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Mirage balled a hand into his scarf, pulling it up to wipe his face with it, scrubbing sweat from his brow. It was hot on Kings Canyon, even more so because nothing in the arena had air conditioning.
Not even Crypto’s fancy new town takeover. Were they not allowed to use air conditioning even on the new buildings…? Maybe the games just… weren’t allowed to be comfortable in any way, hah.
He glanced up at Crypto, masking the look by pretending to stretch his muscles, sticking the screwdriver he was using in his mouth to free his hands.
Crypto had this cute little look of concentration on his face, sweat making his hair cling to his forehead, his cheeks a little red. They’d both been at it for hours, both shed their jackets and outer layers of clothing ‘cuz of the heat. Mirage was standing down in the pit that would eventually become the holo-map, tinkering with the hardware while Crypto worked on the software from his laptop.
“No way, drone-brain.” He’d said when Crypto asked for his help, even if Crypto asking for anything was a rare thing for him. Hell, it was rare he even talked to Mirage outside of a match. “Witt holo-technology is propr- pro… proprietary. I can’t just go around teaching everyone our secrets.”
“I just need a little help getting it right. It’s the crux of my town takeover, Mirage.”
It was so unlike Crypto to admit to needing anything, especially help, so… that had given him pause.
“Okay, but… I’m gonna have to take a look myself. Free of charge. Friends and Rivals discount.”
Mirage took the screwdriver out his mouth, keeling to get back to work with one more little glance at Crypto.
“And? Which one am I?” Crypto had said, a near smirk gracing his lips.
“Eh, it fluctuates.”
Which, you know. Wasn’t really a lie - there were some days in the arena that Crypto legitimately irritated him, or he was in a bad mood and kept snapping at him when things went wrong, whatever. But there were others… when they worked really well together, when things went right, when they won a match together covered in blood and sweat and Crypto flashed him one of those rare smiles. God, those were the best, so fucking hard to get out of him but blinding when he did.
Mirage kinda wished he’d smile more.
“Okay, try it now.” Mirage called up to him, stepping up onto the projector surface.
Crypto blinked like he’d been pulled out of some deep thought and then nodded, typing away on his laptop for a moment.
A second later the map flickered to life, the projection of Kings Canyon overlapping his feet. It worked, finally - the map was complete and bright and solid, even when he took a few steps through it.
“Hey, there we go! Works like a charm. Finally.” Mirage quipped, flashing him a grin.
Crypto looked so tired, but he actually smiled, one of those rare, earnest ones Mirage liked so much.
“Gomawo. Well done.” Crypto murmured, pushing his hair out of his face as he stood. He held a hand down to Mirage to help him up out of the pit, his grip strong as he pulled him up.
“Now I just need to finish the scan program…” Crypto murmured. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want. But, I appreciate the help… Elliott.”
God, when had Crypto ever called him that? Never, maybe?
He almost wanted to offer to stay, chat for a little longer, maybe keep Crypto company while he worked, but… he kinda knew when he was being dismissed.
“‘Kay well… if you ever have any issues with it let me know. I mean, you know where to find me.”
“Ya. I do. Gomawo.”
Mirage bit his lip, hesitating - he could still make the offer…
But Crypto was already sitting back down with his laptop, ready to zone out again, so…
“Well, see ya.”
He knew he was gonna regret it, for the rest of the night if not for the rest of the week. But he left Crypto to his work and headed back to Solace City, regret burning in his stomach the whole way. Why was it so fucking hard for him to… fuck, he didn’t know, try? Because he was afraid the lighthearted teasing was more than lighthearted teasing actually? And he didn’t wanna find out?
He didn’t want to dwell on it, but… Crypto’s little smile, his face red and his hair all slick with sweat, stuck in his mind for literal days. Right on up until their next match, when Crypto’s town takeover was to be announced.
He couldn’t wait, actually - he was really excited to see it in action, especially since the map was now a point of pride for him and like… something he and Crypto had worked on. Together.
Those before-match jitters were why he nearly left his room without seeing the little package that had been placed on the bunk, wrapped in gold paper. He only caught sight of it out of the corner of his eye as he was leaving, stopping in his tracks in the doorway.
He still had a few minutes before they had to ready up…
It was strangely heavy for its size when he picked it up, plucking the little note taped to it off and reading.
[Mirage,
Thank you for your help. I heard you hadn’t picked out your melee weapon yet, and thought maybe this would do. You can never have too much Witt, after all.
-C]
The handwriting was messier than he would have thought, for Crypto, which actually made him chuckle - but also he had no idea what was in the box, and the tension was killing him. He set the note down on his desk and ripped open the paper, prying out the heavy object nestled inside.
… And oh, my god. Yes. Where in the hell had Crypto gotten…? Did he make…?
ALL LEGENDS MUST REPORT TO THE DROP ZONE.
Oh, fuck, he was gonna be late - hopefully they’d accept a last minute heirloom application.
Mirage was grinning as he ran to make the drop, the trophy clutched tightly in his hand. It was gonna be a great match.