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Katana waited at Hyperlaser's door patiently, already having knocked on the hard wooden door. He rested his wrist on the hilt of his katana, which was sheathed and strapped to his belt - belt being a red rope - around his waist comfortably.
He looked around the drab place that was Blackrock, icy, cold, and sky-high buildings void of windows and made purely of dark concrete as far as the eye could see. Although the outskirts of the faction were mainly jagged, snow-coated mountains along with thick, wrangled pine trees.
The rogue stirred himself from his looking as he heard the door split open, spotting Hyperlaser peering from behind the cracked-open entryway.
“Katana.” The mercenary greeted, his baritone voice crackling from his helmet.
The mercenary momentarily shut the door fully, then swung it open once more. He'd undone the bolt lock. Hyperlaser was wearing a plain black long-sleeve t-shirt with the sigil of Blackrock on the breast, and some relatively baggy navy blue parachute pants which look more like those striped track pants Katana saw younger Inphernals wear. The Inphernal had some characteristics of a whale-shark– Er, one characteristic. His tail.
“Hyperlaser,” Katana repeated in reply, craning his head so he could see Hyperlaser better through his mask’s eye slits.
Hyperlaser’s eyes were obscured by his helmet, though Katana could already tell he was being looked at. It made his skin tingle pleasantly. “You came.”
“Of course. I will always be willing to partake in tea with a friend. May I come in, Hyperlaser?” Katana assured, his feathers ruffling slightly and rubbing against one another as he bowed his head slightly lower.
Hyperlaser said not a word, opening the door more and stepping aside to make room for the large frame that was his rogue friend. Katana always observed how Hyperlaser never seemed to talk very much unless he genuinely wanted to or if he was forced to.
He always spoke more when it was just the two of them.
Katana looked down to his feet after he had walked in, hearing purring. He was met with the sight of a small seemingly chubby— maybe that was just fluff? —dark grey cat, close to black. The creature had two little purple horns protruding from each side of its head.
“Princess?”
“Yes. My cat.” Hyperlaser replied back, watching Katana crouch down to scratch the feline behind the ear. The cat crooned in contentment, leaning into Katana’s touches. “Cute.” The rogue hummed softly under his breath.
Katana cautiously picked up Princess, cradling her in his scar-worn arms like someone would a baby.
Hyperlaser looked at Katana and Princess, chuckling slightly. The sound didn’t quite go through his helmet’s speakers. “Well. Should I make us tea, Katana?”
The larger man nodded with a small grunt, following Hyperlaser into his kitchen/dining room. He settled down into a chair, the ancient wood creaking under his weight. Princess continued to nuzzle into his palm, clearly searching for more pets. Katana obliged, patting her fuzzy head. “I feel as though I may need to seek out concern given how old this furniture seems.” His deeper voice rang out.
Hyperlaser couldn’t help but to give a little snort in amusement as he filled up his teapot with water. “Blackrock bothers to pay for my food and rent, but not luxuries like furniture that won’t break. Don’t worry, Katana. That chair’s endured worse, I can whole-heartedly assure you.” He commented, setting the pot onto the electric stove and turning it on.
The mercenary turned around, looking at Katana with Princess curled up and purring in his lap through his helmet's visor. “She likes you.” He gestured to his cat with a jerk of his chin.
Katana glanced down at his lap, seeing the feline cuddling into his haori jacket. “Yes. I see that she does.” He nodded.
The two men exchanged words for a time, enjoying one another’s company while the water in the teapot came to a boil on the stove. The air was filled with the sound of the liquid bubbling, Katana’s light hoots of amusement, and Hyperlasers slightly crackling words coming through the mic in his helmet.
Hyperlaser finally turned off the stove and took the teapot off the element, setting it aside on the counter.
“Jasmine tea?”
“If you would be so kind, yes.”
Hyperlaser dug around his pantry for a minute or two, finding a box of teabags. He fished one out, his socked feet padding along the tiled floor as he went back to the teapot. He took the lid off, lowering the teabag in and dipping it in-and-out of the water a small handful of times before he put the lid back on carefully.
Katana noted how Hyperlaser used the tea set he’d gifted him around a month or so ago. It was quite basic– One teapot, four cups, all of which were a warm black in color (really more of a dark brown) with yellow and red flowers strewn about.
