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These past few months had probably been some of the strangest WPNz had ever experienced.
It’s been a while since WPNz sacrificed himself for the same partner-in-crime that betrayed him, and the result had been nowhere near something he would’ve expected.
Puzzles and WPNz had ended up in a universe not all that different from their own. The cities were a lot more shoddy though, pests got in rather easily and break-ins seemed to be common. At least—that’s what WPNz assumed, accounting the thousands of times that the same gray and raisin-like senior had mentioned it on the passé tv the roommates shared when the daily news came on. The people here weren’t as weird either, which isn’t a huge accomplishment, but it was something that WPNz could appreciate. Most people within the city weren’t very intertwined with the law—postively, that is. Most were criminals, much like Puzzles and WPNz were, they had even found an apartment complex that contained plenty of people that WPNz could relate to as well. Puzzles wasn’t very comfortable with the idea at first, but seeing how easily WPNz could actually get along with them and how often people came and went he had gotten used to it.
What Puzzles didn’t get used to, though, was the lack of a job. Puzzles had tried to get back into the film industry countless times but Puzzles never found people that could handle his temperament, ideas, or “unrealistic” goals. It’s been a good while but Puzzles never could give up that dream of hitting five stars—even with the high possibility that in this universe five stars would hardly give him any power in the real world. With nowhere to go, whenever WPNz came home he could guarantee he’d find Puzzles slumped on the couch staring at the tv with the same, devastated and drained expression that he wore on his screen everyday. It was a depressing sight, and even worse when you learn that Puzzles kind of just did this every time he was alone, but WPNz never saw Puzzles like it for long.
And that’s where the strange part came in.
Puzzles was still heavily focused on his film failures and all that he left behind when he was forced to be sucked into that rift in order to save their original home, but WPNz seemed to be a large fascination of his too. WPNz was sure that this mainly stemmed from the fact that Puzzles had no other friends in this universe or that he had no people working under him who were forced to listen to his rambles so that they weren’t fired for being ‘rude’. Though, it was still odd how Puzzles treated WPNz with such… possessiveness.
Maybe Puzzles only felt possessive because WPNz wasn’t exactly used to any friendships outside of the ones you’re paid for, but he was sure that most people didn’t do what Puzzles did when with a friend. Puzzles was rather touchy with WPNz, for starters. WPNz wasn’t uncomfortable by it, in fact, WPNz had probably influenced this habit. WPNz could recall himself unconsciously fidgeting with Puzzles` antennae during movie night or wrapping his arm around Puzzles shoulder to pull him down and whisper into his ear so that he could point out something funny he saw across the street. But that was normal for WPNz, anyone who had been more than enemies with WPNz knew that he was a handsy guy—just like anyone who knew Puzzles knew that Puzzles hated being touched. WPNz didn’t exactly witness much when it came to people he trusted, but from what Puzzles had said himself he was sure as hell not fond of it. Puzzles had complained plenty whenever Toomp or Leggy had even pushed up against his legs—-Leggy he could understand considering her biting problem, but Toomp? Toomp was the chillest guy that WPNz knew, so WPNz had no idea as to why Puzzles wasn’t fine with Toomp getting too close to him. The closest Toomp and Puzzles had ever got was Toomp sleeping nearby Puzzles leg when the three slept together in the junkyard, though, WPNz would hardly count that as close.
What he would consider close is how different the touching rule with Puzzles was when it came to WPNz.
When talking on the couch Puzzles had a tendency to lean on WPNz headgear, or when walking around in malls Puzzles’ pinky would hold WPNz’. Sometimes, when WPNz started a friendly conversation with one of their neighbors, it almost seemed like Puzzles was trying to make a show out of holding WPNz—wrapping his long arms around WPNz` neck, answering questions for WPNz by starting with a sing-songy, but almost passive aggressive, “My friend.”
