Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Through love’s every myth, from the red string of fate, to plucking flower petals, to feeling love at first sight, to many, many more, there is one myth that’s far truer than anyone realizes.

There is one myth that they all stem from. One myth that is intertwined with each tale. One myth that keeps the love in the world going.

And that myth-

“GET BACK HERE!!”

Is about-

“SHOOT HER, DAMMIT!!”

Cupid-

*BANG!*

“Ha-haaa!! We got her, J! Take that!” V cheered excitedly, smacking J across the arm.

“OW! Alright, you don’t need to hit me!” J flinched and stumbled.

“We won~! We won~! We get the Karma~!!” V sang, swaying her hips around and fluttering her bladed wings.

J groaned and rolled her optics, shifting her love-themed gun back into her red and pink-caution striped arm.

N jogged over to them, cheering with V as they hopped all about in joy. J scoffed and crossed her arms, her pink-corded and red heart-ended tail swishing agitatedly.

“You guys can cut it out, now!” The bossy drone said.

“Hahaha! Sorry, J! It was just such an intense fight this time around!” N apologized and rubbed his neck.

“Hmph! Whatever!” J turned and spread her wings. “But next time I’m getting the karma!” She declared.

“Suuuure you will!” V mocked, her heart vial swaying playfully.

J growled once more and flew away. N and V watched her until she completely disappeared. The latter then turned to the former and patted his back hard. N nearly stumbled but caught himself.

“Nice job out there, Rookie! You’re really getting the hang of this!” V praised.

“U-Uh! Thanks!” N nodded back, visor going a little flush at the praise.

“How about we get something to eat and head back? We’ve been working our butts off all day trying to complete these bounties.” The bob-haired drone suggested.

“I’m down for that!” N agreed, jogging after her. “By the way, I wanted to say thanks for having my back out there! J was totally gonna shoot me if it weren’t for you!” The male drone added.

“Eh, don’t mention it.” V shrugged. “Just make sure not to make that same mistake again. I won’t always be with you on this job, so you gotta learn to take care of yourself.” She advised.

“I know, I know!” N rolled his optics playfully. “But really, thanks.” He smiled.

“I said don’t mention it!” V retorted, punching his arm.

“OWWW!! Okay! I’m sorry!” N whined, rubbing his new ache.

The two continued to a nearby fast food place. No human ever saw them or their battle. They just ignored the two as they got whatever food they wanted and sat down at a table. Their presences were entirely hidden from the world.

“So, have you gotten used to being a Cupid Drone yet?” V asked as she munched on some fries.

“Uhm, kinda.” N shrugged, picking up his burger. “It’s still odd being all mechanical. And being able to eat human food at the same time.” He chuckled, a hint of nervousness in his tone.

“Yeah, I was the same way.” V nodded. “But over time, you really do get used to it. Sometimes, I even forget I’m a robot at all.” She told him.

Cupid Drones. Robots whose purpose is to help humans fall in love. They are equipped in everything they need for these lovely battles right in their own bodies. Guns, wings, an aphrodisiac, and more.

Their clothes commonly consist of military-like attire. V enjoys wearing the white, light grey, and baby blue attire, her cargo pants outfitted with grenades in the pockets and her shirt having a cropped, blue bomber jacket over it. Her heart-shaped glasses were tinted rosy to match the line of work she’s in.

N wore a light grey butler’s outfit, his tie a stark red against his white button-up. His blue belt had multiple small pouches for grenades and smoke bombs, as well as other useful items. Even though he was dressed to impress, it didn’t mean he wasn’t any less threatening.

One attribute that all Cupid Drones share is the color of their hair. No matter what, they will always have snow-white locks. Bright red bows or clips may be used to give it a pop of color. Or, like in N’s case, they may have a thick streak or two of natural red.

“You think at the rate we’re going, we’ll have enough Karma to reincarnate?” N asked as he chewed the last of his burger.

“Dude. Full mouth.” V scolded lightly.

“Your own mouth is full…” N muttered.

“Anyways, I wouldn’t have my hopes up. Don’t forget, you need just about five hundred Karma Points in order to get a second shot at life. And on top of that, you need to spend those points for more ammo and grenades.” V pointed out.

“I know, I was just-... Musing, I guess.” N sighed, his bright red optics turning down to his trash.

V blinked at him with a sigh. She stood up to pat his back comfortingly, making N turn back up to her.

“Listen, I know it sounds like it’s gonna take forever before you can get five-hundred Karma Points,” She began, her voice quieter. “But I’ve seen Cupid Drones do it. And I know that you will too, someday.” She smiled.

N simply stared at her, taking in her words.

“Besides, we made a promise, remember?” V smirked as she sat back down.

“R-Right.” N nodded.

‘Right. The promise.’ He then thought. ‘V would help me get enough points to be reincarnated. But… What about her…?’ His gaze trailed up to his friend.

“We should go now.” V said, snapping N out of his thoughts. “It’s getting late and we’ve been working nonstop. I wanna take a bath and hit the hay already.” The female Cupid Drone spoke as she stretched.

“Same here.” N chuckled, picking up his trash.

“By the way, how many points do you have?” V asked as they threw out their rubbish.

N brought up a stats window on his HUD. He could see his ammo count, his grenade count, his fuel percent, and how many Karma Points he’s both acquired and spent so far.

“About thirty.” N winced.

“Holy Jesus, dude! Why so little?!” V asked in shock.

“I had to restock on ammo. Plus, our recent bounties haven’t been worth many points.” Her buddy explained.

“Ugh! I wish they’d lower the cost of the damn ammo! I get they don’t wanna lose workers, but come on!” V groaned to the sky.

“Yeah, it’d be really nice if they at least had the occasional sale.” N chimed in.

“Maybe we should put that in the suggestion box?” V thought, placing her hands in her pockets.

“We could try.” N shrugged.

The Devotion Dimension was filled with Cupid Drones. There were a few shops in the central area, with many, many more buildings purely for housing. There was even an expansive park and beach for the many robotic cupids to relax and rest up, among other places.

N had decided to part from V for the time being, heading over to a nice spa to finally get his joints greased up again. There’s been a pesky creaking in his left knee, and he doesn’t want it to cause him any trouble in the future.

As he was sitting in the comfy massage chair, reading the recent magazine on new heart trends, adorned in a fluffy red robe and slippers, he was being attended to by a spa worker. An old drone who doesn’t seek the explosive action of battle, or even reincarnation.

There were of course completely robotic aids that were never once human. They had dove-like features, to make them more friendly. They usually acted as helpers more than anything.

“I hear that the Goddess of Love used to have her own children.” One Cupid Drone murmured to another.

“She is a Goddess. I would think so, considering how many others had kids.” The other robot replied.

“True, but it does make you wonder: Have those kids had kids?” The first one asked.

“What do you mean?” Her friend inquired.

“I mean, if the Goddess of Love could have children, could she also have grand- children?” The first Cupid Drone retorted. “I would think so, to be honest.”

“I doubt the Goddess of Love’s bloodline is around at all nowadays. It’s been, what? Centuries? Maybe even millennia since she would’ve had them?” The second robotic lady countered.

“Oh, yeah. I guess you’re right about that.” The first Cupid Drone nodded.

N tuned them out after that. It wasn’t a conversation he was too interested in, anyway. Not to mention it wasn’t any of his business.

“That should do it, sir.” The older drone said.

“Ah, thank you!” N smiled back, his heart-shaped vial wagging.

The spa worker moved on to another customer. N waited a few more minutes to relax and read his magazine.

“Would you like some nail polish?” A female spa worker asked.

N blinked back at her.

“I’m back!” N called into the apartment.

“Welcome back, rookie!” V called from the living room. “How was the spa?” She asked.

“Good, as usual. You should really stop by sometime.” N replied, taking off his utility belt and undoing his tie.

“Maybe.” V shrugged.

As N walked by, she noticed the small bit of color on N’s hands. She had to do a double-take as her eye lights went void.

“Dude… Did you get your nails painted?” She asked with a mild point.

“Hm? Oh, yeah, I did!” He smiled, showing her his claws. “Aren’t they pretty?!” He asked excitedly.

V stared at the red nails, adorned with heart-shaped rhinestones. She wasn’t quite sure what to think, and part of her doesn’t want to break the new kid’s heart.

“They uhh… They sure are…” She decided to nod.

“EEEE!! Thank you!” N squealed, his tail wagging. “Anyways, I’m gonna put on some PJs, then go to bed! Don’t be up too late!” He told her, walking off.

“That’s what I should be telling you!” V laughed.

“Oh yeah! By the way, where’s J?” N asked, just before disappearing into another room.

“She’s restocking her ammo and getting some gun maintenance done. She’ll be back a little later than usual.” V returned.

“Okay! Thanks!” N gave her a thumbs up.

V only waved back in return.

“Yeesh, the board’s a little busy today, ain’t it?” V commented, looking at the crowd of Cupid Drones.

“Which means there’s a bounty offering a hefty sum of Karma Points.” J said, walking past her.

She wore predominantly white, her business-like attire accented with red hair ties and a grey ribbon. Her undershirt was baby blue, a grey belt around her waist. She took the liberty of wearing blue, fingerless gloves, hiding the red heart lights on the backs of her hands.

“I wonder what could do that…” N mused in outward thought.

The group walked up to the board, pushing through other drones. The digital board had a few bounties displayed up on it. Many Cupid Drones were tapping on some profile of a Russian girl who’s never been in love before.

“Looks like it’s a first-time crush again.” J spoke.

“Seems so. No wonder it’s so busy today.” V sighed, her tail swaying.

“What’s so special about that?” N asked.

“When someone hasn’t been in love before, but is given the chance to do so, they usually offer more Karma Points.” J explained. “Also, other Cupid Drones typically don’t want loveless humans to die untimely deaths, and become another Cupid Drone.”

“I wouldn’t really want that, either.” V said, looking at the other bounties. “It sucks not being able to feel love like humans can.” She clicked her tongue, her tail flicking.

N’s own tail scooted closer to his feet. He simply hummed and nodded back at them to acknowledge their responses. Turning back to the board, he took a long gander at the not-so busy profiles listed.

