Chapter Text
“Mao Mao, are you here?” I call as I wander HQ in search of him. I haven’t seen him since this morning when he was training Adorabat. Where could he be? Maybe Adorabat was right and he went into town. I don’t even know why I’m worried. Mao Mao has been out for longer before, so why am I worried now? Well. I know why. One reason is my ever growing feelings for him. The other reason is how he looked… off, this morning. It’s hard to pin down but he looked… hurt. Not limping around or anything, just it as if he had been yelled at. Maybe he just had a bad dream or something...but the thought doesn’t make me feel any better.
“Mao?” I call down the poles. No answer. Could he be outside? I step outside and look around. Not here. I guess-. Sniffling stops me from leaving. I stop and listen. The sniffing sound like it’s coming above me on the roof. I peek up to the roof and I see Mao Mao, who is in a ball, crying. “W-why? W-why d-doesn’t h-he l-love me?” Mao Mao sobs quietly. My heart shatters. Who could he be-? “Why daddy? Why?!” He screams in sorrow. Welp. That clears up that mystery. Mao Mao starts to cry louder. I had no idea that it was that bad with his family. I mean, I knew that things weren't good. But I didn’t know that Mao Mao was this hurt. Wait. How long has this been bothering him?! Oh no! I’ve been a terrible friend! I think about every time I brought it up and cringe. I-I didn’t know. I feel tears run down my face. I back away inside. Mao Mao would be horrified if he knew I heard him, he always wants to appear untouchable. I lay down on the couch and close my eyes- er, eye.
What can I do to help him? What...should...I……
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“No please!” Mao Mao begs as a looming shadowy figure chases him. “Your such a disappointment! You are NOTHING! You dishonor the family name!” The figure chants. “I’m sorry! I-I’ll do better! P-please don’t hurt me!” Mao Mao cries as he becomes cornered. “Everyone would be better off if you weren’t born!” The figure acuses. How dare he talk to my Mao Mao that way! “Stop right there, scum!” I command. The figure turns to me and glares. “Who are you?!” It screeches. “I”m Badgerclops. And that person you are herassing there.” I point at Mao Mao. “Is my boyfriend. So if you don’t want to experience the beatdown of a lifetime then I suggest you leave, NOW.” I threaten as I ready my arm cannon. The figure laughs me off. “You?! Defeat me?! Bawh! Don’t be ridiculous! Your just a fat Badger with a metal arm!” It sneers. “Wrong. I’m a fat Badger with an arm cannon that’s gonna blast yo face off!” I correct as I let the shot I been charging blast off at the figures face. But the blast doesn’t even phase the shadowy figure. “Is it sinking in yet? THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP HIM!” The figure laughs maniacally as it begins to shift into some sort of overpowering mist. “Please, dad, no! Don’t hurt him! I’ll do anything! Just please don’t hurt-” “BADGERCLOPS, WAKE UP!”
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“Wha!” I exclaim as I wake up. “I found a really cool rock today, see?” Adorabat tells as she holds up said rock. “That’s… real neat, Adorabat.” I force out. Adorabat looks worried. “Hey? Are you feeling alright, Badgerclops. You seem really freaked out.” She points out. I shake my head. “Yeah. It was just a bad dream. Don’t worry about it, kiddo.” I comfort as I pat Adorabat on the head. “Oh no! That’s awful!” Adorabat says. “Yeah. But don’t worry. Hey, did you eat yet?” I ask. Adorabat shakes her head. “Then let’s get lunch. Where’s Mao Mao?” I ask. “I’m right here.” Mao Mao says as he enters the room with his apron on. “And I made lunch while SOMEBODY was off in sleepy bye land.” Mao Mao hints sarcstly. I’m just going to ignore that. “Awh. You made us lunch? That’s very heroic and impressive.” I say as I watch Mao Mao’s reaction. I notice Mao Mao stands a little straighter and his pupils dilate a little at my words. “Yes! Of course it is! Everything I do is great!” Mao Mao brags with a big goofy smile on his face. While normally I wouldn't want to make him too cocky, but given what I saw earlier, I think an ego boost might be just what he needs. “Well?! Come on! The soups getting cold!” Mao Mao exclaims as he gestures for Adorabat and I to follow him into the kitchen.
“Yay! Hero soup!” Adorabat cheers as she flies off into the kitchen. I get up off the couch and follow to the kitchen. I smell the air. “I gotta admit. It smells delicious, dude.” I admit as I take my seat at the kitchen table. “And I bet it’ll taste delicious too!” Adorabat chimes. Mao Mao has a noticeable spring in his step as he takes the pot of soup off the stove top. “And lunch is severed!” He announces as he places the pot on the table. I take the ladle that’s resting in the pot and pour Adorabat’s bowl first. Growing minds need to be fed! “Here ya go!” I say as I hand Adorabat her soup. “Thank you!” Adorabat thanks as she takes a sip. “MMM! It’s soooo good!” Adorabat squees. I pour myself and bowl and I take a sip. “Dude! This is so good!” I exclaim. I begin to chow down on this goodness. Holy cow, I had no idea Mao Mao could make something this good! “I have never eaten anything so good!” I exclaim in between bites.
I steal a glance at Mao Mao. Mao Mao’s eyes are closed and he has a very content smile on his face. He sways back and forth, almost like he’s shy. Gosh, he’s gonna be the death of me. He can cook, he’s cute, he’s very sweet when he wants to be. He has my heart under lock and key and I’m fine!
One very yummy lunch later…
“That was so good!” Adorabat chirps. “Y’all have no idea how good I’m feeling now.” I mumble as I pat my belly. “Yes. It was a successful meal.” Mao Mao nods. “Where did you get the recipe?” Adorabat asks. “It’s an old family recipe, actually.” Mao Mao tells. I zone out what comes next out of Mao Mao’s mouth as I think about how his family just abandoned him like that. I feel so mad! How could they do that to him?! I glared down at my bowl. Is it even possible to hate someone you never met? I glance over to Mao Mao who is freely telling Adorabat all he knows about the soup as Adorabat watches in awe. They hurt my man, my best friend, my co-hero. One who I cherish. His dad made him cry. So yeah, I guess that means...
I hate Mao Mao’s dad so much .