Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

List:

Prompt 1: Anniversary–Valkbox

Prompt 2: ‘Pet Sitting’: Boombox & Biograft

Prompt 3: In Vino Veritas–Swordbox

Prompt 4: Set in Another Time–Rocketbox; childhood friends

Prompt 5: Early Morning Walks: Shuribox

Prompt 6: Late Night Talks–Coilbox

Prompt 7: Moving Day–Medbox

Prompt 8: Cursed–Vinebox

Prompt 9: Coming Home–TBD

Prompt 10: Set Up by Friends–Dombox; Rockstar AU

Prompt 11: “Double or nothing!”–-TBD

Prompt 12: "Blizzard or Heatwave”—Slingbox

Prompt 13: Hosting a Holiday Event–True Eye Trio & Boombox; True Eye Boombox AU

Prompt 14: Stuck or lost Together–TBD

Prompt 15: “This looks fun!” “Not the word I would use, but okay”—TBD

Prompt 16: Pillows, Plushies, Piles of Blankets–Coilskatebox

Prompt 17: Making or buying a costume–TBD

Prompt 18: “Is this seat taken?” “That depends…” —Crystalbox; Alternative Universe

Prompt 19: Risky Rescue Mission–Playground

Prompt 20: Fake Relationship–Rocketbox; High School AU

Prompt 21: Pumpkin Craving–Vinebox

Prompt 22: Polar Opposites–Medbox

Prompt 23: Group Hugs–Slingboardbot

Prompt 24: Letters–Boomspace

Prompt 25: Cold Hands–Boomspace?

Prompt 26: Co-’parenting’ a pet (real pet this time)—Hyperlaser & Boombox

Prompt 27: Meeting in the Middle–Shuribox

Prompt 28: “Is that my hoodie?” “Nah”—Skatebox

Prompt 29: Bookshop/Library AU—TBD

Prompt 30: Sharing Earbuds–Slingbox

Prompt 31: “Stay?”—TBD

Chapter Text

"Hey–whoa, what’s up with him?”

Slingshot asked as he placed the two desserts down on their table, one of his brows arched in confusion and a little smirk, a sign of minor teasing from him. Despite how busy he was today at his cafe, Slingshot couldn’t help but stay, wondering what was up with Boombox, whose usual sanguine smile was twisted into a weary, worrying frown.

Skateboard, conversely, remained the same–the usual relaxed, yet borderly carefree Iphernal he’s always been. With a dismissively shrug, Skateboard grabbed his cupcake without any shame, immediately devouring it afterwards. Slingshot rolled his eyes playfully at that moment, typical for Skateboard.

Boombox, however, did not grab his snack. Instead, he remained there sulking, and Slingshot could see his visor–where there usually was digital, cheerful and green eyes was now droopy. Boombox didn’t get sad easily, or perhaps never, but strangely, he was now. So of course Slingshot was curious about what was happening with his friend–what made him act like this?

“Boom over here is just overthinking about his relationship with Valk,” Skateboard said through bites of his muffle, absolutely devouring it. With that explanation, the puzzle pieces finally clicked for Slingshot.

As it turned out, Boombox has been in this ‘secret relationship’ with one of the famous Flipside brothers–Valk, to be more specific. What started off as a mutual friendship between two fellow musicians slowly turned into a blooming blossom. However, with Valk’s famous repetition as one of the Flipside brothers meant keeping the relationship secretive. Slingshot and Skateboard only found out after an incident, and Slingshot was still wrapping his head around the fact that one of his best friends was dating someone who was basically a celebrity!

“Skate, you just don’t get it,” Boombox sighed wistfully. He leaned more into the chair. His gear, the actual Boombox, was playing sad, solemn music, unlike its usual upbeat, electrical songs. “I mean, what would I even buy for Valk for our anniversary!”

So this was what it was about? Slingshot’s ears perked. He knew that Boombox and Valk were dating a while before they figured it out, just not this long, but he supposed everything was filled with surprises.

Thinking that Vinestaff and Shuriken could manage the cafe for a while–well, until Slingshot helped his friend with dating issues–Slingshot pulled out a chair for himself and immediately sat in it. He could worry about the chaos abrupting all around him for a while. Right now, his friend needed him.

“Well,”  Slingshot started, tapping on the table, “I’m sure Valk would like any gift you give him!” Right…..?

“That’s what I’ve been sayin’!” Skateboard blurted out, mouth stuffed with muffin. He eyed Boombox’s own desert like a vulture, mouth watering. If Boombox wasn’t going to eat it, then he might as well.

