Snapshots of a Vocaloid Couple (Oneshot Collection)

Playdate

From that instant Len saw him walk through the front door, on the 21st of December, 2011, Len knew it was him. Maybe it was just how cutely he carried himself when he stuttered out something like an introduction. Maybe it was just his quiet nature, that contrasted with Len's louder one. Len didn't know, but whatever it was, it made the caterpillar in Len's heart wriggle and hang upside down, panting for change.

For the first two weeks Len had tried to avoid him. He had been sure Oliver wouldn't return his feelings; so getting close, he thought, would just keep the pain from going away. But now that he's right in front of him, smiling, playing with the controller, Len really wished he had invited him into his room sooner.

The way he tightens his lip when he's focusing, the way he turns his body to mimic his character's movements—God!—even the way his little fingers move to tap the buttons—

"Len?" Oliver said, facing him with a concerned look.

"H-Huh—what-what?"

Oliver blinked. "Are you okay?"

No way. Why are you noticing me? Now these feelings won't go away.

"Y-Yeah," Len nodded, raised his hand to scratch the back of his head but stopped midway. "I'm good."

"Let's—build a second floor."

Len nodded and picked his controller back up. But as he pushed the joystick forward, another thought struck him. What if Oliver starts thinking I'm lame? What if Oliver starts thinking that I'm not confident enough to be his friend? What if Oliver—

Len's controller buzzed, and the "oof" sound effect played. Len looked to the screen, and a giggle came from beside him. A chick was fluttering down the screen, and giving Len the behind.

Len burst into a laugh. And as chuckles passed Oliver's tight giggles loosened, became warmer. Len glanced at Oliver and immediately his gaze was caught: As Oliver laughed, his eye was shut, and his mouth smiled open – his teeth pearly with only a hint of yellow; and as he bounced from laughter Len felt an irresistible urge to hug. Then when Oliver glanced back he looked at him, looked at him in the eyes, and as laughs turned to smiles, Oliver's eye became clear, like pure honey—gold—beauty. There, Len could see himself, and for a beat their souls connected—

But then fluttered Oliver's eyelids did and as Len diverted his gaze Oliver shook his head.

"Uhm," Len stammered.

Bad idea.

"Sorry," Oliver said, frowning.

"N-No," Len said, It's alright, "It—wasn't your fault."

They drifted to a silence.

Then Len turned back to the screen, and Oliver spoke up. "Should we—continue building?"

"Uh—" Len nodded. "Nhn."

As Len steered his character onto the top of the half-built wall, and placed the four blocks of wooden planks down, his thoughts returned. For now, Len figured this was enough. If even in this virtual world Len could sleep with Oliver in the same room, live together in the same house and assist each other with everyday things...

"Now for the roof," Oliver said, as he placed some slabs onto a corner.

Len followed.

Yes, and besides, this way he can get to know Oliver a bit more. Maybe then he'd know just how right he is—just how happy they would be if they do end up getting together. And maybe—

Oh Len, you're hopeless, his mind said.

I know.

Soon they were done building, and for a moment they revelled in the cosiness of their new home. Afterwards, Len ran downstairs, and step step Oliver followed behind him.

Len stopped. Out the window the sun was rising, and as the undeads burned a chest creaked open.

Len turned. "Going outside?"

"Uh-huh," Oliver replied, "we need to get some iron."

"I'll go with you."

Len peeked at Oliver, and saw him smile. The caterpillar in his heart pulsed, and the shell started to form. There's no more going back. Whether he will like it or not, for the next year or two, he'll be heavily crushing on Oliver. Even if he were to avoid him, even if Oliver were to start hating him, it'll take at least a year before this could pass. So for now, all he could hope is for Oliver to make it easy for him, make it less painful than his previous one.