Work Text:
There's this feeling that is foreign to Caine, something deep in his code that he cannot explain. His shoulders slump as he looks over the papers on his desk. Picking up one, he looked over the notes he had made for a potential adventure. Looking over what he wrote down, he scoffed and crumpled the sheet up in his hands, tossing it in the bin behind him.
“I don't understand what I'm doing wrong here. Usually I'm able to come up with ideas quicker than this…” his hand rested on his bottom gum, tapping his pencil against the side of his eye. Eventually, he grew frustrated at this creative wall he was facing. Pivoting on his feet, he spun his chair around and stood up. Adjusting the hat atop his head, he looked down at his Wacky Watch to see that his troupe of circus members was done with today's adventure. Snapping his fingers, he teleported himself out of his office.
In the circus’s lobby, Caine opened a portal through which all of the circus members came pouring out.
“Welcome back, my Beautiful Buzzy Bees!” He said with false enthusiasm, he didn’t understand it at the time, but he couldn't bring himself to be his normal, energetic self at the moment. Pomni raised a brow at him, but Jax let out a dramatic groan.
“Eugh… The nicknames just keep getting worse..” He said with a mock laugh. Caine glitched slightly before letting out an exaggerated laugh.
“OH JAX!” Suddenly, he was behind the purple rabbit, throwing his arm around his shoulder and pulling him down. Jax let out a surprised yelp.
“Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!” He said with an eye twitch. Jax let out a nervous chuckle before Caine pulled away. Caine let out a bit more laughter before it tapered off. His body sagged with exhaustion, a small sigh coming from him.
“Uh…Caine? You doing ok?” Pomni asked, her hands wringing together with nerves as she did. Caine simply gave her a thumbs up, straightening his posture with a smile.
“NEVER BETTER MY DEAR!” His voice boomed. She just nodded and began to leave to her room, much like everyone else. Caine watched as they all left, all but Kinger. Caine looked over at him, his brow raising.
“Uhh….” Suddenly Kingers eyes snapped up at Caine, his eyes giving the illusion of a smile.
“Oh! Hi Caine!” He said with a wave. Slowly, Caine lowered himself down to Kinger. Kinger smiled at him again.
“I was just about to head to my fortress. Would you like to join me?” Kinger asked, holding out a hand for Caine. Caine was quiet for a moment before he silently took the other's hand. Kinger began to lead him through the lobby, even if Kinger didn't remember, Caine would remember for them. This was something they did often, on the days that the world that Caine had built felt too much for even himself, too big for such a little AI. Silently, the two of them entered the fort, Kinger placing the pillow back before he moved to his spot. It was cozy inside, pillows and blankets covering the floors, a chest that was full of things ranging from sippys, bottles, teathers, pacis, and a few other items. Kinger got himself comfortable before he pulled Caine over to his lap. Lying him down on his lap, he opened his robe slightly to cover Caine in it. Caine sighed as he felt it wrap around his body tightly; it was enough to be grounding but not suffocating. Kinger reached over, opening the box and getting Caine his pacifier. Caine quickly took it before he snuggled into Kinger.
“You’re such a good boy for taking such good care of all of us…” Kinger says gently, his hand gently rubbing the top of Caine's head. He gently removed his hat, setting it next to them. Gently, he laid a small kiss on his head.
They sat like this for a while before Caine began to fuss. Kinger gently shushed him as he sat up, holding the little ringmaster close to him.
“What's wrong love bug?” he asked gently as he patted his back. Caine continued to fuss, his cries growing louder as he thrashed against the elder. Kinger continued to gently pat his back as he stood up, pacing gently around the fort. It helped to calm Caine a bit, but he was still wailing loudly. Kinger hummed and thought for a moment before realizing.
“Oh my, you must be so uncomfortable in those scratchy clothes.” he noted as he began to walk over to a pile of blankets. Gently, Kinger laid down Caine against them. Slowly, he removed his coat, then his shirt and shoes. Quickly, he had changed Caine into a pair of red onesies
“There, that must be way more comfortable. Kinger said gently, picking Caine back up and cuddling him close. Caine whined gently as he pushed his face into Kinger's neck, his eyes closing gently. Kinger let out a soft chuckle as he walked back over to where he had been sitting previously. Gently running his hand up and down Caine's spine, Kinger began to hum gently.
“My greatest joy,” Kinger said softly, gently patting his head. Caine smiled gently as he pushed his head further into Kinger's neck. Kinger let out another laugh, the feeling tickling the side of his neck. Caine laughed as well as he closed his eyes.
The two sat in comfortable silence, Kinger's hand gently running up and down Caine’s spine, the soft whittling of his artificial breathing filling the void of noise.
“I love you bug” Kinger said gently. Caine shifted his pacifier in his mouth for a moment before responding.
“mm..M’ love you papa” he mumbled gently.
The two laid there till they had fallen asleep. It had been a long week and the two of them really deserved a break.