The rogue decided not to comment, instead smiling slightly behind his mask at the fact his friend was enjoying his gift.
“Thank you,” He murmured once Hyperlaser had set his cup of tea before him. Princess had long since hopped off his lap and was doing whatever it was she did, given she was a housecat.
Hyperlaser settled into the seat across from him, the ancient wood groaning under the added weight. He ignored it, being used to his furniture’s grating noises. Although he couldn’t help but flinch slightly at the sound.
Katana did not notice the flinch, busy slipping his mask off of his face. He set the ceramic item down cautiously, acting as if it would shatter into a thousand pieces if he were to make even a single wrong move.
He cradled the teacup in his large, clawed hands. His palms dwarfed the small thing indefinitely. He blew on the hot liquid, careful not to blow too hard and splash it everywhere.
Hyperlaser instead waited for his own tea to cool, watching Katana do his thing. He couldn’t help but ogle at the rogue’s scars, the one across his right eye - to Katana it was his left - and his exposed teeth gash on that same side. He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened, and why? When?
The mercenary shifted his helmet so his lips were exposed, taking a small sip of his tea. It wasn’t too bad, he decided. He’d gotten the box of jasmine tea about a week ago, but hadn’t tried it up until this point.
“..I, ah, appreciate you for inviting me into your home, Hyperlaser.” Katana finally broke the silence between them, his single-eyed gaze leveling with Hyperlaser’s. Or at least he hoped so, otherwise he was likely looking like a fool at that moment.
Hyperlaser abruptly stopped his drinking, setting his cup down a little harder than he’d intended. He flinched at the noise he’d made, glancing down at the teacup. He went quiet for a few moments before re-adjusting his helmet again so it was positioned to cover the entirety of his face once more. “Of course. I like spending time with you.” He responded back, ignoring the awkwardness that had transpired a moment before from his slamming of the cup.
The two of them were far more used to being drunk and at a bar full of other patrons together, not sober and alone like this.
Their paths were common conversation between the two of them, but the situation felt too... Nice for that.
Hyperlaser felt a sudden weight on his lap, glancing down. Princess had wandered back over and clambered into his arms. “There’s my Princess.” He murmured, his voice not changing in pitch in the slightest, although there was certainly affection in his tone.
Katana observed the spectacle intently, making a low humming noise in the back of his throat. He leaned back against the old chair beneath him, trying to relax despite the feeling that the furniture might break at any moment. “When is it you acquired little Princess, Hyperlaser?”
“A few years ago. I found her in an alleyway, in a box. I decided I couldn’t leave her there.” The mercenary responded, lifting said cat up so they were face-level with one another. His whale-shark tail gave a little wag behind him, hearing Princess’s little meow. He took it as a ‘thank you’. “Anytime.”
“Interesting.” The rogue commented, more to himself than his companion. He found it intriguing how Hyperlaser, an Inphernal with a job like his, could find the time and the emotional strength/energy to care for a cat at the end of his days. And he seemed to do a good job, as well.
Katana took another sip of his tea, his large hands folding around the item and hiding it from view when he set it back on the table. “I would never have struck you for the type to own a pet, Hyperlaser.
“I couldn’t help it. She was too cute to leave there.” The mercenary replied, shifting his grip on the cat slightly so both she and Katana were within his view.
Katana kind of reminded him of Princess, he had to admit. The remarkably fluffy, thick locks (although Katana was more or less covered in feathers given he had more owl-istic traits), they were both quite affectionate when they got comfortable.. Or at least a little touchy.
It hadn’t slipped by the mercenary’s head how Katana always found a way to be touching him when they were together– A hand on his shoulder, or his lower back, standing almost remarkably close to him..
“Cute.”
“What was that, Hyperlaser?” Katana asked, tilting his head slightly in a way the merc again didn’t miss. The rogue had heard Hyperlaser, but didn’t understand the context behind the comment.
“Oh, nothing, Katana. I was just... Uh.. Talking to myself.” Hyperlaser said awkwardly, clearly not catching on to the fact Katana had heard him saying the word ‘cute’, not just mumbling some indiscernible comment under his breath.
Katana’s eye narrowed slightly and he raised a slightly bushy brow, although he didn’t fight it. Let Hyperlaser make all the comments he liked– At least he was talking.
