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The fire alarm is the very first thing to greet Sun as he steps into the house.
He rushes to the kitchen and his mechanical heart tries to lodge itself in his throat as he finds Jack and Dazzle desperately trying to tamp out the fire in the pot.
"No, no, you two get away from the stove right now!" He orders as he ushers them away and sets down the grocery bags on his arms. He quickly grabs the pot and drops it into the sink, turning on the water and shoving the lid on top to smother the flames. When the fire is doused, he turns off the stove and opens the the kitchen windows to clear the smoke.
As soon as he can take a breath without his vents getting clogged, he finally takes a deep one to steady himself and turns to the kids, guilt already coiling his circuits as he sees Dazzle quietly crying and Jack staring at his feet.
He kneels in front of them, speaking softly now. "I'm very sorry for yelling at you both, I was scared and I wanted to make sure you two didn't get hurt. I promise I'm not angry and you're not in trouble, I just panicked. I'm sorry."
They're both at least somewhat soothed by his words, so he gently wipes away Dazzle's tears with his thumbs and gives her forehead a kiss. Then he pulls her and Jack into a hug and gives him a kiss on the forehead as well. Both little bots relax into his embrace and he silently sighs in relief.
"… We were just trying to make some mac 'n cheese. We got hungry, but while we were waiting for the noodles to cook we went to watch Bluey and we forgot about the pot," Jack hesitantly admits, and Sun frowns as he pulls back to face them both.
"Why didn't you ask Moon to make you some? And- where is he? Is Solar back home now?"
"Um, wells… Dad did bring me home from the park, and then he asked Moon to watch me while he was workin' in the garage, but he had to stop and leave to get some oil and a part for the car. And while he was gone, Moon got a call from someone and said he had to go to the Moon Haven. But he said he'd be back soon!" Jack explains, fidgeting a bit as he bounces on his feet.
"And how long ago was that?" Sun asks as he glances between them and the clock.
"I think it's been an hour," Dazzle mumbles as her ears lower, and the attendant has to exercise the utmost restraint not to curse aloud. "… I'm sorry…"
"I'm not mad at you, honey," He states softly. I'm just mad at your uncle. I asked him to do one damn thing. One damn thing, and he didn't even make sure someone here was to watch you both before running off to kiss the Haven Moons' asses again! Why can't I rely on him for just this one thing?!
Trying to keep himself calm as his thoughts rage, he pulls the two into another hug before he finally stands up, murmuring, "Why don't you two go watch some more Bluey? I'll get dinner started."
"What are we having?" Dazzle asks.
Jack gasps excitedly and adds, "Can we have pasketti and meatballs?"
"Ah… Sure, of course we can," Sun agrees, giving a small smile as they cheer and ushering them to go watch TV for a bit. His smile drops with a weary sigh as he steps back into the kitchen, putting the extra groceries away before getting the pots and ingredients for dinner.
He was really hoping that after the long, shitty day he's had he could toss some chicken tenders in the oven and call it a day, but he couldn't bear saying no to the poor things when they just had a big scare and he yelled at them. So he takes off his ribbons and washes his hands to mix the meat with seasoning, egg and bread crumbs for the meatballs. It squelches and squishes as he mixes it and he has to bite his tongue to stifle the gag welling in his throat. He especially regrets not turning off his olfactory sensors…
And forgetting to turn the stove back on to start heating the pan. He curses under his breath and glances to where he set in on the counter… Then he shifts closer, using the end of his tail to grip the handle and pull it to the stove.
He gets it on one of the burners and tries to puzzle out how to turn it on without his hands. But when he can't figure it out he heaves a sigh and- after getting the ground beef out of his joints- goes to wash his hands. Thoroughly. And he sighs again as he stares at the pot full of pitch black mush in the sink. "Dammit, that's my sauce pot… Am I even going to be able to save it? Hhff, I'll have to try, I can't go buy another one right now."
He goes to turn on the stove burner before coming back to the sink, draining the water from the mush and then throwing the solid parts away before starting to scrub while trying his best to keep an eye on the burner. "Maybe it needs more time to sit? Worth a shot." He refills it with hot water and some soap before washing his hands again.
