs after Firefly. "No, I'm letting myself have a winning chance!" Firefly exclaims as she tries to outpace Robin.
As Robin catches up to Firefly, she is greeted with the greatest sight ever. Firefly was grinning ear to ear; the dawn sky behind her made it extra magical. Robin didn't care about the little race they had right now; seeing Firefly smiling like this was all she needed.
I'll cherish this memory forever in my heart. What a beautiful sight to witness.
~
Firefly lost by a slight margin after purposefully slowing down so that Robin could win. Robin was laughing as she caught her breath, wiping sweat off her forehead.
I wanted to lighten the mood slightly, but wow, she is fast! Made me break a sweat!
Robin's laughter filled the air as she joked about tonight's dinner plans. "Hehe, let me think about where we should eat later. I wonder after all, so I should have…"
Robin goes silent as she stares at the view before her, her eyes shining in the dawn sky. Why did Firefly take Robin here? Firefly had first come across this area by accident while trying to make her way to Robin's concert when she first arrived in Penacony.
The night sky had reminded me of the field of fireflies that I once visited; it was one of the most memorable memories I have cherished to this date. I had intended to make this my secret hideout to escape the Bloodhound's eyes. But it would be a shame to keep it a secret.
Firefly was glad the Robin seemed to enjoy the view; she would have thought Robin would have seen this view countless times since she was a Resident of Penacony. I wonder if she knows that such a location exists in Penacony.
"So…do you like the view? I wanted to share this view with someone close." Firefly rubbed the back of her neck, laughing awkwardly. Robin snapped out of her trance and turned her head around slowly.
"Firefly…words cannot describe what I am feeling right now. It's just so breathtaking." Robin looked at Firefly with such innocence like she was just given the best gift that she could have asked for.
Robin turned back to look at the view, the gentle wind blowing against her. Her hair swaying slightly, Firefly could have sworn Robin had turned into an actual angel; the glow from the dawn made her look ethereal.
Firefly hadn't noticed this herself, but she had been staring at Robin since they got to the hideout. Her gaze lingered on Robin, and a small, affectionate smile crept its way onto her lips.
Robin finally turned her head around, the wind still blowing against her. She gave Firefly another memory, one that she would forever cherish.
Robin's smile was both warm and loving, the dawn skin making her glow. "Thank you. Really. Thank you, Firefly." Her smile got wider as she gave Firefly a tight and affectionate hug.
Firefly was slightly stunned by the hug, not sure if she should return the gesture. She could smell the shampoo that Robin used since she was so close to her.
She smells like lavender…Aeons, I'm not weird for saying this, right?
Firefly felt Robin's hands tracing small shapes on her back, and she could hear Robin humming a tune. It feels…ticklish yet warm, but I don't mind it. Yeah…I don't mind this feeling.
"Robin..I have been running away like a coward all this time. Now, I can finally tell you the truth. I like you, Robin."
Firefly finally brought her hands up from her side and embraced Robin as tightly as she could. Firefly could feel Robin jolt slightly from the hug before Robin let out a small laugh. "I was stupid for letting myself think that you wouldn't like me back." Firefly could feel Robin shaking slightly as she hugged her, her grip tightening after hearing what Firefly said.
"Finally…you finally told me how you really feel." Robin's head tilted slightly down, resting on Firefly's shoulder. Firefly could feel her clothes being slightly soaked, and she could hear Robin crying. Robin gripped onto Firefly's clothes as she sobbed into her shoulder.
Firefly glanced at Robin with sad eyes. She knew that Robin had feelings for her, but she never understood the magnitude of it. Her rejection that night must have amplified Robin's feelings for her in some way.
Robin, she must have waited for a while…She was worried I might reject her again.
Firefly hesitated at first, her hands hovering over Robin's back. She was worried she might make Robin feel even more emotional.
Firefly had never comforted anyone before; in fact, she was always the one being comforted. SilverWolf would always play games with me when my entropy loss gets mildly unbearable. Kafka and Blade would normally take care of me if I get too sick to move…I never realised how much I taken them for granted till now.
