Work Text:
Two Time sat with Shedletsky, on the patio, looking out at the night sky. The cicadas chittered softly, not too hot. The drinks dripped between them on the table, not too cold. All things considered, a peaceful night in the realm.
Two time wasn't sitting like it was normal. Gently rocking back and forth, sitting on their hands. Their ever present smile there, but with pursed lips. The admin had invited them to sit out together, and they happily obliged. They didn't, however, know of the drinks he brought.
Soda. They'd never had soda before. They really, really wanted to try.
With their soothing behaviors in over-drive, Two Time was brought out of it by a chuckle beside them.
"What's wrong?" Shedletsky asked, taking a sip of his bloxy-cola. "You seem really antsy."
"Ah-ah!! There's nothing to worry about, nothing at all!!" Two Time stammered. "I just.. do you promise not to get mad?"
Shedletsky fake-thought for a second, before replying. "No reason why I would. Tell me."
"I-i just... wanted to ask if I-i could have that spare Bloxy Cola of yours?" Two time turned to look at Shedletsky, seemingly ignoring the look of confusion they got.
"... Yeah. Because it isn't mine." Shedletsky set his drink down, and shoved the unopened can to his shaky compatriot. "I brought it out for you."
Two Time's eyes stayed as wide as flapjacks, before startling and fumbling with the condensated drink.
"Ah!! Thank Spawn!! Thank- thank spawn for your offering!!!" They hurriedly breathed out, as if playing off of script. They paused again. "Uhm..."
Shedletsky tilted her head, both at their antics and confusion.
"Dear... uhm, uhm, Shedletsky- Dear Shedletsky-" They murmured at their fumble. "Does this... top, work similarly to an anchovy can?"
"Uh, yeah. Guess you could say that. Times, have you... never had bloxy before?"
They curled inward at the nickname, and further in themself at the question. Nodding, Shedletsky huffs as he leans forward.
"I'd say... It works similarly to an anchovy can, but it has a lot more force. Hand me your can?" Two Time obliged quickly, and Shedletsky thanked them.
She began tracing a soft claw against the deep brown can. "The, uh- soda, acts as kind of a fuse. Not... really? Let me rephrase. It's carbonated, which means in the inside of this can, it's a lot more volatile. If i shook this up or stabbed it, it'd shoot everywhere. This top's the safest option, so it doesn't go flat. And, well, heh. Burst everywhere."
A thumb traced the tip of the soda can, rubbing off condensation out of habit. Talons grazed the popper of the can, the other hand turning it so Two Time didn't have to tilt their head.
"You'd pull on it like that. The anchovy comparison's actually pretty good, wouldn't have thought of that." Shedletsky handed the bloxy back. "I'd say be more careful, though. These cans can get a little sharp."
Her smile made Two Time's mouth tingle a bit, but they ignored it and nodded.
"Got it." Two time took a deep breath, before mimicking what Shedletsky showed them to a T. Nerve-bitten nails thumbed the opening with the meat of their digit, and with hesitation, Two Time hooked their nails, opening it.
The can opened with a strong hiss, startling Two Time as they jumped. A laugh erupted from the chicken next to them, causing them to turn.
"S-sorry, sorry." He giggled, covering her mouth. "You look a little cute when you're surprised, everything's alright. You did a real good job!!"
Two Time's tail fluttered at the praise. "Th-thank you!!"
"Are your nails okay? Just making sure."
Two Time's head tilted curiously, before they looked at their fingerbeds. Small nicks from the force of the soda top were underneath them, showing their inexperience. They turned back up to her, smiling as ever.
"Yep! They should be fine!" They replied, causing the admin to sigh in relief.
Then, a pause rang through the small deck. The cicadas from the trees, the wind in the lake and a sharp swish of a tail.
Shedletsky's eyes darted back and forth before settling back on them. "You wanna drink that now? You opened it."
"Ah!! Right, right!! Haha, sorry!! I-I forgot!!" Eyes darting around, combat boots gently kicking from nerves.
Two Time's focus drifted down, back to the cup. The liquid inside looked dark, they could hear the fizzles. The water drops on the cup soaked their gloves a little; They'd usually see this on the pots of rice that would cook, or the drinks in the summers. On a can dark as this, you can't help but notice the condensation. It looked... Pretty, to Two Time. The orange, and the black, and the texture, and all.
They took a deep breath, a very deep breath, before bringing it up to their lips like they would a ritual cup. And took a sip.
The sip was shorter than expected. They drank up to their bottom molars, tugged the drink away, swallowed and immediately sputtered in confusion.
"Wh-hwwhuh-huhww- huh???" The cultist coughed all over themselves. "Its- It's...."
Two Time turned to a bare-held together Shedletsky. "Why's it spikey?"
The admin busted out laughing, rocking back in her seat as he cackled at Two Times predicament. Twisting, rolling, holding his big belly as he giggled and joyed at their reaction.
"Oh-Oh!!" She said between laughs, wheezing not unlike a balloon. "Your reaction was so cute, oh my gosh!! Did you like it?"
Two Time's face went beet red at Shedletsky's sincere smile. His face flushed, eyes curled up, entirely focused on them as he breathed out, chuckling a bit. They noticed, looking closer; Her teeth were ever-so-slight sharp.
"Times?"
"Y-yeah!! I, uh-" They nodded. "I like it. I want more of it."
"It's your drink, have it 'till you're done." Shedletsky readjusted in his seat, leaning back. "Nothing's stopping you."
They looked back at the drink in their hand.
Yeah. They thought, taking another sip. Inhaling the taste, shutting their eyes. Nothing stopping them.
Looking back at Shedletsky, they smiled a little.
Nothing stopping them at all.