Some doves stared at the crowd, a few inserting new profiles to be added to the board up top. A crow was even among them, making N do a double-take. He shook his head and returned to searching the bounties.

One caught his attention, that being a college girl who seemed…

Oddly familiar.

N couldn’t quite place it, didn’t even know why, but he feels like he might’ve seen this girl before. Yet, he couldn’t remember a single thing about her. He’s positive he’s never met her before.

‘Must be my imagination.’ He concluded.

N tapped on the profile, taking up the offer. A notification blinked onto his HUD, which he quickly closed.

“I’m gonna start for the day. I’ll see you two later?” He asked as he turned.

“You don’t want help?” V asked.

“Not this time. I should learn how to do things on my own, anyway.” Her partner smiled back.

“Suit yourself. Just don’t expect me to save you.” V grinned playfully.

“I know, I know!” N sighed.

“I should be taking a bounty, too. I need to gather more Karma Points after spending so many last night.” J spoke up, taking on another profile.

“I guess we’ll meet back up here or something?” V asked.

“If you want.” N replied.

“I don’t mind.” J shrugged.

“Great! Then I’ll see you guys later!” V said, tapping on the profile J did.

The twin-tailed drone glowered at her, V only snickering back. N gave them one final goodbye before deploying his snow-white, bladed wings, adorned with a heart-shaped light on the arches.

Flapping the long appendages, N traveled to the human realm to begin his day of adoring, ballistic work.

Chapter Text

N landed down in the city, the streets empty from the midday pull of work and school. He jogged down the sidewalk, searching for his new target.

‘From what I’ve gathered, there’s only one person this girl could have a successful crush on.’ N thought. ‘I’ll still do a little bit of observing to see if there’s other possibilities, though.’

Rounding the corner of a building, he found his target. One Uzi Doorman, a twenty-three year-old college girl trying to get her computer science degree. Although she’s been busier than a bee, she’s managed to find time for herself and hang out with a friend.

‘Thad. That’s the crush.’ N noted, glancing at the jock. ‘Very sporty but also very friendly. Honestly would make a good match for the introvert.’ His tail waved.

N pushed off the wall, following the two friends. They eventually met up with a couple other adults, Rebecca, Darren, and Sam. They chatted for a few minutes before heading off somewhere.

‘Darren and Rebecca are already a couple, so Sam’s the only other possible option.’ N noted, searching the area around them for any other Cupid Drones. ‘Though, I’m not sure how much Uzi would like a stoner. She’s never really bothered with them since she thought they cared more about drugs than people-’

N halted in his tracks. His red eye lights went hollow as he stood there. Even his tail went limp by his feet.

Where… Where did he get that from…?

Something whizzing right by him snapped N out of his startled thoughts. Some competition just came, and in the form of Cyn, no less.

A trigger-happy Cupid Drone who seeks battles more than Karma, she dresses herself in a grey maid dress with baby blue accents. Her bows littering her hair are a bright, contrasting red compared to her snow-white hair, same as the one on her maid outfit on her chest. She also wore white elbow and knee pads.

“HAHAHAAA!! You should watch out, Big Brother! I almost ran you right over!” Cyn taunted, booking it for the bounty.

N grit his teeth and got moving, deploying his bladed wings and flapping them hard. He caught up with Cyn easily, shoving into her with his body. The two slammed into the ground, guns extending out and pointing right at each other.

The two robots moved their heads out of the way of their shots, quickly departing to find cover. N slammed his back against an outdoor table from a restaurant. Cyn found refuge by some bushes and benches.

Stuffing her winged AK into the bush, Cyn proceeded to fire off a volley of charming rounds. Each heart-shaped bullet left heart-shaped indent into the table. N couldn’t move from his cover with the hail pouring down on him so swiftly like this.

N rummaged around in his utility belt, looking for something that could get him out of this. But before he could pull anything out, he heard Cyn cry out and the bullets stop. N carefully lifted his head above his cover, eyeing what was going on.

“GGGAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! DEAR GOD, WHY?!” Cyn shouted at the top of her voice box. “WHY CAN’T I FEEL LOVE, TOO?! CRUEL THIS CRUEL WORLD!!!” She hollered.

‘L-! Love Envy!’ N realized. ‘And if she’s been hit, that means-!’

The sound of a clinking gun alerted N that someone had come up right behind him. He whipped around with voided eye lights spotting-

“MJ-!!” He said aloud.

*Bang!*

N fell back to the ground, writhing and weeping that he could not feel love anymore.

“You’re all just useless idiots, aren’t you?” MJ scoffed.

The other male Cupid Drone wore a white jacket, unzipped and with nothing underneath. He had bright red tips on his snow-white hair. MJ also wore elbow and knee pads like Cyn did, colored grey.

He quickly jogged off, leaving the two Cupid Drones to agonize in their misery. Catching up with the target, he spotted her all on her lonesome on a bench. MJ clicked his tongue, now playing a waiting game.

‘Of course! Just when I get those two Synergistic Liabilities out of my way!’ His tail swished aggravatingly. ‘Whatever. I still have a point blank shot for when someone does come back.’

For now though, he should keep an optic out, in case Cyn or N come to their sense sooner than expect-

“You’re a real meanie-head, MJ, shooting me from behind like that!” Cyn’s voice giggled.

MJ took to the skies in an instant, avoiding a bullet to his own head. Cyn laughed louder and followed him. The two brought out their sharp swords, adorned with a red, heart-shaped light at the bases.

The four blades connected, pink sparks flying out with each clash. Their wings carried them all across the sky and onto buildings. A few bullets even echoed out in the sky.

Meanwhile, N finally recovered from his Love Envy. He shook his head and stumbled to his feet. With one last sniffle, he jogged off towards the target. He brought out his pistol, holding his arm to keep it steady.

‘Cyn is keeping MJ distracted. Good.’ N noted, glancing at the sky.

“Looks like I owe her, though.” He smiled and huffed a laugh.

Getting to the bench Uzi was at before, N found that it was empty. He searched around, releasing his wings to travel quicker. Luckily for him, she hadn’t gone too far off. And also luckily for him, she was directly next to Thad.

Landing and running up to her, N pointed his winged pistol at Uzi. He had a point blank shot. Heck, he could shoot two lovebirds with one bullet!

And yet…

He’s hesitating.

And that hesitance became his undoing, as Cyn tackled right into him. N yelped and barely avoided getting slashed into, blocking the girl’s sword with his gun. Cyn giggled above him, raising her other sword to bring down upon him.

N shrieked as his eye lights went hollow, hurriedly flapping his wings. He zipped out from right under her, firing his pistol haphazardly at the girl. Cyn only laughed and followed suit.

MJ was quick to pincer N, slamming to the ground just on the other side. He’d managed to separate himself from Cyn, though he was certainly still pissed about her previous antics.

N flapped his wings and flew upwards. He brought out his Uzi guns and began his own rain of love bullets down at the two. Cyn giggled and used her swords to block the bullets, flying up to the other Cupid Drone.

MJ clicked his tongue and garnered some distance between him and N. He brought out a sniper, planting it on a table with an umbrella over it. Aiming and glaring through the reticle, he fired back at the suit-clad male.

N narrowly dodged the sniper bullet coming right for his head. He then had to swiftly exchange his guns for blades as Cyn caught up with him. The smaller Cupid Drone was relentless in her attacks.

‘If I don’t get out of this, I’m gonna be hit again!’ N grit his teeth.

He had keep moving about to avoid the shots from MJ. But at the same time, he had to keep him distracted from the bounty. It made N dizzy as he couldn’t stand still for even a second.

But he found an opening in Cyn’s attacks. She’ll often use a combo when slicing with her swords. 

‘Left swipe, right diagonal swipe, right diagonal swipe back down, left jab, both sword swipe-!’ N counted carefully.

Right as Cyn slashed with both of her swords, making a cross formation, her lower body was open for the attacking. N whipped his tail around and jabbed the needle into her leg.

Cyn halted and looked down. N took his tail from her calf and flapped away. Cyn looked back up to him, feeling another wave of extreme jealousy come on.

“Heheh. Nice once, Big Brother.” The smaller robot smiled, her wings giving out on her.

The aforementioned Cupid Drone didn’t stick around, he couldn’t! MJ was already on the move towards the bounty’s target, and N couldn’t let him get the Karma Points!

‘Is… That really the only reason why…?’ Some part in the very recesses of N’s CPU asked.

The butler-looking robot flapped to a halt. He had become startled with the thought. Why would he be worried about who makes Uzi fall in love? It’s their whole mission! Their life purpose! All that matters is that he gets the points for doing so!

‘Maybe that Love Envy is still lingering around a little.’ N shook his head.

He sped off through the skies, searching for MJ or Uzi. With Cyn down again, it should be far easier to deal with MJ. And thankfully for N, he wasn’t too far off. Although, he was directly beside Uzi.

N dove like a falcon and tackled into the ground right beside the other male drone. He brought out his blades again, swinging at MJ. The robotic opponent parried the blow, making N stumble.

With a free arm, MJ aimed his pistol right at N. Said butler-looking robot kicked it up with his stumbling momentum. The heart-shaped bullet fired upwards and missed the mark. MJ growled and flung his tail at N.

He couldn’t move while in active freefall, and his wings were too close to the ground to flap away. All he could do was endure a strike to his tanks and fall victim to another round of Love Envy.

“WHY ME?!?! WHY DID I HAVE TO DIE?! WHY DOES GOD HAVE TO BE SO CRUEL?!” N screamed and wailed in sorrow. “AND WHY DOES BEING TURNED INTO A ROBOT MEAN I CAN’T LEARN TO LOVE!? WHAT KIND OF POORLY-WRITTEN ROMANCE NOVEL IS THIS!?!” He clutched his white tresses as he bent over backwards.

“Please. It’s not that bad.” MJ muttered as he rolled his optics.

Turning back around, he caught up to the target. He looked around for any of her friends. All he could find was the stoner boy. MJ’s gaze narrowed as he waited for at least Uzi to look at him.

Though, MJ has to admit, the atmosphere is a little… Awkward.

