Chapter Text
Beep.
The phone call ended abruptly. Silence was heard.
In the hands of Hyperlaser sat his mobile phone. Fingers tightly grasping the sides, as if it threatened to leave his side.
Subspace’s contact lingered on the screen.
Hyperlaser’s dull eyes stared absentmindedly at the digital screen. Pupils darted across the screen as if to look at anything, God, anything but that contact. The way his fingers grasped the cool material of the mobile phone nearly made his fingertips turn white.
His grip faltered.
Reaching up with his empty hand, Hyperlaser brought two fingers up to the bridge of his nose, pinching slightly. He let out a heavy sigh, chest heaving.
As if almost on cue, Princess perked up from her slumber. There she sat on the couch, cuddled up right beside Hyperlaser’s helmet. She uncurled her tail from against her body, spreading her stubby little paws out from beneath. A quick stretch and she was raring to go, taking a lazy leap from the height of the couch.
“ Mrr?” Princess would purr out, taking her sweet time to reach Hyperlaser.
Her fat little paws made a soft sound every time she took a step on the cool tile floor. Plink, plink, plink.
Once she was near Hyperlaser, she immediately rubbed her chubby body against the shins of Hyperlaser’s legs. Hyperlaser, now taking his gaze away from his phone, took a look at Princess. He hesitated, just for a moment, before slowly crouching down, reaching his free hand to rub at the chubby cat’s head.
Princess let out a mewl of satisfaction, her head eagerly leaning into Hyperlaser’s rough and calloused hand. Didn’t matter if it felt rough against her fur; it was her Papa.
“..You always know when something is up, don’t you?” Hyperlaser spoke between soft laughs, although his voice shook.
“ Mreeeooww! ” Princess squealed back in response, tail twitching.
With how Princess’ face would scrunch up whenever she meowed, it allowed Hyperlaser to have a moment of peace.
Y’know, aside from that fact that his death is waiting for him. No biggie.
Princess’ paws would knead against the floor, almost impatiently as if she were waiting for something.
“..Right, you’re probably hungry. Haven’t fed you today, have I? Sorry, girl.” Hyperlaser spoke in a soothing tone, rubbing beneath her chin as an apology.
Standing himself up straight, he began to walk towards the kitchen with Princess happily trailing behind his feet. He reached towards a cupboard pinned on the wall, opening the doors and taking out a small tin of cat food.
Princess let out a happy mewl, her tail twitching at the sight of the can.
“Oh-hoh, feeling like salmon today? Alright, girl.” Hyperlaser turned back to Princess and began to shuffle his feet towards the empty bowl laying on the floor.
Hyperlaser peeled back the tab on the tin can, scrunching his nose immediately after at the sickening fishy smell. He crouched, clanking the can against the bowl and letting the food fall out with a wet smack.
Princess immediately bounced over to the bowl, nudging Hyperlaser’s hand to move. She stuffed her face right into the sloppy mess, her lips greedily smacking as she ate.
“Jeez, it’s almost like I starved ‘ya.” Hyperlaser would chuckle, reaching down and stroking Princess’ back.
She devoured it in mere seconds.
Princess stepped back from the bowl, her face messy with bits of soft food stuck to her fur. She licked her lips happily, immediately rubbing her body back against Hyperlaser’s legs.
“Hey, hey. Your face is dirty, silly girl.” Hyperlaser reached down, taking his thumb and smoothing out the fur on Princess’ face.
Princess nudged his hand once more, letting out happy trills. Her fishy breath wafted in the air, causing Hyperlaser to scrunch his nose up in disgust. He sighed out before reaching down, wrapping his calloused hands around Princess’ chubby body and lifting her up into his arms. He stood up straight, cradling Princess like a baby in his arms.
Hyperlaser made his way back towards the couch, planting himself down on the plush cushion and letting Princess lay in his lap. She immediately tucked her paws beneath her body, shifting into a loaf position and letting out a happy purr.
As Princess sat in Hyperlaser’s lap, he brought down a hand against her body and began to slowly stroke her fur. Her skin rippled beneath his hand.
He gave a fond smile, simply staring at Princess.
..He didn’t want to let her go.
“..Princess, um,” Hyperlaser started, his voice quiet.
“Daddy has to take a trip somewhere else.”
Princess tilted her head up to stare at Hyperlaser. By all means, she didn’t understand a single thing he was saying, but she liked listening to his voice.
Hyperlaser stroked the top of Princess’ head. It’s almost as if it hurt Hyperlaser to speak.
