Family Among Us

Part 15-A new Imposter??

As the chilly breeze swept through the backyard, Y/N tightened her scarf around her neck, her breath forming delicate puffs in the frosty air. Winter had begun to settle in, casting a soft, white blanket over everything. The garden, usually vibrant and lively, was now a peaceful scene adorned with the crisp silence of snow. Black, bundled up in his light grey hoodie, trailed after her, his small feet making tiny indentations in the snow.

"Come on, Black," Y/N said, turning back to smile at him. "Let's see what we can find out here."

Black gave a small nod, though his dark eyes were focused, always scanning the perimeter with a protective intensity. The other crewmates were inside, likely playing one of their endless games or huddled by the heater, but Black had insisted on accompanying Y/N. He couldn't help but feel that familiar warmth in his circuits whenever she invited him to stay by her side.

Suddenly, Y/N's eyes caught a peculiar sight at the base of the oak tree near the back of the yard. It was a little snow pile, distinct in its formation as if something was buried underneath. Her curiosity piqued, she carefully approached, brushing the snow away with gentle strokes. Black hovered close, his tiny frame tense with anticipation.

When the snow was fully dusted off, a white figure emerged. It was another crewmate—or rather, an imposter. The little being had sleek, white coloring and an unmistakable visor that gleamed even under the subdued winter light. Its limbs were curled inwards, and it shivered slightly as the icy wind cut through the air.

"Oh my goodness," Y/N breathed, eyes wide with surprise. "You're freezing! Here, let's get you warmed up." She reached out, gently scooping the tiny creature into her gloved hands.

Black's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. Another imposter? And one that she was already fawning over? He felt an unexpected surge of emotion rise within him—an uncomfortable mix of protectiveness and something he couldn't quite name. Jealousy?

"Squeak, skrip!" Black blurted out, taking a step forward.

The new imposter's visor blinked, and a quiet, hoarse sound came from him—"Skree?" His eyes flicked up at Black, and for a moment, an unspoken tension sparked between the two.

Y/N, oblivious to the silent exchange, continued to fuss over the little creature. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you," she cooed, cradling White closer to her chest. "Let's get you inside and warmed up."

"Skrup!" Black exclaimed, louder this time, but Y/N didn't catch the edge in his tone.

Once inside, she settled White onto a soft towel by the heater. The other crewmates crowded around, eyes wide with curiosity as they chattered in their language, small "Squee! Squee!" noises filling the room. Purple reached out to pat White's head, while Red eyed him cautiously from the side, still holding onto his innate wariness of newcomers.

Black stood at the back of the group, his gaze flicking between Y/N and White. The latter's pale form seemed to soak up all of Y/N's attention, making Black's circuits hum with an uncomfortable vibration.

"You're going to be okay," Y/N whispered to White, giving him a gentle smile. She glanced back at Black, noticing his stiff posture. "Hey, Black, come here," she said softly, beckoning him.

He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. When he reached her, she leaned down and rested a hand on his tiny shoulder. "There's no need to be jealous," she whispered, her eyes kind and understanding. "You're all special to me."

Black's visor blinked, his shoulders loosening just a fraction as the warmth of her words settled over him. Yet, as he looked at White, who now chirped a small, appreciative "Skwee!" at Y/N, he knew that adjusting to this new dynamic wouldn't be easy. White's presence meant changes, and while Black trusted Y/N, he didn't trust how this newcomer might fit into their little family.

The room buzzed with the sound of small conversations among the crewmates:

"Squee! Skrak(Uh is white trust worthy)?" Purple asked, pointing to White.

"Skrup, skree(I don't know, but I trust Y/N's judgment)," Red replied, arms crossed but eyes softening as he watched Y/N laugh.

White glanced at Black and chirped, "Skree(Truce?)"—a tentative truce in that one sound.

Black exhaled, finally nodding back with a quiet "Skrup(Truce)." Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to accept White's presence. As long as Y/N was happy, perhaps he could be, too.

Outside, snow began to fall again, but inside, a new story was just beginning to unfold.