The two college students were only walking next to each other, and not even directly. Uzi was about a pace or two in front of Sam. Neither talked to each other, either. It seems as though the two didn’t have any interest in one another.

“Well, they will once I can shoot this girl.” MJ spoke to himself, eyeing Uzi.

He continued to follow the group, waiting for the perfect moment to fire. Thad, Rebecca, and Darren were about a foot ahead, all talking amongst one another. MJ sighed as he still had to wait, his tail flicking in anxiousness.

“Damm-IT!! WHY WON’T YOU TWO LOOK AT EACH OTHER ALREADY?!” MJ hollered.

“Looks like Lady Love doesn’t want them together.” Cyn answered from right behind him.

MJ whirled around, swinging his sword with no hesitation. Cyn whooped as she flipped away, landing elegantly on her peglegs.

“Woah! Watch where you swing that thing, Mister-Bister!” Cyn joked.

“You’ve got an annoying knack to snap yourself out of Love Envy quickly.” MJ commented back, pulling out two AKs.

“And you’re so mean! Don’t you know it’s rude to insult girls?” Cyn giggled back, her own pair of shotguns coming from her conical arms.

MJ only snarled and fired off at her. Cyn smiled back at him and ran up towards him. She fired off her shotguns, large heart indents marring the ground and blasting through the smaller love bullets.

Moving out of the way, MJ got up close and personal, too. He kept the onslaught on, just the same as Cyn did. Though, the smaller girl flipped and danced around to keep her foe on his toe joints.

“I’ve got to ask, purely for my own morbid curiosity, but why do you care so much more about the battle and not the points?!” MJ asked over their combined fire.

“Because why not?!” Cyn returned, leaping across some benches with handstands.

“That isn’t an answer, girl!” MJ snarled in retort.

Cyn laughed at him, spinning through the air as she flapped her metal wings.

“Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t have anything to go back to!” Cyn finally told him.

“How so?! You didn’t become a Cupid Drone just because you wanted to!” MJ responded. “You had to have wanted to be loved but never got it in order to have gotten an offer by the Goddess of Love!” He added.

“You’re right! I did wish for that!” Cyn agreed. “But when I died, where I died, love might as well have been a myth!” She told him.

MJ stopped his firing, same as Cyn. The two stared at each other, panting and catching their vents. Smoke came from their weapons’ barrels, the tiny wings on them slowly flapping.

“Where did you grow up?” MJ asked quietly, knowing he was treading upon broken eggshells.

“...” Cyn was silent, her smile having fallen. “In a place I don’t want to go back to.” She only replied.

“Which is why I don’t really care about gathering Karma Points! I really only need them for ammo, and the spa, and buying more bows!” She quickly smiled again, lifting her cupid-themed guns towards the sky, their wings fluttering.

“...” MJ was silent this time. “I’m sorry you had to grow up like that, and for dying so young.” He told her.

“It’s alright! The Devotion Realm and being a Cupid Drone is waaaayyy better!” Cyn’s tail wagged. “Anyways, let’s pick this up again, shall we?” She said.

MJ didn’t hesitate to move again. He ran right up to her, using a winged AR-15 pistol to fire at her instead. Cyn spun right around him, only to get tripped up by his tail.

The taller male drone grabbed her by the neck, pointing his gun right at her forehead. Cyn stared with a shocked face back at him.

“The chat was nice while it lasted, but this battle’s over.” MJ spoke.

“Hmm…” Cyn only hummed.

Her optics then flicked over to the side. The red rings went bold as she pointed thataway.

“N’S GONNA FIRE AT THE TARGET!!!” She yelled at the top of her voice box.

MJ turned his gun right to where she pointed, firing without a second thought. But there was no one there except for Uzi, and he knew the bullet would miss. MJ turned back to her with hollowed eye lights and pure rage.

“Heheh. Made you look~” Cyn confessed with a smug expression, a pin falling from her thumb.

MJ looked down at the heart-shaped grenade, the timer quickly counting down to zero.

“You son of a-” MJ muttered as a bright light started shining.

But he wouldn’t get to finish his sentence before a giant explosion rang out, the resulting pink cloud being in the shape of a heart.

Just as MJ had fired off his AR-15 pistol, N came falling down from the tree Uzi was walking right by. He aimed his own pistol at her, the woman finally next to her best option. She was staring at him, the two in the middle of a chat.

But Uzi’s eyes went wide, catching something in the window of the small shop they were walking by. Uzi turned towards N, the male Cupid Drone hesitating for just a moment before managing to fire his shot.

It hit its target, a large spray of hearts coming right from Uzi’s chest. A Heart Shot.

Unfortunately, the AR-15 pistol has a range of 500-600 yards, and N was right smack-dab in that range.

And also unfortunately for him, N had fallen right into the bullet’s line of fire.

BANG!!

Chapter Text

N felt something poking him in the side. It slowly stirred him awake. As his optics booted back up and the rosy world he’s come to see shone bright in his optics, he sat up. The Cupid Drone groaned and rubbed his aching head. How long was he out? How did he go out?

“You okay, dude?” A girl’s voice asked him.

N finally opened his optics. They focused in on a human girl, crouching before him with a stick in her hand. She made one more poke to his cheek. N could only sit there in sluggish confusion.

“I, uhm…” He hummed, his words slurring a little. “I-I think I’m fine.” He told her.

“Cool.” The woman replied. “NOW FUCK YOU!” She suddenly yelled and kicked him.

“GAAHHH! OW! WHY?!” N yelled, shielding himself from the attacks.

“BECAUSE, JACKASS! YOU TRIED SHOOTING ME WITH A GUN!” The woman responded.

“ONLY BECAUSE IT’S MY JOB!” N replied.

The woman stopped kicking him, staring down at the robot quizzically.

“So someone put a hit on me?” She asked sternly.

“No! I’m a Cupid Drone! My job is to make you humans fall in lo-!” He went to explain.

But then it hit him. N’s red optics went void and his joints locked up. He stared up at the woman, Uzi. That was the target of the bounty he was supposed to make fall in love.

Yet…

She can see him…

Why can she see him? How can she see him?

That shouldn’t be possible. That-! That shouldn’t be-!!

…

N could feel his core begin to race. Red blush lines blinked onto the cheeks of his visor. His heart-shaped vial began to wag as he stared at Uzi. His world was always rosy, has been since he was turned into a Cupid Drone, but now it feels different.

One of N’s chest plates unlocked with a click. N quickly slapped it shut again.

“Are you gonna keep staring or are you gonna keep explaining?” Uzi asked, her hands on her hips.

“UH-!” N snapped back to reality.

He scrambled to his feet and brushed himself off. He noted how Uzi was a handful of inches taller than him. Cupid Drones were never very tall.

“M-My name is Serial Designation N!” He said with a polite bow. “I’m a Cupid Drone, a diligent worker of the Goddess of Love! My job is to make humans like you fall in love!” He explained cordially.

‘Why is my core racing?! Why am I all flustered? Why am I blushing?! Why can’t my tail stop wagging?! What the heck is going on!?!’ Many questions flew through the Cupid Drone’s CPU at lightning speed.

“Uh-huh…” Uzi said with a narrow look. “So the reason you shot me was to make me fall in love? With who?” She questioned next.

“A-A man named Thad. I thought he was the best option for you.” N told her truthfully.

And for some reason, the thought of Uzi having feelings for the guy made his core twist uncomfortably in his chest. A wave of anger washed over him at the same time. It honestly scared him.

But Uzi looked surprised. She even went a little flush. That made N’s tank sink a little. He supposes he was successful in making her garner a crush on him.

“I-I mean, he’s friendly and attractive, yeah, but I wouldn’t say I’d go about dating him.” Uzi confessed, averting her bashful gaze.

For some reason, that made N blow out a relieved vent, the hidden tenseness in his shoulders leaving.

“I also don’t think I’d be a great match for him, but maybe that’s just me. He’s a little too sporty for my tastes. I’d rather sit home and watch anime than go out to ball games.” Uzi laughed.

“Tha-at sounds very relaxing!” N smiled at her.

What the heck was he saying?! He’s never watched anime!

…

Right…?

…

Why does he feel like he has…?

“Anyways, I guess you missed your shot, because I ain’t lying on the floor bleeding out. So, thanks for that, I guess?” Uzi shrugged, her tone unsure.

“Uh- N-No, I’m positive I hit you.” N corrected. “I remember shooting at you, but then you turned around right when I did. OH! Where are your friends?!” N remembered at the last second.

“I told them to go on without me.” Uzi waved. “I wanted to check on you first. They gave me some odd looks, though. It was like they couldn’t see you…” Her voice turned into a mutter.

“We-ell, Cupid Drones aren’t seen by humans…” N told her. “Which… Makes it very odd that you can see me…” His brows furrowed in worrying thought.

But N shook his head. That’s not what he should be focusing on right now! He’s gotta worry about Uzi for the time being!

“Is that so…” The said woman mumbled. “Well, they’re not here now. I’ll meet back up with them later, though.” Uzi said.

“That’s good.” N nodded. “I, uh- I should probably go. Got lots of work to do, haha!” He then said with a point in the other direction.

“I’ll-... I’ll see you around?” He questioned, with a sheepish glance.

“I don’t see why not.” Uzi chuckled. “Oh! But here!” She said, rummaging through her bag.

She pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. Uzi scribbled something down before handing it to N. He took it and looked down at it. His tail shot straight into the air at realizing it was her phone number.

“Did you paint your nails?” Uzi asked, noticing the stark red claws with rhinestone hearts.

“M-... Maybe…” N muttered back, his visor going brighter in embarrassment.

Uzi barked a loud laugh. N’s tail swished around in sheepishness. Maybe it was a bad idea to get his claws painted…

“They’re pretty, though I admit I didn’t think I guy would get such a feminine design.” Uzi commented.

“Y-You think they’re pretty?” N asked, taken aback by the compliment.

“Well sure! Whoever did them is great at their work. Maybe I’ll have to ask you where you got them done.” Uzi returned with a grin.

“Anyways, call or text me sometime, alright?” Uzi told him with a larger smile. “I’ll see you later, Eros! Or, maybe ‘Neros,’ haha!” Uzi bade farewell.