Firefly placed her hands gently onto Robin's back, one hand still holding Robin in a gentle embrace. The other hand was slowly tracing small circles on Robin's back.
She had watched Kafka comfort Silver Wolf when she couldn't beat Kafka in a shooting game. Kafka rubbed Silver Wolf's back with small circles, and Silver Wolf calmed down but was still salty about the loss.
Well, Silver Wolf was always known to be slightly unhinged at times. Maybe this will work better on Robin…Hopefully.
Sure enough, Robin's sobbing had calmed down, replaced with sniffling. Firefly, seeing this, felt relieved that it was working. Robin seems to be calming down. I need to thank Kafka once I return.
"I'm sorry, Firefly…Your clothes are wet from my crying." Robin's muffled voice came out softly, but Firefly heard it clearly.
"Don't worry about it, Robin. You can always lean on my shoulders." Firefly said it with such profound confidence that even she was shocked by it.
Robin looked up at Firefly, locking eyes with her. Robin's eyes were puffy from crying, tears were still falling, and it made Firefly want to reach out and wipe them off.
"…mise…" Firefly didn't catch that part properly. She leaned in closer to Robin. "I'm sorry, Robin, could you repeat yourself?"
Robin took in a deep and shaky breath before replying in a steady voice."Promise me…you won't run away anymore."
Firefly paused for a moment before patting Robin's head and embracing Robin tightly.
"I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll stay with you no matter what."
Firefly looked at the dawn sky, the stars in the night sky giving her the courage she needed.
"I promise that I will never break your heart again."
~
They stayed that way for a while, only letting go of each other when Robin had finally calmed down. They were sitting down and leaning their backs against the railings. Their shoulders were touching each other, fingers intertwined with each other.
Robin was back to her normal self, laughing at how emotional she got when Firefly finally confessed. "I must have looked like an idiot crying like that."
"Robin, you didn't do anything wrong. It's good to let out your feelings." Firefly shook her head in disagreement, leaning closer to Robin. She never noticed how much stress was lifted off her chest; she felt so at peace being next to Robin.
This should be fine, I just don't have to tell her about me being a Stelleron Hunter. I'll allow myself to be selfish.
Firefly doesn't want to think about how Robin would react when she eventually finds out that Firefly is a Stelleron Hunter.
I went from trying to complete the script to avoiding falling in love to fully falling in love. Silver Wolf would say that I went ahead to do the side quest first instead of the main quest.
Robin gently squeezed Firefly's hand, looking at Firefly with eyes so filled with love that it made Firefly's worries melt away. "Well, what was the question you wanted to ask me anyway? I don't think you dragged me all the way here to ask me out only?" Robin looked at Firefly with a coy look whilst poking at Firefly's cheeks.
But…that was the only question-Oh wait, the thing that Gallagher said.
Firefly recalled that Robin had been in an incident; the media doesn't know the origins behind it or what happened to Robin. Gallagher didn't give her anything else since he told her to go find it out herself.
Maybe I shouldn't pry. There was a reason why they didn't let anyone know, but at the same time…
Firefly inhales a long breath, turning to properly face Robin. Still holding her hand but with a firm grip, Firefly fires away the question.
"Gallagher told me that you had an incident that was covered up. Do you mind telling me what actually happened?"
Robin went wide-eyed, then let out a scoff, looking slightly hurt. "Really, Gallagher…I told you not to meddle in my business."
Oh shit! Firefly quickly tries to change the subject; it was stupid of her to try to pry into something so privy.
"Hey, you don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable!" Firefly waved her hands around frantically. "We can just talk about something else! Like-" Firefly was cut off when a pair of hands grabbed each side of her cheeks and stretched them.
"Silly bug, I don't mind sharing it with you. It's just that Gallagher went behind my back!" Robin pulls at Firefly's cheeks with slight annoyance, "But you have to tell me one of your own secrets too."
Firefly pointed at herself and made a 'why me?' face, not being able to talk properly since her cheeks were still being pulled at. "Yes, you, my silly bug. Since this is official, we shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other."