“You remember Katana, right?”
Princess’ ears perked up. Hyperlaser smiled.
“You’ll be staying there from now on. I think you’d like the place.” Hyperlaser spoke, his words slow as if he were hiding something behind them.
Princess, obviously, didn’t understand. She just tilted her head to the side, a soft trill erupting from her throat. She nudged her head dumbfoundedly against Hyperlaser’s hand.
To comfort him? Maybe, but she just wanted to be pet more.
Hyperlaser stiffened.
“..I know, I know.” Hyperlaser mumbled, hunching his body forward to meet his face with Princess’.
“I really don’t want to leave you.” He said, taking his hands and gently cupping Princess’ fat cheeks against his palms. He was mindful of the horns protruding at the sides of her head.
Then, he planted a soft kiss against her plush forehead.
“Daddy loves you, my girl,” He spoke, his lips grazing against Princess’ fur.
“Don’t ever forget that.”
—-----------------------------------
The drive to Katana’s house was quite a long one. Princess, now snuggled up in the passenger’s seat, was simply purring away.
She really didn’t have a clue, did she?
With one hand on the steering wheel, his other hand sat comfortably against Princess’ warm body. His fingertips sank into her silky fur, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath. The way her purrs would occasionally get caught in her throat, the rumble of her body…
Hyperlaser didn’t want to forget.
As Hyperlaser’s sleek car pulled into the driveway of Katana’s home, he sank back into his seat. The helmet he wore reflected light from the dim street lights, a glare against the glass frontage.
With the helmet’s antenna down, he unbuckled himself. From there, he simply sat in the driver’s seat, listening to the only sound he chose to hear.
Princess’ purring.
His head shifted in the direction to where Princess sat, curled up and resting. His fingers twitched against her body, as if he didn’t want to let go.
He did not want to let go.
Swallowing hard, he hesitantly took his hand away from Princess’ body. His fingers shook as he watched Princess’ head perk up, her eyes snapping open at the loss of feeling. She whipped her head around to face Hyperlaser, her eyes two wide black beads. Full of innocence. Hyperlaser’s breath hitched.
“..We’re here.”
Hyperlaser unbuckled himself from the seat, opening the car door and stepping outside. He made his way towards the passenger side, but awkwardly idled in front of the door. He could see Princess staring up at him through the window, her head tilted to the side as the tip of her tail flicked from side to side. His hand lingered over the door handle.
He didn’t want to open the door.
He forced himself to.
Opening the door with a heavy hand, he swallowed his breath. Princess immediately pushed herself up, standing onto her fat paws and letting out a happy meow at the sight of Hyperlaser. She was so clueless; she just liked seeing Hyperlaser.
Hyperlaser then reached down, scooping Princess’ chubby body into his arms; just like he did before. Closing the door with his hip, he began to walk towards the door to Katana’s house. His feet lazily shuffled against the pavement, as if cinder blocks were tied to his ankles.
Every step filled him with more and more dread.
Hyperlaser stepped up onto the doorstep, hesitating for a moment before taking one arm away from beneath Princess. He knocked, almost as if it pained him to do so.
Footsteps were heard from beyond the door. Hyperlaser could easily recognize those heavy steps of his lover.
The door slowly opened, and there stood a tall Katana. His mask sat comfortable against his face, neck fluff seeming messy and disheveled. He wore a yukata, though the folds were messy and uneven.
“Ah, Hyperlaser. Forgive me, I must not look the most flattering right now.” Katana spoke behind his mask, his deep voice drawn out as if he were abruptly awoken from a slumber.
“ ‘S okay.” Hyperlaser responded back, though his voice cracked.
Katana knew something was wrong.
“My dear, what has troubled you at this hour?” Katana’s gaze then trailed down to Princess laying happily in Hyperlaser’s arms.
“You brought the little one, I see.” Katana reached over, taking a claw and gently scraping it against Princess’ cheek. She purred happily.
“Yeah, um, about that,” Hyperlaser spoke once more, taking a deep breath.
“..May I come in?”
“Of course.”
Katana stepped back, allowing Hyperlaser to step through the doorway and hearing Katana close the door behind him.
Katana then turned to face Hyperlaser once more, his head tilting slightly.
“Apologies if it seems filthy in here. I did not have the time to tidy up.” Katana huffed.
“Would you like some tea? I will brew some for you.” Before Hyperlaser could speak, Katana was already shuffling his way towards the kitchen, running hot water and grabbing a kettle.
