Chapter 1: Just a “Minor” Headache.
Chapter Text
Heart sat on the couch, her hands fiddling with her controller. Soul had been perched on the back of the couch, spamming the buttons on their controller as well.
“(YOU CAN'T DO THAT, IT'S CHEATING!)” The Owl shouted, trying to take Soul's controller away. “{Sounds like someone's just a little saltyyy~!}” The Phoenix replied, continuing to rapidly spam their buttons, not giving Heart the chance to even move her character.
Soul continued on, until eventually Heart's characters' health was low enough. “{Okayyy, fine... I'll let you attack me now.}” Heart smiled, quickly jumping to finish Soul off, which was when they used their finishing move. “(HEY! YOU'RE SO UNFAIR!)”
They cooed as Heart pouted, ruffling her neat hair teasingly. “{Maybe you just don't know how to play the game! And I wasn't even using combos on ya.}” Soul set their controller down, before letting out a loud purr as they stood up, almost similar to how a curious cat stands on it's hind legs.
Heart looked up, seeing the stance Soul had achieved. “(What...? Do you hear something...?)” Soul shushed her, moving down the hallway. Heart followed close behind, eventually they both stopped in front of the Iktomi's room.
There was a soft hissing and beeping coming from the room. “{Resident Mind? Are you decent?}” There was a quick scattering sound which made Soul immediately bust the door open, seeing quite the large man in a skirt sitting on Mind's lap.
“WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! I CAN [Explain.], I'M JUST {A dear friend} OF [[MIND]]! I'M NOT AN ([{ INTRUDER. }])” However this strange, glitchy text did not convince either of them. Soul quickly wielded their trident, Heart grabbing the man and shoving him to the ground.
“{SILENCE, INTRUDER! YOU MOUNTED A HELPLESS MAN!}” Two tines tightly squeezed the figures neck, the man trying to grab them and pull them off. Heart carefully sat himself on Mind's lap, examining his face. “(THERE'S A RED KISS MARK ON HIS CHEEK! And his... neck?)”
Soul lifted the man's crop top, pulling his talon covers off his feet and beginning to tear into the man's stomach with them. “PLEASE, JUST (LISTEN TO ME!), I'M NOT AN ([{ INTRUDER! )]}”
Mind slowly opened his eyelids, his fans starting up quite slowly. Suddenly, he started to cough violently, pushing Heart off him and trying to find 20. “[Ge-Get... Off, of... Hi-Hi-Him...]” He gasped out, his heart struggling to beat through the mess of cables that had gone tangled.
“{He tried to seduce you, he's not safe to have around you.}” The Iktomi raised his voice. “[THEY DO MY REPAIRS!]” Yet Atlas ignored him, until Mind finally used the last of his strength to shove Soul away from 20, collapsing onto them.
“{Don't you DARE touch him or I will strike you with the coursing pain of a million suns.}” 20 ignored them, holding Mind close and beginning to undo the screws in his chest. Mind's arms all rested beside him, one hand occasionally twitching. His fans were clogged with dust.
The Phoenix attempted to strike them, but failed. Somehow. Heart screeched as she perched onto his shoulders, covering their face with her talons. “GET OFF! GET OFF OF ME!” Mind's arms quickly lifted him up, the pattern on his face glowing softly.
They tried to carry Mind's weak body to 20, however being attached to said weakness was a curse at this point. Once 20 finally managed to get back to Mind, they quickly untangled his wires, blowing the dust out of his fans and sealing him back up.
“{Heart, tear his hair out strand by strand.}” The Owl chuckled, screeching once more as she tried her hardest to get on top of 20. It was a lot more difficult than she thought.
20 held Mind tightly in his arms, until he slowly began to power back on. Soul and Heart watched, confused as the man was accepted into Mind's arms.
“[Oh, minu pikslistatud armastus... How I appreciate you so.]” Mind repeatedly kissed 20's cheeks, tearing giggles from them. “(I... I don't understand... Who is that...?)”