Robin pulls Firefly's cheeks for a little while longer before releasing her, giggling at Firefly's puffed-up cheeks from the pulling. Should I just lie? But if the truth comes to light, it might make her not trust me anymore…
Firefly doesn't mind telling her about her entropy loss, but she can't reveal anything about Glamoth or her Stelleron Hunter identity. These are out of the question.
"Well, we can stop anytime if you feel uncomfortable, alright?" Firefly reaches out to hold Robin's hand, giving her an affirmative squeeze. Robin looks at Firefly and gives her a small, affectionate smile.
"Alright, here goes."
~
Robin recalls the time when she first decided to leave Penacony to help other planets that were struggling from the aftermath of the Stelleron. It was the first time she decided to venture out alone after being sheltered in Penacony for so long.
"Robin, do you understand what you are trying to do? As much as I want to support your cause, you'll be venturing alone into dangerous territories." Sunday's concerned voice rings across the dining room.
Robin remembers how Sunday looked at her, how he dropped his usual plastered smile when he heard about her plans.
"Yes, but I don't want to sit around and watch others suffer. There must be someone to help bring harmony to those who are suffering." Robin does her best to keep her voice as calm as possible, but the rising anger within her starts seeping out slowly.
Sunday set his fork down and let out a small sigh while rubbing his temple with his fingers. "Robin, I need you to think carefully. There is no way everyone can live harmoniously with each other. There will always be strife, greed, and hatred. This is just a pipe dream, I'd rather you just go and wish this upon a shooting star-"
Robin slams her hand on the table, rattling the cutlery and plates that were neatly set on the table. Sunday was unfazed, maintaining eye contact with Robin, who was shaking from anger.
"Sunday, do you mean to say you don't mind watching people suffer in anguish?" Robin could feel tears threatening to fall, but she endured it. Her fists were curled into balls, shaking from rage.
Is my brother insane? For once, this is where I disagree with him.
Sunday, still maintaining eye contact with Robin, lets out a small scoff. "That's the first time I seen you angry. I'm sorry, I must have phrased that wrong."
Sunday bows his head apologetically at Robin, looking back at her with eyes full of remorse. Robin finally lets out a rather loud sigh and slowly sits back down on the chair.
The silence hung in the air for a while; neither side wanted to cause unnecessary arguments again.
Ugh, I look like a child throwing a tantrum. That's a first even from me.
"Then, what do you mean?" Robin decides to break the silence first before Sunday could get a chance. She wants to see if her brother was on the same page as her.
Sunday, slightly caught off guard by her question, shifts in his seat. "Well, I already stated my concern. I care about the other planets' suffering, but I don't want you to suffer, Robin."
Sunday's face darkens slightly, lips quivering as he speaks. "I just don't want to lose my family again."
Sunday looked at Robin with pleading eyes, as if begging her to change her mind. But Robin's resolve didn't falter; her gaze never wavered as she locked eyes with Sunday.
Sunday, realizing that nothing was going to change Robin's mind, reluctantly lets out a small sigh. "What am I going to do with you, little sis? In the blink of an eye, my little sister grew up to be such a capable person. Mother would be proud of what you achieved."
Robin lets out a sigh of relief after being able to win the tug of war, and slowly sits back down. "Thank you, Sunday. And for the record, I didn't always hide behind your back." Robin chuckled at Sunday's remark.
It's true that I tend to fall back on hiding behind my brother's back, but I want to stop that habit. I need to learn what it means to be able to spread my own wings and take flight.
Sunday leans forward, placing his hands together and resting his chin on top. "I can have the transport prepared for you, but you must promise me something, Robin."
Well, it's never easy with him…
"I need you to stay safe. If the situation gets ugly, I want you to prioritize yourself first." Before Robin could say anything, Sunday continued with his conditions. "And you are to have some form of bodyguards with you. And lastly, you need to inform me of your adventures, so please write to me."
Robin had a blank expression as she processed the last part of her brother's comment before bursting out into a fit of laughter. Sunday, looking slightly flustered, stammers out a lame excuse that makes Robin crack up even harder.