Hyperlaser let out a soft sigh through his nostrils. Princess then squirmed around in Hyperlaser’s arms, jumping out of them the next second. She landed on the floor with her heavy paws before making her way into the kitchen, following Katana.
Hyperlaser just stood in the middle of the room. His arms fell to his sides, his eyes shifting at the familiar sight of Katana’s house. There wasn’t much to it, but there was a faint bonsai theme to it all.
Making his way towards the couch, Hyperlaser planted himself against the soft cushions. On the other side of the sectional lay a bundle of blankets all stuffed together, a little opening in the middle of it all. Almost like a bird’s nest.
Thoughts came rushing to Hyperlaser.
Is this really worth it? Do I have to? Am I willing to leave this all behind?
Would he still love me?
They’ll be all alone. They wouldn’t even know where I went.
Would he still love me?
His heart sank. His mind immediately clouded over, a sinking feeling of dread planted in his stomach. Heartbeat quickening, his chest heaved for air.
The sound of footsteps quickly brought him back to reality, his head snapping up to face Katana. In both of his hands he held two hot glasses of steaming tea. The stream floated into the air, leaving a white trail that quickly dissipated. Princess bounced beside Katana’s feet, her primordial pouch swinging from side to side.
Katana set down one cup of tea onto the coffee table, taking a seat next to Hyperlaser. He lifted one leg and rested it on top of the other, using his thumb and hooking his claw against the edge of his mask. Lifting it up slightly so as to not reveal his whole face, he took a sip from his cup.
Hyperlaser just stared at his cup on the coffee table. He watched the steam slowly rise and fade into the air. His gaze shook before he could hear Princess leaping up onto the couch, planting herself down onto Katana’s lap and tucking her paws beneath her body. Hyperlaser stared at Princess for a moment, a pained look on his face.
Neither of them could see that, though. He wouldn’t allow Katana to see that side of him.
Taking a hitched breath, he raised his hands to the edges of his helmet and shifted it around, sliding the helmet off of his head. A stoic expression was plastered onto his face. Setting down the helmet to the side, he reached over and finally grabbed his own cup of tea. His fingers shook for a moment before he brought the cup towards his mouth, blowing on the steam and taking a small sip.
He flinched. Tea burned the tip of his tongue.
Katana couldn’t help but to stifle a soft laugh, reaching over and placing his big hand against Hyperlaser’s thigh.
“Careful.” Katana said softly, his voice fluttering with fondness.
Hyperlaser just huffed in response, taking another slow sip of his tea.
Katana could hear Princess purr, her body scrunched up against his lap. Ah, that reminded him.
“If you don’t mind me asking, dear, how come you have brought along the little one?”
Hyperlaser stiffened.
“..Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Hyperlaser responded in a flat tone, which made Katana tilt his head.
Hyperlaser leaned over towards the coffee table, placing down his cup of tea and leaning back into the back of the couch. He didn’t face Katana; he couldn’t. He stared off ahead into the distance, as if contemplating what to say. His throat bobbed with each hard swallow he took before he finally opened his mouth.
“I have to leave.”
Katana blinked in confusion.
“Yes, you’ve left plenty of times before. What is so different this time?”
Hyperlaser felt a lump immediately form in his throat.
“I don’t think I’ll be coming back this time.”
Katana let the words linger in his head. He simply sat still, shifting his gaze towards the beige liquid in his cup. His reflection stared back at him.
“..You would like for me to keep the little one company, am I correct?” Katana finally spoke after a brief silence.
Hyperlaser nodded.
“I’ll give you keys to my place. There’s food and whatever else you need for her.” Hyperlaser would shift, digging one of his hands into his pocket and taking out a lanyard with his keys jingling from the buckle. He tossed it right onto the table, the keys clinking loudly against the glass and startling Princess.
Katana just watched. Almost in disbelief.
Katana took a moment to collect himself before leaning over, placing his cup against the coffee table right beside Hyperlaser’s. Princess scurried away from Katana’s lap, pouncing off to explore the house.
“Is this necessary?” Katana shifted his body towards Hyperlaser, letting his hands fall into his lap.
“I have to.” Hyperlaser sighed in response, his brows knitted together.
Katana’s eyes darted around Hyperlaser as if he were piecing together what to say next.
Then, he reached over and placed a gentle hand against Hyperlaser’s shoulder.
“You have gotten into worse situations, Hyperlaser. This one shall not be any different.”