Boombox sighed nonetheless. His visor, which usually showed his happy personality, was droopy and sad—looked like Slingshot’s advice didn’t help him at all. He hesitantly grabbed his own muffin—earning a sad look from Skateboard—and slowly ate it, swallowing in his misery.

“What does Valk like then?” Slingshot asked. He wasn’t the best at romantic advice, but Boombox was his friend; friends helped out friends, after all.

Boombox’s shoulders slumped. A soft, dreamy sigh escaped from his mouth just by thinking about Valk—his boyfriend for Ipherno’s sake!

“He enjoys music,” Boombox recalled, a hazy smile on his face as he remembered, "especially guitar.”

Slingshot hummed. “What about a cassette tape?” He suggested, brows raising. “Of all his favorite songs?” 

Boombox’s visor showed a mixture of confusion and surprise. “W…well,” he rubbed his neck, laughing nervously.

“Boombox, don’t tell me you’ve been dating Valk for over a year, but you still don’t know his favorite songs.”

“Wha–no, no, no!” Boombox blurted out, knocking Skateboard from his daydream, waving his arms like a mad-man. “It’s just that….are you sure Valk would like that?” Valk was of wealth, and he probably got more cassette tapes filled with songs than Boombox ever did–which was a lot. Boombox slumped back into his chair, defeated again. Maybe it was pointless–dating someone as amazing as Valk, who dated him, nobody compared to Valk–after all.

“Oh, c’mon, Boom! I’m sure Valk would love anything coming from you, a cassette tape or not.” Slingshot tried to sound cheerful, or at least comforting to his friend. “It’s from you, anyways. That’s all it matters. Right, Skate–Skate!”

Skateboard jolted awake when Slingshot elbowed him in the ribs, bored of how the conversation was going (he dealt with a worried Boombox all morning….). “Yeah, yeah,” Skateboard muttered, eyes half-lidded, “just don’t forget about the flowers, man. People love those.” Slingshot rolled his eyes. That was good enough, he supposed.

That was, in fact, good enough, since Boombox finally seemed relieved from all of this, letting out another sigh.

“Thanks guys,” Boombox smiled sincerely, but the two would just be glad to see him smiling again. “I appreciate it.” He’d immediately start on the anniversary gift….

He just hoped Valk would like it.

— — —

“I don’t know, Dom!” Valk buried his head in a pillow, muffling his voice. “Just what should I give him?”

Dom sighed patiently, still doing lame paper work (as Valk called it). The two brothers were in their office, with Valk burying himself in a bean-bag, hair and clothes disheveled with worrying so much—he could feel a headaching coming its way on the worst time possible; Dom, on the other hand, was calm and relaxed, sitting on the table, humming softly as Valk continued rambling on.

“Just what should I give him, Dom?” Valk exclaimed, looking up on the roof, groaning. “What would Boombox even like? A stuffed bear….no, no, that’s too cheesy. Maybe flowers? Still, too cheesy. Just what I should do!”

It has been over a year since that faithful night, when Valk and Boombox finally started dating and shared their first kiss–or better known as the best night in Valk’s life. Despite the private relationship they had because of Valk’s possession, Dom knew all about it–of course he did. Valk was his twin brother after all. And because of this, his brother became Valk’s person to talk to whenever he had problems.

Especially with the upcoming anniversary with him and Boombox.

“I’m sure Boombox would like any gifts you give me,” Dom hummed, half-listening and half-focusing on his paperwork. “After all, it’s what the thought counts.”

Valk’s face twisted into a scowl, his glasses falling on the ground. “That still doesn’t count as a gift! I need a thing–an item, Dom! Oh, help me, Dom! You’re the only one who can!”

Dom sighed in response, taking a break from paperwork to rub his temples. It looked like Valk wasn’t the only one with a headache. He sat up straight, looking at his brother.

“Very well then, Boombox enjoys music, am I right?”

Valk nodded slowly. Boombox did love music. It was one of the reasons why they started getting close anyways–Boombox was a rising indie musician from Playground, who admired Valk, who did music as his profession with his brother. Valk, at first, found it adorable how Boombox’s visor would always light up whenever they talked. He smiled fondly at that memory.

“Then how about a record album with songs?” Dom suggested, “or maybe a cassette player?”

Valk’s eyes widened as Dom spoke, then his expression switched to a worried look. Sure…a cassette tape would be a great gift for Boombox, But would he actually enjoy it? Or would Boombox just throw it away after the date? Valk’s stomach twisted just by thinking of that scenario, his lips twisting into a frown, his eyes watering a little now. Would Boombox even–

“Valk,” his brother’s gentle and monotone voice snapped him out of those horrible scenarios. “You’re overthinking this. I’m sure Boombox would love anything from you.”

