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Chapter Text

Soulmates are with everyone, and you get a mark as soon as you age. However, not everyone adheres to the idea of soulmates. 

Rupert Price is one of the individuals.

"Why do we have soulmates?" Rupert grumbled to himself at his desk. He was doing paperwork before he went home for the night. He was a police officer and he was an efficient one at best. 

"All they do is mess people up and put two incompatible people together for no other reasons besides destiny told them to," 

Rupert is pessimistic about soulmates because of his parents. He didn't have a wonderful childhood, and his parents weren't the definition of a healthy relationship. After finishing his paperwork, Rupert stretched. He then stood up and headed to the breakroom before he went home. 

Rupert went inside the breakroom to find two police officers on their break. Rupert grabbed himself a cup of water and to get a donut. 

"Hey, did you find your soulmate yet?" One police officer asked the other.

Rupert scrunched his cup as he felt his blood boil, oh great... the soulmate talk. 

"Not yet," the other police officer replied, putting their face on their hand, "I'm hoping I can find them soon,"

Rupert left the breakroom swiftly without grabbing a donut. He headed back to his desk, trying to calm his anger. His blood was still boiling, and he wanted to punch something.

"ARRGH! Why do we have freaking soulmates?!" He thought, packing up and leaving the police station.

When he arrived at his apartment, he unlocked the door, went inside, and showered. After showering, he dried himself and put on pajamas. He ate quickly, sat on his sofa, and turned on the TV. He watched some TV while he ate his dinner on his coffee table. After eating dinner, he cleaned up, shut off the TV, and went to bed.

He turned off the light and lay down on his bed. 

However, he couldn't sleep because the memory from earlier popped into his head. He growled as he shifted to his side and memories from his parents flooded his mind. 

"Just because two people have the same soulmate mark, doesn't mean they are compatible," Rupert whispered.

Rodney Price and Rita Petrov had the same soul mark and Rupert saw how their soul mark ruined them. 

As far as Rupert can remember, he didn't see his parents have a loving marriage. His dad was an abusive jerk to his wife and son. His mother, Rita, tried to stop her husband from abusing her and her son but to no avail. Rita had tried to tough it out and protect her son from her husband's abuse but after so many years of abuse, she couldn't take it anymore.

One day, when Rupert was about 5 or 6, Rita packed her stuff and left Rupert in the care of Rodney Price. 

After Rita abandoned Rupert, Rupert never recovered and spent 13 years with the old jackass he called his father. 

Rupert glanced at his bandaged hand and wrist. He slowly unwrapped it and stared at his wrist with anger. 

His soul mark looked like a gemstone and he fucking hated the damn mark.

When he got his soulmark, he was livid. He didn't want a soul mark, he didn't want to end up like his parents, being stuck in a relationship because of a soul mark. After he got his mark, he covered it up and pretended his mark never existed. That's why he has bandages around his right wrist. 

He sighed as he started sobbing into his pillow. He spent the night crying. 

If there's one thing that Rupert hates more than soulmates, he hates change.

He was now with the Government after he quit the police force. He resigned because one of his coworkers, Dave Panpa, was fired for unforeseen circumstances. However, Rupert knew the real reason for Dave's termination was a certain Stickmin. 

Henry Stickmin was a notorious criminal known for stealing money and jewels. The last time he was arrested, he was put where Rupert and Dave worked. Henry received a package from Dave, who gave it to him. Unfortunately, Dave didn't check the contents, and Henry escaped using the contents. 

Rupert has hated Henry Stickmin ever since. It didn't help that the Government recruited him to help them take down a criminal organization called the Toppat clan. Henry helped them gather some files in exchange for being pardoned by the government. Henry was forgiven, and to everyone's surprise, he joined the Government. 

Charles Calvin, the pilot in charge of the mission Henry was kidnapped for was ecstatic. He had taken a liking to the former thief and they instantly became fast friends. Rupert on the other hand, was angry and tried to persuade the General to reconsider Henry's decision to join the Government but was shut down quickly.

Rupert watched Henry and Charles talk while having drinks. Rupert drank water because he didn't feel like drinking alcohol. He grumbled as he looked through his phone, he smiled when a text message popped up on his phone. Dave texted him about being back at his job as a security guard. 

If there was one good thing about Henry helping them when they kidnapped him to help them take down the Toppat Clan, Henry saved Dave when he was inside the Toppats' airship when he got kidnapped by the Toppat Clan. Henry also apologized to Dave about his firing even though Dave kept insisting it was his fault that he didn't check the package. 

Rupert sent Dave a message when he heard a loud female voice.

"What's up losers!" Ellie Rose exclaimed, sitting next to the duo.

Rupert rolled his eyes as his mood soured for a bit. 

Ellie Rose was another former criminal who joined the Government after she and Henry escaped the infamous prison called the Wall, run by Rupert's grandfather, Dmitri Petrov. Rupert was happy for a time when Henry was missing but Charles and everyone else was sad. 

"Hey, Ellie," Charles greeted happily.

"Hi, Ellie," Henry signed. 

Ellie sat beside Charles, who blushed and drank to cover his face. Ellie's face was also red, so she quickly ordered a drink. Rupert rolled his eyes again. Charles and Ellie both have crushes on each other, but they can't say anything because of their marks. However, they both don't realize that they have the same marks. Their marks are a single red rose with a thorny vine surrounding it. 

"So what are you two losers talking about?" Ellie asked slyly, smirking.

"Uh... um... uh..." Charles struggled to answer her.

"We're talking about soulmates," Henry answered, silently laughing at Charles's expression.

"Ohhhh," Ellie said, "Did ya find your soulmates yet?"

"Nope," Charles swiftly answered but hid his burning face.

"I'm not planning to find them," Henry replied.

Rupert nearly choked on his drink while Ellie and Charles shouted at him.

"What? Why?!" Charles exclaimed.

"Yeah! How come?" Ellie added, crossing her arms.

"Why do we have soulmates?" Henry questioned bitterly, using his voice, "What's the point of them? They're just there to make everyone pair up with a person who you are not compatible with and force people to be together because of it,"

After finishing his explanation, Henry downed his drink, stood up, paid, and silently left the bar. Charles and Ellie exchanged confused glances. After hearing Henry's confession, Rupert stared into his half-empty cup for a few seconds.

"Not bad, Stickmin," Rupert thought, "You have the same mindset as me,"

Henry slowly walked back to his apartment and once inside, he started to sob. He leaned against the door and slid slowly down to the floor as he kept sobbing. He put his head into his arms to hide his tears. After a few minutes, he ceased his sobbing. He lifted his head to look at his right wrist which was covered by a long fingerless glove. 

He bitterly stared at the same gemstone mark that Rupert Price had, wishing he could take off the damn mark.

Chapter Text

Henry Stickmin never understood why everyone including himself had soulmarks.

Like Rupert, he doesn't see its appeal, making everyone miserable. But... he does see some exceptions. 

His dads, Randy Radman and Terrence Suave, were different.

Terrence Suave was married before he met Randy and he and his spouse had the same mark. However, after his spouse was killed, Terrence became reckless when he was the leader of the Toppat clan. After he was "taken down", he met Randy who had a different mark but helped Terrence and they have somehow fallen in love.

Of course, it was taboo for two people to have different marks to be together.

Henry woke with a headache and he was not happy. He stretched his arms until he heard a pop and sighed in contentment. Henry put his feet on the floor when he heard a buzzing noise from his phone. He picked up to see that he had many notifications from Charles and Ellie. Henry groaned as he got to get ready.

He ate breakfast, wore his uniform, and headed to the base.

Once inside the base, he greeted everyone politely even though he didn't feel like being polite. He passed by Rupert who stared at him but didn't acknowledge him. Henry went to find Charles and Ellie and saw them standing in front of the cafeteria. He headed over to them and waved at them. 

"Hen! What happened last night?" Charles asked quickly.

"Yeah! After you left the bar last night, we tried messaging you," Ellie added, "But you wouldn't answer,"

"Sorry," Henry apologized sheepishly, "Sorry for storming out like that,"

"It's okay, Henry," Charles smiled for a moment then frowned, "By the way, what's with the cynical talk about soulmates?"

"Oh... It's just..." Henry paused, thinking for a moment, "I'm sorry to spring on you guys but I don't want to adhere to the soulmate scam,"

"It's not a scam!" Ellie exclaimed angrily, "What's wrong with finding your soulmate,"

Henry's face darkened, and he clenched his fists in quiet anger. He glared at Ellie who stepped back from Henry's glare.

"Ellie," Henry said coldly, "Soulmates are destiny's way of screwing with us and forcing people to be together. I don't want to play destiny's twisted way of putting me into a relationship where I make someone miserable,"

Henry headed inside the cafeteria without Charles and Ellie. Charles and Ellie sadly glanced at each other. 

"I wonder why he has that mindset?" Charles questioned sadly.

"Who knows," Ellie replied grumpily.

They both went inside, however, they didn't notice Rupert was listening to them and watching them. 

Rupert crossed his arms and bowed his head. "I didn't realize Henry and I have more in common than I thought," he thought.

Rupert went inside the cafeteria, thinking about Henry's rant.

Henry was putting some boxes in one of the storage units when the General asked him to put the inventory in another. He accepted the offer because he hoped to calm down after his outburst. However, he was still mad at Ellie about soulmates. Henry looked at his right glove and checked on his soulmark.

He thought he would never find his soulmate until he was arrested for trying to rob a bank. As he waited for release, he spotted the same soul mark on someone he least expected. When a police officer named Rupert Price revealed his soul mark, he thought he was alone. It was nighttime, and Rupert was working the night shift.

Rupert stood next to Henry's cell, where he thought Henry was asleep but wasn't. Henry was wide awake. Henry saw Rupert unveiling his bandages, and there it was: He had the same soul mark as Henry. Henry was shocked, confused, and in denial. Henry knew Rupert would never go for him because he was a criminal and the bane of his existence.

Henry finished putting the last of the inventory and covered his soulmark.

He left the storage unit, locked it, and headed to see the General.

The General was doing paperwork when Henry entered. He looked up and smiled at him, "Ah Henry. Is it done?" 

"Yes, sir," Henry replied, smiling even though it didn't reach his eyes.

The General noticed this, "Is there something wrong, Henry?" he asked in a concerned tone. 

Henry quickly shook his head but Galeforce didn't buy it.

"What's wrong, Henry?" Galeforce questioned.

Henry looked away, he felt tears brewing up. He was trembling which Galeforce noticed. 

"Henry?" Galeforce said gently.

"How do you feel about soulmates?" Henry asked, silently sobbing.

Galeforce sighed as he stood up and touched Henry's shoulder, "I heard about your outburst from Charles. The topic of soulmates is troubling you, isn't it?"

Henry nodded as he wiped his tears, Galeforce sat back down and glanced at Henry. "I used to have that mindset when I was your age," he said.

Henry blinked, "Really? What changed?"

Galeforce chuckled softly. "I met a woman who had the same mark as me. She was sweet, gentle, caring, and kind. We fell in love, got married, and had kids," he explained warmly.

Henry was listening when Galeforce continued, "However after our kids were grown and moved out... my wife passed away from an illness and I was devastated,"

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Henry said sadly.

"It's fine, Henry," Galeforce replied, "But after the death of my wife... a little while after... I met my husband. He got divorced and was bitter about soulmates until he met me,"

"How did you and he manage to work with different soulmate marks?" Henry knew the answer to this question, but he wanted to know Galeforce's.

"With time, patience, and love," Galeforce answered softly.

Henry nodded slowly, "When you do ever find your soulmate, Henry," Galeforce said gently, "Make sure to take my advice,"

"Thank you for the advice, sir,"

Henry left the office and returned to his apartment. As he had last time, he spent the night crying.