Reluctantly, he returns to the meat and begins to form the meatballs, grimacing as it squishes and squelches still. "Ugh, this is disgusting. And I forgot to turn my olfactory sensors off again…"
As he gets them made he carefully sets them in the pan, the kitchen filling with the sizzling and crackling pops of the grease starting to get hot. Sun frowns as it starts to splatter out of the pan and glances at his hands. Then he sighs, cleaning the meat from his joints again before washing them thoroughly. Again. He lowers the heat and sighs wearily as he realizes he needs to start water to boil for the noodles. He gets the pot and brings it to the sink, filling it up and glancing at the sauce pot. Right, I need to start that, too. I- when I get the meatballs ready, I need to get them cooking.
He turns off the water and puts the pot on the stove with the lid on, turning the heat on medium before going back to the bowl of mixed meat. He reaches for it but stops himself, pausing to finally turn off his olfactory sensors. And wash his hands again. Then he goes back to making the meatballs. It's still a sensory nightmare on his hands but he's a little less nauseous now that the odor of raw meat isn't invading his "nose" and mouth.
When all the meatballs are made and in the pot, he cleans the last of the meat from his joints and washes his hands again. He also washes the bowl he used to mix the meat in and he tries to clean his sauce pot again. Scrubbing and scrubbing as his frustration builds when there's no improvement.
I'm going to need to get a new pot, aren't I? This one wasn't cheap, damn it! The entire set was top quality and I don't even have the time to replace this one even though I need it to make the sauce! This wouldn't have happened if Moon hadn't run off right when I needed him to do this one thing for me- but honestly, after everything that happened last year, why did I ever expect him to keep his word?!
That one line of thought sets Sun's temper burning like a wildfire as it mixes with hurt and yet another pang of betrayal- betrayal he's felt every single day since Moon broke his promise.
And he just had to let it go because everyone was "uncomfortable" with him daring to feel hurt and angry that Moon took his trust and threw it back in his face.
He struggles to hold back tears as he keeps scrubbing. Don't be arrogant, Sun, don't be unkind, Sun! He's trying so hard, he's so much better than he used to be, isn't he? We have the right to decide that for you, after all! Even though not a single one of us faced the full brunt of how he used to be, even though he's only "better" now because he's doing the bare minimum of not beating you, even though he treats your feelings like trash to sweep under the rug when he used to listen and he used to care! Now he doesn't care, now he just uses you as a bartering chip because he cares about the approval of other Moons he didn't know from Adam more than he cares about you, Sun!
He cares more about Carmine and all the Moons who stick up their noses at him than you! He wouldn't even look at you or talk to you if you weren't good for being his little circus and housekeeper- that's all you're good for, after all!
A sob slips from his voice box before he can stop it and more keep tumbling out after it. He wipes his face on his shoulder and lets out a soft hiss as the vibrant fabric smears with black from his tear resolves.
Clear it up. Clear it up! Don't make the kids have to put up with this right now… The pot still won't come clean. This is so stupid. You're so stupid. Breaking down while you're washing a damn pot… I'm so tired. I just asked Moon for one thing!
Sun continues scrubbing at the pot as he quietly, cries, so consumed in his thoughts that he forgets everything else until he hears Jack's voice from the living room. "Do you smell something burning?"
And then the fire alarm begins beeping frantically, snapping Sun right back to reality. "Shit!" He quickly drops the sponge and pot- hissing again as water splatters him- then he rushes back to the stove and takes the meatballs off the reddened burner. "No, no-" He sets it on an inactive burner and tries to pick up the pot of water to stop it from bubbling and spilling over, only to yelp as the water scalds his hands and it slips from his grip, hitting the floor. "Dammit!"
"Daddy?" Dazzle calls from the living room, and Sun wants to rip out his rays hearing the worry and upset in her voice.
