Chapter Text
“Shoot.”
Was all Valk could say as he stayed completely lost in the ball. This was a grand event organized to make sure those that were the most important (and powerful) of the whole Inpherno could interact and get along. However, these were mostly done as business deals over the concept of peace among everyone.
Originally, Valk came here with his brother, Dom, as Flipside and as children of the SFOTHs. They came together and were supposed to stay together the whole night.
But when they temporarily split up, Valk couldn’t find Dom anywhere. And so now he was here, panicked, in the middle of the ball, trying to find his brother.
He had asked around, but it was always the same response. Either they didn’t know or they still didn’t know but wanted to talk business with Valk. While Valk is good at talking business, this wasn’t the time, and he wasn’t going to agree to anything without Dom at his side.
The unfamiliar anxiety inducing gut feeling took over Valk as he looked around the busy area. Thankfully, because of his shorter status, he could easily pass through the crowds.
But Dom wasn’t here, Dom is obvious. He’s taller than the average Inphernal so how come Valk can’t find him at all!
And so that’s how he ended up in the empty halls of the event.
It’s not that he gets nervous in these sorts of areas, but Valk thrived around company. He preferred to always have someone by his side when he went into places, especially new ones. That’s why he’s normally always gravitating around Dom… among other reasons.
But suddenly-
“Ah!” Valk clashed into something, or rather, someone. His hand immediately going up as he winced. Was he that lost in thought?
“Watch where you’re going.” Valk looked up to the Inphernal, taller than most, arms crossed as he looked down at Valk. His expression tense even through the mask he wore.
“Sorry…” Valk said awkwardly, his heart beating as he planned to simply swerve and continue his path as the Inphernal looked at him up and down. Valk could feel the judgement in the Inphernal’s singular visible eye as he quickly walked passed.
“You already interrupted the moment—who are you supposed to be?”
The audacity of some Inphernals!
Valk took a deep breath as he turned around with a casual smile. He has to look that he’s not upset at this.
He put his hand out, urging the other to grab it for introductions.
“I’m Valk! You may know me from the group Flipside that I have with my brother Dom. Make sure to not forget it!”
The other Inphernal looked at him, still tense, but in the end decided to grab Valk’s hand in a firm shake.
“Subspace T. Mine, creator of the Biografts and Head of Blackrock’s Robotics Division.”
Ohhhh.
Valk has heard of Subspace before, who hasn’t? Some years ago, Subspace was the whole talk of these events. Blackrock was incredibly proud of him and would flaunt him everywhere. Yet they stopped doing that some years ago and Subspace was never in the spotlight. Valk didn’t even know Subspace was invited… and with what he’s heard of Subspace he didn’t expect him to look like… this.
Not like Valk ever met him before, he’s only really seen pictures as he didn’t go to these parties a lot. It was only when Flipside started kicking off that he agreed with Dom that they probably should go as Flipside instead as just someone who’s connected with the SFOTHs which was the reason they were invited in the first place.
“The Biografts huh.” Valk mused, a smile still on his features, putting his hands on his hips. “They’ve become quite popular in Crossroads, didn’t think I would run into the guy who made them.”
Subspace frowned slightly before his expression became neutral once more. His voice was leveled, calculated, almost defensive.
“I’ve… heard, yes.” Subspace nodded, only to put a hand on his chest. “Of course, my brilliant creations would reach far and wide!”
“Haha, yeah.” Valk had no idea how to continue this conversation.
And it seemed that Subspace didn’t know either as he started to play with his hair a bit.
“Actually, I should probably get going. I’m searching for my brother Dom if you’ve seen him? Tall… purple…” Valk quickly described awkwardly.
“No… I haven’t seen him.” Subspace replied curtly, eye focusing back on Valk as he crossed his arms once again.
“Right…”
Now what? Continue searching until he found Dom? Everyone always said the same thing, no one knows where Dom is and it’s giving him a sense of déjà vu, and not in a good sense. Valk could only chuckle nervously, as Subspace tilted his head in confusion.