Henry's mood didn't dampen for the next couple of days. After their fight, he and Ellie didn't speak to each other. Charles felt awkward around them, and even their missions were uncomfortable.  

Rupert kept a close eye on Henry and his attitude. It wasn't like Rupert cared for him or anything. It was to make sure Henry didn't self-destruct and make him go back to his criminal ways. 

Since the airship, Rupert and Henry have never spoken to each other directly. Sure, they've worked together several times but never talked to each other. Everyone in the base knew of their history, and they learned to stay away when they fought. However, they hadn't been fighting as much as they used to.

However, things started to change when Rupert and Henry were paired on a mission.

Once again, the Toppat clan was causing trouble for the government.

Rupert and Henry were inside a building where the Toppat clan was hiding treasure. Their task was to find the treasure and stop any Toppat member from stealing it. As they headed up the building, Rupert and Henry scouted it. They kept searching for the treasure until they reached the top of the floor. However, since that was the last floor, there was nowhere else to look. 

"AGGH! Damn it!" Rupert bellowed, "Where is it?!"

Henry looked around while Rupert was having his episode, trying to find something in the room to help them. Then he spotted an odd-looking wall. Henry put his hands on the wall and started pressing on it.

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," Henry repeated, in his head as he pressed to find something.

Rupert was still grumbling when he heard shifting around. He glanced behind him to find Henry pressing on the same odd-looking wall, he saw Henry pressing his hands on the wall. He went over there and crossed his arms.

"What are you doing, Stickmin?" Rupert asked, annoyed.

Henry put a shush sign as he pressed on one piece of the wall and suddenly, the wall opened to reveal a hidden room. Henry smirked at Rupert whose mouth was agape. They headed inside the room and found the treasure. Henry's eyes widened in awe while Rupert's eyes widened in shock. The room was filled with jewels, gemstones, and other valuable stuff.

Rupert took out his walkie-talkie, "General! We have found the treasure,"

"Great work you two," Galeforce replied through the walkie-talkie, "You two keep an eye out. We will be right there,"

 The walkie-talkie went silent as Rupert held up his rifle to guard the treasure while Henry looked around the room. Henry then spotted a big diamond, the size of two palms, and picked it up. Henry held the diamond to stare at its sparkling beauty. He saw his reflection in the diamond and started to examine it when he saw Rupert's reflection.

He gasped as he saw that Rupert had his back towards him in the reflection. He put down the diamond and looked around the room again. 

Normally, he would have stolen these and been on his way, but after joining the Government and making new friends, he didn't even have the urge to steal anything valuable. Then he remembered seeing Rupert's reflection and he started to tremble.

"Even if he did know about your soulmark, he would never go for you!" Henry's inner voice told him coldly, "You're a failure in every way,"

Henry's vision started to blur with tears as his heartbeat began to beat faster and he felt he was drowning. 

Rupert put his rifle behind him because the Toppats were coming and they needed to get the treasure out as soon as possible.  

"Hey, Stickmin, the General said we need to-" Rupert paused when he spotted Henry on the ground.

"What's wrong with you?" Rupert came up to him and crouched down, "Stickmin..." 

Rupert then noticed Henry was sweating and breathing heavily. Henry had his hands in his hair while Rupert's voice sounded as if he was underwater. Rupert stared at Henry for a moment, and he realized something.

"Shit! He's having a panic attack!" Rupert thought "But why?"

Rupert put his hands on Henry's shoulders to try to calm him down, "Oi Stickmin... hey Stickmin!" 

But Henry couldn't listen, Rupert was beginning to panic. "What should I do? He's not calming down!" he thought angrily then his brain gave him an idea.

"Really?" Rupert scoffed at his brain but he heard a sound coming from Henry. Rupert grumbled as he slowly but gently wrapped his arms around Henry. 

"Breathe Stickmin... Breathe in and out slowly," Rupert said softly, Henry did as he was told and started to calm down. "Just keep breathing, Henry. Everything will be alright," Rupert continued. 

After a few moments, Henry calm down. His heart rate was back at a normal pace and he didn't feel numb or dizzy. He sighed as he felt something warm against him. His face was like a tomato when Rupert quickly pulled away from him, Rupert cleared his throat, and they both looked away.

They were both silent and didn't know what to say. 

After a few minutes of silence, Rupert glanced at Henry.

"Stickmin, what I did, does not leave this room," Rupert said irritated, "The only reason I did that is because I don't want you dying on us,"

Henry stared at him with red eyes and bowed his head in sadness. "Okay," he signed without looking at Rupert.

"Good," Rupert replied, crossing his arms.

Just then, they heard a noise and they took out their guns when they saw the General and several other soldiers go inside the room.

"Good work, gentlemen," Galeforce said proudly while the soldiers gathered the treasure, "Any problems?"

Rupert and Henry looked at each other for a moment but they shook their head. 

"Good," 

While Rupertt talked to the General, Henry watched the soldiers put away the treasure. Henry hugged himself as he still felt Rupert's touch. He felt depressed that he already missed Rupert's touch.

"I wish you look my way without disdain," Henry thought sadly. 

Chapter Text

After the panic attack incident, Rupert and Henry avoided each other. 

The only time they will interact is on missions and briefings during meetings. 

Henry and Ellie have made up but she still doesn't like Henry's view on soulmates. Charles was happy to have them be friends again. 

Rupert Price was many things: a good leader, charming, diligent, sometimes with an ego, but most importantly, he was prickly. 

Henry Stickmin was many things—sneaky, cunning, quiet, and sometimes an idiot—but most importantly, he was selfish.

Henry is greedy and selfish regarding money and gems, which is one reason he became a criminal. However, his greed decreased after his pardon when he joined the government. 

Rupert and Henry didn't discuss what happened in the treasure room. Charles and Ellie were suspicious of their behavior, but they knew that if they asked them, they wouldn't get a straight answer. 

Rupert still doesn't know that he had Henry as his soulmate and Henry is planning to keep it that way. But like fate, life can be cruel.

Rupert and Henry were paired on another mission again. 

This mission required Rupert and Henry to go undercover as a high-society couple to track down a highly influential couple who had been stealing the valuables of other rich people. 

Rupert is wearing a black suit and blue tie, while Henry is disguised as a woman. He wore a long white wig and a beautiful blue-strap sparkly dress to match his hair. Rupert's hair was slick back, and Henry wore accessories like blue earrings and gloves. Henry requested that the gloves be long because of his soul mark.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Rupert mumbled, crossing his arms while waiting for Henry to finish putting on makeup before heading inside.

Henry finished applying lipstick and put his compact mirror away. He glanced at Rupert, who looked handsome in his suit. 

"Black does suit him," Henry thought, his face warm and red. 

They were hiding in the bushes away from a mansion. The couple they were after was hosting a big party, which was a perfect opportunity to gather evidence. 

"Relax, Thorn," Henry said as he leaned against him, "Nobody else volunteered and I was the only one who volunteered to wear a dress,"

"Why you?" Rupert questioned, narrowing his eyes, "Why not Sarah, June, or Ellie?"

"Because they didn't want to do it,"

"Ugh,"

"Hehe, let's go, Thorn," Henry finished, Rupert nodded and held out his elbow for Henry. Henry looped his arm around Rupert's elbow and headed out of the bushes once it was clear. 

They headed to the mansion where the party was held. Many luxurious cars and wealthy people were heading toward the mansion's entrance. Rupert and Henry were in line behind a couple, and then it was their turn.

The bodyguard looked over Rupert and Henry for a moment. Then, the bodyguard stared at Henry. Henry stilled while Rupert felt his heart beating faster. The bodyguard looked up and down at Henry. Henry felt uncomfortable as he hugged himself, he didn't like the look the bodyguard was giving him. 

"You two enjoy the party," the bodyguard said, stepping to the side, and letting Henry and Rupert in.

"Thanks," Rupert replied with gritted teeth.

They headed inside quickly to find a quiet spot. 

"What was that about?" Rupert growled, they were in a corner and Henry looked scared.

"I don't know! I know I'm wearing a wig and I disguise myself perfectly but..." Henry paused, starting to shake.

"Look, Stickmin," Rupert said firmly, "I don't like how he looked at you but... are you alright?"

Henry blinked, he nodded in response. 

"Good. Now let's find the file on the couple and get out of here," Rupert said while looking around, trying to form a plan. 

"Okay, we will mingle and act like we're enjoying the party," Rupert explained to Henry, "Then after a few minutes, we sneak off and find anything we can get on the couple. Got it?"

Henry nodded.

"Good," Rupert took in a deep breath and exhaled, "Let's do this,"

Rupert and Henry blended in the crowd as best as they could. Then when no one was looking, they snuck in a quiet hallway. 

"Okay," Rupert said while looking around. He saw a bunch of doors, leading to rooms. One of them must have information on the couple! 

"We need to split up," Rupert told Henry.

Henry's eyes widened, "What!? Isn't it a bad idea to split up?" he asked.

"No. We'll cover more ground if we split up," Rupert explained, "You go left and I go right. Make sure to stay hidden, I'm sure you're good at that right?" Rupert smirked at the last comment, which made Henry's face red in response.

"Yes, Captain," Henry spat out, using his voice for the first time which made Rupert raise his eyebrow,"

"You can talk?" Rupert sneered.

"No!" Henry quickly signed in response

Rupert kept smirking, Henry wanted to slap the smirk off his face. 

"Ahem," said a voice coming from their intercoms.

They both jumped at hearing the General's voice, "Can you two stop flirting? We have a mission to complete," Rupert's and Henry's faces were burning as Rupert spluttered to tell the General that they were not flirting but sighed in defeat.

"Yes, General," Rupert replied with gritted teeth.

"Good,"

The General left them alone, they stood there in silence.

Rupert cleared his throat, face still burning. "You go left and I go right,"

He quickly left Henry alone without waiting for a response, Henry nodded and ran to the left hall. Henry quietly snuck into each room to find files or intel. He kept looking into each room until he stumbled upon a jewelry-filled room.

His mouth went agape as his eyes became brighter upon inspecting the jewelry. His greed started to take over when he spotted a piece of familiar jewelry. He blinked at the jewelry and leaned in to get a closer look. The jewelry was a beautiful necklace with white diamonds and blue sapphires. Henry then remembered in one of the reports that a missing necklace from one of the victims matched the jewelry description in front of him.

Henry put a gloved hand to his mouth and was about to signal Rupert when he heard something behind him. He turned to find the bodyguard standing in the doorway with a massive grin.

"Oh no...." Henry thought as the bodyguard closed the door, "Not him! Not now!" 

"Hello, beautiful," the Bodyguard smirked, "What are you doing here?"

"Um... uh..." Henry looked around, thankful for the collar necklace that doubles as a voice-changing device.

(Warning: Harassment and the bodyguard being a creep)

"You shouldn't be here, gorgeous," the bodyguard started to walk closer to Henry, Henry kept backing away from him when he felt something solid against his back. He glanced behind him to find a wall and he started to panic. His heart was hammering in his chest and his anxiety spiked with fear.

The bodyguard put both hands on each side of Henry's face and he leaned in. Henry tried not to gag from the bad breath, Henry looked away as he felt the bodyguard's hot breath getting closer. 

"Go away, asshole," Henry thought in terror when he felt a hand on his back.

"Please, don't touch me," Henry said, with gritted teeth.

"Mmm, I don't think so..."

The bodyguard's hand started falling, making Henry panic more, "Please stop," Henry pleaded.

The bodyguard's hand was now on the small of Henry's back, and Henry wanted to leave. Henry lifted his hand and slapped the bodyguard's face. "Ack!" the bodyguard protested.