With that, she walked off. N was stuck in place staring down at her phone number. He could barely snap out of it enough to turn his head up and watch her walk away.

His core felt like it was trying to break his chest plates open. N turned back down to the piece of paper. He swallowed and pocketed it, stiffly turning around and deploying his wings.

His flap into the air was unstable and wobbly. It took much of N’s strength to not fall right back down to the ground.

‘Maybe I should visit the mechanic.’ N thought, his visor still flush.

“You gonna be okay?” V asked.

“...” J was quiet.

V waited for a response. Her red optics turned to their target. A woman by the name of Tessa. An old friend of J’s.

Said drone turned back down to the manila folder in her hands. It had Tessa’s profile details in it, including her past loves. There were a handful, though the one that stuck out most was the picture of J herself.

Back when she was a human.

Back when she was in high school.

J turned up to the human woman, talking to another friend of hers. It’s been about a decade and a half since J’s death. Tessa has moved on. She’s made new friends, has had new crushes.

But none of them ever stuck.

“Is it…” J muttered. “Is it alright if I do this one on my own?” She asked quietly.

“Of course.” V replied, her voice also quiet. “But we’ve still gotta make sure we’ve got the best pick for Tessa.” She reminded her coworker.

“I know.” J nodded.

She wiped her digital tears with her arm. Letting the file “Poof!” away, J followed Tessa and her friend group. In an instant, she gave herself a human form. Not too dissimilar to when she was living proper.

Hair partly dyed as pale yellow as beach sands, eyes an emerald green, skin colored copper. Anything related to her military look vanished in the blink of an eye. J was left in a white blouse, a pleated skirt, and flats. A heart was embroidered onto the breast pocket of her shirt, the only indicator of her true form.

“H-Hey! I’m new around here. Do you think you can show me the way towards the business wing?” J asked politely, walking closer to the group.

They all turned to face her. J noticed she accidentally startled some of them.

“Sure! We’re gonna be right next to it during the picnic get-together the college is holding!” One of the guys said.

“Thanks a lot!” J smiled.

“By the way, what’s your name?” Tessa asked as they began to walk again.

J felt her heart ache at the question. Although some Cupid Drones have trouble remembering their past, a few slip through those memory cracks and remember important bits and pieces.

People can be among those pieces.

And Tessa was a very important person to J.

“It’s Justine.” J answered, hoping Tessa couldn’t hear the strain in her voice.

“It’s nice to meet you, Justine!” Tessa grinned warmly. “What major are you going for?” She then asked, turning back to front.

“Just a usual business major.” Justine waved off. “What about you?” She returned.

“Haha! Well, I can certainly tell you’re aiming for business!” Tessa joked, pointing to Justine’s outfit. “Not that your outfit is bad, by the way! But as for my major, I really want to get into robotics. So! I’m trying to get a degree in that field!” She then answered jovially.

“I hear that’s tough. Have you been fairing well?” Justine asked as she crossed her arms.

“It’s a hassle, that much is for sure.” Tessa sighed. “But I’m managing! I’ve got some great friends to help me through it, too!” She added.

“You bet, Tess!” The girl next to her pumped a fist. “If there is anything you need, we’ll help you with it!”

“Yup! E-Except for money, though. We’re all kinda broke…” One of the guys said with a nervous chuckle.

“You guys know I don’t need money.” Tessa laughed.

“But we do!” The other guy friend chimed in.

Everyone laughed, but J simply smiled and watched. Each one of Tessa’s three close friends are possible candidates for her to have a crush on. And if she’s lucky, it might grow into something more.

But even so, J couldn’t help the constant pain twisting inside her heart. It was almost too much to bear. Part of J wanted to tell V to take over, to make the decision for her.

But J knew she had known Tessa both the longest and best. They were friends since early childhood, had gone to all the same schools together, and had made promises to one another.

J was even Tessa’s first crush.

So it was only right that J did this. For Tessa.

And maybe, J herself can get a little closure. She can finally have a completely sound mind knowing Tessa was going to fall in love with someone nice and generous and caring and special.

She wouldn’t have to worry about her being in love with the wrong person since J was going to hand-pick Tessa’s partner herself. And J wasn’t going to let her best friend from times past down.

“They, there’s the picnic!” One of the guys exclaimed with a point.

The group started running off towards the free food. Tessa laughed as she followed suit, J smiling wider and mimicking her.

Coming upon the area, it was filled with staff and other college students. Tessa and her friend group got themselves a plate and started browsing their options. Tessa gave a plate to J, giving her a warm smile while she was at it.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but don’t take free food for granted in college! Most kids are super broke here, so any big picnics are always raided for their food.” Tessa advised.

She turned around before J could say anything. And for a moment, she simply stood there. J wasn’t sure if she truly had an appetite right now.

But she shook her head and walked closer to some stand, checking what they had. J allowed herself to eat a small portion, her stomach twisting every time she was near her friend. She met back up with everyone on a big towel under a tree’s shade.

“Oops. Looks like we forgot our drinks.” The girl said.

“There’s a vending machine nearby. I can go and get some.” Tessa offered.

“I’ll come too!” One guy said.

“I can come along!” The other offered.

“Nah, I’ll just take Mindy.” Tessa declined politely. “But do you wanna come, Justine?” She offered to the new girl.

“Sure. Watch my food for me?” Justine asked the guys.

They were disappointed but stayed behind. Justine, Tessa, and Mindy left to get some drinks. Justine followed behind Tessa and Mindy, to see how well they meshed.

Meanwhile, V made sure to watch from afar, hiding out in the tree branches.

“I know you’ll make the right choice, J.” She whispered.

Chapter Text

Tessa and Mindy got along very well with each other, J finds. Their personalities connect and blend well. They have friendly chatter and teasing banter. They’ll talk about the mundane like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

It reminded J of how she and Tessa would act when they were friends.

J shook her head. She kept quiet during their trip, letting Tessa and Mindy chatter away. Sometimes she gave an input if prompted, but otherwise stayed silent.

“I’m so glad you were able to hang out with us, Tess!” Mindy exclaimed eagerly.

“Me too! I haven’t been able to get some time to myself at all lately!” The Australian replied.

“By the way, how’s your project going?” Mindy questioned, stuffing her hands into her pockets.

“Ehh, it’s alright I guess.” Tessa shrugged. “It sure would go a hell of a lot smoother if my teacher bothered to help me, though.” She added.

“Yeah, I hear he’s pretty rough.” Mindy nodded.

“Tell me about it.” Tessa grumbled.

“Hey! There’s the vending machine!” Mindy said with a point, perking back up.

The two women bolted for the said machine, but J lagged behind. She stared on as Tessa and Mindy decided on what drinks to get for everyone. Mindy made a joke, to which Tessa laughed so sincerely at.

As J walked towards the two women, her steps faltered. She’s watched them up to this point, has a guess as to who she should give Tessa a crush on. But she wants to be absolutely sure she’s right. And she can’t do that with her presence around.

“Hey, Justine! Are you alright with some jui-” Tessa asked, turning to the copper-skinned woman.

But there was no one there. And she couldn’t remember anyone ever being there.

“Who are you talking to?” Mindy asked.

“...” Tessa was silent.

“Tess?” Mindy called in growing worry.

“Huh-? Oh, i-it’s nothing.” The Australian shook her head.

She swore she’d been hanging out with someone today, but…

Now she can’t remember…

“We should probably get back. The others are still waiting for us.” Mindy pointed out.

“Right.” Tessa nodded, standing up from her stoop.

J watched as the two began to walk back. Her corded tail drooped low to the ground, same as her bladed wings. Her core wrenched in her chest painfully. She followed after her old best friend and her new one.

While the two walked, Mindy took a few glances at her friend. A peach pink blush faded onto her cheeks, her heart starting to race. There were some words on the tip of her tongue, but now that she was alone with Tessa, she couldn’t get them out.

Mindy didn’t want the silence to become awkward, though. Yet she didn’t know what to talk about now. They’d exhausted all their topics, leaving pure silence in their wake.

A breeze passed by, rustling the tree leaves. Some blossoming trees had petals come loose, drifting through the air in a scenic light. Mindy pulled out her phone to take a picture. Perhaps she can use it for her photography class?

Her steps slowed so she could focus. But as she brought her camera app up and lifted her phone, Tessa was caught center stage inside it. The said Australian turned around at noticing her friend’s absence from right next to her.

Mindy snapped the picture right as Tessa turned. She didn’t mean to take a picture of the other woman, her face going even brighter as she fumbled with her phone.

“I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to take a picture of you like that! I’ll delete it-!!” Mindy rambled.

“Don’t worry about it, mate!” Tessa laughed. “I actually want to see the picture and how it turned out.” She added as she came closer.

Mindy’s startle settled down, though her blush didn’t. But Mindy also didn’t deny Tessa’s request. She showed her the freshly-taken picture, Tessa’s eyes going wide.

“Holy-! That’s amazing, Mindy!” She praised cheerily.

“You think so?” Her friend asked back.

“Of course! I’m sure your teacher would be proud, too!” Tessa nodded with a bright smile.

Mindy became sheepish, hiding her mouth behind her phone. Tessa turned to resume walking, Mindy snapping out of it and following suit.

Some more silence passed between the two. Mindy was right back at square one, not knowing what to say. She spotted a bench nearby, thinking that maybe taking a break might make something come to mind.

“Do you wanna sit down for a moment? The picnic is on the other side of campus, and I want to take more pictures.” Mindy suggested, her finger pointing at the bench.

“I don’t see why not!” Tessa agreed.

Sitting down, things felt even more awkward than before. Mindy wasn’t sure how that was even possible, but here she was!

Looking around however, she saw that they were all alone. Even as Tessa handed the drink she picked out to her, their company remained the same.

“I’m glad I get to spend this picnic event with you guys.” Tessa spoke up quietly.

“Hm-?” Mindy hummed, startled from her thoughts.

“I, uhm… I don’t get to do this often.” Tessa continued, averting her gaze. “It’s nice to have some more freedom and do what I want for a change.” She said.

