Chapter Text
Ash stood on the grassy edge of Prawdziwa Polska 2, staring half-amused, half-confused at the scene before him. His blade was sprawled on the ground, chattering away animatedly as the massive bear twice his size lounged beside him, letting out deep, rumbling grunts of agreement every so often.
Ewron’s tail was wrapped possessively around the taller man’s leg, his clawed hand idly playing with the edge of his tie. Ash tilted his head, trying to process it all. It had only been a few days since Ewron had helped him break out of that federal prison. The hybrid had been ecstatic at their reunion clinging to him for hours, chattering non-stop while Ash recovered from his brutal sentence. Ash had expected that same unwavering devotion every day now that he was back. He wouldn’t have minded it one bit.
Instead, Ewron had only sent a handful of cautious messages: "Are you okay? Should I come by?" Ash, playing it cool as always, had replied with a casual “up to you,” fully expecting his loyal assassin to appear at his door in seconds. But he hadn’t shown up.
Ash had wanted to visit sooner, but the waystone to Ewron’s home had been destroyed. He’d had to persuade Tina just to get here. Now he stood dumbfounded, watching the two people who had practically fought for his attention just two weeks ago completely lost in each other’s company.
His chest tightened, a sharp, unwelcome twist but he shoved the feeling down and approached.
“What’s going on?” Ash asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked down at them.
Ewron startled, jumping up with his claws raised defensively before realizing who it was. His ears perked instantly, and a wide, fanged grin spread across his face. FNG didn’t move, just offered Ash a lazy, knowing smile from where he lounged.
“Oh! Hello, Ash!” Ewron exclaimed, lowering his claws. “Just chatting… I’m really glad you’re here, though! I have so much to show you my new house, and look!” He pointed excitedly toward the horizon.
Ash turned his head, wincing slightly as his neck ached from weeks on a hard prison cot. There stood an obnoxiously huge panda head statue, somehow fitting perfectly into the chaotic vibe of PP2.
“Funny News Guy built it for me. Isn’t it awesome?” Ewron beamed, practically vibrating with pride.
Ash glanced at FNG, who had now stood and positioned himself right behind Ewron, nodding happily at the praise. The bear was standing way too close to the hybrid for Ash’s liking. Every time a worker had approached Ash like that in the past, he would immediately step back, creating an appropriate distance. He only allowed himself that kind of closeness with Ewron, who on the other hand clearly didn’t mind how close FNG was standing right now.
“Oh,” Ash started, already preparing to accuse Ewron about having too much fun while he was gone. But the pure excitement on the hybrid’s face made him pause. “Yeah… that’s pretty cool. Show me the house. And I want to see Puszek.”
He started walking toward the distant building. Ewron fell into step right behind him, tail swishing happily.
“Why did you destroy the waystone?” Ash asked, his tone half-hurt, half-teasing.
Ewron smiled sheepishly, mumbling something about a creeper explosion. The house was massive and beautiful, warm, lived-in, full of character. It made Ash’s chest ache in a different way as memories of the cold, soulless Regime buildings flashed through his mind. He needed something more human, while he rebuilt his strength. And right now, he really wished FNG wasn’t here. He needed his blade fully to himself.
They toured the house, Ewron enthusiastically describing every detail as if Ash might actually believe he’d built it all himself. The hybrid’s energy was infectious, his tail occasionally brushing against Ash’s leg like old times. But FNG’s presence lingered like an unwanted shadow.
They finally entered Ewron’s bedroom, where the bear’s influence was even more obvious subtle little touches scattered around. Just as Ash was about to suggest they continue without their guest, FNG casually sat down on Ewron’s bed like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ash’s eye twitched. He shot a look at Ewron, who suddenly appeared… panicked?
“Alright, FNG, maybe don’t be so forward right now,” Ewron said quickly, gently dragging the cameraman off the bed.
“Right now?” Ash repeated, his voice sharpening with irritation.
FNG placed down a sign without missing a beat. The text glowed: “I’ll go check on more islanders now. I’ll be back, my love.”
Ash’s eyes narrowed. My love. He guessed it was directed at him, it wouldn’t be the first ridiculous thing the bear had said. But that assumption shattered when FNG bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to Ewron’s forehead before teleporting away in a swirl of particles.
Ash’s eyes widened in shock. Ewron’s smile froze on his face as he avoided eye contact, fidgeting nervously with his claws.
“Hah… this guy… always saying crazy things!” Ewron laughed, a bit too loudly, quickly breaking the sign. “Let’s go see Puszek!” He bolted for the door.
Ash’s composure finally snapped back. Despite the weird feeling burning in his chest, he really did want to see Puszek. He followed Ewron outside, the cool evening air helping clear his head a little.
Ash’s eyes widened in delight when he spotted a new companion resting beside Puszek. The two dinos made a striking pair under the fading light.
“Oh yeah! Tina got a new dino. We named it Okruszek,” Ewron said, catching the spark of excitement in Ash’s eyes as they approached the beasts.
“Hiiii Puszek,” Ash murmured, his voice turning unusually soft. He reached out a hand to gently pet the purple dino. His gaze shifted to Okruszek, and his smile widened. The reddish-orange beast was napping peacefully while Puszek stood guard. They really were a spitting image of him and Ewron, the colors matched perfectly.
“They look… good next to each other,” Ash said quietly, glancing over at Ewron.
The hybrid was hugging the side of Okruszek’s face, eyes half-closed in contentment. The sight was unexpectedly soft, and it made something warm stir in Ash’s chest.
Ash looked up at the sky. The sun was already setting, painting PP2 in soft oranges and pinks.
“We should liege wie,” Ewron said, pushing himself off the dino and rubbing his eyes tiredly. “By the way, I was gonna make a room for you in the house, but I didn’t know if you wanted one… You can build your own house if you want.” He grabbed Ash’s sleeve, gently pulling him away from the beasts.
Ash paused. That warm feeling settled deeper, quiet and comforting. The tension from earlier eased.
“I’ll sleep in yours for now,” he said quickly, leaving no room for questioning as he walked forward.
Ewron’s tail flicked in surprise, but a small, pleased smile tugged at his lips as he hurried to catch up.