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Proto Man woke up to the usual sight: a forest. Trees surrounded him, grass underneath him, his helmet tossed to the side, and a sleeping Bass leaned against him… what? The memories of the previous night came flooding to him all at once, causing him to back up from his… well, he didn’t even know what their relationship was now.
The idea of dating made him sick. Yes, he loved Bass, but at the same time, he didn’t know how to date. He was used to being alone, and then this dude showed up, and they became friends. That was weird enough, but dating was weirder. What was he supposed to do? More importantly, how could he let his best friend be trapped in a relationship with a literal ticking time bomb?
He saw the black robot beginning to stir, and soon enough he was fully awake. There was an awkward pause; they stared at each other, anxious as to who would make the first move. Eventually, Proto Man broke the silence.
“We can’t date.” He felt something deep inside of his core as he watched Bass’s expression fall.
“What? Look man, you don’t have to date me, but that’s pretty unfair to say all that stuff and then suddenly change your mind.”
“No I… you just don’t get it. I need to go; I’m sorry for creating this mess.” He picked up his helmet, and turned to leave. But, his friend grabbed him by his hand, and tugged him back down.
It was almost intimidating, the way he stood over him. Proto Man hadn’t ever seen him so emotional; he couldn’t tell if it was rage or sorrow.
“No, you’re not pulling that shit again. I don’t understand how you feel because you won’t tell me. Tell me right now why we can’t date. We don’t have to, but I think I deserve to know why.” He was torn between fleeing, or facing his problems. He was used to running away; he had done it his whole life. But now, looking at the only person he loved, he found that he couldn’t even begin to turn around.
“We can’t date because I’m a bomb.” His friend gave him a look; the same look he always made when he interrupted him, but he wouldn’t let that happen right now. “I love you, Asimov, Forte I fucking love you so much it’s been killing me inside. I love you so much I’m willing to give up the chance to be with you to prevent hurting you. What if my core explodes when you’re near me? What if you wake up one day and I’m dead? I can’t let you date me when any day now, my core will finally give out; I’m not putting you through that.” He waited for a response; not really knowing what to expect. He did not expect Forte to start laughing.
“You’re a fucking idiot! Blues,” He grabbed his hands, causing the red robot to jump a little. “You are the most important thing in my whole life. I don’t give two shits about when you die; I’m still going to date you. I’m aware of the risks, but honestly, fuck all of that. I love you so much, and no matter what, I’m still going to love you.” Forte.
“…Are you sure about dating me? I don’t really know anything about dating in the first place, so I’m not the optimal boyfriend to have.” He had a big smirk on his face; the kind he hated but loved at the same time.
“Dude, I don’t know the first fucking thing when it comes to dating someone, but I know I’m willing to try. We’ll learn together, alright?” Forte stuck out his hand, waiting for him to grab it. Blues hesitated, but his hand eventually rested in his boyfriend’s.
“I guess that means we truly are dating now. I hope you know I’m going to become even more insufferable now, and you’re going to regret meeting me.”
“Oh please, I’m going to be at least ten times worse than you.” Forte nudged a sleeping Treble before smiling at his boyfriend. “So, wanna hang out today?”
“Sure. I’ll meet you in your room in a bit. I just kind of need some alone time to think.”
“Alright. See you later, babe.” Blues’s face heated. He’d have to get used to pet names now.
“Bye Forte.” His boyfriend waved goodbye, even Treble looked at him with a happy expression before disappearing. He soon felt the anxiety bubbling up inside of him again, but he knew everything would be okay. For now, he loved Forte, and he was fine living by that.