"I- it's okay! It's okay, honey!" He calls back, his grip on his rays getting tighter as he stares at the disaster going on in the kitchen- he forgot to turn off the sink, the meatballs are probably burnt and ruined, he can't get to the towels without walking through the boiling hot water he spilled all over the floor like an idiot he hates this so much he hates everything why did he even get up this morning-
Forget it, who cares if I get burned, no one will care, I have to clean this up, I can't have the kids do it! He braces himself himself for the pain but something grabs his shoulders and he jumps, his gaze darting to Solar as the mechanic steps around him to lay a few large towels on the floor and soak up the water. "Oh- oh, I was- I could have-" Sun falters as the other glances up at him, brow furrowed in a way he can't read. He bites the inside of his lip before stepping back and mumbling, "Thank you, sorry…"
"What are you apologizing for?" Solar questions, confusion evident in his voice. Sun remains silent now, unsure of what to say. The mechanic lays another towel down and uses his boot to push it around to soak up the last bit of water before gathering them all up again and starting to head to the laundry room. "There. It will be a bit slippery, but now it's safe to walk."
"… Thank you," He breathes out, sniffling despite himself as finally checks on the food. Some of the meatballs are burnt and he has to throw them away, but the others are salvageable.
He doesn't realize Solar has come back until he hears the water turn off and glances over to find the mechanic investigating the pot. "Oh, that- I- I was trying to clean it, but I don't think I can…"
"Did this just happen?"
"N- no. The kids were trying to make themselves mac and cheese before I got back, and it- they went to watch cartoons and- and forgot to check on the noodles."
"Why didn't Moon make them some? Better yet, where is he?"
"The Haven again," Sun sighs, rays lowering as he collects the pot off the floor and brings it to the sink. "He apparently got a call and went to do… Whatever. He apparently said he'd be back in a bit an hour ago."
Solar's frown deepens and he grunts quietly at that. "He couldn't have tried to wait for you or me to get back first? He just left our kids home alone after telling us he'd keep an eye on them?"
"Yeah, well, we know Moon isn't much for keeping his word anymore," Sun mutters, turning on the water and grabbing the sponge as Solar turns his head with a slight grimace.
"Yeah."
The attendant starts to wash the pot, only to recoil with a hiss as his sensors sting under the warm water. "Nmh!"
Solar's gaze darts back toward Sun and he gently holds the other's wrists to check his hands. "Right, you burned yourself with the water…"
"W- wait, you saw that?"
"Ah, yeah. I… I thought getting the towels first was the best thing to do," He mumbles, then he turns the water to cold before he uses his teeth to loosen the strap of his glove and pull it off so he can test the temperature. "Alright… Since the burns aren't too severe, just rinse your hands in the cold water."
Hesitantly, Sun dips his hands under the cold water, wincing softly as another faint sting runs through his hands until it dulls enough. Solar grabs a towel and gently pats his hands dry, his frown deepening as he murmurs, "There's not much to do for mild burns like this."
"But it is feeling better," Sun tries to reassure with a shaky smile… That fades into a soft gasp and his face warms as the mechanic presses a kiss to the backs of his hand…
Then he jerks his head up with a golden glow alight in his face-plate as he croaks out, "S- sorry, habit!"
"Oh, n- no, it's okay! I- I get it," The other stutters back, fidgeting his hands the slightest bit when Solar relinquishes his hold on them. That was very sweet of him.
Then he realizes he can hear the meatballs sizzling loudly and startles a bit, rushing over to tend to them. "No, no, please don't burn!…"
"What? Sun, wait-" Solar joins his side, pulling him away with his hands on the other's forearms. "I can handle finishing up dinner. You sit down and take a breather, okay?"
"But- but I-" He glances over his shoulder, meeting the other's gaze and finding worry rife in those yellow-gold eyes. Especially as guilt for making him worry and for not even doing his one job right makes his own eyes well with tears. "I- I should be able to- it's m- my job to-"
"Hey, hey, it's okay," The mechanic hurriedly hushes the other as he gives his arms a gentle squeeze. "You bust your ass for us every single day, Sun. It's okay to take a break for once, especially when you're hurt."
The attendant lets out a quiet whimper despite himself, ducking his head as he manages a tiny nod. Too choked up to speak. Solar guides him to the table so he can sit down, and Sun tries his hardest to calm down as he listens to Solar finish up dinner.