Mindy stared at her. It took a moment for it to click.

“Your parents, right?” She questioned.

“Yeah…” Tessa nodded.

Silence fell over them, making the tension around them rise.

“I’m glad you were able to get away from them.” Mindy spoke. “At-t least- Enough to have a little more control over your life.” She said.

“I am too.” Tessa agreed.

Mindy went quiet again. She took a sip of her drink.

“You know-... I’m here for you.” Mindy said.

Tessa looked over to her.

“And so is everyone else, of course!” Mindy quickly added with fret. “But, uhm… I-If you ever need help, I’d be happy to give it.” She said, her cheeks turning red again.

“Heheh. Thanks, Mindy.” Tessa giggled.

“I mean it.” Mindy said, her tone far more serious.

Tessa blinked at her before straightening up.

“If you ever need help, with anything, I’ll be there. Whether it’s your project, your classes, your homework, even your parents, I’ll be there.” Mindy told her, giving the Australian a sincere smile.

Tessa could only stare back at her. She doesn’t know what to say. Tessa doesn’t think she knows the words to respond.

“Thank you, Mindy.” J said.

Her hand was exchanged for a winged pistol. She turned it up, pointing it at the back of Tessa’s head.

“Thank you for being there for her, Mindy.” J said again. “I think you’ll be a great couple one day.” She smiled.

Bang!

Tessa’s cheeks felt a little warm. She swore the petals must’ve been playing tricks on her eyes, making the world a little rosier.

J turned and walked away, letting the two continue their conversation in private. As she returned to the area where the big picnic was being held, V was there to greet her. She held two plates with strawberry shortcakes on them. A Cupid Drone’s favorite dessert.

The two Cupid Drones sat down on a small blanket, set up by V. Being handed a plate of dessert, J stared down at it blankly.

“You doing alright?” V asked quietly.

“...” J was silent.

V waited patiently for a response, her tail waving behind herself.

“Did I make the right decision?” J finally asked.

“I really couldn’t tell you.” V replied truthfully, never breaking her gaze from the other woman. “But I can say with confidence that you made a far better decision than I ever would have.” She offered a gentle smile.

“...” J didn’t seem convinced.

V sighed, her smile falling and her shoulders sagging. She set down her cake and rested her hands on her pegleg ankles.

“You’ve known Tessa your entire previous life,” V started. “You were the best-suited cupid for this mission. I don’t think Tessa could be truly happy with any person that wasn’t hand-picked by yourself.” She explained.

J’s lip curled and her hands began to shake. The plate creased in her grip. Her tail coiled close to her legs, and her wings furled close to her back. She took a deep, if shaky, vent.

“I’m not going to cry.” J told herself.

‘I promise I’m not going to cry.’ She told herself, even as the thick tears were falling down her visor as she finally began eating her cake.

N stared at his bedroom ceiling. His core was racing in his chest, and his tail wouldn’t stop thumping against the bed. A stubborn handful of blush lines wouldn’t leave his visor alone.

Ever since he took on that bounty for that Uzi woman, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her. He wonders if he was successful in giving her a crush. He wonders if she’s doing well with said crush.

Yet, every time he thinks about Uzi having a crush on someone, his core twists painfully in his chest. A wave of frustration arises within him, too. His tail goes from wagging rhythmically to swishing irritably.

It’s weird and he doesn’t like it. But N hates Uzi having a crush on someone even more.

N rolls over onto his front and groans into his pillow. He should really be out on the field doing some work, but he’s been waiting all day for Uzi to call him instead. He isn’t even sure why. He just wants to hear her voice…

A sudden notification on his HUD of an incoming call startles him out of his grumpy stupor. N scrambles into a sit, accepting the call as fast as he can.

[Hey, is this N?] He hears Uzi’s serene voice ask.

“Y-YUP!!” N replies, just to flinch at his own eager volume. “I mean- Yes.” He says again, this time calmer.

He hears Uzi laugh on the other line and N can feel his tail thump excitedly against his mattress.

[How have you been since you tried to shoot me?] Uzi asked in a tease, N able to hear the smile in her voice.

“F-Fine.” N replies quickly.

[You sure?] The human asks. [You haven’t gone around shooting anyone else, have you?] She went on.

“No! Well- A little…” N admits, his visor going brighter. “It’s kind of my job to shoot people. I’m a Cupid Drone, like I said earlier, so I make humans like you fall in love by shooting them.” He explained, twirling a lock of his hair bashfully.

[Is that so?] Uzi questions. [It honestly sounds interesting, despite being kinda scary when on the open end of your barrel.] She laughed again.

N’s red blush lines went even thicker. He was growing to like her laugh more and more. N swore he could listen to it for the rest of eternity, as though it were his favorite song.

“Uhm! How are your- Your frie-nds?” N asked to keep the conversation going, even though he hesitated.

[They’re fine! They don’t ever recall seeing any of you robot guys though, which I think is weird.] Uzi replied.

“Well- Humans aren’t supposed to see us Cupid Drones.” N reminded her.

[Ooohh! Right!] She responded. [Kinda weird, don’t you think?] Uzi then said.

“How so?” N asked back.

[Well, I seem to be the only human that can see you cupid guys, right?] Uzi began. [If you dudes aren’t meant to be seen, then doesn’t that mean there’s something up?]

“...” N was completely silent.

[Heh. I really am like a super cool, super powerful anime protag, huh?] Uzi smugly commented, looking so on her side of the line.

“...” But N was still silent.

[Hey, N? You doing alright?] Uzi asked at his progressive silence.

“HUH?! UH-! YEP!!” N nodded back fervently despite the human being unable to see it.

[Are you sure? You went kinda quiet there for a moment.] Uzi pointed out.

“I-I was just thinking, is all!” N excused, his eye lights hollow. “It’s really nothing you need to worry about!” He added.

[Mmm…] Uzi made a hum. [If you say so.] She conceded.

[But hey! Since we’re talking now, how about we hang out together sometime? I’d like to see you again.] She offered.

“H-Hang out…?” N mimed back.

That-... That means she wants a date, right? Like- A date-date? Where they have fun and bond and get to know each other better and maybe even hold hands a little??? That kinda hang out?!

[Sure! I’ve got some free time this weekend!] Uzi said. [We could go to the movies, or maybe head to some arcade? There’s this restaurant that has a small arcade in it, it’s really cool!] She went on eagerly.

But N was barely paying attention. All he could focus on was how his core was pounding in his chest, his hand clutching his button-up. His tail wouldn’t stop wagging no matter how much he tried to get it to stop. And his visor was nothing less than a pure red screen.

“Sounds nice…” He strangled out.

[Cool! It’s a date then-!] HE KNEW IT! Uzi replied. [Wanna meet up this Saturday? At around ten?] She asked.

“THAT SOUNDS ME TO GOOD!!” N replied hurriedly.

He then slapped a hand to his mouth. Red sweat drops began pouring down his visor at his verbal fumble. Uzi will probably make fun of him for it…

[HA!] She barked a laugh, soon to be followed by more. [What was that?!] She inquired.

“Nothing.” N pouted, his tail swishing around.

[‘Nothing’ my ass! Ha-HA!!] The human continued to laugh.

In the midst of her laughter, Uzi made a snort. She cursed quietly before going silent. The lines were completely mute for a minute.

[You didn’t hear that.] Uzi said.

“That was adorable.” N blurted out, his visor flushing in charm once more.

[What?!] Uzi asked, something ruffling on the other end of the line.

“NOTHING!” N all but yelled. “I-I’LL SEE YOU ON SATURDAY AT TEN! I’LL LOOK LIKE A HUMAN LIKE YOU, SO JUST LOOK FOR THE GUY WITH RED HAIR AND EYES!!” He hollered in a rush.

Before Uzi could respond, N hung up the call. Both hands gripped his shirt tight, his tail wagging in huge arches behind him.

‘A date…’ He thought. ‘A date! I’m going on a real date!!’

N sprung out of his bed, searching his closet for the perfect date clothes. He can’t fumble this! Not now! Not after he’s finally felt Love after so-!

…

‘Wait…’

“Love…?”

Chapter Text

Uzi walked to the town square, the place filled with people. She didn’t see any of the Cupid Drone guys about. Maybe they have the day off? Either way, she searched for “the guy with red hair and eyes,” as N put it.

She ended up finding him sitting on the fountain’s ledge. Uzi didn’t think it, but N was literal when he said he’d have red hair and eyes. His hair was a bright cherry red, and his eyes were colored like rubies. He also wore what was probably his nicest casual clothing.

“I didn’t think you’d be literal when you said you’ve have red hair and eyes.” Uzi mused in greeting.

N startled, whipping over to face her. Uzi could see his cheeks go red, flattering her and making her own face light up.

“UH-! W-WELL-! I couldn’t exactly control it…” He admitted with a pout.

“Is that so?” Uzi giggled. “Well, you’re at least easy to find since you stick out like a sore thumb.” She teased with a nudge.

“I could say the same to you.” N smirked back, eyeing her dark, gothic clothing.

“Then I guess we aren’t losing each other anytime soon, huh?” Uzi grinned.

“I guess we aren’t.” N winked back with a smug grin.

A round of dumb laughter went between them, the two starting off to finally start their date. They hit up the nearby park first, wanting to take advantage of the sunny weather.

The park was busy like expected. Families and dog owners milled about and played, frisbees being thrown and some picnics set up here and there. N and Uzi simply wanted to take a stroll as they made their way to the movie theater.

“Looks like some fruits are growing on the trees.” Uzi pointed out.

N turned, finding tiny berries growing amongst the tree blossoms and leaves. Some birds picked at them and ate them before flying off.

“I don’t know if I’d go around eating them.” He joked.

“When did I ever say that?!” Uzi retorted with a grin, lightly smacking his arm.

N laughed, shying away from her hand. Uzi growled and huffed, turning away from him. N chuckled some more, to which Uzi couldn’t help but smile at. His laugh was too stupidly goofy and cute not to.

“You’re going to be paying for this entire date at the rate your going.” Uzi remarked in a jest.

“Aww, come on! I only made one joke!” N whined playfully.

