Chapter Text
13 days. It’s been 13 days since Ze’s birthday passed. He didn’t expect anything—he had no reason to. Announcing a birthday felt like a desperate grab for attention, and mentioning it now would be like a plea of pity, simply manufacturing guilt.
He lay still in the dark, mind racing with scenarios that would result from revealing this conundrum to his friends. Each outcome crumbled into awkward apologies and shame. Every year followed in pursuit of this, so why did this year feel so different? He was confused by the depth of his own longing, a sudden and sharp ache for a celebration he’d spent so long deflecting and pretending he didn’t want.
His spiral was cut short as Moe burst into the room, her honks shattering the accumulated silence.
“HONK HONK!.!.! (Surprise!!!)”
Ze swiftly sat up, both confused and astonished. Was it possible? Did she actually know? Before he could process what was going on, Moe began racing around the room splashing potions of water everywhere.
Reeling in shock, Ze froze in place. Several long, outstretched moments took place, Moe now standing perfectly still with her gaze fixed on him, entirely unaware of what she had interrupted or done wrong.
A hollow laugh erupted from Ze’s throat. “HAHAHA! You sure got me!! Oh that was good. Really good, Moe.”
Moe didn’t move, she cocked her head, innocent curiosity replaced by a sharp, attentive focus. She felt the static of his acting and her gaze made it clear she wanted to press further.
Trying to deflect this, Ze scrambled to his feet, his splash-potion-soaked sheets slid off him, hitting the floor with a heavy, wet thud. He began stammering something about being hungry and wondering what Regect was up to.
Her intensive stare softened at this, replying with a series of several high-pitched honks, the original intensity of the room dissipating. Her curiosity lingered, however she didn’t want to cause him any extra discomfort by pressing further. If he needed a distraction, she would give it to him.
***
While Regect was rambling on passionately about his newest skit operation, Ze simply watched his lips move, nodding instinctively while catching nothing at all. Behind them, Moe built a sand castle with her bucket and shovel. Ze managed to tune in the last sentence Regect said for context.
“And that’s why, in order to keep sea turtles safe, I began this program.”
“Uh-huh.“
“Uh, You good man?” Regect asked, his excitement faltering.
Ze let out a sharp exhale, tilting his head with a fake, thin smile. “Oh I’m fantastic, thanks for asking.”
“Jesus, you don’t have to be a dick about it.” Regect snapped back, subtly hesitating before he continued, “The materials you’ll need are in the chest over there, I’ll get started with the Ravenger-8509.”
“I’m sorry, the WHAT?!”
“The Ravenger-8509, bro were you even listening to a single fucking thing I said?”
“Yeah, whatever. Just forget it.” Ze muttered, rubbing his neck. “I’ll get started on the… sanctuary thing. Since that’s clearly the priority here.”
“Right.” The silence lasted far longer than it should have, a heavy, suffocating tension that neither of them cared to fix. Ze didn’t offer another word, choosing instead to trudge toward the chest. He ensured his back remained turned until Regect left the area.