But was Dom right? Would Boombox actually enjoy anything he gave him? Or maybe Valk was more hopeless than he had believed. That all of this was going to be doomed anyways. That he and Boombox should–

No. Valk shook his head. He didn’t want a universe where he and Boombox weren’t together, especially not after all those nights with the other. Those comforting, quiet nights in which Valk was free from work, from the public, only with Boombox, quietly on the couch, watching a movie that both laughed at how corny it was. Those were the times Valk cherished the most. With Boombox.

“...You sure?” Valk’s voice came off more raw and emotional than he’d hoped. But it was Dom whom he was talking to. His brother. And his brother had seen him in a worse state anyways.

Comfortingly, Dom gave Valk a reassuring smile. And Valk couldn’t hope for a better brother than Dom. It was times like these when he was glad to have Dom on his side.

“Thanks, Dom,” he said softly, far different than his usual cheerful, public voice. “Couldn’t ask for a better brother than you.”

“I can say the same, Valk,” Dom replied. “Now, go on,” he waved a dismissive hand at Valk, “I think you have an anniversary to worry about, unless you don’t want–”

Valk threw a pillow at Dom, who was laughing now. Sometimes, Dom, despite what it may seem, would be such a tease–especially towards him! But indeed, his brother was right.

And Valk immediately started working on the gift.

— — —

The two had decided on a date in the Crossroads, where, on that faithful day, coincidentally had a traveling amusement park in town.

Valk was dressed up in his usual public disguise (which was just an outfit he found after five minutes of searching), to avoid any fan from recognizing him. He quickly adjusted his hat and pulled his hood over his head as he waited for Boombox.

Boombox. Just the thought of him made Valk smile brightly. He was glad to have spent this last year with him and continuing on.

But that didn’t stop the butterflies in his stomach. Valk gulped, now tightly holding onto the wrapped present. The clouds of doubt rushed through his head again. Would Boombox actually enjoy this gift? Would he even want to stay with Valk after this? Oh….Valk sure hoped this would turn out well. If it didn’t, then he’d definitely disappear from the Flipside immediately.

However, all those clouds disappeared when he saw Boombox, walking cheerfully to where his boyfriend was. A genuine smile of happiness appeared when Boombox embraced him in a warming hug.

“There you are,” Valk gave a small peck on Boombox’s cheeks. Usually he never kissed Boombox in public, but he had his disguise on, so nobody was able to recognize him. Thankfully, there weren't any Phights scheduled on that date as well. “I was wondering if you were going to find me like this,” Valk smirked. He couldn’t help but tease a little bit.

Boombox replied with his usual sweet smile, one that Valk had fallen in love with. “I just needed some extra time for your present. Nothing much!”

Speaking of his present….Boombox tried his best to hide that secret, special present from Valk, by putting it behind his back; it seemed to be too big for that, but no matter how much Valk tried to get a sneak peek (he was an impatient guy, okay? It was something that Dom had teased him for ever since they spawned!) Boombox couldn’t let him. So Valk did the same. Two could play this game!

After a while of goofing around, Boombox finally laughed, a light-hearted chuckle that made Valk’s cheeks slightly pink. “Okay, okay, enough, let’s get going,” Boombox immediately grabbed onto Valk’s hands, earning a yelp from the musician. “What do you want to do first?”

Valk was too focused on the way their hands intertwined to notice what Boombox had said first. “Hm? O-oh! Why don’t you pick?”

Boombox’s brows furrowed, his lips forming a pout that made Valk chuckle softly. “Oh, c’mon, it’s your special day too. Where do you want to go?”

“Uh….” To be frank, Valk has never been to an amusement park before. His childhood was filled with complicated things and memories he wished to forget forever, at least not remembering them with Boombox around. He quickly glanced at the signs. “Let’s see the roller coaster rides then!” He has always heard those were fun. Maybe Boombox liked them.

Boombox shrugged cheerfully. At least that was a good sign. And the two Iphernals, still holding each other’s hands, walked together to the roller coasters,

— — —

“Oh, thank goodness!” Valk exclaimed when he sat down on the balcony, right next to Boombox. He took off his hood and his hat, running a hand through his messy hair.

It was night already, and the two had spent all day at this traveling amusement park, riding rides (the ones Valk was actually tall enough for), playing games, but now it was time to relax a little. Just the two of them, on a balcony, watching the starry night as people continued walking and chatting below them. But that didn’t matter–it was just the two of them.