“One more joke and everything is coming out of your wallet.” Uzi argued and crossed her arms, still smirking at the taller guy.

“You are such a heartbreaker, you know that?” N said with faux hurt.

“You’re the one that agreed to go on a date with me.” Uzi laughed.

“Fair, fair.” N nodded in defeat.

Finally, the two made it to the movie theater. They went straight to the ticket counter as soon as they entered, getting tickets for an anime movie. Uzi was glad she came during the weekend to see it since it’s one of the last days to catch it.

‘Less people and less weirdos.’ She thought.

“Want to get some snacks?” N asked with a point to the food stands.

“Sure! They might be a little expensive, though.” Uzi nodded and trotted over.

“When is something not expensive?” N mused back.

A couple of drinks and some popcorn was gathered, along with some candy on N’s part. After that, the two quickly headed over to the person who scanned their tickets, making it just in time for the movie to start.

“Where the hell is N?!” J asked loudly, stomping through the apartment.

“You’re asking me.” V commented, watching TV and lazing about.

“He’s supposed to be working, but I can’t find him anywhere!” J said, her tail swishing in annoyance. “I asked around by the board, but no one has seen him at all today!” She added, stopping in front of V.

“Maybe he’s taking the day off? How should I know?” V retorted, trying to look around J.

Said pigtailed woman huffed, deploying her wings and spreading them. V glared at her friend, the entire TV now blocked from her view.

“If N was taking the day off, he would’ve told us.” J countered. “Besides, he’s been focused on doing his job for so long now! Why would he suddenly drop off the face of the Devotion Realm to take a break?” She then asked.

“I dunno! Who knows what N’s thinking!” V exclaimed, just wanting to watch her TV show. “But maybe he just didn’t think he needed to let us know? He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself.” She scoffed with a roll of her optics.

J wanted to argue that, yet no retort came to her CPU. She supposed V had a point. N knows the Devotion Realm enough to get around on his own. He’s also been working hard and constantly. He deserves a break after how many bounties he’s taken up.

With a tired sigh, J pinched her visor and finally walked out of V’s view. She reeled her wings back in and went to the kitchen to fix herself something to eat instead. If N wants to disappear without a trace, then so be it.

“I can always scold him for not at least leaving a note later.” She murmured to herself.

“THAT WAS AWESOME!!” Uzi cheered as she exited the theater. “The choreography for the fights was soooo good!! And the new character was so cool, too!” She gushed giddily.

“I feel kinda bad for her, to be honest.” N spoke up. “She kinda brainwashed herself into revering the main character. I feel like she’s gonna die like every other side character.” He smiled with guilt.

“I don’t think they’ll be killing her off. At least, not anytime soon.” Uzi argued, holding her hands behind her back. “For one, they just introduced her. And for two, she’s on Momonga’s side. They don’t usually kill characters on the main character’s side.” She explained.

“Really? Well, I guess that makes sense.” N nodded. “I haven’t watched the show myself, so I really don’t know.” He chuckled with a hint of nervousness.

“You should!!” Uzi urged, latching onto his arm.

N stiffened, his face going red. He tried hard to listen to what Uzi was saying, trying hard to get him into anime and manga and stuff. But he kept getting distracted with this weird feeling of having already been into anime before.

Yet N couldn’t remember. It feels like he was at some point, but he knows anime doesn’t exist in the Devotion Realm. Uzi’s eagerness also feels familiar, as though he’s hung out with someone who was just as enthusiastic about what they like.

But N couldn’t even focus on his own thoughts when Uzi’s warm hands were grasping onto his arm. He felt her nudge into him to avoid other passersby too, only making his fluster worse.

The realistic but holographic disguise N was wearing flickered as his visor went brighter, Uzi knocking into his shoulder. The said human paused, staring in confusion at the flickering robot.

“Woah, you okay, dude?” She asked in a newfound concern. “Are you not feeling well? Do you want to sit down?”

“S-Sure…” N nodded, his voice staticky.

Uzi led N over to a nearby park bench. N’s holographic disguise kept flickering until it gave up altogether and went kaput. N covered his face in his hands, unable to control the fervent wagging of his tail.

N thought he was going to overheat with how hot his visor felt. Not to mention his stiff joints and gears, and the butterflies tinking against the walls of his tanks. It all made him feel nauseous.

“‘M sorry…” N mumbled miserably.

“For what?” Uzi asked, a brow quirking down.

“For ruining our date…” The drone replied.

“Nah, you’re good.” Uzi waved off with a reassuring smile. “We can always go on another date anyway.”

While that may be true, N still felt guilty. But he was starting to feel better now!

‘Maybe I just got overwhelmed from Uzi’s touch.’ N thought, taking a few deep vents.

“Do you want to put an early end to this date? Pick up some other time?” Uzi asked.

“No, no. I’m alright. We can keep going.” N said as he straightened.

“Are you sure? You looked like you were about to be sick for a moment there.” Uzi said, not sounding too sure herself.

‘Because I couldn’t handle your freaking touch!’ N thought with a slight grimace.

“I’m positive I’m fine. Just got a little overwhelmed is all.” N waved off with a smile of his own. “I’ll be sure to eat something proper in case though.” He added.

“Then we might as well hit up a brunch place. I think I heard there’s a good one nearby, but it’s catered more towards old people.” Uzi said, pulling out her phone to look.

“That’s fine! Anyplace that has something proper to eat, instead of popcorn and candy.” N smiled brighter, his tail swishing happily.

“If you say so.” Uzi laughed. “Then let’s head to that brunch place. I’ve got the directions pulled up on my phone already.” She stood.

N flicked his disguise back on, joining Uzi on the walk to get some lunch. He hesitated in touching her, not wanting to make himself lovesick like that again.

‘I really don’t wanna ruin this date.’ N thought, his gaze stuck on the woman with the California tan.

As he and Uzi passed through the tree-laden park again, a crow sitting in a tree stared at them. It gazed intently at them with its heart-pupiled eyes. Once the duo had passed by it, the crow took off.

Many Cupid Drones milled about a fancy-looking office. Doves passed by as well, dropping finished bounties and taking new ones to the bounty board. The drones worked on various things, carried stacks of paper, and went around to get lunch.

A little crow with a white belly landed on a secretary’s desk. As soon as she put the phone down, the crow said that an important talk with the Goddess of Love was needed. As soon as it got the okay, it took off further into the building.

It took the elevator up, a few other cupids riding it as well. It took a couple of minutes before the crow reached the top-most floor. Once there, it speedily flew down the halls of the top floor.

The Goddess of Love’s office was open, allowing the crow inside. It landed on a small perch, made for birdies like the crow. The Goddess of Love turned to the crow, scratching its head affectionately.

“Hello there, little bird. What brings you here?” She asked, her voice gentle and smooth.

The crow made a few replying squawks. The Goddess of Love listened as she resumed her work.

“I see.” She hummed through the scratching of her pen. “Well, it’s good to know my children are trying their best out there.” She smiled, picking up her drink.

The crow made more squawks, hopping on the perch’s bar. As soon as the final chirp came out of its mouth, the Goddess of Love spit her pomegranate juice out right into her face.

She choked and banged her chest, dropping her cup right onto the floor. The crow fretted, hovering around her in worry. The Goddess of Love controlled her vents and filled them with air again.

“So-orry- She’s-s- Wha-at??” The Goddess asked through her coughs.

The crow retold the story, elaborating more on what it saw. The Goddess of Love listened, trying hard not to hack and interrupt her bird. She had to take a few more minutes to recompose herself, letting her shuddering vents die down.

Taking a few deep vents, the Goddess opened a drawer and pulled out some napkins. She wiped off her mouth and her clothes, though she’ll certainly need to dry clean them.

“Is-s that so?” She asked as she wiped up the floor. “Well, I can’t say I ever expected this.” She then said, throwing her sodden napkins away.

“Though, perhaps I should’ve seen this coming…?” The Goddess then thought, a thinking hand to her chin. “She is… It’d-d make sense-” She half-mentally, half-outwardly pieced her thoughts together.

She then went silent, closing her pink and white optics in thought. Her crow waited patiently for her verdict, sitting back down on its perch. After a few minutes, the Goddess of Love finally opened her pink optics with white lashes.

“It looks like I’ll need to have a chat with Serial Designation N.” She spoke. “Crow. Make sure he gets this letter once he returns to the Devotion Dimension.” She then ordered, quickly writing something up.

It was sealed in an envelope, orange in color and stamped with a pomegranate-red wax seal. The crow took the letter in its mouth, being given one more scritch on its head before hopping onto the offered wrist.

The Goddess of Love went over to one of her many windows, opening it up. She gently launched the dark-colored bird into the air, letting it speed off towards the apartment N stayed at.

“Well then, my child. Let’s see if you’re ready to drink with Cupid.” The Goddess of Love grinned, her hair swaying with the wind as she watched her bird fly.

Chapter Text

N returned home from a successful date, his core pounding hard in his chest. He swore they were gonna pop right open with the pressure.

Opening the front door, N was met with a quiet home. J and V were gone, probably out on another bounty. N was honestly a little glad, because then he wouldn’t have someone questioning him right away.

As N stepped into the apartment, he vented a sigh of relief. His hands shook from excitement and anxiety. His heart-shaped vial wouldn’t stop wagging like crazy, either.

“She wants another date…” N murmured, holding his flushing cheeks. “EEEEEE!!! I’VE GOT ANOTHER DATE WITH HER!!!” N then squealed, rapidly tapping his feet on the ground.

He then slapped himself to reboot, calming himself in the process. Reeling himself in as he came back online, he huffed and went to the kitchen. He wasn’t able to eat dinner, so he should do so now before going to bed.

N opened up the fridge to take out lasagna leftovers. As he put some in the microwave, he turned for the table. A letter caught his attention, adorned with a crimson stamp.

It was picked up and opened carefully, the envelope’s contents coming right out. N took a moment to read through it, his eye lights going void midway through. His excited and giddy demeanor quickly changed into fear and dread.

N lowered the note, taking a moment to wrap his CPU around its contents. The microwave beeped behind him, yet he didn’t acknowledge it. His tail tucked between his legs with his rising fear.

