Chapter Text
"Everyone clear on the rules?" Zero asked. He, Doc, Tesla, and Armstrong had gathered in the living room, moving in close to speak quietly among themselves.
"Yeah yeah," Tesla counted them off. "One at a time, one per sleep cycle, no sabotage, no forcing a sleep cycle, remain unnoticed, no traps…" They crossed their arms. "Basically be as boring as possible."
"Aw Tessie," Zero held both hands up, fingers splayed wide. "You just gotta get ~creative~!"
Tesla scoffed. "You're lecturing me on creativity?? If that's all it takes I'll beat you all with one hand."
"Said the person who made dead-last in the previous attempt," Doc pointed out.
"That's because I wasn't interested in trying!" Tesla hissed back. "The whole thing is stupid. I'm only joining because the prize is middlingly enticing, ok??"
"Of course, of course," Doc answered easily. Tesla just huffed while Armstrong gave it a comforting pat on the shoulder.
"Alrighty-" Zero leaned in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "So begins the third monthly tournament of 'Operation Sticker Helm.'"
The four of them nodded to each other, then dispersed.
000
Zero bounced on the balls of his feet, jittering with excitement. He was so gonna win this, but it wasn't just about the winning! It was about having fun! And well, he was also going to have a lot of fun while winning.
Aaaaanyway, he just had to wait a bit for the, ahem, target, to make an appearance. Shouldn't be long, anyyyyy second now…
Rust came into the living room. Zero stopped bouncing.
Their eyes met.
Time to make his move, show these chumps how it was done. He set his feet back, then cleared his throat, then charged.
"RUST HAAAAAI!!"
He took a running leap at Rust who, used to the other's antics, caught him easily in a one-armed hug, letting Zero wrap his arms around his neck.
"Hey Z," they answered easily. "What's up?"
"Nothing~!" Zero hummed and hopped back again. "You going out?"
"Yeah, just for a ride. Be back in time for practice."
"Kay!" Zero waved. "Be safe! Or at least your normal level of danger!"
Rust flashed him a thumbs up as they headed out the door. If the noticed the colorful cat sticker that had been stuck to the back of their helmet, they didn't say anything. As soon as the door closed Zero spun around to flash a smug peace-sign at the others watching from the doorway. Tesla scoffed.
"Shameless."
"-and effective!" Zero propped his hands on his hips, chin high. "That's one point for meeee!"
"Bah." Tesla waved him off. "Just because you got the first opportunity doesn't mean you're actually ahead."
"It kinda does."
"Shut up. I'll plaster so many of these stupid things on their helmet before they can blink."
Doc cleared his throat. "Let's remember to keep things safe, here." Tesla huffed.
"Non-lethally, obviously."
Doc gave it a critical look. Tesla rolled its eyes.
"Non-harmfully."
"Better."