Valk gulped nervously, hesitating. A sudden idea appeared in his mind, even as rejection was very much possible and probable.
“Would you… mind helping me search?” The sentence came out more awkward than he anticipated. Subspace taking a step forward did not help. “I’ve been asking around and no one knows and maybe I just need an extra… erm… eye to search?”
Subspace only looked down at Valk, it was almost as if he was analysing something. An experiment, or something of the like. It made Valk uncomfortable, Subspace’s gaze wasn’t exactly a kind one. And knowing of his reputation that only really got worse in the years, Valk cursed himself for even trying to ask Subspace of all people.
The silence only stretched longer between them as Subspace kept his eye trained on Valk. The latter didn’t falter on his gaze, however tempting it was.
“Very well.”
What?
Valk could only blink multiple times as Subspace took a step back motioning at the paintings around the hall.
“I’ve already looked at these paintings, boring as they may be. To say I may need some much needed entertainment is an understatement.” Subspace shrugged, looking back at Valk. “I’ll assist you in your endeavor, just this once. Instead of wasting my time looking at useless paintings.”
Huzzah!
Valk knew he desperately needed help, he must have been missing something when exploring this place. Perhaps it’s because he didn’t normally go to these events, much less explore much as he preferred to stay in the main area with his brother.
While he didn’t expect Subspace of all inphernals to be the one to agree, it's a welcome change. If Subspace is as good as his reputation mentions him to be, his eye for detail might just be the thing that will help find Dom.
“Alright then!” Valk clapped his hands together. “I’ve explored quite a bit with no sight of Dom at all, so we can either repass or see new areas.”
“I do not know where you have already explored, I insist on the former.” Subspace spoke, already walking by Valk. Almost as if wordlessly asking Valk to follow him.
Subspace walked fast, but it was nothing compared to Valk’s family who all, safe for Dom, walked fast making Valk need to pick up his pace to keep up. Talk about how he’s cursed with his height.
“I also normally have something by my side.” Subspace started as he looked down at Valk. “A Biograft. However, my superior wished to show it off and now I am without the Biograft.”
It was odd, in a way it felt that Subspace was showing some sort of weird moment of connection. But it only came out in a peculiar way with how he phrased it.
“How come you always have one with you?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Subspace hummed, crossing his arms. “My own creation should be by my side… as well because…”
Subspace only trailed off, shaking his head as the conversation died in a moment of silence as they walked past more empty hallways.
Valk couldn’t stand the silence, he could normally handle it when it came to Dom. But in this case he barely knew Subspace, and it unnerved him.
“So… tell me about the Biografts.” Valk started, hoping to spark a conversation.
… completely not expecting for it to actually start a proper conversation.
“What do you wish to know?”
“Anything is okay! I don’t know much about them personally so…”
“Where do I start…”
The previous silence that yawned between them was no longer as Subspace’s voice took over. Valk didn’t expect the previously aloof seeming scientist to become so passionate about his creations.
The longer it went on, the more excited that Subspace became. At first, it was about what they did. But then it went on about the different types and then the technicalities of each one.
The one thing Valk is good at is listening and paying attention, and that seemed to make Subspace more than happy, he was ecstatic when Valk would ask questions about some of the extremely scientific parts.
Valk was surprised with how Subspace seemed a little too eager to talk about every part, almost teaching Valk all of these parts as if the latter won’t probably forget about it with how technical it’s getting.
Even when they would find more populated areas, Subspace continued. Valk is sure some of these things have to be Blackrock secrets but he let Subspace speak his mind as he did pause when Valk asked to then look around with a quick “ah, right.”
Subspace was surprisingly nice company, he seemed excited to talk about his passion and Valk liked how genuine he was with it. He might not understand a thing that Subspace is talking about but it’s nice to find someone, even if it was Subspace, that actually talked honestly and genuinely about themselves.
