Fusion and Iron

27. A Brief Respite

"So, yeah. That's pretty much been my last couple of days."

A huge weight fell off of Buttercup's shoulders. She sighed, letting the cool breeze help adjust to the tropical heat. Her bobbed hair that fell just past her shoulders and iconic outfit swayed slightly, though she remained stoic. It helped to get to vent that out, making her seem less tense. That mixed gaze between frustration and surprise now was laid back, eased by having to get it all out.

Niles had crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow and looking genuinely concerned. His head was slightly hunched while he listened closely, doing his best to remain composed. The calm meditation he just finished prevented him from nearly having an anxiety attack, watching how she played charades and frantically went into detail about all that happened. More specifically, there was a thin wall holding him back from breaking down almost right now.

As for Nano Alien X, he remained loyally by Niles' side. He sat on his right shoulder, kicking his little legs and listening to them chat.

"I've... never experienced something like this before. I mean.."

Niles reached a hand up and rubbed his forehead, giving a worried look. "We spent our entire time in the Future looking for that book, but now that it's here... I mean it could be anywhere. But I know that Dexlabs teleporters have a limited range, so it's not like it's on the other side of the world."

Before he was about to continue, he stopped. His eyes drifted down to her hands, noticing the raw skin over her knuckles. A brow furrowed as he reached a hand out, forwardly taking it. "What happened to your knuckles?"

"Oh, this?" she began, shrugging casually as she looked up at him. "Just a little boxing match with Fusion Max. He wasn't enough for me, so it's no big deal."

His expression softened, some of the color in his face coming back. "You sure you're alright? I got some spare bandages in my room on the ship. I can get them for you."

She waved him off, trying to stay tough. "I'll be fine, Niles. It's nothing I haven't dealt with before, probably less."

"I know you can handle it, but it doesn't hurt to patch up. Let me pick them up for you when I get a chance, just to be safe," he insisted, grinning.

Buttercup glanced at him, staying cool. Past the veil of her hard exterior, there was slight appreciation inside. She smirked and replied in an understated tone, "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"You know, hearing you talk like that made me realize something," Buttercup began, slightly tilting her head. "You and Blossom? You've got a lot in common."

He flashed her a little smile, before continuing, "If I had to take an educated guess, it's somewhere around here. Sector V is planning on sieging a control center, so I think I'm gonna go with them."

"That so? Beating Fusion Demongo wasn't enough for you?" Buttercup teased.

He rolled his eyes, unable to help the smile on his face. "This is serious! But since you're here, maybe you could help by watching the ship while I'm away. You know, like Bubbles in Townsville, keeping things tidy."

"And stay on the sidelines? Hell no!" she replied with some sass, crossing her arms. "I know you're just saying that to mess with me. I'm gonna go with you guys whether you like it or not! I've been itching for a fight, and none of these fusion snakes have got any grit! The last time I had a proper challenge was that fusion of Major Glory a while back."

Niles huffed, "Don't remind me. I don't wanna fight his fusion for the third time."

"Better get used to it, dude. You wanna join the supes? You gotta fight on their level," she puffed out her lower lip. "I'd even wager their fusions are great for practice."

"Fair point," he replied optimistically. "I'll consider it."

Peeking back behind her, the girl in front of him jabbed her thumb back. "Speaking of, there's your big reveal. That armor really helps you get on par with us."

"I would've never thought of that," he humbled himself, looking over at his idle suit. It stood still, looking back out towards the ocean. "That answers a lot of my questions, though."