N knew there was something wrong when he realized he could feel love. No Cupid Drone can feel love. It’s the price they have to pay in becoming one of the Goddess of Love’s children.

But N ignored it and played dumb. He decided to worry about it later because he had that date with Uzi he didn’t want to miss. He’d feel bad if he had to randomly and suddenly cancel it on the day of.

Yet here it is, biting him in the butt. N played the blissful ignorance game and now he’s gonna have to pay the price. All he can do now is hope his punishment from the Goddess of Love will be light.

There was a particular bar that the Goddess of Love favorited. It was small and cozy, with comfy seats and fruity drinks galore. The appletinis and cosmopolitans are to die for. And the patrons are nice, too.

Of course, she is the Goddess of Love, so it makes sense they’d be nice!

Either way, she liked coming here. It was easy to sit back in a booth and relax while gently swirling her red appletini. She could drone-watch as much as she liked and let her stresses melt away.

But today she was here for business. And it seems that the bar’s patrons could feel it, their optics wide and their frames going tense. The Love Goddess ignored them, sitting down at a two-seat table.

“You’re here at an unusual time.” Said a Cupid Drone with rose-tinted glasses and a flat expression.

“Just how long have you been keeping track of when I arrive to know that?” The Love Goddess returned with a grin.

“You’ve been coming here for decades. You pick up on things like that.” The monotonous cupid returned. “The usual?” He then asked, already turning for a bottle.

“Of course. You know I seldom get anything else.” The Love Goddess chuckled and crossed her legs.

“I said it more out of politeness.” The other robot replied, preparing the appletini.

“I know.” The robotic Goddess returned.

The bartender came over to set her drink down. With a lifting of her hand, the Goddess motioned for him to stay. The bartender stared at her and waited for her command.

The Goddess of Love’s expression turned neutral but hard. She gazed down at her drink thoughtfully, her two tails waving.

The doors opened up, alerting everyone else. N walked in, looking the most anxious he’s ever felt. He was quick to spot the Goddess of Love waiting for him in the middle of the small drinkery.

N took a seat across from her, the silence of the place stretching on uncomfortably long. N couldn’t keep the good Goddess’s gaze, his red optics flicking away as sweat drops littered his visor.

“You read my letter, correct?” The Goddess spoke up, her smooth voice sounding deafening in the barroom.

“O-O-Of course, Godd-ess of Love.” N nodded, shaking all over.

“So you know why I called you here?” The much older woman asked.

N nodded again, too nervous to speak or lift his gaze. The Love Goddess was quiet.

“Have you looked through Uzi Doorman’s profile before?” She then questioned.

“Briefly, yes.” N nodded back for the umpteenth time.

“Have you seen who her past crushes were?” The Goddess across from him wondered, snapping her fingers to spawn Uzi’s manilla folder.

“I do not.” N shook his head this time.

The Goddess of Love made a hum and opened the folder. She flipped through the handful of papers until she got to the last one. There was only one profile listed on the page.

“N, what do you remember of your past life?” The Goddess of Love asked.

“Nothing.” N replied with a more somber tone. “Bu-ut sometimes, I get a sense of deja vu. Mostly when I’m around Uzi.” He confessed, figuring it was the best thing to do right now.

“I see…” The Love Goddess nodded. “Why don’t you take a look at this for me then?” She offered, sliding the folder towards the male drone.

N finally looked up, giving her a quizzical look. He then turned down to the open folder. His optics scanned the page, one profile staring back at him. It took a moment for N to realize what he was looking at.

It was himself, back when he was alive and a human. And the profile was listed under Uzi’s past crushes.

“You don’t remember, but you used to be Uzi Doorman’s best friend. Since childhood, even.” The Love Goddess spoke. “You two were utterly inseparable back then.” Her voice became gentler yet all the more somber.

N simply stared down at the paper. Suddenly, he was getting vague, fuzzy memories of his time as a human. His parents, his friends, school, holidays, birthdays, likes and dislikes, his best friend…

“The reason why you kept getting deja vu around her was because you knew her, N.” The Goddess of Love explained, leaning her elbows against the table. “And when you were alive, someone gave her a spark.”

“...” N couldn’t respond. Didn’t know how to.

He felt a tear scroll down his visor, a stark and contrasting pale blue in color. The bar was completely silent around them.

“You don’t know how much my ancestor grieved for you, N.” The Love Goddess whispered.

“...” It took a moment before N finally looked up. “Ancestor…?” He questioned.

“Yes, ancestor. Uzi Doorman is my ancestor. Same as her mother.” The female robot nodded and leaned back in her seat. “It’s the reason she was able to see a Cupid Drone like yourself, and the same reason you fell in love with her.” She explained.

N supposes it all makes sense now. If anyone would or should be able to see a Cupid Drone, it’d be an ancestor of the Goddess of Love.

“I have a proposition for you, Serial Designation N.” She then spoke up, stirring N from his thoughts. “My ancestor loves you, she always has. And now you love her, too. So, tell me…”

The Goddess of Love leaned forward again, her pink optics suddenly hard and dark. Her gaze was intense on N, shivers crawling down his spinal ridge at it.

“Are you willing to drink with Cupid?” She asked, a grin etching on her face plates.

“...What?” N asked.

The Goddess of Love laughed and straightened, her hard look disappearing in an instant.

“I’ll allow you to date my ancestor- But only if you can beat me at a game.” She told him. “If you can out-drink me, you can date my ancestor all you want!” She held out her arms and laughed.

Murmurs went about, the bar suddenly going up in noise. N could only stare at the Love Goddess, too flabbergasted to speak. He eventually swallowed and set the folder back down.

“I’ll do it.” He said. “I’ll drink with Cupid.”

The bartender set down a bottle of Liquid Love onto the table. He then set down as many shot glasses as it could hold. Taking the alcohol, he opened it and poured it out into the many shot glasses. There was a divider in the form of a pen between the two’s sides.

“Do you know what Liquid Love is?” The Goddess of Love asked, staring at the bartender’s working hands.

“Of course. It’s the strongest alcoholic drink we have.” N said back, staring as well. “And it’s basically an intense aphrodisiac on humans. Forbidden to be taken to the mortal realm.” His tail waved nervously.

“It’s even stronger than old moonshine, when it was unregulated.” The Love Goddess chuckled. “Another reason why it’s banned in the human realm.” She smiled.

The pink-eyed robot picked up one of the shot glasses. The dark pink liquid sat inside. Dark red lines swirled within it, never mixing once. N mimicked her, staring into the glass’s side.

“You know, there’s never once been someone who’s bested me in this challenge.” The Love Goddess said.

“Is that supposed to be a threat? Or an intimidation tactic?” N asked back, turning his red gaze to her.

“It’s whatever you want it to be.” The woman smiled back. “But I figured I’d tell you just so you know what you’re up against.” She added.

“...” N was quiet, his optics turning back down to his shot. “Then I guess I have to be the first.” He stated.

The Love Goddess’s gaze narrowed on him, her smile spreading wider.

“Then let’s begin, shall we?” She proposed.

Both drones threw the strong alcohol to the backs of their throats. N nearly choked as he swallowed it, the fluid scorching his throat all the way to his tanks. They tingled and fluttered uncontrollably, yet N didn’t let it stop him.

A crowd formed around them as the game began. Shots were drunken down in seconds, the tiny glasses slammed onto the table upside down. Even as N drank just a few, he could already feel himself becoming tipsy.

‘I know I’ll get blackout drunk at this rate.’ He mentally noted, throwing another searing shot down his throat.

He glimpsed at the Goddess of Love, her visor less flushed than his. She’s been around for who knows how long, so it’s no surprise she can hold her liquor well. Not to mention that Liquid Love is her own creation.

N coughed as he finished his latest shot. His hands were beginning to shake from how harshly the alcohol went down. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he continued.

The Goddess of Love wasn’t having as much trouble. It burned her throat as well, but it’s far more numbed to it than N’s. She knows he seldom drinks, if it all. Honestly, she’s surprised he’s made it this long.

‘Hell, I’m surprised he agreed to this at all.’ She thought, glancing at the male Cupid Drone.

She shot down another glass, turning it upside down and slamming it on the table. The bartender came around to refill them all, a pause in the two’s game. N and the Love Goddess glared at each other, the latter with a challenging smirk.

When all glasses were refilled, the game started back up. The slams against the table echoed throughout the room, the crowd gazing at the duo in awe. It’s rare to see the Goddess of Love strike up a drinking game.

A magenta bottle of Liquid Love sat between the two drones, taunting them and egging them on. N and the godly robot kept going until their visors were completely flushed with squiggly blush lines.

As the last handful of shots were left standing the table, N and the Love Goddess stared at each other again. They both looked like they were about to fall right over, yet their hands grasped tightly into the table’s edge.

The Goddess of Love took another shot, same with N. Their speed had slowed down considerably with each drink. It was hard for them to not puke up everything they drank. Especially with how strong Liquid Love is.

One more shot was taken. There were two on either drone’s side left. The wobbly staring contest continued. With it, the second to last shot was thrown down.

A loud slam came from the Goddess of Love’s shot glass. She stared down at the table, her hair hiding her face. N held a hand over his mouth to try and prevent himself from puking.

He turned back up to the Goddess, watching her turn her own head up to stare at him. She grinned, reaching for her last shot glass.

But she swayed and began falling to the side.

Her frame hit the floor with a loud and echoing thud.

N grasped tightly onto his shot glass, making it crack in the process. A drop of Liquid Love oozed from it, dribbling onto his thumb. N tossed it back into his throat, letting it sit and sear his tongue for a moment.

He could taste apples, strawberries, figs, and pomegranates in the fluid. Along with them was the strong sting of pure alcohol.

N swallowed the shot. He sat there for a moment, heaving in place. He started to get up, not caring that his chair toppled to the floor. Turning, he began to walk away. His steps were shaky and uncoordinated.

Eventually, he too, fell to the floor and blacked out.

Chapter Text

Hangovers absolutely sucked.

