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Hyperlaser and Katana have been at a bar together for a few hours. Both of them sitting in a booth that was relatively farther from the other Inphernal's in the bar. This bar was newer and not as popular so it wasnt packed which was good. Afterall, an almost empty bar is better than a full bar, especially when you dont have good social skills or your face extremely scarred. Hyperlaser had his helmet off at the moment so he would be able to drink without needing to shove a straw under the helmet. Katana also had his mask off for the same reason. Less Inphernals meant less chance of the two being judged.
"How have you been, Katana..?" Hyperlaser spoke up, looking at the larger Inphernal sitting across from him. Even if his vision wasnt exactly the best he still made eye contact or atleast tried to when speaking to others, it was respectful.
Katana didnt answer right away, choosing to think about his answer before responding. After 30 seconds he answered the Blackrockian's question, "Ive been..decent. There isnt much going on in my life at the moment, other than my neighbors making me gift baskets. I appreciate the gifts, even if I dont talk to them much they're still respectful," he explained before asking Hyperlaser the same thing, "But enough about me, how have you been lately? We havent gotten a chance at a proper conversation in awhile."
Hyperlaser let out a small sigh, "I know. Im sorry about that, Subspace has been giving me mission after mission, Im starting to think he's testing my limits. Its not surprising considering those Biografts were created to replace the mercenary's. Besides from all that Ive been..alright."
Katana thought for a moment before deciding to ask another question, "What about Princess? How has she been?" He's met Princess very few times but he knew she was a good cat. Especially based on how much Hyperlaser loves to talk about her like she's his biological child, even if she is a cat.
"She's been fine. She's been eating and drinking regularly, no health issues, and she is still the same sweet cat you know," Hyperlaser said, you can tell in his tone that there was a change, although it was subtle. His tone became slightly fond as he talked about his cat.
"Im glad to hear she's been alright," Katana still can recall their first meeting. They met at a bar one night, just having a simple, short conversation at most. Then they bumped into eachother again over the next few months, thats how they bonded. The two decided it was about time to order their drinks so they did just that.
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The two drank together and talked until midnight came around. Katana had a higher alcohol tolerance than Hyperlaser did, speaking of which, Hyperlaser was beginning to mumble incoherent nonsense and slur his words. Katana lost track of how much Hyperlaser drank this night but he knew it was a lot. It seemed almost intentional that Hyperlaser got himself this drunk and that started to worry Katana.
Katana told Hyperlaser to stay put before getting up to go pay for his and Hyperlaser's drinks. He was fine with paying, it wasnt too big of a deal and Hyperlaser was currently intoxicated. Hyperlaser's head rested on the table as he watched Katana, his mind racing with drunken thoughts.
Katana eventually returned and helped Hyperlaser up, "I think you drank enough for tonight..I dont need you passing out on me at a bar, I dont want to risk dropping you because I had to carry you," he pointed out, keeping his tone calm. Despite the calmness in his voice it was obvious he was concerned for Hyperlaser's wellbeing.
Once Hyperlaser stood up on wobbly legs, Katana gently put an arm around the Blackrockian's waist to stabilize him as Hyperlaser put his helmet back on. Katana doing the same but with his mask. The pair exited the bar, Katana's arm securing Hyperlaser as they walked.
Katana decided it'd be best to just take Hyperlaser to his apartment, it was closer which made it easier to get to before Hyperlaser either one, passes out, or two, empties out his stomach everywhere. It was about a 6-7 mile walk which was fine with Katana, as long as Hyperlaser didnt collapse it'd all be okay.
Katana had to be aware of his surroundings. Even if Crossroads was the safest region during the day, the same cant always be said when it was night. As the two traveled, Hyperlaser was holding onto Katana and leaning on him to not fall over. Katana could support Hyperlaser's weight due to obvious reasons.
