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Zooble sat in their room, trying to decide which parts they’d use the next day. Since the whole escape the circus thing turned out to be another one of Caine’s bulls[REDACTED] adventures, they figured going about things as usual would keep their mind off the disappointment of still being trapped. They were trying to decide between using a purple squiggle with yellow polka dots as an arm or a leg when they heard a knock on their door.
“Jax, I swear to f[REDACTED] I’m not in the mood right now.”
“A-actually, it’s just me.”
“Huh? Oh, sorry.” Zooble quickly set down the part and opened the door to see Gangle standing there with her sketchpad and a pencil. “Hey, how are you?” Zooble asked as Gangle walked in, shutting the door behind her.
“I’m fine, I just didn’t wanna be alone after…”
“Yeah, I get the feeling. You wanna talk?”
“Sure…” Gangle’s happy mask hadn’t been repaired by Caine yet, meaning he was most likely planning whatever torture he was going to inflict on them tomorrow.
“So, what’s on your mind?” Zooble asked as they sat down on the bed.
“Well, I just… I was really starting to think that there was a way out of here, and there isn’t.”
“Yeah, you’re not the only one who feels that way.”
“And, it’s not just that I’m disappointed it was all an adventure, I’m more disappointed about…” Gangle looked over at the mirror that occupied the wall next to Zooble’s bed. “I wanted to see your face.” Zooble couldn’t help but feel a little flustered by this, but thankfully their triangle head couldn’t blush. At least, they think it couldn’t.
“O-oh, really? I uh… didn’t know you felt that way.”
“I mean, I wanted to see everyone’s faces,” Zooble felt a little jab in their chest at that friend-zoning. “I mean, aren’t you a little curious about what everyone looks like outside of this?” Gangle motioned to her ribbon body. “But, I was most excited to see you.”
“Yeah, I feel the same way.” Gangle smiled a little at that. “I wish I could remember what eye color I had, or if I had dyed hair when I got trapped here. If I did, it’s probably faded by now. But, I was excited to see you too.”
“I wish I could remember what it was like when my emotions weren’t determined by what face I had on.” Gangle tucked her ribbon knees in between her arms.
“Hey, you are in control of your emotions. No body will ever change that.” There was a moment of silence as they both gazed at their digital avatars in the mirror. “Can I… ask you something?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“If we… ever find a real way to get out of here, can you promise me you’ll be the first person I get to see?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Gangle smiled before hugging Zooble. “Hey, until then, whaddya say we try and guess what we looked like? Maybe draw something until we see what feels right?” “Sure, I’d like that.” Gangle picked up her sketchpad and began drawing. Maybe there was no exit after all. But if there was, Zooble would make sure they found it. And most of all, that they kept their promise to their best friend.”