“It was hard keeping my hood on during those roller coaster rides…” Valk mumbled, shaking his head. He was never going on a roller coaster ride again.

Boombox laughed, smiling as he watched Valk. Unlike Valk, he actually had fun riding roller coasters, something Valk hasn’t been able to understand yet, and probably never would. “They were fun!” was all he had to say on the subject.

“Well, for you, yeah!” Valk retorted, moving closer to the edge and closer to Boombox, who only smiled brightly.

There was a moment of silence, actually. And it was beautiful. Just with Valk and Boombox. Everything was beautiful if Boombox was around, especially his music, which, when Valk first heard it, had this melody and harmony that was ineffable to explain. He loved it, nonetheless. Of course he did.

Speaking of music….

Oh right! That was right! Valk reached for his pockets, the music cassette still wrapped up perfectly and tightly. Boombox watched, head titling with curiosity as he watched.

Right, Valk gulped, there came the moment of truth.

“Boom,” Valk started, trying to hide his nervousness from Boombox right now. “I, uh, have something for you.” He handed the present to Boombox, looking away to avoid any 

Instead of grabbing the gift, Boombox spoke: “Actually, I have something for you too.”

He reached for his pockets, bringing out another wrapped present–not neatly done and rather messy, but it was clear that Boombox did it with his own two hands–and handed it towards Valk.

Oh, that was right. Boombox also had a gift for him. The two looked similar in size. Valk wondered what it could be. But he knew one thing for sure: thankfully, it was not flowers.

“Okay,” Valk nodded his head slowly, processing the situation right now. “We open each other’s present at the count of three, okay?”

“Okay,” Boombox nodded.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

The two exclaimed at the same time, and immediately grabbed each other’s present. Valk turned away, not wanting Boombox to see the excitement on his face right now, and Boombox did the same–both now back-to-back.

Valk took no time to savor the wrapping and went straight into destroying the wrapping. His face lit up when he saw what it was.

It was a cassette tape, covered with stickers of various types, smiling faces, the sun, and even one sticker with the Flipside’s logo—a personal march from a fan meeting so long ago, Valk remembered.

Lastly, Valk saw the writing with a messy black sharpie that had smudged during wrapping.

Happy Anniversary, Valk ^_^
–Boombox <3

Valk turned to glance over at Boombox, who did the same thing.

In his boyfriend’s hands was another cassette tape, one personally made by Valk for Boombox. It also had a few stickers on it, with writing in the middle in Valk’s personal handwriting:

Happy Anniversary, Boombox.

–Valk.

….Valk guessed he should’ve been less formal about this—at least he should’ve put more stickers or something!

The two erupted into laughter.

“We both got the same thing!” Valk rubbed his eyes after laughing. He smiled, ear-to-ear, still holding the precious cassette tape in his hands. It was made by Boombox, after all.

“Well….I had some help from Sling and Skate,” Boombox confessed, playfully sticking out his tongue during this happy moment.

“Dom helped as well,” Valk admitted, wondering if his brother ever got tired of him when he was in that stage, still worried about this wonderful day.

Boombox grinned, his hands found their way to Valk’s own hands, laying them on top of each other now. The noise from the streets were suddenly blurred out. As if it was just them too and no one else in this world.

“Happy anniversary, Valk,” Boombox said in that sweet tone of his, smiling directly at Valk.

“Happy anniversary, Boombox,” Valk continued the favor, smiling at his beloved boyfriend as well. He wished for time to pause right now, to indulge himself in his moment. Just him and Boombox. A sweet and very tender moment for the both of them.

Boombox rested his head on Valk’s shoulders–a slight awkward movement since Valk was shorter than Boombox, but the reason was sweet enough–humming peacefully. Valk also hummed, watching the night-sky and stars slowly appearing to glance at the couple. As if they were watching them this whole time. He couldn’t help but smile the whole time–why wouldn’t he right now? He was with Boombox, his boyfriend, and his joy. Of course he would smile.

“So….” Valk made a popping noise, disrupting the silence. “Which cassette tape should we listen to first?”

“Hmmm,” Boombox took a moment to think about it. “How about mine? Since we know it’s going to be the better one!”

“Hey!” Valk said in protest, “I have good taste in music too!” Boombox only laughed, then Valk joined as well. It sounded like harmony, music in both of their ears.

The couple then spent the last hours of their anniversary in silence, listening to songs on the two cassette tapes. Just by themselves.