-----
It was by the time about two hours had passed that it finally dawned on Hyperlaser that it was dark out.
Katana would have to leave soon, if not right then.
He couldn’t help but be a little disappointed, having missed spending time with the rogue. They hadn’t really hung out before this in a long time, as Blackrock had been giving him more jobs and Katana was seemingly busy with.. Things. Things Hyperlaser didn’t know about.
Katana breathed in deeply, exhaling slowly through his nostrils. He’d put his ceramic mask back on, concealing his face from view yet again. He glanced at the clock, taking in the time.
8:47 PM.
“I would suppose I had better leave in time. I would not want to overstay my already gracious welcome.”
“No, Katana—...” Hyperlaser interjected suddenly, surprising even himself with his rapidity.
The rogue tilted his head slightly, his gaze locking onto the mercenary through his eye slits. “Is there something desired of me?”
Hyperlaser paused for a few moments, thinking of what to say next. “Would you.. Maybe stay longer?”
Katana took his time responding, staring at Hyperlaser. “...I suppose I can stay, if that is your wish.” He gave a little shrug. If he was being honest, he didn’t really want to leave, anyway. It wasn’t as if he had anywhere to be tomorrow.
Hyperlaser definitely had somewhere to be in the morning. Not that he cared, really. It was just a job, after all...
The pair of them continued on with talking, already having drained the teapot dry. They told stories, spoke of their problems, Hyperlaser asking Katana when he thought the next Phestival would occur and what the theme would be...
“It grows late, Hyperlaser.” Katana pointed out, glancing at the clock. It was now 10:32.
“Are you tired?”
“A bit, yes. It is far too late for me to go back to my own home, now.”
Hyperlaser went quiet for a minute, seemingly thinking. He had a couch, although it was tiny, old, and pretty uncomfortable if he was being real. He didn’t have any air mattresses or the sort, seeing how he rarely had guests over.
Over the past few years the only people that had been in his apartment who didn’t live there were Katana, and Subspace. The latter had never slept over, and never stayed for longer than thirty minutes.
“You could have my bed, I could sleep on the couch.” The mercenary offered.
Katana’s gaze seemed to bore into Hyperlaser for a few moments, his feathers ruffling slightly as he shifted in his rickety old seat. “You would offer your bed to me?”
Hyperlaser nodded with a soft grunt. “I would.”
Katana thought for a few moments, his rough, clawed hands resting on the wooden table before him which was void of a tablecloth.
“If you insist.”
Hyperlaser led Katana to his bedroom, creaking the door open. It fit a queen size bed, small strips of walking space at the foot of the bed and the right-hand side (it was pushed closely against the wall on the left), and a teensy little bedside table. There was a sliding door at the foot of the bed for Hyperlaser’s closet. “I still don’t remember where I got this mattress from. I definitely didn’t buy it.. Whatever. It’s not like it’s infested with bugs, or anything.” The merc shrugged.
Katana made a soft hooting noise of an owl, glancing at Hyperlaser. “I appreciate that you’ve allowed me to borrow your sleeping quarters until dawn, my friend.”
“Of course, Katana. Do you need anything?” Hyperlaser hummed back easily, turning around to leave the room. He asked the question and looked over his shoulder before departing, awaiting the rogue’s answer.
“I do not believe so, thank you.”
“Alright. Sleep well, Katana.”
“You as well, Hyperlaser.”
-----
The mercenary settled onto the couch, a fuzzy throw blanket draped over his legs and hips. He’d propped a pillow up behind his head, although it was still uncomfortable. His helmet was sitting on the end table beside his crappy sofa, placed carefully in the middle. Or around what Hyperlaser thought was the middle. He was legally blind, though in the dark his sight was rendered entirely useless. Just black, everything.
He stared flatly into the dimness of the room, an arm resting on his chest. He was still clad in his nylon track pants and his long-sleeve Blackrock issued shirt he’d been wearing all evening. He usually opted for more baggy and loose clothes so his old burn scars weren’t bothered.
He could hear everything– The wind howling like a pack of bloodthirsty creatures outside, his own slightly ragged breathing, the gentle whirring of his space heater, Princess’s water fountain bubbling, the sound of Katana’s soft, sleepy hoots from his bedroom...