Oh man, if only Katana knew.
Hyperlaser didn’t correct Katana. Not only did Hyperlaser know he wasn’t going to return, he just…couldn’t tell Katana.
Instead, he smiled.
“..Yeah. I suppose you’re right.” Hyperlaser stifled the anxiety in his voice, overlapping it with confidence.
“I just,”
Hyperlaser started.
“Katana, can I see your face?”
“Of course, love.”
Katana would lean back, placing one hand against the front of his mask and using the other to toy around with the strap that was wrapped around his head. The mask shifted before it slowly lowered, exposing Katana’s face to the open air. A massive scar ran down the left side of Katana’s face, leaving his iris white and clouded. The pupil was faded.
As Katana turned his head towards Hyperlaser, the two of them smiled softly at each other.
“I don’t understand why you always hide behind that mask.” Hyperlaser spoke softly, reaching up and cupping the scarred side of Katana’s face.
“I could say the same for you.” Katana teased lightheartedly, leaning into Hyperlaser’s palm.
Hyperlaser chuckled in response. His eyes darted around Katana’s face, making sure to drink in the details. The stubble on his chin, his sharp jawline, his crooked nose…
He didn’t want to forget.
Then, Hyperlaser leaned in. He interlocked their lips together as Katana practically melted against his skin. The way their lips collided against one another; the rough mercenaries’ lips against the soft samurais’, was heaven to both parties. They had held the kiss for a couple seconds, none of them wanting to pull away.
Hyperlaser was the first to move away. For a while, he just simply stared at Katana’s face. He engraved the details into his head, his face now just a fond memory.
He knew he had to go. He didn’t want to.
He had to.
“..I should get goin’.” Hyperlaser then spoke up, slowly sliding his hand away from Katana’s cheek and leaning back. He pushed himself up from the couch, taking his helmet alongside him and quickly putting it back on.
Katana slowly pushed himself up from the couch after Hyperlaser.
He took a step towards the mercenary before wrapping his arms lovingly around his waist. This made Hyperlaser perk up before quickly leaning up against Katana’s burly chest, allowing his arms to slide around Katana’s shoulders. Although Katana’s neck fluff was a little bit in the way, making the hug a bit awkward on Hyperlaser’s side, he didn’t mind.
He just wanted to hold Katana one last time.
Hyperlaser drank in the faint earthy musk Katana emitted. His helmet clanked against Katana’s shoulder, and it was clear he didn’t want to let go.
After enough hesitation, he finally pried himself away from Katana. It almost hurt him to do so.
“I shall wait for you, Hyperlaser.” Katana softly spoke.
“I know you will.”
Hyperlaser’s feet felt heavy against the ground. It took him a lot of courage to step away from Katana and to walk to the door. He was about to reach for the door handle before Princess eagerly bounded towards Hyperlaser, plopping herself down behind him and letting out a meow of interest. Hyperlaser stopped right in his tracks, the joints in his fingers locking in place.
He swallowed hard. Forcing himself to turn on his heels to look at Princess, he smiled beneath his helmet. Hyperlaser leaned down, reaching a hand out and cupping one side of Princess’ face, his thumb slowly stroking the fur.
“You be a good girl for ‘Tana, okay? I love you, Princess.” Hyperlaser cleared his throat, trying to mask the way his voice cracked. He let Princess linger against the palm of his hand before pulling away, taking a step back. His gaze fixated on the maskless Katana, who was staring at him with nothing but fondness in his eyes.
“I love you, Hyperlaser.”
“..I love you too, Katana. You take care of the both of ‘ya, alright?” Hyperlaser reached back towards the door knob, turning his back towards Katana once more.
Then, he twisted the door knob open.
—-----------------------------------
A year had passed. No contact from Hyperlaser; no phone calls, no texts. Nothing.
As Katana sat on the sectional, Princess had found her way on top of his lap. Her paws were folded beneath her chubby body as usual, letting a content purr erupt from her throat. Katana’s hand had been slowly stroking her black silky fur, allowing his fingertips to sink into the plush.
Nothing.
There on the coffee table sat two warm cups of tea. They both sat beside each other, though one had significantly less tea inside.
Nothing.
Katana was silent.
Katana didn’t even know if Princess knew what was happening. Does she remember Hyperlaser’s face?
Katana sure as hell struggled to.
“..Princess,” Katana then spoke after a moment of silence, listening to her chirp in response.
“I don’t know if he is coming back this time, little one.”