Yea, I miss these peaceful moments between us siblings. Now it's just…
The surrounding fade into a blur, Sunday's voice slowly sounding more distant as it fades into the background.
~
"…Robin? Are you ok?" Robin snaps back to Reality after hearing Firefly's concerned voice. Robin could see that Firefly shifted closer to her now, her eyes scanning Robin for any signs of discomfort.
"I'm fine! I was just reminiscing!" Robin could feel heat rushing to her cheeks, waving her hands in front of her to conceal the blush forming on her cheeks. Firefly reaches for Robin's hand and holds it firm, "Robin, you don't have to continue if you feel uncomfortable. We can always do this another time."
She really cares about my feelings…
"Firefly, I'm alright. I was just remembering how my brother and I still had a good relationship. Back when he wasn't the head of the Oak Family, back when he wasn't drowning in responsibilities." Robin could remember the subtle shift in Sunday's behaviour as he took on the position. He stopped acting like a sibling I could converse with, even though he tries his best.
Firefly doesn't let go of her hand but eases up on the worrying. "Alright, I just want to make sure you don't feel uncomfortable." Firefly makes a pouting face at Robin, which makes Robin want to pull her cheeks again.
"Hehe, thanks, Firefly. Now where was I…"
Robin proceeds to list some planets that she visited to help bring and spread harmony. Some planets were welcoming, even when the Stelleron had made its mark on the planet. Robin does her best to help them with her voice since it can help ease the pain.
But she knows that those afflicted with the Stelleron can't be cured, no matter how much she tried, no matter how much she sang till her voice was hoarse.
Robin had several rude awakenings while she was travelling, but she would never tell her brother while writing to him.
"I was naive back then, but that never deterred me." Robin continued to help planets, hoping to spread harmony even when the situation seemed grim.
"But…not all the planets were peaceful, correct?" Firefly was tentatively listening to Robin's story, her gaze always on Robin.
Robin silently nods, pondering how she could make this part seem less gruesome. I hope she doesn't get uncomfortable hearing this.
"There was a planet that had several fights all over the planet. People fighting over issues such as territories, food, supplies." Robin's fist tightens on the hem of her dress.
She vividly remembers the smell of gunpowder, children crying, and people shouting and fighting each other.
"I went there to help ease the strife across the planet. It was very risky, and my brother had advised me not to go. But I never listened to him." Robin lets out a wry chuckle, knowing that her brother was right to warn her.
"That day, there was a shortage of food, and the refugees were fighting amongst themselves. Some of them were armed." Robin could see the daunting horror creeping onto Firefly's face as she spoke.
"…What happened…afterwards?" Firefly's voice was steady, but Robin could hear an underlying fear in her tone.
"The protesters were getting out of control, to the point that I was being forced to back away for my safety…" Robin paused for a moment, letting herself reorganize her thoughts. Firefly was as still as a statue, waiting for Robin to tell her what happened.
"A protester had accidentally fired their gun while having an altercation with another person. It was a stray shot, never intended to be aimed at me."
Robin remembered the bullet hitting the side of her neck, and before she realised, she was on the ground. Searing hot pain lodged in her neck as she choked up blood and struggled to breathe.
She remembers her vision blurring as blood pooled underneath her, her hand trying to staunch the wound to no avail. Her bodyguards surrounded her and rushed her back to the ship. She was rushed off the planet for emergency treatment, and Sunday eventually found out.
The doctors said it was a miracle she even managed to survive; the blood loss she suffered would have killed her if they were even a minute late.
"I couldn't talk for a while since my vocal cords were damaged, but through proper treatment it healed in a few months." Robin brought her knees closer to her chest and hugged them.
Robin remembers how strained her voice was, how she couldn't voice her complaints when Sunday made decisions without asking for her opinion first. The pain wasn't unbearable, but it hurt to not be able to speak or sing for a while.
I didn't really care that I got shot since it was a misfire from a protester, but it sucks how much my life has changed afterwards.
"…Robin…I…" Firefly goes silent beside her, her eyes unable to meet Robin's. Oh no! I knew this might happen!