"The meatballs are done cooking, just need to drain the grease, then I'll wash the pot for the noodles…" He mumbles the steps to himself and follows through, just like when he does his work as a mechanic. Sun wipes his eyes on his arm and lifts his head a bit to watch, guilty still but admittedly relieved as he watches the other handle it and handle it well. After Moon let him down, it's comforting for Sun to know that he has one member of the household he can rely on…
"Water's started, he set out the noodles already… Sauce is next." Solar gathers the ingredients from the grocery bag on the table, pausing as the meets the attendant's gaze, his own softening. He steps away for a moment, coming back with a damp cloth and cupping Sun's cheek. "Hold still for me…"
"Ah-" The attendant breathes out as the other uses the cloth to gently clean his face, the caring gesture making his throat feel even tighter now. "T- thank you…"
"No problem, man," He murmurs as he gazes at the other, watching him struggle to blink back more tears. He briefly bites his lip, unsure of himself, then he leans down and kisses Sun's forehead.
His face is flushed again when he pulls away, and he silently steps back to the stove to put the noodles in the boiling water before turning down the heat.
Once the noodles are softened enough he drains the water and combines them with the meatballs, keeping the heat on low. "Okay, now I make the-… I left the sauce stuff at the table. Hhf."
The mechanic comes back to get the ingredients, briefly meeting Sun's gaze before averting his, biting his lip again. The attendant watches him return to the stove to make the sauce, using the pot for the noodles after drying it out. "He does it pretty fancy-like- saute's the garlic and some onion first. And once that's done, that's when he adds the seasoning and tomato sauce. Now combine everything and heat for a bit longer… There we go."
He gives it all one final stir and opens a cabinet to gather plates, pausing to ask, "Did you want any right now, Sun?"
"N- no, thank you. I'm not… Hungry right now…"
The mechanic nods a little, turning away to parcel out the kids' servings and hide his look of worry. Finally, he calls out, "Dinner's ready!"
Despite himself, Sun gives a soft chuckle as he hears their excited cheers and their rapid footsteps as they scramble in to accept their plates.
"Thanks, Dad!" Jack chirps, already shoveling some into his mouth as he heads to the table.
"Thank you!" Dazzle chimes as well, following her companion and hopping up into the chair beside Sun. She falters when she glances his way, ears lowering. "Daddy, are you okay? You look sad…"
"I- I'm fine, Dazzle, honest," Sun murmurs back as he musters a smile. She nods a bit, starting to eat and smiling as he gently pets her hair.
Solar sits across from him by his own child, holding onto some napkins and passing one to Jack once he's done eating. "Clean your face, little goblin."
The little bot giggles and wipes his mouth with the napkin, letting Solar take it and his plate. Once the napkin is thrown away, Solar also takes Dazzle's empty plate to the sink and washes everything up.
"Is it too late to go outside and play?" Jack asks.
"'fraid so, bud. It's dark out."
"Aw, but I have my nightvision!"
"I don't," Dazzle says, frowning as she glances to one of the windows at the backyard. "I can't see in the dark, and it's scary when it's dark out, too…"
"You two can play inside, but outside's gotta wait for the morning. Mmkay?" Solar looks back at Jack, who throws his head back with a groan.
"Okaaay…"
The mechanic gives an amused snort as Sun chuckles softly, and he kisses the top of Dazzle's head before he suggests, "Why don't you two play superheroes upstairs?"
"Ohh, yeah! Let's play superheroes!" Dazzle chimes, her little tail wagging as she hops down from her chair, hooves clopping the tile.
"Yeye! Race ya!"
"Don't run up the stairs, Jack," Solar immediately tells him.
"Er, race you except on the stairs!"
"Okie!"
The two scamper out of the kitchen and to the stairs, making sure to slow down as they climb up since both parents are watching them carefully. Then they run to Dazzle's door and it can be heard shutting soon after.
"Hmh, those two never run out of energy," He remarks, turning back to the sink to try scrubbing at the pot.
"Tell me about it," Sun replies, his smile fading a bit as he looks to the mechanic. "Um, S- Solar?"