It was rare in these kinds of events to find someone like that. They were always so self absorbed in themselves and wanting to sell to even be honest. Not like Valk was very honest himself about it, he was just like the others in this event.
He’s just surprised that the nice company of someone who isn’t trying to sell straight up and instead is just talking about their passion was the ever egotistical and terrible reputation Subspace T. Mine.
“Oh, wait, I think I see him!” Valk exclaimed from one of the upper balconies that oversaw one of the main areas.
Subspace shut up immediately, taking a step back from the balcony as he tensed up.
“Ah… yes. That must be it, correct?” Subspace said coldly, Valk slowly turned around with a quirked eyebrow as he noticed Subspace’s change of demeanor almost immediately. “I suppose this marks the end of our time together.”
Valk blinked in confusion before looking back at Dom. He didn’t expect the change, he almost wanted for Subspace to meet Dom. But with how he reacted now and seemed to react the whole time. Subspace didn’t seem quite willing to go into the main event that easily. He seemed ready to simply go back to the empty hallways that he seemed to haunt instead. Valk wondered why someone who seemed to enjoy the spotlight insisted on staying in the shadow.
Yet something in him didn’t want to split off from Subspace quite yet. The company was nice and he almost yearned to stay just a little longer by his side.
“Actually… Dom seems to be holding himself just fine.” Valk chuckled awkwardly, finally looking back at Subspace. “I needed to make sure he was fine after all. Mind hanging out some more?”
Subspace blinked, eye widening in surprise.
“A-Ah… I supposed I wouldn’t mind just a bit more of your company.” Valk could tell he was trying to say it nonchalantly. Yet with how he noticed Subspace’s tail started moving from side to side almost excitedly.
Valk couldn’t help but grin at the obvious excitement from the scientist. It was almost cute how someone who looked almost scary like him could have a habit like so. His reputation might follow him but Valk was starting to find out little things that his reputation didn’t mention.
“So… about those Biografts.” Valk grinned as he walked past Subspace, this time urging the latter to follow him instead.
Subspace quickly caught up, continuing his conversation where he left off. Compared to when they first met, Subspace kept Valk’s slightly slower walk speed in mind, choosing to slow down as he spoke on and on about his creations.
After a while they ended up in the garden. The conversation got quieter once again as they sat down. It wasn’t that Subspace couldn’t keep going, it was just that he kept going on tangents that some of these things he had to show Valk for him to understand. But Valk is sure he wouldn’t have understood anyways.
It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence like how it was when they first met. It was pleasant as they simply looked in front of them. Subspace looked less stiff as he sat, even if it was uncomfortably straight as Valk just lounged on the bench.
“Flipside was it?” Subspace suddenly spoke, turning around to look at Valk. “I’ve… heard of you, when you’ve started to pick up. Some of these… inphernals have talked about you.”
Valk perked up immediately, suddenly his lazy position turning into something stiff as if he was caught red handed in a cookie jar.
“You’ve heard about us?”
Subspace only nodded.
“I don’t listen to music however, it’s simply not needed in Blackrock.” He explained, leaning an arm against the back of the bench.
“So you just… work in silence sometimes?”
“The only music I hear is machines.”
Subspace was almost too calm. Valk was surprised that Subspace was asking him about it. Was Subspace just full of surprises? Or maybe he simply felt the need to ask about Valk’s interests as Valk was interested in his?
“I mean, could I show you some of my songs? Maybe I can change your mind.” Valk grinned, putting his hands on his knees.
Subspace looked at him up and down before letting out a breath.
“I… suppose.”
“Awesome!” Valk quickly shuffled through his suit, digging into the inner pocket to pull out his phone and a pair of wired headphones. “Before you say that I have older tech with the headphones, these are just easier to not lose like those wireless ones! Oh, also we will have direct audio without all that delay that you can get sometimes…”
Subspace only shook his head.
“Music must be your passion, to know of this delay.” He grabbed the earbud that Valk motioned him to grab. “Most inphernals don’t care about delays that certain devices have I’ve realized.”