That brings WPNz to his next point, how he made sure that everyone knew just how close the two were. Now, Puzzles wasn’t manipulative, surprisingly enough, when it came to WPNz’ other friends. Puzzles could happily accept that he wasn’t WPNz only friend and, truthfully, Puzzles was a little too good with his friends. He put on this overly professional persona around them that really dragged people in, so this worked pretty well considering the fact that the majority of people that WPNz knew he knew because they were people that WPNz worked with. But, even though Puzzles got along with these people, whenever the topic of WPNz came up it became a one-sided competition for Puzzles to prove that he was WPNz’ best friend. Puzzles was good at not making it obvious, but WPNz could easily recognize that look in someone's eyes when they found something that they wanted to fight for.
For once Puzzles wasn’t fighting to defend his films, company, or ego, but instead it was their friendship, and Puzzles was so passionate about proving to other people that WPNz and him were about as close as two roommates can get that it confused WPNz all the more.
Karen, his now ex-wife, hadn’t even defended or spoke so highly of his name like that. Of course—it’s hard to believe the two ever had a good bond due to how they ended off, but they did and it was nothing near what Puzzles was convinced he had with WPNz. WPNz wouldn’t blame anyone assuming that Puzzles and WPNz were romantically involved at this point with how the duo acted side by side, and that thought terrified WPNz.
Love terrified WPNz.
It wasn’t that WPNz didn’t enjoy dating, WPNz would actually consider himself a rather charming type when it came to them. He loved spoiling his lovers and being able to hold someone late at night—-to have someone to protect, someone to be his other half. The issue was more so a commitment and understanding issue. WPNz not only struggled to be overly flexible for partners, like most tend to want, but he also struggled with ciphering the difference between romantic and platonic interest. WPNz couldn’t tell you what he felt about Puzzles yet, just that he felt something. WPNz was usually too focussed on the expressions and feelings of everyone else in the room to examine any of his own emotions that weren’t violence euphoria, and he wasn’t curious enough to go into a deep dive about what Puzzles was to him, so he decided to just avoid answering the question all together and ended up going with whatever felt comfortable at the time.
And that brought him to where he is now.
WPNz was sprawled out on the couch, as he usually was after work, twirling the antennae that sprouted out of Puzzles’ hat. Puzzles was on top of WPNz, struggling to fit his long body on the shorter furniture while his head was nearly screen-down on WPNz chest, only slightly lifted so that Puzzles could see the movie that was playing on the small TV screen. At the moment the two were doing their usual—quietly watching the movie until Puzzles paused it to ask WPNz whatever question he had on his mind. These questions were definitely varied, some being about the movie itself, others being extremely philosophical or “deep.” Whatever it was, WPNz would always answer them without a second thought—which was rather unusual for him as if it was anyone else asking such useless or irrelevant questions he would’ve simply ignored them.
Today was a bit different, though, as Puzzles had very little to say. WPNz could tell that Puzzles had something on his mind, but WPNz had assumed that—whatever it was—would’ve been let go by now. Though. . . It hadn’t, and Puzzles was still completely silent. It was starting to bother WPNz, the assassin had never liked his usual schedule being interrupted—it put him on edge, and that was the last thing he wanted to happen while at home.
WPNz leaned more into the armrest of the couch so that he could get a better look at the artificial look on Puzzles` screen. Puzzles seemed almost annoyed, not by anything around him, seemingly, but instead by the confusion of thoughts going through his own head. Puzzles` eyes were looking anywhere but at the movie and he was biting his metaphorical lip—seeming to almost nibble at it before looking up at WPNz, then immediately looking back down as if WPNz had caught him doing something, even though his body stayed completely still. In response, WPNz gave him a suspicious glare.
“Boxhead” WPNz finally said, his voice flat.
Puzzles’ screen flickered for a second as he flinched at the nickname, his channels swapping until his dial landed on the one that presented his usual, iconic smile.
“Mmm?” Puzzles hummed.
“You’re actin’ weird.”
Puzzles dramatically lifted himself off of WPNz chest, holding his heart to his chest pseudo-offendedly, “Me? WPNz, Please, I have hardly spoken all evening,” Puzzles laughed, “How could I be acting weird?”
“That’s the problem, you’re always talkin’. It’s…”
“Peculiar? Bizarre? Quirky?”
WPNz rolled his eyes, “Yeah, that, ‘t’s not you Jigsaw. What’s goin’ on in your head right now?”
Puzzles seemed to think about something for a moment, and then brushed whatever it was off. He’d adjust his bowtie nervously and look back at the movie, avoiding WPNz gaze.