Henry escaped his grasp but was yanked back with a yelp.

"Where do you think you're going, beautiful," The bodyguard purred, holding on to Henry's wrist. Then he broke Henry's wrist, Henry screamed but the bodyguard covered his mouth.

"Shhh..." the bodyguard smirked, Henry was silently sobbing.

"Aw, what's the matter, Princess?" The bodyguard taunted, "Cat got your tongue?"

Henry wanted to leave. He needed to message Rupert, but couldn't risk blowing their cover. While the bodyguard and Henry were distracted, someone entered the room.

"Oi, fucker. Get your filthy hands off of her," 

The bodyguard turned around to find Rupert standing in front of them. His arms were crossed, and he was livid.

"Yay! He's here..." Henry thought happily as he whimpered.

"Or what?" the bodyguard shot back.

"Or I will kick the shit out of you," Rupert threatened with a growl.

While the bodyguard was distracted, Henry bit the bodyguard's hand and kicked him. The bodyguard screamed and Henry quickly escaped. 

"That's what you get fucker," Rupert said, smirking. He grabbed Henry's uninjured hand and ran out of the room. 

"Wait! What about the evidence?" Henry questioned hastily.

"Already got it," Rupert replied, taking a flash drive from his jacket.

Henry nodded as they went through the back and out of the mansion. They quickly hid behind the bushes to catch their breaths. Rupert talked to his earpiece while Henry was holding his injured hand.

"Good job, boys," Galeforce congratulated, "Were there any problems,"

Rupert stared at Henry, whose face looked pale and like he wanted to hide in a cave and never come out.

"Yes but we took care of it," Rupert replied, voice full of anger.

"Good. We're heading your way now,"

Rupert headed over to Henry to check his injured wrist but Henry quickly moved away. 

"C'mon, Henry. I have to check it to ensure it's not broken," Rupert said.

Henry hesitated for a moment. He needed his wrist examined, but his injured wrist contained his soul mark, and he didn't want to reveal it. 

Rupert studied Henry's face and he saw mixed emotions. He saw hesitation, anxiety, pain, and... sadness. Rupert was about to check Henry's wound but the sounds of a helicopter interrupted him and he heard Charles's voice coming from his earpiece.

"Hey guys! Let's get out of here!" Charles exclaimed.

Rupert and Henry nodded and headed over to Charles's location. One of the soldiers pulls the ladder down to grab on. Henry was to climb first but Rupert grabbed his waist and held him while climbing the ladder. They hopped into the helicopter and headed back to the base.

Henry and Rupert were at the medical bay to check for wounds and other injuries. However, Henry was the only one who needed to be checked out. Rupert was waiting outside while Henry was getting his wrist examined. 

The doctor checked the wrist while Henry was still in disguise sans his choker. 

"Hmm, I need you to take the glove off so I can examine your wrist," the doctor said.

Rupert who was waiting outside, chose the moment to glance inside to see the damage that was done to Henry's wrist. The moment he saw the doctor pull Henry's glove off was when he saw Henry's soul mark. 

The same soul mark that Rupert has on his wrist. 

Chapter Text

Rupert's eyes widened in shock.

"What?!" Rupert thought angrily as he saw the soul mark on Henry's injured wrist, "He's my fucking soulmate!" 

Rupert left the medical bay and went outside to clear his head.

"How long has he known about this, and why the hell didn't he tell me?!"

Rupert returned to his tent and paced in it, trying to wrap his head around the reveal. He felt anger, rage, bitterness, and sadness.

Rupert wanted to hit something or someone, but he felt tears building as he fell to the floor. He started shaking as he sobbed; he covered his head and face. 

"Why is my life a living hell!" Rupert shouted while sobbing. 

He stopped sobbing, wiped his tears, and stood up with a determined look, 

"He's going to tell me. And I don't care if I have to force it out of him," Rupert said coldly.

Henry was wearing a brace for his injured wrist. He was also barred from going on missions until it healed. He was fine with it. He didn't want to run in with people like the bodyguard. By the way, the Government had arrested the couple, and all of the victims got consolation money. 

Henry sighed as he went inside the cafeteria for breakfast. 

Henry looked around and saw a few soldiers, but suddenly he felt a pair of eyes on him. He glanced at a table and found the owner of the eyes. 

He saw Rupert Price glaring at him with his golden yellow eyes glowing with burning intensity. If looks could kill, Henry would've already been burned and his ashes scattered across the ocean. 

Henry shivered from Rupert's look, "What did I do now?" he thought in confusion.

Henry got his breakfast and sat at a table far away from Rupert, but he couldn't eat it in peace because of Rupert's cold glare.

"Hey, did you do anything to Rupert?" Charles asked while cleaning his helicopter.

"No... I don't think... why?" Henry questioned.

"I noticed that Rupert has been glaring a lot at you, and I was wondering what's going on  between you two."

"He's always glaring at me, Charles,"

"Yeah, but not like this, Hen," Charles said, tone full of worry. He and everyone else know about Henry's and Rupert's past together, so it's not uncommon to see Rupert and Henry fighting from time to time.

"I will be fine, Charles," Henry said, "He's always angry. That guy only has two moods: angry and tired,"

Charles chuckled, "Yeah, he does,"

Henry left Charles to finish cleaning his helicopter and headed to a clearing. He stopped to glance at his brace. His wrist doesn't hurt as much, which makes him happy. He looked and was about to walk when he made a tiny squeak noise.

Rupert was standing in front of him with his eyes glowing and arms crossed. 

"Hello, Stickmin," Rupert said coldly. 

"Uh... hi..." Henry replied, anxious.

Henry didn't like the look on Rupert's face. He looked like he wanted to murder him. 

"I need to talk to you about something," Rupert said with a smirk.

"A-About what?" Henry replied nervously. 

"Your soul mark,"

Henry's brain stopped for a moment.

 "My soulmark?" he thought, "How does he know that?!"

"Uh... what about my soul mark?" 

Rupert stared at him for a moment, Henry saw his mouth twitch. Henry's heart started beating faster, and he felt his anxiety rising. Henry needed to get out of this conversation before it got any deeper. He looked around to find a distraction, and no, he was not going to do his famous distraction dance. He kept looking around until he saw a distraction.

"Hi, Victoria," Henry said.

"Nice try, Stickmin," Rupert knew Henry was trying to get out of the conversation. "I'm not falling for that."

"Hello, Henry," Victoria replied.

Rupert blinked as Victoria came up to them. He glanced at Victoria with a polite.

"Hello, Rupert," Victoria greeted.

"Hi..." Rupert answered, mouth tight.

"Sorry, Henry, I need to talk to Rupert for a moment," Victoria explained, "Would you mind leaving?"

Henry nodded while Rupert wanted to protest, but Henry quickly waved goodbye and left them alone.

"Thank you, Tori," Henry thought happily.

"Damn it, Tori," Rupert thought angrily.

Over the next couple of days, Rupert tried(keyword: tried) to talk to Henry about their soul marks. But Henry always managed to escape from his grasp. It reminded Rupert back when he was a police officer and Henry was always escaping jail. It annoyed Rupert to no end. Then Rupert had an idea. He asked Victoria for a copy of the schedules and looked for Henry's schedule. He smirked and hatched his plan.

Henry went inside the inventory room and looked at his clipboard. Since he's been benched, he's been doing chores. The last job he has to do is count inventory, and he is done with his chores.

Henry was counting the inventory when he heard the door opening and the sound of a slamming door, which made Henry almost drop his clipboard. He glanced behind him when he saw Rupert locking the door. 

"You're not going anywhere, Stickmin," Rupert purred. 

Henry gulped, and Rupert started approaching him. Henry kept backing away until he hit a wall. Rupert stood in front of him and crossed his arms.

"How long have you known?" Rupert demanded.

Henry raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"How long have you known that I WAS YOUR FREAKING SOUL MATE!" Rupert shouted, which made Henry jump in fear.

Henry's anxiety came back, and he felt his palms sweat. 

"You know..." Henry bowed his head down.

"Of course, idiot!" 

"But... how did you know?"

"When you were getting your wrist examined, I glanced inside when the doctor pulled the glove, and I saw you have the same soul mark as me," Rupert growled.

"Fuck!" Henry thought as his heart started beating faster.

"Now,  how long did you know about us being soul mates?" Rupert repeated, his voice turning Henry's blood into ice.

Henry didn't want to answer. 

Rupert didn't have time for this, so he quickly slapped his fist near Henry's head, and the sound made Henry jump a little.

"Cut the crap and tell me now!" Rupert seethed.

Henry really didn't want to, but if he doesn't tell Rupert soon, he's afraid Rupert might use physical harm on him. Henry sighed, "It was before I joined the Government and...." he paused, not wanting to tell more.

Rupert blinked, then his anger flared, "You knew since your time back as a criminal and I was a police officer?!"

Henry nodded sadly.

"You... You... You..." Rupert tried to speak but couldn't. He paced around the room while putting his hands in his hair, making it messier than it was before. 

He stopped as he stared at Henry with a blank look. Henry trembled as he saw Rupert step forward and was close to his face.  "How long were you going to keep this a secret from me, huh?!" Rupert questioned angrily.

"I-"

"Oh wait, you weren't going to tell me," Rupert pointed out, "You said that one time that you're not going to search for your soulmate,"

Huh? How did Rupert know about that?

"I heard you said that to Charles and Ellie," Rupert said, agonized. 

"Oh... "

"I knew the whole idea of soulmates is fucking bullshit but..." Rupert pinched the bridge of his nose and stared at Henry, "Of all the people I have as a soulmate, why does it have to be you?!"

Rupert spat out the last word. Henry's heart sank when he heard the venom in Rupert's tone.

"But I-"

"I'm not done talking!"

Rupert kept ranting while Henry was trying to get a word in. However, Rupert didn't look like he was going to stop. 

"You're the worst person to-"

Henry's fists were clenching, and he felt his blood boiling. That's it. Enough is enough.

"THIS IS WHY I DIDN'T TELL YOU ABOUT MY MARK!" Henry roared, making Rupert stop and stare at him. The room also shook a little from Henry's loud voice.

"I didn't tell you this because I knew you would react like this!" Henry exclaimed, sounding brittle. 

Rupert kept staring at him, not expecting him to shout at him. "And I knew you wouldn't accept me as a soulmate, so I didn't say anything," Henry continued, wrapping around himself.

Rupert glanced to the side, crossing his arms. 

"You could have told me, Stickmin," Rupert muttered.

"With the way you reacted earlier, I didn't want to," Henry jeered, "You were about this close to hitting me."

Rupert scoffed, "You would have deserved it anyway."

Henry cackled as he put his clipboard down and crossed his arms.

"Yeah, I know," Henry answered, tone full of venom, "You keep reminding me all the shit I have done to you and to everyone else many times," 

Rupert furrowed his brow as he listened to Henry's rant. 

"Oh and fuck you prick," Henry continued darkly, "You're not exactly Mr. Perfect yourself. You're emotionally unstable, egotistical, quick to hit people, and don't care about other people's feelings."

Rupert's mouth twitched as he got more offended by the second. He was about to hit him, but paused. He then heard Henry talking about himself.

"But... I don't blame you for hating me. I caused so much pain with my choices," Henry mumbled, going over to a crate and sitting on it. Rupert followed his actions and sat next to him.

"I hate me too. After all, who would have me, let alone as a soulmate?" 

Rupert looked away from him as he heard Henry starting to cry. He pondered what to do next when he heard Henry shift, he glanced at Henry, who brought his knees up close to him. 

"You're right that I'm a selfish person... I may be selfish on a lot of things, but there's one thing I'm not selfish about,"

Rupert kept staring at Henry, who looked at him with tears in his eyes, "And that's love,"

Henry got up and picked up his clipboard. 

