Chapter Text
Even as the genius plush was, and with all that he'd accomplished, there were some times where his thoughts came to a halt, a halt where his feelings simply wouldn't come. This occurred most often during his break.
Where the plush would find himself feeling stagnant, watching the other plushies wander by with faces full of joy. Eventually the plush gave up, got up, and wandered into the factory, leaving the train that he called "Home".
"What are you doing, Dexie?" The plush jolted slightly at the sudden greeting.
"..Ah, Dolly. I'm just taking a quick walk," he answered as the other plush smiled at him.
"Really? It's very unusual for you to leave the train. Are you.. Hiding something from me?"
"...Like I said, I'm just taking a quick walk. Uhm well, what are you doing here yourself?"
"Mmm! Well, I'm going to invite you to come over to the garden and drink tea together! Because you seemed.. Unwell"
The plushies both walked together in silence as they observed the factory that had been decorated from start to end with a bunch of spring themed decorations, sealing the place with a cozy vibe. They could both feel the faint aroma of tulips and daffodils filling the factory as they entered the greenhouse.
At the greenhouse, Dexter noticed a table for two that had been placed in the middle of the garden with his tired eyes. A set of cutlery, glasses of tea and one tea kettle had been placed on the table.
The other plush excitedly pulled his arm to sit at the table.
"..Since when did you plan this all?" he asked as the plush in question took a sip of her tea.
"Not too long," she answered shortly. "Take a sip! It's your favorite kind!"
Dexter gently took a sip of his cup of tea. It was not too hot, not too cold. The plush gazed at the other plush across him. The other plush looked at him with a soft smile.
That day, Dexter discovered a weird feeling, a feeling that he never knew was possible for him to feel. It felt good in a way. Relaxing even, something that Dexter rarely experienced. The warmth of the tea, the warmth of her smile.
What is it? What is it exactly? He asked himself. Is it love..? Is it possible for a plushie like him to feel that way? Questions filled his head.
"Dolly," he called.
"Hmm?" she answered. He paused for a moment before holding the hand of the plush across him.
"Thank you, thank you for always being with me"
"Ah.." She looked a bit flustered, a blush spreading across her face as she tightened her grip on Dexter's hand.
Their touch lingered for a while, their gaze, their smiles. "Hmm Dexie, can I ask something?"
"Sure Dolly, what is it?" She paused for a while, thinking to herself.
"Are you okay? Are you.. Okay dealing with this factory all the time?" Dexter, hearing this, released his left hand from the cup and held her other hand.
"..You can be honest with me, Dexie" The other plush took a deep breath before putting a smile on his face.
"To be honest, it's tiresome. I questioned myself a lot, why do I keep doing this? What is the reason? Our creators…" The plush trailed off, the words catching in his throat.
"But today, I know the answer, I know the answer to why I keep doing this, Dolly. It's all for you, to see your smile, to see you happy, to see.. You"
The plush across him blushed a darker shade of red. "I see.." She twirled her hair shyly. "Uhm, how can I put this.. Dexie, I have a gift for you"
She pulled something from her bag. The plush carefully and gently placed it on the table. A heart-shaped box of chocolate wrapped in velvet. "Open it"
Dexter obeyed, gently opening the lid. Inside was a decorated bunny-shaped chocolate and a cat-shaped white chocolate that seemed handmade.
"..You made this?"
"Yes.. Just for you, Dexie," she answered. The mentioned plush became flustered at her words; 'just for me?' he questioned himself.
Dexter took the chocolate bunny. "Cute right?" Dolly asked.
"Yeah.." Dexter smiled. "Just like you"
"Ah– Uhm.. thanks.." Dolly became flustered at his sudden compliment.
That day, the plush learned that just protecting her was not enough, he learned that providing cannot fill an empty cup thirsting for love.
But, what does he know about love?
How can he recreate something that he never had? All he knows is that, he must keep her thriving.