Chapter Text
“BEEP, BEEP.”
Sword awoke with his alarm clock blaring in his ears, a sense of dread washing over him. The alarm clock's constant beeping reminded him that he needed to start getting ready for the day ahead, even though he didn't want to.
After a few moments of hesitation, Sword dragged himself out of bed and shuffled toward the bathroom to begin his morning routine. Getting ready was always a chore, but he knew he needed to take care of himself if he wanted to have a productive day.
Sword felt a wave of fatigue wash over him as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. He'd been staying up far too late recently, so he made a mental note to go to bed earlier the next night, hoping that a better sleep schedule would make him feel more energized in the mornings. After deciding on his clothes, Sword returned to his bedroom and took out his book bag, filling it with his laptop, notebook, and pencil case. He turned off his alarm clock and went to start his day after a quick scan of his room to ensure he hadn't forgotten anything.
The swordsman would take out his phone and text a friend of his to ask if they wanted to walk to campus together.
…
As the two walked side by side, they didn't say much to each other. Medkit was lost in thought, contemplating the challenges he was facing, while Sword was focused on the road ahead, eager to get to school.
Suddenly, Medkit stumbled and tripped, falling to the ground. His books and papers were scattered across the sidewalk. Sword, who was walking behind him, rushed to his friend's side and helped him up.
"Don’t hurt yourself, Med," Sword spoke, chuckling a little.
Medkit looked at the swordsman, a small smile forming on his face as he dusted off his uniform. “Thank you.”
Sword helped Medkit gather his belongings. "It's no problem. I'm just glad you're okay." He’d respond, as they both continued to walk on the pavement.
“Did you do your homework this time..?” Medkit asked, turning to his friend.
Sword would stare blankly at him, stopping in his tracks before giving an awkward chuckle and stuttering a little. “Yup!” An awkward grin was plastered on his face, and Medkit could see right through his facade.
“You didn’t, didn’t you.” He’d ask, a serious expression on his face, before giving a sigh and turning back to him.
“Can I copy off you?” The swordsman begged the healer, with him groaning before nodding.
The two stopped walking as they arrived at the gates, which was followed by a loud creaking noise.
“I hope you’re a fast writer.” The other commented before handing the other his homework as he jogged into the building, with Sword following behind.
…
The bell rang, marking the end of the last period of the day. Medkit and Sword were both relieved that the day was over and they could finally head home. They gathered their things and walked out of the classroom, feeling a sense of freedom.
As they walked down the hallways, they didn't say much to each other. Medkit was lost in thought, reflecting on the lessons he had learned in class that day, while Sword was excited to finally be able to relax and spend some time with his family.
As they walked down the hallway, Medkit turned to Sword before asking a question.
“Hey, are you free anytime this weekend?”
Sword shrugged. "I don't know. Probably nothing much. Why, do you have any plans?" He’d ask, a smile forming on his face at the thought.
Medkit shook his head. "Ah, no. I was just curious if you were up for hanging out or something of the sort."
Sword hesitated for a moment before answering, "Actually, I was kind of planning on spending some time on my own this weekend."
Medkit's face fell slightly at his response. "I see."
“One moment, allow me to use the restroom.”
“Alright.”
…
As they stepped out of the school and into the bright sunlight, they both felt a sense of relief. The day was finally over, and they could now enjoy the rest of their evening. Medkit and Sword continued to walk side by side, each lost in their thoughts, but with a sense of contentment and peace, knowing that they had each other's backs.
“I’m gonna head to my apartment.” Medkit would say in an odd tone. “I’ll see you later.” He’d wave before leaving.
“See you!” The swordsman waved back at the healer before scrolling on his phone, walking back to his house, not paying attention to where he was headed.
“GAH!”
Rocket's eyes widened in surprise as he collided with Sword. "Oh phuck..” He exclaimed, quickly scrambling to pick up his things. "I'm so sorry, you good?"
“Watch where you’re going next time.” Sword would chuckle at his own words. “But I’m fine.” He’d comment before reaching out to Rocket, helping him get off the floor.
Even though he was a stranger he had just met, Rocket couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth from him. "That's a relief," he said with a smile. "I’ve never seen you on campus before; what’s your name?" Rocket asked, slightly tilting his head to the left.
Sword would flinch slightly, "Oh, my name's Sword," he replied, offering his hand again for a handshake.
Rocket shook his hand warmly, a grin plastered on his face as he did. "Nice to meet you! You wanna go out to get something to eat? I have a couple extra bux left on me and I was just about to head to Iron Cafe.
Sword gave a small smile, feeling a sense of surprise at his friendly approach. “Sure, I should be free for a little bit."
Rocket grasped onto the swordsman’s hand, causing a light blush to form on his face before he spoke again.
“You’re friendly, you know? I haven’t really met a lot of people like that around here.”
Rocket laughed, feeling a sense of excitement. "Well, that's what makes us unique, right?"
A soft smile formed on the other's face as he began to speak.
“Well, I guess so.” He’d giggle like a teenage girl before going back to his grin.
…
Sword and Rocket walked into the coffee shop, their footsteps echoing on the tile floor. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and they both took a deep breath before approaching the counter.
The swordsman and the rocketeer sat down at a small table in the corner of the café and began to talk about how their day was going. Rocket told the other about his latest project, while the swordsman rambled about his interest. They also talked about their plans for the weekend and the classes they were taking in high school.
As they talked, their coffee began to go cold, but neither of them seemed to mind. It didn't matter if the coffee was hot or cold, it was just an excuse for them to spend time together and enjoy each other's company, even if they had just met. They just seemed to automatically click.
“Hey, can I get your number?” The rocketeer asked, causing the other to slightly blush in response.
The swordsman felt a rush of blood flow through his body. “What?” He stammered, blushing a bit harder.
“..?” Rocket questioned before it hit him. “OH! Hah- Uhm.. Not like that, sorry…” He’d slightly blush.
“Anyways, uh- Sure! You can have my number.” Sword chuckled, breaking the eye contact they had with each other, looking at the floor before taking a sip out of his coffee and handing Rocket his phone.
“Thanks!” the rocketeer smiled, before practically chugging his drink from embarrassment.
They had spent a few hours chatting about their lives, their hobbies, and their plans. It was clear to both of them that they had a lot in common, and they enjoyed each other's company.
As they walked down the bustling streets, Rocket linked arms with Sword. It was a small gesture, but it made Sword feel comfortable, even if the two weren’t all that close yet.
“Hey, I could walk you home if you want..?” Sword asked awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with the rocketeer.
Rocket stared with his mouth slightly open and a slight blush formed on his cheeks. “Uhm- Sure! I can lead you there if you want.”
“Sure.” The swordsman gave a warm smile as they linked hands, both of them slightly flinching as they did.
..
After walking Rocket to his house and seeing him off with a warm hug, Sword felt a sense of euphoria that was hard to put into words. He'd rarely felt this way about anyone before, and it made him wonder if maybe he had a crush on Rocket.
Sword started to overanalyze every interaction he'd had with Rocket that day, trying to determine whether his feelings were romantic or just pure friendship. He thought about how comfortable he felt around Rocket, how easy it was to talk to him, and how much he enjoyed spending time with him.
But as Sword reached the door to his own house, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to these feelings than he had initially thought. He knew it was too early to jump to any conclusions, but he couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he did have a crush on Rocket.
Sword walked into the house, feeling a mix of emotions. He was excited about the possibility of something more with Rocket, but he didn't want to ruin his new founded friendship. Eventually, the swordsman had decided that, at least for now, for now, he would just enjoy their time together and let things play out naturally, to play it safe.