“Nothing.” Puzzles replied, matter-of-factly.
“Quit lyin’.”
“I am no liar WPNz, you of all people should know that.”
WPNz scoffed, looking down at Puzzles as if to remind him that he was there when WPNz had lied to not only himself—but basically everyone Puzzles had known. When Puzzles processed it, he shrunk.
“Right,” He muttered, “My apologies, WPNz.”
The room had become awkwardly silent for a second, the only thing being heard was the movie and the anxious tapping of Puzzles’ finger on the side of the couch. Despite this, this wasn’t something WPNz was going to let go, so he continued to stare down Puzzles until Puzzles noticed—the TV man looking back at him almost irritated.
“What?” barked Puzzles, “I told you I am just fine.”
WPNz stayed silent, only raising a brow to communicate that he in no way believed that. In response, Puzzles groaned, fixing his position and getting off of WPNz. WPNz lazily moved his body to one side of the couch so that Puzzles had room to sit back down. When Puzzles did he continued to stay silent, not to prove a point, but instead to give Puzzles the room to speak his mind. WPNz knew very well that he hated any interruptions when he was trying to be serious and this time around—Puzzles did seem solemn.
“I have. . . A question for you, WPNz,” He started.
“Lay it on me.”
“Well…” Puzzles averted his gaze once more, holding his elbow in one of his free-hands and rubbing it gently to comfort himself, “I noticed that you and I are… different from other relationships that I know of. I’m sure that you’ve noticed this too… correct?”
WPNz had never expected this conversation to come up, let alone did he know if he was ever willing to face it. He should’ve guessed the two would have to talk about it eventually considering the intense curiosity that Puzzles always held, but not now. Not while their day had been going just as usual as it had been for the past few months. The worst part of it is that he had no idea what Puzzles` side was like, WPNz wasn’t even sure of what was normal for Puzzles when it came to friendship and what wasn’t.
WPNz was nervous, yes, but not horribly. Puzzles was someone that he actually trusted, if he could believe himself or not, and he was sure that the conversation wouldn’t turn into anything horrid. WPNz couldn’t imagine a situation where Puzzles abandons him again because of just how clingy Puzzles was. So if anything, all the anxiety the question had given WPNz was mainly from his own curiosity.
“Mmhmm…” WPNz agreed, though the simple hum seemed to only make Puzzles’ situation worse.
“I would appreciate more than a simple ‘Mmhmm’ WPNz.”
“Yes Puzzles” WPNz turned his body toward Puzzles, making sure that he knew WPNz was listening, “I have noticed.”
“Wonderful, Wonderful…” He’d note, looking back at WPNz as his confidence started to regrow with the reassurance that WPNz was taking this in the way that he wanted. “Soo It’s had me thinking—thinking hard. I realize that I feel very attached to you—”
“I realize that too,” WPNz interrupted, a mocking grin on his face.
Puzzles glared, continuing on, “I realize that I feel very attached to you in ways that I typically don’t feel for other people. While—yes, I am aware that I have some issues regarding abandonment insecurity, I wasn’t even like this with my dearest friend Leggy! And Leggy—Well—Leggy meant a lot to me!”
“Uh-huh?”
“I fear, WPNz, That—That I’ve caught feelings for you.”
WPNz paused, his mouth slightly agape. Puzzles had a bright red lifeline across his face and as WPNz continued to not answer, the red grew worse. Panic began to set in.
“Though, I could be wrong! So very wrong!” Exclaimed Puzzles, waving his hands around like a fool, “I understand that it’s probably weird for me to say such a thing especially considering our past but—but you know how I—uh—canbesoverywrongsometimesandIhopeIhaven’tupsetyou—”
WPNz sighed, wrapping his arm around Puzzles’ shoulder. He wasn’t sure that any kind of touch would be comforting at the moment but it’s all WPNz really knew how to do when it came to comfort, reassurance was never something that he was good at, but he could try.