He couldn’t hear Princess. Usually she was padding around the house at this time, or at the very least curled up in bed with him. Maybe she was with Katana instead?
The mercenary instead exhaled slowly, shudderingly. He was slightly trembling. A common sign when he was anxious. Hyperlaser got up after a minute or two of silent trembling and twitching, slipping his helmet back atop his head.
He grabbed his gear where it leaned against a wall beside the front door before slipping into his room, quiet as a mouse. He settled down on the floor at the foot of the bed, legs outstretched in front of him and his back pressed against the wall.
He was just having one of those nights when his anxiety spiked more than usual. He kept thinking of situations that would never happen.
Maybe it was just an excuse so he didn’t have to be alone for another night.
No. How selfish. He had Princess to keep him company, didn’t he?
Hyperlaser exhaled slowly, breath slipping past his lips and into the slightly humid air of his small, dim bedroom. He bunched his legs up, bringing his knees to his chest slowly.
He was tired, but would he be able to sleep?
The burn-scarred man shut his eyes, leaving his helmet on and his arm loosely resting on his gear. All he could hear was Katana’s deep, even breaths, Princess’s drowsy purring from where she was curled up at the foot of the bed, and his own lungfuls of oxygen.
He shifted slightly, his pitiful attempt at trying to get comfortable on the hardwood flooring. What do I expect, for it to feel like I’m sitting on clouds? He ponders somewhat sarcastically to himself, letting his head loll against the rough drywall behind him. He’d woken up in uncomfortable positions and places far worse than this.
Hyperlaser focused on his breathing, feeling himself slowly but surely relaxing and surrendering into the realm of rest. It was usually hit-or-miss if he had dreams or not, but when he did, they were typically nightmares.
Tonight, unfortunately, was one of the nights he drempt.
Hyperlaser was trapped in a burning building, the fire lapping greedily at his flesh.
Untouched, unscarred flesh.
It burned searingly, pain radiating through his entire body. The heat was unbearable, the smoke almost worse than the actual flames. The dark, almost black plumes filled the room he was in, blocking his eyes and slipping into his lungs uninvited.
He coughed wickedly, trying to look through the shroud. He needed to get out. Now. That or he would die trying. He much preferred the thought of the former.
Hyperlaser dodged and wove through the flames best he could, his skin no doubt at least lightly burned from the pain. His lungs screamed and pleaded for fresh air, blazing pain striking through them.
The mercenary abruptly stopped when a beam from the ceiling fell just a few feet in front of him, embers and cinders flying from the force of it.
Shit.
He was trapped here. Looking behind him, there were just more flames. Left and right, burning walls. What was he supposed to do? The smoke was making him lightheaded.
He was going to die here.
He stumbled to the ground, trying to keep far away from the flames. Yet the flames still nipped at his exposed skin and tore at his clothes like a pack of hungry beasts.
He screamed at the top of his lungs, the sound tearing through his throat from the depths of his diaphragm.
Hyperlaser jolted awake by a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him. His grip immediately tightened on his gear, hard enough his knuckles turned bone white. He clicked off the safety for the plasma railgun at his side instinctively.
He was panting heavily, drenched in sweat. Psychogenic pain wracked through his body, reminding him of the burn scars that littered his form.
The trauma.
“Hyperlaser.” Katana’s rumbling, soothing voice cut through the haze of panic. “You were screaming in your sleep. Are you alright?”
Hyperlaser froze for a minute or so, taking a few moments to process that the form in front of him was Katana. He gave a little nod. “Sorry. I had a nightmare.” His reply was tight and clipped, clearly not wanting to say anymore then he had too.
Katana settled a little more comfortably in front of his companion, his hand still resting gently on his shoulder. “I see. No need to apologize. Do these nightmares frequent?”
Hyperlaser gave another pitifully small nod, avoiding looking at Katana’s face. The rogue was not wearing his porcelain mask.
“I’m tired.” The mercenary mumbled, his eyes drifting closed behind his one-way visor.
Katana slowly gathered Hyperlaser into his strong arms, nodding. “I can tell.”
The rogue slowly stood up, placing the mercenary down on the bed. He thought of what to do next, figuring he’d leave.
“Katana,” Hyperlaser called abruptly, pushing himself up onto his elbows.