“I notice these because I record them very particularly, you know!” Valk pouted slightly. “If I’ll show you my music, it better be in the best way I can.”
Valk moved closer to Subspace, just enough for their legs to touch as he moved his phone in a way that Subspace could see.
“Let’s see… anything seems interesting?” He continued scrolling through his phone, the list kept going on and on and Subspace could only glance at Valk a bit lost.
“Surprise me.”
“Alrighty!” Valk continued scrolling before settling on one. “Okay, this might be a lot for someone who just doesn’t listen to music, but it’s one of my favs.”
He waited a little bit for anticipation before pressing the song.
Originally, Valk wanted to look at Subspace for his reaction. Yet here he was, singing along the song, starting in hums before going into full singing.
He kept swaying his head at the upbeat song, clear enjoyment as his body language as Subspace listened to the song. His focus slowly went onto Valk instead and his own singing.
Soon after the song ended and Valk quickly pressed pause.
“Gotta press pause so I don’t get through the whole playlist before I know it!” He grinned, looking at Subspace who seemed lost in thought. “What did you think?”
Subspace’s eyes darted around for a bit before he removed the earbud properly.
“It was… unique.” He started, awkwardly. “You quite seemed to enjoy it, seeing as how you started to sing along with your own song.”
“Oh… I did that, didn't I? Oops, my bad!” Valk took the earbuds back, wrapping them around his hand as he prepared to stuff them back in his pocket. “I couldn’t resist, it really just boosts my mood, you know?”
Subspace nodded slowly,
“I suppose.” He sat back, looking forward in the garden. “It’s… an interesting idea. I believe I need to get used to it.”
“With the way Flipside is going, maybe you’ll start hearing it in Blackrock!” Valk laughed, leaning in close.
“I doubt it.” Subspace shook his head. “Blackrock doesn’t do music.”
“You’d be surprised.” Valk giggled to himself before settling back on the bench, stretching his body. “You’ll see, Flipside’s gonna take over the Inpherno before you know it.”
Subspace could only chuckle, the sound slightly muffled thanks to his mask.
“Prove me wrong then.”
“Wanna bet?”
“No.” Subspace crossed his arms. “I’m not as foolish to gamble.”
Valk only playfully grumbled, a clear smile on his features as he pushed his glasses up.
“Fine~ No betting anything.”
Before Subspace could say anything the two of them heard a sudden bell, marking the new hour.
Valk quickly got up,
“It’s time for the dance!”
Subspace looked at him confused, making no move, yet.
“What, you have a partner to dance with?”
Valk turned slowly towards Subspace.
“... No.” He said awkwardly, bringing a hand to scratch his other arm bashfully. “As much as I’d love to dance with someone, no one exactly wants to. But I know people are gonna go after my brother and I need to see who he decides to dance with!”
Subspace sighed before getting up from his seat, silent for a while before shrugging. As if he was wondering what to say.
“I suppose I wouldn’t mind the curiosity, there are certain inphernals that I would adore to see who they dance with.”
While Valk’s reasoning was innocent, Subspace’s seemed not so much. From the gleam in his eye, Valk could tell the other was probably just going to judge the others. Or maybe it was simply because that was Subspace’s reputation.
The duo quickly made their way to the main ballroom once again, some inphernals had already found their partners and Subspace couldn’t resist but insult some of the couples.
His judgement was made clear at some of them, knowing that it was only so they would look nicer. The outfits even clashed!
Subspace was however surprised with how Valk agreed with some of his opinions.
Dipping down slightly to lean his head beside his, Subspace spoke lowly in Valk’s ear.
“I didn’t think of you to judge.”
“I’m not! It’s just… well…” Valk motioned at some of them, almost visibly cringing at some of the clashing colours. It was clear most of them were dancing only for the sake of business and being seen by someone who would raise their reputation up further.
Subspace only chuckled.