WPNz was still.. Surprised as ever. The idea that Puzzles of all people had found himself crushing on WPNz was sure as hell not something that WPNz would’ve ever considered. Their personalities clashed like beach and water—they were hardly the same in any way that wasn’t villainous, and that didn’t seem to be something that Puzzles would be into. From WPNz’ understanding, Puzzles was a perfectionist—wouldn’t he find himself attracted to someone more like himself? WPNz wasn’t insecure of himself, of course, just it never occurred to WPNz that the reason Puzzles had been so… peculiar, as Puzzles would say, was because Puzzles had an issue with his own feelings.
This confession also forced WPNz to come back to that familiar question.
How did WPNz feel about Puzzles?
WPNz found himself irritated by Puzzles a lot. Puzzles was an overenergetic guy with a sloppy style who never admitted that almost all of the time it was his fault when a mistake is made. Puzzles could be manic in a way that sometimes even scared WPNz—something he didn’t really think was possible. Puzzles was also unpredictable, an asshole, and had already played with WPNz’ strings once. Though, at the same time…
WPNz liked how Puzzles played those strings.
Sure, it sucked the first time, but after the rift they had been doing great. Puzzles was nothing less than captivating—perfect for a stage. He was obviously handsome and had this addicting voice. When he was calm he could be wonderful and when he was excited WPNz found himself leaning in close to hear everything that Puzzles had to say—even when it didn’t make sense. Puzzles had found a way to dig into the deepest of wounds that WPNz held and WPNz could never complain. In fact, when WPNz thought about it, if Puzzles had nested himself inside the biggest scar on his body and ate him whole right then and there WPNz could see himself dying a happy man.
Not because he wanted to go, but instead because he knew Puzzles would never actually do that to him.
WPNz could play tough guy all he wanted but late nights with Puzzles was different. He wanted to accuse Puzzles of hypnotizing him without his knowledge so that he spewed each and every thought he had, but he knew that wasn’t the case. The real problem was how WPNz turned to mush each time those gentle hands reached for him.
And that wasn’t a platonic feeling, was it?
Fuck.
“I think I feel the same way, Boxhead,” he muttered.
Puzzles shot up from the curled position he held while in his panic. The ex-host would tilt his head, a smile threatening to emerge.
“Repeat that?” Puzzles requested, it would’ve come off as mocking if it wasn’t for the fact that Puzzles seemed to actually doubt his own hearing.
“I feel the same,” WPNz repeated, his voice growing louder and a tad more confident. It’s not like WPNz was the one who confessed anyway, so he shouldn’t be rejected, “I dunno you’re… not horrible to be around.”
They’d both smile at his tease, and WPNz continued,
“I actually enjoy your company. I know ‘t ain’t much comin’ from me ‘cause I don’t have much of the sappy shit you might want me to say—but I mean it, seriously, Puzzles. And—”
“We should kiss,” Interrupted Puzzles
“Fuckin’—What?!”
“Well in the movies usually I’m supposed to shut you up by—you know—kissing you. But that’s scripted, so consent is already given, and this is not scripted—so it wouldn’t be consensual if I kissed you right now. But I want to, so I am suggesting you let me kiss you.”
“I think it would’ve been more romantic if you just. . . Went for it, Boxhead.”
“Ah, ah, ah!” Puzzles waved his finger, “Consent is one of the most—if not the most important part of a newly blossomed relationship.” He’d hum, pressing his hands together and slowly pulling them apart like a newly born flower.
“Are you sayin’ we’re together now?” WPNz questioned.
“Well—Is that okay with you? I can only assume that’d be the case as we have both confessed our feelings to each other but if you wish to take it slower—”
“I consent to a relationship, Puzzles.”
“. . . Was that mockery?”
“Maybe.”
“You malevolent brute!”
WPNz laughed, punching Puzzles’ side gently, “Doesn’t hurt ‘f I don’t know what ‘t means.”
“Right. . . I assume ignorance really is bliss. . . Soo. . . May I kiss you?”
“If you can figure out how.”
WPNz pointed to his large headgear—one that protruded and was not able to be taken off. Puzzles seemed determined to make this as cliche and romantic as possible though, so after a bit of readjusting each others’ heads, Puzzles had found the perfect angle. It wasn’t as comfortable as either of them had wished, but it had worked. Puzzles’ monitor was pressed underneath WPNz’ cannons, which forced WPNz to look up at him—something that he sure as hell didn’t mind. They were both acutely aware that Puzzles still had no way to give a traditional kiss due to the configuration of his head, but Puzzles knew that he could get somewhere close to it.
