The Incubator (Astro Boy X Reader)

Chapter 3: A Chill In The Air

A decent bundle of thick red yarn rested in your palms as you compared it to the other shades of red. Your eyes quickly flickered back and forth between the many different colours, and eventually your thoughts turned to the colour of Astro's shoes.

"This red.... It's not quite right. What do you think, uncle?" You asked as you turned to him for his opinion. Your uncle stood to the side in a silent manner, seemingly lost in thought. "Uncle?" His eyes widened slightly as he was snapped out of his moment, and he turned towards you inquiringely.

"Huh? What?" This put a frown on your face and you set the bundle of thread back onto the shelf.

"I was asking you for your opinion." You mentioned and gestured to the bundles of thread with your head.

"O-oh, sorry. My opinion on what?" Your brows creased together in worry and you turned away from the shelves.

"Are you okay? You've been out of it all morning." You mentioned, concerned for his wellbeing. Your uncle felt his chest tighten and he held his breath. A cold sweat had formed on his head and his complexion looked almost pale.

"It's...." Soon enough, your uncle's hand moved towards a bundle of thread and he grabbed it. He then presented it to you with a lopsided grin. "This colour looks similar to the kid's shoes." You reached forwards and hesitantly took the bundle of thread from his hands. You then eyed the bundle of thread, crestfallen. He was still avoiding the topic. Your eyes locked with his, and you clutched the threads tightly in your hands.

"Uncle..." You and your uncle held each other's gaze for a short moment before he turned away. He kept his gaze glued to the ground as a conflicted expression crossed his worn out features.

"It's nothing, kiddo. Work has just been... tough. You have nothing to worry about." He said and turned towards you with a comforting smile. You felt a pang of worry inflict itself into your heart and you clutched your hand to your chest. You knew asking about his work was never a good thing, but...

"I can't help but worry. I mean, you're my uncle." Your uncle met your worried look with one of his own. He then rubbed the back of his neck and directed his attention over to the ball of red yarn clasped in your hand. After a short moment of gathering his thoughts, he smacked his lips together and shook his head.

"Y/n, it's nothing. I've just stopped at a crossroad in my work is all. I'll have it figured out soon." He reassured and smiled at you. Before you could open your mouth to say anything, he reached forwards and recaptured the ball of yarn from your hands. He then held it in front of him and inspected it with a nice grin. "Spending time with you has definitely taken a load off my shoulders. This colour is perfect."

Your eyes widened ever so slightly. A small smile then appeared on your lips and you hummed in agreement.

"Yeah, let's get this one!" You exclaimed. Your uncle chuckled and nodded to you.

"This is the one alright. Come on, the faster we get home the faster you can start on it." You gave him a toothy grin and giggled. Excitedly, you rushed over to the counter and practically bounced on the balls of your feet as you waited for your uncle to pay for the items.

Once the items were paid for, you waved to the cashier while leaving the building. The cashier smiled and waved back to you. The automatic glass doors soon closed behind you and you focused your attention on the bag of goodies in your hand.

"Thanks for buying these for me, Uncle." You admitted as you expressed your gratitude to him. Your uncle laughed it off and wrapped his arm around your shoulders.

"Anything for the greatest niece in the world." He exclaimed. You felt yourself grin from ear to ear as he said this. You then peeked into the plastic bag you were holding and eyed the ball of red yarn with a certain fondness. 'I really hope Astro likes this....' You thought to yourself, and smiled. A light pink tint appeared on your cheeks as you closed the bag. You and your uncle then made a turn for the sidewalk, beginning your little trek back to the car. No matter how much time it took, you would work your hardest to finish this gift.