Unlikely Love

23

keralis pov:

Shishwammy looks so cute, but I can’t help but notice how uncomfortable he looks.

It was subtle—the way his fuchsia eyes darted around the room, not wanting to settle on anyone for too long, how his shoulders tensed as if he was bracing for something. He always did this, hiding behind that tough exterior of armor and helmets, and without them, he seemed... vulnerable. Not that I minded seeing him like this. In fact, I loved the rare moments when he wasn’t fully hidden away, when he was just him. But I knew how much he hated it.

His wings twitched slightly, like he was ready to bolt at any second. I kept my grip on his hand firm but gentle, trying to ground him in the moment. The others were all caught up in their usual chatter, but I could feel his discomfort radiating off him.

I leaned in just a little, keeping my voice low. “You know, you don’t have to stay down here if it’s too much,” I whispered, giving him an out if he needed it. But part of me didn’t want him to leave. Part of me wanted him to get used to this, to me. To being close, to everyone, and not be ashamed of himself.

The room around us was alive with the sounds of the others talking and laughing. Zedaph was cracking jokes about some wild contraption, and Hypno’s deep chuckle mixed in with the light-hearted banter. Plates clinked, and soft footsteps padded across the floor as more people started to wake up. The sunlight streaming in through the windows made everything feel warm and safe, like this place was a home, his home, if he could just let himself believe it.

But poor Shishwammy... He looked like he’d rather be back in his armor, hiding behind those reflective lenses of his. Always so tough on the outside, but inside... He’s so precious like this. I couldn’t help but smile. I’ll get him to relax, I just need to give him time.

Shishwammy caught my gaze, and for a brief moment, his fuchsia eyes softened. He gave me one of those rare, sweet smiles—innocent, almost shy, like he was trying to convince himself he was okay being here. “I’m fine here, Keralis,” he said softly, the words quiet but sincere.

There it is, I thought, a tiny victory. But I knew he was still holding back. He was here, physically, but part of him wasn’t ready to completely let down his guard, to let himself truly relax.

Then there was Evil Shishwammy, lingering on the other side of the room. He wasn’t hiding as much as usual, but the breathing apparatus and bits of armor were still there, like a physical barrier between him and everyone else. Only his leg armor and an arm piece remained, yet it was his eyes—those sharp red eyes—that caught attention. They were visible for everyone to see, but it was hard to tell how he was feeling about the crowd.

His gaze kept drifting toward Hels. Not in a confrontational way, but... almost like he was looking for something. Maybe reassurance? Maybe he was just keeping an eye on him, or maybe he needed Hels’s presence as a kind of anchor, the way Shishwammy sometimes looked to me for the same thing.

The room around us was alive with soft laughter and conversation, but even in the light-hearted atmosphere, it felt like both versions of Shishwammy were still keeping a part of themselves withdrawn, still unsure how much they wanted to engage. I glanced back at Shishwammy, his fuchsia eyes reflecting just a bit of the light in the room. He was trying—they both were—but I knew it would take more time.

Then, I noticed Shishwammy shift slightly, his gaze flickering toward his brother. Something in Evil Shishwammy’s posture must have tipped him off, because without a word, he stood up and made his way over to him. He moved quietly, slipping past me with a soft brush of his hand as if to say he’d be right back.

Shishwammy leaned in, his fuchsia eyes soft with concern, while Evil Shishwammy’s red gaze flickered with something harder to read. They exchanged a few hushed words, and though I couldn’t hear what was said, the way Shishwammy’s hand lingered on his brother’s arm told me everything. He was checking in, offering support, maybe even grounding him in this chaotic, crowded space.