Every single one of Mind's arms tightly wrapped around 20, nearly squeezing the life from them. “Okay, okay, I get it! I can't {breathe.}!” But Mind continued on, showing his appreciation for his darling pixelated repair...person with precision.
“[Oh, where are my manners... Heart, and Soul, this darling glass of wine is 20. He comes straight out of my computer, which is why he's a bit... blocky at the moment.]” 20 waved nervously.
Before them, after all, were two birds filled with unbridled rage who wanted to murder them. “{I... I don't understand, why haven't you told us about this... Egg?}” 20's eyes seemed to immediately darken, their appearance no longer pixelated as he pulled an axe off their back, approaching Soul.
“I WILL FUCKING GUT YOU WHERE YOU STAND YOU STUPID CUNT!” Mind quickly pulled them back, sighing in frustration. “[We've discussed this, Atlas. Egg is a derogatory term.]”
Soul shrugged, before speaking again through their cracked lips. “{You can't tell me that boy hasn't wanted to be trans at least once. And anyway, where did he even come from?}”
A grin crossed both Mind and 20's faces, before Mind sat down, 20 slowly crawling into Mind's computer screen, appearing more so as a cartoon character now. “[It is quite the long story.]”
Chapter 2: MEGAMAN
Summary:
Mind shows Heart and Soul just how unique 20 is, and basically gives them a lesson in technology.
Chapter Text
“{Wait- So he is quite literally just... A program??}” The Phoenix questioned, toeing the fine line between disbelief and fear. “[No, THEY are far more than that. Have you ever seen a character who can crawl out of a computer screen?]”
20 stuck their head out of the computer, but left the rest of their body inside. “Kinda unique, {dontcha think?}” Atlas leaped to punch them in the face, whining as they slammed their hand into the computer screen. “[What is your issue?]”
The Iktomi lifted Soul's hand to his lips, kissing their knuckles gently. “{We don't NEED another... Confused... Whatever he is.}” Heart approached the computer, attempting to slip her hand past the screen.
20 mirrored her actions, smiling as she started giggling. “(How do you do that? It's so cool...)” The Owl cooed and nuzzed into their hand, purring and digging her talons into the floor as they started to scratch her chin.
Soul quickly slapped it away. “{You NEVER befriend someone you've just met. You don't know what kind of... FREAKY business he does!}” The pixels were quick to interject. “How the fuck do you [THINK.] {School works}?”
Atlas growled, their feathers standing up on end and glowing a bright orange. “(How would it feel if you hugged me?)” 20 shrugged, rolling out of the screen like a Goron and pulling Heart into their arms.
“(Heehehehe... You feel all prickly.)” Mind carefully pulled 20 away, guiding them to the computer. “[Their programming has been quite... Buggy. We aren't sure how to fix this pixel-ness outside of the screen, but we've been getting there.]”
Soul took a close look at the computer, hitting the first “update” button they saw, which immediately made 20 more clear, and even their voice sounded a bit softer.
“{It's... Really not difficult to put two and two together.}” 20 hummed softly, something along the lines of a boy in green being coy, yada yada...
“Well, would ya look at that! Takes a genius, huh?” Soul rolled their eyes. 20 spent a moment running their hand through their hair, or at least the puffs of hair that stuck out from their beanie.
Heart went up to them, teasingly snatching their beanie and running around with it, pursuing the chase. Soul went up to the computer cord, snatching it right as 20 reached Heart, pinning her to the wall. Their body suddenly froze, their hands tightly locking around Heart's wrists.
Their eyes were a soft white, staring into Heart's. She whimpered quietly, trying to pull her arms out of their hands. “[Will you stop being a fucking dickhead for one moment and let them have fun?]” Mind plugged his computer back in, however 20 didnt presume his movement. A small popup appeared on the screen.
It said that the application was closed too fast, and that it would take a while for 20 to reboot. Meaning Heart was stuck up against the wall for what would probably be a couple hours.
Chapter 3: Final Restoration
Summary:
Finally, Mind manages to reboot 20 successfully and comfort Heart after being pinned to a wall for 2 hours.
