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Rocket didn't know what was happening. First, Skateboard. Then, Medkit. Then his own dad. They had all asked the same question, "Are you and Sword together?"
He never knew the answer to that. Of course, he'd immediately say no, deny it and wave his hands.
"Pssh, me and Sword? Nah, we're just friends."
So when the both of them were in Rocket's room late at night after another hard phight, he couldn't help but think. Sword was currently snuggled up to him, arms around his torso. Was this what friends did?
Sword noticed right away that something had been up with Rocket. It had been observing for a while, because Rocket's their friend. Sword never cared for titles. They knew they just liked him.
So, after a while of silence, they spoke up. Finger traced nonexistent patterns on his back. "Hey, Rocky?" Rocket let out a 'mh' in acknowledgement.
"...Do you find this weird?"
That got him to snap out of his thoughts. He sat up slightly, but not fully pulling away from Sword instinctively.
"Why would I?"
Sword glanced away, looking a bit nervous herself.
"I just noticed that lately when we get close, you act strange about it. If you didn't want to cuddle, you could just tell me—"
"That's not it!"
They paused, being abruptly cut off in his rambling. Rocket looked slightly apologetic about it, but continued.
"Look.... it's not you. Okay?"
"I just... I've been thinking. A lot."
Sword stared, letting him continue.
"About... us? I don't know. It's stupid."
"It's not stupid if it upsets you."
Rocket looked into his eyes, something he found himself wanting to do often but not having the courage. He hated looking into any inphernals eyes. But never Swords. He found them beautiful.
He felt vulnerable, and he despised that. Sword taught him that being vulnerable wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but he still felt that way sometimes. The way that they were staring at him, so fond and patient, he felt pathetic. But he also felt seen. His heart started to thud, like it often did around it.
Rocket took a deep breath, finally speaking after the silence that stretched on. That made his head ring.
"Everyone keeps asking me if we're dating."
"Why would that be a bad thing?"
Sword tilted it's head. To that, Rocket narrowed his eyes.
"Because... I don't know! Wouldn't that bother you?"
"Well.... no."
A tinge of blush showed behind his feathers. Only Rocket could spot it.
"I don't mind what we are... or what anyone thinks we are."
His breath caught in his throat. This whole time, these entire three years, Rocket was an idiot. He had been worrying for so long, miserable nights thinking that Sword would hate him for feeling this way. For ruining their friendship.
"But... but you.."
Sword shook it's head, taking one of Rocket's hands. (He didn't have much of a choice, considering his prosthetic one was charging)
"I've felt the same way for a while now... I just enjoy existing with you. I didn't know if I should've said anything, so... I waited."
"And now, I guess this answers my question."
Sword let out a short giggle. It encapsulated his heart. He buried his face in their neck, completely embarrassed and ashamed. Despite the past few months consisting of them cuddling and sharing intimacy, Rocket never expected this outcome. Never expected anybody to love him.
All Sword did was lovingly stroke his fur, letting him process his feelings.
"We don't have to be anything for now. It's up to you."
"I think... I just want a little more time."
Sword didn't reply to that, just nodded. It respected whatever Rocket wanted. He just wanted to be with him, that's all that mattered.