Katana turned his head around, tilting his head slightly.
“Stay with me? I don’t want to be alone right now. Please.” The mercenary bade. The reality was he was anxious to let Katana out of his sight, worried something might happen to him. But also partly because he honestly didn’t want to be left alone.
Katna walked back over, humming, “I suppose I can stay.” more to himself then to Hyperlaser. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress and frame creaking slightly from the added weight. Princess didn’t stir from her spot at the foot of the bed, her small form curled up neatly and comfortably.
Hyperlaser slipped his helmet off, setting it down on the small bedside table. He could feel Katana settling down on the bed, lying down next to him. He couldn’t help but to shuffle a little closer to the rogue, craving the warmth radiating off his body. Unlike when he’d been trapped in that fire all those years ago, this warmth was.. Nice. Not too hot.
Katana raised a brow, though didn’t push Hyperlaser away. For a killing machine, the mercenary was being oddly affectionate. He recalled a time Hyperlaser had told him his kill count, something close to.. What, two hundred? A bit more than that? But that had been a long, long while ago.
Katana wrapped an arm around Hyperlaser, feeling the merc settle against his side. He could feel a bit of fat on his friend through his clothes. “I would not have taken you for someone to be... How do I put this without sounding rude– More well-fed.”
Hyperlaser made a small chuckle, resting his head on Katana’s arm. He could feel the larger man’s feathers brushing against his cheek. “Well, I go out drinking at least three times a week and don’t do very much exercise besides running around doing jobs for Subspace.” He pointed out. The mercenary had a somewhat thin layer of fat on him, muscle underneath.
Hyperlaser let his eyes drift shut, although it didn’t change much with what he saw. Just the dimness of the dark. He could feel Katana’s deep breaths, as well as hear the sound. It was soothing, comfortable.
Katana settled his head against the pillow below him, his arm wrapped around Hyperlaser. He perked up slightly, feeling Princess stirring and crawling over to them.
The cat stepped over Hyperlaser’s legs, squirming between the two men and making enough room for herself in the small crack which parted both their chests. She rubbed her head against Hyperlaser’s neck, her small, purple horns lightly scratching the underside of his chin. Her horns were blunt, as about a week after she’d started her habit of rubbing them against her owner’s face Hyperlaser had started shaving them down just enough so they weren’t sharp.
Hyperlaser scratched behind Princess’s ear in response, the dark grey-furred feline letting out a trilling purr. The mercenary felt more calm then he had in a while, though he couldn’t deny the fact how his pulse still continued to beat just a little faster than any ‘normal’ Inphernal’s should’ve.
But he wasn’t normal, was he?
Katana noticed Hyperlaser trying to cuddle in even closer, turning his head slightly so he could see the mercenary. “You are.. Oddly affectionate, my friend.”
“Is it bothering you?”
“Oh, no. Of course not.”
Hyperlaser went quiet for a moment or two, his head now resting on Katana’s chest. “I just... Haven’t had any contact like this with anyone in years. Lately it’s only Subspace barking orders at me, Princess rubbing up against my leg, and shooting my targets. Occasionally getting something from the body.” He explained, his eyes still fast shut. It was pretty clear he didn’t get very much physical affection from others - besides his cat - if he even did at all.
“I see.” Katana murmured back, his tone equal and cool. The two of them sat in silence for a long while, Hyperlaser listening to Katana’s heartbeat. “Are you feeling any better, Hyperlaser?”
The mercenary gave a small nod, seeming tired. “Yes.”
“Shall I go, th–”
“No. Please, stay. This is too nice to end yet.” Hyperlaser quickly interjected, interrupting the rogue sharply.
Katana was taken a bit aback but complied, staying in place. He yawned, exhaling deeply. He settled in a little more, practically sinking into the mattress. Was he ever tired...
Hyperlaser could feel Katana drifting off by the way his breathing had slowed and evened and how his grip on his shoulder had loosened. He settled in a bit more himself, letting his body relax as much as it would allow.
The sound of Princess’s purring and the sound of air softly whistling through Katana's exposed teeth gash lulled the hypervigilant mercenary into a state of calm.
Eventually the trio were steadfast asleep, curled around one another.
Hyperlaser felt safe. Content. Dare he say,
Happy.