"The pot might need an overnight soak to save it, being honest. This stuff is practically glued to the bottom…"
"Oh, that- it's fine, I can clean that later, y- you don't have to." He pushes himself up and joins the other's side, hesitating a bit before he touches Solar's shoulder. "I was going to say… Thank you so much. I really, truly appreciate your help. I'll- I'll make it up to you, don't worry."
Hearing that, Solar's eyes soften and he dries off his hands so he can lay one over Sun's. "You don't have to thank me, and you don't have to "make it up to me" either… Like I said before, you bust your ass for us every day. This is frankly the least I could do for you, you shouldn't have to handle everything all by yourself every day. So please don't sweat it, okay?"
"… Okay," Sun murmurs, blinking back a fresh wave of tears and starting to pull back. "S- sorry, I don't mean to- I don't know what's wrong with me right now…"
"Dude, you're stressed out and overworked, that's what's wrong," Solar sighs quietly and holds on tighter to his hand to keep him close. "And… I'm sorry this is the first time anyone's acknowledged how hard you work to keep everyone taken care of. And that this is the first time anyone's helped you out… I should have done it way sooner."
Sun meets his gaze, shoulders trembling as he fights back his tears still… But he doesn't fight it when the mechanic pulls him close, hugging him tight and letting him cry into his chest.
Each quiet sob feels like a nail driven into Solar's mechanical heart. He rubs circles into the attendant's back and mumbles, "You don't need to apologize," when Sun chokes out a dozen little sorries.
As much as it hurts him to hear, he stays steadfast and stays as Sun's shoulder to cry on. Holding him, rubbing his back, just trying to comfort him as best he can until the tears finally ebb… For now, at least.
"Did you want to talk about it?"
"I'm just… Tired. I asked him for one thing and he couldn't even watch his own niece for an hour."
"He doesn't really consider you much, does he?"
"Definitely not more than he considers Carmine."
"Yeah…"
Sun lets out a weary sigh, pulling back to wipe his eyes on his arm- but Solar gently stops him and grabs the cloth from before, dabbing away the tears. "There we go… And I can watch the kids if you want to lay down."
The attendant shakes his head. "I'd rather stay with you, if- if you don't mind… Talking to you a- and just… Being with you helps."
"I don't mind at all," Solar murmurs with a small smile, coaxing one from Sun in turn as he starts to relax.
Then he lets out a soft breath as his shoulders sag, exhaustion still weighing on his frame. "I could honestly go for a drink right now. Is that bad?"
"What, you mean wine? I don't see why it would be. You always drink responsibly."
"I know. I- I definitely try to watch my intake so I don't act poorly in front of Dazzle, but sometimes- I just feel off about it after all the jokes my brothers made."
"Yeah, that's more than fair," He murmurs, then he shakes his head. "But it's just you and me right now, and I won't make any jokes about it."
"… Thank you," Sun whispers back with relief. After that he gets himself a glass of wine and the two go to the living room, sitting on the couch as Sun sips from his glass of wine. A low rumble slips from his voice box and he leans against Solar's shoulder, curling up on himself.
The mechanic smiles as he watches the other get comfortable while sipping his wine, his processor warming as he relishes in the closeness.
Not for the first time, he finds himself leaning in to press a kiss to the other's forehead… Only to reel back with heat burning his face-plate as Sun looks at him with wide eyes and cheeks tinted a rosy pink.
"I- I'm sorry, I didn't- h- habit, again," He stutters, rays pulling in as he averts his gaze,
"Ah, it- it's okay, Solar, really," Sun reassures as he sets his glass on the coffee table, mustering a sheepish smile to give the other. "It's… Sweet. It's really sweet. I don't mind it, in fact-" He hesitates, biting his lip as he briefly second guesses himself before leaning close and pressing a kiss to Solar's cheek, feeling the other tense up. All the more flustered as his nerves spikes, he pulls back and promptly starts to squeak out an apology…
Only to be silenced by Solar's lips locking with his. He gasps into the other's mouth, his servos roaring in his chest as heat overwhelms his systems. Solar's firm, almost desperate grip on his biceps is the only thing keeping him steady.