"Please leave. I have to finish this, so please get out," Henry said, tone void of emotion.

Rupert didn't say anything as he got up and went to unlock the door. He looked at Henry, who resumed his sobbing. Rupert sighed as he opened the door and went outside. 

While Rupert walked back to his tent, he thought about what Henry said.

"I'm not selfish about love,"

Rupert felt his heart shrivel up as he entered his tent and sat on his bed. His vision blurred with tears, and he covered his face with his hands. He started sobbing. 

He and Henry spent the whole night sobbing about their fates.

Chapter Text

After Rupert's confrontation with Henry, they were angry and depressed with each other.

Rupert and Henry avoided each other and only interacted on missions. They haven't talked much. 

Everyone seemed to notice the change in behavior between them, and some have asked them what's going on. However, they wouldn't tell them anything. 

Rupert was watching Henry interact with Charles and Ellie. 

He was still feeling angry from their last conversation, but at the same time, he felt something else. He's not sure what the feeling is. 

He kept thinking about what Henry had said, which drove him crazy.

"Yeah, right, you're not selfish about that," Rupert muttered, while cleaning his rifle.

"What if he's lying to me and was trying to trick me..." Rupert paused; he put the rifle down as he thought about his theory.

"If it were a trick, he would have done it a while ago," he thought deeply, "And he knew about me being soul mate for a long time, and he didn't even reach out to me about this..."

Rupert was distracted when he heard someone calling his name.

"Oi, Rupert!" Howard Lipton said, "How about joining me for tea, mate?"

Rupert thought about it and he said yes.

Howard gave Rupert a cup of tea, and they both sipped it.

"So... you seemed stressed," Howard stated, "You seemed like you were lost or something."

"I am," Rupert said quietly.

"Is it about Henry?" Howard questioned as he sipped his tea.

Rupert blinked in shock, his face turning red.

"Yeah..." he answered.

"What's the problem, ol Rupert?"

"..."

Howard saw Rupert starting to tremble as he held his tea. Howard put down his tea and put his head into his hands. "Is Henry your soulmate by any chance?"

Howard smiled when Rupert quickly shot his head up in shock and surprise.

"How do you know that?" Rupert questioned, his voice low and his narrowed eyes staring at him suspiciously.

"Let's say, I just know," Howard replied.

Rupert bowed his head down. "Yes, he is," 

"Then what's the problem?"

"It's Henry! You know my history with him, and he knew all this time, but he chose not to tell me right away!"

"Hmmm,"

Rupert drank his tea. He was still angry about Henry keeping his soul mark a secret.

"Is that why you and Henry have been acting not yourselves?" Howard asked.

Rupert nodded.

"Is having Henry as a soulmate so bad?"

"Yes!" Rupert hissed.

Howard laughed.

"Have you tried talking to him about this?" 

"I did... but it didn't end well,"

Howard thought for a moment, Rupert kept drinking his tea. The tea was helping him relax. 

"Try talking to him again," Howard suggested.

Rupert put down his tea, "That's not going to work the second time," he replied sadly.

"It will work if you and Henry stay calm," Howard reminded them. I know you have a bad habit of not staying calm."

"Fuck you," 

"Sorry, buddy, yer not my type. Also, save it for Henry,"

Howard chuckled at Rupert's annoyed and bright red face. Rupert spluttered, hiding his face with his hat. 

"I hate you," Rupert mumbled.

"Hahaha," Howard kept laughing throughout their tea time.

Rupert was at his apartment, lazing around, when his phone rang. He answered his phone.

"Oi," Rupert said.

"Hello, Rupert," Victoria replied.

"What's up?"

"I'm calling to see if you want to come with us to a club,"

"A club?" Rupert hesitated, he had never been to a club... that's a lie. He has been to a club before. 

"Yeah!" Victoria answered.

"Okay, who's us?"

"Me, Charles, Ellie, Calvin, Konrad, June, and Henry,"

Oh.

Henry was going to be there.

He didn't feel like facing Henry after their "talk."

"Sorry, Tori," Rupert apologized, "Clubs are not my thing."

"Oh..." Victoria sounded disappointed, "That's fine. Bye, Rupert."

"Bye,"

Rupert hung up the phone as he lay down on his couch. He sighed and turned on the TV. He settled on watching a movie about a spy on an important mission. The movie was good until the part where the spy and the love interest confessed their love, which made Rupert gag. The last thing he wanted to see is some romance bullshit. 

It was nighttime when his stomach growled, and he got up to make a snack. While eating, he got a text message from Victoria. He checked it and saw a picture of Charles, Ellie, and the Bukowski twins drinking. He chuckled a little, but he looked closer at the picture. He didn't see Henry with them, but he spotted Henry in the back as he kept looking closer. Henry was talking to some random guy. 

However, it looked like the guy was flirting with Henry before Rupert.

For some reason, seeing the picture made his blood boil.

Rupert gripped the counter, he had many questions. His brain kept developing theories, and none of them were good. 

"Is he trying to move on?" Rupert thought, "Does he want to replace me? Would it help anyway?"

Rupert felt himself getting depressed.

Then his brain gave him an idea. He stood up straight and quickly headed to his bedroom. 

He changed into discreet but appropriate clothes for a club and went into his bathroom to check his outfit. He wore a black T-shirt, dark slacks, combat boots, and a black trench coat. He put gel in his hair to make it slick back, which was hard because he had a lot of hair. He stared at himself one last time, hoping he didn't stand out.

Before he left, he had to ask Victoria where they were. Victoria texted him the address, and he put it on his phone. He arrived at the club with many people, which wasn't unusual since it was Friday night. The DJ lights were blaring, and music was playing. Rupert saw people dancing and drinking.

Rupert searched for Victoria and the others; he found them sitting at a table near the dance floor. He didn't see Henry anywhere. He searched around to find Henry while being discreet. He kept searching until he found Henry sitting alone in the bar area, and saw that Henry had ordered water. 

"Who goes to the club to drink water?" Rupert asked himself as he headed over to him. 

Henry drank the water the bartender served him. He didn't like to drink much, only on special occasions. He heard someone sitting next to him, he hoped it wasn't someone looking for a cheap lay.

"Stickmin,"

Henry nearly spat out his water. He looked to his side and saw Rupert sitting next to him.

"Rupert? What are you doing?" Henry signed, looking annoyed.

"To talk to you, prick," Rupert replied angrily.

Henry glared at him. Rupert looked around and grabbed Henry's hand. Henry struggled against his grip, but let Rupert drag him outside. Rupert opened the door to the back alley and released Henry from his grip.

"Why are we outside?" Henry asked, crossing his arms.

"Like I said, to talk," Rupert replied, still annoyed.

"About what? Our soulmate marks?" Henry scoffed, "We have nothing to talk about."

"Yes, we do," Rupert growled.

Henry looked away.

"Look... I have been thinking about what you said and..." Rupert paused, then spoke again, "I feel like a jerk to you,"

"Oh what a surprise, the cocky hedeghohg can apologize," Henry replied sarcastically.

Rupert clenched his fists, "Cut it out," he growled.

"Why?"

"Why are you making this difficult?"

Henry didn't answer.

"Oh, that's real mature," Rupert snorted.

"Are you mocking me?" Henry retorted.

"Look, I'm sorry for the way I acted on the day we talked," Rupert apologized, ignoring Henry's retort, "It was shitty of me. I was never good with my anger issues."

"No kidding," Henry replied, scornfully.

Rupert's mouth twitched, "Anyway, I thought I needed to talk to you and to explain that I'm bad at apologizing. And you needed one from me,"

"Lucky me," Henry said, annoyed.

Rupert was losing his patience, Henry was not making the conversation easier. 

"The point is," Rupert said, straining to strangle Henry, "I needed to say sorry to you, and we need to talk about us working together despite the soulmate parts."

Henry sighed, as he uncrossed his arms, "I need to say sorry too. For keeping me being your soulmate a secret... and other stuff in the past." 

"But as your reaction was one of the reasons why I kept a secret," Henry explained, "The other reasons why are..."

"Are what?" Rupert inquired.

"You're an ex-cop, and I'm an ex-thief," Henry elaborated, "You're too good for me. Even if I didn't join the Government, I would bring you down. I've already hurt you so many times..."

Rupert stepped forward into Henry's space, but Henry didn't notice. 

"I hate to admit it, but I thought of confessing to you and hoping everything will be okay," Henry lamented.

"Henry... that sounds like a romcom," Rupert grunted.

"Oh, fuck you," Henry snapped.

Rupert didn't know what to do, but Henry still didn't notice that Rupert was inches away from him. Henry wanted to go back inside and find Charles. Rupert studied Henry's body language, Henry looked like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. Rupert decided to make a decision. He lifted Henry's head by his chin, Henry blinked in confusion.

"Henry, you're better off without me," Rupert stated firmly, "We will never work. We're too different, and our history makes it impossible to be together." 

Henry felt his heart break when he heard Rupert say that, though he knew from the beginning when he discovered his soulmate was Rupert. It still hurts, though. Henry nodded slowly as he removed Rupert's hand and headed to the door. Before he opened the door, he glanced at Rupert with a cold stare.

"I will be civilised towards you during briefings, meetings, and missions. Other than that, I won't talk to you. Ever."

Henry went back inside the club, leaving Rupert alone.

Rupert stared at the door for a few seconds, then began going home.

While Rupert was walking back home, his hands were in his pocket. He kept thinking about what Henry said to him and the cold look on Henry's face. He felt something in his heart, and he's unsure what it was.

"Why do I feel like I just lost someone important to me..." he whispered, as he entered his home.

He put on his pajamas and went to bed. 

Despite feeling tired, he couldn't sleep that night.

Chapter Text

It's been weeks since Rupert and Henry talked.

Like Henry said, they only interacted on missions and briefings.

They barely talked to each other.

He could never admit vocally, but he missed Henry. 

He couldn't fathom why, but he missed Henry.

Henry didn't bother...well, bother Rupert. 

Everyone noticed Henry's changed behavior and tried asking about it, but he stayed quiet. Rupert was also asked about Henry's change in behavior, but, like Henry, he stayed quiet. 

Rupert watched as Henry shot his weapon many times at the target and quickly reloaded his gun. Rupert wanted to do some target practice, and to his displeasure, Henry was already doing that. Rupert wanted to leave, but he wanted to practice his aiming, so he used the target on the far left because Henry was using the far right.

They didn't say anything as they kept hitting their targets. They were in sync, and they hit their targets perfectly. Rupert was loading his last ammo when he heard Henry put his gun away and his loading equipment away. Henry didn't acknowledge that Rupert was there. Rupert wondered if Henry was blatantly ignoring him, or if Henry didn't know Rupert was at the gun range with him. 

Rupert's going with the former, since even with headsets that protect your ears from the gunshots, you can still hear bullets being shot. 

Rupert was getting annoyed by Henry's silent treatment. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to talk to Henry, but it always ended in disaster whenever they spoke about their soulmarks. He could ask someone for advice, like Howard Lipton. However, Rupert didn't want to bother him. He could ask Charles or Ellie. No. They're friends with Henry, and he didn't want them to know Henry is his soulmate. 

Rupert was running out of options.

He would not talk to the Bukowski twins, they're too nosy. He can't talk to Victoria either, he doesn't know her view on soulmates. Rupert growled as he shot his last bullet into the target. He collected his target and put away his rifle. 

Rupert headed back to his apartment when he passed the General's office. He stopped for a moment. He could talk to the General, but the General wouldn't tell anyone about his soul mark. He weighed his options and sighed. 

"Oi... General. You in?" he said tentatively.

"What is it, Rupert?" Galeforce answered.

