Rise [INFIDGET]

Chapter Ten: Troubled

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POV: Infinite

Chaos, I'm exhausted...

I woke up late in the afternoon, which is very unlike me but I had my reasons.

I spotted sitting Gadget at the entrance of the cave and looking out, he seemed...

Troubled?

My bones ached as I mustered the strength to sit up. I would need to move eventually so I slowly stood up and lumbered over to the red furred wolf, plopping down beside him tiredly and sighing. "Okay, what's on your mind?" I huffed and glanced at him.

He jumped at my sudden question but frowned after and hugged his legs. "I don't know, I just feel tired - not physically, just emotionally..." he opened up.

I hummed in thought.

So he's depressed, I don't blame him.

"Is the crisis getting to you?" I asked him, he nodded at the question and hid his face in his hands. Only now I noticed that he wasn't wearing his glasses, they sat beside him.

I also didn't notice he was crying until I heard a faint sob muffled by his hands, my large ears perked at the soft noise. I remember my squad having moments like this, so I done what I used to do as their leader and pulled him into my arms, giving him the support he needed at this unforseen time.

He needs me like my squad needed me...

He wrapped his arms around my back and sobbed into my chest, I didn't mind one bit and let him get it all out.

Poor thing...probably has been bottling it up since the war started or maybe longer...

"It's okay...just let it all out" I spoke softly and rubbed his back. He reminds me a lot of my squad, courageous yet timid, determined yet gentle, caring yet fierce.

We stayed in the embrace for another few minutes before he started to calm down. Not once did he pull away, he just stayed with me, he did move but that was just to sit on my lap which would be more comfortable.

I continued to softly rub his back as he rested on my chest.

Gadget glanced up at me, his golden eyes were watery and bloodshot from the crying. I looked down at him and rubbed his tears away from his wet cheeks, "It's okay, I'm here" I cupped his cheek and flashed a gentle smile.

"Th-thank y-you..." He stuttered softly, he rested with me from then after, the silence was comfortable for both of us.

Gadget was first to speak up after the long silence. "Zero?..."

"Yeah?"

"Can we stay like this for today?..."

"Sure"

I could see a faint smile on his tan muzzle, I put his glasses back on his face and smiled back.

"It's getting cold sitting here though, let's move into the cave" I added and picked up the small wolf, he gasped and wrapped his legs around my waist as I carried him into the cave and layed against a wall.

Gadget curled into my embrace, his ears were folded back and his breathing was soft.

I can't harm him...

He's been through so much already...

I don't deserve him.

"Gadget?" I glanced down at the small wolf on my chest.

"Yeah?..." he responded gently and caught my gaze.

"I don't deserve you...not after everything I put you through without knowing how badly it has affected you" I huffed softly and tore my eyes away from those amber ones.

I could sense Gadget thinking over his response, I don't blame him for being cautious.

"Ever since I was younger, I always had the determination to stop evil and save the world...it was something my father taught me and that I aspired to as I grew older" Gadget stated. "Yet, I could never predict that even the smallest of gestures could change the way I look at others" he glanced at the Phantom Ruby.

"Zero, I know you don't mean to harm me...I know that the ruby has lots of benefits - mainly for evil but for some good too, and I know you are hurt like me" he commented further. "But what you just done was something I haven't experienced for years..."

Years?

"...and I'm thankful for your kindness" Gadget sighed softly. "So please, let me help you like you helped me" he pleaded gently.

Oh Gadget, if only it were that simple...

I turned my gaze back to Gadget and cupped his cheek softly, "Gadget, it's not that simple" I stated. "There are many things you don't know about me that could change your view on me as a mobian" I sighed.

"My tales are for another time, for now I am focused on you and your emotions" I changed the topic and kissed his forehead.

"Don't forget our situation at the moment either, the Resistance is coming and we need to be prepared. We cannot live here forever without being spotted by someone" I added.

Gadget nodded and looked to the ground, "I see..." he frowned sadly.

I need him to smile...

"Come on, look at me" I spoke softly and smiled lightly. "What would make you feel better? Something that is possible in our current situation"

Gadget thought over this before grinning, "The stream! It's so cool and refreshing" he beamed brightly.

As if the sadness wasn't even there in the first place...

"We can go there then" I agreed and Gadget hopped off me, he fixed his gear and glanced at me.

I stood up, my strength slowly came back after resting for almost all day. I grabbed my mask and fastened it on my face. I stretched my aching joints before joining Gadget at the stream close to the cave.

Gadget sat in the stream and let the cool water rush around his legs and waist. I sat by the stream and my attention was brought to his side.

I need to check that.

"Hey, Gadget?" I asked and looked at him.

"Yeah?" He turned to me with a bright smile.

"Come here, I need to check your side" I gestured for him to come to me so I could keep track of his healing.

Gadget sat down and looked at me as I took off his bandages and inspected the wound which thankfully scarred over quickly.

"It's finished healing, the bandages can stay off now" I commented and got rid of the bandages using the ruby.  Only a scar remained of the wound.

"That's good, thanks...for healing me again" Gadget chuckled and hugged me, catching me off guard but I accepted the hug either way.

Y'know, maybe this isn't so bad after all...