Puzzles leaned in, stopping just before hitting each other’ lips, and he just. . . stared for a second. His dial switched, his expression turning his eyes into literal hearts—the lifeline never disappearing from his face. WPNz almost felt nervous with how lovingly Puzzles gazed into his eyes, and it was almost funny how obvious Puzzles made it.
“What’cha gawkin’ for?”
“You, WPNz, dear,”
Guess Puzzles got comfortable with relationships fast, WPNz would keep that on his mind,
“You look rather dashing up close. I have gotten a few close views, a couple pictures too, but none of them are in as much detail as this sight is. . . No, this is different! And you look exquisite.”
WPNz managed to find himself flushed at the compliment, covering his face with one hand as he looked away.
“Oh-ho-hoo~ So you can be flustered!” Puzzles teased, a sudden confidence boost being heard strongly in his voice. WPNz knew it would be best to try and not let that happen again so that Puzzles didn’t get too power-high off of his small win, but he did have to admit confidence was always a good look on Puzzles.
“I think ‘t’s best we get this kissin’ thing done before I regret it, asshole.” WPNz grumbled, though in truth he didn’t think anything would get him to take it back.
“Right, right.”
Finally, Puzzles leaned in and their faces connected. WPNz was able to give a proper kiss, and while Puzzles wasn’t able to press his lips against WPNz, WPNz felt a small shock hit his face. It was nothing unwelcome, in fact, it felt rather comforting. It was a tingly sensation, sweet, and unique to Puzzles—WPNz liked that.
WPNz liked that so much that he went for another, and Puzzles didn’t argue. They actually started to peck at each other even more, each kiss growing more natural and longer as they continued. WPNz found his hands gently caressing Puzzles back and pulling him closer—WPNz laying down and placing Puzzles on top of himself just like they had been a while ago. WPNz could start to hear Puzzles giddily giggling, and he couldn't find it in himself not to join him. So their kisses started to sound like a laughing fit between the two—interrupted by the hum and peck of their embrace.
Unfortunately though, unlike Puzzles, WPNz breathed through his mouth, so he had to pull away for air. The sight most definitely made up for this disappointment, however, Puzzles breathing slightly heavier while looking down at WPNz with a loving and relieved gaze was something WPNz didn’t think that he’d kill for—but he would.
Eventually, Puzzles collapsed on top of WPNz, still giggling as he started to work off the excitement through flapping his hands. WPNz knew he probably had the stupidest possible smirk on his face, but he held no shame for it because he knew Puzzles would never make fun of him for being vulnerable like that. Gently, WPNz wrapped his arms around Puzzles’ thin waist, placing his chin upon Puzzles shoulder as Puzzles tried his best to snuggle into WPNz’ neck.
The movie had stopped by now, the credits rolling in silence, so the only thing they could hear was each other's gentle breathing and heartbeats. It was soothing, especially for Puzzles considering how touch-starving it is to be a self-isolated failure of a TV host.
WPNz wanted to say more, but he didn’t know what. The fading of Puzzles’ giggling and Puzzles slowly attaching himself closer to WPNz as if he was about to pass out right there and then seemed to speak plenty enough words, but as always, when Puzzles calmed himself down, Puzzles found the perfect thing to say.
“WPNz?”
“Mhm?”
“May I confess one more thing to you?”
“Sure, Boxhead.”
“I think I love you.”
WPNz giggled once more, rubbing Puzzles back and grabbing a blanket from the floor that had been thrown there in case either of them needed one during the movie. WPNz gently placed the soft fabric over the two of them—holding Puzzles tighter now.
“I love you too.”
Puzzles lifted his head to give WPNz one more loving look—a look that WPNz thought that he could get used to. Perhaps these months have been strange, even stranger when you have no idea what your feelings are regarding your roommate until they tell you how they feel, but it was worth it. This was a good feeling—a great feeling. A feeling nobody, even someone crazy like Puzzles, would want to leave behind.
WPNz was happy.