"May I come in?"

"Of course."

Rupert entered the office to find the General doing paperwork. The General looked up and smiled. 

"Hello, Rupert?" Galeforce asked, "What can I do for you?"

"I like to talk to you about something,"

"Oh? What do you want to talk to me about?"

"It's about soulmates and my soulmate..." Rupert admitted.

Galeforce chuckled, "Well, have a seat and let's chat."

Rupert sat in a chair and talked to Galeforce about his soulmate. A few hours later, Galeforce listened to Rupert's troubles. 

"After I told him that, he stopped talking to me," Rupert finished. 

"I don't blame him for being cold towards you," Galeforce said.

"Geez, thanks," Rupert muttered.

"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, Rupert," Galeforce pointed out, "I sympathize with both of you. Having a soulmate you know won't work out must be exhausting."

"You have no idea," Rupert murmured, crossing his arms and leaning back on his chair. 

Galeforce watched Rupert, who was sulking; he had never seen Rupert act like this. Galeforce knew his history with Henry and how one of Rupert's coworkers had been fired.  He also knew Rupert didn't like the idea of soulmates. Galeforce kept watching when his eyes widened.

"Rupert?" Galeforce said. 

"Yeah..." Rupert replied solemnly.

Galeforce cleared his throat, "Are you by chance...starting to develop feelings for Henry?"

Rupert blinked as he felt his face growing red. "What?!" he yelled, offended. 

"Calm down, Price," Galeforce responded, holding up his hands, "It's just a question."

"A stupid question! I don't like him that way and never will!" Rupert exclaimed angrily. 

"Didn't you admit earlier that you missed Henry?" Galeforce recounted with a raised eyebrow.

Rupert quickly covered his face with his hands. "I don't remember saying that," he lied, the answer muffled.

"Hmm," Galeforce said.

Rupert wanted the floor to swallow him deep underground. He felt embarrassed. 

"You know, Price," Galeforce said, standing up and in front of Rupert, "There is a mission in a couple of days, and I'm pairing you and Henry up again."

Rupert looked up at the General, his face still red.

"What mission?" he asked.

"You'll see," Galeforce replied, "Since you mentioned he only speaks to you on missions, why don't you take that opportunity to talk to him?"

Rupert stared at the General for a moment, then nodded. He stood up and headed to the entrance of the tent. He glanced over at the General, "Thanks, General."

"You're welcome, Rupert." 

Rupert left the office and went back to his apartment.

Like the General said, the day of the mission was here.

"Okay, everyone," Galeforce informed. "The Toppats are at it again, but we have the upper hand to take them down. Victoria, please inform everyone of the plan."

Victoria stood next to the General. She cleared her throat and glanced at everyone in the meeting room.

"Okay, everyone, here's the plan," Victoria stated.

While Victoria was explaining the plan, everyone listened except for two people. 

Henry and Rupert paid attention but weren't listening. Their minds were on other things. They sat beside each other; however, Henry had ignored Rupert since they arrived. Rupert was thinking about how to talk to Henry on the mission without getting distracted.

"That's the plan, does everyone understand?" Victoria finished.

Everyone nodded.

"Good, now let's go!"

Everyone boarded the helicopters and headed to their destination. Charles was flying his helicopter with the General, Ellie, Henry, Rupert, and several others. Ellie was in the passenger seat next to Charles.  The General was between them, telling Charles the coordinates. He noticed Charles's and Ellie's blushing faces. He raised an eyebrow and silently chuckled. 

"Ah, young love," he thought with a smile. 

He glanced over Rupert and Henry, who sat next to each other but weren't talking to each other. Henry blatantly ignored Rupert as he checked over his weapon while Rupert tried to sleep. Galeforce frowned. He's hoping this mission will help them reconcile. Rupert was leaning against some crates next to him, trying to sleep. He was having trouble because he was trying to think of a way to talk to Henry.

He finally fell asleep when Henry finished checking his weapon. Henry put down his gun as he leaned back. He heard a sound to his right and turned to see that Rupert was snoring lightly. Henry smiled a little. Even though Henry keeps acting cold toward Rupert, he still thinks Rupert was cute, especially when asleep. 

"Stop it, Stickmin," Henry thought sadly. "He made it loud and clear that our relationship would never work."

"Price, wake up," Galeforce shook Rupert awake, "We're here."

Rupert blinked, then rubbed his eyes. He still felt groggy as he stretched, and he stood up. He almost bumped into Henry, who held up his weapon.

Rupert slowly grabbed his gun and wordlessly thanked Henry.

Henry nodded as the General approached them, and Charles landed the helicopter next to a jungle. Charles and Ellie stood next to them. 

"You lot know what to do," Galeforce instructed, "Be careful."

Everyone nodded. 

Everyone exited the helicopter while the few soldiers in the other helicopters waited. Charles, Ellie, Henry, and Rupert trekked through the jungle quietly. There was a hidden base that the Toppat clan was using as a means of operations. The Government wanted to stop them from doing any more harm. To Henry, it didn't matter if they stopped them. The Toppat would always find a way to outsmart the Government.

"Psst, hey guys," Ellie whispered, getting everyone's attention. She pointed to a building hidden behind trees. "There's the building!"

"Good job, Ellie," Charles said happily.

Rupert and Henry saw that their faces were red. Henry rolled his eyes while Rupert shook his head and stepped in between. 

"This is too wholesome for my liking, guys," Rupert replied, annoyed. 

"What's the matter, Thorn?" Ellie teased, and Rupert's eye twitched at the nickname. "Annoyed by us?"

"No," Rupert grumbled.

"Hey guys, we have a mission to do," Henry said.

"Henry's right. We have to get inside the base and stop the Toppat clan," Charles added.

"Fine," Rupert said, looking at the trio.

"Ellie and Charles, you guys will handle the guards and any toppers while you stand guard," Rupert ordered. Henry and I will check inside for useful information to take down the Toppat clan."

Everyone nodded.

Charles and Ellie snuck through the bushes to apprehend the two Toppats standing guard. The Toppat guards were busy discussing which hats were theirs when they were both knocked out. Charles and Ellie motioned to Rupert and Henry that it was safe. Rupert led the way, and Henry followed him. They held out their guns and snuck past several Toppats. 

They found the room filled with files that were not found on the airship. 

"They have more files?!" Rupert whispered angrily.

Rupert quietly looked inside the room to find a Toppat sitting at a table, reading one of the files. Rupert and Henry were on both sides of the entrance, thinking of a way to get rid of the Toppat.

"Great... now what?" Rupert whispered to himself. He stared at Henry, who wasn't looking at him. 

Rupert blew a puff of air, making his bangs poof up. "This is going to be a long mission... isn't it?" he thought.

Henry's mind was elsewhere. He did not want to be here. He wanted to be at home, in his room, and on his bed. He also didn't want to be near Rupert. 

"Psst!"

Henry glanced at Rupert, and Rupert started signing the plan to him. After a few minutes of telling Henry the plan, he gave him a thumbs-up to indicate that he understood the plan. Henry didn't do anything for a moment, then he shrugged. Rupert snapped.

Rupert covered his mouth to muffle his screams and expletives. 

Henry smiled when he saw Rupert was losing it. He pulled something from behind him, and he quietly entered the room. Rupert finally calmed down when he noticed Henry was gone. 

"Oh, hello, Mr. Spider," 

Rupert blinked as he glanced inside the room. He saw the Toppat looking at a fake spider. An annoyed Henry knocked the Toppat out. Henry motioned for Rupert to come inside, and Rupert immediately entered the room and closed the door. Rupert locked the door as Henry tied up the Toppat. 

"What the hell is your problem?!" Rupert exclaimed angrily, fists clenching.

"What do you mean?" Henry replied, playing dumb.

"You ignored my freaking plan and went off on your!" Rupert bellowed, "And you haven't been talking to me either!"

Henry rolled his eyes, "Your plan sucked and I told you, I will only interact with you on missions," he answered. 

"Yeah, right," Rupert scoffed, crossing his arms, "You barely acknowledged me during the ride, and you ignored my plan."

"I did not!"

"Did too!"

"Are you calling me a liar?" Henry said, annoyed.

"If the boot fits, Diamond," Rupert spat out. 

"Say that again, Porcupine," Henry threatened lowly.

"If. The. Boot. Fits, Diamond," Rupert repeated with a glint in his eye.

"Okay, Thorn," Henry replied, ignoring Rupert's nickname for him. He cracked his knuckles while looking at Rupert.

Before Rupert could retort, Henry tackled him.

"Ack!" Rupert yelped. 

Henry started punching him. Rupert blocked his punches and kicked him. Henry yelped as he landed on his back. He was about to get up when Rupert pinned him down. Henry tried to escape, but Rupert's grip was strong.

"Let me go!" Henry protested.

"Nope," Rupert smirked.

"That's not fair! You're stronger than me!"

"Aw, what's the matter, Stickmin?" Rupert teased. "Can't handle losing to me?"

"Fuck you!"

"Guys, can you stop fighting!" Charles said through their mics. 

Rupert and Henry ignored him. 

"Let. Me. Go!" Henry growled.

"No," Rupert snarled.

An alarm suddenly went off, making them panic. 

"Shit!" Rupert cursed, let go of Henry, and they both quickly stood up.

"Guys, get out of there! They're coming!" Ellie urged them.

Henry took out a USB drive and plug it in the computer the Toppat was using. Rupert stand guard while Henry downloaded the files. It was taking a while which bugged them. Rupert open the door to spot any Toppats but couldn't find any. 

"C'mon, Hen, make it work faster!" Ellie shouted.

"Patience is a virtue," Henry sang out.

Rupert heard a couple of voices outside near the room, he glared at Henry.

"Not right now it isn't," Rupert barked.

"Got it, now let's go!" Henry held up the USB drive, ignoring Rupert in the process. 

Rupert opened the door, and they both exited the room. They were about to head toward the direction where the entrance was, but they heard the Toppats coming toward them. "Let's go the other way!" Rupert commanded. 

They headed to the other direction, Rupert tried to call for help but Charles and the others were busy fighting the Toppats. Rupert and Henry stopped to rest at a hallway. 

"What do we do? There's no exit!" Henry signed desperately.

"Shut up, I'm thinking," Rupert instructed grumpily.

Henry looked around, then stared at Rupert, who was thinking, when a hand was over his mouth. He wanted to scream to get Rupert's attention, however, he was quickly taken away. Rupert kept thinking when he thought of an idea. He was about to tell Henry the plan when he noticed Henry was missing.

"Fuck! Where is he?!" he thought, panicking. "He was right next to me!"

Rupert wanted to get angry,y but he calmed down.

"Wait... let's not panic. I've got to control my anger," he told himself. The General and everybody else have told him he has anger issues. He hated it. That's why he was trying to control his anger.

He was calm, then he had an idea where Henry might be. 

Henry struggled against his captor, he didn't know where they're taking him but he needed to get back to Rupert. He kept struggling while he heard a deep rumble against his back. His captor was chuckling.

"Looks like I got myself a thief turnedGovernmentt," said a deep voice.

Henry stopped struggling as he heard the familiar voice. He trembled a bit. 

The Toppat's leader's right-hand man, Right, was holding him captive. Oh no! This was not good. 

You've always been a thorn in our side, kid," Right stated with a growl. "But since you joined the Government dogs, it's been hell."

Henry wanted to retreat, but Right was still covering his mouth. He needed a plan. His heart started beating faster when he felt Right's arms around his neck, trying to choke him. 

"S-Stop! L-Let me g-g-go!" Henry choked out.

"Not a chance, kid," Right smirked.

Henry started seeing spots, and his eyes were wet with tears. He was about to lose consciousness when he felt himself being released. Right yelped when he felt a sharp pain in his side, and he was kicked to the side. 