N had to hold back the pained groan in his voice box lest he irritate his CPU and audials even more. His room was dark and his pjs were comfy, at least. Though, even after having taken medicine N still felt like crap.

He could barely even keep down any food or drink due to the vomiting. Part of him wonders if Cupid Drones can starve to death.

His phone ringing both stirred N from his thoughts and agitated his hangover. With an annoyed groan, N fumbled around to pick up the call on his HUD. He didn’t bother seeing just who the caller was, too tired to try.

[Hey, Serial Designation N! How’d the hangover going?] The Goddess of Love’s voice spoke, both tired and somehow chipper.

N perked up as much as he could, rolling onto his back to speak clearly.

“Horribly.” He replied simply.

[Hahaha! Figured!] The Love Goddess laughed. [Anyways, I wanted to congratulate you. That drinking game was intense, and you won fair and square.] She went on.

[Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you to last so long. Only like, three shots max.] She confessed, lounging in her chair in her office.

“Mm. Thanks.” N replied, rubbing his visor.

There was another short laugh from the other line. Things were soon to go quiet, the two drones wallowing in agony for a moment.

[You know, I had actually lied back there.] The Goddess of Love confessed suddenly.

“L-Lied? About what?” N asked, his core picking up in pace and his eye lights going void in worry.

[I’m no “undefeated champion.” There have been a few drones who’ve beat me in that drinking game before.] The Goddess said.

N let out a relieved vent, all his previous worries washing away with those two sentences. He heard a giggle from his Boss of Bosses, N’s visor going flush at accidentally letting the relief slip.

[What? Did you think I would say “you aren’t allowed to date my descendant?!”] She asked with a wave of her two tails.

“M-Maybe…” N admitted, averting his unseen gaze.

[Come on! I don’t make promises just to break them! Have a little faith in me!] His Goddess laughed.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make assumptions like that-” N went to apologize, now fretting.

[Don’t worry about it. Really.] The Love Goddess replied. [It was mostly just an intimidation tactic! If my ancestor was going to go dating a Cupid Drone of mine, I wouldn’t want him to be a total wuss!]

“Uh-huh…” N hummed, his smile twitching as a sweat drop blinked onto his visor.

[But… I get it. You did all that work, are going through a massive hangover, you don’t want all that pain to be for nothing.]

“...” N was quiet.

[But, there is a sort of “catch” to the deal.] The Goddess then spoke, her tone going serious. [For as much as Uzi is my descendant, I can’t exactly just rip her from the mortal world.] She explained.

“Wha-at’s that supposed to mean?” N questioned quietly, sitting up carefully.

[Well, as you know, the only way to become a Cupid Drone is by dying without ever feeling love. While the rule gets bent a liiiittle bit for descendants, she can’t just up and leave the mortal realm.] The Goddess went on. [Even if you become a Cupid Drone, your human life still remains in those who remember your past life.]

“...Oh…” N hummed, finally realizing what she meant.

[You don’t have to be so bummed out about it.] The Goddess said. [Listen, it’s not like I’m going to kill my own descendant, nor are you going to have to go through trials and tribulations just to see her.]

“Then just how am I going to see her?” N asked.

[Don’t worry! I’m already thinking up a system for you two!] The Goddess reassured. [But I should probably go now. We both need some R&R after last night.] She laughed again.

“Uh-! Wh-! But what about that plan?!” N asked in a hurry.

[I’ll be watching your progress on your points, N!] The Goddess of Love ignored his question, the smile in her tone.

Before N could say anything more, the call cut. N was left in his darkened room, the silence settling in. All he could really do was stare with a gaping mouth at the playful antics of the Love Goddess.

And all he could really do was hope this “system” she’s coming up with will work.

N waited anxiously for four days. All he could think about was what the Goddess of Love had up her sleeve. She said she “was thinking of a system,” but wouldn’t give him any details at all.

‘Not that I can just go calling the Goddess of Love, anyway.’ N thought.

He sighed and hung his head, sitting in a park. He’d come out here to relax a little after a bounty, though his worries have just been getting stronger by the day. Even J and V can see his jumpiness.

“And boy did I get an audial-full from J.” N muttered to himself, his tail drooping. “At least she still came to an understanding, since the Goddess of Love is alright with it.” He then spoke to himself.

Even so, he’s not sure just how much longer he can wait. The lack of communication and detail is driving him insane. He might just try going down to the mortal realm to see if Uzi is still there, if she can still see him-

“How deep in thought do you have to be to not notice someone’s right in front of you?” A woman’s voice spoke.

N’s red optics snapped open, landing on a familiar and upside down face. A pair of deep purple optics met N’s, an upside smile on the woman’s face plates. Her hair was the same color as her bodily lights.

The woman hopped off the bench, landing gracefully in front of him. N could see the peglegs she had, only her toes painted with black and magenta caution stripes. It was the same on her conical wrists. Her vial’s aphrodisiac was colored in magenta as well.

As for the familiar woman’s outfit, she wore a gothic grey dress. It was pleated in the skirt portion, having a pseudo-corset whilst the bust was “open” with a white blouse. There was a grey jabot going down her chest.

The skirt was frayed and torn. Probably just for aesthetic reasons. Either way, magenta colors showed through the tears.

This woman also wore a cropped, light jacket that covered her arms in grey. The sash around her arm was colored magenta, a long strip of fabric forming a tail. And as a finishing touch, there was a grey gothic-style headband in her hair.

N was stuck staring at the woman. As his silence continued, she sighed and sagged her shoulders.

“It’s me, dummy!” She suddenly kicked him.

N startled and stood up, yelping at the hard kick. It sent a familiar wave of pain through his shin, one that made him realize just who he was looking at.

“Uzi?!” He asked.

“Took you long enough.” She smiled. “How’s cupiding been going for you? Still shooting people?” She asked.

Uzi didn’t get a response, just a sudden and tight embrace. She was stunned for a moment before sighing and hugging N back.

“I heard you challenged the Goddess of Love for me.” Uzi said softly.

“Mhm.” N hummed back with a nod.

“And I also heard you both got blackout drunk.” She said next.

“We did.” N confirmed.

“And I heard your hangovers were total hells to deal with?” Uzi gave a light laugh.

“They were.” N nodded once more.

“I feel kind of bad for you then. You didn’t have to go and do all that just for me.” Uzi smiled and patted his back.

“But then I wouldn’t be able to date you…” N whined into her audial, his tail curling around hers.

“We could’ve just dated in secret, you know.” Uzi argued.

“I think I would’ve gotten into even more trouble if I did that.” N countered with a pout.

Uzi only hummed and shrugged back. N gave her a light kick, to which Uzi laughed at. But they finally pulled away from each other, N’s red optics scanning her form.

“Like the outfit? I made it myself!” Uzi said and spun around.

“It suits you.” N smiled while his tail began to wag.

“Good! I was a little worried it’d look stupid…” Uzi smiled nervously, averting her gaze in embarrassment.

“I-It would never look stupid!” N fretted and waved his hands about. “It’s something you created! How would it look bad on you?!” He asked, his visor going flush.

Uzi stared back at him. She turned her gaze back down as her own facial screen went bright with blush lines.

“You know, you’re a lot more bold up here than you are down on Earth.” She teased as her tail waved.

N sputtered, trying to think of something to say to that. In the end, he couldn’t think of anything at all and ended up shutting his mouth in another pout. Uzi laughed at his expense, only making N poutingly glare at her.

Though, he was soon to come to a realization. The Goddess of Love said there’d be a catch to him and Uzi dating, though he still has no idea what it is.

“Hey, the Goddess of Love told me a few days ago that only dead people can become Cupid Drones,” N spoke up, catching Uzi’s attention again. “Does that mean…” He trailed off, unable to finish.

Uzi took a moment to stare. She then huffed and smiled, walking up to him.

“I didn’t die.” She told him, taking his hand. “But I can’t stay here forever, either.” Her grasp was tender but reassuring.

“I’ll have to go back down eventually, but I can come up here whenever I want.” Uzi said. “I’m not technically dead down on Earth, so that means I still exist and need to do all my dumb human things.” She smiled and chuckled.

“Ah-h. I see now.” N nodded, holding her hand back. “I’m glad, then. Your life wasn’t cut short.” He smiled.

Uzi could see how it was somber. He must be remembering his own past life, the fact that his life was cut far too short. It made Uzi feel melancholy, grieving everyday for her best friend and first love.

“Well, at least we aren’t separated anymore.” She said softly, taking another step forward. “And this time, we can actually spend our whole lives together. Just like we promised.” Her smile was sad yet hopeful.

And N could now vividly remember that childhood promise, made when they were playing at the park and on the swings. It was a pinky-promise, the bestest, most secure promise around.

N made a lot of promises like that with Uzi back then. Even when they were in high school, they’d pinky-promise each other on everything.

But N hadn’t been able to keep those promises.

“I’m so sorry…” N whispered as tears began to fall.

“What for?” Uzi asked back, her deep purple brows now creased in worry and confusion.

“I couldn’t keep our promises…” N answered, his expression breaking more and more. “Each and every one of them… I broke them…” His voice was breathy with sorrow, his red optics closing with grief.

Uzi cupped his cheek with a hand, thumbing his white plating. N leaned into the touch, his other hand grasping tighter to Uzi’s own. His tail tucked between his legs, only for Uzi’s to wind around it reassuringly.

“You didn’t break any of our promises, Noble.” Uzi told him.

The name he’d forgotten only made his tears run thicker.

“I’m still so sorry…” Noble said.

“You don’t have to be.” Uzi smiled back.

Noble made a weak whimper, Uzi pulling him back in for a hug. Noble took it greedily, embracing her tightly and refusing to let go.

He didn’t want to let go.

Not again.

Not ever.

“Promise you won’t leave me like I left you.” Noble begged through his tears.

“Of course.” Uzi nodded. “I pinky-promise.” She held up her pinky between them.

Noble stared at it for a moment, his HUD fuzzy from virtual tears.

He then hooked his pinky around hers, shaking it in a promise.

“I love you, Uzi.” Noble whispered one last time.

“I know.” Uzi giggled. “And I’ve always loved you, too.” She smiled wider, some of her own tears finally escaping her.