"It was a long time ago, Firefly! I don't even care about it-" Robin was cut off when Firefly suddenly lunged at her with a tight hug, causing her to lose her balance and topple down. She didn't have a painful landing thanks to Firefly cushioning her fall by hugging her.
Okay, what is happening? Today is just full of surprises…
Robin's movement was restricted by Firefly hugging her and being on top of her; she could feel Firefly's breath tickling her neck. Robin didn't dare to move, but it was starting to get hard to breathe with the extra weight suddenly on top of her.
Firefly, slowly releasing her hug, raised herself to be directly above Robin with both hands pressed against the concrete floor. Robin had only seen these scenes in romantic shows before; she could already feel blood rushing to her face. I feel like I'm going to faint!
"F-Firefly! This is a bit sudden! I don't think I'm ready-"
Plink!
Robin could feel something wet fall onto her cheek.
Plink!
Robin looked up to see tears streaming down Firefly's face, Firefly staring at her with hurt in her eyes. Robin was speechless; she didn't expect that her backstory would make Firefly feel like this.
Now I feel bad for sharing…I should apologize.
"Why…" Robin could barely hear Firefly's words since she was so soft, the stream of tears still falling.
"Why did you brush that incident off? Robin, you got shot!" Firefly's whole body was shaking as she spoke, tears falling even faster now. Robin could hear the anger in her voice, but she didn't back down; she knew that it was an accident, that whoever had fired it had never intended to hurt her.
"It happened so long ago! And it was an accident, they never meant to-" Robin tried to argue back, but she got cut off by Firefly.
"It could have killed you! It doesn't matter if it was a stray shot!" Firefly's voice got increasingly louder as she spoke. Robin had never seen Firefly look so infuriated before; she could hear Firefly's nails scratching the concrete floor, possibly from curling her hands into a ball.
"Firefly, I need you to calm down. I already said it's fine, and I didn't care that I got shot! As long as no one else got hurt-"
"But I care, Robin! I care that you got hurt, I care that you got hospitalized…" Firefly sat up while straddling Robin, her hand clutching the yellow bow as she subbed softly.
Robin slowly gets up from her position, making sure she doesn't accidentally move Firefly from her current position. Robin slowly reached for Firefly's face, just like how Firefly comforted her that day. She gently wiped off the tears streaming down Firefly's cheeks while cupping her cheek.
Firefly sank right into the touch as if she longed for it, letting Robin slowly thumb away her tears. "Firefly…I'm glad that you feel angry for me, and I understand your feelings. But I'm here, I survived it, and that's all that matters at the end of the day."
"B-but…" Firefly was sniffling and trying to stammer out a response before her cheeks got stretched again by Robin.
"No buts! If you keep on trying to fight me on this topic, I'll pull your cheeks out!"
Robin kept pulling at Firefly's cheeks till she surrendered, pouting at Robin with her puffy and red eyes. Firefly quickly got off Robin and apologized for making her fall over so suddenly. They were back to sitting next to each other, except Firefly was the one holding her knees to her chest.
…Do I finally tell her about the scar left on my neck?
Robin omitted the part where the bullet scar was slightly visible on her neck; she didn't want Firefly to question her about the scar, so she did her best to hide it, but maybe it was her chance to explain it.
"I have something to show you, but please don't freak out." Robin unclipped the choker and let it slowly slide down her neck until the scar was visible. Firefly didn't notice it at first until she shifted closer to Robin, her eyes widening slightly upon seeing it.
"It's unsightly, right? I have to hide it since I don't want my fans to know about it…" Robin gently caressed her scar, a stark reminder of the incident.
"I don't think it's unsightly. It shows that you survived, it's something like a battle scar." Firefly reached out to touch the scar but stopped herself halfway through, looking ashamed of herself. Robin giggled to herself before gesturing to Firefly that she had permission to touch her neck.
Firefly hesitated for a brief moment before getting closer to Robin, but her hand wasn't stretched out to touch her scar.
"Hm? Firefly what-"
Firefly had straddled Robin again, before Robin could fully react, she leaned in to kiss Robin's scar on her neck. Robin could feel the warmth emitting from Firefly's lips, and she almost fainted on the spot. Firefly lingered for a few more seconds before she slowly pulled herself back, not able to look Robin in the eyes.