"Let go of him, you bastard!" Rupert snarled. Henry coughed as Rupert went over to him. Henry sucked in a few breaths into his lungs, he was held gently against Rupert.

"Oi, Henry, you okay?" Rupert asked gently. 

Henry nodded, "Yeah... thanks for saving me again,"

Rupert scoffed, "Don't get used to it. You're like a damn damsel in distress,"

Henry was offended by that comment, but Rupert was right. He can't count how many times he kept getting kidnapped. "C'mon, let's get out of here," Rupert said, "We need to get back to the helicopter."

Henry nodded, but Right grabbed Rupert's collar and threw him against the wall. Rupert yelped as he slid down to the floor. His brain was fuzzy as his vision started getting blurry, and he thought he heard Henry scream at him, but his ears were ringing. Henry was hit in the head by Right and hit the floor with a thud.

Henry couldn't move. 

Rupert held up his hand, "H-Henry..."

Right grabbed both Rupert and Henry by their collars and dragged them. 

A door opened, and Right threw the soldiers in a small red room.

"Ack!" They both yelped in unison.

They sat up and looked at Right who was standing at the doorway with a smirk. "You boys are in our way. You're like pests. And as pests, we trap them and later we figured what to do with ya."

"Enjoy your stay, boys," Right said with a low rumble and closed the door. He made sure to lock it before returning to help the Toppats that were battling the soldiers outside. 

"Oh no..." Henry croaked.

"Fuck..." Rupert added, a bit of dread in his tone.

What will they do now?

Chapter Text

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Rupert cursed, trying to break the door with his fists. 

Rupert's fists started to bleed as exhaustion took over him. He slid down to the floor, forehead on the door. 

Behind him, Henry was panicking. He didn't want to be here. He needed to get out of here! 

Rupert heard Henry's heavy breathing and tiny gasps. He glanced over at him to see what was going on. Henry looked around the room and hugged himself. Rupert raised an eyebrow in confusion. What's Henry so worried about?

"Oi, Stickmin, why are you acting like you've never been in a cell before?" he asked strangely. "Considering yer history, you should be used to this now."

"Yeah, but not by other criminals!" Henry exaggerated. "Or by someone with ego issues!" 

Rupert's eye twitched at the obvious jab at him. He ignored it as he went over to him, and Henry was still panicking. "Oi... Henry. Calm down." Rupert told Henry, "We just have to wait for everyone to notice we're gone, and they will come and rescue us."

As if on cue, some of the Toppats shouted, "The Government is retreating!"

The other Toppat members started cheering from the outside. Rupert's and Henry's faces went pale upon hearing the commotion. 

Henry glared at Rupert, "Got any bright ideas, Thorn?"

Rupert's face went red in embarrassment, and he covered his face with his hat. 

"Do they realize I have the documents on this USB drive?" Henry questioned. 

Rupert blinked as he stared at Henry, "The Toppats or the Government?" he replied.

Henry shrugged. 

Rupert slapped a hand to his forehead, grumbling in the process. 

"Looks like we're stuck here until help arrives..."

Rupert looked at his bleeding knuckles. He needed to bandage them, or else they would get infected. He got out some bandages and tended to his wounds. While Rupert was wrapping his fists with bandages, Henry sat on a huge bed in their room.

"You should have escaped when you had the chance," Henry murmured.

"What?" Rupert turned to Henry.

"I said you should have escaped when you had the chance," Henry repeated. 

"Why?" 

Henry rubbed his arm awkwardly, "I've already caused you so much pain with my idiotic antics, and I don't want you caught up in my mess than you already have," he admitted.

"It's too late for that, Stickmin." Rupert went over to him and sat beside him.

Henry didn't say anything after that. They both sat in the cell in awkward silence. Rupert looked at Henry's neck to see if there was any bruising. He winced when he saw that there were dark bruises around his neck.

"Hey...is your neck okay?" Rupert asked tentatively.

Henry blinked at him, then his eyes widened. 

"Yeah..."

They went back to being silent again. They both felt the tension was thick. Rupert stared at Henry, who stared at the wall like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen. 

"C'mon, Price, just talk to him," he thought, "We're gonna be stuck here for a while. We might as well get this thing off our chests."

"Uh... Henry," Rupert cleared his throat before speaking again, "Remember how I said we won't be able to work it out?" 

"Yeah... what about it?" Henry questioned coldly. 

"Geez... you don't have to be so cold, Stickmin."

"Do you ever get tired of torturing me?" 

"Do you ever get tired of being negative?" Rupert retorted.

Henry growled, but Rupert put his hands in defense.

"Easy Stickmin, I just wanna talk," Rupert said firmly.

"I don't want to talk to you," Henry grumbled.

"Too bad. We need to talk."

Henry rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms.

"You wanna know why I've said that?" Rupert continued, "It's because of my parents."

Henry glanced at Rupert, whose eyes were hidden by his hair and whose face was hidden by his hat.

"My parents were soulmates, but they didn't get along," Rupert explained, "My dad... he was abusive towards me and my mom. My mom will usually protect me from him, but when I was 5 or six, I can't remember, my mom decided to leave me alone with the abusive bastard."

Rupert spat out the last word in a venomous tone. Henry saw Rupert's body trembling and thought he heard some sniffling. 

"Have you tried contacting your mom after she left?" Henry asked curiously.

Rupert shook his head, "After she left, I started feeling resentment toward her. Even after graduating from high school and leaving my dad behind, I still didn't contact her."

Henry heard Rupert's voice cracking, and he blinked in surprise when he saw Rupert was sobbing.

He had never seen Rupert cry; it was his first time seeing a vulnerable Rupert. He wanted to comfort him, but he knew Rupert didn't like to be touched. 

"A-and t-he th-ing you s-said. "What's the point of soulmates anyway?" Rupert choked out. 

Henry didn't say anything. He was too shocked to see Rupert's vulnerable side. Henry sighed as he made a decision. Henry gently pulled Rupert close to him. He felt Rupert stiffen, but he didn't push him away. Rupert put his forehead on Henry's shoulder while he sobbed, and Henry kept listening.

He sniffled as he rubbed his stinging eyes. He quickly wiped his tears, but didn't pull away from Henry. 

"Why do you put up with me?" Rupert asked hoarsely, his voice was tired from the sobbing.

"It's not putting up with you, Thorn," Henry replied gently, chuckling. "It's called helping someone in need."

"If you were still a criminal, you wouldn't be saying that," Rupert mumbled.

That kind of hurt, but Rupert was right. If Henry were still a thief, he wouldn't be saying that. Henry wouldn't have cared in the past and kept creating problems for everyone involved in his schemes. 

"You're right..." Henry replied.

"What made you change?"

Henry looked away as Rupert glanced up. Henry's face was red. 

"Henry?" Rupert said tentatively.

Henry stared into Rupert's red, puffy eyes."I changed after joining the government."

"After the night, I discovered you were my soulmate. I resigned to the fate that we would never work out. Then I saw you working with the Government. I knew we would never get along," Henry explained. "However, my morals have changed as I went on more missions with you and everyone else.

Rupert listened to Henry's explanation. 

"Interacting with everyone, including June, Victoria, and the Bukowski twins, made me feel like I was just some stupid lonely thief," Henry continued. "I can't escape my past as a thief and hurt so many people...."

Rupert heard Henry sniffling. 

He glanced at Henry, who was beginning to cry. 

"And my mindset of soulmates is the way it is because my parents are not each other's soulmates." 

Rupert blinked. He cleared his throat.

"Do they get along?" Rupert whispered.

"They do," Henry replied quickly, "But I'll never understand why, though."

They fell into silence. Then they heard someone outside their door saying it was nighttime. They groaned again in anger and despair. 

"Now we have to wait till morning," Rupert grumbled.

Henry looked at the bed for a moment, then at Rupert. "At least we have a bed to sleep on," 

Henry sheepishly signed that. Rupert thought Henry's voice was tired from talking, exhausted from his excessive sobbing. He stared at the bed while thinking. 

"I don't think this bed is big enough for both of us, Stickmin," Rupert informed Henry.

"I don't take that much space," Henry said. 

"That's because you're a toothpick," Rupert chuckled.

Henry's face immediately went bright red. "I am not!" he protested.

"Compared to me, Charles, and several other guys," Rupert stated with a grin, "You're skinny."

"What about you, big boy?" Henry retorted.

"What about me?" Rupert answered back, smirking. 

"You're fat," Henry pointed out.

"Oooh, what a lame insult," Rupert replied sarcastically, "Also, I'm not fat, I just have muscle, which anyone with eyes can see."

Henry scoffed and turned away from him. Rupert shook his head. "You know, you being skinny isn't exactly healthy."

When Henry was arrested, Rupert looked at his records and saw that he was underweight for a man his size. Rupert was worried about his weight but didn't vocally admit it out loud. Now, Henry still looked like he was underweight. 

"Why do you care about my weight?" Henry said, annoyed.

"You could get eating disorders," Rupert answered, worried.

"Nobody cares about my weight before, and neither should you now," Henry said, getting angry.

"Charles, Ellie, and everyone else do," Rupert admitted quietly. 

"What?" Henry quickly glanced at Rupert. 

"Even the General is worried about your health." Rupert ignored Henry's blank stare. "That's why Charles and sometimes I must remind you to eat more."

Henry bowed his head, "Why do you care about my weight?" he repeated.

Rupert swiftly covered his face with his hat because his face was cherry red. "I... miss you."

Rupert said the last part so quietly that Henry almost couldn't hear him. 

"What?"

"I said I miss you," Rupert admitted confidently.

Henry's face turned redder when he heard Rupert say that. He blinked in confusion. "You missed me?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yes. After our talk back at the club," Rupert elaborated, "You treated me coldly, in the same way I treated you. I never thought I would miss your presence, and I deserved to be treated coldly by you."

Henry didn't know what to say. He thought he was dreaming. Or in a different timeline. It was weird hearing Rupert admit that he missed Henry. 

"You'll sleep on the end where the wall is, and I will sleep beside ya," Rupert instructed, bringing Henry out of his thoughts. Henry nodded. They both took off their boots and lay beside each other. 

It was awkward to say the least.

Henry's mind was in a fog while he was on his side, trying to sleep. Rupert's head was crowded with thoughts, as was his side. They both faced away from each other. Henry's mind was still cloudy when he heard a soft snore to his right. He glanced over his shoulder to find Rupert sound asleep. Henry figured Rupert was having sleep problems because of the bags under his eyes.

Henry slightly smiled. He came back to his side as he felt his eyes starting to droop. He finally fell asleep.

The next morning, Henry was the first one to be awake. 

However, instead of feeling cold from last night, he felt... oddly warm. He also felt something around his waist. He looked down to find a pair of familiar hands around him. He then felt something hot against his neck. He looked behind him, and his face went a bright pink with embarrassment.

Rupert, the prickly guy with a bad attitude, was cuddling him!

Henry's mind was spiraling out of control as he tried to escape Rupert's grip, but Rupert was strong.  "Ah, great..." Henry thought to himself.

Without having any way to move, he quietly waited for Rupert to wake up. After a few minutes, Henry's body started to hurt. Rupert was like a big, heavy cat. Henry wanted to move very badly. Henry wondered if he would die like this when he heard Rupert stirring. Rupert's grip on him loosened, and Henry immediately jumped over him to get away.

Rupert sat up as he yawned and cracked his neck. He sighed in contentment as he heard a pop. He looked to his side to find Henry missing, and he was about to panic when he saw Henry a few feet away from him. He sighed in relief but was confused about why Henry was fanning himself. 