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The two eventually made it to the apartment building, Katana still supporting Hyperlaser's weight. When they reached the stairs, Katana picked up Hyperlaser bridal style before walking up the stairs. It was for Hyperlaser's safety. Letting a drunk Inphernal stumble up the stairs was just asking for that Inphernal to injure themselves.
Once Katana made it up to the floor his apartment was on he carefully set Hyperlaser back down on his feet so he could unlock the door. Hyperlaser swayed a little, mumbling incoherent sentences. After Katana unlocked the door he gently took Hyperlaser's hand in his and walked into the apartment, watching the smaller Inphernal's movements to assure he didnt fall over. Once the two were inside Katana shut and locked the door before putting a hand on Hyperlaser's lower back as he walked him over to the couch.
He sat Hyperlaser down carefully, making him lay back so he wouldnt fall forward and bust his head on the coffee table. Katana removed Hyperlaser's helment and set it down on the table before walking off to go get a pillow and blanket.
Hyperlaser stared blanky at the ceiling, his black cat-like tail flicking beside him idly.
After a minute or two Katana came back and put a pillow at the end of the couch. He layed Hyperlaser down so his head would be on the pillow. Katana then began to tuck him in before he felt the Blackrockian shake. He froze and looked at Hyperlaser's face. His eyes were watery.
Katana wasn't sure if it was the lighting or if Hyperlaser was genuinely crying. Then he heard it, a sniffle. Katana was unsure how to handle this situation..he never has had to comfort another Inphernal in a long time. He knew it was the alcohol making Hyperlaser emotional but it still felt like he had to comfort him.
Katana stayed silent, sitting down next to Hyperlaser but on the floor. He waited for Hyperlaser to say something, anything, but when he didnt he decided to ask, "Hyper..are you alright?"
Hyperlaser's breath hitched, coming in shaky inhales and exhales. Hyperlaser didnt respond immediately but when he did, he said, "Im gonna die alone..arent I..? You'll leave me eventually..I know you will.."
Katana went still, he wasnt sure how to handle this situation really. He took a deep breath, convincing himself that Hyperlaser was just saying this because he was drunk.
There was silence for a moment then Hyperlaser spoke up again, "Ive never felt..loved...or cared for. I dont..I dont want to die before I get to experience that.." he slurred his words, but there was obvious emotion in his tone.
Katana knew he had to comfort him, it was the right thing to do, it didnt matter if Hyperlaser was drunk or not. "I wont leave you behind. I wont let you die alone..you have me and Princess, we both care about you."
Hyperlaser was basically sobbing now, "Princess..is just a-a cat.." he murmured. All the pent up stress, emotions, and alcohol were mixing together to make a perfect cocktail of fear and sadness.
Katana sighed, "I know she is but she still loves you..I love you. It hurts to see you like this..but Im glad you trust me enough to tell me all this.." Katana basically just confessed to Hyperlaser, but he doubted Hyperlaser would remember it tomorrow morning so it didnt really matter much.
Hyperlaser went silent for a moment, he calmed down a little, but he was still in tears. "Katana..I..I love you too.." he admitted, becoming more emotional once again.
Katana didnt say anything else. Atleast not at this very moment. Did Hyperlaser mean that..? No..it was just because he was drunk, thats probably why he said it. Katana took a deep breath before standing up and carefully moving Hyperlaser so he could lay with him.
Once Katana squeezed in beside Hyperlaser he pulled Hyperlaser ontop of him so it'd be more comfortable for the both of them. He then pulled the blanket over them, resting a hand on Hyperlaser's back.
Hyperlaser burried his face into the crook of Katana's neck, crying. After 20 minutes or so Hyperlaser began to calm down, starting to drift off to sleep. Katana let him fall asleep, Hyperlaser wasnt that heavy and it was rather..nice cuddling with him. After 10 more minutes passed he himself drifted to sleep as well.
In the morning Hyperlaser would have a horrible hangover but that's besides the point. All that mattered right now was that Hyperlaser got rest.