"Take this is as an apology for rejecting you that day while we danced at the event." Firefly was using her arm to cover her blush forming on her cheeks and averting eye contact from Robin. Robin, on the otherhand was in full reboot mode, trying to process what just occurred.
…She just kissed me…I'm not hallucinating it…
Robin could see Firefly waving her hand in front of her face frantically, worried that she might have accidentally broken Robin. "Robin? Are you there?" Robin slowly raised her hands and grabbed Firefly's shoulders, preventing her from escaping.
"Firefly…can you please do it again? But this time round, do it on my lips, please?"
Firefly's shoulder jolted in a panic, and Robin could see smoke clouds forming from Firefly's head as she faints on the spot.
Ah…I think I broke her instead…
~
Ahh, that was so embarrassing! I don't know what was worse, me kissing Robin on the neck or me fainting right in front of her!
It had taken everything in her not to faint when she kissed her for the first time, but asking for a kiss on the lip was too much for Firefly's poor heart.
They were preparing to headback after Firefly recovered, they didn't realize how late it had gotten, and they were both mentally exhausted.
I didn't think today would get so emotional from both of us. I'm just glad it didn't end horribly…
As Firefly was standing up and patting herself down, Robin suddenly coughed into her hand and turned to look at Firefly with anticipation in her eyes.
Firefly didn't catch the hint at first until she remembered that Robin had asked her to share one of her own secrets too, after Robin shared her own private secret.
I could just tell her a lie but…she went out of her way to tell me one of her most private secrets.
Firefly didn't want to disappoint Robin with a lie; she didn't want Robin to feel betrayed if the truth about her ever came out.
Firefly looked at Robin, the rhinestones on her face shone in the dim lighting from the dawn sky, making it shine like the stars in the sky. Robin's eyes were filled with trust and affection for Firefly, and the guilty feeling had made its way to her heart and clawed onto it.
Will she freak out? That I'm a Stelleron Hunter, that I had killed before. That the fact that the person she loves is nothing more than a wanted criminal. But…I want to trust her…I want to take that leap of faith.
Firefly mustered up every ounce of courage she had left in her, "Actually, I have to-"
"Robin! Finally, I found you!" A voice rang out across where they were standing. Firefly, slightly annoyed, looked up and saw a man with a halo similar to Robin's walking towards them. Firefly recognized him; it was Sunday, even though he was wearing a mask when they first met.
"Brother? How did you…" Robin's voice trailed off as Sunday stopped in front of them, panting as if he ran a long marathon.
"Robin, I was trying to find you, but you weren't home! My phone's battery had died, so I couldn't contact you…Oh, and you are…Miss Firefly?"
Sunday looked at her with a puzzled expression, as if it was their first time meeting. Did he not recognize me? Granted, my face was covered, my headband should have given it away…
Firefly gave a curt nod at Sunday and turned to look at Robin, who was equally puzzled at Sunday's sudden appearance.
"Miss Firefly, I'm sorry, but I need to have a private chat with my sister for a moment. So I need you to not follow her for a while."
…Yea that's not suspicious at all.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Sunday, I only take direct command from my employer, who would be Robin. So I cannot leave her alone unless she tells me to." Firefly takes a glance at Robin, hoping Robin got her hint.
"Firefly, it's ok. I'm just having a chat with my brother. You can go back to the apartment first. It shouldn't take long." Robin gestured for Firefly to leave first; her voice was firm, but a small smile formed on Robin's face.
"Robin, it's my duty-"
"I know it's your duty to be next to me at all times, but it's just my brother. You don't have to be next to me for this." Robin cut her off, and Firefly was left speechless as she had no choice but to turn her back towards Robin.
As she slowly walked away, she took one last look at Robin, who was conversing with Sunday.
Why…does this not feel right at all?
As Firefly walked back to the apartment alone, there was a nagging feeling in her heart. Like something bad was going to happen.
Why does it feel like I'm not going to be able to see her again…