Just until Sun's gripping the straps of his overalls, pulling him even closer as he melts into the mechanic's kiss- so desperate to be as close as possible that even his tail coils itself around the other's waist, squeezing slightly, pulling a soft groan from him.
Fingers thread themselves through the wires on the back of the attendant's head as Solar moves his hands, the other finding his hip and rubbing circles against it with his thumb. Sun parts his lips part to invite the other's tongue, letting it explore his mouth with a low rumble, letting it taste the wine on his teeth and his own tongue for as long as it wants until they have no choice but to part for air.
Panting heavily, gasping in each other's breaths, they stare deep into each other's eyes. Cerulean and yellow pupils blown wide.
Solar leans in and presses one soft, brief kiss to Sun's mouth before resting his forehead to the attendant's, mumbling between gasps, "That… Escalated f- faster than I thought it would…"
Sun chuckles breathlessly. "Not th- that either of us mind, clearly!"
"Heh, clearly." His eyes soften as he moves his hand from Sun's hip to his cheek, stroking the warmed casing with his thumb while Sun gently wraps his arms around the other's neck. "Which… I'm glad for. I'm so, so glad… You don't know how long I've needed to be with you like this, Sun."
"W- wait, really? Why didn't you tell me?"
The mechanic sighs softly. "I wanted to. But I had no idea how to go about it so I asked for advice, and he… Told me notto tell you. That you'd reject me and it would make everything weird for everyone. In hindsight, I guess he was lying to keep us apart…"
"You asked Nexus for advice," Sun realizes, his brows furrowed as he lets out a weary sigh. "He definitely lied to you, because if you had told me how you felt I- I would have been thrilled, because I felt the same way. Heh, h- how could I not? You've always been so cool and- and smart, and I really admired you."
"Even though I was also an ass to you most of the time?" Solar asks, his stomach sinking with guilt as he remembers all the times he was curt and rude to the attendant for nothing but stupid reasons. And even after Nexus… Passed, he hasn't been much better.
"Yeah. I don't really understand it myself, but I just- when you were nice, it was… It made me feel like a schoolgirl, as stupid as that is to say," He laughs weakly. "And when we got you back, even during the rougher times, things just felt better between us."
"Helps that I realized how quickly I could be ripped away from the people I care about, and even in my last moments before I… Faded away, I felt so damn guilty that so many of my memories with you were insulting you and being a prick. So when I came back, I told myself I'd be better. But I'm still failing that… Failing you. Even after everything you've done for me. Making sure I take care of myself, being the father to Jack that I struggle to be and caring for him, you even stood against the Overseer to protect me even after I just… Took Moon's side last year. Even though he was in the wrong and I knew it."
He lets out a shaking breath, his eyes rife with guilt as he stares into Sun's. "You deserved so much better than that. You deserved to have someone understand your side. I should have stood up for you. But I just sat by and played the yes man for Moon again. I'm so sorry, Sun…"
Sun gently presses a kiss to Solar's lips and whispers back, "I forgive you."
"You shouldn't. I don't deserve it."
"You do if I say you do, Solar," He states more firmly, then he lets out a weary sigh and tucks his face into the crook of the other's neck. "I can't even begin to express what it means to me to- to be given a meaningful apology and know that you actually care about making amends, n- not just making yourself feel better…"
"And hearing you say that I wasn't wrong to- to be angry with Moon last year… That I wasn't being a child last year, that I wasn't wrong to- to be angry and hurt and want Moon to take responsibility for how he hurt me… That means so much to me. It truly does." He wraps his arms around the mechanic and Solar hugs him in turn, holding on tight. "So yes, I forgive you… And thank you. Thank you for- for caring enough to say it."
"… It's beyond horrible that you have to say thank you to someone just for apologizing."
"I know…" He pulls back to gently cradle Solar's cheek in his palm. "But I still want to say it, because I want you to know your words mean so much to me. Everything you've done for me today means so much to me."