"What's the matter, Stickmin?" Rupert teased, Henry's face became brighter, "Hot?"

"No!" Henry squeaked.

"Seriously, what's the matter?" Rupert frowned.

"Nothing!" Henry hastily answered.

Rupert knew Henry was lying. He was about to ask what was wrong again when they heard chaos outside the door. Rupert quickly put on his boots, motioning Henry to do the same, and they both pressed their ears to the door. 

They heard shouting and someone barking orders. They stared at each other in confusion for a moment and resumed hearing the commotion outside. There were sounds of explosions outside the building. The building rumbled, making the soldiers stumble a bit. 

"What the hell is going on?" Rupert asked. 

"I don't know, but we have to get out of here," Henry stated.

"But how? The door is locked on the outside," Rupert pointed out. 

Henry was thinking of a plan while Rupert kept hearing the commotion outside. He heard shouts and commands from several Toppat members, then someone shouting, "They're here! They're here!"

Rupert blinked as he glanced at Henry, who was still thinking. Henry was still thinking of a plan when he heard a beeping noise. The door opened, and they saw several Toppats running past them. They didn't notice the stunned soldiers. 

"What just happened?" Rupert asked Henry.

Henry shrugged.

"Let's get out of here. I think the Government camped out last night and are now attacking the place." Rupert informed Henry.

Henry nodded as he followed Rupert out of their prison. They went in the opposite direction from the Toppats. They made sure to stay out of sight and to take out any Toppat member in their way. Rupert and Henry were close to the entrance of the building when they heard Charles in their earpieces.

"Guys! Get out of there!"

Rupert talked into the earpiece, "Got it, Charles."

Henry waited for Rupert to finish talking to Charles when he felt a sense of dread. He frowned, then pulled Rupert away from a knife that was planted inches from his head. Rupert blinked in confusion and shock. He wordlessly thanked Henry for saving him. However, another knife was thrown at them, and they quickly dodged it.

They both turned to see a female Toppat member glaring at them. The toppat was holding a sword, and she was grinning evilly. 

"Fuck..." Rupert cursed.

Chapter Text

"Going somewhere?" The female toppat member sneered.

Rupert raised a hand in front of Henry. Henry held up his gun, trembling a little. Rupert glared daggers at the female holding her weapon.

"Ya, and you are?" Rupert drawled.

"Carol Cross," Carol replied, "I am one of the Toppat top and best recruits."

"Oh?" Rupert said in a mocking tone.

Henry covered his mouth to contain his giggle, and Rupert smirked while Carol growled.

Carol pointed her sword at them, "Don't mock me!"

Rupert clicked his teeth, "Ooooh, someone's angry," he said.

"Look, who's talking?" Henry thought sarcastically.

"Enough! I'm not letting you guys escape!" Carol shrieked, getting ready to charge at them.

"Henry, quick, find the others!" Rupert whispered to Henry, "I will take care of her."

"B-but I can help-" Henry protested.

"Go!" Rupert interrupted him, seeing Carol running towards them with her sword.

Henry ran away while Rupert swiftly dodged the weapon. 

"Why does he want to play the hero?" Henry said to himself as he kept running.

He slowed his pace and stopped. He knew that standing in a hallway where a Toppat could capture him again wasn't the best idea, but he wasn't the brightest man. Rupert wanted him to find the others, but on the other hand, he needed help.

Henry made a decision and headed back for Rupert.

Rupert kept dodging Carol's sword while she kept swinging at him. He knew Carol was livid. He did pissed her off... so yeah, she was pissed. 

"An angry person is a predictable person," Rupert thought as he dodged the sword, and the sword plunged into the wall.  

He knew that phrase all too well.

Carol struggled to get her sword out but failed. She growled, then gave up. She pulled out a gun and started shooting at Rupert. However, predicting this, he quickly ran away from the gunshots. She kept firing until the gun was out of ammo. 

"Argh!" Carol yelled.

"Ha," Rupert said while smirking, crossing his arms. "Bad luck, huh?"

 Carol clenched her fists, "Don't get cocky, porcupine." 

Rupert's smirk dropped when Carol pulled her sword out of the wall and charged toward him. Rupert was about to dodge again, but Carol didn't give him the chance. She suddenly appeared in front of him. He jumped and stepped back, but felt a hard surface against his back. 

"Fuck!" Rupert cursed in his head. 

Carol smirked, "Trapped, huh, hedgehog?" 

Carol raised her sword to deliver the final blow, and Rupert shielded himself from the blow.

Carol plunged the sword at him.

"AAAAAAHHHH!"

Rupert peeked with one eye open to find Henry in front of him. He blinked in surprise as Henry groaned in pain, and he collapsed. Rupert grabbed him and pulled him closer.

"St-stickmin! What the hell did you do?!" Rupert exclaimed, seeing the huge red gash across Henry's chest. Henry covered his chest with his arms and glanced up at Rupert with a pained smile.

"I-I s-s-saved y-you, T-thorn," Henry answered waverly.

"Why?!" Rupert demanded, his voice breaking.

Henry didn't say anything. He was in pain, and Rupert saw the crimson substance through Henry's shirt. Rupert immediately took off his jacket and covered Henry's wound. Rupert hugged him as he heard Carol snicker.

"Haha, your lover got hurt," she guffawed.

Rupert growled as he held Henry close to him. 

"Fuck you," Rupert said coldly.

"Hehe, say goodbye, porcupine," Carol informed nastily.

Rupert quickly hugged Henry and shielded him from the upcoming fatal blow.  

However, someone else entered the room and knocked Carol out. Carol fell to the ground with a yelp. Rupert looked up to see Ellie standing over Carol's unconscious body. 

"You guys, okay?"Ellie asked breathlessly. 

Rupert shook his head and showed Henry to Ellie. Ellie gasped and swiftly kneeled in front of them.

"What happened?!" Ellie exclaimed in a panic.

"He got wounded when he tried to protect me!" Rupert wailed, making Ellie confused. 

She saw Rupert hugging Henry and thought she saw tears, but that doesn't matter now. They need to get out of here! 

"Let's get out of here!" Ellie shouted.

Rupert picked up Henry in a bridle style and followed Ellie. The Toppat clan was retreating, which pleased the Government. 

"Where are they?!" Calvin questioned anxiously. 

"Ellie went to go find them," Konrad informed his brother.

"Yeah, but where are they?" June asked. "We can't leave them out here!"

"Guys, calm down," Charles reassured everyone, "Ellie will find them, and you should know who they are. Those three never give up."

Calvin kept searching for them among the scattered Toppat when he spotted a familiar red hair amid the chaos. 

"Hey, it's Ellie!" Calvin pointed.

"She's got Rupert and... is that Henry that Rupert is carrying?" June wondered.

"Guys, get in!!!" Calvin ordered.

Ellie hopped in and motioned to Rupert to hand Henry over to her. Rupert gently handed Henry to Ellie and quickly hopped on. The General ordered Charles to lift off. 

Charles quickly lifted off, inputted the coordinates, and returned to the Government base.

"Guys, are you ok?" June paused when she saw Henry's wound. 

"What happened to Henry?!" June exclaimed in a panic.

Everyone now noticed Rupert's bloodstained jacket and the bloodstained Henry. 

Everyone started talking at once, and the General ordered everyone to calm down, but nobody listened.

"How did Henry end up like this?" Calvin questioned.

"Who done this to him?!" Ellie demanded angrily.

"Is he okay?" Konrad added.

"Guys, we need to" 

"SHUT UP!!!" Rupert roared, interrupting June and scaring everyone in the helicopter, including the General.

Rupert turned to June, who jumped upon seeing Rupert's glare.

"June, I need you to do first aid on Henry," Rupert barked. He then turned to Ellie, "Ellie, you help her."

June and Ellie nodded swiftly, afraid of Rupert's dark aura, which he was radiating. The girls started doing first aid on Henry. The Bukowski twins went up to Rupert.

"Since when do you care about Henry?" Calvin implored, crossing his arms. Rupert crossed his arms because he didn't like Calvin's tone with him.

"Since... since..." Rupert wanted to admit Henry was his soulmate, but didn't want to open that can of worms yet.

"Hey, Henry is losing consciousness!" June informed everyone.

Henry hissed as he felt pain. He saw black dots surrounding his vision and his mind slipping into a haze. He heard voices, but they were muffled. 

"Henry, stay awake!" Rupert bellowed at Henry.

"Stay awake, please, Henry," Ellie urged.

Henry couldn't stay awake much longer. He let the darkness consume him.

Hours later, Henry groaned as he shifted.

He slowly opened his eyes but quickly shut them because of a bright light. He waited for a few minutes to open his eyes, then he opened them again. His eyes adjusted to the light, and he sat up; however, he lay back down with a hiss. He looked down at his hospital gown. He furrowed his brows in confusion. What happened after he passed out?

There was a soft noise to his left, and he glanced over to his left.

His gaze softened when he saw Rupert asleep in a chair. He wasn't in his uniform; he was wearing casual clothing. Henry glanced at his surroundings. He was at the medical bay. He was about to wake Rupert when he paused. His eyes widened in fear. What happened at the Toppat base? What about the USB drive? What happened to everything else?! 

Henry had so many questions.

Rupert stirred when he heard Henry was awake. He blinked as he yawned and stretched until he heard a popping sound. He sighed in relief, then he glanced at Henry, who stared at him blankly.

"Um..." Rupert cleared his throat. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore and a little confused," Henry replied.

"Can't blame ya," Rupert said, shaking his head to get rid of some sleep. 

"What happened after I passed out?" Henry asked.

"A lot of things," Rupert responded in an annoyed tone.

Rupert started explaining what had transpired hours ago. Henry listened through the entire conversation. 

"And now, we're here..." Rupert finished tiredly.

Henry nodded but then remembered something important.

"What about the USB drive?" Henry questioned anxiously.

"Don't worry, Stickmin," Rupert answered with a chuckle. "The USB drive is safe and sound with the General."

Henry sighed in relief, but hissed a little. Rupert immediately went up to him.

"Easy, Henry," Rupert said softly, "You're recovering from a bad wound."

"Is that what the bandages wrapped around my chest are for?" Henry pointed to his chest.

Rupert nodded slowly. He bowed his head down. 

"Look, thanks for saving me and stuff," Rupert started. "But what you did was a stupid move on ya part."

"What was I supposed to do?!" Henry exclaimed, using his voice, which shook the room a little. "You were about to get hurt and killed by me!"

"Henry, I ordered you to go find the others," Rupert informed Henry, "I can handle myself."

Henry didn't say anything. 

"And you almost died from blood loss," Rupert added, tone hinting at worry.

Henry stared down at his chest. He frowned. The last thing he remembered was shielding Rupert and being carried by Rupert.

"The doctor said you should heal, but your wound will leave a scar on your chest," Rupert told Henry.

"Okay..." Henry said quietly.

They went silent for a moment. 

Rupert cleared his throat again, making Henry look at him.

"Hey... um... Henry," Rupert began, face scarlet. "While you were sleeping... I got to thinking."

"About?" 

"We could... try to work this out," Rupert admitted, face burning.

Henry blinked, "What?" he said.

Rupert snapped a hand to his forehead.

"Are you dense, Stickmin," Rupert mumbled. "I'm trying to say, what if we can try this whole soulmate out?"

Henry stared at Rupert for a few seconds, then he looked away.

"But... what about what you told me before?" he whispered.

"Forget all that," Rupert told Henry. "I want to try it to see if it works."

"What made you change your mind?"

"Let's just say almost losing you gave me a wake-up call."

The ex-cop's and ex-thief's faces were cherry red. They looked away from each other, and both were also sweating. Was it hot in here? Or was it them?

They didn't have time to think about it when they heard voices, interrupting their inner turmoil. 

