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Agent's toolbars were a marvel of technology, unparalleled by anything else. They were custom-made, tailored to their arms. With specially crafted shades to complement their toolbars, they could select a given function with a mere glance.
Though, nothing is completely infallible.
Technology, even at such a high caliber, is prone to wearing out.
Agent's toolbars had been suffering from malfunctions recently, rejecting any command given amid combat. It had spiraled from a singular occasion to a constant loop.
King Orange offered to help repair them, using his past experience with engineering to the best of his abilities. He wanted to acquaint himself with using his prowess for compassion, not destruction. In mending their technology, he felt like he could slowly start mending himself in the process.
Though, his mind returned to the person he lost. It felt like a reverie from ages ago, haunting him.
He was going to do everything to keep that nightmare from ever happening again.
If he was going to send Agent back out on their job, he was going to make sure that they would come back to him alive. He would do everything in his power to preserve their life, even through something as minor as fixing their technology mattered.
The crisp sound of the toolbars coming into view reverberated through the room.
"Please, tell me if it ever hurts," He looked directly at Agent, speaking as clearly as possible for them.
"I will," They then held out both of their arms for King to inspect, “Either way, I’d be fine though.”
The mercenary was a grown stick that could take down their targets with ease. King Orange needed to remind himself of that.
He still couldn't fathom the idea of potentially hurting someone dear to him.
King attempted to scroll through the buttons with his fingers, trying to make sure that the technology remained responsive. He let his hand gently glide across the toolbar, taking note of any peculiarities.
A muted laugh came from Agent as they felt the other's hand brush against their arm.
Hearing the melodic sound, King tilted his head with a minute smile, “I have to ask, are you ticklish by any chance?”
"Not necessarily… Just feels odd," They shrugged, attempting to maintain a stoic look on their face.
"There's no shame in being ticklish," King murmured softly, hovering his hand over one of the icons.
Instead of the blip that followed after selecting an icon, it was pure silence.
"...I believe you ought to focus on the repairs," Agent replied, motioning towards their toolbars with a nod of the head.
"Whatever you say," King teased, slowly letting his tensions subside as he continued working.
The repairs went on for the majority of the day. Neither of them minded though. They had the luxury of an excuse to have each other's company.
Though the technology Agent was fundamentally similar to mass-produced utilities, the specialized features made for combat held complex intricacies. Careful attention to those aspects and trying not to lead to further damage consumed most of the two's time.
Nightfall had swept over the sky now, but that was no impediment to their progress.
"That should do it," King pressed one of the icons, hearing the toolbar blip with new vitality.
With that sound, Agent knew that was a sign that his efforts had led to success. The toolbars had finally been rejuvenated.
"Let me see if this works…" They muttered, selecting the lasso icon.
Soon enough, a cyan rope was wrapped around King’s wrist before he had any chance to react. It wasn't a tight loop that dared to strangulate his wrist, but it was tight enough to have a hold over him.
They gently tugged at the lasso, pulling the other stick towards themself, "May I?"
With a nod, King Orange stayed still where he was. After a second, Agent gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Unselecting the tool, Agent had a soft smile on their face as they let him free, “Consider that thanks for the repairs.”
"You're very much welcome," King straightened himself up, feeling his face bloom with a faint blush.
It was rare for Agent to take the initiative with intimacy, but it added more weight to their gratitude.
Now that was over, they could properly return to the field as usual.
King wished that he could keep them around for longer. He hesitated on his words, knowing what the answer was, "I presume that you'll be returning to work tomorrow, then?"
They curtly nodded, looking away for a moment, “As always.”
A mercenary's work was practically endless, but it was the way their life was. King Orange knew that he couldn't do anything against that. He couldn't do anything to save their life if he wasn't able to be right there by their side, only simply waiting for them at home.
He sighed, feeling some of his worries return, "Then, I ask that you stay safe for me."
"I'd be more worried about my targets than myself," Agent murmured in jest, adjusting the cuffs of their sleeves.
"True but… I'd still rather have you stay safe," He glanced away with apprehension.
The mercenary gently placed their hand on the other's shoulder in an attempt at reassurance, "You don't have to worry so much about me."
"I simply don't want to lose you," King Orange admitted, "I am aware that you're trained to face any danger that comes your way but… I can't help but worry."
Agent placed their other hand on King's cheek, making sure that the two were seeing eye to eye.
"With your aid today, I know I'll come back to you."
In silence, King let the mercenary continue speaking. He couldn't fully reconcile with the mere thought of letting them face any malady, but he tried to trust their words.
Agent let out a single laugh, hoping that would help out the other at ease, "When I have someone like you, why wouldn't I do everything in my power to stay alive?"