Chapter Text
“(I-Is he done yet...? I-I don't like h-how he's looking at m-me...)” Heart's wings were shaky, her legs the same as they struggled to stay up. “[You both like misgendering them, hm? Yes, they're almost done. Don't worry.]”
Mind's reassurance didn't help as 20 began to twitch, their hands tightening around her wrists. She began to whine, trying to kick 20 in hopes she could escape. “[Artemis, you won't be able to get them away. They're completely locked up. Just a few more minutes I promise.]”
Soul slowly stood beside Heart, attempting to comfort her with just their presence. But lo, Heart still panicked as 20 began to let out a series of hissing and groaning sounds. “{HE can't control it. Stop being such a baby.}”
The Iktomi, quite annoyed already with Soul's hate toward 20, quickly grabbed the Phoenix and begin to wrap his computer cord around their neck. “[Call them a “he” again and I will strangle you until the life slowly leaves your eyes.]”
Atlas only hissed in response, then spit in Apollo's face. He hissed back, his face splitting open as he tightened the cord around their neck. They began to squirm, their face turning a soft purple.
Mind continued to hiss at them, scaring them into being still. Once they were, he slowly released them from the cord, letting his face slowly stitch itself back together. He took a deep breath, helping Soul up.
“[Are you going to piss me off again?]” Soul shook their head, snorting in a false sense of confidence. Heart tried to keep his eyes on 20, still obviously uncomfortable but looking at him made him feel safe from what Mind was doing.
“(I wonder what... you think about when you're like that...)” Heart whispered, feeling 20's hands begin to loosen around her wrists. Slowly, 20 closed their eyes, collapsing.
Heart ran to Mind, hiding behind him. “[Are you alright, mate?]” 20 lifted themself up, rubbing their head slowly. “I... think so? What happened, I'm so confused...” They stood up, walking back to the computer.
“[If you want to go back and lay down, you can. You seem tired.]” They nodded, slowly crawling back into the computer and laying down on the grass. It seemed soft, comforting.
“(I feel bad... They seem so nice...)” The Owl cooed, hugging Mind slowly. “[They are. Very.]”
Mind shut his computer off, letting 20 get their much needed rest inside the computer this time. Rather than letting his energy drain for over 2 hours.
So far, it seemed that Headspace was comfortable with the addition of 20. And it would stay that way further down the line.
Chapter 4: One Lonely Talk.
Summary:
Mind, Whole and 20 discuss the... issues. with Atlas, and how they could, hopefully, change their views of 20.
Chapter Text
“[Did you call him? He should be here by now...]” Mind's leg shook as he tried to clear his foggy head, his breathing shaky. “You don't gotta worry. I'm sure Whole'll be understanding. What's got you so nervous anyway?”
Mind's vision was blurry, trying to focus on his hands. He had done it before to calm himself, but even when it felt like he couldn't think, all he could do was think at the same time. 20 put his hand on Mind's shoulder.
“Mind... What are you so worried about?” Their eyes tried to find some semblance of what was wrong, but they just couldn't tell what was wrong. Apollo slowly turned, his lip quivering.
“[It's so... late. I can't risk him being angered... Not now. Not ever.]” 20 cocked a brow, letting out a soft chuckle. “THAT'S what you're afraid of? Him being mad? C'mon. You KNOW how he is, he wouldn't be mad.”
Mind bit his nails, his mechanical heartbeat quickening each second. 20 was even more confused, turning Mind's head toward them. “Ohhhhh... I know what it is. Look...” 20 leaned against Mind, putting his soft fingers on his neck pulse to ease him.
“I know how he is. Y'know? But he wouldn't shut you out just because you have something... Not necessarily AGAINST Soul, but... You get what I'm saying, right?” Mind didn't respond, rubbing his shoulder.
20 sighed, guiding Mind to their lap and running their hand through his hair. “I know you're nervous. But I'll be right here, I promise! I mean, I DO have scratches from Heart on my shoulders. I'm sure he'll at least listen to-”
Mind's door slowly opened, a soft sigh escaping Harmonia as he stepped inside, shutting and locking the door. “Alright... What did you two need?” His tails flowed slowly behind him, Mind letting out a soft gulp as he stood. 20 held his hand, standing beside him.