“It seems we have a lot more in common than I thought, singer.” He straightened once more, before tapping Valk’s shoulder, motioning him to look at the other side. “There is your brother.”
As expected, Dom was swarmed.
Valk wasn’t surprised, after all, Dom was extremely pretty and attractive. And everyone wanted to be seen with the rising idol. He didn’t mind the spotlight on his brother, with everything that happened in the past, Valk just wants the absolute best for Dom.
Valk chuckled as he nudged Subspace.
“Who do you think he’s going to go with? The dance should start soon.”
Subspace only hummed.
“Perhaps the one at his left.” He pointed. “That one would look best with his current outfit.”
“Hey! I want him to find a good dance partner.”
“And they better look good at his side, you know.” Subspace shrugged. “Lest you want your brother to look b-”
“He’ll look stunning no matter who his dance partner is!” Valk huffed. “Dom’s really good at dancing, I can’t wait to see him.”
Valk smiled to himself, proud of his brother. Some years ago, Dom would refuse, he didn’t want to dance with anyone. After all, when he learned to dance he could still… see through both of his eyes. And now missing one, his coordination faltered dramatically.
But after some years of practice and rebuilding of his confidence, he started accepting people’s hand to dance when he was asked.
It was a hefty feeling, and it made Valk’s heart swell in pride. He was proud of Dom for how far he got, how he managed to pick back everything even after everything that happened.
“The dance is starting soon.” Subspace’s voice cut through Valk’s thoughts suddenly.
“Oh, yeah it is…”
Valk turned around to look at Subspace, only to be surprised at the latter having his hand out. Subspace’s eye was on Valk’s face before darting to the side. A faint blush peaked through his mask.
“... May I?”
Valk blinked, his heart almost stopping in his chest.
“You can dance?!”
Subspace only deadpanned.
“Of course I can dance, just because I don’t dance with people normally attend these dances doesn’t mean I can’t!” Subspace defended himself with a scoff. “I was taught by my caretakers before my first ball. I used to dance a lot at these events, you know.”
Now that was unexpected.
“I thought you didn’t like music.”
“Absolutely no correlation.”
Valk nervously giggled before gingerly putting his hand in Subspace’s.
“Then yes, I would love to dance.”
In a flash, Subspace pulled Valk closer to him, pressing their bodies together. Valk could feel his heartbeat pick up at the closeness as he looked up at Subspace.
“Good.”
The music started soon after as Subspace pulled Valk with him on the dance floor, one of his hands holding Valk’s firmly as the other landed at his lower back, holding him close to him.
It was an intimate position, especially with Valk wrapping his free hand around Subspace’s neck.
Valk wondered if Subspace could hear his heartbeat, or even feel it with how hard it was beating. But as they started to dance slowly, Valk could only lean on Subspace’s chest as they swayed together.
Subspace could dance, he was right. But it only made Valk’s heartbeat pick up even harder. His stomach flipping as he felt butterflies suddenly spawn. A nervousness in his body as he moved with Subspace.
Oh goodness.
Valk knew this feeling all too well.
“Comfortable?” Subspace looked down at Valk, his eye showing amusement as Valk looked up flustered. He tried his best to put on a smile even if it came out nervous.
“Y-Yeah…” Valk said quieter than he expected, his mind not being able to not focus on Subspace’s hands on him.
Subspace’s thumb caressed Valk’s hand slowly, almost as if to soothe Valk’s nerves as he held him closer.
The whole feel of it all couldn’t calm Valk’s nerves however. Mostly because of the realization as they swayed together in the beat. Everyone around them seemed to melt away, the only thing that Valk could care was of the one in front of him.
Suddenly, Subspace dipped Valk down, masked face leaning close.
“You seem quite nervous.” Just as quick, he raised Valk back up as he spun the latter.
The dance was almost too smooth, it drove Valk crazy. He hadn’t danced like this in so long, at least not with someone who actually meant it.
