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He was looking at his reflection on water's surface. Reflecting on his loneliness for a bit. Was there something wrong with him?
He touched his face with his hands, going through seemingly permanent smile full of unnatural non-slugcat teeth. Was he not smiling enough? Were his eyes not showing friendliness enough? Inv shook his head, he looked normal, just like any other slugcat. Maybe he needs a new approach, maybe he needs to give them gifts! Partners do like gifts, don't they? He had the chance to watch how others were flirting and bonding before. He tried to offer his most treasured thing to some slugcats, but they refused, always trying to avoid him at all costs, didn't know the true power of the egg. Maybe they just needed a simple demonstration... Perhaps, the egg wouldn't do at all, if it doesn't hold any appeal to anyone, then he shouldn't bother with it at all. He should get something so special, that everybody would love him for his work! He smiled more wide, as one great idea sparked in his brain...
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This should do. Some of these weird yellow wheel flowers that bloomed wonderfully and some pearls! Those pearls were an ass to get, those scavengers aren't exactly chill dudes, but the egg disagrees with their attitude... But all this hard work should absolutely do! He just need to remember where he had left this stash, so he could come back to it later to show it off. Picking up a pearl and flower to make his offer to follow more convincing, he starts off his GAMING moment.
Honestly, he wanted to try his luck again with the weird (weirdly cute, he wants to add!) pale iterator. Unfortunately, they DID punch and kill him, yes, but it's because his old approach wasn't good enough, so he was rejected. Perhaps this time he thinks he will do a better job. That is, if Inv will manage to meet them again, of course...
He thinks about how they would hold hands together, they were very tall too! He doubts he can even reach their hand! But the taller - the better, as someone used to say...
To be honest, Inv never saw those iterators before, they were free of their superstructures and were looking quite intimidating, these sharp claws, long metal looking tails, and most importantly, they seemed to be able to fly! How precious! The pale one seemingly had more than one pair of limbs even! But Inv thinks the most remarkable detail about them is red marking on their adorable grumpy face.
He thought for a second, was it even fit to even try his luck with an iterator? Well... He was getting desperate...
Inv got to the same place they have met each other last time, hoping to see them again. But, obviously, there was no one here, perhaps it was quite silly to think they will return here after the encounter. Inv couldn't help but remember the horror their expression wore, which makes him a little bit sad.
"oh, if only i knew their name..." - Inv thinks to himself, starting to lose hope of even finding them again.
Finally giving up the search for them, he decided to try his luck somewhere else.
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Different region... No luck. Well, that until Inv heard vulture's engines landing somewhere and someone talking. His ears perked up and he decided to sneak closer, watching from the bushes. It was one of those wild iterators again! And they were talking to a blue with silvery tones vulture, Inv's eyes widened, he never knew vultures could be friends instead of being mindless killer machines! This in particular looked like a happy puppy, which made Inv's heart melt. The iterator himself was quite a sight, dark cyan body with dark green and yellow wings? Cloak? And a dress! He was addressing the vulture, calling it "Plee" (such a funny name, he remarks) and waving it goodbye, as it flew up into the sky, leaving the iterator alone on the land and granting Inv a perfect opportunity to introduce himself.
The stranger hears his movement in the bushes and stares at his direction, cautiously watching him move closer. On second thought... Would the stranger kill him too, just like the other one? But it was far too late for it now, as he already was in front of him. The stranger understandably kept his distance at first, but didn't show any aggression, instead he seemed to calm a little bit as he recognized it was just a harmless slugcat.
Just as Inv was about to finally say something, the iterator sat down and reached a hand towards him, making a "pspsps" sound, this left him a bit confused, cocking his head to the side, but after a short moment of considering, he silently comes closer, sniffing the stranger's hand. This could be an insult towards his real intelligence, but Inv found himself not minding at all, if it meant he could get some sort of affection after all this time he would go for it. The black and cyan slugcat leaned into the touch, feeling the hand petting him, making Inv softly purr at this kind and nice gesture.
- Aww, you're an adorable little guy, aren't you? - The iterator finally spoke, his voice soft and kind. But he probably didn't expect the slugcat to actually reply, making an attempt at flirting, - ur not so bad urself big guy, OWO! - Inv was making the same mistake like he did with the pale iterator, but he just couldn't help himself he was just so happy! His lips formed "W" looking smile, winking at him.
The dark cyan iterator hesitated, surprised, - Oh! I didn't know you could talk... - He awkwardly rubbed his head, but he still looked excited? Intrigued? Inv couldn't exactly tell, but he still nodded, - are u awraid???? you wont run away lik the othr one????? - Inv would be lying if he wasn't curious if this particular iterator knew the pale one, considering they both looked kind of similar. Judging by the look of the other, they seemed confused by what he meant by "the other one", so Inv quickly added, answering their silent question, - are u perhpas friends with th pale and green cutie with red spot on ther face???? - But that confusion quickly became acknowledgement and worry.
- Uhhh, about that... Yeah, they are my... Well, maaaybe you shouldn't try to interact with them... They aren't comfortable with uh... Yeah.. - The stranger finally replied.
That probably makes sense, their reaction and all... Kinda makes him feel awkward after all of this! Inv will make sure it wont happen again, then! (no promises, probably) He dramatically gasped, clutching his flower and pearl in hands, - OMGOSH! I am soryr..... :(((((( this wont happen again!!!!!!!! - Inv made an embarrassed expression, looking down at his feet.
The stranger smiles at him, putting a hand on his shoulder, soothing Inv with a gentle, - that's totally fine! Maybe we should change the topic to something better, instead? Say, did you want me to read this pearl for you? - Inv perked up at this and smiled widely, before jumping in place like a happy little slugpup, that was given it's favorite food.
- OHHHH! I FORGOT!!!! i was wondering if..... - How could he forget about the gifts? That was the important part in this! He blushed, shyly rubbing the land with his foot and then hiding his face in his free hand and holding the gifts with other to the iterator, - IF WE COULD BE TOGETHER??????? i luv u so so so many much!!! UWU - Well, that surprised the iterator alright, but Inv was truly, truly in love! He wanted to hold hands just like the others do! He wanted to spend his entire life with somebody he deeply loved and treasured, and this iterator was perfect fit! Surely he won't turn down the poor little ol' scug... After a bit of silence, he was quick to add something else and wink, of course, - i could show u my secret gamer stash............... ;) PWASE BE WITH ME!!!!!!! - Was he doing something wrong again? Maybe his approach wasn't good at all? What's wrong with h-
- ... I will think about your offer, but... - The stranger's eyes darted around, as if he was trying to find something to distract the desperate slugcat with, before thinking of pretty good idea, - Yes! I will think about that! But maybe not now, i have a important matter to attend, so i will catch you later, alright? - Good thinking, but the slugcat grabbed his hand, stopping him from walking away and looking at him with most sad and pathetic eyes he ever seen slugcat make, which made his heart ache and feel a bit guilty for politely rejecting him, - Shhh, it's alright, little guy... Just don't give up and you will find your partner eventually, I believe in you! - He petted the slugcat's head again, smiling at the creature's purring.
- ohkay..... can i atlest know ur name????????? pwetty pwease???? - The not-stranger-now gave Inv his name, before flying up into the sky, leaving Inv on the land behind, who just kept looking where he flew to, shaking from building excitement. Him being still alive was a good sign after all, maybe he isn't bad at this yet!
Submerged Winds... His name was as breathtaking as he was. He slowly ate the yellow wheel flower and deeply sighed, still looking at the sky. Yes. It was the true love, he decided.