“[Soul is... not warming up to 20... And I am not sure what to do.]” Whole took what he said, thinking for a moment. “Hm... Have you tried to slit? To restart the loop?” Mind pulled his sleeves down, looking away from Whole.
“He's... not comfortable restarting it. Heart is comfortable with me! It's just... Soul, that's the issue.” Whole nodded, clicking his tongues as he thought for a moment.
“Hm... I can try to talk to them, but I can't guarantee anything. How does that sound?” Mind slowly calmed down, looking up at Whole. “[M...Mhm.]” Whole purred, his tails fluffing up as hugged Mind tightly. “Good! Was that all you needed?”
A soft, comfortable hiss escaped Mind's lips, nodded against Whole's chest. “Alright... I'd best be going. I'll talk to them and... 20, what's wrong with your neck?” 20 immediately rubbed their neck, feeling how puffy it was.
“A bit of... a misunderstanding this morning. That's all.” Whole tilted his head, before shrugging and heading out of Mind's room. The Iktomi immediately let out a shaky exhale of relief, turning to hug 20.
“[God, I'm so exhausted... Why don't we head to bed? Maybe tomorrow we can go out together, get something to-]” 20 leaned down, placing their lips on Mind's. A dark blue flush covered his face, his eyes slowly closing as he leaned into them.
They stayed connected for only a few moments, slowly pulling away from each other to think for a moment. “Sorry... I figured you'd needed it.” Mind pulled them back down, kissing 20 softly.
20 slowly waltzed towards the bed, letting Mind sit on his lap. “[Mm.. You're a good kisser, you know.]” 20 giggled softly, repeatedly kissing Mind's forehead.
They slowly layed down, holding each other. “[Mmmfh... Goodnight, darling...]” Eros purred, his breathing slowing as 20's hands slowly guiding the charger to the back of Mind's head. “Goodnight, Mr. Sun.”
20 felt euphoria for a moment, their lips landing back on Mind's soft curls. His body had already powered off, his breathing slow and steady. 20 sighed, their hold tightening on mind.
Something filled them with a sense of comfort and warmth, something they could only ever feel with Mind. They closed their eyes, breathing in the calming scent of Mind's neck. Tomorrow would be a good day... They could feel it.
2flowers1dragon on Chapter 1 Tue 10 Dec 2024 12:54AM UTC
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lnsincerities (orphan_account) on Chapter 1 Tue 10 Dec 2024 01:44AM UTC
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2flowers1dragon on Chapter 2 Wed 11 Dec 2024 11:46AM UTC
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lnsincerities (orphan_account) on Chapter 2 Wed 11 Dec 2024 03:46PM UTC
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2flowers1dragon on Chapter 3 Thu 12 Dec 2024 11:24PM UTC
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lnsincerities (orphan_account) on Chapter 3 Fri 13 Dec 2024 12:24AM UTC
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NeptunezRingz on Chapter 3 Fri 13 Dec 2024 04:53AM UTC
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lnsincerities (orphan_account) on Chapter 3 Fri 13 Dec 2024 05:59AM UTC
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soulsentente on Chapter 3 Sun 22 Dec 2024 06:11PM UTC
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lnsincerities (orphan_account) on Chapter 3 Sun 22 Dec 2024 08:07PM UTC
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soulsentente on Chapter 3 Mon 23 Dec 2024 11:33AM UTC
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lnsincerities on Chapter 3 Thu 06 Feb 2025 12:25AM UTC
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lnsincerities on Chapter 3 Thu 06 Feb 2025 12:28AM UTC
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soulsentente on Chapter 3 Thu 06 Feb 2025 02:58AM UTC
Last Edited Thu 06 Feb 2025 02:58AM UTC
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Containerzs on Chapter 4 Wed 15 Jan 2025 10:59PM UTC
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