"Then I want to keep doing as much as I can to support you, both in taking care of everything at home and in your emotions and feelings. Because an overdue apology and me making dinner shouldn't have to mean so much to you." Solar turns his head, pressing a kiss to Sun's palm and murmuring against it, "And if I ever start to let you crumble under the weight of it all again, I want you to tell me and make me take responsibility. I don't… I don't want to sit by and let you hurt anymore. I don't want to hurt you anymore."
"I promise I will if you promise to do the same. Because I'm not perfect, and I don't want to see you shouldering it all, either," The attendant murmurs back, his rays lowering until he feels another kiss upon his palm.
"I promise. Though being honest… You're more than perfect to me, Sun."
Sun gives a soft scoff despite the blush coloring his cheeks, shaking his head in disbelief. "Ass-kisser…"
The mechanic flashes a wry smirk, whispering back, "Maybe after the kids are in bed."
"Ouah- Solar!" He barks out a laugh and immediately hides his face in the other's chest as it burns a rosy hue, giggling as Solar gives his rear a light pat. "Pfft- d- don't you think we oughta take it slow? We've only just kissed and you're already talking dirty."
"And it took two damn years to kiss, I think we've gone slow enough!" Solar points out with a chuckle.
"Hah, fair enough." The attendant pulls back as he shakes his head again, smiling warmly at the other. "I don't think I really have much patience left, anyhow."
"I know I don't," He snorts, then he finally leans back in to steal another kiss from Sun's lips and happily accepts the one given in turn. Cradling his cheeks as he kisses him, Sun's arms curling around his neck once more, relishing in each other's closeness.
Oblivious to the sound of the door opening and the pitterpatter of footsteps, oblivious still until a little voice pipes up,
"Daddy?"
Sun pulls back with a gasp, face heating and stomach doing a flip as his gaze snaps toward the upstairs walkway. "Dazzle! I- I can explain, honey!"
Solar turns as well, grimacing as he realizes Jack is staring down at them, too. Both little ones wide-eyed and surprised, and both parents feel guilt creeping up their endospines as they wonder if this will be okay or if their kids might not want their dads together-
Until Dazzle is smiling and hopping on her hooves as Jack throws his hands up, yelling, "It's about damn time! We thought we were gonna have to pull a Parent Trap on you two!"
"Wha-" Sun blinks as Solar's grimace drops into a scolding scowl and he promptly fires back,
"Jack, watch your language! How many times do I have to tell you?"
"Oops- er, sorry?" The little bot shrugs unapologetically and his father heaves a heavy sigh.
"Wait, what- what do you mean, pull a Parent Trap on us?" Sun asks, looking between the two as they stare back at him like he said something silly.
"Don't you remember the movie we all watched together, Daddy? With the two redhead girls that meet at summer camp, and then they find out they're twins and-"
"Oh, n- no, sweetie, I remember the movie, you don't have to explain the plot… I just- I never told you that I- that I likeliked Solar. How- how did you know?"
"Was it supposed to be a secret or something? You were always pretty open with staring at Dad like you liked him," Jack replies, raising a brow at the attendant. "You kinda always swoon whenever he's working on the car and working out."
"Does he, now?" Solar questions with a wry grin, and built animatronics can't "inherit" traits from their parents but Sun immediately decides Jack absolutely inherited his mischievous smile from his dad.
And he also pulls a hand up to hide the lower half of his red face in total embarrassment because he thought he was subtlewhen he thirsted over Solar at work.
"Yeah! Like when you stare at his bummy whenever he's bending over for stuff!" Dazzle chimes in with a giggle, and Solar's face might as well be a lamp with how quickly it lights up yellow-gold.
"Hold on a-!" He sputters indignantly as his gaze whips toward the kids before returning to Sun, who struggles to fight back his own giggle as he buries his face in his hands.
"I- I think the gig is up, Solar!" He croaks out between little bursts of static, breaking into laughter now.
"I- yeah, I'd say so," The mechanic breathes out, allowing himself a weak chuckle as he lifts a hand to rub his eyelids. "Damn, our kids figured out how we feel about each other before we did. I just thought you watched me work on the car and work out because you were interested in learning and trying it out."
"And for obvious reasons, I never saw you staring at my butt in general," Sun replies, grinning as Solar groans in embarrassment.
