Comet || An II Lightbulb AU.

More of the same

Christmas was over and everyone was winding down. Everyone was in a relaxed mood. So far things have been peaceful and peaceful times had always included Lightbulb. So she knew that nothing bad was happening at the moment. For a while, she actually forgot about the whole anxiety about being a cyborg, which she thought was impossible. Or maybe she was just too tired to think about it. But she knew it probably wouldn't be. Everyone was calm, enjoying the snow. No one was freaking out. Things were peaceful this year. Nothing major was happening, and they'd just relax a little bit this year. Well mostly everyone anyway. There were still those who refused to give up. Still, those who were too scared to accept what was happening. People were afraid to lose themselves and the security they enjoyed. It made Lightbulb wonder if the same was true for her and the others.

Lightbulb stared at the flickering fire dancing on the hearth for a long moment before smiling lightly. Yeah, this year would be different. Maybe it was because of how much everyone was willing to accept it...maybe it was because of all the chaos the past few years, but everyone finally found peace, hope, and happiness.

Or maybe this year was simply the year that everyone was finally accepted. Lightbulb closed her eyes as she listened to music on the speakers. Her friends sang along with some of the lyrics to some songs. She sighed happily as she heard Apple sing. She was glad that her friends hadn't changed. It was nice knowing that they cared about each other just the way they are She opened her eyes and gazed across the living room where her friend was standing. Apple glanced at her and smiled brightly at her, making Lightbulb smile back. She felt a warm fuzzy feeling inside her chest. She never knew how much she missed these moments when they were together. These quiet moments where everything was just perfect.

She didn't remember when it started, but lately...everything felt perfect. Like a piece of art waiting to be completed. Everything was beautiful. Nothing was wrong anymore, and everything seemed like it should always be like this. Her brain began wandering around, thinking about her partners. How they felt, sounded, smelled, saw, talked, and reacted. How she missed them.

Her face softened a bit as she thought about them. They had started trying to get in contact with them, So there was at least some solace in knowing they were alive and, hopefully, well.

But that didn't stop the pain. That didn't stop the guilt. Those weren't the only reasons why she wanted to contact them. She also wondered if they felt the same way. Did they miss her too? Did they even remember about her at all? Or was it just wishful thinking that they wanted to talk to her?

Lightbulb sighed deeply before closing her eyes, leaning her head against the wall behind her. Her mind drifted further. Images and sensations flashed in her head. Memories of happier times. Of times filled with laughter. A small smile tugged at her lip Was she still missing something? Something important? Why can't she remember what it was? Or was she forgetting again? Was she going insane? No...she wasn't crazy, was she? Right? There was no way she was losing it, right? Maybe she just forgot to take her antipsychotics again. Maybe that's what this all was about, right? But she still didn't feel any better, not in the slightest.

"Hey Lighty, you okay?" Pepper called out quietly. "I'm fine," Lightbulb answered, though she didn't sound convincing. Pepper frowned. "Did something happen? You seem off tonight. She mentioned worriedly. Lightbulb shook her head. "No. I just don't feel great. That's all." She told her. Pepper stared intently at her for a minute, studying her face. She eventually nodded. "Okay. What's REALLY up? You know, if you want to tell me." She said slowly. Lightbulb stayed quiet for a second before answering. "There's something wrong... I think.."

"With you or with us?" Pepper asked, tilting her head slightly. Lightbulb paused and sighed. "Just... A lot. I miss my- our friends. I'm worried. I'm having a hard time remembering things I forget. It all feels wrong. Like I need to say something else, but I just can't remember what." Lightbulb explained. Pepper hummed in understanding. "You're gonna figure out something, Lighty, you always do." She smiled gently. "I know that, but I don't know what to do." She admitted. Pepper smiled softly at her. "If you ever want someone to talk to, I'll listen, okay? I'm here." She reassured. "Oh, My. GOD! Guys!!" Salt interrupted. "Guess what?" She was smiling wide. She quickly took a seat next to Lightbulb, holding something tightly in her hands.