He was having fun, and before he knew it he clung harder as they seemed to fall in their own rhythm. Instead of the usual dance that you would do with one that couldn’t understand and wouldn’t care, Valk managed to follow Subspace’s sudden more experimental moves.
Subspace started to make moves that other inphernals would only do with another that they already had known and danced with before. To know how the other danced and be able to align yourself with them.
Yet with how it went, Valk’s intuition was perfect to match Subspace’s moves. Some almost felt romantic as Valk felt his face flush but it was natural. As if they’ve danced together their whole lives.
Sometimes when they spun, Subspace would lift Valk slightly which only felt like flying. Especially with the way his wings would flutter slightly. It was fun, it normally wasn’t this fun.
Everyone was always so stiff against Valk, not being used to dancing with someone much shorter. But Subspace seemed to be a natural as he adapted quickly. He knew what to do and it only made the situation all the more fun.
Soon after the music stopped to the previous music before the dance. The couples started splitting off yet the duo was still connected as Valk laughed in joy.
“That was so fun!” Valk grinned as he looked up at Subspace.
“You’re not quite terrible as a dancer.” Subspace said, yet his eye held a glimmer of mischief as he tilted his head.
“Oh, you!” Valk leaned closer to Subspace, his wings loosely wrapping around Subspace’s body. “We should dance again one day.”
Subspace stiffened slightly at the feeling of the wings but relaxed soon after, letting out a sigh.
“I suppose I wouldn’t mind a dancer such as yourself.”
Valk only giggled to himself before unwrapping his wings to relax them behind him again. Slowly, hesitantly, he removed his arm from Subspace’s neck.
His hand however, stayed in Subspace’s as the latter kept his hold still loosely.
Subspace’s eye focused on their intertwined hands, squeezing Valk’s fingers in his before glancing at Valk with a spark in his eye.
Slowly, he brought Valk’s hand to the front of his mask.
“I may have a mask but…” Subspace closed his eye, leaning slightly to press his mask down on the back of Valk’s hand, an almost inaudible sound escaping from the mask. “The intention is there.”
Valk could feel his face heat up once more, heartbeat that he thought he managed to calm down quickly picking up once again even when Subspace finally took some steps back.
Subspace only seemed amused as he saw Valk with his mouth agape. Valk’s hand quickly went up to his cheeks trying to hide the extreme blush on his features as if the excited twitching of his wings weren’t enough of a sign.
Subspace looked almost too amused as he chuckled. He thought he lost that sort of charm after his… disease took over. Yet seeing Valk completely at a loss of words made him second guess. A fleeting feeling of endearment crossed his features as he looked down at Valk.
“R-Right…” Valk looked to the side, scratching the back of his neck. “Wow…”
To say that Valk was swooning was an understatement. The scientist completely wrapped the idol around his finger.
They seemed lost in their own world, that is, until a certain someone suddenly walked in.
“There you are.” The soothing voice of Dom, the other half of Flipside, suddenly cut through the haze. “I was wondering where you went.”
“Dom!” Valk quickly snapped to look at Dom. “Yeah! I mean, I was looking for you and well… Whatever um… This is Subspace, he was helping me earlier to search for you!”
Valk motioned at the pink inphernal who took a step forward, putting out his hand as he introduced himself just like before.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Subspace.” Dom said calmly.
“Unfortunately, I cannot stay any longer as duty calls.” Subspace tilted his head, looking between the two brothers even as his eye stayed lingering on Valk. “Now that you have found your brother, my time here is done. Enjoy the rest of your night. I trust I’ll see you next year.”
And so Subspace was gone like mist.
Valk could feel his heartbeat still hard against his chest. He had to take deep breaths to be able to stabilize himself.
Dom looked at his brother in a knowing way, slightly confused on how and why Subspace but still amused nonetheless at him.
Before Dom could tease Valk, the latter spoke.
“I cannot wait a year to see him again, Dom.” Valk suddenly turned around to Dom, grabbing his brother’s collar. “You have no idea what has just happened the whole time we were separated!”