"No way... You guys are soulmates?!" 

They both glanced at Charles, Ellie, and the Bukowski twins, and Victoria was standing a few feet away. They both squeaked when they saw their faces. Ellie was grinning, Charles was dumbfounded, the Bukowski twins were confused, and Victoria was shaking her head.

Rupert and Henry quickly protested and tried denying it. However, everyone already saw the truth.

"How long have you guys been standing there?" Rupert said through gritted teeth. 

"Long enough to hear your confession to Henry?" Ellie replied, smirking.

Rupert's eye twitched with anger.

"You and Henry are soulmates?" Charles asked innocently, "How long have you known?"

"Yeah! You guys hate each other, right?" Konrad added.

"We couldn't go a day without hearing guys fighting," Calvin pointed out.

Rupert glanced at Henry, who hid his face with his hands. He was trying to hide his embarrassment. Rupert shook his head swiftly as he covered his face with his hat. 

"Guys, stop embarrassing them," Victoria scolded everyone. 

"Thank you, Victoria," Rupert and Henry thought in unison.

By the time Henry got out of the medical wing, everyone in the base knew Rupert and Henry were soulmates. 

Ellie couldn't keep her big mouth shut and told everyone. 

Rupert and Henry weren't happy with her since everyone kept asking questions. It got out of hand when some of the questions became personal, so Rupert asked them politely yet firmly to stop asking questions. Everyone got the message crystal clear.

"How are you and Henry getting along?" Howard questioned, sipping his tea.

"Surprisingly, great," Rupert replied, also sipping his tea.

"Oh, really?" Howard said, raising his eyebrow, wanting to hear the details.

"Ya... I thought it was gonna be like my parents' situation," Rupert explained, gaze darkened for a bit, "But... we manage to make it work."

"Sure, as a couple, we have our share of arguments and things that annoy us about each other," Rupert continued, while Howard kept listening. "But we manage to work things out."

"That's good."

"Ya, and he changed a lot like he said,"

"So have you," Howard thought, but didn't want to admit it.

Rupert had changed so much after he and Henry got together. Rupert was still cold and prickly, but he warmed up a bit. He has also gotten his anger issues in check. He still got angry, but with Henry's help, he managed to control it. Henry had changed, too. He no longer steals anything except for Rupert's hat and jacket. Henry had gained weight and was now at a healthy weight. Everyone was worried that Henry was going to wither away; however, with Rupert's and everyone's help, he didn't.

"I wonder if getting laid had something to do with him being happy now," Howard's mind told Howard. Howard chuckled.

"What?" Rupert asked, finishing his tea.

"Nothing," Howard answered, smiling.

Rupert narrowed his eyes at Howard but dropped it. He thanked Howard for the tea and left to find Henry.

Rupert found Henry counting inventory inside one of the warehouses. Rupert smiled as he closed the door and walked over to Henry. 

Chapter Text

Henry was cooking something in the pot when a hand grabbed his pant leg. He looked down to see a 5-year-old looking up at him. 

"What is it, Ricky?" Henry said, resuming cooking.

"Papa, I'm hungry," Ricky whined. "Can I have a snack?"

"Dinner's almost ready, so no," Henry replied.

"Awwww," Ricky pouted, crossing his arms. 

Henry laughed at Ricky's cute pouty face. He looked so much like his father. Richard Stickmin-Price, or Ricky for short, is a carbon copy of his father, Rupert Price. Ricky had the same hair color and a similar hairstyle. However, Ricky's hair was messier than Rupert's. The only thing Ricky inherited from Henry is his eye color. 

"Take a seat at the table. Your dad is going to be home soon," Henry said.

"Okay..." Ricky pulled out a chair and sat on it. 

He waited patiently while Henry was setting the table. Henry returned to the pot when he heard the front door open and close. 

"I'm home!"

Henry smiled as Ricky exited the table and ran to the front door. Henry followed him out of the kitchen as he saw his husband picking Ricky up and hugging him. 

"Daddy! Stop hugging me!" Ricky protested, trying to get out of his dad's grip.

"Hey, you wanted this," Rupert said, smirking.

"Do not!" 

"Oh, ya?"

Henry chuckled as Rupert put Ricky down. Ricky ran back to the kitchen. Rupert came up to Henry and kissed him. 

"How was work, Thorn?" Henry asked Rupert when they pulled away from the kiss.

"Ugh, stressful," Rupert replied, removing his work gear and putting it away. "Training newbies  is annoying."

"If you can handle the Bukowski twins, you can handle the newbies," Henry pointed out.

"Ya, but don't you remember the time I almost killed them?"

"I do. If I had a dollar for every time you almost kill them, I would be rich."

Rupert laughed. 

Rupert took off his boots at the couch while Henry put Rupert's work stuff in the closet near the door. 

"By the way, where's Sapphire?" Rupert asked.

"She's taking her nap," Henry answered, pointing upstairs, "I think she's about ready to-"

"WAAAAAAA!" 

Henry paused. As if on cue, Sapphire woke up.

"Looks like she's awake," Henry said sheepishly. 

"I'll go get her," Rupert said, getting up.

"Thanks! Dinner is about done." Henry informed Rupert.

"Gotcha."

Rupert headed upstairs while Henry entered the kitchen. Rupert knocked on the door far from their bedroom and entered the room. The room was bright purple and pink, filled with toys and plushies. The room also had white drawers, a closet, and a small table with chairs. Rupert looked over at the bed, whose occupant stared at her dad with sad golden eyes. Rupert saw Sapphire holding her plushie of a bat. 

"Hello, Sapphire," Rupert said softly, "It's time to get up."

Sapphire resumed her crying, which made Rupert sigh. Rupert opened the blinds to let light into the room and took out some comfy clothes.

"Dinner is about ready, so let's get you dressed," Rupert told Sapphire.

"No! No! No!" Sapphire whined.

Rupert sat down on the bed and glanced at the bat plushie.

"Hello, Mr. Bat, can I get Sapphire dressed?" Rupert asked gently, and he shook Mr. Bat's wing gently.

"Thank you."

Rupert got Sapphire dressed and picked her up. They headed downstairs to join Henry and Ricky for dinner. 

"Hello, Sapphire," Henry said happily, grabbing his daughter from Rupert. 

Rupert sat down next to Ricky as Henry put Sapphire into her chair. Rupert stared at Henry and Sapphire for a moment. If Ricky were a carbon copy of Rupert, Sapphire would take after Henry the most for looks. Sapphire inherited Henry's white hair and eye shape. Sapphire's hair was tied in pig tails with blue bows. 

Henry served everyone meat and potato stew. Henry fed Sapphire some baby food while Rupert and Ricky ate the stew. Henry didn't know how to cook when they got together, which shocked Rupert. Rupert wondered how Henry was able to take care of himself. Rupert taught him to cook, and he was now a great cook.

"Did Ricky cause any mischief today?" Rupert questioned, looking at Ricky, who jumped and tried to hide from Rupert's hard gaze.

"He did like usual," Henry replied, chuckling at Ricky's tiny glare.

"Richard," Rupert said, tone hard.

"I didn't do it!" Ricky whined.

Henry and Rupert sighed.

Ricky was a troublemaker who drove Henry and Rupert crazy. He got into trouble and was sometimes mean to his sister, which prompted Henry or Rupert to punish him. 

Ricky finished his stew and was about to exit the table when he heard Rupert clear his throat. He stopped in his tracks and slowly looked at his dad. 

"What do we say when finished with dinner?" Rupert gave Ricky the "dad" stare.

"Um... can I please be excused?" Ricky asked anxiously.

"May I?" Henry corrected Ricky.

"Okay, may I please be excused?" Ricky asked again.

"Of course," Rupert and Henry replied in unison.

Ricky quickly excused himself and went to the living room to play with his toys. Rupert shook his head as he stood up, and Henry cleaned the table. 

"Are we raising a child or an animal?" Rupert said, helping Henry clean the dishes. 

"What about Sapphire?" Henry pointed to Sapphire with his eyes.

Rupert glanced at Sapphire, who was playing with a toy spoon, and patiently waited for her dads to finish. 

"She's our perfect princess who hasn't done anything wrong in her life," Rupert said confidently. 

Henry laughed.

Hours later, everyone was in the living room. Ricky and Sapphire were playing with each other while their dads were watching them. 

Rupert kept watching his son and daughter. He was feeling happy. Henry was, too. 

Later that night, Rupert and Henry put the kids to bed, and they got ready for bed themselves.

Rupert was brushing his teeth, and Henry read a book in their bed. 

"We gotta do something about Ricky, diamond," Rupert stated, still brushing his teeth even though he sounded muffled.

"Like what?" Henry asked, putting his book down.

Rupert spat out the toothpaste in the sink and rinsed his mouth.

"I don't know. We must do something," Rupert wiped his mouth and exited the bathroom. "I don't want to have calls from kindergarten saying our son is being a menace."

"And I don't want to get calls, too," Henry added. 

Rupert got into bed and sat down next to Henry. 

Henry overlooked Rupert sitting next to him because he was deep in thought. Henry never thought he could make it this far with Rupert. When Rupert told Henry he wanted to try working things out as a couple, Henry thought he was dreaming. They managed to make it work somehow. Sure, they did have challenges and flaws they had to live with. 

Being married and having kids with Rupert still felt surreal to Henry.

"Earth to Henry! Are you listening to me?" Rupert waved a hand to get his husband's attention. 

Henry blinked as he glanced at Rupert. He shook his head and stared at Rupert.

"What?" he said, mind blank, "Did you say something, Thorn?"

"You were spacing out," Rupert stated as he crossed his arms, "Everything ok?"

Henry nodded quickly, but Rupert didn't buy it.

"Henry. I know something's wrong," Rupert said softly, "Tell me what's wrong."

Henry felt his lips trembling, his vision was blurry with tears, and he started sobbing. Rupert immediately hugged him to comfort him. He whispered soft, comforting words to him. After a moment, Henry ceased his sobbing and calmed down.

"Sorry..." Henry sniffled.

"It's alright, Hen," Rupert said.

"I hope the kids didn't hear me."

"I doubt the crotch spawns could hear you through our soundproof room."

"I don't think we can call them crotch spawns since they never came out of either of us, Thorn," Henry pointed out.

"They still have our DNA, diamond," Rupert informed Henry, "Besides, I will still call them crotch spawns."

Henry laughed.

"Feeling better?" Rupert smirked.

Henry nodded.

"I'm sorry for crying, I was just thinking that I never thought I would have this life with you," Henry explained.

"You don't have to apologize, Henry," Rupert said gently, "To be honest, neither did I."

Henry lay down and was about to turn off his lamp when he felt Rupert's body warmth and his head over his shoulder. 

"Hey, why don't I take a day off tomorrow?" Rupert suggested.

"What about work?" Henry replied with a raised eyebrow.

"I own the company, Henry," Rupert stated proudly, "I can take the day off whenever I want."

"Hmmm, okay," Henry replied, rolling his eyes. 

Henry was about to turn off the lamp again when he felt Rupert's hand near his crotch. Henry's face turned red, and he glanced at Rupert's smug face. 

"Wanna have some fun before bed?" Rupert questioned slyly.

Henry thought for a moment. The kids are asleep, and the room is soundproof. Henry smirked as he pulled Rupert in for a kiss. Rupert was surprised at the kiss, and then he kissed back. Henry lifted his leg and put it on Rupert's shoulder. Rupert opened one eye to see one of Henry's legs on his shoulder. One of the many things that Rupert discovered about Henry is that he is flexible. That discovery made their...ahem... bedroom activities more fun. 

After their "activity", they had a peaceful rest. 

They finally looked into each other's ways.