Chapter Text
“Target Hyperlaser!”
Hyperlaser was weaving and dodging every attempt at an attack from the opposing red team. He felt dangerously vulnerable. He maneuvered away from Slingshot’s constant projectiles, outpaced Skateboard’s board, and narrowly avoided Vinestaff’s erupting sprouts and petals. His cries for help had fallen on his teammates' deaf ears despite his multiple attempts to request support over the comms. Hyperlaser couldn’t help but sigh; he felt utterly dissatisfied with his team’s performance today. The scrap that Subspace called his "greatest invention" was being destroyed the moment it stepped out of spawn. The scientist himself wasn’t much better, as he kept inhaling his own poison and choking on it—so much for being the greatest Blackrock scientist.
He ran through the canyon, the dust kicking up behind his boots. Run for your team. Don’t look back. His legs threatened to buckle as he felt himself reaching his limit. Ignore it. Run, run as fast as you can. Ru—
A familiar cord snagged around his waist. Before he could process the sensation, he lost his footing and was pulled backward with a violent jerk. He felt the grapple maim his coat, leaving behind permanent tears, dirt, and sand smudging the fine fabric as he was dragged across the arena. Fortunately for Hyperlaser, someone caught him and secured him by his waist in their arms. Unfortunately for Hyperlaser, it was Katana. Words couldn’t escape from his mouth fast enough before a piercing pain shot through his body; a katana blade had sliced through his shoulder. Katana murmured a soft apology as Hyperlaser’s body went limp and his vision faded into nothingness.
...
“Victory!”
The red team emerged from the arena with their heads held high, however, the same couldn’t be said about the blue team. Soon, everyone fanned out into the lobby, waiting to receive the Bux from today’s game. The Thieves' Den seemed particularly lively today, with lighthearted insults thrown around by the siblings and Slingshot adding more fuel to the fire.
As the trio continued to banter, Katana couldn’t help but glance over to where the other Phighters were standing. Subspace was throwing a mini hissy fit while fixing his Biograft, grumbling about how useless his team had been. Ban Hammer was loudly complaining to Medkit—something about not healing him fast enough—while Medkit retaliated, saying it was his fault for charging into battle without thinking. Katana's eyes continued to scan the lobby until they landed on Hyperlaser. In contrast to his fellow Phighters, Hyperlaser stayed silent and motionless. One might think that he was simply apathetic, but Katana knew better. Hyperlaser was just sulking under that blue helmet of his. Perhaps he should pay his friend a visit.
As Katana glided across the lobby, his geta clicked on the concrete floor, making his presence known to the helmet-clad mercenary. Hyperlaser lightly scoffed; did Katana come here to rub his victory in his face? The moment Katana arrived, he was lightly pushed away by Hyperlaser.
“Quite the hostility there, my friend,” Katana teased. “Are you perhaps sulking?”
When Hyperlaser averted his gaze, Katana couldn’t help but chuckle. He was right after all. Who knew the fearsome mercenary of Blackrock was this easy to tease?
“I won’t go so easy on you next time, Katana. Mark my words.” “Hmm,” Katana hummed, “I would like to see you try.”
After exchanging witty jokes and sarcasm, Katana suddenly changed the topic. “How has Princess been lately? I haven’t heard about her in a while.”
At the mention of Princess, Katana took note of how Hyperlaser’s antennae perked up. He started gushing to Katana about how adorable she’s been and how he had just bought her a cute, new, blue sweater. As Katana listened to Hyperlaser, he couldn’t help but smile softly. He silently hoped that Hyperlaser would never lose this endearing side of his—that he would never change.
...
Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was being eavesdropped on by a very curious trio. They listened to every sarcastic remark and witty joke; they watched how the mood slowly changed into a casual, hearty chat between the two older Inphernals.
“They can’t be that oblivious, can they?” Shuriken tilted his head. Has Hyperlaser not seen how the samurai’s eye—which blazed red with vengeance on the battlefield—seemed to always become muted and soft for him? Has Katana never heard how much softer and quieter Hyperlaser’s voice became, no matter how sharp it had been in the arena? It was mutual love and affection broadcasted for everyone to see, yet it seemed they were the only ones oblivious to it. The trio continued to spy on them, watching as Katana's hand lightly brushed over Hyperlaser’s. It was agonizing, really.
“They’re so obvious!” Sling ruffled his hair in frustration. “Can we do anything at all?”
None of them knew the answer. Slingshot could only sigh helplessly as Shuriken shrugged and Vinestaff slowly shook her head. They sat and pondered, searching their minds for an idea. After what seemed like an eternity, Slingshot’s eyes lit up.
“What if we set them up on a date?”
Shuriken’s eyes sparkled and his smile became bright. “That’s it!” Shuriken put Slingshot in a light chokehold, ruffling his hair. “You damn genius, why didn’t I think of that!”
Vinestaff cleared her throat, catching her brother’s attention. “All in favor of setting them up on a first date?”
Once looks of confirmation were exchanged, they now had only one goal in mind: set up Katana and Hyperlaser on their very first date!