"Er, y- yeah. That, too…"
Sun giggles and gives Solar a kiss on the cheek, whispering to him, "I don't mind it one bit, don't worry."
"Oh? I'll keep that in mind," He whispers back, kissing Sun's cheek in turn before planting a quick peck on his mouth.
"When you two're finished, can we get ice cream?" Jack asks as he rests his cheek on the railing.
Dazzle makes doe-eyes as she clasps her hands together and whines, "Pleeeease?"
Sun smiles fondly. "I think that's a reasonable request. How about you, Solar?"
"Hmm…" He cradles his chin, obviously playing at thinking about it as he glances up at the kids. Seeing Jack give his own pleading stare pulls a snort from him. "Oh, alright. Guess we owe them one after making them suffer our slow burn, huh?"
"PFT- when you put it like that!" Sun gives a staticky wheeze as the mechanic stands and offers his arm, gladly accepting it and being helped to his feet as the kids come downstairs before rushing into the kitchen.
The parents trail after, though Solar has Sun sit down before he works on getting the ice cream served. Jack plops himself by Sun as Dazzle climbs into the seat across, chiming a polite little "Thank you!" when Solar hands her a bowl of ice cream.
"Thanks, Dad!" Jack says as he's given his, and he promptly stuffs a spoonful into his mouth.
"Slow down, Jack. You're gonna give yourself brainfreeze again."
"Too late," The little bot whines, scrunching his face as he sets down his spoon. Sun gives a fond sigh and gently rubs the spots by Jack's eyes, using magic to warm his hands ever so slightly until he feels better. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Just remember to eat slow, no one is going to take it from you."
He nods a bit, starting to eat his ice cream again- much slower than before. Solar smiles as he watches the exchange, petting Dazzle's hair.
Once the two have finished eating their ice cream, the parents corral them upstairs to brush their teeth and tuck them in to bed.
"'m not even tired," Jack whines before giving a big yawn and curling up under his blanket. Solar chuckles quietly.
"Definitely not tired, huh?" He kisses the little bot's forehead. "Don't worry, you can always go back to playing tomorrow once you've recharged. Mmkay?"
"Mmkay… G'night, Dad."
"Night, bud."
"Sleep tight, Dazzle," Sun whispers to his daughter, giving her a goodnight kiss as well. She gives a sleepy smile, her eyelids falling shut as she murmurs,
"Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Papa…"
Solar's head lifts as his eyes widen, then a warm smile pulls his lips and he kisses her forehead. "Night, Dazzle."
"Wait, what'm I gonna call Sun, then?" Jack questions, scrubbing at his eye with one hand. "I can't call you both Dad, I don't think…"
The attendant adjusts Jack's blanket and whispers, "It would just be a little confusing, that's all."
"Yeeeah… Ohh, wait- I can call you Pa! Like Little House!"
"Like- like Little House?"
"Ye!"
Sun laughs despite himself and kisses the top of his head. "In that case, goodnight, half-pint."
"Ninight, Pa." Jack smiles wide before closing his eyes and getting ready to fall asleep. Sun and Solar exchange smiles of their own and quietly slip out of the room.
They head back downstairs and Solar grabs the remote to the TV, putting on one of Sun's favorite movies and glancing to the other as he asks, "Why don't you grab a blanket and we can relax together?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," He replies with a soft smile. When he comes back with a thick, soft blanket, Solar pulls off his boots and sets them aside, lying on the couch and letting Sun curl up against him. Cuddled up under the blanket and sharing each other's warmth, the two watch the Aristocats and enjoy their alone time together.
When the movie eventually ends, Solar whispers to the other, "What did you want to watch next?"
… No reply. Confusion and worry wracks his circuits until he mutes the credit music and becomes aware of soft snoring. Glancing down, he chuckles softly as he sees that Sun's succumbed to exhaustion and dozed off against his chest.
So he gently scoops the attendant into his arms, carrying him upstairs and nudging the door shut before taking Sun to his bed so they can sleep comfortably.
And the night spent with Sun held tight in his arms is the best sleep Solar's ever gotten.